초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for hydrostatically testing connections between segments of pipe whereby pressurized hydrostatic test fluid is selectively applied to the connection such that the pressures are principally applied in the vicinity of the radial orifices leading into the sealing elements of the

A method and apparatus for hydrostatically testing connections between segments of pipe whereby pressurized hydrostatic test fluid is selectively applied to the connection such that the pressures are principally applied in the vicinity of the radial orifices leading into the sealing elements of the connection and not radially to the inner or outer annular surfaces of the connection in the vicinity of the sealing elements of the connection which would tend to substantially affect the bearing pressure of the sealing elements. In addition, a method and apparatus for selectively applying pressurized hydrostatic test fluid such that the pressures are applied to those areas where the bearing pressure of the sealing elements of the connection is sensitive to the applied pressures, thus manipulating the bearing pressure and controlling the sealing capacity of the connection during hydrostatic leak testing.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for externally hydrostatically testing an integral connection between two sections of pipe, each of said sections of pipe bearing threads on at least one of its ends, said pipe sections being joined together by threadedly engaging one of said pipe sections with the other of said pipe sectio

A method for externally hydrostatically testing an integral connection between two sections of pipe, each of said sections of pipe bearing threads on at least one of its ends, said pipe sections being joined together by threadedly engaging one of said pipe sections with the other of said pipe sections wherein an interference seal is provided between selected mating surfaces carried on corresponding male and female ends of said joined sections of pipe, and wherein an external radial orifice is defined between said joined sections of pipe which radial orifice is in fluid communication with a space defined between said threads borne on said male and female ends of said joined pipe sections, said method comprising: supplying a leak testing apparatus having an annular housing including an annular seal which seal defines an annular chamber, and having a conduit formed in said annular housing and in said annular seal, to allow fluid communications between an exterior portion of said housing and said annular chamber, placing said leak testing apparatus circumferentially about said connection with said annular housing surrounding and contacting an outer annular surface portion of said connection in a selected localized area, and with said annular chamber placed in fluid communication with said external radial orifice; providing means for determining a possible leak in said connection and operatively connecting said means for determining to said conduits, supplying a pressurized hydrostatic test fluid to said leak testing apparatus by moving said fluid from said exterior portion of said housing, through said conduit, through said annular chamber, and into said space between said threads; selectively applying said pressurized hydrostatic test fluid principally in the vicinity of said external radial orifice without applying substantial test pressure radially to said outer annular surface portion of said connection in the vicinity of said interference between said mating surfaces on said corresponding male and female ends of said sections of pipe, which radially applied test pressures would tend to substantially affect said interference seal\s bearing pressure; and determining if said connection leaks through appropriate use of said means for determining.