Vacuum leak detector and method

Patent · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:864736

Edwards, Jr., David ^[1]

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1. (7 Brown's La., Bellport, NY 11713)

Apparatus and method for detecting leakage in a vacuum system involves a moisture trap chamber connected to the vacuum system and to a pressure gauge. Moisture in the trap chamber is captured by freezing or by a moisture adsorbent to reduce the residual water vapor pressure therein to a negligible amount. The pressure gauge is then read to determine whether the vacuum system is leaky. By directing a stream of carbon dioxide or helium at potentially leaky parts of the vacuum system, the apparatus can be used with supplemental means to locate leaks.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76
• Assignee: Edwards, Jr., David (7 Brown's La., Bellport, NY 11713)
• Patent Number(s): US 4409817
• OSTI ID: 864736
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

vacuum
leak
detector
method
apparatus
detecting
leakage
involves
moisture
trap
chamber
connected
pressure
gauge
captured
freezing
adsorbent
reduce
residual
water
vapor
therein
negligible
amount
determine
leaky
directing
stream
carbon
dioxide
helium
potentially
supplemental
means
locate
leaks
pressure therein
water vapor
carbon dioxide
vapor pressure
pressure gauge
leak detector
residual water
moisture trap
chamber connected
detecting leakage
trap chamber
/73/