GB877767A - A device for detecting leaks in a pipe system - Google Patents

Abstract

877,767. Devices for detecting leakages in cables &c. LANCIER, P., [trading as MASCHINENBAU HAFENHUTTE P. LANCIER]. Aug. 13, 1958 [Aug. 17, 1957], No. 26020/58. Class 99(2). A device for detecting leaks in a pipe system filled with a medium under pressure, comprises within a housing 1 a tube 21 interposed between the source of the medium under pressure and the pipe system and which forms a valve seat 13, a valve 5 mounted for axial displacement and spring means to bias the valve to the seated position thereof, and an electric contact device 10, 101 operationally connected with the valve and actuated on displacement of the valve from the seated position thereof. As shown in Fig. 1, the device includes a gas-tight housing provided with a transparent lid, and an inlet pipe 3 and a socket 4 for connection to a cable or pipe ; pressure reducing valves, shut-off valves and drying devices may be arranged between the device and the source of gas. The valve 5 is carried on a rod 6 guided in jewelled bearings 8, 81, and a lever 9 pivoted at 14 presses under the action of a spiral spring 7 against the free end of the rod ; the latter is provided with an insulating cap 20, and deflection of the lever is limited by a stop 11. The spring and lever may be combined to form a leaf spring and a stop 11 serves as a stationary electrical contact. Openings 12 are provided in the tube 21 and the valve in the normal position thereof lies between the inlet to the pipe and those openings, the provision of the latter ensuring that the pressure drop at the valve does not become too great if a major leakage in the cable or pipe system occurs. The distance through which the contact 10 is movable is varied by displacing axially the tube 21 the setting of the latter being indicated on a scale 26. To indicate the amount of gas flowing through the device the valve has secured thereto a pointer passing through a slot in the pipe 3 and used in conjunction with a scale, the amount of gas flowing depending upon the height to which the piston rises and consequently the proportion of the slot uncovered. To adjust the sensitivity of the device, the contact arrangement 10, 10<SP>1</SP>, Fig. 4, is adapted for displacement along the pipe 3 and is secured to a bracket 34 of insulating material ; a fork 36 engaging a pin 37 connected to the contacts and mounted in an airtight manner is rotated by a screw 38 to simultaneously displace the contacts and valve.