JP6484473B2 - Gas leak inspection device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas leak inspection apparatus that performs a gas leak inspection of a test object having a hollow portion, such as a heat exchanger or a hot water storage tank.

  For example, a heat source device such as a water heater is provided with a heat exchanger for heating water to be passed, and the heat source device includes waste heat from a power generator or solar light collected by a heat collector. Some have hot water storage tanks (hot water storage tanks) that store hot water. The heat exchanger and hot water storage tank of such a heat source device are formed with a hollow portion through which water is passed and stored. If a through-hole leading to the outside is formed in the peripheral wall or the like of the hollow portion, water leakage occurs through the through-hole, causing problems such as failure of the heat source device. It is necessary to check whether or not the through-hole is formed by inspecting whether or not the above-described through-hole is present in the vessel or hot water storage tank.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to actually inspect the heat exchanger and hot water tank for water and to check whether there is a through-hole that causes water leakage, but it takes time to introduce and discharge water. In addition, there is a problem that water such as tap water contains calcium and the like, and accurate inspection cannot be performed due to impurities. Therefore, a gas leak inspection is performed in which a pressurized gas is introduced into an object to be inspected having a hollow portion such as a heat exchanger, and the presence or absence of a through hole is detected based on whether the pressurized gas leaks. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  Below, an example of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus for performing such a gas leak test | inspection and the gas leak test | inspection method using the gas leak test | inspection apparatus is described. As shown in FIG. 13, the gas leakage inspection apparatus 1 includes a pressurized gas inlet 2 and a pressurized gas introduction passage 3 introduced from the pressurized gas inlet 2. The pressurized gas introduction passage 3 includes a branching portion 4 for branching the pressurized gas, and an inspection subject side introduction passage 6 for guiding the pressurized gas branched by the branching portion 4 to the inspection subject 5 side. And a reference body side introduction passage 8 for guiding the pressurized gas branched by the branch portion 3 to the reference body 7 side.

  The inspected object 5 is an inspected object (work) for inspecting a gas leak having a hollow portion. For example, there are various objects such as a heat exchanger and a hot water storage tank, which are normally replaced for each inspection. It is. The reference body 7 is a reference body (master) that serves as a reference for the gas leakage inspection of the object 5 to be inspected, and may be in an attached state or may be replaced depending on conditions. The number of replacements of the reference body 7 is smaller than the number of replacements of the inspection object 5. For example, when many inspection objects 5 of the same type (the same shape, size, material, etc.) are inspected, the same reference body 7 is often used without being replaced.

  In addition, although the reference | standard body 7 and the to-be-inspected object 5 are not contained in the component of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus 1, in the structure explanatory drawing of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus 1 including FIG. The figure of the state which attached the body 7 and the to-be-inspected body 5 is typically shown. In addition, the gas leak inspection using the gas leak inspection apparatus 1 is performed based on the differential pressure between the reference body 7 and the object 5 to be inspected. Water leakage and gas using conversion according to Hagen-Poiseuille's law Considering the correlation with leakage, for example, if the differential pressure between the reference body 7 side and the inspected object 5 side when passing a pressurized gas of 300 kPa is less than 12 Pa, the inspected object 5 corresponds to water leakage It is determined that there is no gas leakage (no worry of water leakage). In addition, the differential pressure value used for this gas leak judgment is a value that varies depending on the volume of the object to be inspected 5 and the leak standard.

  In FIG. 13, a gas is introduced into the passage on the near side (upstream side of the pressurized gas flow) in the passage 3 for introducing the pressurized gas 3 (upstream side of the pressurized gas flow), the reference body side introduction passage 8 and the inspection object side introduction passage 6 respectively. Introduction control valves 9, 10, and 11 are provided, and a bypass passage 17 that bypasses the reference body side introduction passage 8 and the inspection object side introduction passage 6 at a position downstream of the gas introduction control valves 10 and 11 is provided. ing. The bypass passage 17 is provided with a differential pressure detection unit 12 that detects a differential pressure between the gas pressure in the device under test 5 and the gas pressure in the reference body 7. The differential pressure detection unit 12 is formed with a pressure gauge that is measured by a pressure sensitive element through a diaphragm or the like and converted into an electric signal, for example. In FIG. 13, the differential pressure detection unit 12 having the diaphragm 20 is schematically illustrated. Has been shown.

  Further, a gas discharge passage 18 for discharging pressurized gas from the reference body 7 side and the inspected object 5 side is provided, and a gas discharge control valve 19 is provided in the gas discharge passage 18. The configurations of the gas discharge control valve 19 and the gas introduction control valves 9, 10, and 11 are not particularly limited. For example, an air operated valve that opens and closes the valve by air pressure can be applied.

  When performing a gas leak test on the device under test 5 using such a gas leak test apparatus, first, as shown in FIG. 13A, for example, the gas discharge control valve 19 is closed and the gas introduction control valve 9 is closed. , 10 and 11 are opened, and the operation of the pressurized gas introduction process (pressurization process) is performed in which the pressurized gas is introduced from the pressurized gas introduction port 2 into both the inspection object 5 and the reference body 7. After this pressurized gas introduction process, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the gas introduction control valves 9, 10, 11 are closed, and the inspected object 5 and the reference body 7 are disconnected from the pressurized gas introduction side. The operation | movement of the equilibrium process which balances the pressure of the gas in to-be-inspected body 5 and the pressure of the gas in the reference | standard body 7 is performed.

  Then, after this equilibration step, as shown in FIG. 13C, the differential pressure detection unit 12 detects the differential pressure between the gas pressure in the object 5 and the gas pressure in the reference body 7. The operation of the pressure detection process (detection process) is performed. FIG. 13C schematically shows a state in which gas leaks from the inspected object 5 side when the differential pressure detection unit 12 having the diaphragm 20 is applied. For example, FIG. For example, when gas leaks from the inspected object 5 side, the differential pressure detector 12 detects the differential pressure between the gas pressure in the inspected object 5 and the gas pressure in the reference body 7, and this detected value Based on the above, a gas leak on the inspected object 5 side is detected by a gas leak detector not shown.

  Various methods are also applied to the detection (judgment) of gas leakage based on the detection value (detection differential pressure) by the differential pressure detection unit 12, but for example, a threshold (for example, gas pressure) to which the detection differential pressure is given in advance. In the case of 12 Pa) or more at 300 kPa, it can be determined that gas leakage has occurred. After the operation of the differential pressure detection step by the differential pressure detector 12, the gas introduction control valves 10 and 11 and the gas discharge control valve 19 are opened and inspected through the gas discharge passage 18 as shown in FIG. An operation of a gas discharge process (discharge process) for discharging gas from the body 5 and the reference body 7 is performed.

JP 2004-6201 A

However, as is well known, the temperature of the gas when compression pressure is applied to the gas is intended to increase, the gas leakage inspection apparatus as shown in FIG. 13, the pressurization step (when pressurized gas introduction) For example, a hatched area indicated by H in FIG. 14 (ends of the inspection object 5 and the reference body 7, the vicinity of the diaphragm 20 of the differential pressure detection unit 12, and the vicinity of the gas discharge control valve 19 on the output side of the gas discharge passage 18) There is a tendency for heat to accumulate during inhalation. On the other hand, when exhausting, the pressure is reduced and heat is taken away, and when the pressure is reduced, the temperature around the gas exhaust control valve 19 is the lowest, and thermal imbalance occurs as a system. Is likely to occur.

