Container detection system and method

Abstract

An inspection system (10) for inspecting a container, comprising: a connector (24) adapted to be connected to a mouth (52) of a container (50) to be inspected; the blowing device (20) is connected with the connector (24) through a first guide pipe (22) and is configured to introduce gas into the container (50) so as to form overpressure relative to the pressure of the environment where the container (50) is located in the container (50); a pressure detector (26); and a contaminant sensor (30). The pressure detector (26) is configured to detect a pressure drop over a given period of time following formation of an overpressure within the container (50) to determine if there is a leak in the container. The detection system (10) is configured such that, upon completion of pressure drop detection within the container (50), the contaminant sensor (30) is connected to the connector (24) such that an overpressure created within the container (50) enables airflow to flow from the container (50) to the contaminant sensor (30); the contaminant sensor (30) is configured to detect the presence of a contaminant in the gas stream from the container (50) to determine whether the container (50) is contaminated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for detecting containers, in particular for detecting used and reusable containers, such as water jugs made of PET.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for detecting leaks in containers and contaminants inside the containers.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for detecting using the system. BACKGROUND

[0004] For reusable empty containers, such as water jugs made of PET, it is known that they must be subjected to a series of tests before being refilled, in order to eliminate containers that are not suitable for reuse. Unsuitable containers include, for example, containers that leak due to holes and cracks caused by repeated use, or containers that are contaminated by residues used for containing substances other than water, such as solvents, fuels, poisons, etc.

[0005] Leak detection systems comprise systems configured to apply a non-atmospheric pressure inside the container, by suction or blowing, and to verify the maintenance of the applied pressure, which is the basis for distinguishing between containers with leaks and containers without leaks. For example, US5591899A discloses a system of the type described above.

[0006] Conversely, for the detection of contaminants, the existing systems are configured to suck the air inside the container and analyze it using appropriate sensors. Since the contaminants are usually attached to the inner walls of the container, such systems usually comprise a probe that can be inserted into the container to be analyzed, through which it is possible to take the sample as close as possible to the walls of the container. For example, US5571978A discloses a system of the type described above.

[0007] None of the existing systems described above can both detect leaks and detect contaminants.

[0008] The aim of the present invention is to overcome the limitations of the prior art and provide a detection system that can both detect leaks and detect contaminants present in the containers.

[0009] Another aim of the present invention is to provide a detection system that can detect leaks and contaminants in a short time.

[0010] The above and other aims are achieved by the detection system described in the appended claims. SUMMARY

[0011] The container detection system according to the invention comprises a connection head adapted to be connected in a sealed manner to the mouth of the container to be detected, if necessary, a blowing device connected to the connection head by means of a first duct and configured to introduce a gas into the container through the first duct and the connection head, so as to create an overpressure inside the container with respect to the pressure of the environment in which the container is located, and a pressure detector associated with the connection head.

[0012] The pressure detector is configured to detect the pressure variation inside the container over a given period of time, in particular a pressure drop following the creation of the overpressure inside the container, and to compare the detected pressure variation with a threshold value of pressure variation, the pressure drop being considered as being due to a leak of the container when the detected pressure drop is higher than the threshold value.

[0013] The detection system also comprises a contaminant sensor.

[0014] The detection system is configured to connect the contaminant sensor to the connection head, following the detection of the pressure drop inside the container, so that the overpressure created inside the container enables a gas flow from the container to the contaminant sensor. The contaminant sensor is configured to detect the presence or absence of a specific contaminant in the gas flow from the container, so as to determine whether the container is contaminated.

[0015] The detection system also preferably comprises a first valve arranged between the first duct and the connection head. The first valve is configured to be in an open state when the blowing device is operating to create an overpressure inside the container, so as to enable the communication between the first duct and the connection head, and to be in a closed state during the detection of the pressure drop inside the container following the creation of the overpressure, so as to interrupt the communication. Furthermore, the first valve is configured to return to the open state following the detection of the pressure drop inside the container.

[0016] The contaminant sensor is for example an electrochemical sensor or an optical sensor.

