Method and system to locate leaks in subsurface containment structures using tracer gases
US6035701A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/30
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention integrates an inverse modeling technique and a field measurement system. The system uses inexpensive and non-hazardous gaseous tracers injected inside the contained volume of a barrier to quantify the location and size of any leaks in the barrier. The vapor sampling point installation, which allows the collection of soil gas samples from multiple points around the barrier installation, can be accomplished with conventional drilling or direct push techniques. The system uses a field-proven soil gas analyzer, incorporated in a sampling system capable of monitoring many sample points with relatively high time resolution. A rigorous inverse modeling technology is integrated with the data system for real time analysis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.