WO2001001102A1 - Procede et appareil de detection de fuites dans un conteneur - Google Patents

Procede et appareil de detection de fuites dans un conteneur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001001102A1
WO2001001102A1 PCT/US1999/014593 US9914593W WO0101102A1 WO 2001001102 A1 WO2001001102 A1 WO 2001001102A1 US 9914593 W US9914593 W US 9914593W WO 0101102 A1 WO0101102 A1 WO 0101102A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
gas
container
recited
leak
movement
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/014593
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Timothy I. Klein
Original Assignee
Caterpillar Inc.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Caterpillar Inc. filed Critical Caterpillar Inc.
Priority to AU48387/99A priority Critical patent/AU4838799A/en
Priority to PCT/US1999/014593 priority patent/WO2001001102A1/fr
Publication of WO2001001102A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001001102A1/fr

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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
    • G01M3/26—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
    • G01M3/3236—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 by monitoring the interior space of the containers
    • G01M3/3254—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 by monitoring the interior space of the containers using a flow detector
    • 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
    • G01M3/24—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for detecting leaks in a container and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for detecting leaks in a container utilizing ultrasonic detection of molecular movement.
  • U.S. Patent No. RE 33,977 issued to Goodman et al . , discloses one such technique.
  • Ultrasonic energy is produced inside of the container. This energy is then repetitively swept through a frequency range at a rate higher than the upper limit of the audio range so that no standing wave node continuously exists at one location on the surface of the container.
  • An ultrasonic detector is passed over the surface of the container to sense the energy passed through the container. The sensed energy is low in the absence of a leak and measurably higher in the presence of a leak. Thus, the location of the leak is determined based on the position at which the largest audio energy signal is obtained.
  • This technique is sensitive to noise, which is present in most factory conditions in which containers are tested for leaks.
  • the present invention is directed to overcoming the problem as set forth above.
  • a method for detecting a leak in a container includes the steps of allowing gas to enter the container at a predetermined pressure, monitoring movement of the gas to determine when the container is completely filled, preventing the gas to enter the container when the container is completely filled, allowing secondary gas to enter the container after a predetermined amount of time, and monitoring movement of the secondary gas to detect a leak in the container.
  • an apparatus for detecting a leak in a container includes an inlet for allowing passage of gas into the container at a predetermined pressure, an inlet passageway for receiving the gas, an outlet passageway for transferring the gas to the container, and an ultrasonic transducer coupled between the inlet passageway and the outlet passageway for detecting movement of the gas as it enters the apparatus, determining when the container is filled, and for detecting subsequent movement of gas when the gas is allowed to enter after the container is filled, wherein the subsequent movement of gas is indicative of a leak in the container.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the leak detecting apparatus of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electronically controlled inlet of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of the diffuser plate according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of the diffuser plate shown in FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the visual indicator of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the audio indicator of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 an apparatus according to the present invention is shown generally at 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the apparatus 10 includes an inlet 12 coupled to a gas supply 14 for eventually filling a container 16 to be tested for leaks.
  • a gas supply 14 for eventually filling a container 16 to be tested for leaks.
  • the inlet 12 may be a manually operated switch 13, or trigger, as shown in FIG. 2.
  • inlet 12 may be electronically controlled including a controller 15 having predetermined control logic, an electronic switch 17 and a solenoid-controlled valve 19, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • Coupled between the inlet 12 and the container 16 is an inlet passageway 18 and an outlet passageway 20.
  • the inlet passageway 18 receives the gas from the gas supply 14 via the inlet 12 and passes the gas to the outlet passageway 20 for receipt by the container 16.
  • the container 16 is coupled to the outlet passageway 20 via a test outlet 22, which must be a substantially leak-free type of connection.
  • an ultrasonic transducer 24 having terminal connectors 25 is coupled between the inlet passageway 18 and the outlet passageway 20.
  • Ultrasonic transducer 24 detects molecular movement of gas, yet is impervious to ambient ultrasonic signals.
  • An acoustic piezoelectric sensor is preferably utilized.
  • a diffuser plate 26 is directly aligned with ultrasonic transducer 24 between the inlet passageway 18 and the ultrasonic transducer 24 for creating turbulence in the gas as it passes over the ultrasonic transducer 24.
  • Diffuser plate 26 includes through-holes 28 for allowing the gas to pass over the ultrasonic transducer, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, as well as an exit hole 30 for allowing the gas to exit into the container 16 via the outlet passageway 20.