[0017] The connection head is preferably movable in a vertical direction by means of suitable operating means, for example a piston, so as to be connected to the mouth of the container to be detected.

[0018] Preferably, the contaminant sensor has an inlet connected to a second duct which in turn branches from the first duct by means of a branch valve arranged along the first duct between a first portion of the first duct upstream of the branch valve and oriented towards the blowing device, and a second portion of the first duct downstream of the branch valve and oriented towards the connection head.

[0019] When the blowing device is operating to create an overpressure inside the container, the branch valve is configured in a first configuration which allows communication between the first portion of the first conduit and the second portion of the first conduit and prevents communication of the first conduit with the contaminant sensor.

[0020] When the detection of the pressure drop inside the container is completed, the branch valve is configured in a second configuration which allows communication of the second portion of the first conduit with the contaminant sensor and prevents communication with the first portion of the first conduit, so that the overpressure created inside the container enables a gas flow from the container to the contaminant sensor, through the connection head, the first valve, the first conduit portion, the branch valve and the second conduit.

[0021] The detection system also preferably comprises a safety valve arranged along the second conduit, between the branch valve and the contaminant sensor.

[0022] The safety valve is provided with a port which opens to the outside environment and is configured to open when the pressure of the gas flow in the container, under overpressure, exceeds a certain threshold, in order to prevent the contaminant sensor from being damaged by the impact of a gas flow with excessive pressure. Thus, by means of the safety valve, the pressure of the gas flow which flows from the container and reaches the contaminant sensor is limited and controlled.

[0023] The detection system also preferably comprises a suction device connected to the outlet of the contaminant sensor.

[0024] The suction device is configured for suction of gas from the contaminant sensor, in order to clean any contaminant which can have remained in the contaminant sensor after the previous detection. In fact, by suction of gas from the contaminant sensor, clean air from the outside environment is delivered to the contaminant sensor, which reaches the inlet of the sensor via the port of the safety valve and the second conduit.

[0025] According to a variant of the embodiment, the detection system comprises an outlet conduit which branches off from the first conduit through the branch valve, and the contaminant sensor is arranged along the second portion of the first conduit. When the blowing device is operating to create an overpressure inside the container, the branch valve is configured in a first configuration which allows communication between the first portion of the first conduit and the second portion of the first conduit and prevents communication of the first conduit with the outlet conduit. When the detection of the pressure drop inside the container is completed, the branch valve is configured in a second configuration which allows communication of the second portion of the first conduit with the outlet conduit, so that the overpressure created inside the container enables a gas flow from the container to the outlet conduit and through the contaminant sensor.

[0026] The container detection method according to the present application comprises the following steps: detecting the presence of a leak in the container by means of the following steps: Connect the container to the air blowing device in a sealed manner; Overpressure is created inside the container relative to the pressure of the environment in which the container is located; Detect the pressure change inside a container relative to the overpressure generated inside it over a given time period; and The detected pressure change is compared with a predetermined pressure change threshold. If the detected pressure change is higher than the threshold, it is determined that the pressure change is caused by a container leak. as well as The following steps are used to detect the presence of contaminants inside the container: Open the channel between the overpressure container and the contaminant sensor, allowing pressurized airflow to naturally flow from the container to the contaminant sensor due to the pressure difference between the overpressured interior of the container and the normally atmospheric pressure external environment; and The presence of any contaminants in the airflow is detected by a contaminant sensor, thus determining whether the container is contaminated.

[0027] The detection method preferably includes the following step: continuously flowing air through the pollutant sensor to keep it clean.

[0028] The detection method preferably includes the following steps: before the airflow reaches the contaminant sensor, a portion of the airflow from the overpressure container is allowed to escape into the external environment to limit the pressure of the airflow reaching the contaminant sensor and prevent the contaminant sensor from being damaged by excessively high-pressure airflow.

[0029] Advantageously, the detection system and method of the present invention can detect containers, thereby identifying leaks and contaminants.

