Abstract: Fault diagnosis of hydraulic pumps is made automatically during an actual operation of a working machine, particularly when there is a problem with horsepower limiting control of the hydraulic pumps. A controller 50 performs horsepower limiting control for a plurality of variable displacement hydraulic pumps 1 to 6. The controller 50 measures a pump delivery pressure and pump delivery rate of each hydraulic pump when the pump delivery rate reaches a maximum during operation of the hydraulic drive system based on their detected values, collects the measured values as fault diagnostic data, and then compares a calculated target pump delivery rate with the collected pump delivery rate to decide if there is a fault of the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simply and economically detecting leaks in a isolation valve disposed in an on-line fluid transport system having at least an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe is provided, the apparatus comprising a isolation valve connected between the upstream pipe and downstream pipe for isolating fluid flow through the transport system; wherein the isolation valve includes at least one upstream seal, one downstream seal, and an inner cavity effectively isolated from the fluid flow by the seals.

Abstract: In a process for the monitoring of leakage in the hydraulic pressure area of a membrane pump, processing is in a manner such that the point in time (t3), at which the snifting process serving for leakage compensation is initiated, is monitored continuously and compared with a reference value (t1), where a predetermined deviation (&Dgr;t1-t3) between two values (t3 and/or t1) triggers a leakage display.

Abstract: In a process for the monitoring and automatic early fault detection in valves, in particular intake and/or pressure valves, of an oscillating displacement pump, in particular a membrane dosing pump, it is provided that the increased operating noise produced by a leaky valve due to the back-flow of the fluid being pumped in the closed state of the valve is used as a measure for the leakiness of the valve by the generated effective signal level being monitored continuously and compared to a reference signal level formed from the operating noise of the pump with an intact valve, where, at a predefined level deviation or change due to increased operating noise, early fault detection is triggered. A device for carrying out of this process includes a corresponding measuring device, in particular in the form of a vibration acceleration sensor measuring the produced structure-borne sound as well as a comparator device.

Abstract: Pumps and valves with movable parts, such as a plunger, typically have seals around the part. The seals may isolate one chamber from another to prevent leakage across the seals. The pressure in one chamber may be different from the pressure in another adjacent chamber, thereby creating a pressure differential across the seal. When the seal is working properly, the pressures in the adjacent chambers remain constant approximately. However, when a seal leaks, pressure will leak across the seal. As such, the chamber with the lower pressure will show an increase in pressure due to seal leakage. Thus, monitoring pressure changes in the chamber with low pressure, or pressure differentials between chambers, serves as an indicator for leakage across the seal and impending seal failure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor apparatus configured to detect the presence of a gas, such as a tracer gas and a leak detection apparatus configured to detect the presence of a tracer gas and indicate the location of a leak. The leak detection apparatus may further be configured to quantify the leak rate at the leak location.

Abstract: A rotary seal machine is provided and includes a motor drive shaft which extends into and through a canister. A test seal specimen surrounds the shaft in the outer wall, and contaminant circulates through the canister for inducing leakage of the contaminant through the seal being tested. The seal and protruded shaft are visually exposed from outside the outer wall so that contaminant leakage past the seal can be visually detected.

Abstract: A fugitive emission collection device for acquiring an atmosphere sample around a seal is provided. The emission collection device has a rigid member that forms a low impedance cavity shaped to overlay a seal. The emission collection device has a conduit with an inlet in fluid communications with the low impedance cavity and an outlet that can be connected to a chemical sensing system to analyze the atmosphere sample for emissions leaking from the seal.

Abstract: A latched, spring loaded valve having a water sensor and an activation mechanism shuts off water supply, when a water leak is detected, to specific application as cloths washing machines, dishwashing machines, sinks, toilets, and refrigerators equipped with ice makers. The shutoff valve system with leak detector has a sealing member movable with a valve body between an open position and a closed position wherein the sealing member blocks fluid flow.

Abstract: A sealed connection device in which, two chambers (“A” and “B”), each has an access opening equipped with a door (2, 3) cooperating with a flange (4, 5) with the interposition of sealing means (12, 14), one (2) of the two doors being articulated with its flange (4). The detection device comprises two grooves (30, 35), formed in the external face of the flange (4) of chamber (A), a seal (36) placed in the groove (35), a network of ducts (31, 32, 33) formed in flange (4) and connecting the inner groove (30) to a coupling (34), a vacuum pump (38) the intake (37) of which is connected to the said coupling, and a sensor (44) measuring the strength of the partial vacuum in the pneumatic circuit leading to the groove (30) and reacting on alarm means (47, 48) if ever the partial vacuum does not reach an appropriate value.

