Automated search apparatus for locating leaks in geomembrane liners
US4719407A · kind A · utility
15Cited by
4References
13Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1986 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M3/40
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automated search apparatus is disclosed for detecting leaks in liquid impoundments usually defined by a geomembrane layer. A voltage gradient is created within the impoundment by means of a source electrode. The search apparatus contains pairs of electrodes coupled to differential amplifiers which allow plotting of the voltage gradient within the impoundment. The search vessel is controlled via radio telemetry, and its position may be tracked using optical theodolites. A distortion in the equipotential lines associated with the voltage gradient indicates the presence of a leak.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.