GB190905301A - Improvements in Apparatus for Indicating and Stopping Leakage from Gas Pipes. - Google Patents

Abstract

5301. Schmidt, L., and Schmidt, H. March 4. Indicating and locating leaks. - Relates to apparatus for use in connexion with gas pipes by means of which, when the pressure is reduced due to leakage, a signal is given and the gas supply is shut off, either by a float or a spring valve actuated by an electric contact device in direct connexion with the supply pipe. The signalling and cutting-off apparatus are also capable of being operated by the escaped gases by means of apparatus depending on diffusion, occlusion, or catalysis. A spring device for shutting off the gas is shown in Fig. 2. The closing of the pipe 6 is effected by the energising of the magnet 25 which releases the pawl 44 and allows the valve 39 to close the pipe 6. In connexion with the apparatus shown in Fig. 2 is a manometer 28, so that on reduction of gas pressure mercury rises in the manometer, closes an electric circuit, operates the signal 30, rings the bell 31, and closes the valve. These operations may in addition be effected in a similar manner by the diffusion cell 34 and manometer 32, or by an occlusion or catalytic device. The occlusion device comprises a palladium wire 47, Fig. 4, which in contact with the escaped gases increases its length, and allows the lever 48 to touch the adjustable screw 50 and close the circuit. The catalytic device consists of a hollow ring 52, Fig. 5, containing mercury and covered with the catalytic agent which becomes heated on contact with the gases. A pipe 54 and receptacle 55 are in connexion with this ring, and when the ring is heated, the mercury is driven into the tube 54 and closes the circuit.