초록 ▼

An apparatus for detecting a leak in an isolated segment of a pipe with a known fluid: The apparatus includes a mechanism for producing a pressure pulse in the pipe. The producing mechanism is adapted for connection to the pipe. The apparatus includes a mechanism for sensing the reflection of the pu

An apparatus for detecting a leak in an isolated segment of a pipe with a known fluid: The apparatus includes a mechanism for producing a pressure pulse in the pipe. The producing mechanism is adapted for connection to the pipe. The apparatus includes a mechanism for sensing the reflection of the pulse in the pipe and a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure in the pipe. The pressure sensor is adapted for connection to the pipe. The apparatus includes a mechanism for determining whether the pressure of the fluid in the pipe has negatively deviated from an expected pressure-temperature relationship of the fluid in the pipe. A method for detecting a fluid leak in an isolated segment of a pipe: The method consists of five steps: Step 1, measure the average propagation velocity of the fluid in an isolated segment of the pipeline at time t.sub.1. Step 2, measure the pressure of the fluid in the isolated segment of the pipe at time t.sub.1. Step 3, measure the pressure of the fluid in the isolated segment of the pipe at time t.sub.2 and calculate the change in pressure occurring between t.sub.2 and t.sub.1. Step 4, measure the average propagation velocity of the fluid in an isolated segment of the pipe at time t.sub.2 and determine the corresponding change in average temperature. Step 5, calculate the amount of pressure change due to temperature changes and the amount due to probable leaks.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for detecting a leak in an isolated segment of a pipe with a known fluid comprising:a mechanism for producing a pulse in the fluid in the pipe, said producing mechanism adapted to be connected to the pipe;a mechanism for sensing the presence of the pulse in

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for detecting a leak in an isolated segment of a pipe with a known fluid comprising:a mechanism for producing a pulse in the fluid in the pipe, said producing mechanism adapted to be connected to the pipe;a mechanism for sensing the presence of the pulse in the fluid in the pipe;a mechanism for determining transit time of the pulse at least at one location along the pipe, the determining mechanism in communication with the sensing mechanism,a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure in the pipe, said pressure sensor adapted to connected to the pipe; anda mechanism for determining whether the pressure of the fluid in the pipe has negatively deviated from an expected pressure-temperature relationship of the fluid in the pipe based on the pressure in the pipe sensed by the pressure sensor and the transit time of the pulse in the fluid in the pipe, said determining mechanism in communication with the pressure sensor and the sensing mechanism.