[0030] Furthermore, since gas is introduced into the container to be tested during the overpressure generation step, a beneficial mixing effect occurs inside the container. This mixing effect can promote the movement of any contaminants that may be present and are normally attached to the inner wall of the container, thereby facilitating the movement of contaminants towards the contaminant sensor. Therefore, it is unnecessary to use a probe inserted into the container from the opening to obtain a gas sample as close as possible to the inner wall. Based on this, the connector of the detection system of the present invention preferably does not include a probe of the type described above.

[0031] Furthermore, by utilizing the overpressure generated within the container, the detection system eliminates the need for any gas extraction device to detect the presence of contaminants by drawing gas from inside the container. Therefore, the detection system of the present invention preferably does not include any device for extracting gas from inside the container to be tested. Attached Figure Description

[0032] These and other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following description of preferred embodiments given by way of non-limiting example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote elements having the same or similar functions and structures, and: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the container inspection system of the present invention is shown; Figures 2a-2b The steps of a first embodiment of the container detection method of the present invention are schematically illustrated, wherein airflow in the system is indicated by dashed lines and arrows; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the container inspection system of the present invention is shown; Figures 4a-4b The steps of a second embodiment of the container detection method of the present invention are schematically illustrated, wherein airflow in the system is indicated by dashed lines and arrows; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the container detection system of the present invention is shown; and Figures 6a-6b The steps of a third embodiment of the container detection method of the present invention are illustrated schematically, wherein airflow in the system is indicated by dashed lines and arrows. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a detection system 10 for detecting a container 50, such as a water dispenser bucket made of PET material, is shown.

[0034] The detection system 10 includes an air blowing device 20 connected to a connector 24 via a first conduit 22, which is adapted to be connected in a sealed manner (if necessary) to the opening 52 of the container 50 to be tested. The connector 24 is preferably movable vertically by a suitable operating device 25, such as a piston, so as to be connected to the opening 52 of the container 50.

[0035] The blowing device 20, such as a compressor, is configured to introduce gas into the container 50 via a first conduit 22 and a connector 24. Specifically, the blowing device 20 can create a pressure (overpressure) inside the container 50 that is higher than the pressure of the environment in which the container is located.

[0036] The detection system 10 also includes a pressure detector 26 associated with the connector 24, and a first valve 27 preferably disposed between the first conduit 22 and the connector 24.

[0037] The pressure detector 26 is configured to detect pressure changes inside the container 50 over a given time period, specifically, to detect pressure drops inside the container 50 after the overpressure has occurred. The pressure detector 26 is also configured to compare the detected pressure changes with an appropriately selected pressure change threshold; if the detected pressure drop is higher than the threshold, it is determined that the pressure drop is due to a leak in the container 50. In other words, the pressure detector 26 monitors the pressure trend inside the container 50 and verifies whether the applied pressure is maintained for a sufficiently long period. If this is not the case, it can be concluded that the detected container 50 has a leak.

[0038] The first valve 27 is configured to be open when the blowing device 20 operates to create overpressure in the container 50, thereby connecting the first conduit 22 to the connector 24; and to be closed during the detection process of pressure drop in the container 50 after overpressure is created, so as to interrupt the connection.

[0039] The detection system 10 further includes a contaminant sensor 30 having an inlet 30a connected to a second conduit 32, which branches off from the first conduit 22 via a second valve 34. The second valve 34 is a three-way branch valve arranged along the first conduit 22, located between a first portion 22' and a second portion 22" of the first conduit 22, wherein the first portion 22' of the first conduit 22 is upstream of the branch valve 34 and faces the air blowing device 20, and the second portion 22" of the first conduit 22 is downstream of the branch valve 34 and faces the connector.

[0040] The second valve 34 is adapted to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the second valve 34 allows communication between the first portion 22' of the first conduit 22 and the second portion 22" of the first conduit 22, and prevents communication between the first conduit 22 and the contaminant sensor 30. In the second configuration, the second valve 34 allows communication between the second portion 22" of the first conduit 22 and the contaminant sensor 30, and prevents communication with the first portion 22' of the first conduit 22.

