Leak detection system

Abstract

A leak detection system comprises a transmitter, a detector, and an electronic control unit (ECU). The transmitter directs electromagnetic energy with a predetermined wavelength range, such as infrared energy, onto the surface of a product. The product defines a chamber containing a tracer gas. The detector is positioned between the transmitter and the product at an offset distance from the surface. The detector detects the reflected energy. The ECU receives a signal from the detector, displaying a spectrum of the reflected energy, and identifies a detected leak in the product. This involves comparing the spectrum of the reflected energy with a predefined spectrum of the tracer gas. The tracer gas has a wavelength within the transmitter's predefined wavelength range. In response to the leak, the ECU generates an output signal that identifies the presence and location of the leak.

Description

[0001] Leak testing of a manufactured product can involve introducing an inert gas into a cavity within the product, such as an internal cavity, chamber, fluid channel, or tube. The gas is carefully sealed within the cavity. Leaks are then detected using a number of different methods. For example, the pressure drop within the cavity can be monitored over time, with the detected pressure drop potentially indicating the presence of a leak. Another technique, known as "helium sniffing," involves filling the cavity with pressurized helium gas. A mass spectrometer is then used to detect the presence of helium in the surrounding air.These and other leak detection techniques are effective in some cases, but suboptimal when used to perform leak tests with high repeatability and accurate resolution of the leak point.

[0002] CN 2 19 474 874 U describes a visual, portable helium leak detection device in which a light source is positioned above a spectrograph and serves as the radiation source for the device. The spectrograph is used to separate the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the aerostat to be detected into a specified wavelength using a dispersing element and to project the separated wavelengths onto the area array camera. The area array camera acquires spectral image information of the scene. The computer controls the operation of the individual devices within the helium leak detection device and processes the spectral image information acquired by the area array camera, thereby generating a hyperspectral real-time image of the detected aerostat.

[0003] US 2012 / 0242822A1 describes devices and methods for imaging and characterizing materials during underground operations. One method for analyzing gaseous emissions from an underground formation involves positioning a hyperspectral imaging mechanism to monitor an area of ​​interest and detecting the presence of one or more materials of interest within the area of ​​interest using the hyperspectral image. The quantity of the material(s) of interest within the area of ​​interest is then quantified.

[0004] DE 10 2020 208 658 A1 describes a method for detecting a leak on or in a component.

[0005] It can be considered a task to specify an improved leak detection system.

[0006] The problem is solved by a leak detection system according to claim 1. Furthermore, an exemplary method that can be carried out with the system is described.

[0007] The following describes a reflection-based system and method for accurately detecting and locating a leak in a product with an empty internal volume. During leak testing, this volume, or housing chamber, can be filled with a suitable tracer gas such as carbon dioxide or helium. While countless consumer, transportation, and industrial products have such a chamber, products used in a wide range of battery applications include battery trays, welded cooling plates, battery lids, battery packs, battery cells, and various other components. Other products, not batteries, include internal combustion engines, heat exchangers, and similar items, which can also benefit from leak testing and leak localization using this method.In the event of a leak in the housing chamber, a certain proportion of the aforementioned gas traces escapes into the surrounding atmosphere. The solutions presented here for reflection-based leak testing are therefore designed to detect the presence of such a leak and simultaneously pinpoint its exact location. Corrective measures can then be taken as needed following the detection and localization of the leak.

[0008] A leak detection system according to the invention comprises a transmitter, a detector, and an electronic control unit (ECU). During a leak test, the transmitter, e.g., an infrared (IR) transmitter or an arrangement thereof, directs electromagnetic energy onto a surface of a product, the energy having a predetermined wavelength range. The product considered here defines the aforementioned housing chamber, which is filled with a desired trace gas during the leak test. The detector, configured to detect the energy reflected by the product / product surface, is positioned between the transmitter and the product at an application-specific distance from the product surface. The ECU receives an electronic input signal from the detector. The electronic input signal is characteristic / descriptive of a spectrum of the reflected energy and, in particular, of the detected wavelength(s) thereof.The ECU also identifies a detected leak in the product by comparing the spectrum of the reflected energy with a predetermined spectrum of the tracer gas. The tracer gas has a wavelength that falls within the predetermined wavelength range of the emitter's energy. In one or more embodiments, the predetermined wavelength range is approximately 2 micrometers (µm) to approximately 10 µm, although other possible wavelength ranges may be used in other applications of the present teaching. The ECU also generates an electronic output signal in response to the detected leak. The electronic output signal identifies both the presence and location of the leak. This information can be used by the ECU and / or production / maintenance personnel to, for example, rectify the leak or perform a root cause analysis.The leak detection system also includes a three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner to scan the product's surface and output a 3D scan file showing a contour of the surface. The ECU compares this contour to a calibrated baseline contour to determine the degree of surface distortion. The ECU then generates the electronic output signal, in part, by using this degree of surface distortion.