Abstract: There is described herein a method and a device for determining leaks at the seal of a valve or a valve rod, in particular of a process valve so that an indication that the valve-rod seal needs changing can then be obtained in good time. In order to determine the leak, the pressure is determined, if appropriate as a function of time, in a control volume between a first valve-rod seal and a second valve-rod seal, and the leak flow rate is calculated therefrom.

Abstract: A quick-coupling union for oil and gas tubular members that provides a more stable joint connection, a redundant seal arrangement, and a method for pressure testing the seals. The union and sealing arrangement includes an elongated tubular receiving member, further including a central longitudinal cavity therein for receiving an elongated tubular insertion member and an external port in communication with the cavity, at least two sealing members located within the cavity defined by the insertion and receiving members and the dual seals being capable of providing a positive seal between the insertion member and the receiving member the union, further including a nut slidable upon the insertion member for threadably locking the insertion member relative to the receiving member, the sealing members being spaced apart in a manner whereby the external port is interposed between the dual sealing members when the union is fully engaged, thus defining a means for applying a pressure there upon.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve is provided with means for detecting and quantifying valve seat leakage when the valve is in its closed position. Any fluid leaking past the seat flows through an orifice of known, fixed dimensions present downstream of the seat when the valve is in its closed position. Pressure transducers measure a first pressure immediately upstream of the seat, a second pressure between the seat and the orifice, and a third pressure immediately downstream of the orifice. The second and third pressures are used to calculate flow through the orifice, and the calculated flow is used with the first and second pressures to determine the size of a leak path across the seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film leak detector with two films (5, 6) each stretched in a frame (3, 4); in order to attain a simple and stable structuring, it is proposed that each of the frames (3, 4) is comprised of two synthetic material subframes between which the particular film (5, 6) is fastened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection and alarm systems for predicting and detecting the location of spills, leaks, emissions, and/or pollution sources, i.e., unwanted fluid (liquid/gas) flow/escape, at refineries, e.g., oil and gas refineries, and plants, e.g., petrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing plants, and avoiding said unwanted flow/escape. According to one embodiment, said system comprises at least one detector, at least one battery powered radio frequency transmitter, preferably, according to one embodiment, a 900 megahertz spread spectrum transmitter, and a central processing location which, according to one embodiment, is preferably capable of handling up to 3000 points in a single cell site.

Abstract: A tool for conducting localized testing of the integrity of a pressure seal on an aircraft. The tool comprises a body having an exterior surface and an interior cavity. A peripheral edge on the body defines an opening to the interior cavity. The tool is positioned on an aircraft over the pressure seal to be tested with the interior cavity communicating with the pressure seal. A sealing member is positioned between the aircraft and the peripheral edge so that a fluid tight seal is formed between the tool and the aircraft. A vacuum is created in the interior cavity. After a predetermined length of time the amount of vacuum in the interior cavity is observed and the integrity of the pressure seal is determined.

Abstract: A test plug and method for isolating and testing a connection, such as a welded connection, which interconnects a wall of tank, vessel, or pipe to a branch pipe or nozzle. The test plug isolates the connection from the remainder of the tank, vessel or piping system and enables pressure/leak testing of the connection without requiring pressurization of the entire tank or vessel or a large section of the piping system. Further, the test plug can be utilized during welding operations to isolate harmful materials, vapors or fumes existing within tanks, vessels or piping systems from the weld location and to permit the flow of an inert gas to safely flush any potentially harmful vapors or the like away from the welding area.

Abstract: A leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical sealing gasket which defines a recess therein. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends from the gasket. A diaphragm member is positioned in the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve operably connected to the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits. A coupling for clamping the leak testing device about one or two conduits includes a generally cylindrical member having a central axis and including a plurality of sections. The sections are interconnected to one another by at least two hinge members in a manner that two sections have free end points to be releasably fastened together.

