WO2022136081A1 - Method for checking the sealing of an object and leak detection device - Google Patents

Method for checking the sealing of an object and leak detection device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022136081A1
WO2022136081A1 PCT/EP2021/086064 EP2021086064W WO2022136081A1 WO 2022136081 A1 WO2022136081 A1 WO 2022136081A1 EP 2021086064 W EP2021086064 W EP 2021086064W WO 2022136081 A1 WO2022136081 A1 WO 2022136081A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
probe
detection device
tracer gas
value representative
leak detection
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2021/086064
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Laurent Ducimetiere
Original Assignee
Pfeiffer Vacuum
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 Pfeiffer Vacuum filed Critical Pfeiffer Vacuum
Priority to JP2023538691A priority Critical patent/JP2024500927A/en
Priority to DE112021006618.8T priority patent/DE112021006618T5/en
Publication of WO2022136081A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022136081A1/en

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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
    • G01M3/04—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
    • G01M3/20—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material
    • 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
    • G01M3/20—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material
    • G01M3/202—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material using mass spectrometer detection systems
    • G01M3/205—Accessories or associated equipment; Pump constructions

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a device for checking the sealing of an object to be tested by a tracer gas.
  • tracer gas “sniffing” test and the so-called tracer gas “spraying” test are known for checking the sealing of an object. These methods involve detecting the passage of tracer gas through the possible leaks of the object to be tested in order to check whether maintenance is necessary.
  • sniffing mode a leak detector connected to a sniffing probe is used to search for the possible presence of tracer gas around an object to be tested filled with tracer gas, generally pressurized.
  • spraying mode a spraying gun, or blower, is used to spray the object to be tested with tracer gas, the internal volume of the object to be tested being connected to a leak detector.
  • the search for leaks is generally performed by moving the sniffing probe or the spraying gun to discrete points of the object to be tested, notably points likely to exhibit sealing weaknesses, such as seals, welds and couplings.
  • An increase in the measured tracer gas concentration value reveals the presence of a leak at the point where the tip of the probe or of the gun is positioned.
  • the operator must therefore monitor both the probe or the gun and the display element of the leak detection device. This step is not easy because the display element, typically a screen, for example a liquid crystal display, is generally positioned away from the test zone, which requires the operator to often turn the head between the display element of the leak detection device and the probe of the leak detection device.
  • Another problem is that it is difficult for the operator to remember, on the one hand, the zones of the object already tested and, on the other hand, the zones identified as leaking, notably in the case of sealing checks in production, where the checks are performed in series, at the end of the manufacturing process. There is in fact no visible marker on the part that can register a detected leak, nor are there markers of the zones actually tested. That can be detrimental to the performance of quality inspections.
  • the aim of the invention is notably to facilitate the location and the quantification of leaks of any kind of object to be tested and notably of any size or geometry.
  • the invention relates to a method for checking the sealing of an object to be tested by tracer gas using a probe of a leak detection device and comprising the following steps: scanning the outer surface of the object using the probe in order to successively record, in a processing module of the leak detection device, several values representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device, each value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured being associated with a value representative of the location of the probe; graphically representing, on a display element, the associated values recorded during the scanning of the outer surface of the object.
  • the method uses a probe scan, that is to say a movement of the probe around the object without necessarily any predefined path, to obtain a graphic representation, at the end of the test or as the test progresses, correlating the measurements of the tracer gas leak rate, that is to say notably representative of the tracer gas concentration or partial pressure detected, with the spatial positions of the probe with respect to the object to be tested.
  • the user can thus have a complete overview.
  • the user concentrates on the scanning of all or part of the outer surface of the object according to its complexity by precisely guiding the tip of the probe. His or her scanning is, advantageously according to the invention, automatically located and associated successively with the measurements obtained, so allowing for a graphic display correlating the two types of values recorded in the manner of a map (often known by the term “data mapping”).
  • data mapping a map
  • the user can graphically determine, as a function of the scanning start zone, the zones to be checked, possibly with greater detail.
  • the user can immediately identify if a part of the zone scanned has been forgotten. He or she can then add additional values that are less far apart from one another than those already performed and/or complete the zone forgotten in the preceding scan.
  • the invention can also comprise one or more of the following optional features, taken alone or in combination.
  • the probe can be a tracer gas sniffing probe connected to the leak detection device (the object being filled with tracer gas) or a tracer gas spraying blower (the object being connected to the leak detection device).
  • the scanning step can be activated and/or deactivated by an actuation element mounted on the probe.
  • the actuation element can be a switch, an interrupter or a button of mechanical or capacitive type. That notably allows the user to begin each test when the tip of the probe is in a desired position to begin the scanning step.
  • a value representative of the measured tracer gas leak rate associated with a value representative of the location of the probe are preferentially recorded each time the probe is immobile for a predetermined time suitable for performing the measurement of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate by the leak detection device.
  • the predetermined time is a function of the leak detection device and can generally lie between 1 second and 10 seconds, that is to say, for example, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds or 10 seconds.
  • At least one value representative of the measured tracer gas leak rate associated with a value representative of the location of the probe can also be recorded on demand by a manual control element present for example on the probe and that can be actuated by the user notably to selectively increase the frequency of recording of the associated values during the scanning step in certain zones including more reliefs requiring significantly more values representative of the location of the probe.
  • the leak detection device is less reactive, that is to say, for example, has a time greater than six seconds to perform the measurement, it is also possible to imagine a correction to the correlation of the leak rate as a function of the position of the probe by taking account of the delay in relation to the response and/or measurement time of the leak detection device.
  • the value representative of the location of the probe can be obtained by a location system mounted in the probe that can, for example, comprise a geolocation device and/or an inertial measurement device and/or a motion detection device.
  • the geolocation device can be of the terrestrial type such as, for example, using the GPS or Galileo network, or of local type such as, for example, a dedicated network installed temporarily by the user or a network that exists around the object used for the tests such as a wireless local area network (for example a WIFI network or a GSM network) for tracking the changes of location of the probe in the network.
