GB2411480A - Method of detecting leaks - Google Patents
Method of detecting leaks Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2411480A GB2411480A GB0502196A GB0502196A GB2411480A GB 2411480 A GB2411480 A GB 2411480A GB 0502196 A GB0502196 A GB 0502196A GB 0502196 A GB0502196 A GB 0502196A GB 2411480 A GB2411480 A GB 2411480A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- path
- sight glass
- gas
- water
- leak
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 18
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 28
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 16
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013589 supplement Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/04—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
- G01M3/06—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point by observing bubbles in a liquid pool
- G01M3/10—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point by observing bubbles in a liquid pool for containers, e.g. radiators
- G01M3/106—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point by observing bubbles in a liquid pool for containers, e.g. radiators for radiators
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
- G01M3/32—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators
- G01M3/3227—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators for radiators
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a method of detecting leaks in heat exchanger plate packs, and has for its objective the provision of a method that is an improvement on known detection methods. The objective is met by a method of detecting leaks in plate heat exchangers comprising emptying a first flow path of the product normally flowing therethrough, emptying a second flow path 11 of heating or cooling medium normally flowing therethrough, connecting the inlet 6 to one said path to a water supply and attaching a sight glass 14 to the outlet 7 therefrom, filling the said first path and sight glass 14 with water and allowing water to flow until all air is expelled, setting the level of water in the sight glass part way up its height, connecting the inlet to the second path 11 to a source of gas, closing the outlet 10 from said second path, and pressurising the gas in the second path. Should there be a leak pressurized gas will flow into the first path and the water level in the sight glass will be caused to rise signalling the existence of at least one leak. After time, gas bubbles will eventually reach the sight glass providing a second visual indication of a leak. A pressure gauge 18 may be provided in the second path 11 and an indicated drop in pressure will provide a further indication of a leak.
Description
241 1 480
METHOD OF DETECTING LEAKS
This Invention relates to a method of detecting leaks, and is particularly concerned with the detection of leaks in plate heat exchangers.
It is common practice to construct plate heat exchangers from packs of plates, to provide two flow paths for fluids. It is highly desirable if not essential that fluid flowing through one flow path does not leak into the other flow path, and whilst external leaks on the plate pack are ordinarily plainly visible, internal leaks can remain undetected.
Consequent on this, it has long been established to subject plate heat exchanger plate packs to periodic testing to sense if internal leaks across the plates from one flow path to the other l0 are present. There are existing proposals for testing leaks employing a detectable gas such as helium. Thus, and as is described in US Patent 4 688 627 where a heat exchanger is used to produce superheated steam, helium is injected into the high pressure flow path, and if there are any leaks, helium will pass into the low pressure flow path. From here, a sample of steam can be extracted and condensed, and any uncondensed helium gas content analysed by mass spectrography. In British 2 314 421, one flow path through a plate heat exchanger is emptied and its outlet closed, and its inlet connected to a source of helium gas. The second flow path is emptied and connected to an air circulation means including a helium gas detection probe. As helium gas pressurses the first path any leak allows helium to be picked up in the air circulating through the second path and sensed by the helium probe.
The object of the present invention is to improve on those methods of leak detection already known.
According to the present invention a method of detecting leaks in plate heat exchangers comprises emptying a first flow path of the product normally flowing therethrough, emptying a second flow path of heating or cooling medium normally flowing therethrough, connecting the inlet to one said path to a water supply and attaching a sight glass to the outlet therefrom, filling the said first path and sight glass with water and allowing water to flow until all air is expelled, setting the level of water in the sight glass part way up its height, connecting the inlet to the second path to a source of gas, closing the outlet from said second path, and pressurising the gas in the second path.
Preferably, the gas used to pressurise the second path is helium, when a relatively simple yet efficient helium probe can be used to check a plate pack externally and ensure the leak free nature of all connections for the supply of helium gas With water in the one path left at ambient pressure, and with the gas in the other path pressurized, gas in the other path will find anyinternal leak between the two paths, and gas pass into the one path. The Immediate effect of this is that water Is displaced from the one path causing the water in the sight glass to rise, and provide a reliable visual indication that leaks are present. A further advantage of employing helium as the gas is that its extremely small particle size allows it to pass through the most minute of cracks In the plates.
