Simultaneous determination of gas leakage location and leakage rate based on local temperature gradient

In this study, a quantitative non-contact detection method for gas leakage problem based on infrared thermography technology is developed. First, the relationship between the gas leakage rate and the temperature gradient at the edge of the leaking hole is established based on thermodynamics, dimensional analysis and numerical methods. Second, the temperature fields surrounding the gas leakage location are extracted using an infrared thermal imager. Both the gas leakage location and leakage rate are obtained for the damaged rubber seals. Finally, the detections of gas leakage location with arbitrary shape and no obvious temperature difference are discussed and generalized. These results will play an important role in detecting the leakage rate for the damaged seal structures or containers.