WO2011067475A1

WO2011067475A1 - Device for dynamically monitoring leaks for pressurized systems and tanks containing liquids

Info

Publication number: WO2011067475A1
Application number: PCT/FR2009/001378
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alex Gaspar
Original assignee: Fuitexpert
Priority date: 2009-12-04
Filing date: 2009-12-04
Publication date: 2011-06-09

Abstract

The present invention relates to a principle and device (1) making it possible to dynamically monitor the microleaks and microflows of a system (5) or tank containing a pressurized fluid. During the service pressurization of the device (1) connected to the system, a movable stopper (14) moves in the device (1) and compresses an area of air until the position of balance is found between the compressed air area on one side and the service pressure on the other (FIG. 4). It is then necessary to close the system (5) by means of the general supply valve tap (7). If the system (5) is perfectly sealed, the stopper (14) then remains perfectly stationary. If the system has a microleak (6), the movable stopper (14) moves. The movement of the movable stopper (14) is measured by means of a graduated ring (8) that slides on the cylindrical housing (9) of the device (1).

Description

DEVICE FOR DYNAMIC LEAK CONTROL FOR PRESSURIZED NETWORKS AND RESERVOIRS CONTAINING FLUIDS./

The present invention relates to a principle and a device (1) for dynamically controlling the micro-leaks and micro-flows of a network (5) or a reservoir containing a fluid (usually a liquid) under pressure.

Traditionally, two principles allow the tightness control of a network or tank containing a fluid under pressure:

For clarity, I will mention only the word "network" but must understand "network + tank"

The first principle is to perform a test at the pressure of this network.

This requires equipping the network with a sensitive pressure sensor.

Set the network pressure to the desired level for testing.

Close the network and check the pressure drop over time.

If the pressure remains stable at the start measurement, the network is deemed sealed.

If the pressure drops, the network is deemed to be leaking.

This method has the disadvantage of not quantifying the volume of loss called "leakage volume".

But it lets blow on to demonstrate that the network is tight or leaky.

A sensitive pressure sensor must be used to perform the test.

The second principle is to control a leakage volume by passing the fluid under the operating pressure by a meter (volumetric), feeding the network. At a time t = 0, the index of the counter is located.

One can instantly check if the sensitive dial of the meter is running.

For more assurance and for a better measurement of the transited volume, a second survey is carried out after a time interval where the network and its distribution organs have remained perfectly closed.

The network is always supplied with the operating pressure via the meter.

At a time t = 1, it is checked whether the index of the counter has evolved or remained constant. If it has remained constant, consider the watertight network.

If it has evolved, we consider the runaway network.

The leak rate can also be determined by calculating the volume measured between t = 0 and t = 1 and dividing it by the time t1-t0. If the leakage flow is sufficient, the energy developed by the passage of the fluid in the counter rotates it and quantifies the transited volume during the time interval of the measurement.

This process has a major disadvantage.

For a fluid such as water, not an example.

In the case of a micro leak or a micro flow, it is drops of water that escape the network and that in a sometimes long time; several seconds to several minutes of intervals between the formation of each drop.

The energy provided by the escape of the micro leak implies that the micro flow at the passage of the meter is not sufficient to turn the meter and its sensitive wheel.

The quantification of the leakage volume stated by the second principle is then completely erroneous.

The meter does not run and yet there is a real micro leak resulting in an unmeasurable micro flow.

This erroneous control method then leads to significant errors in the interpretation of the results.

These errors often have serious consequences.

Networks are deemed waterproof but in reality, they are micro fugitives.

And this leads to unquantified losses as well as water damage if the networks are linked to infrastructure. Hot / cold water supply / heating networks / tanks / water tanks / etc ...

The device (1) according to the invention overcomes this disadvantage.

It is based on a simple principle of micro leakage visualization (6).

From a technical point of view, it is very simple to achieve.

It does not require any source of energy for its operation.

It is economical and ecological.

It is very efficient and easy to use.

The device is connected to the network (5) to be leak tested.