  • the turbulence created by the diffuser plate 26 enhances the detection of the gas as it moves over the ultrasonic transducer 24.
  • the diffuser plate 26 is secured in the apparatus 10 via o-ring seals 32 so as to eliminate leaks therethrough.
  • an accumulator 34 is added between the inlet 12 and the inlet passageway 18 to provide an extra amount of gas above the amount of gas necessary to fill the container 16.
  • Accumulator 34 is a leak-free enclosed anechoic chamber, preferably, but not necessarily constructed from aluminum.
  • the inlet 12 is opened to allow gas from gas supply 14 to enter the container 16 at a predetermined pressure rate, such as 20 p.s.i., but not limited thereto.
  • a gauge 36 as shown in FIG. 2, coupled to the inlet passageway 18 via a gauge outlet 38 provides visual indication to the user as to the pressure rate of the gas entering the apparatus 10.
  • the controller 15 would automatically control the rate of the pressure.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 24 monitors the movement of the gas. This movement may be monitored in one of several ways, including visual monitoring or audio monitoring.
  • the terminal connectors 25 of the ultrasonic transducer 24 are terminated at an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 40, which is in turn coupled to a computing device 41, as shown FIG. 6.
  • the computing device 41 can include, but is not limited to, a processor such as a microprocessor; however, any of a wide variety of computing devices will suffice.
  • the computing device 41 preferably includes, but is not limited to, a memory device and a clock, and is representative of both floating point processors, and fixed point processors.
  • the computing device 41 is then connected to a display 42. Display 42 then displays a graph according to a predetermined control algorithm, utilized by the computing device 41 in conjunction with the converted digital data, illustrating the detection of movement of gas.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates the audio generator of the present invention for audio monitoring of the movement of gas.
  • the terminal connectors 25 are terminated at a heterodyne circuit 44 for shifting the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 24 down to a frequency audible to the human ear.
  • a listening device 46 such as headphones or a speaker, is coupled to circuit 44 so that the user of the apparatus 10 can hear a signal representative of movement of gas .
  • the visual or audio signal is continuously monitored as the gas enters the container 16 until the signal is no longer detected indicating that the container 16 is completely filled. That is, the molecules in the gas are no longer moving over ultrasonic transducer 24, thus, no signal is present .
  • the inlet 12 is closed to prevent gas from entering the container 16 for a predetermined amount of time to allow the gas to stabilize .
  • the inlet 12 is then re-opened again to allow more gas in. If no leaks are present in the container 16, then gas cannot move and no signal will be generated. However, if there is a leak in the container 16, then additional gas will flow through the apparatus 10 into the container 16 resulting in gas molecules passing over ultrasonic transducer 24. This movement is detected and the appropriate visual or audio signal is generated.
  • the detection of leaks in containers can be completely automated according to the teachings of the present invention allowing for accurate detection of leaks.
  • the present invention incorporates principles of pressure decay and pressure differential of which any leak is detected by the internally contained ultrasonic piezoelectric sensor.
  • the present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for detecting leaks in a container utilizing ultrasonic detection of molecular movement.
  • the apparatus 10 has an inlet 12 that is either manually controlled or automatically controlled to allow passage of gas into the container 16 at a predetermined pressure.
  • An inlet passageway 18, coupled to the inlet 12, receives the gas and moves the gas over an ultrasonic transducer 24, which monitors the movement of the gas. The gas is then passed into the container 16 via an outlet passageway 20.
  • ultrasonic transducer 24 As the container 16 is being filled with gas, ultrasonic transducer 24 generates a corresponding signal, either a visual or audio signal. The passage of gas is continued until the container 16 is completely filled, i.e., no signal is generated by ultrasonic transducer 24. At this time, the gas supply is shut off until the gas in the container 16 has had a chance to stabilize. After this predetermined amount of time, the gas is turned on again to detect any subsequent movement of gas indicative of a leak in the container 16.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé et un appareil (10) permettant de détecter des fuites dans un conteneur (16) grâce à la détection par ultrasons d'un mouvement moléculaire de gaz aéroporté. On prévoit à cet effet une entrée (12) pour le passage du gaz dans le conteneur (16) à une pression prédéterminée, un passage d'admission (18) recevant le gaz et le transférant dans le conteneur (16) via un passage de sortie (20), un transducteur ultrasonore (24) monté entre le passage d'admission (18) et le passage de sortie (20) de manière à détecter le mouvement du gaz quand il entre dans l'appareil (10) et à déterminer, après détection d'une absence de mouvement du gaz, quand le conteneur (16) est complètement rempli. Le transducteur (24) sert en outre à détecter un mouvement ultérieur du gaz lorsque ce dernier est autorisé à entrer dans le conteneur (16) complètement rempli, mouvement qui indique la présence d'une fuite dans le conteneur (16).
PCT/US1999/014593 1999-06-28 1999-06-28 Procede et appareil de detection de fuites dans un conteneur WO2001001102A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU48387/99A AU4838799A (en) 1999-06-28 1999-06-28 Method and apparatus for detecting leaks in a container
PCT/US1999/014593 WO2001001102A1 (fr) 1999-06-28 1999-06-28 Procede et appareil de detection de fuites dans un conteneur

