Abstract: This invention relates to a portable combustion leak tester for water-cooled internal combustion engines. The tester comprises a top cap, a transparent, hollow sightglass attached to the bottom of the cap and a frustro-conical bottom nose-cone attached to the bottom of the sightglass adapted to fit into a radiator inlet. The tester has a longitudinal air-passageway therethrough with a check-ball chamber and check-ball located in the upper portion of the nose-cone. The tester is supplied with water through an upper passageway filled so that approximately one inch of water fills the sightglass. The device is then secured to the radiator filling mouth. If there are pressure leaks from the combustion chamber of the engine into the cooling jacket. When the engine is running, air bubbles can be observed in the sightglass.

Abstract: A system for detecting leaks over a designated test period in liquid storage tanks and like systems having underground tanks which are connected with good withdrawal systems. A fill pipe provides for obtaining a differential pressure measurement reflecting a difference in head of adjacent columns of liquid in the tank. One of the heads is stabilized at the beginning of the test, and prevented from changing as a result of any loss of liquid due to leak over the test period, while the other head is permitted to change with a lowering of surface level due to leaks. Both heads respond in the same way to a change in temperature which occurs during the test period. The differential pressure is monitored and any variation over the test time period is indicated.

Abstract: A method of making a storage tank comprises applying ribs around a inner tank, securing said ribs to the inner tank, applying gas pervious material in the space between the ribs, and applying a layer of fibrous reinforcing material and resinous material over the gas pervious material. The gas pervious material extends to a distance less than about 75% of the height of the ribs. The resultant overlay encases the surface areas between the ribs of the storage tank, and becomes a structural part thereof. Secondary containment is provided by the overlay. A monitored storage tank system is provided by the use of a leak detection means to monitor the closed space defined by the rib interiors the overlay and the storage tank.

Abstract: The leak detector is utilized for determining the presence of a leak in an above ground tank of liquid having a lower specific gravity and a lower electrical or thermal conductivity than water. The leak detector includes a device for determining the level of water in the tank and a mechanism for sensing changes in the level of water in the tank over time. A leak detecting system utilizing the leak detector will also include an apparatus for determining the amount and rate of leakage relative to the capacity of the tank and the change of the level of the water in the tank over a selected time period.

Abstract: In using the method for testing for leaks, in an above ground tank of liquid having a lower specific gravity and a lower electrical or thermal conductivity than water, first an amount of water sufficient to cover the bottom of the tank is introduced into the tank after which the level of the water in the tank is determined and changes in the level of the water in the tank over time are sensed. Additionally, the amount and rate of leakage relative to the capacity of the tank and the change in the level of the water of the tank over a selected time period are determined from the given parameters and the change in water level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for substantially eliminating measuring inaccuracies in a storage tank leak detection system caused by temperature-induced volumetric changes in the stored fluid product is described. In a preferred embodiment of the method, a limp bladder is connected to an end of a pressure tube having an inlet and a substantially hollow core. The pressure tube and the bladder are filled with a medium having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficient of the fluid product. The pressure tube and the bladder are then supported in a substantially vertical manner in the storage tank such that a first portion of the medium is supported in the bladder in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the medium supported in the pressure tube. The large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the medium and the fluid product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product do not vary the level of the medium in the pressure tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the difference between a polar fluid and a non-polar fluid includes a control assembly, a probe assembly and a conduit electrically coupling the probe assembly to the control assembly at a remote location thereto. The probe assembly includes a float, at least one fluid sensor mounted beneath the float, a fluid sensor circuit for providing a signal indicative of the polar characteristics of the fluid, and a logic circuit having a first state when the signal indicates a polar fluid and a second state when the signal indicates a non-polar fluid. The control assembly includes cicuitry responsive to the state of the logic circuit for controlling alarms, visual indicators, and machine operations. The probe assembly may also include a detector for detecting the state of the fluid. If the fluid has a non-liquid state then the logic circuit has a third state which indicates the non-liquid state of the fluid.

Abstract: A thermal probe for use in a tightness testing apparatus for an underground storage tank provided with a fill pipe extending from ground level down to the tank, and including a mechanical compression, ring-shaped seal which sealingly engages the outer periphery of the access or fill pipe of an underground storage tank and expands to form a leak tight connection therewith.

