Patent ID: 11859756
Assignee: QINOV8 UK LTD
Field: Mechanical elements (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC F  G | IPC F  G

Claim 13:
14. A method for located a leak site in an underground water pipeline using a system according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) inserting a leak detection element into an outlet of a hydrant located upstream of the leak site, the hydrant including a valve which is closed to flow of water from the water pipeline;
(b) applying a capping means to the outlet to seal the outlet to water flow, the capping means having at least one opening therethrough to allow passage of an elongate element through the capping means and into the outlet of the hydrant, wherein the capping means is provided with a substantially waterproof membrane to provide a seal between the capping means and the outlet of the hydrant, and the at least one opening is provided with a substantially waterproof membrane to provide a seal between the elongate element and the at least one opening;
(c) opening the hydrant valve to allow access to the pipeline;
(d) urging the leak detection element into the pipeline;
(e) allowing the leak detection dement to flow through the pipeline towards the leak site, where the element will be retained by the pressure differential at the leak site;
(f) moving the electromagnetic signal receiver above ground along a direction in which the pipe is buried; and (g) using the electromagnetic signal receiver to detect electromagnetic signals transmitted by the electromagnetic signal transmitter of the leak detection element, and thereby determining the location of the leak site;
wherein the leak detection element is inserted into the pipeline without stopping the flow of water in the pipeline.