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1999/014593 WO2001001102A1 (fr) 1999-06-28 1999-06-28 Procede et appareil de detection de fuites dans un conteneur

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001001102A1 true WO2001001102A1 (fr) 2001-01-04

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/014593 WO2001001102A1 (fr) 1999-06-28 1999-06-28 Procede et appareil de detection de fuites dans un conteneur

Country Status (2)

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AU (1) AU4838799A (fr)
WO (1) WO2001001102A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4416145A (en) * 1982-02-10 1983-11-22 Ue Systems, Inc. Ultrasonic leak detecting method and apparatus
JPS61153074A (ja) * 1984-12-26 1986-07-11 Hino Motors Ltd 電磁弁装置
JPH01260367A (ja) * 1988-04-11 1989-10-17 Toshihiko Kuroda ガス流センサ
JPH01308936A (ja) * 1988-06-08 1989-12-13 Nippon Autom Kk リーク検査装置
EP0646781A2 (fr) * 1993-10-05 1995-04-05 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Méthode et arrangement pour examiner l'étanchéité d'un système de débit de gaz d'un dispositif d'analyse de gaz

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4416145A (en) * 1982-02-10 1983-11-22 Ue Systems, Inc. Ultrasonic leak detecting method and apparatus
JPS61153074A (ja) * 1984-12-26 1986-07-11 Hino Motors Ltd 電磁弁装置
JPH01260367A (ja) * 1988-04-11 1989-10-17 Toshihiko Kuroda ガス流センサ
JPH01308936A (ja) * 1988-06-08 1989-12-13 Nippon Autom Kk リーク検査装置
EP0646781A2 (fr) * 1993-10-05 1995-04-05 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Méthode et arrangement pour examiner l'étanchéité d'un système de débit de gaz d'un dispositif d'analyse de gaz

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 010, no. 357 (M - 540) 2 December 1986 (1986-12-02) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 014, no. 011 (P - 988) 11 January 1990 (1990-01-11) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 014, no. 111 (P - 1014) 28 February 1990 (1990-02-28) *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU4838799A (en) 2001-01-31

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