Abstract: A weld testing assembly for testing the integrity of weld used to secure a nozzle to a vessel and the like comprises a pair of plates or discs positioned on either end of the nozzle and a generally coaxially extending annular body having a diameter smaller than the nozzle stem. The assembly creates a sealed area with a small volume whereby a weld test can be efficiently conducted.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of welds used to secure a nozzle to a vessel and the like comprises forming a sealed space within the nozzle by providing a blind against the flange and a sealing plate within the vessel and filling the space with a pressurizing fluid. The sealing plate is not biased against the flange. As such, the method of the invention simulates normally occurring axial expansion stresses within the nozzle thereby providing a more accurate test. The apparatus of the invention comprises a blind flange for sealing the flange face and a back plate for positioning against the inner surface of the vessel. The apparatus includes a biasing means for urging the back plate against the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the biasing means includes a front plate located outside of the vessel and connected to the back plate. In another embodiment, the biasing means comprises a plurality of magnets for engaging the vessel wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating and/or testing a section of a pipe includes a generally annular body having, on each end, a boss. A resilient member such as an O-ring is provided between the annular body and each boss. A series of electromagnets are provided for forcing or urging the bosses towards each other thereby resulting in deformation of the resilient members resulting in a seal being formed between the apparatus and the pipe. A method for isolating and/or testing a pipe segment is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing an open end of a pipe includes a clamp for frictionally being secured to the exterior of the pipe, a sealing plate for covering the open end of the pipe and being connectable to the clamp, and sealing means for urging the sealing plate towards the clamp and for forming a seal between the sealing plate and the open end of the pipe. In one aspect, the clamp comprises an annular body formed by at least two sections that are radially tightened over the pipe exterior. In another aspect, the clamp comprises cooperating annular bodies, one capable of radially narrowing the other for frictionally engaging the pipe outer surface. In another aspect the method provides a method of sealing an end of a pipe. According to the invention, once the open end is sealed, the interior of the pipe may be pressurized, for example for testing the integrity thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the integrity of a weld securing a flange to the end of a pipe comprises a testing assembly and a reinforcement assembly. The testing assembly comprises a first sealing means positioned within the pipe and a second sealing means secured against the flange face to form a sealed region within the pipe with the region overlapping the weld. The reinforcement assembly comprises a circumferential clamp secured to the outer wall of the pipe and an anchor plate positioned opposite the flange. The first sealing means is connected to the anchor plate to prevent relative movement there-between. The anchor plate is connected to the clamp to prevent relative movement there-between. The weld test procedure comprises installing the apparatus, filling and pressurizing the sealed space and monitoring the pressure created therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a section of a pipe interior includes a clamp having a magnetic engagement means for axially positioning the clamp within the interior of a pipe and preventing relative axial movement there-between and a sealing plate securable thereto. Movement of the sealing plate against the clamp results in deformation of a resilient sealing member thereby forming a seal between the apparatus and the pipe. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with another oppositely oriented apparatus or other sealing means to form a sealed space within the tube. Pressurization of the sealed space allows for a radial and/or axial force being applied to the sealed section of the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the integrity of pipe welds includes a sleeve for circumferentially surrounding the pipe, the sleeve having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe. The sleeve having end walls extending radially inwards towards the pipe wall. The apparatus including at least two seals to form a sealed annular space between the pipe, the sleeve and the sleeve end walls. A filling and pressurizing means pressurizes the annular space. The test procedure comprises monitoring of the pressure within the space.

