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.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydrostatically testing the seal integrity against leakage of the sealing face surface of the end of a pipe is disclosed. A test pad is engaged against a sealing face surface of a pipe and urged into tight contact with said sealing face surface. Fluid is applied under pressure to the juncture between said test pad and said sealing face surface to determine the seal integrity against leakage of the sealing face surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of testing the connections between the pipe segments comprising a string of pipe being snubbed into a well under pressure immediately before such connections are forced into the pressurized well. There is provided gripping means which is vertically movable with respect to the well to grip the additional segments of pipe to be added to the string. Force means are secured to the gripping means to provide the force necessary to force the gripping means downwardly and thereby force the string of pipe with the additional segment connected therein further into the pressurized well. A testing apparatus is secured to the gripping means for externally testing the connection between the pipe string and the additional segment of pipe connected thereto. If the connection has no leak therein, the external testing means is released and the gripping means is extended upwardly to grip the string of pipe at its upper end thereof and the string of pipe is driven further into the pressurized well.

Abstract: A body having a longitudinal opening through which a tubular member may extend for testing, such as two tubular members connected together by threaded connections or a coupling. Positioned along the longitudinal opening in the body are longitudinally spaced annular seal means. The body includes passage means for conducting fluid pressure against the outer circumferential surface of each of the annular seal means. Back-up means are mounted in association with each annular seal means for inward and outward radial movement with such seal means, each of the back-up means comprising anti-extrusion means to prevent significant extrusion of the seal means responsive to pressure imposed thereon.

Abstract: A body having a longitudinal opening therethrough is provided with longitudinally spaced, annular seal means. The body is provided with passage means for conducting fluid to move the seal means radially of the body opening to seal against tubular members in the body opening.The tubular members are connected together by suitable means such as a coupling, weld, or other arrangement prior to positioning the connection between the seal means and after the seal means has sealed off the connection therebetween, the body includes additional passage means for conducting fluid pressure to increase the fluid pressure externally of the connection to a pressure significantly greater than the internal pressure to externally test the connection by instrumentally or visually detecting any resultant inflow of the pressurized external fluid.

Abstract: An open ended housing means is provided for receiving the pin or male end of a tubular member in one open housing end and the box or female end of a tubular member in the other open housing end. Brush means are rotatably mounted in the housing means and positioned relative to the opening housing ends for engaging the tubular member end and means are provided for rotating the brush means to clean the engaged ends of the tubular member. Additional means control the flow of solvent and gas to the housing means to further aid in cleaning the ends of the tubular member.

Abstract: An annular seal for engaging a tubular member. The seal includes an annular elastomer body having inner and outer surfaces and an interlocking reinforcing means associated with the inner surface of the elastomer body. The reinforcing means includes a plurality of segments and at least some of the segments have an arcuate flange secured thereto between the segment and the inner surface of the annular elastomer body, such arcuate flange extending into the annular space formed between the inner surface of the elastomer body and the outer surface of an adjacent segment.