Patent ID: 6412334
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: A61B,G01M

Abstract:
A leak detection system for evaluating the integrity of a device with an internal passage, the system comprising:a tubular member which defines an interior chamber of known volume having ports; a connector adapted for releasably connecting a first of the ports of the interior chamber with the internal passage of the device; a source of a compressed gas fluidly connected with a second of the ports of the interior chamber which supplies the interior chamber and the internal passage with gas; a valve, which selectively seals the interior chamber and the internal passage from the source of compressed gas, such that the interior chamber and the internal passage define a closed pressure system that is dominated by the internal passage; a means for determining a volume of the compressed gas supplied to the interior chamber and the internal passage; a pressure sensor in communication with the interior chamber, which detects pressure within the internal passage by detecting pressure in the interior chamber; and a temperature sensor within the interior chamber, which detects temperature of the gas within the internal passage by detecting temperature in the interior chamber; a means for: (a) determining a volume of the internal passage from (1) the known volume of the interior chamber, (2) the determined volume of supplied gas, and (3) the measured pressure and temperature in the interior chamber, and (b) determining whether leakage from the internal passage has occurred based on (1) the determined volume of the internal passage and (2) at least two pressure and temperature measurements.