Process for testing the tightness of containers

• US 20060117837A1
• Filed: 12/02/2005
• Published: 06/08/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH (Airbus SE)
• Original Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH (Airbus SE)
• Inventors: Voglsinger, Martin
• Granted Patent: US 7,647,818 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/40.700
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/10 for containers, e.g. radiators
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/226 for containers, e.g. radiators

Abstract

A process for testing the tightness of containers includes making available a first fluid in the container interior space that is different from a second fluid surrounding the container, creating a negative pressure in the container interior space, testing the interior surfaces of the container side wall for traces of second fluid penetration, and possibly localizing any entry points.

Claims

1. A process for testing tightness of a container comprising:

separating a first fluid in an interior space of the container from a second fluid surrounding the container,

producing a negative pressure in the interior space,

testing interior surfaces of container walls for traces of second fluid penetration, and

localizing any points of entry of the second fluid.

2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the testing is performed by at least one probe inserted into the interior space.

3. The process according to claim 1, wherein the first fluid is liquid, the second fluid is gaseous, and the testing is optical testing which takes place by detection of gas bubbles in the liquid.

4. The process according to claim 2, wherein the probe includes a camera.

5. The process according to claim 1, wherein the first fluid is a first gas or gas compound, the second fluid is a second gas or gas compound that is different from the first gas or gas compound, and the testing takes place by detection of the second gas or gas compound.

6. The process according to claim 2, wherein the probe comprises a gas sensor.

7. The process according to claim 6, wherein the probe additionally comprises a camera.

8. The process according to claim 4, further comprising reproducing an image taken by the camera on a monitor and superimposing the image on a virtual representation or an engineering drawing of a container interior wall in order to localize any point of entry on the virtual representation or the engineering drawing.

9. The process according to claim 1, wherein the container is a tank.

10. The process according to claim 1, wherein, after localization of an entry point, sealant material is applied from the interior space of the container to the point of entry by a probe.

11. The process according to claim 9, wherein the tank is an integral tank of a vehicle.

12. The process according to claim 11, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft or a space vehicle.

13. A process for testing tightness of containers and for repair of leaks comprising:

inserting an externally guided probe into a container, and

depositing sealing material by way of a device on the probe.

14. The process according to claim 13, wherein the device is equipped with a tube leading out of the container, which is capable of admitting sealing material into the container.

15. The process according to claim 13, wherein the device is equipped with a sealant spray head or injection head for applying the sealing material.

16. The process according to claim 13, wherein the device is equipped with a sealant material injection nozzle for applying the sealant material.

17. The process according to claim 14, wherein the device is equipped with a sealant spray head or injection head for applying the sealing material.

18. The process according to claim 14, wherein the device is equipped with a sealant material injection nozzle for applying the sealant material.