The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 12, 2001
Filed:
Jan. 29, 1999
Calvin R. Hastings, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Donald R. Augenstein, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Herbert Estrada, Annapolis, MD (US);
Caldon, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Abstract
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,. Step 2, measure the pressure of the fluid in the isolated segment of the pipe at time t,. Step 3, measure the pressure of the fluid in the isolated segment of the pipe at time t,and calculate the change in pressure occurring between t,and t,. Step 4, measure the average propagation velocity of the fluid in an isolated segment of the pipe at time t,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.