Patent ID: 7143634
Filing Date: 2006-12-05
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
1. A portable fuel storage tank leak detection system for detecting fuel leaks from a fuel storage tank comprising: (a) a reference tube having a length of at least the diameter of said fuel storage tank wherein an operator lowers said reference tube into said fuel storage tank through an access port within said fuel storage tank to test for said fuel leaks; (b) a seal housing positioned at a lower end of said reference tube; (c) a seal affixed to the bottom end of said seal housing in slidable engagement with said reference tube, wherein said seal is normally held in an open position allowing fuel to enter said reference tube as said operator lowers said reference tube into said fuel storage tank, said seal closing when said reference tube engages the bottom of said fuel storage tank to prevent said fuel within said reference tube from exiting said reference tube; and (d) a differential pressure transducer mounted on said seal housing, said differential pressure transducer measuring a pressure differential between said fuel within said reference tube and said fuel external to said reference tube and stored within said fuel storage tank, said differential pressure transducer generating an electrical signal containing pressure differential data which is indicative of said pressure differential measured by said differential pressure transducer.