Leak Location by Radioactive Gases in Buried Pipes

Abstract

This paper describes basic considerations and experiments on leak location by means of radioactive tracer gases in underground pipes. C‐14 labelled carbon monoxide and radon were used as tracers. The principles of the method are described. Suitable techniques for preparing and detecting the tracer gas have been worked out. Calculations on the spreading of a column of tracer gas in a pipe follow. Leak location on two small scale installations was carried out experimentally.