[0041] When the blowing device 20 operates to create overpressure within the container 50, the second valve 34 is configured to be in the first configuration.

[0042] After the detection of the pressure drop within container 50 is completed, the first valve 27 is configured to return to the open state, and the second valve 34 is configured to switch to the second configuration. Thus, the overpressure formed within container 50 causes airflow to flow from container 50 to contaminant sensor 30, through connector 24, first valve 27, first conduit portion 22' of first conduit 22, second valve 34, and second conduit 32.

[0043] Therefore, the contaminant sensor 30 is configured to detect the presence of a specific contaminant in the airflow from the container 50, thereby determining whether the container 50 is contaminated. For example, the contaminant sensor 30 may be an electrochemical sensor or an optical sensor.

[0044] Preferably, the blowing device 20 introduces dry air into the container 50. This improves the accuracy of leak detection and contaminant detection. In fact, when a container under overpressure contains humid air, the pressure drop inside the container due to a leak is less than when the container is filled with dry air, thus resulting in lower accuracy of leak detection.

[0045] Advantageously, the inspection system 10 can be a so-called "online" inspection system, i.e., arranged along the path of a conveyor belt (not shown). This allows for the inspection of the containers on the conveyor line without removing them from the conveyor line.

[0046] According to other embodiments (not shown), the detection system includes multiple connectors, each associated with a first conduit, a first valve, a second valve, a second conduit, and a contaminant sensor. Each connector can be associated with a corresponding air blowing device, or a common air blowing device can be provided, which is connected in parallel with a first portion of each first conduit.

[0047] refer to Figure 2a -b illustrates the steps of a first embodiment of the detection method performed by the detection system 10.

[0048] First, the connector 24 is preferably connected to the opening 52 of the container 50 in a sealed manner.

[0049] Then, the air blowing device 20 is activated to create overpressure within the container 50. Figure 2a As shown, in this step, the first valve 27 is in the open state, and the second valve 34 is in the first configuration.

[0050] After the overpressure is established, the blowing device 20 is shut off, and the first valve 27 is switched to the closed state, thereby keeping the connector 24 sealed to the opening 52 of the container 50. The pressure detector 26 then detects pressure changes within the container 50, particularly any pressure drop due to leakage in the container 50. This potential pressure drop is then compared to an appropriately selected pressure change threshold; if the detected pressure drop exceeds this threshold, it is determined that the pressure drop is due to leakage in the container 50.

[0051] After the pressure drop detection inside container 50 is completed, the first valve 27 is switched to the open state, and the second valve 34 is switched to the second configuration. Thus, due to the pressure difference between the overpressure inside container 50 and the external environment, which is normally atmospheric pressure, pressurized airflow naturally flows from container 50 to the contaminant sensor 30 (e.g., ...). Figure 2b (As shown). The pollutant sensor 30 detects pollutants that may be present in the airflow, thereby determining whether the container 50 is contaminated.

[0052] The following is for reference. Figure 3 The following describes a second embodiment of the detection system 110 for detecting container 50 according to the present invention.

[0053] Similar to the first embodiment, the detection system 110 includes an air blowing device 20 connected to a connector 24 via a first conduit 22, the connector 24 being adapted to be connected in a sealed manner (if necessary) to the opening 52 of the container 50 to be tested. The connector 24 is preferably movable vertically via a suitable operating device 25, such as a piston, to connect to the opening 52 of the container 50.

[0054] The blowing device 20 is configured to introduce gas into the container 50 through the first conduit 22 and the connector 24. Specifically, the blowing device 20 can create a pressure (overpressure) inside the container 50 that is higher than the ambient pressure of the container 50.

[0055] Similar to the first embodiment, the detection system 110 includes a pressure detector 26 associated with the connector 24 and a first valve 27 preferably disposed between the first conduit 22 and the connector 24.

[0056] The detection system 110 further includes a contaminant sensor 30 having an inlet 30a connected to a second conduit 32, which branches off from the first conduit 22 via a second valve 34. The second valve 34 is a three-way branch valve and is arranged along the first conduit 22, located between a first portion 22' and a second portion 22" of the first conduit 22; wherein the first portion 22' of the first conduit 22 is upstream of the second valve 34 and faces the air blowing device 20; and the second portion 22" of the first conduit 22 is downstream of the second valve 34 and faces the connector 24.