  • a wireless local area network for example a WIFI network or a GSM network
  • the inertial measurement device can comprise at least one accelerometer and/or an inertial unit and/or a gyrometer making it possible to determine the movements of the probe with respect to the reference point of the start of the scanning step.
  • the motion detection device can comprise a detector such as, for example, of video type or of ultrasound wave type making it possible to determine the movements of the probe with respect to the reference point at the start of the scanning step.
  • a mobile telephony terminal combines several of the devices cited above.
  • the outer surface of the object can be displayed in two dimensions as a function of the coordinates of each value representative of the location of the probe, that is to say that the outer surface of the object is displayed substantially flat.
  • This substantially flat surface is displayed with an identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device. This display allows a true and simple rendering of the outer surface allowing for a rapid diagnostic analysis.
  • the outer surface of the object can be displayed in three dimensions, that is to say that the outer surface of the object is displayed substantially as a volume.
  • This three dimensions surface is displayed with an identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device. This display allows for a more faithful rendering of the geometrical form of the outer surface allowing for a faster diagnostic analysis.
  • the identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device can be effected by numeric inserting, a local deformation or a local colouring of the displayed outer surface of the object as a function of the magnitude of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device. This identification thus immediately makes it possible to be able to locate and quantify the defects of the outer surface of the object.
  • the graphic representation can advantageously be compared to that obtained previously of the same object or of a same type of object in order to identify any sealing deviation. Thus, the graphic representation obtained can be compared to that obtained previously of the same object.
  • the graphic representation obtained can be compared to those obtained previously of a same type of object, typically on a manufacturing line. It is then possible to rapidly diagnose manufacturing errors simply and rapidly in order to take corrective measures on the manufacturing line.
  • the graphic representation obtained can be compared to that of a same type of object certified as compliant with a particular standard in order to trace the upholding of the production quality of the manufacturing line and that the tested object can also be certified as compliant with the particular standard.
  • the invention relates also to a leak detection device comprising a probe, a detection module, a processing module and a display element, characterized in that the detection device comprises a location system allowing the location of the probe to be transmitted to the processing module in real time and in that the processing module is configured to implement a method as presented above.
  • the processing module thus allows the successive recording of several values representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the detection module of the leak detection device, each value representative of the measured tracer gas leak rate being associated with a value representative of the location of the probe measured by the location system.
  • the processing module further allows information relating to the results of the checks of the sealing of the object to be tested to be displayed on the display element.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of a sniffing leak detection device
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged partial view of Figure 1 , focused on a probe of the leak detection device;
  • Figure 3 is an example of information displayed in two dimensions obtained according to the method of the invention.
  • Figure 4 is an example of information displayed in three dimensions obtained according to the method of the invention.
  • Figure 5 is a representation of an object to be tested using the method of the invention
  • Figure 6 is an example of information displayed in three dimensions of the object of Figure 5 obtained according to the method of the invention
  • Figure 7 is a schematic view of a spraying leak detection device.
  • orientations are the orientations of the figures.
  • the terms “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “above”, “below”, “towards the front” and “towards the rear” are generally understood with respect to the direction of representation of the figures.
  • Object 11 to be tested is understood to mean any object or any installation for which there is a desire to check the sealing.
  • Leak detection device 1 is understood to mean all types of devices capable of measuring the leak rate, the concentration or the partial pressure of a predetermined tracer gas such as hydrogen or helium in order to identify any sealing defect of the object 11 to be tested. These types of devices usually comprise a probe 3, a pumping module (for example with a primary vacuum pump, a secondary vacuum pump, etc.), a tracer gas detection module 5 (for example with a mass spectrometer, etc.), a processing module 7 and, preferentially, a display element 9. Usually, all the members (the probe 3 apart) of the leak detection device 1 are combined in a detection unit 4 coupled with the probe 3.
  • Probe 3 is understood to mean all the types of devices used by a leak detection device 1 to locally examine the object to be tested.
  • the probe 3 is therefore brought close to the object 11 to be tested by the user 6.
  • the probe 3 can thus be a tracer gas sniffing probe or spraying blower.
  • the probe 3 is a sniffing probe and has a gripping element allowing it to be manipulated by the user 6.
  • the sniffing probe 3 is connected by a flexible pipe 2 to the detection unit 4 so as to suck in the gases around the object 11 to be tested filled with tracer gas.
  • a part of the gases sucked in by the pumping module (not represented) is analysed by the gas detection module 5 which supplies a tracer gas leak rate to the processing module 7.
  • the leak rate can be, for example, measured in mbar s' 1 or Pa m 3 s’ 1 .
  • the probe 3 is a spraying blower, or spraying gun, of the leak detection system 1 and has a gripping element allowing it to be manipulated by the user.
  • the probe 3 is connected by a pipe 2a to a source of tracer gas and allows tracer gas to be released by actuation of the control 16.
  • the detection unit 4 of the leak detection system 1 is connected by a line 2b to the object 11 to be tested so as to create a vacuum inside the object 11 and suck in any tracer gas blown by the probe 3 which would be infiltrated through a leak of the object 11 to be tested.
  • the leak rate can be, for example, measured in mbar s' 1 or Pa m 3 s’ 1 .
  • a tracer gas maximum threshold is monitored by the processing module 7, and, if exceeded, this is considered as a leak, that is to say a sealing defect of the object 11 to be tested.
  • Helium or hydrogen is generally used as tracer gas because these gases pass through small leaks more easily than the other gases, because of the small size of their molecules and their high speed of displacement.
  • the processing module 7 is further configured to display, on the display element 9, preferentially belonging to the leak detection device 1 , information 15 relating to the results of the checks on the sealing of the object 11 to be tested by the leak detection device 1.