  In the gas leak inspection, as described above, the inspection object 5 is replaced every inspection, but the reference body 7 is not frequently replaced like the inspection object 5, so the gas leakage inspection is performed. If it is repeated, the reference body 7 is particularly susceptible to thermal effects due to repeated intake and exhaust.

  In addition, when the volume of the inspection object 5 is large or the heat insulating property is high, a temperature difference between the inside of the hollow portion of the inspection object 5 and the outside air temperature becomes large. For example, the inside of the hollow portion of the reference body 7 is almost equal to the outside air temperature. In the case of the temperature, there may be a case where the temperature of the reference body 7 side and the inspection object 5 side are greatly different.

  Thus, if there is a temperature difference between the reference body 7 side and the inspection object 5 side, the inspection object based on the pressure difference between the gas in the inspection object 5 and the reference body 7 due to the heat. The gas leak detection from 5 is not accurately performed. For this reason, in order to accurately detect the gas leak, the present inventor has a relationship between the reference body 7 side and the inspected object 5 side due to the fact that the thermal influence due to repeated intake and exhaust is likely to occur as described above. It was considered necessary to minimize the temperature difference and the difference between the temperature in the hollow part of the reference body 7 and the temperature in the hollow part in the inspection object 5 as much as possible.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the object thereof is not easily affected by heat caused by intake / exhaust of compressed gas and the like, and it is possible to accurately perform a gas leak inspection of an object to be inspected. The object is to provide a gas leakage inspection device.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration as means for solving the problems. That is, the first invention is a gas leak inspection apparatus for inspecting a gas leak of a test object having a hollow portion, wherein the pressure of the pressurized gas introduced into the test object and the gas leak of the test object Before the start of the gas leak inspection for detecting the gas leakage of the object to be inspected based on the differential pressure with the pressure of the pressurized gas introduced into the reference body having a hollow portion which is a reference for the inspection, only on the reference body side means for performing a first pre-process operation through a pressurized gas, at least a first of the second means for performing preprocessing operation through the pressurized gas to both the reference member side of the test subject side A preprocess operation executing means having at least a first preprocess operation and capable of performing at least a first preprocess operation, and a preprocess start for starting the preprocess operation by the preprocess operation execution means Control And a means for solving the problem with the arrangement having means.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the preprocess operation executing means includes means for performing a first preprocess operation and means for performing a second preprocess operation. The process start operation unit is configured to start a first preprocess operation by the preprocess operation execution unit and a second preprocess operation by the preprocess operation execution unit. The second pre-process start operation means is individually provided.

  Further, in the third invention, in addition to the configuration of the first invention, whether the preprocess operation execution means performs only the first preprocess operation or only the second preprocess operation. An operation selection operation unit for selecting whether to perform both of the preprocess operations is provided, and the operation selected by the operation selection operation unit is executed by the preprocess operation execution means.

  Furthermore, the fourth invention includes, in addition to the configuration of the first, second or third invention, volume detecting means for detecting the volume of the reference body to be arranged and the volume of the inspected object to be arranged, A first preprocess operation is performed by the preprocess operation execution means based on the volume of the reference body detected by the volume detection means, the volume of the object to be inspected, and predetermined preprocess operation execution reference information. Only the second pre-process operation or both the first and second pre-process operations, and based on the determination of the execution operation determination unit The present invention is characterized in that the preprocess operation performed by the preprocess operation executing means is determined.

  Further, the fifth aspect of the invention is a pressure capable of changing the pressure of the gas selectively introduced into at least one of the reference body side and the inspected object side in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fourth inventions. It has variable means and is selectively introduced into the reference body side and the inspected object side in accordance with the first and second corresponding preprocess operations performed during the preprocess operation by controlling the pressure variable means. It is characterized by having a pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of the gas to be smaller than the pressure of the gas introduced into the reference body side and the inspected body side during the gas leak inspection.

The present invention relates to the pressure of the pressurized gas introduced into the object to be inspected having a hollow part and the pressure of the pressurized gas introduced into the reference body having a hollow part as a reference for gas leakage inspection of the object to be inspected. Based on the differential pressure, a gas leak inspection is performed to detect a gas leak of the object to be inspected. Before the start of the gas leak inspection, a first pre-process operation in which a pressurized gas is passed only to the reference body side, and the reference at least one of the preprocessing operation of the second preprocess operation said the body side to both the test subject side through a pressurized gas, by performing the preprocessing operation execution means, the temperature of the reference body and the test subject Can be stabilized.

  In other words, when pressurized gas is introduced into the gas leak inspection apparatus, the heat generated by the compression of the gas tends to accumulate in a specific part in the gas leak inspection apparatus, a specific part in the reference body, or a specific part in the inspected body. In addition, since heat is taken away when exhausting compressed gas, a thermal imbalance (in the components including the gas leakage inspection device, the reference body, and the object to be inspected) occurs. When repeatedly performed, a thermal effect is likely to occur. Therefore, the gas leakage detection of the object to be inspected based on the pressure difference between the gas in the object to be inspected and the reference object may not be accurately performed. By performing an appropriate preprocess operation by the operation executing means, the temperature of the reference body and the object to be inspected can be stabilized.

  For example, in the gas leak inspection, the inspection object is generally replaced every inspection, but the reference body is not frequently replaced like the inspection object. The body is particularly susceptible to thermal effects due to repeated intake and exhaust. On the other hand, the temperature of the gas in the reference body can be stabilized by performing the first preprocess operation by the preprocess operation execution means and passing the pressurized gas only to the reference body side before the start of the gas leak inspection ( The thermal effect due to repeated intake and exhaust can be eliminated (for example, the ambient temperature or the same temperature as the object to be inspected), and an accurate gas leak inspection can be performed.

  Also, for example, when the volume of the object to be inspected is large, or when the object to be inspected is made of, for example, resin or glass and is a material with low heat dissipation (high heat insulation), etc. It takes time for the gas in the body to be inspected to reach a temperature equivalent to the ambient temperature, for example, there may be a temperature difference from the gas in the reference body at a temperature equivalent to the ambient temperature. The second pre-process operation is performed by the process operation execution means, and the gas temperature in the reference body and the inspected object side are passed through the pressurized gas through both the reference object side and the inspected object side before the start of the gas leak inspection. The temperature of the gas can be equalized and stabilized (the influence of temperature residual distortion on the inspected object side can be suppressed), and an accurate gas leak test can be performed.

  Furthermore, when both the first and second preprocess operations are performed, the first preprocess operation repeats the intake and exhaust by passing the pressurized gas only to the reference body side before the start of the gas leak inspection. The thermal effect of the reference body is eliminated and the thermal stabilization is achieved. Further, the second pre-process operation allows the pressurized gas to pass through both the reference body side and the inspected object side, thereby increasing the temperature of the gas in the reference body. The temperature of the gas on the inspection object side can be made equal and stabilized, and an accurate gas leak inspection can be performed.

