Leak detection in storage tank bottoms by pneumatic enhancement of acoustic emissions
First Claim
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1. A system for detecting leaks in the bottom of a storage tank which sits on a base, comprising:
- at least one perforated conduit inserted in said base beneath said tank;
means of injecting gas under positive pressure into said conduit; and
at least one acoustical sensor placed about said tank in a position so that the sensor can detect any acoustic event created by passage of said gas through said leaks in said tank bottom.
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Abstract
A system and method for injecting gas or fluid in the base beneath an above ground storage tank to enhance the rate of any leakage in the bottom of the tank, and detecting and locating the leak by acoustic sensors placed about the tank. The leak may then be sealed by injecting sealant through a probe placed beneath the tank in the area of the leak.
39 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A system for detecting leaks in the bottom of a storage tank which sits on a base, comprising:
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at least one perforated conduit inserted in said base beneath said tank; means of injecting gas under positive pressure into said conduit; and at least one acoustical sensor placed about said tank in a position so that the sensor can detect any acoustic event created by passage of said gas through said leaks in said tank bottom. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system for detecting leaks in the bottom of a storage tank which sits on a base, comprising:
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at least one perforated conduit inserted in the base beneath said tank; means of injecting fluid under pressure into said conduit;
means of sealing the periphery of said base to retain pressure therein;a plurality of acoustic sensors mounted about said tank capable of detecting any acoustical events created by said fluid under pressure passing through a leak in the bottom of said tank; means of amplifying signals derived from said acoustic sensors; means of analyzing and displaying said signals; and a probe placed within said base to inject sealant in the area of leakage.
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7. A method for pneumatically enhancing the acoustical emissions from leaks in the bottom of a storage tank which sits on a base, and for detecting said emissions, comprising:
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installing at least one perforated test conduit in said base beneath said storage tank; injecting fluid under positive pressure into said conduit; placing a plurality of acoustic sensors about said tank so as to detect any acoustic signal generated by the passing of material through said leak in the bottom of said tank; and amplifying, analyzing and displaying any output of said sensors. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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Specification