[0057] Similar to the first embodiment, the second valve 34 is adapted to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the second valve 34 allows communication between the first portion 22' of the first conduit 22 and the second portion 22" of the first conduit 22, and prevents communication between the first conduit 22 and the contaminant sensor 30. In the second configuration, the second valve 34 allows communication between the second portion 22" of the first conduit 22 and the contaminant sensor 30, and prevents communication with the first portion 22' of the first conduit 22.

[0058] According to this embodiment, for example, a "T" or "Y" type safety valve 36 is provided between the second valve 34 and the contaminant sensor 30 along the second conduit 32.

[0059] According to this embodiment, the detection system 110 also includes a suction device 40 connected to the outlet 30b of the pollutant sensor 30.

[0060] Similar to the first embodiment, when the blowing device 20 operates to create overpressure within the container 50, the second valve 34 is configured in the first configuration. After the detection of a pressure drop within the container 50 is completed, the first valve 27 is configured to return to the open state, and the second valve 34 is configured to switch to the second configuration. Thus, the overpressure created within the container 50 allows gas to flow from the container 50 to the contaminant sensor 30, passing through the connector 24, the first valve 27, the first conduit portion 22' of the first conduit 22, the second valve 34, and the second conduit 32.

[0061] The safety valve 36 has a port 36a leading to the external environment, which is configured to open when the pressure of the gas flow from the overpressure vessel exceeds a certain threshold, in order to prevent the contaminant sensor 30 from being damaged by the excessively high-pressure gas flow. Therefore, by means of the safety valve 36, the pressure of the gas flow from the container 50 to the contaminant sensor 30 is limited and controlled.

[0062] Therefore, the contaminant sensor 30 is configured to detect the presence of a specific contaminant in the airflow from the container 50, thereby determining whether the container 50 is contaminated. For example, the contaminant sensor 30 may be an electrochemical sensor or an optical sensor.

[0063] The suction device 40 is configured to draw gas from the contaminant sensor 30 to remove any contaminants remaining on the sensor after previous detection. In fact, by drawing gas from the contaminant sensor 30, clean air from the external environment is delivered to the contaminant sensor, which then reaches the inlet 30a of the sensor 30 through port 36a of the safety valve 36 and a portion of the second conduit 32.

[0064] Advantageously, the inspection system 110 can be a so-called "online" inspection system, i.e., arranged along the path of a conveyor belt (not shown). This allows for the inspection of containers on the conveyor line without removing them from the conveyor line.

[0065] In this case, according to other embodiments (not shown), the detection system may include multiple connectors, each associated with a first conduit, a first valve, a second valve, a second conduit, and a contaminant sensor. Each connector may be associated with a corresponding air blowing device, or a common air blowing device may be provided, which is connected in parallel with a first portion of each first conduit.

[0066] refer to Figures 4a-4b The document illustrates the following steps of a second embodiment of the detection method performed by the detection system 110.

[0067] First, the connector 24 is preferably connected to the opening 52 of the container 50 in a sealed manner.

[0068] Then, the air blowing device 20 is activated to create overpressure within the container 50. Figure 4a As shown, in this step, the first valve 27 is in the open state, while the second valve 34 is in the first configuration.

[0069] After the aforementioned overpressure is established, the air blowing device 20 is shut off, and the first valve 27 switches to the closed state, thereby keeping the connector 24 sealed to the opening 52 of the container 50. Subsequently, the pressure detector 26 detects pressure changes inside the container 50, especially pressure drops due to leakage in the container 50. This potential pressure drop is then compared to an appropriately selected pressure change threshold; if the detected pressure drop exceeds this threshold, it is determined that the pressure drop is caused by leakage in the container 50.

[0070] In the aforementioned step, the suction device 40 operates, generating a continuous airflow through the contaminant sensor 30 to keep it clean, as described above and as... Figure 4a As shown.

