Leak detector and alarm for liquid- or gas-filled vessels and pipe systems uses separated transducers for pulse excitation and detection, to establish existence, nature and location of defects

摘要

The vessel or pipe is excited by impulses from an electroacoustic transducer. Response of the system to these impulses, is picked up by a second transducer. Analog or digital signal processing is applied. The difference from a pulse produced by an intact system (transducer/coupling/vessel/coupling/transducer) is calculated. This is attributable to a defect in the material of the pipe or vessel. On detecting such difference exceeding given threshold(s), an alarm is produced. Preferred Features: The signal is analyzed in time and frequency (spectrum) domains, to determine the type of defect and its location. The system is permanent, for continuous monitoring. Several such units are connected to a communication system, for automatic monitoring of extensive tank farms or pipeline systems for oil or gas.