Duct assessment and leak sealing method for ducts transporting gas
US9435482B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L2101/30
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of assessing the condition of a duct along which a gas is flowing. The method comprises producing one or more sensor carrying elements, wherein the elements are formed to have selected parameters; introducing the sensor carrying elements into the flowing gas; and selecting the parameters of the sensor carrying elements such that the elements are transported along the duct by saltation. The present invention also relates to a method of reducing leakage through a leak in the duct. In this respect, the method comprises producing sealing elements, wherein the sealing elements are formed to have selected parameters; introducing a plurality of the sealing elements into the flowing gas; and selecting the parameters of the sealing elements such that the elements are transported along the duct by saltation and such that, at the locality of the leak, at least one of said sealing elements is captured by a pressure differential associated with the leak and is thereby drawn to and held in position at the leak for stemming or sealing it.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.