[0009] In one embodiment, the control unit detects the presence and location of the leak by analyzing a contrast difference between the spectrum of the reflected energy and the predetermined spectrum of the trace gas.

[0010] In one embodiment, for some designs of the product, including exemplary battery components for use in a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or any other vehicle or mobile system, the specified offset distance from the surface of the product is approximately 0.25 meters (m) to approximately 5 m, i.e., approximately 10-200 inches.

[0011] In one embodiment, the detector has an image filter with a bandwidth encompassing the wavelength of the trace gas and the energy of the transmitter. The transmitter, which in various embodiments may be stationary or movable relative to the product, comprises an array of transmitters positioned or arranged near the product. In such an embodiment, each individual emitter in the array of emitters is configured to illuminate the product from a different angle.

[0012] In one embodiment, the leak detection system includes a robot and / or an overhead gantry system. The detector is connected to the robot, which is configured to move the detector relative to the product. In this or other embodiments, the gantry is used to position the transmitter relative to the product. The three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner can optionally be connected to the gantry.

[0013] An exemplary method for leak detection is also described here. Such a method involves using a transmitter to direct electromagnetic energy of a predetermined wavelength range onto a surface of the product. The method may include detecting the reflected energy via the detector, which, as mentioned above, is positioned between the transmitter and the product at a distance from the product surface. As part of the method, the ECU receives the electronic input signal from the detector, the signal representing a spectrum of the reflected energy. The method further includes identifying a detected leak in the product via the ECU. This action may involve comparing the spectrum of the reflected energy with a predetermined spectrum of the trace gas. The trace gas, for its part, has a wavelength that falls within the predetermined wavelength range of the transmitter.The method further features the generation of the electronic output signal in response to the detected leak, the output signal identifying the presence and location of the leak.

[0014] The leak detection system can include an IR transmitter array configured to direct IR energy beams in a wavelength range of approximately 2 µm to 10 µm onto the surface of a product, with the product defining the aforementioned housing chamber. This chamber contains carbon dioxide as a trace gas. An IR detector array is positioned between the IR transmitter array and the product at a distance of less than approximately 5 m from the product surface. The IR detector array is configured to detect the reflected IR energy during the product's leak test. The 3D laser scanner and the ECU are also used.

[0015] The ECU can be configured to receive an electronic input signal from the IR detector array, where the input signal specifies a spectrum of the reflected IR energy. The ECU also instructs the 3D scanner to generate a 3D scan file specifying a surface contour and compares this contour to a calibrated baseline contour to determine the degree of surface distortion in the product. Additionally, the ECU identifies a detected leak in the product based on the surface distortion and by comparing the reflected energy spectrum to a predefined spectrum of the trace gas. Finally, in response to the detected leak, the ECU generates an electronic output signal indicating the presence and location of the leak. Fig. Figure 1 shows a reflection-based leak detection system, constructed as described here. Fig. 1A shows part of the system for detecting leaks. Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates alternative designs of the leak detection system of Fig. 1 and Fig. 1A. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a robot-assisted method for leak detection.

[0016] Referring to the drawings, where identical reference numbers refer to identical features in the different views, shows Fig. 1. A leak detection system 10 configured to accurately detect and locate a leak in a product 11. In a non-restrictive use scenario, the product 11 can be a component of a vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 can be, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), or another vehicle or mobile system. In such an embodiment, the product 11 can comprise a vehicle component such as a battery tray, a welded cooling plate, a battery cover, or another component of a vehicle battery. However, the product 11 can also comprise vehicle or non-vehicle components that require leak testing and leak localization as described herein, e.g., internal combustion engines, heat exchangers, etc.Within the scope of the description, other embodiments of product 11 may therefore also be considered, and therefore the vehicle-specific and mobile embodiments described here are merely representative of the present teachings and are not limiting.

