Abstract: A leak detection system (50) including a flow accelerator for directing and accelerating leaking gas toward a sampling probe (70). A probe input tube (72) is inserted into one end (62B) of a larger diameter adapter tube (60) to position the end of the tube (72) past a suction opening (62D). The other end (62A) of the adapter tube is positioned to receive leaking gas. A suction is applied to the suction opening, which tends to draw the leaking gas into the adapter tube end (62A). Some of the leaking gas is drawn into the suction opening, and some into the end of the sampling tube. The suction causes the leaking gas to be accelerated toward the sampling probe input port. The suction can be created by a venturi (66C) through which is passed a gas under pressure. The acceleration of the gas through the venturi creates the suction. The flow accelerator significantly reduces the time required to locate small gas leaks.

Abstract: A portable leak detection system. The inventive system (10) includes a portable housing (40). The housing is equipped with a pneumatic circuit including an inlet (12) for receiving fluid from a source and an outlet (36) for communicating the fluid to an external unit under test. A flow meter (30) is disposed within the housing (40) between the inlet (12) and the outlet (36) for measuring the flow of the fluid into the unit under test. A calibration verification mechanism (50) is disposed within the housing (40) for verifying the calibration of the flow meter (30). In a specific implementation, the invention further includes a pressure regulator (22) disposed within the housing (40) between the inlet mechanism (12) and the flow meter (30).