  • the search for leaks is generally performed by moving the sniffing probe 3 or the spraying probe to discrete points of the object 11 to be tested, notably points likely to exhibit sealing weaknesses, such as the seals, the welds and the couplings.
  • the operator 6 must therefore usually monitor both the probe 3 and the display element 9 of the leak detection device 1 which is not easy to do according to the size of the object 11 to be tested.
  • the aim of the invention is notably to facilitate the location and the quantification of leaks of any type of object 11 to be tested and notably of any size or geometry.
  • the invention relates to a method for checking the sealing of an object 11 to be tested by tracer gas using a probe 3 of a leak detection device 1.
  • the method comprises a step intended to scan the outer surface of the object 11 using the probe 3.
  • the method according to the invention advantageously uses a scanning of the probe 3, that is to say a displacement of the probe 3 around the object without necessarily having a predefined path.
  • the scanning step thus makes it possible to successively record, in the processing module 7 of the leak detection device 1 , several values representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the detection module 5 of the detection device 1.
  • each value representative of the measured tracer gas leak rate is associated with a value representative of the location of the probe 3.
  • the probe 3 comprises a location system 13 allowing its location to be transmitted in real time to the processing module 7 by wire (coupled to the flexible pipe 2) or not (wireless transmission).
  • the location system 13 can thus comprise a geolocation device and/or an inertial measurement device and/or a motion detection device.
  • the geolocation device can be of terrestrial type such as, for example, using the GPS or Galileo network 14, or of the local type such as, for example, a dedicated network 14 installed temporarily by the user 6 or an existing network 14 around the object 11 used for the tests such as a wireless local area network (for example a WIFI network or a GSM network) for tracking the changes of location of the probe 3 in the network 14.
  • a wireless local area network for example a WIFI network or a GSM network
  • the inertial measurement device can comprise at least one accelerometer and/or an inertial unit and/or a gyrometer making it possible to determine the movements of the probe 3 with respect to the reference point of the start of the scanning step.
  • the motion detection device can comprise a detector such as, for example, of video type or of ultrasound wave type making it possible to determine the movements of the probe 3 with respect to the reference point of the start of the scanning step.
  • a detector such as, for example, of video type or of ultrasound wave type making it possible to determine the movements of the probe 3 with respect to the reference point of the start of the scanning step.
  • the variations of location of the probe 3 by the location system 13 could be obtained in another way without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • a mobile telephony terminal combines several of the devices cited above.
  • the scanning is, advantageously according to the invention, automatically located by the location system 13 and associated, by the processing module 7, successively with the measurements obtained by the detection module 5, allowing for a graphic display correlating the two types of values recorded in the way of a mapping (often known as “data mapping”).
  • the scanning step can be activated and/or deactivated by an actuation element 8 mounted on the probe 3.
  • the actuation element 8 can be a switch, an interrupter or a button of mechanical or capacitive type. That notably allows the user 6 to begin each test when the tip of the probe 3 is in a desired position for the start of the scanning step.
  • a value representative of the measured tracer gas leak rate associated with a value representative of the location of the probe are preferentially recorded each time the probe 3 is immobile for a predetermined time suitable for performing the measurement of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate by the detection device 1.
  • the predetermined time is a function of the leak detection device 1 and can generally lie between 1 second and 10 seconds, that is to say, for example, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds or 10 seconds.
  • At least one value representative of the measured tracer gas leak rate associated with a value representative of the location of the probe can also be recorded on demand by a manual control element 10, for example present on the probe 3 and can be actuated by the user 6 to notably selectively increase the frequency of recording of the associated values during the scanning step in certain zones that include, for example, more reliefs requiring significantly more values representative of the location of the probe 3.
  • the detection device 1 is less reactive, that is to say for example has a time greater than six seconds to perform the measurement, it is also possible to imagine a correction of the correlation of the leak rate as a function of the position of the probe 3 by taking account of the delay in relation to the response and/or measurement time of the detection device 1.
  • the method comprises a step intended to graphically represent, on the display element 9 of the leak detection device 1 and/or on an external display element 9 (not represented), the associated values recorded during the scanning of the outer surface of the object 11 to be tested.
  • the scanning of the probe 3 makes it possible to obtain a graphic representation, at the end of the test and/or as the test proceeds, correlating the measurements of the tracer gas leak rate with the spatial positions of the probe 3 with respect to the object 11 to be tested.
  • the user 6 can thus have a complete overview. He or she can therefore concentrate on the scanning of all or part of the outer surface of the object 11 to be tested according to its complexity by accurately guiding the tip of the probe.
  • the user 6 can determine, graphically as a function of the scanning start zone, the zones to be checked possibly in more detail. Furthermore, the user 6 can immediately identify if a part of the zone scanned has been forgotten. He or she can then add additional values less far away from one another with respect to those already performed and/or complete the zone forgotten during the preceding scan.
  • the outer surface of the object 11 can be displayed as information 15 in two dimensions as a function of the coordinates of each value representative of the location of the probe 3, that is to say that the outer surface of the object 11 is displayed substantially flat.
  • This substantially flat surface is displayed with an identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the detection module 5 of the detection device 1. This display allows for a faithful and simple rendering of the outer surface, allowing for a rapid diagnostic analysis.
  • the outer surface of the object 11 can be displayed as information 15 in three dimensions, that is to say that the outer surface of the object 11 is displayed substantially as a volume.
  • This three dimensions surface is displayed with an identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the detection module 5 of the detection device 1. This display allows for a more faithful rendering of the geometrical form of the outer surface, allowing for a faster diagnostic analysis.
  • the identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the detection module 5 of the detection device 1 can be effected by a numeric insertding (for example a number for the leak rate, the concentration or the partial tracer gas pressure), a local deformation (for example in the form of cones or pyramids) or a local colouring (for example zones coloured according to a single colour varying in brightness or zones coloured according to different colours) of the displayed outer surface of the object 11 as a function of the magnitude of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the detection module 5 of the detection device 1.
