Conduit Leak Localization Using a Pressure-Driven Sealing Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leaks in conduits installed inside surfaces, such as floors, walls, or ceilings are difficult to detect and locate, often requiring the entire surface to be torn up for repair, leading to high costs and disruption.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a probe with a sealing element that can be advanced through the conduit using a pressure difference, allowing for wireless detection of the probe's proximity and position, facilitating the identification of leaks without the need for extensive surface disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional leak detection methods are used, then leaks can be detected, but the entire surface must be torn up to locate and repair the leak, resulting in high costs and disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical probe advancement through the conduit with pneumatic propulsion using pressure differential. The probe is propelled by applying pressure to the fluid within the conduit, eliminating the need for manual insertion and advancement through long conduit sections. This allows rapid localization of leaks without requiring extensive surface disruption for repair access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by applying pressure differential to propel the probe through the conduit. Pressure is applied to the fluid within the conduit to push the probe forward, enabling the probe to traverse the entire conduit length and locate leaks accurately. This pneumatic propulsion system allows for efficient probe advancement without mechanical intervention.
2Loss of information
If the entire surface is torn up to locate the leak, then the leak position can be found, but repair costs and disruption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual probe advancement with automated pneumatic propulsion, enabling the probe to quickly traverse the entire conduit and locate leaks. The system provides automated detection and localization, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual inspection and extensive surface disruption to find and repair leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe performs self-propulsion through the conduit by utilizing the pressure differential applied to the fluid. The system automatically advances the probe, detects pressure changes indicating leaks, and provides localization information without requiring continuous manual intervention or extensive surface access for repair.
3Measurement precision
If a probe is inserted into the conduit to detect leaks, then leak position can be determined, but advancing the probe through long conduit sections is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic propulsion by applying pressure to the fluid within the conduit to advance the probe. This eliminates the need for manual insertion and advancement through long conduit sections, making the operation significantly easier. The pressure differential automatically propels the probe through the entire conduit length to locate leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical probe advancement with automated pneumatic propulsion. Instead of physically inserting and pushing the probe through the conduit, the system uses pressure applied to the fluid to automatically advance the probe, greatly simplifying the operation and enabling rapid leak detection throughout the entire conduit.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and accurate detection of leak positions, reducing the need for extensive surface restoration and repair, thereby minimizing costs and disruption.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure difference may be large enough to overcome the frictional forces between the sealing element and the inner surface of the conduit such that the probe and the sealing element is pushed from the high-pressure side towards the low-pressure side of the conduit
Implementation Method 2
inserting a probe into an end of the conduit, the probe having a sealing element configured to seal against an inner surface of the conduit
Implementation Method 3
determining the position of the probe by scanning a probe detector external to, and across the surface, the probe detector being configured to wirelessly detect proximity of the probe
Implementation Method 4
detecting a change in pressure in the conduit when the sealing element passes the position of the leak
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present inventive concept there is provided a method for detecting a position of a leak in a conduit being installed inside a surface. The method comprises inserting a probe into an end of the conduit. The probe has a sealing element configured to seal against an inner surface of the conduit, and proximity of the probe is wirelessly detectable. The method further comprises applying a pressure difference in the conduit across the sealing element. The method further comprises advancing the probe along the conduit such that the sealing element passes the leak. The method further comprises detecting a change in pressure in the conduit when the sealing element passes the position of the leak. The method further comprises determining the position of the probe by scanning a probe detector external to, and across the surface. The probe detector is configured to wirelessly detect proximity of the probe.