Abstract: A fitting for fixedly attaching to pipes and the like includes an inner and outer ring being coaxially provided over a pipe. The inner and outer rings are preferably connected by means of a ratchet mechanism allowing for one way advancement there-between. Advancement of the outer ring over the inner ring radially compresses the latter thereby resulting in swaging of the pipe. The radial compression of the pipe results in the fitting being locked in place and prevents axial movement between the fitting and the pipe. Various apparatus are provided for advancing the outer ring over the inner ring. Coupling assemblies are provided utilizing the fittings for forming joints between abutting pipes.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of welds used to secure a nozzle to a vessel and the like comprises forming a sealed space within the nozzle by providing a blind against the flange and a sealing plate within the vessel and filling the space with a pressurizing fluid. The sealing plate is not biased against the flange. As such, the method of the invention simulates normally occurring axial expansion stresses within the nozzle thereby providing a more accurate test. The apparatus of the invention comprises a blind flange for sealing the flange face and a back plate for positioning against the inner surface of the vessel. The apparatus includes a biasing means for urging the back plate against the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the biasing means includes a front plate located outside of the vessel and connected to the back plate. In another embodiment, the biasing means comprises a plurality of magnets for engaging the vessel wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating and/or testing a section of a pipe includes a generally annular body having, on each end, a boss. A resilient member such as an O-ring is provided between the annular body and each boss. A series of electromagnets are provided for forcing or urging the bosses towards each other thereby resulting in deformation of the resilient members resulting in a seal being formed between the apparatus and the pipe. A method for isolating and/or testing a pipe segment is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a section of a pipe interior includes a clamp having a magnetic engagement means for axially positioning the clamp within the interior of a pipe and preventing relative axial movement there-between and a sealing plate securable thereto. Movement of the sealing plate against the clamp results in deformation of a resilient sealing member thereby forming a seal between the apparatus and the pipe. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with another oppositely oriented apparatus or other sealing means to form a sealed space within the tube. Pressurization of the sealed space allows for a radial and/or axial force being applied to the sealed section of the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe forming and testing apparatus includes a frame supporting a mandrel, the mandrel being adapted for positioning within the pipe, and two sealing devices connected to the mandrel and adapted to seal opposite ends of the pipe to create an annular space between the mandrel, the pipe, and the sealing devices. The pipe is formed from two or more pipe segments that are welded together. The apparatus includes at least one welding device for joining the pipe segments and preferably includes a rotating device for axially rotating the mandrel and pipe combination to facilitate the welding process. Once formed, the integrity of the pipe is tested by pressurizing the annular space and monitoring such pressure.

Abstract: A pipe testing apparatus includes a mandrel adapted for insertion within the pipe and two sealing devices connected to the mandrel and adapted to seal opposite ends of the pipe to create an annular space between the mandrel, the pipe, and the sealing devices. The apparatus further includes one or more ports for filling the annular space with a pressurized fluid and a pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure within the annular space. At least one of the sealing devices includes a combination of a sealing ring and a force applying ring, which forces the sealing ring to bear against one end of the pipe to from a seal. The mandrel is provided with stops for preventing the at least one sealing device from moving axially away from the pipe.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of a weld on a pipe includes the application of an axial stress on the weld during the integrity test. Ali assembly for performing the method is also provided, wherein a pair of circumferential supports are provided on the pipe on opposite sides of the weld, and between which extend axial force applying devices. In one aspect, the invention is used to test a weld securing a flange to a pipe. The invention also provides novel circumferential clamps for securing to the exterior of pipes.

Abstract: A method for separating two flanges joined by bolts extending through boltholes provided therein comprises the use of a clamshell cutting apparatus having a rotating annulus with at least one cutting tool. The cutting tools are rotated and advanced against the bolts until they are sheared. The flanges are then separated from each other.

Abstract: A weld testing assembly for testing the integrity of weld used to secure a nozzle to a vessel and the like comprises a pair of plates or discs positioned on either end of the nozzle and a generally coaxially extending annular body having a diameter smaller than the nozzle stem. The assembly creates a sealed area with a small volume whereby a weld test can be efficiently conducted.

Abstract: A pipe testing apparatus includes a mandrel adapted for insertion within the pipe and two sealing devices connected to the mandrel and adapted to seal opposite ends of the pipe to create an annular space between the mandrel, the pipe, and the sealing devices. The apparatus further includes one or more ports for filling the annular space with a pressurized fluid and a pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure within the annular space. At least one of the sealing devices includes a combination of a sealing ring and a force applying ring) which forces the sealing ring to bear against one end of the pipe to from a seal. The mandrel is provided with stops for preventing the at least one sealing device from moving axially away from the pipe.