Abstract: An automated calibration apparatus and method for calibrating a fluid piping system leak detector uses a calibrated leak device with an orifice that releases fluid at a constant calibrated leak rate. The calibrated leak device is connected to the fluid piping system and a pump is activated to pressurize the fluid piping system. The pump is deactivated, and pressure decay in the fluid piping system resulting from fluid release from the calibrated leak device is measured. The leak sensitivity of the leak detector is then adjusted based on the measured pressure decay versus time with the calibrated leak.

Abstract: A pressure decay leak detection system is calibrated for a particular piping system using a leak mechanism with a known leak rate attached to the piping system. Pressure decay in the piping system is monitored while the system is leaking, pressure versus time data defining an acceptable pressure decay profile is stored. In one embodiment, this data is scaled to obtain a profile applicable to different leak rates. The detection system performs a test by sensing decaying pressure in the piping system, determining a slope of measured pressure decay versus time for an increment of pressure decay, comparing a slope of the observed pressure decay with a slope of the acceptable pressure decay profile, and providing a failure indication if the slope of the observed pressure decay exceeds the slope of the acceptable pressure decay profile.