[0017] Product 11 of Fig. 1 has a surface area 16 and defines a housing chamber 14. The housing chamber 14 can be configured as a cavity volume in various ways, e.g., in the form of a cavity, a tube, a container, etc. During the leak test of the product 11, the housing chamber 14 is filled with a tracer gas 18 suitable for the application, so that the housing chamber 14 contains the tracer gas 18 during the leak test. The composition of the tracer gas 18 can vary depending on the intended application. Examples of inert gas compositions include carbon dioxide (CO2) and helium, without limitation.

[0018] The leak detection system 10 of Fig. 1 is based on the principle of energy reflection and the imaging of reflected energy spectra of the product 11 and / or escaping gas clouds of the trace gas 18. For this purpose, the leak detection system 10 has a transmitter 20 configured to direct light or other electromagnetic radiation, hereinafter referred to as emitted energy 120, in a predetermined wavelength range onto the surface 16 of the product 11, in the form of a single beam, multiple beams, or a scanning beam. In one or more representative embodiments, the emitted energy 120 may be infrared (IR) energy, and the transmitter 20 may include an IR emitter. As used here, the IR spectrum can include energy with a wavelength from about 750 nanometers (nm) to about 1.4 micrometers (µm), i.e.,The emitted energy 120 may include near-infrared (NIR) energy with a wavelength of approximately 1.4 µm to approximately 3 µm (mid-IR) and / or energy with a wavelength of approximately 3 µm to approximately 1 millimeter (mm), i.e., far-infrared (FIR). Non-IR wavelengths of the emitted energy 120 may be used in other implementations, e.g., visible light, ultraviolet energy, etc., and therefore infrared implementations are intended to illustrate aspects of the present teaching and do not constitute a limitation. If the emitted energy 120 includes IR energy, the predetermined wavelength range of the energy 120 emitted by the transmitter 20 may be approximately 2 µm to approximately 10 µm, again without limiting the present teaching to such a range.

[0019] Furthermore, the leak detection system 10 has at least one detector 22. Each detector 22 is located between the transmitter 20 and the product 11 at an offset distance (D). S) from the surface 16. The offset distance can vary depending on the design of the product 11, with one embodiment allowing an offset distance of approximately 0.25 meters (m) to approximately 5 m (approximately 10 inches to approximately 200 inches). If the product 11 is designed as a battery carrier as mentioned above, an optimal distance may be approximately 1.1 m to approximately 1.65 m (approximately 45 inches to approximately 65 inches). The transmitter 20 is also positioned at an offset angle (θ). S ) arranged relative to the detector 22, wherein the respective offset angle depends on the intended application and the number of detectors 22 used in the construction of the leak detection system 10.

[0020] The in Fig. The detector 22 shown is configured to detect reflected energy 120R during the leak test of product 11, with the reflected energy 120R returning to detector 22 when reflected by product 11 and / or a gas cloud consisting of trace gas 18. Although the detector 22 is in Fig. Figure 1 is shown for simplicity as a pair of detectors 22; however, in other embodiments, as described below, more or fewer detectors 22 may be used. Each detector 22 may have a filter 23 having a bandwidth that includes the wavelength of the trace gas 18 and the reflected energy 120R, such that these wavelengths are transmitted and others are blocked.

[0021] Additionally, the respective detectors 22, as used here, are configured to transmit an electronic input signal 122 to an electronic control unit (ECU) 50 as described. The ECU 50 communicates with the detector 22 wirelessly and / or via physical transmission lines and is thus configured to receive the electronic input signal 122 from the detector 22. The electronic input signal 122 is itself an electrical signal that displays or describes a spectrum of the reflected energy 120R.

[0022] The ECU 50, in the various embodiments described below, is equipped with hardware and programmed with software (i.e., configured) to identify a detected leak in the product 11. The ECU 50 can do this by comparing the reflected energy spectrum 120R with a predetermined spectrum of the trace gas 18, for example, one previously stored in the memory 54 of the ECU 50. The ECU 50 can also be configured to detect the presence and location of the leak by analyzing a contrast difference between the reflected energy spectrum 120R and the predetermined spectrum of the trace gas 18. The trace gas 18, in turn, has a wavelength that falls within the predetermined wavelength range of the detector 22. The ECU 50 is also configured to generate an output signal 500 in response to a detected leak, which identifies the presence and location of the leak.

