Method and apparatus for detecting a leak in a double pipe
US8234911B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2010 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 9, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M3/222
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In a method for detecting a leak in a double pipe, a medium located in an intermediate chamber between the interior and exterior pipe is moved toward a first end of the pipe, whereupon the medium flows in from the second end. On the first end the medium is examined for any leakage of a characteristic material, upon the detection of which a leakage signal is generated and a location of the leakage is calculated based on the transport time of the characteristic material from the leakage to the first end and on the mass flow of the medium. A corresponding device contains a conveyor unit for moving the medium through the intermediate chamber. A material sensor is disposed at the first end for examining the medium for the characteristic material. A control and analysis unit is provided for generating a leakage signal and calculating the location of the leakage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.