  • This identification thus makes it possible to immediately be able to locate and quantify the defects of the outer surface of the object 11 to be tested.
  • the identification is provided by a local colouring of the outer surface displayed on the display element 9.
  • the method according to the invention can also provide a step in which the graphic representation can advantageously be compared to that obtained previously of the same object or of a same type of object by the processing module 7 in order to identify any sealing deviation.
  • the information 15 obtained can be compared to that obtained previously of the same object. It is then possible to rapidly diagnose the points which deteriorate more quickly than others, simply and rapidly in order to take corrective measures.
  • the information 15 obtained can be compared to that obtained previously on a same type of object, typically on a manufacturing line. It is then possible to rapidly diagnose production deviations of a same type of object 11 simply and rapidly in order to take corrective measures on the manufacturing line.
  • the information 15 obtained can be compared to that of a same type of object certified as compliant with a particular standard in order to trace the upholding of the quality of production of the manufacturing line and that the object 11 tested can also be certified as compliant with the particular standard.
  • the invention is not limited to the embodiments and variants presented and other embodiments and variants will emerge clearly to the person skilled in the art.
  • the embodiments and variants can be combined with one another without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the display element 9 could not belong to the leak detection device 1 without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the display element 9 could for example allow for externalized representation by connecting the detection device 1 to another device such as a computer or a smartphone.
  • the information 15 having a pre-recorded form which is complemented with the associated values obtained during the steps of the method explained above. More specifically, if the object 11 or the type of object 11 to be tested is previously identified, the outer envelope could be filled in by the processing module 7 then, using the scanning step, the outer envelope is filled with the outer surface information 15 displayed during the graphic representation step to allow an immediate graphic display of the sealing of the object 11 tested.
  • An example of such representation of the information 15 is illustrated in Figure 6.
  • the object 11 visible in Figure 5 is a vacuum tank. From the identification of this object 11, the outer envelope is filled in by the processing module 7.
  • the user 6 then executes the scanning step of the method according to the invention in order for said outer envelope to be filled, as the scanning step proceeds and/or at the end of the scanning step, with the outer surface information 15 displayed during the graphic representation step.
  • the graphic display allows, advantageously according to the invention, a simple and rapid determination of the sealing of the object 11 tested.
  • the outer envelope with the associated values previously obtained or with the associated values which should be obtained can be filled in by the processing module 7, then, using the scanning step, the outer envelope is filled with the difference between the outer surface information 15 displayed during the graphic representation step and the information 15 with the associated values previously obtained or with the associated values which should be obtained to allow an immediate graphic display of the deviations between two implementations of the method.
  • the location system 13 not being mounted in the probe 3 but outside of the probe 3.
  • the location system 13 could then comprise at least one detector mounted close to the object 11 to be tested such as, for example, of video type or of ultrasound wave type making it possible to determine movements of the probe 3 with respect to the reference point of the start of the scanning step.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a method for checking the sealing of an object (11) to be tested by tracer gas using a probe (3) of a leak detection device (1) and comprising the step intended to scan the outer surface of the object (11) using the probe (3) in order to successively record, in a processing module (7) of the leak detection device (1), several values representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the detection device (1), each value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured being associated with a value representative of the location of the probe (3) and the step intended to graphically represent, on a display element (9), the associated values recorded during the scanning of the outer surface of the object (11).

Description

Method for checking the sealing of an object and leak detection device
Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for checking the sealing of an object to be tested by a tracer gas.
Technical background
[0002] The so-called tracer gas “sniffing” test and the so-called tracer gas “spraying” test are known for checking the sealing of an object. These methods involve detecting the passage of tracer gas through the possible leaks of the object to be tested in order to check whether maintenance is necessary. In sniffing mode, a leak detector connected to a sniffing probe is used to search for the possible presence of tracer gas around an object to be tested filled with tracer gas, generally pressurized. In spraying mode, a spraying gun, or blower, is used to spray the object to be tested with tracer gas, the internal volume of the object to be tested being connected to a leak detector.
[0003] The search for leaks is generally performed by moving the sniffing probe or the spraying gun to discrete points of the object to be tested, notably points likely to exhibit sealing weaknesses, such as seals, welds and couplings. An increase in the measured tracer gas concentration value reveals the presence of a leak at the point where the tip of the probe or of the gun is positioned. The operator must therefore monitor both the probe or the gun and the display element of the leak detection device. This step is not easy because the display element, typically a screen, for example a liquid crystal display, is generally positioned away from the test zone, which requires the operator to often turn the head between the display element of the leak detection device and the probe of the leak detection device.
[0004] That can be detrimental to the detection quality because of the highly reactive behaviour of the tracer gas test method. The operator may in fact risk missing a leak detection in the time it takes to divert the eyes from the screen. Moreover, turning the head repeatedly can make the sealing check uncomfortable for the operator, notably in production. Furthermore, when the probe is relatively far away from the test zone, the sealing check can be made even more difficult.
[0005] Another problem is that it is difficult for the operator to remember, on the one hand, the zones of the object already tested and, on the other hand, the zones identified as leaking, notably in the case of sealing checks in production, where the checks are performed in series, at the end of the manufacturing process. There is in fact no visible marker on the part that can register a detected leak, nor are there markers of the zones actually tested. That can be detrimental to the performance of quality inspections.
[0006] Furthermore, it can be difficult to subsequently prove for example that the part has indeed been tested in all the zones required to be tested by a client. Also, that can prevent the user from detecting recurrent problems between several parts to be tested and therefore from identifying new zones of weakness of the parts, notably in production. Another problem can be describing the placement of leaky zones sufficiently accurately to be able to be processed subsequently, and do so notably when the object to be tested has very large dimensions.
Summary of the invention
[0007] The aim of the invention is notably to facilitate the location and the quantification of leaks of any kind of object to be tested and notably of any size or geometry.