  Note that the preprocess operation by the preprocess operation execution means can be easily performed by operating the preprocess start operation means. A first pre-process start operation means for starting one pre-process operation and a second pre-process start operation means for starting a second pre-process operation by the pre-process operation execution means. Then, an appropriate preprocess operation can be easily executed by appropriately operating the individual operation means as necessary.

  Also, an operation selection operation for selecting whether to perform only the first preprocess operation, only the second preprocess operation, or both the first and second preprocess operations by the preprocess operation execution means. When the operation selected by the operation selection operation unit is executed by the preprocess operation execution unit, the operation can be appropriately performed by operating the operation selection operation unit and operating the preprocess start operation unit. It is possible to easily execute a preprocess operation.

  Further, a volume detecting means for detecting the volume of the reference body to be disposed and the volume of the object to be inspected, the volume of the reference body detected by the volume detecting means, and the volume of the object to be inspected Whether the preprocess operation performed by the preprocess operation execution means is only the first preprocess operation or only the second preprocess operation based on the determined preprocess operation execution reference information. When an execution operation determining means for determining whether to perform the preprocess operation is provided, an appropriate preprocess operation can be selected according to the volume of the reference body and the volume of the inspection object.

  For example, as described above, when the volume of the object to be inspected is large, it takes time for the ambient temperature and the temperature in the object to be equal to each other, and the temperature is equivalent to the ambient temperature. There may be a temperature difference from the gas in the reference body. Therefore, by performing the second preprocessing operation in such a case, the temperatures of the object to be inspected and the reference body can be made equal and stabilized.

  On the other hand, when the volume of the object to be inspected is small, the preparatory operation for the gas leak inspection can be efficiently performed by passing the pressurized gas only through the reference body. By determining the preprocess operation to be performed by the preprocess operation execution unit based on the determination of the execution operation determination unit based on the volume, it is possible to easily execute an appropriate preprocess operation.

  Furthermore, by providing a pressure variable means that can change the pressure of the gas introduced to the reference body side or the inspection object side, the pressure of the gas introduced to the reference body side or the inspection object side can be changed as necessary. Then, by controlling the pressure variable means by the pressure adjusting means, the gas introduced into the reference body side and the inspected object side in correspondence with the first and second corresponding preprocess operations performed during the preprocess operation. By adjusting the pressure to be smaller than the pressure of the gas introduced to the reference body side and the inspected body side during the gas leak inspection, the preprocess operation can be performed efficiently with a small pressure.

  In other words, since the pre-process operation is performed to adjust the temperature of the gas in the reference body or the subject to be inspected, it is not necessary to introduce a high-pressure gas, and the temperature rise is suppressed by gas compression. Rather, from the standpoint of temperature drop that occurs during decompression due to exhaust or exhaust, etc., it is desirable that the gas pressure be smaller, so as described above, even if the gas pressure to be introduced is higher than the atmospheric pressure, It is possible to appropriately perform the preprocess operation by reducing the size of the gas, and by introducing a high-pressure gas at the time of the gas leak test, the gas leak test can be performed efficiently and appropriately.

It is typical explanatory drawing which shows the principal part structure of 1st Example of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part control structure of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the warming-up driving | operation operation | movement example of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus of 1st Example. It is a time chart for demonstrating the valve opening / closing operation | movement accompanying operation | movement of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus of 1st Example. It is typical explanatory drawing which shows the principal part structure of 2nd Example of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part control structure of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the electric ball valve opening / closing operation example before and behind the differential pressure detection operation of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus of 2nd Example. It is a graph for demonstrating the example of a differential pressure change at the time of the differential pressure detection operation | movement of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus of 2nd Example, and its front and back. It is a time chart for demonstrating the valve opening / closing operation | movement accompanying operation | movement of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus of 2nd Example. It is typical explanatory drawing which shows the principal part structure of the modification of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically each process example of gas leak test | inspection operation | movement. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a state at the time of gas pressurization for demonstrating the problem in the conventional gas leak test | inspection apparatus.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the description of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same name portions as those in the examples described so far, and the duplicate description is omitted or simplified.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a main part configuration of a first embodiment of the gas leakage inspection apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a main part control configuration in a block diagram. The gas leakage inspection apparatus of the present embodiment is a gas leakage inspection apparatus that performs a gas leakage inspection of an object to be inspected having a hollow portion, as in the conventional example, and its basic configuration is the same as that of the conventional example shown in FIG. It has many components. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the components shown in FIG. 13 is omitted or simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the gas leakage inspection apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a test pressure setting capable of varying the gas pressure between the air introduction section 2 and the air introduction control valve 9 in the air introduction passage 3. Means 13 and an introduction path switching valve 14 (PPV) are provided. The test pressure setting means 13 is a means for setting (variably setting) the pressure of the gas introduced into the reference body 7 side and the inspected object 5 side at the time of gas leakage inspection to be a predetermined test pressure. Further, a bypass passage 33 that bypasses the introduction path switching valve 14 is formed, and the bypass passage 33 is provided with a low pressure governor (pressure regulator) 35 (PPR; preprocess operation regulator) and a check valve 30. .

  A branch passage 15 is connected to the front side of the branch portion 4 of the air introduction passage 3, and a gas discharge control valve 16 (AV 2) is provided in the branch passage 15. Further, in the inspection object side introduction passage 6 and the reference body side introduction passage 8 downstream of the branch portion 4, manual open / close valves 36 and 37 are provided on the downstream side of the connection portion with the bypass passage 17, respectively. These manual on-off valves 36 and 37 are open at the time of inspection.

  In the present embodiment, the gas discharge passages 18 are respectively provided on the inspected object 5 side and the reference body 7 side (see reference numerals 18a and 18b), and a reference for discharging pressurized gas from the reference body 7 side. A body-side discharge passage 18a and a body-side discharge passage 18b that discharges pressurized gas from the body 5 to be inspected are formed. A gas discharge control valve 19 (19a) (EXHV1) is provided in the reference body side discharge passage 18a, and a gas discharge control valve 19 (19b) (EXHV2) is provided in the inspection object discharge passage 18b.

  In this embodiment, the gas discharge control valves 19a and 19b, the gas introduction control valves 9 (AV1), 10 (AV3), and 11 (AV4), the introduction path switching valve 14, and the gas discharge control valve 16 are all springback. It is formed by an air operated valve of the type. Each valve can be formed by an air operated valve that is not a springback type, or it can be formed by a valve other than an air operated valve. However, if an electromagnetic valve is used, heat is generated during opening and closing. Is preferably formed.

  The air introduction control valve 9 is normally closed, and the other valves 10, 11, 14, 16, 19a, 19b are normally open valves. The valve body operating directions other than the air introduction control valves 10, 11 are gas It is formed in the direction opposite to the flow. The reference body 7 and the inspected object 5 are sandwiched between air operated valves whose valve bodies are operated in directions directed toward the reference body 7 side and the inspected object 5 side. Even if pressure is applied to each valve from the gas side, the gas is not leaked.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gas leakage inspection apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a control configuration including a control device 21 and is signal-connected to a start A switch 22 and a start B switch 23. The control device 21 includes a warm-up operation executing means 24, a gas leak inspection executing means 25, a gas leak detecting section 26, a pressure adjusting means 27, and a preprocess operation executing means 28, and the differential pressure detecting section 12 and the test pressure. Signals are also connected to the setting means 13, the introduction path switching valve 14, and the valves 9, 10, 11, 16, and 19.