Eventually, and if the test is allowed to continue, not only will the water level in the sight glass rise, but also gas bubbles will be seen rising in the sight glass.
According to a second aspect of the invention and additional to the provision of a sight glass, monitoring means may be provided for the gas in the other flow path. Said monitoring means may be a pressure gauge, but preferably is a suitable microprocessor programmed to give a visual readout to signal the build-up of pressure to a predetermined degree and when the inlet to the other path is closed, and constantly monitor and provide a readout of the pressure in the other path.
In the circumstance of the existence of a leak, pressure in the other path will progressively lessen, and which can be noted by periodic inspection, or by considering a succession of pressure readings or a tracing, over a specified test period. The signalling of any drop in pressure can only be a consequence of the presence of an internal leak, when effective external sensing has not revealed an external leak from the plate pack or its connections.
If a leak is detected the plate pack can be taken out of service for repair.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing, in which.
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a heat exchange plate pack in a condition for performing the method of the invention In the drawing, a plate pack 1 taken from a conventional heat exchanger is positioned between plate pack frame members 2, 3, the assembly being held together by tie rods 4 and frame clamps 5.
The assembly can be located in a holding frame means not shown, for the convenience of an operative.
The plate pack frame member 2 has inlet and outlet holes 6, 7 to cooperate with the inlet to and the outlet from one path 8 through the heat exchanger plates, and the frame member 3 has inlet and outlet holes 9, 10 to co-operate with the inlet to aid the outlet from a second path 11 through the heat exchanger plates.
The inlet hole 6 in the frame member 2 is connected to a source of water via an inlet valve 12, and the outlet hole has attached thereto a feed pipe 13 to a sight glass 14, that is open to atmosphere and has an associated drain valve 15. The inlet hole 9 on the frame member 3 is connected via an inlet valve 16 to a source of pressure gas, that can, for example, be helium, and the outlet hole 10 is connected to atmosphere via an outlet valve 17.
Thus, with the heat exchanger plates clamped between the frame members 2 and 3, the inlet valve 12 opened and the drain valve 15 closed, water can flow through and fill the path 8, until water emerges into and fills the sight glass. Once the sight glass is full, the inlet valve can be closed, and the assembly left for a short time to allow any air bubbles in the path 8 to progress to the sight glass. Once it is clear that air bubbles have been removed, the drain valve 15 can be opened, to allow the water level in the sight glass to fall to a predetermined level, and the drain valve closed.
The outlet valve 17 for pressure gas is then closed and the inlet valve 16 opened, to allow gas to flow into and to fill the second path 11, gas flow continuing until the second path 11 has been pressurised to a predetermined degree. The inlet valve 16 is then closed to create a closed pressurized second path 8.
In this condition, and should there by any leaks between adjacent heat exchanger plates, pressure gas from path 8 will be caused to enter the path 7, and as a direct result, the water level in the sight glass will be caused to rise, to provide clear visual evidence of the existence of at least one leak. If the assembly is left for a time, gas bubbles will eventually reach a sight glass giving a second visual indication that gas in the path 8 is leaking in to the water of path 7.
If it is established that a leak exists, the heat exchanger plates can be taken out of service and dismantled to allow each plate to be checked to find the leak.
As is indicated at 18, a pressure gauge may be provided and associated with the path 11.
The pressure gauge 18 may be readable visually, or may be connected to microprocessor means 19, either circumstance allowing the pressure in the second path to be monitored. When a leak exists, the pressure in the closed second path will lessen, providing a clear indication that a leak exists, to supplement and confirm the visual Indication of leaks provided by the sight glass.
When a microprocessor is provided, it enables a printed record of the test to be produced, and a certificate to confirm that the plate pack is leak free and able to be returned to service.
Claims (9)
1. A method of detecting leaks in plate heatexchangers comprising emptying a first flow path of the product normally flowing therethrough, emptying a second flow path of heating or cooling medium normally flowing therethrough, connecting the inlet to one said path to a water supply and attaching a sight glass to the outlet therefrom, filling the said first path and sight glass with water and allowing waterto flow until all air is expelled, setting the level of water in the sight glass partway up its height, connecting the inlet to the second path to a source of gas, closing the outlet from said second path, and pressurisng the gas in the second path.
