Method of sealing a leak utilising an elastomeric sealing element and a non-Newtonian fluid

摘要

587931 Disclosed is a method of sealing a leak using a sealing mixture comprising at least one elastomeric sealing element (3) and a non-Newtonian fluid (2). The sealing mixture is introduced into a closed environment (1) such that it is at a positive pressure relative to the adjacent environment (5). Thus, at the locality of the defect (4), there is a pressure differential through which the content of the closed environment (1) can leak into the adjacent environment (5). This pressure differential applies a shear force which acts on the sealing mixture to cause it to flow through the defect (4) causing one or more of the close-by sealing elements (3) to be drawn to the defect (4) so that a number of sealing elements (3) will completely span the leak.