Line leak detection

US5918268A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Intelligent Controls, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Paul Lukas · Old Orchard Beach, US
• Daniel Gagnon · Westbrook, US
• Daniel Johnson · Freeport, US
• Christopher D. Farrar · Saco, US
• John D. Knight · Bernalillo, US
• John J. Gillis · Falmouth, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 9, 1997
• Grant date: Jun 29, 1999
• Expiry date: Jun 9, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01M3/2892
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A flow measuring device for indicating the leak status of a pressurized fluid-carrying line pressurized by a pump includes an electronic leak sensing module connected in fluid communication with the pressurized line and configured for insertion within a detection port of a pump manifold. The module includes a thermal sensor effected by flow through the pressurized line, whereby leaks in the pressurized line are detected by monitoring the thermal sensor for changes in output signal that correspond to flow through the pressurized fluid-carrying line. The flow measuring device includes a system control unit for monitoring the electronic leak sensing module and indicating the leak status of the pressurized line. Wires which provide power to the leak sensing module, the system control unit and the pump for pressurizing the pressurized line are also used for communication.