Abstract: There is a plurality of probes electrically connected to a central controller. Each of the probes is capable of providing a hydrocarbon signal, a water signal and a dry signal upon sensing these respective environments. The controller includes an audible alarm transducer and a switch for activating circuitry providing either a first alarm mode which provides an alarm in response to a hydrocarbon signal or a second alarm mode which provides an alarm in response to a hydrocarbon signal and also a water signal. A continuous alarm tone is provided upon receiving a hydrocarbon signal while an intermittent alarm tone is provided upon receiving a water signal. A yellow label links a "water" sign and the transducer and a red label links an "oil" sign and the transducer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly determining leakage in pressurized fluid receptors. Pressure determinations are made substantially immediately following the completion of the filling of the item to be tested with the pressurized fluid without the need for a stabilization period. The complete decay curve is calculated from the pressure determinations. A time constant is determined from the curves defined when no leakage is present and is utilized in determining the leakage rate whenever the two curves defined by the pressure points provide different end pressure values. The determinations may be made by conventional microprocessor-based instrumentation to provide a substantial increase in the rate of conducting fluid leakage tests.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting leaks from underground gasoline storage tanks and the like by routine or periodic soil samples tested for a particular tracer. A fluorinated halocarbon compound tracer having a boiling point less than that of gasoline is slowly dispensed within the gasoline, natural gas, or the like in the tank. A sampling pipe having a plurality of apertures therein is also buried in selected locations in the vicinity of the tank, and samples of the soil gas are pumped from the pipe and supplied to a Nafion water separator prior to analysis by gas chromatographic techniques. If a leak in the tank should occur, the tracer will exit with the leaking gasoline, quickly vaporize, and travel rapidly by molecular diffusion in all directions. Elements of the tracer will therefore be detected in the soil gas pumped from the sample pipe using standard gas chromatography techniques, indicating that a leak exists in the tank.

Abstract: A device for testing containers as to leakage and defects is comprised of a container sealing portion (4), a pressure exerting portion, and a pressure gauge (8). Said pressure exerting portion is provided in the shape of a piston/cylinder system (2, 3) that is maintained in an extended position by a tensioning means, e.g. a spring (5). Said container sealing portion (4) is provided either on the piston (2) or on the cylinder (3) for sealing contact with the container opening. The chamber between the cylinder (3) and the piston (2) is in communication with the pressure gauge (8) and, via a channel (13) in the container sealing portion (4), with the interior of the container (1). The device may, furthermore, be provided with a feeler means (12-19) for testing the container as to moulding films and the like.

Abstract: A storage tank system especially useful for storing liquid gasoline comprises a rigid inner tank encased by a flexible outer jacket to form a closed space, detecting liquid in the closed space and non-visual leak detection means associated with the closed space. The system results in a storage facility which is less likely to lose its stored liquid to the environment due to a slow leak or a sudden large leak such as is possible with an earthquake. The system is monitored for leakage in a reliable yet economical fashion.

Abstract: A storage tank system especially useful for storing liquid gasoline in one aspect comprises a rigid inner tank encased by a flexible outer jacket with a leak detecting means associated with the closed space between the inner tank and jacket. In another aspect, an outer rigid tank contains a bladder within it together with leak detecting means between the tank and bladder. The system results in a storage facility which is less likely to lose its stored liquid to the environment due to a slow leak or a sudden large leak such as is possible with an earthquake.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly determining leakage of a test chamber in a production environment wherein a reference chamber is exposed to the same temperature effects as those existing in the test chamber and gas pressures are applied to the reference and test chambers and the pressures are compared in the test and reference chambers and relative changes of such pressures are read as a function of leakage.

Abstract: A predetermined number of preceding data items, which are obtained through measurement of change in pressure or pressure difference with respect to respective objects inspected and decided to be acceptable, are grouped according to types of the objects and stored in different storage regions. Each time new data is stored, the oldest data in the corresponding storage region is erased. An average of data stored in a designated storage region is computed and each object is decided if it is acceptable or not on the basis of the difference between the newly measured data of the object and the computed average of the data in the designated storage region corresponding to the object.

Abstract: A storage tank system especially useful for storing liquid gasoline comprises a rigid inner tank having a manhead, a dispensing line extending through the manhead, a sleeve encompassing the manhead, and a jacket encasing the tank and at least part of the sleeve. A leak detector is associated with the closed space between the inner tank and jacket to detect leaks. The system results in a storage facility which is less likely to lose its stored liquid to the environment due to a slow leak or sudden large leak such as is possible with an earthquake and provides total containment capability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is taught for rapidly implementing a semiautomatic vacuum test of food cannisters prior to filling. Unit numbers of completely formed but unfilled cannisters are manually positioned on vacuum mandrels and the test sequence started. Progress of the sequence is controlled automatically and concluded by a digital value report of the unit seal quality. Test productivity is maximized by preparing a second unit number of cannisters for test, as the test sequence for a first unit number of cannisters progresses. Should a number of cannisters fail a test sequence, means are provided to test each cannister individually to determine the exact cause of failure.

