Pressurized Gas Tank Leak Testing via Trapped Circuit Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for leak testing pressurized gas tanks, such as using a source pressure store, can result in excessive pressure peaks or ineffective tests if the trapped gas pressure is lower than the tank pressure, leading to poor filling and evaluation of initial pressure.
Innovation Solution
Measure the pressure of the gas trapped in the circuit between isolation valves and perform the leak test using the second valve when the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, or fill the circuit to reach that threshold before conducting the leak test with the second valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a source pressure store is used to carry out the leak test, then the leak test can be performed, but excessively great pressure peaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the gas already trapped in the circuit between the two isolation valves as an intermediary medium to perform the leak test. Instead of directly connecting the high-pressure source to the tank for testing, the trapped gas acts as a buffer that can be pressurized to a controlled level (above the tank's initial pressure but below excessive peaks) to effectively detect leaks without causing dangerous pressure spikes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter dynamically by first measuring the trapped gas pressure, then selectively pressurizing it only if it's below a predetermined threshold. This ensures the test pressure is always sufficient to detect leaks (higher than tank pressure) but controlled to avoid excessive peaks, adapting the pressure level to the specific situation.
2Reliability
If the trapped gas pressure is lower than the tank pressure, then the pressure is insufficient for effective leak testing, but pressurizing the tank directly causes excessive pressure peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the pressure of the trapped gas before the leak test. Based on this measurement, the system decides whether to pressurize the trapped gas or proceed directly with the test. This feedback loop ensures that the trapped gas pressure is always appropriate (above tank pressure) for effective leak detection without causing excessive pressure peaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the leak test process dynamic by adapting the procedure based on the measured trapped gas pressure. If the pressure is sufficient, the test proceeds immediately; if not, the system first pressurizes the trapped gas to the appropriate level. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both test effectiveness and pressure control for each specific situation.
3Stress or pressure
If the trapped gas pressure is used for leak testing, then pressure peaks are avoided, but the test may be ineffective if the pressure is lower than the tank pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary action by measuring the trapped gas pressure before conducting the leak test. This preliminary measurement allows the system to determine whether pressurization is needed, ensuring that the trapped gas pressure will be sufficient for effective leak detection while still avoiding excessive pressure peaks. The preliminary check enables appropriate preparation before the actual test.
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
Ensures a sufficient pressure for effective leak testing, avoiding excessive pressure peaks and ensuring a safe and satisfactory test, even if the initial tank pressure is lower, by using the trapped gas volume and ensuring the pressure meets the required threshold.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement of the pressure of the supply of gas trapped in the circuit between these two valves
Implementation Method 2
the first and second isolation valves being closed in order to trap a supply of pressurized gas in the circuit between these two valves
Implementation Method 3
the leak test comprising placing the second tank under pressure via the opening of the second valve
Data Source
AI summary
Leak testing is performed after filling a first tank with pressurized gas and before filling a second tank with the same via a filling circuit including first and second isolation valves. After the first tank is filled, the pressure of gas trapped between the two closed isolation valves is measured. If the pressure is below a predetermined threshold, the first isolation valve is opened until the pressure reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold, at which time the first isolation valve is closed and the second isolation valve is opened so that the leak test may be performed. If the pressure is otherwise at or above the threshold, the leak test is performed.