Pipe guide for locating water leaks

Abstract

A pipe guide for locating water leaks, characterized in that it comprises a guide (1) provided with an inflatable sealing section (2) near a front end and a flexible metal guide (3) located at the front end, the guide (1) being connected to an inflation system (4) for the sealing section (2).

Description

Pipe guide for locating water leaks OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The invention, as the title of this specification indicates, is a pipe guide for locating water leaks. It is an innovation that offers advantages previously unknown within current techniques. TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention falls within the sector of mechanics, lighting, heating, armament and blasting, in the subclass of storage or distribution of gases or liquids, especially in pipeline and pipe systems, specifically in protection or supervision of installations that correspond to the classification of prevention, interception or location of losses. STATE OF THE ART The present invention arises in response to the growing need to improve the methods and devices used for locating leaks in pipes. Currently, the accurate and efficient detection of leaks in piping systems remains a significant challenge, especially in industrial and domestic applications, where water control is crucial from both an economic and environmental perspective. In everyday use situations, traditional methods for locating leaks in pipes require continuous manual intervention and can be ineffective, especially in pipes that are difficult to access or of large dimensions. Existing solutions, such as temporary sealing systems or monitoring devices, often rely on technologies that do not allow for rapid or adequate detection without constant operator intervention, which can be costly and impractical. Accordingly, this invention presents a pipe guide for locating water leaks using an efficient and autonomous system. This device allows for a precise and rapid leak detection solution without the need for constant manual intervention, reducing operating costs and improving the effectiveness of detection systems under different conditions and pipe types. Currently, there is no known existence of any pipe guide for locating water leaks that presents structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal or similar to those described in this descriptive report, as claimed. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is the creation of a pipe guide for locating water leaks, which provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany the present description. The invention relates to a pipe guide for locating water leaks, intended to be inserted into a water supply pipe through a pressurized tap to determine the position of an existing leak in said pipe. It comprises a hose, which, given its maximum diameter, can be inserted into the pipe where it is to be used. The hose is provided with a non-reliable sealing section near one end and a flexible metal guide located at the front end. Furthermore, the hose is connected to an inflation system. In this way, the sealing section is inflated to seal the inside of the pipe and allow the pressurization of different sections of the pipeline, one after the other. This makes it possible to determine the location of a leak based on the pressure variation in the pipe, detecting the leak's position between the points where there is a pressure drop and the adjacent point where there is no longer a pressure drop. Thus, the invention allows for controlled and precise leak detection from the point of access to the pipeline without the need for invasive interventions on the pipeline's layout. This invention solves the problem of precisely locating leaks in pipes, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods that require repeated manual interventions or present difficulties in accurately determining the leak's position, especially in buried or hard-to-reach pipes. By using a hose equipped with a reliable sealing section and connected to an inflation system, it is possible to selectively seal different sections of the pipe and determine the presence of a leak based on the pressure variation within the pipe. The guide is particularly useful for quickly locating leaks in pipes in domestic, industrial, or water distribution networks, especially in situations where the pipes are not easily accessible. This facilitates identifying the approximate location of the leak without the need for extensive excavation or invasive interventions on the pipe, optimizing maintenance and repair work and reducing the associated costs. It is envisaged that the cable may comprise a flexible main tube configured for insertion into the pipe, said flexible main tube being able to adopt an elongated and adaptable configuration that facilitates the movement of the cable along the conduit without interfering with the internal flow or with the irregularities of the conduit. Likewise, the main flexible tube serves as a structural support element for the other components associated with the cable, allowing the transmission of air or other fluid pressure and / or thrust movements along the assembly, which contributes to improving the insertion capacity and maneuverability of the device in different types of pipes. Likewise, the main flexible pipe can be made of a flexible material, such as polyurethane, this material being able to provide a suitable combination of elasticity, mechanical resistance and durability against humidity or internal pressure conditions present in water conduits. Thus, the use of flexible materials with these characteristics can facilitate the adaptation of the main flexible pipe to curves or variations in pipe section, contributing to improving the ability of the cable to move along the inside of the conduit. Additionally, for most uses, the main flexible tube can have a circular cross-section with a diameter between approximately 2.5 mm and 4 mm, this dimensional range being able to facilitate the introduction of the cable into pipes of small diameter or into existing installations where available space is limited. This dimensional configuration can allow a balance between flexibility and structural rigidity of the main flexible pipe, favoring both its longitudinal displacement within the pipe and the proper transmission of pressure to the elements associated with the system. Furthermore, the sealing section may include an external covering of flexible material designed to expand radially upon receiving air or another fluid from within the hose. This covering conforms to the inner surface of the pipe to create a temporary seal. The fluid is pumped or pressurized through the free end of the hose from the inflation system outside the pipe. It is then extracted from the same end to release the pressure. In this way, the radial expansion of the external coating can help to isolate a specific section of the pipeline, allowing pressurization operations to be carried out that facilitate the detection of leaks based on pressure variations inside the pipe. In addition, the covering of the obturator section can be made of an expandable material, such as silicone or silica gel, these materials having elastomeric properties that favor the controlled expansion of the covering when it receives air. This configuration can provide an adaptable surface that conforms to the internal contour of the pipe, helping to improve the effectiveness of the temporary plug without causing damage to the pipe or the device components. This implementation of the obturator section includes an inflation perforation configured to allow air to escape from the cable to the expandable outer covering, this perforation being able to establish communication between the inside of the flexible main tube and the outer covering of the obturator section. Thanks to this arrangement, the air introduced into the system can expand the outer coating in a controlled manner, promoting the sealing of the duct and allowing pressurization tests to be carried out to locate leaks. On the other hand, the flexible metal guide can be configured as a spring intended to facilitate the introduction, ideally with a soft, elastomeric tip, and the movement of the cable inside the pipe, with said flexible metal guide acting as a guiding element that directs the advance of the cable along the pipe. This configuration can help overcome curves, changes in direction, or irregularities present in the pipe, contributing to improved stability and accuracy during device insertion operations. Likewise, the inflation system may include an inflator configured to inflate the obturator section, and said inflator may allow the controlled introduction of air into the system directly by the operator. This arrangement can facilitate the progressive inflation of the sealing section and allow adjusting the level of expansion of the external coating according to the driving conditions and the leak detection process. In addition, the inflation system may include a pressurised air compressor configured to pressurize the inside of the pipe, with said compressor being able to provide a sufficient air supply to generate a controlled increase in pressure in the blocked section of pipe. In this way, pressurizing the pipeline can allow the detection of pressure variations