Tank Head Leak Testing via Intermediate Space Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for leak testing tank heads in gas cylinders are expensive, time-consuming, and require large quantities of pressurized gas, especially when testing hydrogen, as they necessitate filling the tank to test pressure, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving injection of pressurized gas into the intermediate space between the inner and outer sealing devices of the tank head, measuring the pressure, and detecting leaks by observing pressure drops, allowing for leak testing during manufacture without fully filling the tank, using minimal gas and reducing test duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tank is filled to test pressure for leak testing, then the sealing at the fastening can be tested, but large quantities of gas are consumed and the test duration is at least 20 minutes per cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The test space is segmented into two distinct zones: the intermediate space (accessible via duct for testing) and the inner chamber (containing the actual gas). This allows the sealing test to be performed on a small, isolated volume rather than requiring the entire tank to be filled to test pressure, thereby reducing gas consumption and test duration while maintaining test accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A duct is introduced as an intermediary element that provides access to the intermediate space between the tank head and the tank wall. This duct allows pressure injection and monitoring without requiring the main tank chamber to be pressurized to full test pressure, enabling rapid testing with minimal gas consumption.
2Reliability
If the tank is filled to test pressure for leak testing, then the sealing can be tested, but expensive test benches are required and large quantities of gas must be pressurized
Solution Approach 1:
The test space is segmented into two distinct zones: the intermediate space (accessible via duct for testing) and the inner chamber (containing the actual gas). This allows the sealing test to be performed on a small, isolated volume rather than requiring the entire tank to be filled to test pressure, thereby reducing gas consumption and test duration while maintaining test accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying full test pressure to the entire tank chamber, the invention applies pressure partially to only the intermediate space through the duct. This partial action is sufficient to test the sealing at the fastening without the excessive gas consumption and cost associated with pressurizing the complete tank volume.
3Reliability
If two seals are used in the tank head, then leak detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A duct is introduced as an intermediary element that provides access to the intermediate space between the tank head and the tank wall. This duct allows pressure injection and monitoring without requiring the main tank chamber to be pressurized to full test pressure, enabling rapid testing with minimal gas consumption.
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
This method significantly reduces testing time and cost by allowing leak testing during tank assembly manufacture with minimal gas usage, improving safety and efficiency by identifying leaks without the need for a costly test bench and extensive gas consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the injection of gas is halted at a given pressure, the magnitude of said pressure is measured via said duct, if the measurement of the magnitude of said pressure indicates a drop thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Method for leak testing a tank head, intended to be filled with a gas under high pressure and before it enters service, which head including at least two sealing devices, referred to as an inner and an outer sealing devices, which delimit there between an intermediate space into which opens a duct which communicates with the outside, such that: said test is carried out during the manufacture of the tank assembly, after fitting the tank head and before this tank is filled with high-pressure gas, pressurized gas is injected via the duct into the intermediate space between the two sealing devices, the gas injection is stopped at a given pressure, the value of said pressure is measured via said duct.