Pipeline leak detector
US5821403A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/5762
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A pipeline leak detection apparatus is provided for fluid dispensing system having a dispenser, a storage tank, and a pump and an electric cut-off valve arranged in hydraulic series with the outlet of the storage tank. The pipeline to be monitored extends between the cut-off valve and the dispenser. A control circuit that operates the cut-off valve such that the valve opens with use of the dispenser and closes with non-use in order to hydraulically isolate the storage tank and pump from the pipeline and dispenser during periods of non-use. The leak detection apparatus is connected in a by-pass loop around the pump. It includes a small pot or plenum, a float switch, and a return line for fuel to spill back into the storage tank. The plenum inlet is connected to a branch in the pipeline near the cut-off valve, and its outlet is connected to the return line to the storage tank. The float switch is mounted to the plenum so that its float extends into the plenum chamber. The electrical side of the float switch is connected in the control circuit so that for as long as the float is floated the switch is maintained in one state and produces no effect on the control circuit, but when the f…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.