Method for checking the leak-tightness of a drain valve of an aircraft wastewater tank and tooling for implementing said method

Abstract

Method for checking the leak tightness of a drain valve of an aircraft wastewater tank and tooling for implementing said method. The invention relates to a method for checking the leak tightness of a drain valve (36) positioned in a drain pipe (34) of an aircraft wastewater tank, characterized in that it comprises a step of applying a set pressure, different from atmospheric pressure, in a closed downstream zone (36.2) located in the drain pipe (34) downstream of the drain valve (36), a step of measuring the pressure of the downstream zone (36.2) after a waiting period and then a step of comparing the set pressure and the measured pressure in order to determine the presence of a leak at the drain valve (36) if the pressure difference between the set pressure and the measured pressure is greater than a given threshold.The invention also relates to tooling for implementing said control method. Figure 6.

Description

Title of the invention: Method for checking the leak-tightness of a drain valve of an aircraft wastewater tank and tooling for implementing said method

[0001] This application relates to a method for checking the tightness of a drain valve of a wastewater tank of an aircraft and to a tool enabling its implementation.

[0002] According to an embodiment visible in figures 1 to 3, an aircraft 10 includes at least one tank 12 intended for storing wastewater, a vacuum system intended for generating a vacuum in the tank and a draining device 14 configured for emptying the tank. This draining device 14 includes a drain conduit 16 which has an upstream end 16.1 opening into the tank and a downstream end 16.2 opening outside the aircraft fuselage, to which a discharge conduit can be connected, and a drain valve 18 positioned between the upstream and downstream ends 16.1, 16.2 of the drain conduit 16 and configured to occupy a passing state in which the drain valve 18 allows flow into the drain conduit 16 from the upstream end 16.1 to the downstream end 16.2 and a closed state in which the drain valve 18 prevents any flow into the drain conduit 16.

[0003] According to one configuration, the drain valve 18 is configured to pivot about a pivot axis A18 in order to move from the closed state to the open state and vice versa. In addition, the drain device 14 includes an operating lever 20 for pivoting the drain valve 18, configured to occupy first and second positions corresponding respectively to the closed and open states.

[0004] Since the fluid contained in the tank 12 is corrosive, it is necessary to avoid any leakage that could cause corrosion.

[0005] In operation, since the operating lever 20 or the drain valve 18 has no visual marker to indicate that the operating lever 20 is in the first position or that the drain valve 18 is in the closed state, it is difficult to determine whether the operating lever 20 is correctly positioned in the first position corresponding to the closed state of the drain valve 18. Consequently, the drain valve 18 may not be completely closed and a thin stream of corrosive fluid may escape from the tank 12 and cause corrosion.

[0006] Moreover, over time, wear and tear on the drain valve 18 can cause a slight leak of the corrosive fluid contained in the tank 12.

[0007] A leak of fluid due to improper closure of the drain valve 18 or wear may be difficult to observe.

[0008] According to a configuration visible in [Fig.2], the drain device 14 includes a plug 22 configured to screw into the downstream end 16.2 of the drain conduit 16 and occupy a closed position in which the plug 22 seals the downstream end 16.2 of the drain conduit 16 and an open position in which the plug 22 exposes the downstream end 16.2 of the drain conduit 16. This plug 22 theoretically allows the corrosive fluid to be retained in the event of a leak from the drain valve 18.

[0009] In operation, the cap 22 may not be properly screwed on or perfectly sealed and may not retain the liquid in the event of a leak at the drain valve 18.

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a method for checking the leakage of a drain valve positioned in a drain pipe of an aircraft wastewater tank, the drain pipe having a downstream end configured to connect in a removable manner a discharge pipe, the drain valve and the drain pipe delimiting a downstream zone located between the downstream end of the drain pipe and the drain valve.

[0012] According to the invention, the control method comprises: a. a step of sealing the downstream area of ​​the drain pipe in a watertight manner, b. a step of applying a setpoint pressure, different from atmospheric pressure, in the closed downstream zone, c. a step of measuring the pressure in the downstream area after a waiting period, d. a step of comparing the setpoint pressure and the measured pressure in order to establish a pressure difference, then, e. a step to determine a leak at the drain valve if the pressure difference is greater than a given threshold.