The network is subject to its usual service pressure.

At the service pressure of the device (1) connected to the network (5), a movable plug (14) moves in the device (1) and compresses an air zone until it finds the equilibrium position between the compressed air zone on one side and the service pressure on the other. Both pressures are then identical and balanced.

It is then necessary to close the network by the tap / valve (7) of general supply.

It is necessary at this time t = 0 locate the position of the movable plug (14) on the device (1) part the graduated ring (18).

If the network (5) is perfectly sealed.

The operating pressure contained in the network (5) remains balanced with the pressure of the compressed air in the device (1).

The movable plug (14) remains perfectly immobile in time.

But if the network (5) has a micro leak (6).

This will have the effect of slowly but surely dropping the service pressure in the network (5).

An imbalance then occurs between the decreasing network operating pressure (5) and the compressed start service pressure in the air zone of the device (1). The balance being broken, the movable plug (14) then moves to rebalance the pressures by decreasing the pressure of compressed air by an increase in the volume contained in the compressed air zone of the device (1).

The displacement of the movable plug (14) is the consequence of the presence of a micro leak (6) on the network (5), characterized by a loss of pressure.

The stages of the dynamic control of microphones leaks and micros flows (related to micro leaks) are explained by the figures on pages 1/4 and 2/4

The device (1) whose complete assembly is shown in Appendix 4/4 is represented by the marks 1 to 3

1 = control device

2 = bleed screw

3 = valve / device isolation valve

The network (5) to be checked is represented by the marks 4 to 8

4 = tap / valve connecting the network to the device

5 = network (eg / drinking water network of a dwelling)

6 = micro leak

7 = shut-off valve after counter

8 = meter (eg, drinking water supply meter)

The manufacturing parts of the device are represented in appendix 3/4 by reference numerals 9 to 18

9 = plexi-ice tube - main part of the device 10 = stainless steel or plastic ring serving as a guide for the piston (11 + 12 + 13)

11 = stainless steel piston throttle

12 = stainless steel piston rod

13 = end of plastic piston with seal

11 + 12 + 13 = compression piston

14 = movable plastic stopper fitted with a seal.

15 + 16 = tap / purge

16 = purge

17 = stainless steel locking ring of the piston in pressure against the tube 9

18 = movable ring engraved with plexiglass as a position indicator of the movable plug 14in the device 1.

The device (1) assembled is shown in Appendix 4/4

FIG 1 shows the device (1) connected to the network to be tested.

Step 1 represented in FIG. 1 consists of:

Connect the device (1) to the network (5) between (3) and (4).

Supply the network (5) to the operating pressure by opening (7)

Valves / valves (2), (3) and (4) remain closed.

Step 2 represented in FIG. 2 consists of:

Compress by a piston (11 + 12 + 13) the part of the volume of air initially present in the device (1) at atmospheric pressure.

This compression will keep a sufficient energy reserve

moving the plug (14) when it arrives near the stop of the device (1).

The locking of the piston (11 + 12 + 13) is carried out by two rings (17)

The valve / valve (4) is open

It must be ensured that the connection between the device (1) at the valve / valve (3) and the valve / valve (4) is tight.

Then open the bleed screw (2).

Step 3 represented in FIG. 3 consists of:

Set the device (1) under the operating pressure of the network (5).

The valve / valve (3) is opened slowly.

The air is purged by the cock / purge (2).

The liquid arrives at the movable plug (14) and the movable plug (14) moves towards the middle of the device (1).

Once the air bubbles are evacuated by the tap / purge (2). Step 4 represented in FIG. 4 consists of:

Close the valve / purge (2).

Isolate the network (5) to be checked by closing the valve / valve (7).

Locate the exact position of the movable plug (14) by slidingly positioning the ring (18) by superimposing the mark on the movable plug (14).

Record the time t = 0.

Step 5 shown in FIG. 5 consists of:

After waiting a sufficient time (several minutes to several hours depending on the desired approach).