Abstract: A system for detecting leaks in a tank, or the like, comprising an excavation basin including a periphery and defining a generally saucer-like formation with a basin surface which slopes from the periphey. A tank supported by the excavation basin. The tank has a permeation barrier extending from the periphery of the basin excavation and is supported by and conforms to the basin surface of the saucer-like formation. A corrosion curtain is integrally bound to said permeation barrier and defines an upright side wall of the tank. Particulate matter is supported by the permeation barrier, and a liquid-impervious liner continuously extends from the top of and down the corrosion curtain upright side wall and across the top of the particulate matter that is being supported by the permeation barrier. A liquid leakage receiver is positioned in the particulate matter.

Abstract: The sensing device includes a first vertical tube having a length substantially equal to the diameter of the tank being tested and which is sealed at the bottom and has connected at the top, a smaller diameter second tube adapted to be positioned vertically for measurement of the height or level of liquid within the tube when the sensing device is charged with liquid under conditions of use. Importantly, the diameter, d, of the smaller diameter second tube of the sensor must be such that when the sensor and tank are filled with the same fluid to the same height any change in the heights of the fluid in the sensor and tank resulting from a change in temperature in the tank fluid will be proportional to one another and preferably will be equal. The device of the present invention preferably includes means for determining the height of fluid in the sensor and the tank at any given time.

Abstract: A double-wall tank having inner and outer walls bonded to connecting hollow annular ribs. A passageway through the ribs enable leak-detecting liquid to fill the spaces between ribs, within ribs, and between end caps.

Abstract: A temporal variation in a fluid pressure of a fixed value applied to an article under inspection, or in the differential pressure between it and a fluid pressure applied to a comparison tank, is measured, and the measured value is compared with a reference value, thereby judging whether the airtightness of the article under inspection is good. Of the measured pressure or differential pressure data, data on the inspected articles judged non-defective are stored, by a predetermined number, in accordance with individual temperature differences between them and the comparison tank, or temperature differences between them a reference temperature, and a mean value of the stored data is calculated for each temperature difference. This mean value is used as a correction value for correcting, for each temperature difference, the measured pressure or differential pressure data on articles subsequently inspected.

Abstract: An automated liquid volume monitoring system and method for determining storage tank leak rate. Volume changes necessary to maintain storage tank liquid level, and volume changes due to temperature changes, are substantially constantly measured and calculations are made to determine actual leak rate. Leak rate calculations are made frequently and averaged periodically to provide updated leak rate indications for a system operator.

Abstract: An improved system for containment and detection of leakage of petroleum products from a subterranean storage tank is disclosed wherein the tank is provided with leak sensing means positioned at one end of the tank and the tank, together with the leak sensor, is enclosed in an impervious enclosure which is sealed about the tank to prevent actuation of the leak sensor except due to leakage from the tank. In one form the leak sensor may be housed in a perforated duct which extends through and is sealed within the enclosure permitting access to the leak sensor and the interior of the enclosure in the event that a leak is detected. A preferred material for use in making the enclosure is welded linear high density polyethylene (HDPE). In a second preferred form, a drainage mesh is positioned between the tank and the enclosure to ensure that any leakage from the tank drains to the leak sensor, and an absorbent strip is positioned beneath the tank and inside the enclosure to conduct leakage to the sensor.

Abstract: Pressure variation detecting type leakage inspection equipment which applies a fixed fluid pressure to an article to be inspected and judges whether the article is non-defective or defective, depending upon whether a change in the fluid pressure or in the differential pressure between the article under inspection and a comparison tank is within a prescribed value, data on pressure values or differential pressure values by respective measurement which are within a proper value range are stored in succession, the stored data are averaged to obtain a correction value, and data by each measurement is corrected by the correction value, thereby automatically correcting an error which varies owing to various factors. Thus a proper leakage inspection can be achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure testing containers in peripheral cells in a rotating turret is disclosed in which high pressure air in tested containers is initially discharged into a low pressure reservoir down to a predetermined low pressure and the residual air at the low pressure then discharged to the atmosphere with little sound generation. Incoming containers to the testing apparatus are initially supplied with pressurized air at a low pressure from the low pressure air reservoir and then supplied with pressurized air from a high pressure air supply, preferably a high pressure air reservoir, to achieve the desired test pressure. The low pressure reservoir and the high pressure reservoir are incorporated in the rotating turret structure and are in communication with a closure cap for each cell by distribution means including a double-acting valve during selected portions of rotation of the turret.