[0071] After the pressure drop detection within container 50 is completed, the first valve 27 switches to the open state, and the second valve 34 switches to the second configuration. Thus, due to the pressure difference between the overpressure inside container 50 and the external environment, which is normally atmospheric pressure, pressurized airflow naturally flows from container 50 to the contaminant sensor 30 (e.g., ...). Figure 4b (As shown). In this step, if the airflow pressure from container 50 is too high, it can be limited by safety valve 36, such as... Figure 4b As shown.

[0072] Subsequently, the pollutant sensor 30 detects pollutants that may be present in the airflow from the container 50, thereby determining whether the container 50 is contaminated.

[0073] The third embodiment of the detection system 210 for container 50 of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG5.

[0074] Similar to the first embodiment, the detection system 210 includes an air blowing device 20 connected to a connector 24 via a first conduit 22, the connector 24 being adapted to be connected in a sealed manner (if necessary) to the opening 52 of the container 50 to be tested. The connector 24 is preferably connected to the opening 52 of the container 50 by means of a suitable operating device 25, such as a piston, moving vertically.

[0075] The blowing device 20 is configured to introduce gas into the container 50 through the first conduit 22 and the connector 24. Specifically, the blowing device 20 can create a pressure (overpressure) inside the container 50 that is higher than the ambient pressure of the container.

[0076] Similar to the first embodiment, the detection system 210 also includes a pressure detector 26 associated with the connector 24 and a first valve 27 preferably disposed between the first conduit 22 and the connector 24.

[0077] The detection system 210 further includes a second valve 34, specifically a three-way branch valve disposed along the first conduit 22 and located between a first portion 22' and a second portion 22" of the first conduit 22; wherein the first portion 22' of the first conduit 22 is upstream of the branch valve 34 and faces the air blowing device 20; the second portion 22" of the first conduit 22 is downstream of the branch valve 34 and faces the connector 24. Furthermore, the outlet conduit 232 branches off from the first conduit 22 via the second valve 34 and leads to the external environment.

[0078] The detection system also includes a contaminant sensor 30, which is disposed along the second portion 22'' of the first conduit 22 and has an inlet 30a toward the connector 24 and an outlet 30b toward the second valve 34.

[0079] The second valve 34 is adapted to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the second valve 34 allows communication between a first portion 22' of the first conduit 22 and a second portion 22" of the first conduit 22. In the second configuration, the second valve 34 allows communication between the second portion 22" of the first conduit 22 and the contaminant sensor 30, and blocks communication with the first portion 22' of the first conduit 22.

[0080] Similar to the first embodiment, when the air blowing device 20 operates to create overpressure inside the container 50, the second valve 34 is configured in the first configuration. After the pressure drop detection inside the container 50 is completed, the first valve 27 is configured to return to the open state, and the second valve 34 is configured to switch to the second configuration. Thus, the overpressure created inside the container 50 causes airflow from the container 50 to the outlet conduit 232, passing through the connector 24, the first valve 27, and the contaminant sensor 30.

[0081] Therefore, the contaminant sensor 30 is configured to detect the presence of a specific contaminant in the airflow from the container 50, thereby determining whether the container 50 is contaminated. The contaminant sensor 30 may be, for example, an electrochemical sensor or an optical sensor.

[0082] Advantageously, the inspection system 210 can be a so-called "online" inspection system, i.e., arranged along the path of a conveyor belt (not shown). This allows for the inspection of the containers on the conveyor line without removing them from the conveyor line.

[0083] In this case, similarly, according to other embodiments (not shown), the detection system may include multiple connectors, each associated with a first conduit, a first valve, a second valve, a second conduit, and a contaminant sensor. Each connector may be associated with a corresponding air blowing device, or a common air blowing device may be provided, which is connected in parallel with a first portion of each first conduit.

[0084] refer to Figure 6a -b, The steps of a third implementation of the detection method performed by the detection system 210 are shown below.

[0085] First, the connector 24 is preferably connected to the opening 52 of the container 50 in a sealed manner.

