Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for externally and internally testing for leaks in connections between tubular members

US4926680A · kind A · utility

30Cited by
16References
13Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 9, 1988
Grant dateMay 22, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 9, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01M3/2861
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.