associated with the presence of leaks in the pipe, contributing to improving the effectiveness of the diagnostic process. Similarly, the system may include a pressure gauge configured to indicate the pressure in the pipe during leak detection, providing a direct reading of the system's internal pressure. When analog, the gauge may incorporate a maximum pressure needle (moved by the measuring needle) to facilitate the detection of pressure drops. Thanks to this indication, the operator can assess the stability or variation of the pressure in the pressurized section of the pipeline, which facilitates the identification of possible pressure losses associated with leaks in the pipe. Finally, the hose can be gradually inserted into the pipe, allowing the distance to the leak to be determined by measuring the length of the hose inserted. This gradual insertion can be carried out progressively along the pipe until the sealing section is positioned in different areas of the conduit. For this purpose, it may have markings indicating the distance to the front end of the hose. In this way, measuring the length of the inserted cable can serve as a reference to estimate the approximate location of the leak within the pipe, facilitating subsequent inspection, maintenance, or repair operations of the installation. To use the pipe guide to locate water leaks, the user must insert the guide into the pipe through the pressure tap, advancing it progressively until reaching a certain position within the pipe. During this operation, the flexible metal guide located at the front end of the cable facilitates its movement along the inside of the pipe, allowing it to overcome possible bends or irregularities in the conduit. Once the cable is positioned, the user must activate the inflation system in order to inflate the sealing section using the inflator, so that said sealing section expands and seals the inside of the pipe. Next, the user should pressurize the pipe section using the compressed air compressor, while observing the pressure gauge to check the pressure in the pipe. If the pressure remains stable, the user can interpret this as the blockage being located before the leak, while a drop in pressure indicates that the blockage is located after the leak. Next, the user must move the cable along the pipe again and repeat the inflation process until the approximate section where the leak is located is identified. Finally, the distance to the leak can be determined by measuring the length of string inserted into the pipe, which allows estimating the location of the loss point and facilitates subsequent maintenance or repair operations of the pipeline. EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES To complete the description being made and in order to help in the better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive memorandum is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by some figures in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented. Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of the pipe guide for locating water leaks in use, showing its arrangement inside a pipe and its connection to the inflation system. Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the cable's obturator section, including the flexible main tube, the expandable outer covering, and the inflation hole. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The present embodiment shows a pipe guide for locating water leaks, comprising a probe (1) that can be inserted inside the pipe, having a maximum diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the pipe. Therefore, it can be sold in different sizes. The cable (1) is provided with a reliable sealing section (2) near one front end and a flexible metal guide (3) located at the same front end of the cable (1). In turn, the cable (1) is connected to an inflation system (4), so that the sealing section (2) is inflated to seal the inside of the pipe and allow pressurization of the pipeline section in order to determine the location of a leak based on the pressure variation in the pipe. In this way, the probe (1) moves inside the pipe, allowing successive sections to be isolated, which facilitates the precise identification of the point where the pressure loss associated with a leak occurs. This configuration allows diagnostic operations to be carried out without the need to dismantle the installation or perform extensive excavations, thus improving the efficiency of maintenance work in water supply networks. In a preferred embodiment, the sluice box (1) comprises a flexible main tube (1.1) configured for insertion into the pipe. This flexible main tube (1.1) constitutes the longitudinal structural element of the sluice box (1), allowing it to move along the pipe while transporting the airflow necessary for the operation of the obturating section (2). This configuration provides high adaptability to the curves or irregularities inherent in hydraulic installations, facilitating controlled movement within the pipe. Preferably, the main flexible tube (1.1) is made of a flexible material such as polyurethane. This material provides a suitable combination of mechanical strength, flexibility, and stability under internal pressure, ensuring adequate airflow throughout the inside of the hose (1). Furthermore, polyurethane exhibits high durability against humidity and wear, contributing to a longer service life of the device in demanding working environments. Preferably, the main flexible tube has a diameter between approximately 2.5 mm and 4 mm. This dimensional range facilitates the insertion of the cable (1) into small-diameter pipes without compromising the structural rigidity required for its longitudinal movement. This achieves an optimal balance between flexibility and stability, allowing the cable (1) to advance precisely within the pipe. Typically, the sealing section (2) comprises an external covering (2.1) of flexible material designed to expand radially upon receiving air. This external covering (2.1) conforms to the inner surface of the pipe during inflation, creating a temporary seal that isolates a specific section of the pipeline. This seal allows the inflation system (4) to generate controlled pressure within the pipe, facilitating the detection of pressure variations associated with leaks. Generally, the coating of the sealing section (2) is made of an expandable material, such as silicone or silica gel. These materials have elastomeric properties that allow for uniform expansion of the coating upon exposure to air, ensuring effective contact with the inner surface of the pipe. Furthermore, the use of silicone or silica gel provides high chemical and mechanical resistance, preventing deterioration of the sealing section (2) during repeated use. In this case, the sealing section (2) includes an inflation hole (2.2) configured to allow air to escape into the expandable outer coating (2.1). This inflation hole (2.2) establishes a direct connection between the interior of the flexible main pipe and the coating of the sealing section (2), allowing the air supplied by the inflation system (4) to cause radial expansion of the coating. This ensures an effective and uniform seal of the pipe interior. Preferably, the flexible metal guide (3) is configured as a spring to facilitate the insertion and movement of the rope (1) inside the pipe. The spring-like configuration provides a high degree of controlled flexing capacity, allowing the rope (1) to overcome bends, changes in direction, or irregularities in the pipe without losing stability during its movement. Preferably, the inflation system (4) comprises an inflator (4.1) configured to inflate the sealing section (2). The inflator (4.1) allows the user to introduce air in a controlled manner into the system, causing the sealing section (2) to expand until the required degree of sealing is achieved within the pipe. This solution provides simple and straightforward operation during inspection work. Preferably, the inflation system (4) comprises a pressurized air compressor (4.2) configured to pressurize the inside of the pipe. The air compressor (4.2) supplies the air flow necessary to generate a stable pressure within the pipe section isolated by the sealing section (2), allowing the detection of pressure variations caused by leaks in the pipe. In another preferred mode, the guide includes a pressure gauge (4.3) configured to indicate the pressure in the pipe during leak detection. The pressure gauge (4.3) provides an accurate reading of the internal pressure, allowing the operator to interpret pressure variations and determine the presence or absence of leaks in the pressurized section of the pipe. It may be located on one or the other side of the sealing section (2), or on both sides, for example. Typically, the hose (1) is gradually inserted into the pipe, allowing the distance to the leak to be determined by measuring the length of hose (1) inserted. This gradual insertion procedure allows the sealing section (2) to be positioned at different points in the pipe, repeating the inflation process until the exact section where the leak occurs is identified, thus facilitating the precise location of the leak point within the pipe. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated by way of example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