[0086] Then, the air blowing device 20 is activated to create overpressure within the container 50.Figure 6a As shown, in this step, the first valve 27 is in the open state, and the second valve 34 is in the first configuration.

[0087] After the aforementioned overpressure is established, the air blowing device 20 is shut off, and the first valve 27 is switched to the closed state, thereby keeping the connector 24 sealed to the opening 52 of the container 50. The pressure detector 26 then detects pressure changes within the container 50, especially any pressure drop caused by leakage in the container 50. This potential pressure drop is then compared to an appropriately selected pressure change threshold; if the detected pressure drop exceeds this threshold, it is considered that the detected pressure drop is due to leakage in the container 50.

[0088] When the pressure drop detection inside container 50 is completed, the first valve 27 is switched to the open state, and the second valve 34 is switched to the second configuration. Thus, due to the pressure difference between the overpressure inside container 50 and the external environment, which is normally atmospheric pressure, pressurized airflow naturally flows from container 50 to the contaminant sensor 30 (e.g., ...). Figure 6b (As shown). The contaminant sensor 30 then detects contaminants that may be present in the airflow, thereby determining whether the container 50 is contaminated.

[0089] Thanks to the aforementioned detection systems 10, 110, and 210 and inspection methods, leak detection and contaminant detection can be performed on container 50.

[0090] Furthermore, since the introduction of gas into the container 50 to be tested during the overpressure generation step creates a favorable mixing effect inside the container, this mixing effect can facilitate the movement of any contaminants that may be present and are normally attached to the inner wall of the container, thereby making them easier to move toward the contaminant sensor 30. Therefore, it is unnecessary to use a probe inserted through the opening 52 of the container 50 to obtain a gas sample as close as possible to the inner wall of the container 50. Therefore, the connectors 24 of the aforementioned detection systems 10, 110, and 210 preferably do not include probes of the type described above.

[0091] Furthermore, by utilizing the overpressure formed within container 50, the detection systems 10, 110, and 210 do not require any suction device to draw gas from inside container 50 to detect the presence of contaminants. Therefore, the detection systems 10, 110, and 210 preferably do not include a device for drawing gas from inside the container 50 to be tested.

Claims

1. A detection system (10, 110, 210) for detecting a container, comprising: - a connection head (24) adapted to be connected to a mouth (52) of a container (50) to be detected; - a blowing device (20) connected to the connection head (24) by means of a first duct (22) and configured to introduce a gas into the container (50) through the first duct (22) and the connection head (24) so as to create an overpressure inside the container (50) with respect to the pressure of the environment in which it is located; - a pressure detector (26) associated with the connection head (24); and - a contaminant sensor (30); wherein the pressure detector (26) is configured to detect a pressure variation inside the container (50) over a given period of time, in particular a pressure drop after the overpressure has been created inside the container (50), and to compare the detected pressure variation with a pressure variation threshold, the pressure drop being considered to be caused by a leak of the container (50) when the detected pressure drop exceeds the pressure variation threshold; characterized in that the detection system (10, 110, 210) is configured so that, after the detection of the pressure drop inside the container (50) has been completed, the contaminant sensor (30) is connected to the connection head (24) in such a way that the overpressure created inside the container (50) causes a gas flow from the container (50) to the contaminant sensor (30); the contaminant sensor (30) being configured to detect the presence of a specific contaminant in the gas flow coming from the container (50) so as to determine whether the container (50) is contaminated. It also comprises a first valve (27) arranged between the first duct (22) and the connection head (24); the first valve (27) being configured to be in an open state to put the first duct (22) in communication with the connection head (24) when the blowing device (20) is operating to create an overpressure inside the container (50), and to be in a closed state to interrupt the communication between the first duct (22) and the connection head (24) during the detection of the pressure drop inside the container (50) after the overpressure has been created.

2. The detection system (10, 110, 210) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first valve (27) is configured to return to the open state after the detection of the pressure drop inside the container (50) has been completed.

3. The detection system (10, 110, 210) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The contaminant sensor (30) is an electrochemical sensor or an optical sensor.

