Abstract: A leak detection apparatus for pipe couplings includes a sleeve for enclosing a small volume on the exterior of a pipe joint with a flow passage on the sleeve for communication with a detection instrument; the sleeve may be a stiff but deformable polyurethane tube having separable edges including reinforcing strips embedded in the sleeve adjacent the edges; the sleeve may also be a fluid impervious fabric web that is, in use, wrapped about a pipe joint. The detection method includes a delay time after the pipe coupling is pressurized. It is also possible to release the pressure prior to sampling, as for example due to safety considerations. The leak detection apparatus includes means for conversion of leaked gas concentration to leak rate.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a releasing and retrieving apparatus for a pack-off tool used in pipe testing operations includes a tubular body having slots in the walls thereof, each slot having an inclined surface at its lower end, elongated gripping members carried in each slot and being movable longitudinally and laterally with respect thereto, a first coil spring urging the gripping members downwardly to cause the lower end portions thereof to be moved inwardly by the inclined surfaces to gripping position, and a second coil spring urging the central regions of the gripping members outwardly so that inward pressure on the respective upper end portions thereof can be employed to pivot the gripping members about the central regions and cause outward movement of the lower end portions to a released position.

Abstract: A packer assembly for sealing against the wall of well pipe including a reverse beveled washer face adjacent a straight resilient packer face, thereby providing an internal gap for vertical extrusion when the packer is radially expanded and, hence, retard vertical extrusion between the hard packer components and the well pipe wall.

Abstract: A packer assembly for sealing against the wall of well pipe including a washer having reverse beveled and beveled faces. The reverse beveled face is adjacent to a straight resilient packer face, and the internal gap created thereby retards vertical extrusion of the resilient packer section under pressure. The beveled face abuts a radially expanding segmented packer ring, causing the packer ring to expand against the well pipe when the packer assembly is operated, thereby limiting vertical extrusion of the resilient packer section under high pressure conditions.