2. A method as in Claim 1, wherein the gas used to pressurise the second path is helium.
3. A method as in Claim 2, wherein a helium probe is provided to check for the presence of leaks at the exterior of the plate pack
4. A method as in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein a drain valve is provided in association with the sight glass, to enable the level of water in the sight glass to be set at a required height.
5. A method as in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the sight glass if left open to atmosphere at its upper end, and the water in the said one path is left at ambient pressure, whilst the gas in the said second path is pressurised to more than ambient pressure, whereby to cause gas to pass through any crack or hole internally of the heat exchanger plates and into the said one path, to cause water in the sight glass to rise, to signal the existence of a leak.
6. A method as in any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein said second path has connected thereto a pressure sensing means whereby to indicate the pressure of gas in the said second path and indicate any fall in pressure to indicate the presence of a leak.
7. A method as in Claim 6, wherein the pressure sensing means is a pressure gauge.
8. A method as in Claim 6 or Claim 7 wherein the pressure sensing means is a microprocessor.
9. A method of detecting leaks in heat exchanger plates substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0402290.1A GB0402290D0 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2004-02-03 | Method of detecting leaks |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0502196D0 GB0502196D0 (en) | 2005-03-09 |
| GB2411480A true GB2411480A (en) | 2005-08-31 |
| GB2411480B GB2411480B (en) | 2007-06-27 |
Family
ID=31985516
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0402290.1A Ceased GB0402290D0 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2004-02-03 | Method of detecting leaks |
| GB0502196A Expired - Fee Related GB2411480B (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2005-02-03 | Method of detecting leaks |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0402290.1A Ceased GB0402290D0 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2004-02-03 | Method of detecting leaks |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB0402290D0 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010139801A1 (en) | 2009-06-05 | 2010-12-09 | Unison Engineering Services Limited | Heat exchanger integrity testing |
| FR2955661A1 (en) * | 2010-01-25 | 2011-07-29 | Mcd | Heat exchangers integrity controlling method, involves utilizing dissolved gas as fluid in liquid, measuring possible leak rate, and transforming possible leak rate in terms of risk |
| US8261593B1 (en) * | 2009-10-02 | 2012-09-11 | Leon Sanders | Leak detector for heat exchanger |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2314421A (en) * | 1996-06-18 | 1997-12-24 | Thomas Werner | Leak detection in heat exchangers |
| GB2335497A (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 1999-09-22 | Apv North America Inc | A method of leak testing an assembled plate type heat exchanger |
| WO2003016847A2 (en) * | 2001-08-16 | 2003-02-27 | Weizman, Michael | System and method for detecting flaws in plate-type heat exchanger |
-
2004
- 2004-02-03 GB GBGB0402290.1A patent/GB0402290D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2005
- 2005-02-03 GB GB0502196A patent/GB2411480B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2314421A (en) * | 1996-06-18 | 1997-12-24 | Thomas Werner | Leak detection in heat exchangers |
| GB2335497A (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 1999-09-22 | Apv North America Inc | A method of leak testing an assembled plate type heat exchanger |
| WO2003016847A2 (en) * | 2001-08-16 | 2003-02-27 | Weizman, Michael | System and method for detecting flaws in plate-type heat exchanger |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010139801A1 (en) | 2009-06-05 | 2010-12-09 | Unison Engineering Services Limited | Heat exchanger integrity testing |
| US8261593B1 (en) * | 2009-10-02 | 2012-09-11 | Leon Sanders | Leak detector for heat exchanger |
| FR2955661A1 (en) * | 2010-01-25 | 2011-07-29 | Mcd | Heat exchangers integrity controlling method, involves utilizing dissolved gas as fluid in liquid, measuring possible leak rate, and transforming possible leak rate in terms of risk |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2411480B (en) | 2007-06-27 |
| GB0402290D0 (en) | 2004-03-10 |
| GB0502196D0 (en) | 2005-03-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20130203 |