  The valves 9, 10, 11, 16, and 19 shown in FIG. 2 indicate the gas introduction control valves 9, 10, 11 and the gas discharge control valves 16, 19, respectively. In FIG. These valves are shown together for the sake of simplicity.

  Further, although the system configuration of the present embodiment having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is different from that of the conventional example shown in FIG. 13, the gas leakage inspection operation in this embodiment is almost the same as each step in FIG. 13. The gas leakage inspection of the object to be inspected 5 is performed based on the differential pressure between the pressure of the pressurized gas introduced into the object to be inspected 5 and the pressure of the pressurized gas introduced into the reference body 7. Yes, this operation is executed by the gas leakage inspection execution means 25.

  In other words, the gas leak test execution means 25 opens and closes the valves 9, 10, 11, 16, and 19, and also gives a command to the pressure adjustment means 27 to adjust the pressure of the introduced gas, thereby inspecting the object 5 to be inspected. And a pressurized gas introduction step (see FIG. 13A) for introducing a pressurized gas into both the reference body 7 and the reference body 7. Further, an equilibrium step (see FIG. 13B) that balances the pressure of the gas in the inspection object 5 and the pressure of the gas in the reference body 7 after the pressurizer body introduction step, and the inspection subject after the equilibrium step. A differential pressure detecting step (see FIG. 13C) for detecting a differential pressure between the pressure of the gas in the gas 5 and the pressure of the gas in the reference body 7, and the inspection object 5 and the reference body after the differential pressure detecting step 7 performs a gas discharge step (see FIG. 13D) for discharging gas from the inside.

  In the present embodiment, the gas discharge control valve 19a for deriving pressurized gas from the reference body 7 side and the gas discharge control valve 19b for deriving pressurized gas from the inspected object 5 side are provided separately. The gas leakage inspection execution means 25 opens both the gas discharge control valves 19a and 19b in the gas discharge step among the four steps, and closes both the gas discharge control valves 19a and 19b in the other steps. For example, the pressurized gas introduction process (CHG) is performed for about 30 seconds, the equilibrium process (BAL) is performed for about 60 seconds, the differential pressure detection process (DET) is performed for about 60 seconds, and the gas discharge process (EXH) is performed for about 10 seconds. As described above, each of these steps is performed at a predetermined set time.

  In the present embodiment, the pressure difference between the reference body 7 and the inspection object 5 detected by the differential pressure detection unit 12 in the differential pressure detection step is displayed on the display unit 31 and added to the gas leak detection unit 26, for example. The gas leak detector 26 detects whether or not there is a gas leak in the inspection object 5.

  The pressure adjusting means 27 controls the test pressure setting means 13 to adjust the pressure of the gas introduced during the gas leak inspection operation, and also controls the opening and closing of the introduction path switching valve 14 so as to control the pressure from the pressurized gas inlet 2. Selectively controlling whether the pressurized gas to be introduced is guided to the reference body 7 and the inspected object 5 side through the introduction path switching valve 14 or to the reference body 7 and the inspected object 5 side through the low pressure governor 35. Thus, the pressure of the pressurized gas guided to the reference body 7 or the inspected object 5 side is adjusted.

  When the pressure adjustment command at the time of executing the gas leak test is applied from the gas leak test executing unit 25, the pressure adjusting unit 27 controls the test pressure setting unit 13 to determine the gas pressure to be introduced during the gas leak test operation in advance. The set test pressure (for example, 300 to 500 kPa) is set, and the introduction path switching valve 14 is opened so that the pressurized gas of the test pressure can be introduced to the reference body 7 side and the inspection object 5 side through the introduction path switching valve 14. . By adjusting the introduced gas pressure by the pressure adjusting means 27 and opening / closing control of the valves 9, 10, 11, 16, and 19 by the gas leakage inspection executing means 25, a gas leakage inspection operation substantially similar to the conventional example is performed. .

  The start A switch 22 is an operation means for starting a preparatory operation for a gas leak inspection operation by the gas leak inspection apparatus 1 and is warmed up as necessary before the gas leak inspection operation by the gas leak inspection execution means 25 is started. This is an operation means for starting the operation and the first preprocess operation. When the start A switch 22 is operated (for example, pressed), a preparation operation start signal is applied to the warm-up operation execution means 24 and the preprocess operation execution means 28.

  The warming-up operation execution unit 24 is configured to perform a plurality of operation steps of the gas leak inspection operation (FIG. 13A to FIG. 13A) when a predetermined setting condition is satisfied at the start of the gas leak inspection operation by the gas leak inspection execution unit 25. (D), see) is performed for a predetermined number of times with a predetermined set shortening time shorter than the time required for each step performed during the operation of the gas leak test, and then the gas leak test is performed. The operation is started.

  The setting conditions that serve as a reference for executing the warming-up operation by the warming-up operation executing means 24 are, for example, in the initial operation after turning on the power of the gas leakage inspection device 1 or after the previous measurement (gas leakage inspection) is completed. The predetermined set time (S minutes or more, S is 30 to 60, for example, S minutes = 60 minutes = 1 hour) may have passed, and the warm-up operation execution means 24 is It has a means for determining whether or not it is an initial operation after turning on the power, a means for grasping the end of the previous measurement, and a clock mechanism (not shown), and warming up when the above set conditions are satisfied Run the operation.

  In other words, when the gas leak inspection operation is performed immediately after the initial operation after turning on the power of the gas leak inspection apparatus 1 or after a long time (a certain time or more) has elapsed after the end of the previous measurement, the gas leak inspection apparatus 1 In many cases, measurement is not performed accurately without being stabilized, so that the warm-up operation is executed when a predetermined set time elapses after the initial operation after the gas leakage inspection apparatus 1 is turned on. The gas leakage inspection apparatus can be accurately stabilized and an accurate gas leakage inspection operation can be performed.

  The set time for determining that it is necessary for the warm-up operation is a time when it is estimated that if the gas leak test operation is performed immediately after the elapse of time, the gas leak test apparatus is not stabilized and accurate measurement is not performed. Yes, for example, a time determined in advance by experiments or the like.

  In addition, as described above, in this embodiment, the gas leakage inspection operation itself is performed in substantially the same manner as the conventional example. During the gas leakage inspection operation, the pressurized gas introduction process (CHG) and the equilibrium process (BAL) The total of the differential pressure detection process (DET) and the gas discharge process (EXH) is performed for about 160 seconds, for example, but the warm-up operation is shortened to, for example, about 20 seconds or less. Then, it is repeated one or more predetermined times (for example, 2 to 3 times).

  Note that the time for each process during the warm-up operation may be selected by providing a plurality of time setting patterns, for example, or may be variable as needed by setting a typical pattern in advance. Further, the set number of warm-up operations may be variable.

  For example, when the temperature is low in winter, etc., the time and number of times for each process of warm-up operation are increased. On the other hand, when the temperature is high in summer, etc., the time and the number of times for each process are reduced. Then, the setting of the warm-up operation may be automatically changed, or the user may be able to change the setting corresponding to the temperature. Further, the warming-up operation execution means 24 may have a calendar function, and the setting may be automatically changed according to the calendar.

