Procedure for detecting potential fluid leaks, in particular of gas, for a pressurised hydraulic shock absorber tube

摘要

The internal walls of the empty tube forming the hydraulic shock absorber are sprayed with a film of liquid. This is an osmotic lubricating liquid which is compatible with the hydraulic fluid used in the shock absorber. The liquid is detectable on the outside of the tube and is used as an indication of a potential leak. It is possible that the osmotic fluid is the same fluid used for the hydraulic operation of the device, or alternatively the fluid may be a combination of the hydraulic fluid and a colorant which is compatible with this hydraulic fluid. The colorant may be such that it is readily detected under ultraviolet radiation, and may include fluorescein with a specified concentration.