GB2239529A

GB2239529A - Leak/pressure tester

Info

Publication number: GB2239529A
Application number: GB8928121A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathon Leach
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-12-13
Filing date: 1989-12-13
Publication date: 1991-07-03
Also published as: GB8928121D0

Abstract

A device for testing domestic and like pipework for leaks or pressure variations comprises a manifold into which a pressure gauge 2, a bleed valve 5, an operating valve and hose union 6, and an adaptor 4 for connection to a suitable fitting on the pipework, are fined. To test domestic pipework for leaks, adaptor 4 is connected to a suitable pipework fitting and the valve is opened to enable the pipework to be pressurised to a suitable pressure by a foot pump or electric compressor connected by a hose to the union 6. The desired pressure having been attained, a set pointer of the gauge is moved to indicate this value and the valve is closed. After a time, difference in pressure between the instantaneous pointer and set pointer, is indicative of a leak. To test pipework that is in commision to ascertain whether the water pressure available is suitable for the fitting of a new appliance, the adaptor 4 is connected to the pipework and with the valve closed, the pressure is determined by gauge 2. <IMAGE>

Description

PLUMBING INSTALLATION TESTING DEVICE This invention relates to a versatile testing device suitable for domestic and light commercial applications.

At present domestic and light commercial plumbing installations are tested by commisioning the system and checking for leaks by sight and sound. This is workable when the system is available for inspection, but not so when pipework is concealed say, beneath concrete or suspended floors or stud (partition) walls. Obviously using the sight and sound method serious damage can result, besides which there is no safety factor allowance because the maximum available pressure is the normal working load. With regard to a pipework system that is in commission, it is often desirous to know the operating pressures within so that appliances can be properly serviced. An example of this would be to observe any pressure drop in a block of flats due to lack of head or intermittant reductions due to peak demands BEFORE installing an appliance which could suffer because of this.

The invention provides for a safe and accurate means of testing at least both filled and unfilled systems as mentioned above. By joining into a system via an existing outlet, valve or the like, the pipework can all be tested dry by attaching an external air source (a small compressor) and pressurising to beyond the normal operating limits to ensure a safety factor. The invention allows for the system to be left for a period of time arid any rise or fall on the guage (assisted by the settable knob) would be indicative of a fault.

By closing the valve the invention can be safely used in ascertaining readings of pressure and any fluctuations on an established (filled) system via an existing component.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with referance to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective the testing device with the valve closed ready for connection to a filled pipework system.

Figure 2 shows in schematic form the two main intended function roles of the device.

Referring to the drawing, the invention comprises of a manifold forming the main body of the device into which the pressure guage ( 2 ) is fitted the adaptor ( 4 ) is fitted, the bleeder device ( 5 ) is fitted and the valve plus hose union ( 6 ) is fitted.

In order to test a new (dry) system for soundness as in test A in figure 2, the device is connected to a compatable component via adaptor ( 4 ). The bleed device ( 5 ) is closed. The hose union ( 6 ) is connected to a suitable air supply ( say a foot pump or a small electric compressor ) and the valve opened. As the system fills with air, the gauge needle rises in the normal way and when the desired pressure is attained the valve is closed. A manually settable pointer ( 1) on the gauge set over the needle will detect any rise or drop in pressure over a period. The bleed device ( 5 ) is for adjusting guage reading in the normal way and also for de-compressing the system after testing.

To test an existing system that is in commission, the device is connected to an available component that is suitable via adaptor ( 4 ) as in test B figure 2. The valve is closed, so is the bleed device ( 5) and the test device pressurised by opening appliance valve as in B of figure 2. Alternatively a blank plug may be fitted into the adaptor ( 4 ) and the pipework system accessed via the invention after removing hose union ( 6 ). The pressure reading obtained can decide on choice of appliance in locations which suffer from low head or pressure fluctuations.

Claims

1) A testing device in the form of a body with pressure guage, and operating valve with means to adapt to pipework systems at either end of the body, dependant on whichever test is desired, by operating the valve as required.

2) A testing device as claimed in claim one wherein a bleed device is provided to the body to control the pressure and drain down after the test.

3) A testing device as claimed in claim one or claim two wherein a manually settable pointer is provided to the guage for the purpose of recording a position on the dial plate prior to any rise or fall in pressure.

4) A testing device as claimed in claim one, or claim two, or claim three, whereby pressure may be applied to the pipework to be tested, enabling a safety factor to be established.

5) A testing device substantially as described herein with references to figure 1 and operating schematic drawings figure 2 A and B.