Leak detector
US7062954B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M3/205
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A leak detector comprises a high vacuum envelope connected with a vacuum pump to bring the vacuum envelope to a pressure sensibly lower than ambient pressure. At least a portion of the envelope is separated from an external environment through a quartz membrane associated with an electrical resistor, which heats the membrane to a sufficient temperature in order to make it permeable to a corresponding test gas (in particular, helium). In operation, an electronic control unit detects variations in the current absorbed by the vacuum pump and consequently signals the test gas diffusion into the chamber and hence the existence of a leak. A sampling line with a sampling pump disposed therein is connected to a probe for the intake of gas directed to expose to the membrane. The gas is discharged to the outside through a discharge line. A system for switching between the gas intake and exhaust is provided, in order to quickly eliminates any test gas trace from said detector. Purging cycle actuation is provided manually or automatically.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.