Method of and apparatus for location of leaks in pressure-assisted oil-filled electric power cables.

摘要

To locate a leak in a length of pressure-assisted oil-filled electric power cable 20, the static fluid pressure is measured at the two ends of the length and the flow into or out of the cable is measured by flowmeter30 at one end for at least two different pressure supply conditions (measured by pressure measuring means 25-30) giving different flow rates whilst maintaining a predetermined flow rate (which may be zero) at the other end of the cable. The measurements are then repeated with a different measured flow rate at said other end or, alternatively, the flow rate is measured at said other end at two different pressure supply conditions for a predetermined flow rate at said one end. From these measurements, the relationship between flow rate at each end of the cable and the pressure drop between the ends due to flow can be determined and this enables the position of the leak to be calculated. Apparatus for making the necessary measurements is described.