Patent ID: 6244100
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting a leak in an isolated segment of a pipe with a known fluid comprising:a mechanism for producing a pulse in the fluid in the pipe, said producing mechanism adapted to be connected to the pipe;a mechanism for sensing the presence of the pulse in the fluid in the pipe;a mechanism for determining transit time of the pulse at least at one location along the pipe, the determining mechanism in communication with the sensing mechanism,a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure in the pipe, said pressure sensor adapted to connected to the pipe; anda mechanism for determining whether the pressure of the fluid in the pipe has negatively deviated from an expected pressure-temperature relationship of the fluid in the pipe based on the pressure in the pipe sensed by the pressure sensor and the transit time of the pulse in the fluid in the pipe, said determining mechanism in communication with the pressure sensor and the sensing mechanism.