[0023] The ECU 50 can be implemented as one or more computer devices and therefore includes hardware in the form of one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), electronic circuits, central processing units, e.g., microprocessors or processors 52, and associated computer-readable storage media, including memory 54. Instructions embodying a method 100, an example of which is given below with reference to the respective Fig. 4 is described, and other methods are executed by the processor 52 from the memory 54, e.g., from magnetic or optical media, CD-ROM, and / or solid-state / semiconductor memory, e.g., random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM). The non-volatile components of the memory 54 used here are capable of storing machine-readable instructions in the form of one or more software or firmware programs or routines, combinational logic circuits, input / output circuits and devices, signal conditioning and buffer circuits, and other components that one or more processors can access to provide a described functionality.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 1A can use the leak detection system 10 of Fig. 1 optionally implemented with stationary components. In other words, none of the components of the leak detection system 10 is configured to move relative to other components. In the illustrated arrangement, for example, a product 11A in the exemplary form of a welded cooling plate with a surface 16A can be positioned relative to the detector 22, whereby in other designs more than one detector 22 is also possible. As already mentioned, the transmitter 20 can emit one or more beams of emitted energy 120 in the direction of the surface 16A, each beam having the same wavelength or wavelength range as the trace gas 18. Fig. 1 has. In the non-restrictive example of the welded cooling plate made of Fig. 1A can extract the trace gas 18 from Fig. The trace gas 18 is introduced into product 11A, as indicated by arrow AA. It can then flow through a housing chamber 140 in the form of a circular flow channel formed in the welded cooling plate. In this design, the trace gas 18 finally exits product 11A, as indicated by arrow BB.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in 2, the product can be 11 from Fig. 1 Alternatively, it can also be designed as a battery carrier, as described above. Such a product 11B can be mounted on a bracket 34 (see Fig. 3) such as a stationary surface or a movable platform, e.g., a conveyor belt, positioned near the transmitter 20 described above. In the representative embodiment of Fig. In Figure 2, the transmitter 20 is a scanning transmitter, e.g., an IR scanner. Regardless of whether it is a single device or multiple emitters 20, the emitted energy 120, e.g., a multitude of energy beams as shown, illuminates the product 11B. The reflected energy 120R is subsequently detected by a series of detectors 22A, which are positioned together near the product 11B. Each detector 22 of the detector arrangement 22A is configured to detect the energy 120R reflected by the product 11B and / or the trace gas 18 from a different angle.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 shows the leak detection system 10 of Fig. 1 in an alternative leak detection system 10A, in which the transmitter 20 is configured to move in relation to the product 11, in this case the representative product 11B of Fig. 2. In this design, the leak detection system 10A can include one or more robots 32, e.g., an industrial robot with six degrees of freedom (6-DOF), as shown in the figure. In this dynamic configuration, the detector 22 is connected to the robot 32, with the robot 32 configured to move the detector 22 as needed with respect to the product 11B, e.g., in response to commands from the ECU 50. Fig. 1. The product 11B can be located in / on the device 34 as shown, the device 34 being configured in various embodiments as a stationary platform or table or possibly as a manual or automatic conveyor belt.

[0027] As part of this approach, or possibly without using the robot 32, a gantry 24 can be configured to position the transmitter 20 relative to the product 11B. The gantry 24 can consist of various supports 25, horizontal rails 26, and upright support columns 27. The gantry 24 is coupled to a motorized drive unit, a drive belt, or another drive system configured to move the transmitter 20 relative to the product 11B. The ECU 50 can, in various embodiments, be tasked with controlling the motion of the gantry 24 and / or the robot 32, or such motion can be controlled by another computer system, such as a programmable logic controller, as is known in the prior art.

[0028] In a possible configuration of the leak detection system 10 of Fig. 1 or Fig. 10A of Fig. 3. A three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner 30 can be connected via a post 29, as shown, to the portal 24 or to the robot 32 or another stationary / static or mobile structure. The 3D laser scanner 30 can be configured to scan the surface 16 ( Fig. 1) scans product 11 and then sends a 3D scan file 300 to the ECU 50 of Fig. 1 outputs. The 3D scan file 300 shows a contour of surface 16. The ECU 50 can match the contour of surface 16 with a calibrated baseline contour, e.g., one stored in its memory 54. Fig. 1 recorded, compare to determine a degree of surface distortion of product 11. The ECU 50 can then output the electronic output signal 500 from Fig. 1. Generate using the degree of surface distortion determined with the optional 3D laser scanner 30, e.g. to take such distortion into account when locating the leak or to determine a root cause of the leak.