1. A pipe guide for locating water leaks, characterized in that it comprises a guide (1) provided with an inflatable sealing section (2) near a front end and a flexible metal guide (3) located at the front end, the guide (1) being connected to an inflation system (4) for the sealing section (2).

2. A pipe guide for locating water leaks, according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide (1) comprises a flexible main tube (1.1).

3. A pipe guide for locating water leaks, according to claim 2, characterized in that the flexible main tube (1.1) is a polyurethane tube.

4. A pipe guide for locating water leaks, according to claim 2, characterized in that the flexible main tube (1.1) has a diameter between 2.5 mm and 4 mm.

5. A pipe guide for locating water leaks, according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing section (2) comprises an external covering (2).1) of flexible material configured to expand radially upon receiving air and an inflation perforation (2.2) configured to allow air to escape into the expandable outer covering (2.1).

6. Pipe guide for locating water leaks, according to claim 5, characterized in that the outer covering (2.1) is made of silicone or silica gel.

7. Pipe guide for locating water leaks, according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible metal guide (3) is a spring.

8. Pipe guide for locating water leaks, according to claim 7, characterized in that the spring is terminated in an elastomeric tip.

9. Pipe guide for locating water leaks, according to claim 8, characterized in that the inflation system (4) comprises an air compressor (4.2).

10. Pipe guide for locating water leaks, according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a pressure gauge (4.3) configured to indicate the existing pressure in the pipe.