At time t = 1

Check the position of the movable plug (14) with respect to the position indicated by the ring (18) of step 4.

If the movable plug (14) has remained fixed between step 4 and step 5.

The pressures of the liquid in the network (5) and the compressed air of the device (1) have remained equal.

The network (5) deemed waterproof.

If the movable plug (14) has moved.

This is the consequence of a micro leakage resulting in the decrease of the pressure of the network (5).

The pressure balance being broken, the movable plug (14) then moves to rebalance the pressures by decreasing the pressure of compressed air by

increasing the volume contained in the compressed air zone of the device (1).

The control of the micro leak (6) resulting in a micro flow is thus proven.

The volume of the leak and its flow is not quantifiable at the device (1) at this stage.

In fact, as a function of the service pressure of the start of the test in the network (5), as a function of the volume of liquid included in the network (5), as well as

mechanical characteristics of the network (5) (copper / cast iron / pvc / pe / ...), the dilations and the volume variations are then different.

The volume of the fluid displaced in the device (1) during the test (from t0 to t1) is not the actual volume lost at the micro leak (6).

If the fluid is a liquid:

To specify the volume lost during the trial period, it is necessary to go through a sixth step. Step 6, not represented by a figure, consists of:

Resume the test in step (3).

Recharge the network (5) and the device (1) at the operating pressure.

Go to step 4.

Isolate the network (5) by closing the valve / valve (7) and mark again the position of the movable plug (14) by the ring (18).

Then use a 100ml beaker graduated. (Not shown in the appendix)

Slowly open the valve / purge (2) of the device (1)

Recover the liquid (fluid) in the beaker until the moment when the movable plug (14) is in the position marked in step 5 of end of test at time t = 1 on the ring (18).

The volume of the liquid (fluid) contained in the beaker is then that evacuated by the micro leak (6) (with measurement uncertainties close).

It is then sufficient to bring this volume closer to the test time (t1 - t0) to determine the flow rate of the micro leak (6).

The objective sought is then achieved by the device (1) for dynamic control of micro leaks and microstreams.

By way of non-limiting example, the body of the case (9) plexi-ice may be an outer diameter of 24 mm (inside 20 mm) for a height of 185 mm

The materials used in the manufacture of the device (1) are also non-limiting. The dynamic control device for micro leaks and microstreams is particularly intended for the following areas:

For individuals and installers water and gas (plumbers):

control of micro leaks on cold and hot drinking water installations as well as heating network installations.

For insurance experts:

expertise of installations, verification of tightness of hydraulic elements under pressure.

For water dispensers:

controls and testing of water connections and networks, indoor and outdoor installations.

For public works:

testing and testing of water connections, networks and tanks subjected to pressure. For industrial applications:

testing and testing of networks and vessels subjected to fluid pressure.

For co-ownership management trustees:

quality approach by periodic checks near tenants and owners whose homes are either not equipped with sub-meters, or is subject to problems recurring leaks.

For trainers and teachers:

understanding principles of equilibrium pressures, quantization of pressures and flow rates, applications to fluids.

The applications of this device are therefore many and varied.

This list is not exhaustive.

Claims

The device (1) for dynamic control of micro-leaks and micro-flows for networks and reservoirs under pressure containing fluids characterized in that it comprises a translucent cylindrical housing (9) etched with indications of volumes and pressures (not shown in the figures) at the end of which is screwed a connection with purge (15 + 16).

The translucent etched mobile ring (18) is mounted on the tube of the housing (9). Inside is slid to the bottom of the housing (9) a movable plug (1). A compression piston (11 + 12 + 13) equipped with its guide ring (10) is screwed to the housing (9).

The compression piston (10 + 11 + 12 + 13) is then pushed until it is stopped and blocked by the two locking rings (17).

The device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the device is in the operating position:

Compression piston (10 + 1 1 + 12 + 13) locked in compressed position (FIG 2) by the rings (17) to maintain a reserve of energy.

Mobile plug (14) at the bottom of the translucent cylindrical case (9)