  Moreover, according to the stop time of the gas leak test | inspection apparatus 1, you may change the setting of warming-up driving | operation automatically or manually, such as increasing the time of each process and setting frequency | count, so that stop time becomes long. In consideration of the volume of the object 5 to be measured, the warm-up operation is set automatically or manually, such as the larger the size of the object 5 to be measured, the more the time and the number of times of each process are set. It may be changed.

  The warming-up operation execution means 24 appropriately opens and closes the valves 9, 10, 11, 16, 19 when executing the warming-up operation, and adds a warm-up operation execution signal to the pressure adjustment means 27 to introduce the pressurized gas inlet 2 The warming-up operation is executed so that the pressurized gas introduced from the gas is guided to the reference body 7 and the inspected object 5 through the introduction path switching valve 14.

  When the warm-up operation execution signal is applied from the warm-up operation execution unit 24, the pressure adjusting unit 27 guides the pressurized gas of the test pressure to the reference body 7 or the inspected object 5 side as in the gas leak inspection operation. As described above, the test pressure setting means 13 is controlled, and the introduction path switching valve 14 is opened, and the pressurized gas at the test pressure is guided to the reference body 7 or the inspected object 5 side.

  Even during the warm-up operation by the warm-up operation execution means 24, the detection process detects the differential pressure between the inspected object 5 side and the reference body 7 side, and the value detected at this time is It is often an inappropriate value. That is, the warm-up operation is an operation for stabilizing the gas leak inspection apparatus 1, and there is a possibility that the gas leak inspection apparatus 1 is not sufficiently stabilized until the warm-up operation ends. In the warming-up operation, each process is performed in a very short time compared to a normal gas leakage inspection operation, and therefore, the differential pressure between the inspected object 5 side and the reference body 7 side is accurately detected in the detection process. It may not be possible.

  Thus, in this embodiment, during the warming up operation by the warming up operation executing means 24, there is a possibility that an error signal may be output from the gas leak detection unit 28 side, but the warming up operation executing means 24 outputs during the warming up operation. Ignore the error signal to be continued and continue the warm-up operation, repeat the set number of times, then output the warm-up completed signal and shift to the pre-process operation (if the pre-process operation is not performed, gas leak inspection Move to operation).

  The warm-up operation as described above is performed, and even in a very short time, the pressurized gas is passed through the gas leakage inspection apparatus 1 and the valves 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, 19 are controlled to open and close, for example, in the evening Transient characteristics after startup of the gas leak tester 1, connecting pipe, reference body 7 (master), external valve, etc., for example, when measuring from the morning until the next day or after taking a lunch break Since the change can be eliminated and the gas leakage inspection apparatus 1 can be stabilized, a highly accurate gas leakage inspection operation can be performed even in intermittent inspections with a break or the like interposed therebetween.

  The warm-up operation execution means 24 applies a warm-up completed signal to the pre-process operation execution means 28 when the warm-up operation is completed and when the warm-up operation is not executed (when it is not necessary). .

  The pre-process operation executing means 28 is a first pre-process operation in which a pressurized gas is passed only to the reference body 7 side before the gas leak inspection is started by the gas leak inspection executing means 25, and the reference body 7 and the object 5 to be inspected. Means for performing at least one of a second pre-process operation in which a pressurized gas is passed through both of them. When the warm-up completion signal is added from the warm-up operation execution unit 24, the pre-process operation execution unit 28 performs the first pre-process operation at the following timing, for example.

  That is, the preprocess operation executing means 28 may perform the first preprocess operation every time the start A switch 22 is operated (every time a warm-up signal is applied after the start A switch 22 is pressed). For example, every time the start A switch 22 is operated a predetermined number of times (every time the start A switch 22 is pressed a predetermined number of times and a warm-up signal is added to the preprocess operation executing means 28), the first time The pre-processing operation may be performed.

  Further, when a warm-up signal is applied from the warm-up operation executing means 24 for the first time after the start A switch 22 is pressed, and after the gas leak inspection execution by the gas leak inspection executing means 25 is finished (the gas leak inspection executing means 25). The first preprocess operation is automatically performed every time when the gas leak inspection end signal is added), or the first preprocess operation is performed every time the gas leak inspection execution end count reaches the set number of times. Various control patterns can be set. Also, the fixed control pattern as described above may be set in advance, or the control pattern may be variable as necessary.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, when the warm-up operation executing means 24 applies the warm-up operation execution means 24 for the first time after the start A switch 22 is operated, and after that, the gas leak inspection execution means 25 performs gas leakage. It is set so that the first preprocess operation is automatically performed every time after completion of the inspection (when a gas leakage inspection end signal is added from the gas leakage inspection execution means 25).

  The first pre-process operation by the pre-process operation executing means 28 allows the pressurized gas to pass through the reference body 7 by opening / closing control of the valves 9, 10, 11, 16, 19 and closing control of the introduction path switching valve 14. Specifically, the preprocess operation executing means 28 opens the gas introduction control valves 9 and 10 and the gas discharge control valve 19a when performing the first preprocess operation, The gas discharge control valves 16, 19b are closed.

  The pressure of the pressurized gas introduced during the preprocess operation is set to be smaller than the test pressure, and the preprocess operation execution means 28 uses the pressure adjustment means 27 when performing the first preprocess operation. A preprocess operation execution signal is added, the introduction path switching valve 14 is closed, and the pressurized gas is guided to the reference body 7 side through the low pressure governor 35, whereby a pressure lower than the test pressure (for example, a pressure exceeding 10 kPa, and The pressurized gas (pressure less than 100 kPa) is guided to the reference body 7 side, and the pressurized gas is passed through the reference body 7 and discharged from the gas discharge control valve 19a side.

  The pressure of the pressurized gas introduced during the first preprocess operation and the second preprocess operation described later is not particularly limited. However, if the gas flow velocity exceeds the speed of sound, a shock wave is generated, vibration, etc. In this embodiment, for example, the pressure of the pressurized gas to be introduced is adjusted so that the flow velocity of the gas is adjusted to be lower than the sound velocity. The low pressure governor 35 is provided and adjusted so as not to exceed 100 kPa.

  Instead of providing the low pressure governor 35, an electropneumatic regulator capable of changing the pressure in a wide range from a constant pressure to a high pressure may be provided to adjust the pressure of the pressurized gas to be introduced.

  Further, the preprocess operation executing means 28 may stabilize the temperature by cooling the inside of the reference body 7 using a fan or the like as necessary during the first preprocess operation. When using the reference body 7 having high heat dissipation, temperature stabilization by a fan is particularly effective.

  The pre-process operation execution means 28 transmits a first pre-process operation end signal immediately after the first pre-process operation is executed or after a predetermined set waiting time has elapsed, and adds it to the display unit 31. The display unit 31 displays the first preprocess operation end display. Note that the display method is not particularly limited, and is appropriately set. Further, instead of providing the display unit 31 for display, or in addition to the display, notification by appropriate sound such as generation of a message or generation of sound such as a buzzer or chime may be performed.