[0013] This method allows, in a simple and quick way, to detect a leak at the level of the drain valve.

[0014] According to a first configuration, the setpoint pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure. According to an embodiment, the setpoint pressure is at least twice greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0015] According to a second configuration, the setpoint pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure. According to one embodiment, the setpoint pressure is less than half of atmospheric pressure.

[0016] According to another feature, the given threshold from which a leak of the drain valve is between 1 and 10%, preferably equal to 5%, of the set pressure.

[0017] According to another characteristic, the waiting time is on the order of 5 minutes.

[0018] The invention also relates to tooling for implementing a control method according to one of the preceding features. According to the invention, the tooling comprises a plug configured to occupy an assembled state in which the plug is connected to the downstream end of the drain line and seals it tightly, and a disassembled state in which the plug is separated from the downstream end of the drain line. When the plug is in the assembled state, the drain line and the plug define at least one sealed cavity that includes the downstream area. In addition, the plug comprises at least one connection configured to connect at least one element from among a compressor, a vacuum pump, and a pressure sensor.

[0019] According to another feature, the plug has a tubular body which extends between first and second ends, the first end being configured to cooperate with the downstream end of the drain conduit in a sealed manner and the second end being sealed.

[0020] According to another feature, the downstream end of the drain pipe includes a threaded outer section. In addition, the tubular body has an inner face which, at the first end, has a threaded section adapted to screw onto the threaded outer section of the downstream end of the drain pipe.

[0021] According to a first configuration, the tooling includes a compressor and a first conduit connecting the compressor and the branch, the compressor being configured to apply a set pressure in the cavity.

[0022] According to a second configuration, the tooling includes a vacuum pump and a first conduit connecting the vacuum pump and the tapping, the vacuum pump being configured to apply a set pressure in the cavity.

[0023] According to another feature, the tooling also includes at least one pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure in the cavity.

[0024] According to another feature, the pressure sensor is integrated into the cap.

[0025] According to another feature, the pressure sensor is a separate element and separate from the cap. In addition, the tooling includes a second conduit connecting the pressure sensor and the cap.

[0026] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0027] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a rear part of an aircraft and a detailed view of an area of ​​the aircraft fuselage including a drainage device illustrating one embodiment,

[0028] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal section of part of a drainage device illustrating an embodiment of the prior art,

[0029] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of part of a drainage device illustrating an embodiment of the prior art,

[0030] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a draining device and part of a leak testing tool illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

[0031] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of part of a leak testing tool illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

[0032] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of a drain pipe and leak testing tooling illustrating one embodiment of the invention.

[0033] According to an embodiment visible in [Fig.4], an aircraft includes a fuselage 30, at least one tank configured to store wastewater and a draining device 32 configured to communicate the tank with an external area of ​​the fuselage 30.

[0034] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 6, the draining device 32 comprises a drain conduit 34 which has an upstream end 34.1 opening into the tank and a downstream end 34.2 opening outside the fuselage 30 and to which a discharge conduit can be connected, as well as a drain valve 36 (visible in [Fig. 6]) positioned between the upstream and downstream ends 34.1, 34.2 of the drain conduit 34. This drain valve 36 is configured to occupy an open state in which the drain valve allows flow into the drain conduit 34, from the upstream end 34.1 to the downstream end 34.2, and a closed state in which the drain valve 36 prevents any flow into the drain conduit 34. By way of example, the drain valve 36 comprises a spherical plug.

[0035] The draining device 32 also includes a control 38, such as an operating lever, which can be actuated by an operator to switch the draining valve 36 from the closed state to the open state or vice versa.

[0036] The downstream end 34.2 of the drain pipe 34 is configured to connect a drain pipe in a removable manner. In one configuration, the downstream end 34.2 includes an external threaded section.

[0037] In the closed state, the drain valve 36 delimits with the drain conduit 34 an upstream zone 36.1 located between the upstream end 34.1 of the drain conduit 34 and the drain valve 36 and a downstream zone 36.2 located between the downstream end 34.2 of the drain conduit 34 and the drain valve 36.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the draining device 32 includes a plug configured to screw into the downstream end 34.2 of the draining conduit 34 and to occupy a closed position in which the plug seals the downstream end 34.2 of the draining conduit 34 and an open position in which the plug uncovers the downstream end 34.2 of the draining conduit 34.