[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a method for checking the sealing of an object to be tested by tracer gas using a probe of a leak detection device and comprising the following steps: scanning the outer surface of the object using the probe in order to successively record, in a processing module of the leak detection device, several values representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device, each value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured being associated with a value representative of the location of the probe; graphically representing, on a display element, the associated values recorded during the scanning of the outer surface of the object.
[0009] Advantageously according to the invention, and contrary to the usual sealing measurement tests at discrete points, the method uses a probe scan, that is to say a movement of the probe around the object without necessarily any predefined path, to obtain a graphic representation, at the end of the test or as the test progresses, correlating the measurements of the tracer gas leak rate, that is to say notably representative of the tracer gas concentration or partial pressure detected, with the spatial positions of the probe with respect to the object to be tested.
[0010] The user can thus have a complete overview. The user concentrates on the scanning of all or part of the outer surface of the object according to its complexity by precisely guiding the tip of the probe. His or her scanning is, advantageously according to the invention, automatically located and associated successively with the measurements obtained, so allowing for a graphic display correlating the two types of values recorded in the manner of a map (often known by the term “data mapping”). [0011] It is notably understood that the user can graphically determine, as a function of the scanning start zone, the zones to be checked, possibly with greater detail. Furthermore, the user can immediately identify if a part of the zone scanned has been forgotten. He or she can then add additional values that are less far apart from one another than those already performed and/or complete the zone forgotten in the preceding scan.
[0012] The invention can also comprise one or more of the following optional features, taken alone or in combination.
[0013] The probe can be a tracer gas sniffing probe connected to the leak detection device (the object being filled with tracer gas) or a tracer gas spraying blower (the object being connected to the leak detection device).
[0014] The scanning step can be activated and/or deactivated by an actuation element mounted on the probe. As a nonlimiting example, the actuation element can be a switch, an interrupter or a button of mechanical or capacitive type. That notably allows the user to begin each test when the tip of the probe is in a desired position to begin the scanning step.
[0015] During the scanning step, a value representative of the measured tracer gas leak rate associated with a value representative of the location of the probe are preferentially recorded each time the probe is immobile for a predetermined time suitable for performing the measurement of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate by the leak detection device. Typically, the predetermined time is a function of the leak detection device and can generally lie between 1 second and 10 seconds, that is to say, for example, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds or 10 seconds.
[0016] Obviously, alternatively or in addition, at least one value representative of the measured tracer gas leak rate associated with a value representative of the location of the probe can also be recorded on demand by a manual control element present for example on the probe and that can be actuated by the user notably to selectively increase the frequency of recording of the associated values during the scanning step in certain zones including more reliefs requiring significantly more values representative of the location of the probe. Furthermore, given that the leak detection device is less reactive, that is to say, for example, has a time greater than six seconds to perform the measurement, it is also possible to imagine a correction to the correlation of the leak rate as a function of the position of the probe by taking account of the delay in relation to the response and/or measurement time of the leak detection device. [0017] During the scanning step, the value representative of the location of the probe can be obtained by a location system mounted in the probe that can, for example, comprise a geolocation device and/or an inertial measurement device and/or a motion detection device. The geolocation device can be of the terrestrial type such as, for example, using the GPS or Galileo network, or of local type such as, for example, a dedicated network installed temporarily by the user or a network that exists around the object used for the tests such as a wireless local area network (for example a WIFI network or a GSM network) for tracking the changes of location of the probe in the network. The inertial measurement device can comprise at least one accelerometer and/or an inertial unit and/or a gyrometer making it possible to determine the movements of the probe with respect to the reference point of the start of the scanning step. Finally, the motion detection device can comprise a detector such as, for example, of video type or of ultrasound wave type making it possible to determine the movements of the probe with respect to the reference point at the start of the scanning step. Obviously, variations of location of the probe could be obtained in another way without departing from the scope of the invention. As an example, a mobile telephony terminal combines several of the devices cited above.
[0018] During the representation step, the outer surface of the object can be displayed in two dimensions as a function of the coordinates of each value representative of the location of the probe, that is to say that the outer surface of the object is displayed substantially flat. This substantially flat surface is displayed with an identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device. This display allows a true and simple rendering of the outer surface allowing for a rapid diagnostic analysis.
[0019] According to another variant, the outer surface of the object can be displayed in three dimensions, that is to say that the outer surface of the object is displayed substantially as a volume. This three dimensions surface is displayed with an identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device. This display allows for a more faithful rendering of the geometrical form of the outer surface allowing for a faster diagnostic analysis.
[0020] Whatever the variant display of the outer surface of the object, during the representation step, the identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device can be effected by numeric inserting, a local deformation or a local colouring of the displayed outer surface of the object as a function of the magnitude of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device. This identification thus immediately makes it possible to be able to locate and quantify the defects of the outer surface of the object. [0021] The graphic representation can advantageously be compared to that obtained previously of the same object or of a same type of object in order to identify any sealing deviation. Thus, the graphic representation obtained can be compared to that obtained previously of the same object. It is then possible to rapidly diagnose the points which deteriorate more quickly than others simply and rapidly in order to take corrective measures. According to another application, the graphic representation obtained can be compared to those obtained previously of a same type of object, typically on a manufacturing line. It is then possible to rapidly diagnose manufacturing errors simply and rapidly in order to take corrective measures on the manufacturing line. According to yet another application, the graphic representation obtained can be compared to that of a same type of object certified as compliant with a particular standard in order to trace the upholding of the production quality of the manufacturing line and that the tested object can also be certified as compliant with the particular standard.
[0022] The invention relates also to a leak detection device comprising a probe, a detection module, a processing module and a display element, characterized in that the detection device comprises a location system allowing the location of the probe to be transmitted to the processing module in real time and in that the processing module is configured to implement a method as presented above. Typically, the processing module thus allows the successive recording of several values representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the detection module of the leak detection device, each value representative of the measured tracer gas leak rate being associated with a value representative of the location of the probe measured by the location system. The processing module further allows information relating to the results of the checks of the sealing of the object to be tested to be displayed on the display element.
