Patent ID: 7975529
Filing Date: 2011-07-12
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
1. A method of discovering leakage in a heat exchanger filled with water, the heat exchanger comprising at least first and second sections each possessing one side and an opposite side, the method comprising: operating a pump to apply first excess pressure on the one side of the first section in the heat exchanger; closing a first shut-off valve positioned between the one side of the first section and the one side of the second section, when a first pressure indicator indicates that the pressure on the one side of the first section has reached a first excess pressure, to enclose the first excess pressure on the one side of the first section; applying second excess pressure on the one side of the second section in the heat exchanger while the first shut-off valve is closed; closing a second shut-off valve positioned between the one side of the second section and the pump, when a second pressure indicator indicates that the pressure on the one side of the second section has reached a second excess pressure, to enclose the second excess pressure on the one side of the second section; maintaining pressure on the opposite side of the first section less than the first excess pressure, and maintaining pressure on the opposite side of the second section less than the second excess pressure; monitoring a pressure difference between the one side and the opposite side of the first section, and monitoring a pressure difference between the one side and the opposite side of the second section; and using results of the monitoring of the pressure differences to discover a leakage in the heat exchanger.