[0039] The various elements of the drainage device 32 are not described further because they may be identical to those of the prior art.

[0040] A method for checking the tightness of the drain valve 36 includes a step of sealing the downstream area 36.2 of the drain conduit 34, a step of applying a set pressure, different from atmospheric pressure, in the closed downstream area 36.2, a step of measuring the pressure of the downstream area 36.2 after a waiting period, a step of comparing the set pressure and the measured pressure in order to establish a pressure difference and then a step of determining a leak at the drain valve if the pressure difference is greater than a given threshold.

[0041] According to a first operating mode, the setpoint pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure. In this case, the step of applying a setpoint pressure consists of increasing the pressure in the downstream zone 36.2. As an indication, the setpoint pressure is at least twice atmospheric pressure.

[0042] According to a second operating mode, the setpoint pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure. In this case, the step of applying a setpoint pressure consists of reducing the pressure in the downstream zone 36.2 by applying a vacuum. For example, the setpoint pressure is less than half atmospheric pressure.

[0043] When the set pressure is reached, the pressure is measured after the waiting time. According to one operating procedure, this waiting time is approximately 5 minutes.

[0044] According to one configuration, the given threshold above which a leak in the drain valve is between 1 and 10%, preferably equal to 5%, of the setpoint pressure. According to this configuration, if, after the waiting time, the difference between the measured pressure and the setpoint pressure is greater than or equal to 5% of the setpoint pressure value, then the drain valve 36 is considered to be leaking.

[0045] This method allows, in a simple and quick way, to detect a leak at the level of the drain valve 36.

[0046] The invention provides a tooling for implementing the process described above.

[0047] This tooling includes a plug 40 configured to occupy a mounted state in which the plug 40 is connected to the downstream end 34.2 of the drain conduit 34 and seals it tightly, and a disassembled state in which the plug 40 is separated from the downstream end 34.2 of the drain conduit 34.

[0048] According to one embodiment, this plug 40 has a tubular body 42 which extends between first and second ends 42.1, 42.2, the first end 42.1 being configured to cooperate with the downstream end 34.2 of the drain conduit 34 in a sealed manner, the second end 42.2 being closed.

[0049] According to one configuration, the tubular body 42 has an inner face F42 which includes, at the first end 42.1, a threaded section adapted to screw onto the threaded outer section of the downstream end 34.2 of the drain conduit 34. In addition, the plug 40 includes at least one sealing gasket to obtain a seal between the plug 40 and the drain conduit 34 when the plug 40 is in the mounted state.

[0050] Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration. Regardless of the embodiment, the plug 40 and the downstream end 34.2 of the drain conduit 34 comprise shapes that cooperate to connect the plug 40 to the downstream end 34.2 of the drain conduit 34 in a removable manner and to obtain a leak-proof connection between the plug 40 and the drain conduit 34.

[0051] When the plug 40 is mounted, the drain conduit 34 and the plug 40 define at least one sealed cavity which includes the downstream area 36.2.

[0052] The plug 40 includes at least a first opening 44 allowing communication between the cavity of the plug 40 and the outside.

[0053] According to a first embodiment, the tooling includes a compressor 46 and a first conduit 48 connecting the compressor 46 and the first branch 44, the compressor 46 being configured to apply a set pressure in the cavity and in the downstream area 36.2 of the drain conduit 34.

[0054] According to a second embodiment, the tooling includes a vacuum pump and a first conduit 48 connecting the vacuum pump and the first branch 44, the vacuum pump being configured to apply a set pressure in the cavity and in the downstream area 36.2 of the drain conduit 34.

[0055] In both cases, the first conduit 48 may have a quick connection system to connect it in a removable manner to the first branch 44.

[0056] Of course, the invention is not limited to these two embodiments. Regardless of the embodiment, the tooling includes a pressure modulation system configured to apply a setpoint pressure, different from atmospheric pressure, in the cavity.