Brief description of the figures
[0023] Other particular features and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description given thereof hereinbelow, in an indicative and nonlimiting manner, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a sniffing leak detection device;
[0025] Figure 2 is an enlarged partial view of Figure 1 , focused on a probe of the leak detection device;
[0026] Figure 3 is an example of information displayed in two dimensions obtained according to the method of the invention;
[0027] Figure 4 is an example of information displayed in three dimensions obtained according to the method of the invention;
[0028] Figure 5 is a representation of an object to be tested using the method of the invention; [0029] Figure 6 is an example of information displayed in three dimensions of the object of Figure 5 obtained according to the method of the invention;
[0030] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a spraying leak detection device.
Detailed description
[0031] In the various figures, the elements that are identical or similar bear the same references, possibly with an index added. The description of their structure and their function is not therefore systematically repeated.
[0032] Throughout the following, the orientations are the orientations of the figures. In particular, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “above”, “below”, “towards the front” and “towards the rear” are generally understood with respect to the direction of representation of the figures.
[0033] “Object 11 to be tested” is understood to mean any object or any installation for which there is a desire to check the sealing.
[0034] “Leak detection device 1” is understood to mean all types of devices capable of measuring the leak rate, the concentration or the partial pressure of a predetermined tracer gas such as hydrogen or helium in order to identify any sealing defect of the object 11 to be tested. These types of devices usually comprise a probe 3, a pumping module (for example with a primary vacuum pump, a secondary vacuum pump, etc.), a tracer gas detection module 5 (for example with a mass spectrometer, etc.), a processing module 7 and, preferentially, a display element 9. Usually, all the members (the probe 3 apart) of the leak detection device 1 are combined in a detection unit 4 coupled with the probe 3.
[0035] “Probe 3” is understood to mean all the types of devices used by a leak detection device 1 to locally examine the object to be tested. The probe 3 is therefore brought close to the object 11 to be tested by the user 6. According to the invention, the probe 3 can thus be a tracer gas sniffing probe or spraying blower.
[0036] In the example illustrated in Figure 1 , the probe 3 is a sniffing probe and has a gripping element allowing it to be manipulated by the user 6. The sniffing probe 3 is connected by a flexible pipe 2 to the detection unit 4 so as to suck in the gases around the object 11 to be tested filled with tracer gas. A part of the gases sucked in by the pumping module (not represented) is analysed by the gas detection module 5 which supplies a tracer gas leak rate to the processing module 7. Usually, the leak rate can be, for example, measured in mbar s'1 or Pa m3 s’1.
[0037] In the example illustrated in Figure 7, the probe 3 is a spraying blower, or spraying gun, of the leak detection system 1 and has a gripping element allowing it to be manipulated by the user. The probe 3 is connected by a pipe 2a to a source of tracer gas and allows tracer gas to be released by actuation of the control 16. The detection unit 4 of the leak detection system 1 is connected by a line 2b to the object 11 to be tested so as to create a vacuum inside the object 11 and suck in any tracer gas blown by the probe 3 which would be infiltrated through a leak of the object 11 to be tested. A part of the molecules (typically of the tracer gas) flowing counter to the gases sucked in by the pumping module is analysed by the gas detection module 5 which supplies a tracer gas leak rate to the processing module 7. Usually, the leak rate can be, for example, measured in mbar s'1 or Pa m3 s’1.
[0038] Usually, a tracer gas maximum threshold is monitored by the processing module 7, and, if exceeded, this is considered as a leak, that is to say a sealing defect of the object 11 to be tested. Helium or hydrogen is generally used as tracer gas because these gases pass through small leaks more easily than the other gases, because of the small size of their molecules and their high speed of displacement. The processing module 7 is further configured to display, on the display element 9, preferentially belonging to the leak detection device 1 , information 15 relating to the results of the checks on the sealing of the object 11 to be tested by the leak detection device 1.
[0039] The search for leaks is generally performed by moving the sniffing probe 3 or the spraying probe to discrete points of the object 11 to be tested, notably points likely to exhibit sealing weaknesses, such as the seals, the welds and the couplings. The operator 6 must therefore usually monitor both the probe 3 and the display element 9 of the leak detection device 1 which is not easy to do according to the size of the object 11 to be tested.
[0040] The aim of the invention is notably to facilitate the location and the quantification of leaks of any type of object 11 to be tested and notably of any size or geometry.
[0041] To this end, the invention relates to a method for checking the sealing of an object 11 to be tested by tracer gas using a probe 3 of a leak detection device 1. The method comprises a step intended to scan the outer surface of the object 11 using the probe 3. Thus, contrary to the usual sealing measurement tests at discrete points, the method according to the invention advantageously uses a scanning of the probe 3, that is to say a displacement of the probe 3 around the object without necessarily having a predefined path.
[0042] The scanning step thus makes it possible to successively record, in the processing module 7 of the leak detection device 1 , several values representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the detection module 5 of the detection device 1. Advantageously according to the invention, each value representative of the measured tracer gas leak rate is associated with a value representative of the location of the probe 3. [0043] Thus, the probe 3 comprises a location system 13 allowing its location to be transmitted in real time to the processing module 7 by wire (coupled to the flexible pipe 2) or not (wireless transmission). In order to determine the value representative of the location of the probe 3, the location system 13 can thus comprise a geolocation device and/or an inertial measurement device and/or a motion detection device.
[0044] The geolocation device can be of terrestrial type such as, for example, using the GPS or Galileo network 14, or of the local type such as, for example, a dedicated network 14 installed temporarily by the user 6 or an existing network 14 around the object 11 used for the tests such as a wireless local area network (for example a WIFI network or a GSM network) for tracking the changes of location of the probe 3 in the network 14.
