Apparatus and method for detecting leaks in piping
A method and device are disclosed for detecting the location of leaks along a wall or piping system, preferably in double-walled piping. The apparatus comprises a sniffer probe, a rigid cord such as a length of tube attached to the probe on one end and extending out of the piping with the other end, a source of pressurized air and a source of helium. The method comprises guiding the sniffer probe into the inner pipe to its distal end, purging the inner pipe with pressurized air, filling the annulus defined between the inner and outer pipe with helium, and then detecting the presence of helium within the inner pipe with the probe as is pulled back through the inner pipe. The length of the tube at the point where a leak is detected determines the location of the leak in the pipe. 2 figures.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-89SR18035
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5375457; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 8-070807
- OSTI ID:
- 6648396
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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