  The start B switch 23 is an operation means for shifting from a gas leak test operation preparation operation to a gas leak test operation by the gas leak test apparatus 1. For example, when the warm-up operation or the first preprocess operation is appropriately performed after the start A switch 22 is operated and the display unit 31 is notified of the first preprocess operation end display or the like, the user When the start B switch 23 is operated (for example, pressed by the user), an inspection transition start signal is applied to the preprocess operation execution means 28 and the gas leak inspection execution means 25.

  When an inspection transition start signal is applied by operating the start B switch 23, for example, the preprocess operation executing means 28 can perform the second preprocess operation each time. That is, the start B switch 23 also functions as a second preprocess start operation means for starting the second preprocess operation by the preprocess operation execution means 28, and, as described above, the start A switch A Since the switch 22 also functions as a first preprocess start operation means for starting the first preprocess operation by the preprocess operation execution means 28, in the present embodiment, the first process by the preprocess operation execution means 28 is performed. As a preprocess start operation means for starting at least a second preprocess operation, a first preprocess start operation means and a second preprocess start operation means are separately provided.

  Instead of performing the second preprocess operation every time the start B switch 23 is operated, the preprocess operation executing means 28 is instructed for each specific operation such as the start B switch 23 being pressed twice continuously. The inspection pre-start signal may be added, and the second pre-process operation may be performed only in this case. In addition, the start B switch 23 is not configured to serve as both the operation means for starting the second pre-process operation and the operation means for starting the gas leak test, and the operation means for starting the gas leak test operation and the second pre-process operation. Operation means dedicated to the process operation start operation may be provided individually.

  The pre-process operation executing means 28 opens the gas introduction control valves 9, 10, 11 and the gas discharge control valves 19 a, 19 b when an inspection transition start signal accompanying the operation of the start B switch 23 is applied. The gas discharge control valve 16 remains closed. The preprocess operation executing means 28 also applies a preprocess operation execution signal to the pressure adjusting means 27 when the second preprocess operation is performed, closes the introduction path switching valve 14, and applies it through the low pressure governor 35. By introducing the pressurized gas to the reference body 7 side and the inspection object 5 side, the pressurized gas having a pressure smaller than the test pressure is guided to the reference body 7 side and the inspection object 5 side. Then, the pressurized gas is passed through the reference body 7 and discharged from the gas discharge control valve 19a side, and the pressurized gas is passed through the body under test 5 and discharged from the gas discharge control valve 19b side.

  The preprocess operation execution means 28 applies a preprocess operation complete signal to the gas leak inspection execution means 25 after the end of the second preprocess operation or when the second preprocess operation is not necessary. When the preprocess operation completion signal is added from the preprocess operation execution unit 28, the gas leak inspection execution unit 25 executes the gas leak inspection operation as described above.

  The present embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation using the gas leakage inspection apparatus of the present embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG. 3, when the power is turned on in step S1, an initial screen is displayed in step S2, and a measurement setting screen is displayed in step S3. Here, when the measurement setting operation is performed by the user and the start A switch 22 is operated, a preparation operation for the gas leakage inspection operation is started in step S4. That is, a measurement screen is displayed in step S5, and if the warming-up operation (warm-up operation) by the warm-up operation execution means 24 satisfies the set conditions defined for executing the warm-up operation in step S6, Done.

  This warm-up operation is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 4. When the preparation operation for the gas leak inspection operation is started in step DS1, the first operation (initial operation) after the power is turned on in step DS2. In the case of initial operation, the process proceeds to step DS4, and in the case of non-initial operation, in step DS3, S minutes (S is 30 to 60, for example, S minutes = 60 from the end of the previous measurement). It is determined whether or not (minute = 1 hour) has elapsed, and if it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step DS4. If it is determined in step S3 that S minutes have not elapsed since the end of the previous measurement, the process proceeds to step DS9, a warm-up completed signal is output, and the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step DS4 in FIG. 4, the warm-up operation by the warm-up operation execution means 24 is sequentially performed. That is, in step DS4, the operation of the pressurized gas introduction process (CHG) is performed for about 5 seconds, for example, in step DS5, the operation of the equilibrium process (BAL) is performed for about 1 second, for example, and the differential pressure detection is performed in step DS6. The operation of the process (DET) is performed for about 1 second, for example, and in step DS7, the operation of the gas discharge process (EXH) is performed for about 1 second, for example. Then, in step DS8, it is determined whether or not all of these steps have been completed for the set number of times (here, 3 times), and if completed 3 times, the process proceeds to step DS9 and then proceeds to step S7 in FIG.

  In step S7 of FIG. 3, a first preprocess operation (PP1) is performed as necessary. That is, in this embodiment, the warm-up operation execution means 24 adds a warm-up completed signal to the pre-process operation execution means 28 at the first operation after the power is turned on and after the gas leakage inspection operation is completed, and the first pre-process is performed. Since the operation start signal (PP1 signal) is output, in this case, the first preprocess operation is started as described above.

  FIG. 5 shows the valve open / closed state for each process in a series of operations when the gas leakage inspection operation is performed through the first preprocess operation and the second preprocess operation. As shown in the figure, during the first pre-process operation, the introduction path switching valve 14 is closed, the gas introduction control valves 9, 10 and the gas discharge control valve 19a are opened, and the other valves 11, 16, 19b is closed.

  When the first preprocess operation is completed, the first preprocess operation completion is displayed on the display unit 31, so that the user operates the start B switch 23 in step S8 of FIG. Proceeding to S9, in step S9, the second pre-process operation (PP2) is performed as described above. Note that the valve opening / closing operations after the second preprocessing operation in step S9 are also shown in the time chart of FIG.

  After the second preprocess operation, each operation from step S10 to step S14 in FIG. That is, in step S10 of FIG. 3, in order to stabilize the gas leakage inspection apparatus, for example, a predetermined waiting time (for example, 30 seconds) is waited (DLY), and in step S11, the inspected object 5 and the reference object. An operation of a pressurized gas introduction process (CHG) for introducing a pressurized gas into both of them is performed, and in step S12, the pressure of the gas in the inspection object 5 and the pressure of the gas in the reference body 7 are balanced. The operation of the step (BAL) is performed.

  Thereafter, in step S13, a differential pressure detection step (DET) in which a differential pressure between the gas pressure in the test body 5 and the gas pressure in the reference body 7 is detected by the gas leak detection unit 26 is performed and detected. The result is displayed on the display unit 31, the detection result is stored in a data storage unit of a personal computer signal-connected to the gas leak inspection apparatus 1, and used for appropriate operations such as data processing, or recorded on a recording sheet. In step S14, an operation of a gas discharge process (EXH) for discharging gas from the inspected object 5 and the reference body 7 is performed.

  And after operation | movement of a gas discharge process, it returns to step S5 of FIG. 3, a display of a measurement screen is performed, and the next gas leak test | inspection operation | movement will be performed, but gas leak test | inspection operation | movement is substantially continuous. If so, the warm-up operation in step S6 is not performed, and the process proceeds to step S7. Therefore, when performing the gas leak inspection for the second time and thereafter, by performing the first pre-process operation at the time of replacement work of the inspection object 5 by the user from the end of the gas discharge operation of the previous gas leak inspection operation, This is preferable because the flow of time from the preparation for the gas leak inspection to the actual measurement operation can be used effectively, and the overall measurement time can be shortened.