[0045] The inertial measurement device can comprise at least one accelerometer and/or an inertial unit and/or a gyrometer making it possible to determine the movements of the probe 3 with respect to the reference point of the start of the scanning step. Finally, the motion detection device can comprise a detector such as, for example, of video type or of ultrasound wave type making it possible to determine the movements of the probe 3 with respect to the reference point of the start of the scanning step. Obviously, the variations of location of the probe 3 by the location system 13 could be obtained in another way without departing from the scope of the invention. As an example, a mobile telephony terminal combines several of the devices cited above.
[0046] Consequently, the scanning is, advantageously according to the invention, automatically located by the location system 13 and associated, by the processing module 7, successively with the measurements obtained by the detection module 5, allowing for a graphic display correlating the two types of values recorded in the way of a mapping (often known as “data mapping”).
[0047] The scanning step can be activated and/or deactivated by an actuation element 8 mounted on the probe 3. As a nonlimiting example, the actuation element 8 can be a switch, an interrupter or a button of mechanical or capacitive type. That notably allows the user 6 to begin each test when the tip of the probe 3 is in a desired position for the start of the scanning step.
[0048] During the scanning step, a value representative of the measured tracer gas leak rate associated with a value representative of the location of the probe are preferentially recorded each time the probe 3 is immobile for a predetermined time suitable for performing the measurement of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate by the detection device 1. Typically, the predetermined time is a function of the leak detection device 1 and can generally lie between 1 second and 10 seconds, that is to say, for example, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds or 10 seconds.
[0049] Obviously, alternatively or in addition, at least one value representative of the measured tracer gas leak rate associated with a value representative of the location of the probe can also be recorded on demand by a manual control element 10, for example present on the probe 3 and can be actuated by the user 6 to notably selectively increase the frequency of recording of the associated values during the scanning step in certain zones that include, for example, more reliefs requiring significantly more values representative of the location of the probe 3. Furthermore, given that the detection device 1 is less reactive, that is to say for example has a time greater than six seconds to perform the measurement, it is also possible to imagine a correction of the correlation of the leak rate as a function of the position of the probe 3 by taking account of the delay in relation to the response and/or measurement time of the detection device 1.
[0050] At the same time and/or after the scanning step, the method comprises a step intended to graphically represent, on the display element 9 of the leak detection device 1 and/or on an external display element 9 (not represented), the associated values recorded during the scanning of the outer surface of the object 11 to be tested. [0051] Advantageously according to the invention, and contrary to the usual sealing measurement tests at discrete points, the scanning of the probe 3 makes it possible to obtain a graphic representation, at the end of the test and/or as the test proceeds, correlating the measurements of the tracer gas leak rate with the spatial positions of the probe 3 with respect to the object 11 to be tested.
[0052] The user 6 can thus have a complete overview. He or she can therefore concentrate on the scanning of all or part of the outer surface of the object 11 to be tested according to its complexity by accurately guiding the tip of the probe.
[0053] It is notably understood that the user 6 can determine, graphically as a function of the scanning start zone, the zones to be checked possibly in more detail. Furthermore, the user 6 can immediately identify if a part of the zone scanned has been forgotten. He or she can then add additional values less far away from one another with respect to those already performed and/or complete the zone forgotten during the preceding scan.
[0054] According to the example illustrated in Figure 3, during the representation step, the outer surface of the object 11 can be displayed as information 15 in two dimensions as a function of the coordinates of each value representative of the location of the probe 3, that is to say that the outer surface of the object 11 is displayed substantially flat. This substantially flat surface is displayed with an identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the detection module 5 of the detection device 1. This display allows for a faithful and simple rendering of the outer surface, allowing for a rapid diagnostic analysis.
[0055] According to another variant illustrated in the example of Figure 4, the outer surface of the object 11 can be displayed as information 15 in three dimensions, that is to say that the outer surface of the object 11 is displayed substantially as a volume. This three dimensions surface is displayed with an identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the detection module 5 of the detection device 1. This display allows for a more faithful rendering of the geometrical form of the outer surface, allowing for a faster diagnostic analysis.
[0056] Whatever the variant display of the outer surface of the object 11 , the identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the detection module 5 of the detection device 1 can be effected by a numeric insertding (for example a number for the leak rate, the concentration or the partial tracer gas pressure), a local deformation (for example in the form of cones or pyramids) or a local colouring (for example zones coloured according to a single colour varying in brightness or zones coloured according to different colours) of the displayed outer surface of the object 11 as a function of the magnitude of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the detection module 5 of the detection device 1. This identification thus makes it possible to immediately be able to locate and quantify the defects of the outer surface of the object 11 to be tested. In the examples of Figures 3 and 4, the identification is provided by a local colouring of the outer surface displayed on the display element 9.
[0057] Finally, the method according to the invention can also provide a step in which the graphic representation can advantageously be compared to that obtained previously of the same object or of a same type of object by the processing module 7 in order to identify any sealing deviation.
[0058] Thus, the information 15 obtained can be compared to that obtained previously of the same object. It is then possible to rapidly diagnose the points which deteriorate more quickly than others, simply and rapidly in order to take corrective measures.
[0059] According to another application, the information 15 obtained can be compared to that obtained previously on a same type of object, typically on a manufacturing line. It is then possible to rapidly diagnose production deviations of a same type of object 11 simply and rapidly in order to take corrective measures on the manufacturing line.
[0060] According to yet another application, the information 15 obtained can be compared to that of a same type of object certified as compliant with a particular standard in order to trace the upholding of the quality of production of the manufacturing line and that the object 11 tested can also be certified as compliant with the particular standard.
[0061] The invention is not limited to the embodiments and variants presented and other embodiments and variants will emerge clearly to the person skilled in the art. Thus, the embodiments and variants can be combined with one another without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it is possible to envisage types of applications other than those provided in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention. As a nonlimiting example, the display element 9 could not belong to the leak detection device 1 without departing from the scope of the invention. The display element 9 could for example allow for externalized representation by connecting the detection device 1 to another device such as a computer or a smartphone.
