Double tracer gas process for locating conduit leaks
This apparatus generally relates to the art of detecting leaks in fluid-flow systems, and more particularly to a double tracer gas process for detecting leakages in underground conduit-type piping systems. The double tracer process of the work comprises the insertion of a tracer gas consisting of the mixture or combination of methane and argon in the protective conduit in an access point such as a man hole. Methane is a lighter-than-air hydrocarbon, and it will rise to the surface and vent to the atmosphere. It is easily detected with portable flame ionization equipment. Flame ionization detectors detect only hydrocarbons in small amounts; very small leaks may be detected. Argon is heavier than air and can be detected with suitable instruments, such as a gas-a-phon. A test hole is bored into the ground over the conduit-type piping system under test, and samples of the subsurface atmosphere in the test hole are drawn into the gas-a-phon by a suitable hose. If argon is present in the subsurface atmosphere in the test hole in the area of the conduit, a reading is noted on the instrument. 3 claims.
- Assignee:
- Heath Consultants Inc.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4189938
- OSTI ID:
- 6030789
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 13 Dec 1978
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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