  When the gas leak test of the heat exchanger and the hot water storage tank is performed using the gas leak test apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is confirmed that the result of the gas leak determination is almost 100%.

  Next, a second embodiment of the gas leak inspection apparatus according to the present invention will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment and the conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  FIG. 6 schematically shows a main system configuration of a second embodiment of the gas leakage inspection apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 shows a control configuration thereof in a block diagram. The system configuration of the second embodiment is characteristic of the first embodiment in that the pressurized gas outlet 34 side of the reference body side discharge passage 18a for discharging the pressurized gas from the reference body 7 side is connected to the passage communication control valve 32. It is connected to the downstream position of gas passage rather than the connection position to the bypass passage 17 of the to-be-inspected object side introduction passage 6 via.

  The passage communication control valve 32 is formed by an electric ball valve (BV), and the electric ball valve is a valve that slowly opens and closes and hardly or hardly undergoes pressure fluctuations during the opening and closing operation. The passage communication control valve 32 is closed when a differential pressure is detected by the differential pressure detector 12 by a valve control means (see reference numeral 29 in FIG. 7) for controlling the passage communication control valve 32, and is opened when the differential pressure is not detected. It is in the state.

  In the second embodiment, the reference body side discharge passage 18a is not provided with a gas discharge control valve. When the pressurized gas is discharged from the reference body 7 side, the pressurized gas is discharged from the reference body 7. From the side (the lower side in the figure) through the reference body side discharge passage 18a to the inspection object 5 and discharged through the inspection object 5 and the inspection object side discharge passage 18b. Further, when the inspection object 5 is replaced, when the gas introduction side to the inspection object 5 is released to the atmosphere, the pressurized gas can be discharged therefrom.

  In the second embodiment, the reference body 7 to be arranged is not particularly limited, but a small container in which the volume of the reference body 7 is much smaller than the volume of the object 5 to be inspected is applied. It is preferable to make it. When the reference body 7 is formed of a small container, the gas can be discharged from the reference body 7 through the inspected object 5 side in a short time.

  The control configuration of the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 7 and is substantially the same as the control configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The valve control means 29 is provided, and the opening / closing control of the passage communication control valve 32 is performed as follows during the gas leak test execution operation by the gas leak test execution means 25.

  That is, the gas leak test execution means 25 performs the pressurized gas introduction process and the equilibrium process in order in steps S11 and 12 of FIG. 8 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, during the gas leak test execution operation, A control start signal for the passage communication control valve 32 is added to the valve control means 29.

  Upon receiving this control start signal, the valve control means 29 operates the passage communication control valve 32 (BV) in the closing direction (see step S13 in FIG. 8). Then, as shown in the ball valve driving orchid in the time chart of FIG. 11, the passage communication control valve 32 formed by the electric ball valve is gradually closed, so that, for example, as shown in step BS1 of FIG. Then, after the passage communication control valve 32 is completely closed, a signal is added to the gas leak detection unit 26 after a predetermined set time has elapsed (for example, after 3 seconds have been confirmed in step BS2 in FIG. 9). .

  The gas leak detection unit 26 detects the presence or absence of gas leak based on the differential pressure detected by the differential pressure detection unit 12 (step BS3 in FIG. 9), and sends a detected signal via the gas leak inspection execution means 25. It adds to the valve control means 29. Upon receipt of this detected signal, the valve control means 29 operates in a direction to open the passage communication control valve 32 and gradually opens it (step BS4 in FIG. 9, ball valve drive run in the time chart of FIG. 11, FIG. 8). Step S15). As described above, the passage communication control valve 32 is closed when the differential pressure is detected by the differential pressure detector 12 and is opened when the differential pressure is not detected.

  In the second embodiment, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the passage communication control valve 32 was opened (for example, after confirming that 3 seconds have elapsed in step BS5 in FIG. 9), the step in FIG. In S16, a gas discharge operation is performed.

  In the second embodiment, by providing the passage communication control valve 32 and opening the passage communication control valve 32 except when the differential pressure is detected, as shown in FIG. 10, the differential pressure detection unit until the differential pressure is detected. (Differential pressure detector) Both ends of 12 can be made into the same pressure, and a differential pressure can be made 0. If the passage communication control valve 32 is kept closed, heat is accumulated on the outlet side of the reference body 7 by introducing the pressurized gas into the reference body 7, but the passage communication control valve 32 is kept open. Thus, heat can be discharged (released) from the outlet side of the reference body 7 to the inspection object 5 side, the thermal distortion on the reference body 7 side can be eliminated, and the temperatures of the reference body 7 side and the inspection object 5 side can be eliminated. Can be stabilized at a temperature equal to or approximately equal to each other.

  Then, by closing the passage communication control valve 32 at the time of detecting the differential pressure, the reference body 7 and the inspected object 5 are sealed in a non-communication state (disconnected state), and the difference between the reference body 7 and the inspected object 5 is determined. By performing pressure measurement, the reference body is detected by detecting the differential pressure in a state in which both the reference body 7 side and the inspected object 5 side are stable in temperature, and the differential pressure is 0 until immediately before the differential pressure is detected. 7 and the object 5 to be inspected can be accurately detected. Even after the differential pressure is detected, both ends of the differential pressure detector (differential pressure detector) 12 can be made the same pressure by opening the passage communication control valve 32 so that the differential pressure can be zero.

  In the second embodiment, the passage communication control valve 32 is closed by forming the passage communication control valve 32 by an electric ball valve that is a valve that opens and closes slowly and does not cause pressure fluctuation during the opening and closing operation. Thus, the operation of separating the reference body side and the inspected object side can be performed gently, and the influence of pressure fluctuation when closing or opening the passage communication control valve 32 can be reduced, so that the passage communication control valve 32 is closed when a differential pressure is detected. Thus, the pressure fluctuation when separating the reference body side and the object to be inspected can be hardly caused, so that the influence of the pressure fluctuation during the separation operation can be almost zero, and the differential pressure measurement can be performed very accurately. .

  Also, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the reference body 7 side and the inspected object 5 side are further stabilized in temperature by performing the preprocess operation. Differential pressure measurement with the body 5 can be accurately performed.

  In the second embodiment, the reference body 7 to be arranged has a volume smaller than the volume of the inspected object 5 to be arranged. The differential pressure detector 12 determines a differential pressure (drift) between the gas pressure in the test object 5 and the gas pressure in the reference body 7 generated according to the difference between the volume and the volume of the test object 5. Based on the value subtracted from the detected differential pressure value, gas leakage from the inspection object 5 is detected.

  That is, the gas leak inspection using the gas leak inspection apparatus 1 of the second embodiment is performed so that the volume of the reference body 7 to be disposed is markedly smaller than the object 5 to be disposed. The gas leakage inspection operation of the inspection body 5 is preferably performed. In such a case, since the volume of the reference body 7 is small, the pressure of the pressurized gas is on the gas outlet side of the reference body 7. Even if it is strongly applied, there is an advantage that the temperature of the gas only rises little by little compared with the case where the volume of the reference body 7 is large, but on the other hand, it is provided with the object 5 to be inspected. If the volume of the reference body 7 is different, the difference in volume affects the detection of the differential pressure between the inspected object 5 side and the reference body 7 side.

