Method of detecting leaks in sealed containers
US5792661A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/184
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for detecting a leak by mixing an amount of odorant ith the contents of a sealed container. An amount of odorant having a detectable odor is mixed with the contents of a sealed container. The sealed container with the odorant is placed within a detection zone which is monitored to detect the presence of the odorant which would indicate leakage of the container's contents. The detection zone defines an area within which leakage of the contents will produce a detectable quantity of the odorant. The odorant may be a gas. Preferred odorants are selected from the group consisting of sulfides, cyclic sulfides and mercaptans. In a sealed light source device having radioactive tritium gas, the preferred odorant is hydrogen sulfide which is detectable by individuals in concentrations of at least 5 parts-per-billion (ppb). Individuals, which may be part of a scheduled roving sentry or a patrol, monitor for the presence of the odorant in the detection zone. Mechanical, optical-mechanical, or other such devices may also be used to monitor the presence of the odorant within the detection zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.