Abstract: A test for hydraulic leakage in hydraulic components uses a rate testing device having two circuits including a filling circuit that fast-fills the component with hydraulic fluid and a leakage circuit that measures the leakage rate of fluid flow through the component. The filling circuit is first connected to the component to fill the component. Once full, flow through the filling circuit is blocked and flow to the component is provided by the leakage circuit, which includes a leakage flow rate measuring device. The filling circuit provides a flow rate that is at least twice the flow rate that is provided by the leakage circuit.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device and a method for determining if a system with multiple seals has a leak and, if so, which of the multiple seals is causing said leak. The device and method employ a change in the optical reflectivity of a transparent, plastic membrane due to pulling a vacuum on the seal to make the above mentioned determination.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are shown for detecting leaks in metal roofs which are made up of metal roof panels secured in position to form a roof structure by metal screws. The apparatus includes an elongate tubular stand having a lower extent and an upper extent connected by an internal bore, the lower extent terminating in a bore end opening. A hand operated pump communicates with the internal bore for supplying positive pressure or drawing a vacuum on the internal bore. The bore end opening is sealed by an elastomeric seal which is used to form a pressure tight seal about one of the metal screw to be tested. A pressure gauge on the stand communicates with the internal bore for measuring a change in pressure within the internal bore, such pressure change being indicative of a leak present at the metal screw being tested.

Abstract: A sealed connection device in which, two chambers (“A” and “B”), each has an access opening equipped with a door (2, 3) cooperating with a flange (4, 5) with the interposition of sealing means (12, 14), one (2) of the two doors being articulated with its flange (4). The detection device comprises two grooves (30, 35), formed in the external face of the flange (4) of chamber (A), a seal (36) placed in the groove (35), a network of ducts (31, 32, 33) formed in flange (4) and connecting the inner groove (30) to a coupling (34), a vacuum pump (38) the intake (37) of which is connected to the said coupling, and a sensor (44) measuring the strength of the partial vacuum in the pneumatic circuit leading to the groove (30) and reacting on alarm means (47, 48) if ever the partial vacuum does not reach an appropriate value.

Abstract: There is described a device for testing the hydraulic brake system of motor vehicles for the presence of small and extremely small leaks. To improve the performance while achieving the smallest possible overall size, the loading rod comprises a non-rotating spindle (6), which can be extended via a rotating nut (6.1), and which carries the measuring head (3). A bracing plate, which can move with low friction, is housed in resiliently displaceable manner in the measuring head (3).

Abstract: A tool for conducting localized testing of the integrity of a pressure seal on an aircraft. The tool comprises a body having an exterior surface and an interior cavity. A peripheral edge on the body defines an opening to the interior cavity. The tool is positioned on an aircraft over the pressure seal to be tested with the interior cavity communicating with the pressure seal. A sealing member is positioned between the aircraft and the peripheral edge so that a fluid tight seal is formed between the tool and the aircraft. A vacuum is created in the interior cavity. After a predetermined length of time the amount of vacuum in the interior cavity is observed and the integrity of the pressure seal is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric contact array having two contacts between which an electrically conductive connection exists, wherein the contact array is watertight and dust-tight, wherein the contacts are disposed in a sealed area. According to the invention, two sealing elements are disposed at a distance from one another in order to seal the sealed area. A test area is provided between the sealing elements, said test area having a hole that enables access from the outside.

Abstract: A sealed connection device in which, two chambers (“A” and “B”), each has an access opening equipped with a door (2, 3) cooperating with a flange (4, 5) with the interposition of sealing means (12, 14), one (2) of the two doors being articulated with its flange (4). The detection device comprises two grooves (30, 35), formed in the external face of the flange (4) of chamber (A), a seal (36) placed in the groove (35), a network of ducts (31, 32, 33) formed in flange (4) and connecting the inner groove (30) to a coupling (34), a vacuum pump (38) the intake (37) of which is connected to the said coupling, and a sensor (44) measuring the strength of the partial vacuum in the pneumatic circuit leading to the groove (30) and reacting on alarm means (47, 48) if ever the partial vacuum does not reach an appropriate value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simply and economically detecting leaks in a isolation valve disposed in an on-line fluid transport system having at least an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe is provided, the apparatus comprising a isolation valve connected between the upstream pipe and downstream pipe for isolating fluid flow through the transport system; wherein the isolation valve includes at least one upstream seal, one downstream seal, and an inner cavity effectively isolated from the fluid flow by the seals.

Abstract: A testing procedure is disclosed for testing a road tanker, and other transportable storage tanks, for fluid-tightness. A positive test pressure is first applied to one storage compartment of the road tanker, and simultaneously a negative pressure is applied to the outlet pipe of the storage compartment, and a different negative pressure is applied to the vapour recovery manifold. The subsequent pressure variations within the storage compartment, the outlet pipe, the vapour recovery manifold and the adjacent storage compartments are then monitored in order to determine whether the interconnecting valves are leaking, and whether the various compartments under test are fluid-tight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing plumbing installations including a tool for making an opening through a test cap or other blockage in a fluid-carrying line of a plumbing system. The tool and cap make the testing method possible. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, a test cap welded in the drain pipe seals the drain line from the sewer line at the location of the clean-out. Thereafter, the rough-in plumbing system is tested by pressurizing the system through the clean-out on the building side of the cap. Following successful completion of this test, the top-out plumbing is completed, leaving the test cap welded in place. After the roof vents are in, the top-out test of the plumbing system is made, also through the clean-out. After final test and inspection, a special tool constructed in accordance with the present invention is inserted down the clean-out to penetrate and ream-out the test cap.