[0029] The present description is also suitable for implementing an automatic reflection-based method for leak detection. The control unit 50 of Fig. 1 can be programmed with instructions embodying such a procedure, with an optional robot-assisted version of the in Fig. The procedure shown in section 4 makes 100 possible. Fig. 4 is described below in the form of algorithm code segments or logic blocks to improve clarity. Each block is executable from memory 54 by the processor(s) 52 of the ECU 50, unless otherwise specified.

[0030] In general, the leak detection described here uses the signal from transmitter 20, e.g. from Fig. 1. Emitted energy 120, which has a specific wavelength range, is directed towards the surface 16 of the product 11. The product 11 defines the housing chamber 14, which in turn contains the trace gas 18. The leak detection also involves detecting the reflected energy 120R via the detector(s) 22, with each detector 22 positioned between the transmitter 20 and the product 11 at an offset distance D from the surface 16. The approaches described here involve identifying a detected leak in the product 11 via the ECU 50. This can include comparing the detected spectrum of the reflected energy 120R with a predefined spectrum of the trace gas 18. As described above, the trace gas 18 has a wavelength that lies within the maximum and minimum limits of the predetermined wavelength range of the transmitter 20. The ECU 50 then generates the electronic output signal 500 in response to the detected leak. Fig. 1, which identifies the presence and location of the leak.

[0031] Regardless of whether they are through the robot 32 of Fig. Whether or not supported by the method, the procedures considered here can direct the emitted energy 120 as IR energy with a wavelength in the range of approximately 750 nm to approximately 10 µm. If the trace gas 18 contains, for example, CO2, this can result in the IR energy being directed in a wavelength range of approximately 2 µm to approximately 10 µm, possibly with an offset distance D of approximately 0.25 m to approximately 5 m. Directing the emitted energy 120 in the predetermined wavelength range can optionally involve directing the emitted energy 120 onto a battery carrier, a welded cooling plate, or a vehicle battery cover in possible application scenarios, as mentioned above.

[0032] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of method 100 for leak testing of product 11B using the device described in Fig. 3 robot 32 shown. After initialization in block B101, e.g. by starting a program on the ECU 50, the procedure 100 goes to block B102.

[0033] In block B102, robot 32 loads product 11B, i.e., in this example a battery carrier, into holder 34. In block B102, product 11B is placed into the leak testing system 10A to prepare for the leak test. The process 100 then proceeds to block B104.

[0034] In block B104, the ECU 50 can control the position of the portal 24 so that the 3D laser scanner 30 is moved into a horizontal, overhead position relative to the product 11B. The procedure 100 then continues with block B106.

[0035] In block B106 of Fig. Step 4: The 3D laser scanner 30 is instructed by the ECU 50 to scan the outer perimeter and surface 16 of product 11B. The 3D laser scanner 30 then outputs the 3D scan file 300 to the ECU 50, which, as mentioned above, shows a contour of surface 16. Procedure 100 then proceeds to block B107.

[0036] In block B107, the ECU 50 can be switched off. Fig. 1. Based on the content of the 3D scan file 300, predict the surface distortion of product 11B. For example, ECU 50 can compare the contour of surface 16 with a baseline to determine the degree of surface distortion of product 11B. The degree of distortion can be saved and used later to determine the location and / or cause of detected leaks. Procedure 100 then proceeds to block B108.

[0037] In block B108 of Fig. Step 4 allows the portal 24 to be moved into a vertical position, thus enabling the robot 32 to move freely. In block B110, the robot 32 can then place a cover (not shown) onto the holder 34 for the purpose of the leak test. After the cover is in place, the portal 24 can be moved back into a horizontal position in block B112. The leak test can then begin.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the ECU 50 in block B114 can switch on the transmitter 20, which in this implementation is positioned directly above the product 11B. Once this has happened, the procedure 100 proceeds to block B116, in which the robot 32 (or a cooperative set of robots or "cobot") inspects the product 11B for leaks using the approach described above. That is, the detector(s) 22 detect the reflected energy 120R from their position between the transmitter 20 and the product 11B. The procedure 100 then proceeds to block B118.

[0039] In block B118, the ECU 50 announces or otherwise identifies the location of the leak. Block B118 may include, for example, identifying the leak location on a screen or in a data file, possibly with additional audio transmission. Procedure 100 then proceeds to block B120.