Abstract: Two thermistors are mounted in a fluid detection probe, one thermistor having its surface exposed to the ambient fluids, and the other encapsulated in an insulator, such as RTV, that has a thermal conductivity greater than air. The thermistors are connected in a resistance bridge circuit between ground and a positive digital circuit voltage, which circuit applies power to the thermistors, heating them. The side of the thermistors toward the positive voltage is connected to the inputs of a comparator. When air is present, the encapsulated resistor cools more than the exposed one and, therefore, the encapsulated resistors resistance is higher producing a higher voltage at its comparator input than the exposed resistor. In the presence of a liquid, the RTV insulates its thermistor from the cooling effect of the liquid, and its comparator input voltage is therefore lower than the voltage of the exposed thermistor comparator input.

Abstract: A method of making a jacketed storage tank comprises applying a separating agent over the storage tank, applying a layer of fibrous reinforcing material on the separating agent, and thereafter applying a resinous material. The resultant jacket, covering at least about 40% of the surface area of the storage tank, is structurally independent therefrom. True secondary containment can be provided by the jacket. A fail safe containment storage tank system is provided by the use of a leak detector to monitor the closed space between the storage tank and jacket for tank or jacket leakage.

Abstract: A method of detecting leaks in hazardous liquid tanks, such as underground gasoline tanks connected with a fuel pump withdrawal system, and having a fuel supply line and a vent pipe to atmosphere. The tank is filled incompletely such that there is a space or volume left in the tank above the liquid level in the tank. The space above the liquid level is then filled with a gas under pressure, which maintains a predetermined regulated pressure on the liquid in the tank from one end of the tank to the other. Next, a continuous stream of gas is forced into the liquid near the bottom of the tank to reflect the resistance or back pressure to gas introduction as influenced by the head of the liquid in the tank.

Abstract: An improved underground tank assembly is provided for storing motor fuels, such as gasoline or diesel fuel. the underground tank assembly has an expandable bladder-like primary tank positioned within the interior of a rigid secondary tank. Advantageously, the secondary tank meets most safety regulations and secondary containment laws by dependably providing for secondary containment of any leakage of motor fuel from the primary tank. The underground tank assembly has numerous alternative conduit arrangements for ease and flexibility of assembly, installation, and manufacture. The underground tank assembly also desirably has a protective barrier wall for protecting and isolating the conduits from the expanded primary tank. Other safety equipment and controls, such as leakage detectors, are provided.

Abstract: A tube vertically disposed in a liquid storage tank, in which the tube has a cross-sectional area which changes with height in proportion to the variation in the tank's cross-sectional area. The tube is filled through an open valve near the bottom of the tube and the valve is closed for the remainder of the test. Other valves above the liquid level are kept open to maintain equal vapor pressures in the tank and the tube. A first sensor measures the fluid level in the tank, while a second sensor measures the differences in fluid levels between tank and tube over a period of time. Ambient height changes are identical for liquid in both tank and tube, whereas leak related height changes occur only in the tank. A second identical tube may be provided when levels are affected by the tube or sensor, or when the tube is required to hold the sensor and is open to the tank.

Abstract: A system for detecting fluid pollutants includes probes for sensing the presence of a polar liquid, a non-polar liquid, and a dry condition, and for producing a polar liquid signal, a non-polar liquid signal, and a dry condition signal. A reference circuit which includes a tunable element, such as a variable resistor, is used to set the probe output signals to a predetermined voltage value: e.g. a 1-volt value indicates a polar liquid, a 2-volt value indicates a non-polar liquid, a 3-volt value indicates a dry state, and a 5-volt value indicates that the circuit is on and operating. The output signals are multiplexed and output on a single output line. The definitive signal levels and the serial output mode permit an inexpensive single channel recorder to be used to provide a permanent and complete record of the probe status.

