Process for testing the tightness of containers

• US 7,647,818 B2
• Filed: 12/02/2005
• Issued: 01/19/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH (Airbus SE)
• Original Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH (Airbus SE)
• Inventors: Voglsinger, Martin
• Primary Examiner(s): Williams; Hezron
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHABMAN, MARK A
• Application Number:
  US11/291,932
• Publication Number:
  US 20060117837A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,509 Days
• Field of Search: 73/40, 73/407, 73/455, 73/492, 73/493, 73/52
• US Class Current: 73/40.7
• 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 tank comprising:

separating a first fluid in an interior space of the tank from a second fluid that differs from the first fluid surrounding the tank,

producing a negative pressure in the interior space,

inserting at least one probe, including a camera, into the interior space,

testing interior surfaces of tank walls for traces of second fluid penetration by said at least one probe,

localizing any points of entry of the second fluid,

reproducing an image taken by the camera on a monitor, and

superimposing the image on a virtual representation of a tank interior wall in order to localize any point of entry on the virtual representation.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. The process according to claim 1, wherein the probe comprises a gas sensor.

5. The process according to claim 1, wherein, after localization of any of said points of entry of said fluid, sealant material is applied from the interior space of the tank to each point of entry by said probe.

6. The process according to claim 1, wherein the tank is an integral tank of a vehicle.

7. The process according to claim 6, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft or a space vehicle.