4. The detection system (10, 110, 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The connection head (24) is movable in a vertical direction by means of suitable operating means (25).

5. The detection system (10, 110, 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: ​ 6. The detection system (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The contaminant sensor (30) has an inlet (30a) connected to a second conduit (32) which branches from the first conduit (22) through a branch valve (34); the branch valve (34) is arranged along the first conduit (22) between a first portion (22') of the first conduit (22) upstream of the branch valve (34) and oriented towards the blowing device (20) and a second portion (22'') of the first conduit (22) downstream of the branch valve (34) and oriented towards the connection head (24); wherein, when the blowing device (20) is operating to create an overpressure inside the container (50), the branch valve (34) is configured in a first configuration which allows the first portion (22') of the first conduit (22) to communicate with the second portion (22'') of the first conduit (22) and prevents the first conduit (22) from communicating with the contaminant sensor (30); wherein, when the pressure drop inside the container (50) is completed, the branch valve (34) is configured in a second configuration which allows the second portion (22'') of the first conduit (22) to communicate with the contaminant sensor (30) so that the overpressure created inside the container (50) causes a gas flow from the container (50) to the contaminant sensor (30).

7. The detection system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Further comprising: a safety valve (36) arranged along the second conduit (32) between the branch valve (34) and the contaminant sensor (30), the safety valve (36) being provided with a port (36a) which communicates with the external environment and being configured to open when the pressure of the gas flow from the overpressure container is greater than a certain threshold value.

8. The detection system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Further comprising: a suction device (40) connected to an outlet (30b) of the contaminant sensor (30), the suction device (40) being configured to suck gas from the contaminant sensor (30) to remove any contaminants previously detected and remaining on the contaminant sensor (30).

9. The detection system (210) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Further comprising a branch valve (34) arranged along the first conduit (22) between a first portion (22') of the first conduit (22) upstream of the branch valve (34) and oriented towards the blowing device (20) and a second portion (22'') of the first conduit (22) downstream of the branch valve (34) and oriented towards the connection head (24) and an outlet conduit (232) which branches from the first conduit (22) through the branch valve (34); wherein the contaminant sensor (30) is arranged along the second portion (22'') of the first conduit (22); a first configuration in which, when the blowing device (20) is operating to create an overpressure inside the container (50), the branch valve (34) is configured to allow the first portion (22') of the first conduit (22) to communicate with the second portion (22'') of the first conduit (22) and to prevent the first conduit (22) from communicating with the outlet conduit (232); a second configuration in which, after the detection of the pressure drop inside the container (50) has been completed, the branch valve (34) is configured to allow the second portion (22'') of the first conduit (22) to communicate with the outlet conduit (232) so that the overpressure created inside the container (50) can cause a flow of gas from the container (50) to the outlet conduit (232) through the pollutant sensor (30).

10. A detection method for a container (50), comprising the steps of: detecting possible leaks of the container (50) by: - placing the container (50) in sealed communication with a blowing device (20); - creating an overpressure inside the container (50) with respect to the pressure of the environment in which it is located; - detecting a pressure variation inside the container (50) with respect to the overpressure created inside it in a given period of time; - comparing the detected pressure variation with a preset threshold value of pressure variation, and when the detected pressure variation exceeds the threshold value, determining that the pressure variation is caused by a leak of the container (50); and detecting the presence of pollutants inside the container (50) by: - opening a passage between the container (50) in overpressure and the pollutant sensor (30) so that a flow of pressurized gas naturally flows from the container (50) to the pollutant sensor (30); - detecting the presence of any pollutants in the flow of gas by means of the pollutant sensor, thus determining whether the container is contaminated.

11. The detection method of claim 10, wherein: It also comprises the step of creating a flow of air that continuously flows through the pollutant sensor (30) to keep it clean.

12. The detection method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: It also comprises the step of allowing part of the flow of gas from the container (50) in overpressure to escape to the outside environment before it reaches the pollutant sensor (30), in order to limit the pressure of the flow of gas that reaches the pollutant sensor (30).

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