Abstract: The method and apparatus are essentially characterized by the fact that the art (2, 201) is filled during a first phase with a gas under pressure from a source (10, 204), e.g. air, said air being cooled inside the part under test by means of an expansion nozzle (22, 79), and by a second phase in which variations in the pressure of the gas inside the part are observed by means of a pressure sensor (80, 214), and a processor unit (221) subsequently performs calculations based on the stabilization time for the pressure inside the part, the length of the measurement periods, the volume of the part, and the observed pressure variations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring stored material is disclosed. Material to be stored and monitored is placed within the innermost container of a series of nested containers and monitoring fluids are circulated in a closed loop of fluid flow through the spaces between the nested containers. Monitoring devices are used to analyze said monitoring fluids to detect leakage of the stored material from the innermost nested container and to detect the migration of external fluids into the series of nested containers. A computer based monitoring system continually checks the values of various parameters of the monitoring fluids to immediately detect and report the presence of stored material or external fluid in the monitoring fluids. The stored material may then be immediately retrieved from storage to repair leaks in the series of nested containers. The invention is particularly suited for monitoring the storage of hazardous material such as radioactive waste material.

Abstract: A method for detecting small leaks in a tank storing a liquid by measuring changes in the location of a float suspended in the liquid. The method includes the steps of sealing the float to prevent the condensation of vapors within the float, positioning the float at a preselected depth, modulating an emitted signal by an amount which varies with the changes in the location of the float, and detecting the modulated signal. Changes in the signal are indicative of small changes in the location of the float and small leaks in the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting leaks in a test chamber utilizing pressurization of the chamber with a gas, compares the rate of change of the gas pressure in the test chamber with the rate of change of the temperature of that chamber with the difference in such rates of change being read as a function of test chamber leakage.

Abstract: A G-force acceleration measuring instrument for use in an aircraft, spacecraft, submarine, or other vehicle, and employing electronic sensing and display transducers for increased reliability, small size, and small mass. The instrument includes a bar graph display, preferably incorporating liquid crystal transducer elements, uses a solid state or limited motion acceleration transducer, and provides graphic and numeric indication of the present G-force value together with numeric indication of historic maximum and minimum G-force values. The instrument also includes gain adjustment arrangements for accommodating different instrument panel slopes mounting in different types of vehicles with different G force capability, and a signal output tap for recording or slave indicating or telemetry or feedback use.

Abstract: A soil pollution monitoring system includes a plurality of ducts for conveying gases and air past a sensing device. The sensing device detects selected compounds in the gases and air and provides an output in electrical form which indicates whether or not the levels of certain compounds in the gases and air are greater than a threshold amount thereby indicating that a leak has occurred.

Abstract: A storage tank system especially useful for storing liquid gasoline in one aspect comprises a rigid inner tank encased by a flexible outer jacket with a leak detecting means associated with the closed space between the inner tank and jacket. In another aspect, an outer rigid tank contains a bladder within it together with leak detecting means between the tank and bladder. The system results in a storage facility which is less likely to lose its stored liquid to the environment due to a slow leak or a sudden large leak such as is possible with an earthquake.

Abstract: A method for detecting small leaks in a tank storing a liquid by measuring changes in the location of a float suspended in the liquid. The method includes the steps of sealing the float to prevent the condensation of vapors within the float, modulating an emitted signal by an amount which varies with the changes in the location of the float, and detecting the modulated signal. Changes in the signal are indicative of small changes in the location of the float and small leaks in the tank.

Abstract: This tank leakage detection system senses at an early stage the failure of a liner membrane made of a non-corroding material such as lead which allows the escape of a corrosive liquid contained within the tank to the space between the liner membrane and the outer steel walls of the tank. The detection system is made up of a small reservoir located on the bottom of the main tank which is in fluid communication with the space in the main tank between the outer steel walls and the liner membrane. The small reservoir extends laterally beyond one side of the tank and has a tubular projection extending upwardly along the side of the main tank which contains a float which is in turn connected via a linkage to a switch which controls an alarm system.

Abstract: The apparatus consists of a mechanical acoustical driver producing sound vibrations in a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, within an enclosed space. A pickup transducer positioned within the tank measures the sound vibrations of the gas within the tank and transmits the same to a lock-in amplifier and a low pass filter. The outputs of the lock-in amplifier and low pass filters are fed to differential amplifiers which amplify the difference between the dynamic fluid pressure changes caused by the sound vibrations and the static pressure. An acoustical resistor is positioned between the pickup transducer and the wall of the enclosed space for providing a fluid passage way therethrough. The acoustic resistor in conjunction with a nonlinear circuit element mounted at the output of the differential amplifiers linearizes the output of the apparatus providing accurate measurements of the material at both extremes of either very small volume or very large volume in the enclosed space.

