| 摘要 |
A method for detecting leaks in a fluid system that is located at a volatile and potentially explosive environment such as, but not limited to, the evaporative or air brake system of a motor vehicle. A smoke generating machine (1) produces a supply of smoke (30) to be delivered to the system under test (50). At least some of a mixture (8) of oil and fluorescent dye is heated and vaporized into smoke within a sealed chamber (2). The mixture is blown against a heating element (14) within the sealed chamber (2) by means of non-combustible nitrogen gas (28) so as to avoid the possibility of an explosion. The smoke (30) functions as a carrier for the dye. Some of the smoke (30) which is delivered to the system under test (30) from the chamber (2) will exit a leak (e.g. a hole 52), and the fluorescent dye carried by the smoke will leave a fluorescent trace (54) around the leak. By shining ultraviolet light (58) along the system under test (50), the fluorescent trace (54) around the leak (52) will be illuminated. Accordingly, even small leaks may be quickly, easily and reliably located for repair. <IMAGE> |
