Detection of leaks in a conduit by insertion of a balloon into the conduit, inflation of the balloon, via a connection tube, and then forcing of the balloon towards the open conduit end so it stops at the leak location

摘要

Method in which a tube (4) is inserted in a conduit (1) from an open end (2); a balloon (5) at the end of the tube is inflated using a pressurized fluid contained in the tube; the balloon is inserted in the conduit such that a possible leak is closer to the free end that to the balloon; the balloon is inflated until it completely seals of the conduit, but can still be moved in the conduit; a fluid is injected under pressure from the opposite end of the conduit so that the balloon slides along the conduit towards the free end until, a leak being present, the balloon stops moving. An Independent claim is made for a leak detection device.