Abstract: The specification discloses an electronic dynamic balance leak testing system utilizing a "live zero", wherein a source of test medium at a predetermined desired pressure or vacuum is connected to a part to be tested, and after the part is filled with the test medium, and an interval is provided for the system to stabilize the affects due to wave front oscillations, the test part is momentarily isolated from said test media and a microcomputer system is utilized, both to cause said isolation, and to measure the differential pressure existing at two points during the test. In a modification of our system which can dynamically project leak and accept or reject parts much sooner because of this projection feature, the rate of change of the differential pressure transducer is examined and is compared to a curve which is characteristic of the rate of change of a volume which is experiencing a predominately leak based change of pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the difference between a polar fluid and a non-polar fluid includes a control assembly, a probe assembly and a conduit electrically coupling the probe assembly to the control assembly at a remote location thereto. The probe assembly includes a float, at least one fluid sensor mounted beneath the float, a fluid sensor circuit for providing a signal indicative of the polar characteristics of the fluid, and a logic circuit having a first state when the signal indicates a polar fluid and a second state when the signal indicates a non-polar fluid. The control assembly includes circuitry responsive to the state of the logic circuit for controlling alarms, visual indicators, and machine operations. The probe assembly may also include a detector for detecting the state of the fluid. If the fluid has a non-liquid state then the logic circuit has a third state which indicates the non-liquid state of the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing liquid storage tanks for leakage by using apparatus to measure changes in liquid level and temperature over a predetermined period of time in which the liquid level apparatus includes means for discharging a uniform low pressure to a fixed point below the liquid level in the container and measuring any change in pressures over the predetermined period of time and in which the temperature measuring apparatus includes a liquid filled probe extending for substantially the full depth of the liquid in the tank with any changes in temperature in the probe liquid resulting in an expansion or contraction of the probe liquid with such liquid expansion or contraction being visibly indicated at a sight tube.

Abstract: An improved system for containment and detection of leakage of petroleum products from subterranean tanks or lines is disclosed wherein the tanks or lines are provided with a leak sensing means positioned adjacent the tank, and the tank or line together with the leak sensor is enclosed in an impervious enclosure which is sealed about the tank or line to prevent actuation of the leak sensor except due to leakage from the tank. In a preferred form the leak sensor is housed in a perforated duct which extends through and is sealed within the enclosure permitting access to the leak sensor and the interior of the bag in the event that a leak is detected. A preferred material for use in making the enclosure is welded high density polyethylene (HDPE).

Abstract: An aboveground reservoir is connected to the space between inner and outer tanks of an underground double-wall storage container for liquids. Leak detecting liquid fills the space between the tanks and extends to a surface level in the reservoir. Sensing means detects a drop in the level of the liquid in the reservoir and activates a signal when a leak develops in either of the inner and outer tanks.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained leak detection apparatus is provided which is particularly adapted for detecting a relatively small leak in a large fluid storage tank having a fill pipe. The apparatus comprises an air-tight chamber containing a liquid; a slope tube communicating between the liquid in the chamber and the atmosphere, wherein at least a portion of the slope tube extends along the outer surface of the chamber; a source of compressed gas in gaseous communication with the chamber; and a tube for communicating gas between the chamber and the fill pipe of the storage tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressure testing a can body. The apparatus includes a housing having a pivotable cover and an empty can with the lid attached is placed in a cradle in the housing. As the cover is moved to the closed position, a hollow needle, operably connected to the cover, is automatically inserted through the wall of the can body. On locking of the cover in the closed position, an electric circuit can be established to introduce gas under pressure through the needle into the can body. A readout of the pressure required to bulge the can body is given, thereby indicating whether the can body meets manufacturing specifications.

Abstract: A method for testing leakage from an element, such as a container. The element to be tested is sealed within an enclosure so as to define a reduced volume space in the enclosure around the container. An increase in the pressure in the surrounding space is detected as a function of the amount of leakage of high pressure fluid from the container to that space. Reduced temperature sensitivity is effected by reducing the pressure in the space. However, the device functions to improve sensitivity where the space is provided at ambient pressure at the start of the test cycle, as well. The apparatus may include a control for effecting the leakage testing automatically and indicating to the user the result of the testing as desired.