Device and method for detection of leaks in pressurized fluid vessels
US5361622A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 9, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M3/2815
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device (10) for detecting irregular operation in a pressurized fluid vessel, such as leaks in a pipeline (20), includes a transducer (21) for measuring pipeline (20) instantaneous pressure, a microcomputer (23) and a wake-up timer (29). Microcomputer (23) performs several different tests upon the collected pressure data to reliably ascertain if a leak or break in pipeline (20) has occurred. The first test involves a comparison of rates of change of pressure at successive preselected timed intervals, referred to as timed interval comparisons. If any test is failed, an alarm (30) and/or actuator (31) for valve or system shut-down are operated. Once the timed intervals and testing are concluded, microprocessor (23) reverts to a powerdown mode to conserve power. Wake-up timer (29) resets microcomputer (23) at preselected intervals for additional pressure data collection and testing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.