Patent ID: 6583627
Filing Date: 2003-06-24
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A process for detecting gas-permeable damaged points in test subjects which comprise an electrically non-conductive layer, wherein an electrically-conductive layer lies opposite the electrically non-conductive layer on the one side and a gas environment lies opposite the electrically non-conductive layer on the other side, whereinThe disposal of at least one test subject in a test chamber which has been evacuated to, and maintained at, a given pressure, and Ionisation of the gas by means of an electrical gas discharge in the gas environment on the other side of the electrically non-conductive layer, and Application of an electric voltage between the electrically-conductive layer which lies on one side of the electrically non-conductive layer and a counter-electrode which is disposed in the test chamber, wherein the electrical voltage generates an electrical field strength in the area of the electrically non-conductive layer which lies below the dielectric strength of the electrically non-conductive layer without gas-permeable damaged points, and Measurement of a current flowing though the ionized gas between the electrically-conductive layer and the counter-electrode disposed in the test chamberâ€”in the case of a gas-permeable damaged point being present in the electrically non-conductive layerâ€”which acts as an indicator for the gas-permeable damaged point in the electrically non-conductive layer, with the electrical gas discharge being maintained.