[0040] Block B120 of Fig. Procedure 4 describes the repair of the detected leak(s). For example, an operator can enter a work cell and repair the detected leak. Procedure 100 then proceeds to block B121.

[0041] Block B121 determines whether the detected leaks have been repaired. Options for Block B121 include repeating the leak test or performing another leak test online or offline. Procedure 100 can repeat Block B116 if the leaks have not been repaired, or alternatively, if the leaks have been repaired, it can proceed to Block B122.

[0042] In block B122 of the in Fig. In the procedure 100 shown in section 4, the ECU 50 can switch off the power supply to transmitter 20 before moving on to block B124. There, the ECU 50 can instruct portal 24 to return to the vertical position (analogous to block B108) before proceeding to block B126.

[0043] In block B126, the ECU 50 instructs the robot 32 to remove the cover installed in block B110. The process 100 then proceeds to block B128, where the robot 32 is instructed to remove the product 11B from the device 34. Fig. 3 to remove. Procedure 100 is completed in block B129. Other executions can be carried out by robot 32 with or without the support of portal 24, as a person skilled in the art can easily see.

[0044] The above, referring to the Fig. The teachings described in Figures 1-4 therefore enable optimal reflection-based imaging for leak detection in a variety of applications. In contrast to prior art leak detection systems, the present leak detection systems 10 and 10A do not require the emitter 20 to be positioned behind the trace gas 18 for radiation absorption prior to detection by the detector(s) 22. Embodiments such as those described in Figures 1-4 Fig. The three systems shown can be robot-assisted, with some components of the leak detection systems 10 and 10A being movable relative to the product 11. Optional scanning of the product 11 and the inclusion of surface contour data indicating deformation can be used to increase the accuracy of the described leak detection results.

Claims

[1] Leak detection system (10), comprising: a transmitter (20) configured to direct electromagnetic energy in a predetermined wavelength range onto a surface (16) of a product (11), wherein the product (11) defines a housing chamber (14) containing a trace gas (18); a detector (22) positioned between the transmitter (20) and the product (11) at an offset distance from the surface (16) of the product (11), wherein the detector (22) is configured to detect reflected energy (120R) during a leak test of the product (11); and an electronic control unit (ECU) (50) in conjunction with the detector (22), wherein the ECU (50) is configured: to receive an electronic input signal (122) from the detector (22) which specifies a spectrum of the reflected energy (120R); to identify a detected leak in the product (11), including comparing the spectrum of the reflected energy (120R) with a predetermined spectrum of the trace gas (18), wherein the trace gas (18) has a wavelength that falls within the predetermined wavelength range of the electromagnetic energy from the transmitter (20); and to generate an electronic output signal (500) in response to the detected leak, wherein the output signal (500) indicates the presence and location of the leak; furthermore, comprising a three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner (30) configured as follows: to scan the surface (16) of the product (11) and output a 3D scan file (300) specifying a contour of the surface (16) to the ECU (50); wherein the ECU (50) is configured to compare the contour of the surface (16) with a calibrated baseline contour in order to determine a degree of surface distortion of the product (11) and to generate the electronic output signal (500) using the degree of surface distortion. [2] Leak detection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter (20) comprises an infrared (IR) transmitter. [3] Leak detection system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined wavelength range of the electromagnetic energy is about 2 micrometers (µm) to about 10µm. [4] Leak detection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the offset distance from the surface (16) of the product (11) is about 0.25 meters (m) to about 5 m. [5] Leak detection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the detector (22) has a filter (23) having a bandwidth that includes the wavelength of the trace gas (18) and the predetermined wavelength range of the electromagnetic energy of the transmitter (20). [6] Leak detection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the ECU (50) is configured to detect the presence and location of the leak by analyzing a contrast difference between the spectrum of the reflected energy (120R) and the predetermined spectrum of the trace gas (18). [7] Leak detection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the detector (22) comprises an arrangement of detectors (22) positioned near the product (11), and wherein each respective detector (22) of the arrangement of detectors (22) is configured to detect the reflected energy (120R) from a different angle. [8] Leak detection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter (20) is configured to move in relation to the product (11). [9] Leak detection system (10) according to claim 1, further comprising: a robot (32) wherein the detector (22) is connected to the robot (32) and wherein the robot (32) is configured to move the detector (22) with respect to the product (11).

Images