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US4080822A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Leak testing

Assignee: Studsvik Energiteknik AB
•
Filing: 1976-04-30
•
Granted: 1978-03-28
•
Expires: 1996-04-30
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Abstract

Abstract A method of leak testing a transport vessel for radioactive material is disclosed. Tracer gas (helium) and pressurizing driving gas (nitrogen), the latter in condensed form, are introduced into the transport vessel when in open condition. The tracer gas is introduced in a plastic bag which occupies a major part of the interior of the transport vessel the through which the tracer gas diffuses at a low rate. The liquid pressurizing gas is introduced in a smaller vessel. After the transport vessel has been sealed, the tracer gas diffuses out of the collapsing plastic bag and the pressurizing gas boils off resulting in a pressurized tracer gas atmosphere within the transport vessel. The transport vessel is now examined on the outside with respect to any tracer gas penetrating out through possible leaks in the transport vessel.

Inventors

  • 👤 Erik Ake Stenback

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-05 12:57
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/04; G01M3/20

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim 77 words
A method of leak testing a sealable container, in particular a transport vessel for radioactive material, comprising introducing into the container to be tested, a test gas and a pressurizing gas in condensed form, which at the testing temperature is in the vapor state, thereafter sealing the container, and when a pressurized test gas atmosphere has been obtained within the container, searching the outside of the container for the presence of test gas escaping through possible leaks.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 77 words
A method of leak testing a sealable container, in particular a transport vessel for radioactive material, comprising introducing into the container to be tested, a test gas and a pressurizing gas in condensed form, which at the testing temperature is in the vapor state, thereafter sealing the container, and when a pressurized test gas atmosphere has been obtained within the container, searching the outside of the container for the presence of test gas escaping through possible leaks.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 23 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the test gas is introduced in a package from which said test gas is slowly emitted.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 31 words
A method according to claim 2, wherein the test gas is introduced in a bag or the like of such a material that the test can diffuse out through its walls.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 41 words
A method according to claim 3, wherein the test gas is introduced in a bag which occupies a major part of the interior of the container , whereby a major portion of the air present in the container is driven out.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 12 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the test gas is helium.
Claim 7
Independent Claim 11 words
A method according to claim, wherein the pressurizing gas is nitrogen.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 12 words
A method according to claim 4 wherein the test gas is helium.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US3091114A Cited
US3483735A Cited
US3572085A Cited
US3572096A Cited
US3721117A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1981-03-27 1981-09-26 1982-03-28 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1985-03-27 1985-09-26 1986-03-28 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1989-03-27 1989-09-26 1990-03-28 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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