Patent attributes
A leak detecting apparatus and method by which a regulated supply of gas is delivered from an adjustable pressure regulator to a smoke generator so that smoke generated within the smoke generator and carried to a fluid system being tested for leaks is at optimal density throughout the pressure range. The leak detecting apparatus and method have particular application for testing high pressure operating systems (e.g., the engine of a turbo-charged motor vehicle). A flow transducer measures the rate at which the regulated supply of gas flows to the smoke generator. First and second pressure transducers measure the pressure of the regulated gas and the pressure of the system being tested for leaks. The system under test is visually inspected for leaks after the pressure regulator is adjusted to a pressure to create an optimal maximum flow rate and the pressures measured by the first and second pressure transducers are equalized.