[0062] Furthermore, it is possible to envisage the information 15 having a pre-recorded form which is complemented with the associated values obtained during the steps of the method explained above. More specifically, if the object 11 or the type of object 11 to be tested is previously identified, the outer envelope could be filled in by the processing module 7 then, using the scanning step, the outer envelope is filled with the outer surface information 15 displayed during the graphic representation step to allow an immediate graphic display of the sealing of the object 11 tested. An example of such representation of the information 15 is illustrated in Figure 6. The object 11 visible in Figure 5 is a vacuum tank. From the identification of this object 11, the outer envelope is filled in by the processing module 7. The user 6 then executes the scanning step of the method according to the invention in order for said outer envelope to be filled, as the scanning step proceeds and/or at the end of the scanning step, with the outer surface information 15 displayed during the graphic representation step. As can be seen in Figure 6, the graphic display allows, advantageously according to the invention, a simple and rapid determination of the sealing of the object 11 tested.
[0063] According to yet another possibility, if the object 11 or the type of object 11 to be tested is previously identified, the outer envelope with the associated values previously obtained or with the associated values which should be obtained can be filled in by the processing module 7, then, using the scanning step, the outer envelope is filled with the difference between the outer surface information 15 displayed during the graphic representation step and the information 15 with the associated values previously obtained or with the associated values which should be obtained to allow an immediate graphic display of the deviations between two implementations of the method. [0064] Finally, it is possible to envisage the location system 13 not being mounted in the probe 3 but outside of the probe 3. The location system 13 could then comprise at least one detector mounted close to the object 11 to be tested such as, for example, of video type or of ultrasound wave type making it possible to determine movements of the probe 3 with respect to the reference point of the start of the scanning step.

Claims

Claims
[Claim 1] Method for checking, by a tracer gas, the sealing of an object (11) to be tested connected to a leak detection device (1) by using a probe (3) forming a tracer gas spraying blower intended to spray the object (11), comprising the following steps:
- scanning the outer surface of the object (11) using the probe (3) in order to successively record, in a processing module (7) of the leak detection device (1), several values representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device (1), each value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured being associated with a value representative of the location of the probe (3);
- graphically representing, on a display element (9), the associated values recorded during the scanning of the outer surface of the object (11).
[Claim 2] Method for checking, by tracer gas, the sealing of an object (11) to be tested filled with tracer gas by using a probe (3) forming a sniffing probe connected to a leak detection device (1), comprising the following steps:
- scanning the outer surface of the object (11) using the probe (3) in order to successively record, in a processing module (7) of the leak detection device (1), several values representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device (1), each value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured being associated with a value representative of the location of the probe (3);
- graphically representing, on a display element (9), the associated values recorded during the scanning of the outer surface of the object (11).
[Claim 3] Method according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein, during the scanning step, a value representative of the measured tracer gas leak rate associated with a value representative of the location of the probe (3) are recorded each time the probe (3) is immobile for a predetermined time suitable for performing the measurement of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate by the leak detection device (1).
[Claim 4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, during the scanning step, the value representative of the location of the probe (3) is obtained by a location system (13) mounted in the probe (3).
[Claim 5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, during the representation step, the outer surface of the object (11) is displayed in two dimensions according to the coordinates of each value representative of the location of the probe (3), the displayed outer surface of the object (11) comprising an identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device (1).
[Claim 6] Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein, during the representation step, the outer surface of the object (11) is displayed in three dimensions according to the coordinates of each value representative of the location of the probe (3), the displayed outer surface of the object (11) comprising an identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device (11).
[Claim 7] Method according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein, during the representation step, the identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device (1) is performed by a local deformation of the displayed outer surface of the object (11) as a function of the magnitude of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device (1).
[Claim 8] Method according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein, during the representation step, the identification of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device (1) is performed by a local colouring of the displayed outer surface of the object (11) as a function of the magnitude of the value representative of the tracer gas leak rate measured by the leak detection device (1).
[Claim 9] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the graphic representation is compared to that obtained previously of - 15 - the same object (11) or of a same type of object (11) in order to identify any sealing deviation.
[Claim 10] Leak detection device (1) comprising a probe (3), a detection module (5), a processing module (7) and a display element (9), characterized in that the leak detection device (1) comprises a location system (13) allowing the location of the probe (3) to be transmitted to the processing module (7) in real time and in that the processing module (7) is configured to implement a method according to any one of the preceding claims.
PCT/EP2021/086064 2020-12-23 2021-12-16 Method for checking the sealing of an object and leak detection device WO2022136081A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2935800A1 (en) * 2008-09-09 2010-03-12 R & I Alliance METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTING LEAKS IN A UNDERGROUND LIQUID CONDUIT, IN PARTICULAR A WATER CONDUIT
US9599529B1 (en) * 2012-12-22 2017-03-21 Picarro, Inc. Systems and methods for likelihood-based mapping of areas surveyed for gas leaks using mobile survey equipment
US20190128765A1 (en) * 2017-10-27 2019-05-02 Pfeiffer Vacuum Leak detection module and method for checking the seal-tightness of an object to be tested by tracer gas

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2935800A1 (en) * 2008-09-09 2010-03-12 R & I Alliance METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTING LEAKS IN A UNDERGROUND LIQUID CONDUIT, IN PARTICULAR A WATER CONDUIT
US9599529B1 (en) * 2012-12-22 2017-03-21 Picarro, Inc. Systems and methods for likelihood-based mapping of areas surveyed for gas leaks using mobile survey equipment
US20190128765A1 (en) * 2017-10-27 2019-05-02 Pfeiffer Vacuum Leak detection module and method for checking the seal-tightness of an object to be tested by tracer gas

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