Leak imaging using differential absorption
US4772789A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 1987 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M3/38
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for detecting, locating and measuring leaks in a test object is described using a differential absorption technique. In a preferred embodiment the test object is first pressurized with a light absorbing fluid. The test object is then illuminated with a light source at a wavelength which is capable of being absorbed by the absorbing fluid. An image of the test object and any fluid in the vicinity of the test object is created by means of a video camera directed toward the test object and that image is electronically stored. A second image is then created in such a manner that any absorbing fluid in the vicinity of the test object does not appear in that second image. The second image is also electronically stored. The electronically stored information regarding the first and second images are then compared and analyzed for detecting, locating and measuring any leaking fluid from the test object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.