Method for sealing remote leaks in an enclosure using an aerosol

Patent · Thu Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:872649

Modera, Mark P ^[1]; Carrie, Francois R ^[2]

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1. Piedmont, CA
2. Lyons, FR

The invention is a method and device for sealing leaks remotely by means of injecting a previously prepared aerosol into the enclosure being sealed according to a particular sealing efficiency defined by the product of a penetration efficiency and a particle deposition efficiency. By using different limits in the relationship between penetration efficiency and flowrate, the same method according the invention can be used for coating the inside of an enclosure. Specifically the invention is a method and device for preparing, transporting, and depositing a solid phase aerosol to the interior surface of the enclosure relating particle size, particle carrier flow rate, and pressure differential, so that particles deposited there can bridge and substantially seal each leak, with out providing a substantial coating at inside surfaces of the enclosure other than the leak. The particle size and flow parameters can be adjusted to coat the interior of the enclosure (duct) without substantial plugging of the leaks depending on how the particle size and flowrate relationships are chosen.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• Assignee: Regents of University of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5980984
• OSTI ID: 872649
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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