External Leak Detection for Non-Pressurized Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection methods for conduits are often time-consuming, require expensive equipment, and struggle to accurately detect leaks in non-pressurized systems or require multiple tests to determine leak location and size.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection system comprising a first and second fluid section with adjustable valves and a pressure sensor to sense pressure differences over time, allowing for rapid and accurate detection of leaks in non-pressurized conduits by forming an airtight seal and isolating fluid sections to detect pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure decay leak test is used to detect leaks in non-pressurized conduits, then leak detection capability is provided, but the test requires long observation time (hours or days) and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid section to be tested from the main system and places it in a sealed testing chamber, isolating it for dedicated leak detection. This allows focused measurement without interference from the rest of the system, enabling faster and more sensitive detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter by creating a pressure differential between the testing chamber and ambient environment. By pressurizing or evacuating the chamber, the system accelerates leak detection while maintaining sensitivity to small leaks, resolving the time-sensitivity contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If tracer gas/sniffing leak test is used to detect leaks, then leak location can be detected, but expensive helium sniffing equipment and training are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a sealed testing chamber as an intermediary that concentrates any leaking fluid or gas. This intermediary allows simple pressure sensors to detect leaks that would otherwise require complex sniffing equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a controlled copy environment (testing chamber) that replicates the essential conditions needed for leak detection without requiring the complex sniffing equipment used in field tests. This simplified environment enables accurate detection with less expensive equipment.
3Measurement precision
If bubble leak test is used to detect leaks at joints, then leak location can be identified, but the test cannot detect relative large or relatively small leaks accurately and requires multiple tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visual bubble observation to pressure differential measurement. This allows the system to detect both small and large leaks within a single test by measuring pressure changes, eliminating the need for multiple tests with different methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual bubble test method with a pressure sensing system. This substitution enables quantitative measurement of leak rates across a wide range, from small to large leaks, in a single comprehensive test.
4Measurement precision
If ultrasonic leak test is used to detect leaks, then leak detection capability is provided, but the test requires expensive ultrasonic leak detector equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed testing chamber acts as an intermediary that amplifies and concentrates leak signals. This allows simple pressure sensors to achieve the sensitivity normally requiring expensive ultrasonic equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
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 fast and accurate leak detection in non-pressurized conduits without the need for extensive equipment or multiple tests, capable of detecting small and large leaks with high sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor connected to each of the first and second fluid lines and configured to sense a difference in fluid pressure between the first fluid line and the second fluid line over time
Data Source
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AI summary
A leak detection system configured to be attached on an exterior of a conduit to detect a leak in a non-pressurized conduit. The leak detection system includes a first fluid section and a second fluid section that each includes the same or similar fluid volumes. The first fluid section includes a testing chamber configured be attached to the conduit. With the testing chamber positioned on the conduit, a pressure sensor connected to each of the first and second fluid sections senses a difference in the fluid pressure between the first and second fluid sections to detect a leak.