Patent ID: 7322228
Filing Date: 2008-01-29
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
1. A method of evaluating the leaktightness of a device for storing fuel gas under high pressure for use as fuel by vehicles and delivered from a filling station via a filler hose that is connected to the gas storage device, itself comprising pipework and at least one tank, the method comprising the following steps: a) while filling the fuel gas storage device from the filling station, pressurizing the filler hose, the pipework, and said tank from the filling station at a pressure that is greater than at least 5 bar, filling at a controlled filling flow rate Q b) at a first predetermined instant t wherein, prior to connecting the fuel storage device to the filler hose of the filling station, the method further comprises: pressurizing the filler hose up to a predetermined pressure greater than or equal to 5 bar, suspending pressurization at an instant t measuring variation in pressure until a second predetermined instant t comparing the instantaneous value P repeating the operation of suspending pressurization and measuring pressure variation relative to a predetermined threshold during a predetermined duration in order again to detect the presence of a leak, if any, with new operations of pressurization and suspension while monitoring pressure variation being performed until reaching a maximum operating pressure of the filling station.