Systems and methods for detecting and preventing fluid leaks
First Claim
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1. A method for detecting a leak in a conduit, comprising:
- monitoring a rate of flow of a fluid through the conduit over a period of time;
determining if the rate of flow of the fluid over the period of time indicates a leak in the conduit;
if the rate of flow of the fluid over the period of time indicates a leak in the conduit, then stopping the flow of the fluid through the conduit;
after stopping the flow of the fluid through the conduit, monitoring a pressure in the conduit;
determining if the pressure in the conduit indicates a pressure drop in the conduit; and
if the pressure in the conduit indicates a pressure drop in the conduit, then providing an indication that a leak has been detected.
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Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for detecting and preventing fluid leaks. A rate of flow of a fluid through a conduit over a period of time is monitored. A determination is made whether the rate of flow of the fluid over the period of time indicates a leak in the conduit. If the rate of flow of the fluid over the period of time indicates a leak, then the flow of the liquid through the conduit is stopped, and a determination is made whether the pressure in the conduit indicates a pressure drop. If the pressure in the conduit indicates a pressure drop, then an indication is provided that a leak has been detected.
74 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for detecting a leak in a conduit, comprising:
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monitoring a rate of flow of a fluid through the conduit over a period of time;
determining if the rate of flow of the fluid over the period of time indicates a leak in the conduit;
if the rate of flow of the fluid over the period of time indicates a leak in the conduit, then stopping the flow of the fluid through the conduit;
after stopping the flow of the fluid through the conduit, monitoring a pressure in the conduit;
determining if the pressure in the conduit indicates a pressure drop in the conduit; and
if the pressure in the conduit indicates a pressure drop in the conduit, then providing an indication that a leak has been detected. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for detecting a leak in a conduit, comprising:
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means for determining a rate of flow of a fluid through the conduit;
control means for;
monitoring the rate of flow of the fluid over a period of time; and
determining if the rate of flow of the fluid over the period of time indicates a leak in the conduit;
means for stopping the flow of the fluid through the conduit if the rate of flow of the fluid over the period of time indicates a leak in the conduit;
means for determining a pressure in the conduit after the flow of the fluid through the conduit is stopped; and
the control means for;
monitoring the pressure in the conduit;
determining if the pressure in the conduit indicates a pressure drop in the conduit; and
providing an indication that a leak has been detected if the pressure in the conduit indicates a pressure drop in the conduit. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A system for detecting a leak in a conduit, comprising:
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a flowmeter operative to determine a rate of flow of a fluid through the conduit;
a system controller operative to;
monitor the rate of flow of the fluid through the conduit over a period of time;
compare the rate of flow of the fluid over the period of time with a list of events; and
if the rate of flow of the fluid over the period of time does not match one of the events on the list of events, then send a signal to stop the flow of the fluid though the conduit;
a valve operative to stop the flow of the fluid through the conduit in response to the signal from the system controller;
a pressure sensor operative to determine a pressure in the conduit after the flow of the fluid through the conduit is stopped;
the system controller further operative to;
monitor the pressure in the conduit after the flow of the fluid through the conduit is stopped;
compare the pressure in the conduit with a pressure in the conduit when the conduit is closed; and
provide an indication that a leak has been detected if the pressure in the conduit is less than the pressure in the conduit when the conduit is closed. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification