Patent ID: 8336368
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: E03B,G01M

Abstract:
1. Method for detecting sealing deficiencies within a drainage and vent system for buildings wherein the drainage and vent system comprises a network of pipes and at least one main vertical stack to which are connected a series of drain pipes coming from each floor for draining a discharge outlet of sanitary appliances, the discharge outlet being generally provided with water traps and the drainage and vent system being eventually provided with air admittance valves or other appropriate venting arrangements and positive air pressure attenuator devices, the method comprising the steps of: introducing, at an introduction area, a low amplitude air pressure transient generated by an air transient generator into the drainage and vent system of a building; transmitting said transient generated by the air transient generator through a fitting inserted in-line with the stack, wherein the fitting including a connection means for fluidically connecting an output of the air transient generator to an interior space of the stack in order to propagate a pressure wave into the network of the drainage system, the fitting including a diverter valve having at least one aperture having a lateral opening located at a position of the connection means for connecting the fitting with the air transient generator; recording the passage of said transient by means of an air pressure transducer located near the introduction area of the transient; recording successive pressure reflections of the transient from each of a plurality of drain pipes of the network of the drainage and vent system; and establishing a pressure versus time signature recorded by the pressure transducer and sending signals corresponding to the pressure versus time signature to a central data acquisition system.