[0057] The tooling also includes at least one pressure sensor 50 configured to measure the pressure in the cavity and in the downstream area 36.2 of the drain conduit 34.

[0058] According to one configuration, the pressure sensor is integrated into the cap 40.

[0059] According to another configuration shown in [Fig. 6], the pressure sensor 50 is a separate element from the plug 40. In this case, the tooling includes a second conduit 52, connecting the pressure sensor 50 and a branch in the plug 40, which allows communication between the cavity and the pressure sensor 50. The plug 40 may include a second branch 54 for connecting the second conduit 52. Alternatively, the same branch is used to connect, alternately, the compressor 46, the vacuum pump, or the pressure sensor 50.

[0060] Regardless of its configuration, the plug 40 includes at least one spigot 44, 54 configured to connect at least one element among a compressor 46, a vacuum pump and a pressure sensor 50.

[0061] The tooling of the invention makes it possible to check, in a simple and quick way, whether the drain valve is leaking.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for leak testing a drain valve (36) positioned in a drain line (34) of an aircraft wastewater tank, the drain line (34) having a downstream end (34.2) configured to connect in a removable manner to a discharge line, the drain valve (36) and the drain line (34) defining a downstream zone (36.2) located between the downstream end (34.2) of the drain line (34) and the drain valve (36); characterized in that the control method includes a step of sealing the downstream area (36.2) of the drain conduit (34) with a plug (40) having a tubular body (42) which extends between first and second ends (42.1, 42.2), the first end (42.1) being configured to cooperate with the downstream end (34.2) of the drain conduit (34) in a sealed manner, the second end (42.2) being closed, a step of applying a set pressure, different from atmospheric pressure, in the closed downstream zone (36.2), a step of measuring the pressure of the downstream zone (36.2) after a waiting period, a step of comparing the set pressure and the measured pressure in order to establish a pressure difference and then a step of determining a leak at the drain valve (36) if the pressure difference is greater than a given threshold.

2. A control method according to claim 1, characterized in that the set pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure.

3. A control method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the set pressure is at least twice the atmospheric pressure.

4. A control method according to claim 1, characterized in that the set pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure.

5. A control method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the setpoint pressure is less than half of atmospheric pressure.

6. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the given threshold from which a leak of the drain valve (36) is detected is between 1 and 10%, preferably equal to 5%, of the set pressure.

7. A control method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the waiting time is on the order of 5 minutes.

8. Tooling for implementing a control method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tooling comprises a plug (40) configured to occupy an assembled state in which the plug (40) is connected to the downstream end (34.2) of the drain line (34) and seals it tightly, and a disassembled state in which the plug (40) is separated from the downstream end (34.2) of the drain line (34), the drain line (34) and the plug (40) defining, when the plug (40) is in the assembled state, at least one sealed cavity which includes the downstream area (36.2), in that the plug (40) comprises at least one branch (44, 54) configured to connect at least one element among a compressor (46), a vacuum pump and a pressure sensor (50), and in that the plug (40) has a tubular body (42) which extends between the first and second ends (42.1, 42.2), the first end (42.1) being configured to cooperate with the downstream end (34.2) of the drain conduit (34) in a sealed manner, the second end (42.2) being sealed.

9. Tooling according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the downstream end (34.2) of the drain conduit (34) comprises an external threaded section and in that the tubular body (42) has an internal face (F42) which includes, at the first end (42.1), a threaded section adapted to screw onto the external threaded section of the downstream end (34.2) of the drain conduit (34).

10. Tooling according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the tooling comprises a compressor (46) and a first conduit (48) connecting the compressor (46) and the branch (44), the compressor (46) being configured to apply a set pressure in the cavity.

11. Tooling according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the tooling comprises a vacuum pump and a first conduit (48) connecting the vacuum pump and the branch (44), the vacuum pump being configured to apply a set pressure in the cavity.

12. Tooling according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the tooling also includes at least one pressure sensor (50) configured to measure the pressure in the cavity.

13. Tooling according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the pressure sensor is integrated into the cap (40).

14. Tooling according to claim 12, characterized in that the pressure sensor (50) is a distinct element separate from the plug (40) and in that the tooling includes a second conduit (52) connecting the pressure sensor (50) and the plug (40).

Images