  Therefore, for example, when the inspected object 5 is leaked by using an inspected object 5 that has been known from the beginning by an experiment or the like, the inspected object 5 and the reference object are used. The data such as how the differential pressure with respect to 7 is detected is variously determined in correspondence with the volume of the reference body 7 and the volume of the object 5 to be inspected, the correlation between them is taken, the correlation data and the object to be inspected The differential pressure detection program is changed based on the volume data of the body 5 and the reference body 7 to detect the differential pressure between the inspected object 5 side and the reference body 7 side, and the gas leakage inspection operation is performed. To do.

  FIG. 10 shows an image diagram of the differential pressure value (DET) detected in the second embodiment and the differential pressure value before and after that. In this figure, for example, the characteristic line a indicates the differential pressure. Since it exceeds the determination threshold, it is determined that there is a gas leak. In the case of the characteristic line b, it is determined that there is no gas leak because the differential pressure is less than the determination threshold.

  Further, in the second embodiment, instead of providing the small container reference body 7, as shown in FIG. 12, between the manual opening / closing valve 37 provided in the reference body side introduction passage 8 and the passage communication control valve 32. The passage (passage portion in the broken line frame M in the figure) may function as a reference body. Also in this case, the same effect as the second embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various aspect can be taken in the range which does not deviate from the technical scope of this invention. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the preprocess start operation unit includes the first preprocess start operation unit and the second preprocess start operation unit, but the first and second preprocess operations The preprocess start operation means for starting the process may be a single operation means.

In this case, for example, as shown by the broken lines in FIGS. 2 and 7, whether the preprocess operation execution means 28 performs only the first preprocess operation or only the second preprocess operation. An operation selection operation unit 40 is provided for selecting whether to perform both preprocess operations, and the operation selected by the operation selection operation unit 40 is preprocessed when the preprocess start operation means is operated. It may be executed by the execution means 28. In this case, for example, the start B switch 23 in each of the above embodiments may be omitted, and the first and second preprocess operations may be automatically performed appropriately after one switch is operated.

  2 and 7, the volume detection means 41 for detecting the volume of the reference body to be arranged, the volume of the object to be inspected, and the volume detection means 41 have detected. An execution operation determination unit 42 that determines the preprocess operation by the preprocess operation execution unit 28 based on the result may be provided. The volume detection means 41 and the execution operation determination means 42 may be provided in the control device 21 or may be provided separately from the control device 21 and connected to the control device 21 in a signal manner.

  In this case, the result detected by the volume detection unit 41 is added to the execution operation determination unit 42, and the execution operation determination unit 42 detects the volume of the reference body and the volume of the inspection object detected by the volume detection unit 41. Whether the preprocess operation performed by the preprocess operation execution means 28 is only the first preprocess operation or only the second preprocess operation based on the predetermined preprocess operation execution reference information. It is determined whether or not both of the two preprocessing operations are to be performed.

  Then, the determination result by the execution operation determination unit 42 is added to the preprocess operation execution unit 28. For example, when the volume of the inspection object 5 is large, both the first preprocess operation and the second preprocess operation are performed. For example, when the volume of the body 5 is small, only the first preprocess operation may be performed, and the preprocess operation performed by the preprocess operation execution unit 28 may be determined and executed by the preprocess operation execution unit 28. Also in this case, for example, the start B switch 23 in each of the above embodiments may be omitted, and the first and second preprocessing operations may be automatically performed appropriately after one switch is operated.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment, an electric ball valve is used as the passage communication control valve 32. However, the passage communication control valve 32 is not limited to the electric ball valve and is appropriately set. The passage communication control valve 32 is desirably a valve that has a slow opening / closing operation and that causes little or no pressure fluctuation during the opening / closing operation. As such a valve, a motor slide valve or the like can be used instead of an electric ball valve. Can also be applied.

  Further, the warm-up operation execution means 24 provided in each of the embodiments can be omitted.

  Since the present invention is a gas leakage inspection device that is not easily affected by the heat associated with intake and exhaust of compressed gas and can accurately perform a gas leakage inspection of an object to be inspected, the gas leakage of a heat exchanger, a hot water storage tank, etc. It can be used as a device for inspecting.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gas leak test | inspection apparatus 2 Introduction port of pressurized gas 3 Passage for introduction of pressurized gas 4 Branch part 5 Inspected object 6 Inspected object side introducing passage 7 Reference body 8 Reference object side introducing passage 9, 10, 11 Gas introduction control valve 12 differential pressure detector 13 test pressure setting means 14 introduction path switching valve 17 bypass path 18, 18a, 18b gas discharge path 19 19a, 19b gas discharge control valve 21 control device 22 start A switch 23 start B switch 24 warming-up operation execution means 25 Gas leak inspection execution means 26 Gas leak detection unit 27 Pressure adjustment means 28 Pre-process operation execution means 29 Valve control means 32 Passage communication control valve 34 Outlet 35 Low pressure governor

Claims (5)

A gas leakage inspection apparatus for performing a gas leakage inspection of an object to be inspected having a hollow portion, wherein the pressure of the pressurized gas introduced into the object to be inspected and a hollow portion that serves as a reference for the gas leakage inspection of the object to be inspected Before starting the gas leak test for detecting the gas leak of the object to be inspected based on the pressure difference with the pressure of the pressurized gas introduced into the reference body having the first, pass the pressurized gas only to the reference body side means for performing a preprocessing operation, means for performing at least a first pre-process operation of a means for performing a second pre-process operation through the pressurized gas to both the test subject side and the reference body-side And a preprocess operation executing means for enabling at least a first preprocess operation, and a preprocess start operation means for starting a preprocess operation by the preprocess operation executing means. Gas leakage inspection apparatus that. The preprocess operation execution means includes a first preprocess operation means and a second preprocess operation means. The preprocess start operation means performs the first preprocess operation by the preprocess operation execution means. A first preprocess start operation means for starting and a second preprocess start operation means for starting a second preprocess operation by the preprocess operation execution means are separately provided. gas leakage inspection apparatus according to claim 1. An operation selection operation unit for selecting whether to perform only the first preprocess operation, only the second preprocess operation, or both the first and second preprocess operations by the preprocess operation executing means. provided, gas leakage inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein performing the operation selected by said operating selection operating part by the preprocess operation execution means. The volume of the reference body to be disposed, the volume detection means for detecting the volume of the inspection object to be disposed, and the volume of the reference body and the volume of the inspection object to be detected detected by the volume detection means are predetermined. Whether the preprocess operation performed by the preprocess operation execution means is only the first preprocess operation or only the second preprocess operation based on the preprocess operation execution reference information. An execution operation determination unit that determines whether to perform a process operation, and the preprocess operation performed by the preprocess operation execution unit is determined based on the determination of the execution operation determination unit. gas leakage inspection apparatus according to 1 or claim 2 or claim 3. First and second pressure sensors that are capable of changing the pressure of gas selectively introduced into at least one of the reference body side and the inspected body side, and that are performed during pre-process operation by controlling the pressure variable means. The pressure of the gas selectively introduced into at least one of the reference body side and the inspected object side in accordance with the corresponding pre-process operation of the gas is introduced into the reference body side and the inspected object side during the gas leak test. gas leakage inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a pressure adjusting means for adjusting smaller than.

Images