Abstract: A test device for measuring chemical emissions to the atmosphere from a leaking component that includes a housing containing an air mover for drawing ambient air directly into the housing. The air mover is capable of operating at a high flow rate and a low flow rate depending upon a switch state or valve position. A detector for detecting the presence of a chemical emission is positioned within the housing as well as a calculator for measuring the concentration of the chemical emission. Air is drawn directly into a housing at a low flow rate in a survey mode and once a leak is detected air is drawn directly into the housing at a high flow rate in a quantification mode. During the quantification mode the calculator determines a leak rate from the leaking component or alternatively indicates that the calculated leak rate is unreliable.

Abstract: A continuous processing trap apparatus is capable of increasing the trapping efficiency while maintaining conductance required by a vacuum chamber. The trap apparatus includes an exhaust passage for evacuating a hermetically sealed chamber by a vacuum pump, a hermetically sealed trapping and regenerating casing extending across the exhaust passage and a regenerating passage adjacent to the exhaust passage, and a trap unit movably housed in the trapping and regenerating casing for selective movement between a trapping position connected to the exhaust passage and a regenerating position connected to the regenerating passage. The trap apparatus further includes valve bodies disposed one on each side of the trap unit and supporting seals on outer circumferential surfaces thereof for sealing the exhaust passage and the regenerating passage from each other, and a monitoring mechanism for monitoring whether the seals are functioning normally.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simply and economically detecting leaks in a isolation valve disposed in an on-line fluid transport system having at least an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe is provided, the apparatus comprising a isolation valve connected between the upstream pipe and downstream pipe for isolating fluid flow through the transport system; wherein the isolation valve includes at least one upstream seal, one downstream seal, and an inner cavity effectively isolated from the fluid flow by the seals.

Abstract: A flood control device and system which controls conductive fluid(s) in a conductive fluid supply line and or path, using the conductivity of said fluid(s). The conductive fluid system comprises; a conductive fluid supply line, in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve, in-line conductive fluid detector, conductive fluid sensor(s) (attached in or to conductive fluid dependent appliances), a D.C. powered central processing unit, and control panel. The conductive fluid flows through said conductive fluid line, said in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve, intern reaching said in-line conductive fluid detector which detects the flow of conductive fluid, thereby sending data to said central processing unit. When said central processing unit receives said data, said central processing unit delays for a predetermined amount of time (example 3 seconds) waiting to receive data from one or more of said conductive fluid sensor(s).

Abstract: There is described herein a method and a device for determining leaks at the seal of a valve or a valve rod, in particular of a process valve so that an indication that the valve-rod seal needs changing can then be obtained in good time. In order to determine the leak, the pressure is determined, if appropriate as a function of time, in a control volume between a first valve-rod seal and a second valve-rod seal, and the leak flow rate is calculated therefrom.

Abstract: A tool for conducting localized testing of the integrity of a pressure seal on an aircraft. The tool comprises a body having an exterior surface and an interior cavity. A peripheral edge on the body defines an opening to the interior cavity. The tool is positioned on an aircraft over the pressure seal to be tested with the interior cavity communicating with the pressure seal. A sealing member is positioned between the aircraft and the peripheral edge so that a fluid tight seal is formed between the tool and the aircraft. A vacuum is created in the interior cavity. After a predetermined length of time the amount of vacuum in the interior cavity is observed and the integrity of the pressure seal is determined.

Abstract: The invention provides an assembly for hydrostatic testing of welds between components, such as but not limited to welds which connect components such as nozzles (2) or patches (40) to a pressure vessel (1). A sealing body (8) is secured against one of the components to define a sealed space (25) adjacent to the weld (5) to be tested. The body is secured by at least one tie rod (9), positioned to pull the body against the component by tightening of a nut (12). Pressure testing can then be carried out by introducing pressurized fluid into the sealed space and applying appropriate monitoring techniques to check for leakage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simply and economically detecting leaks in a isolation valve disposed in an on-line fluid transport system having at least an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe is provided, the apparatus comprising a isolation valve connected between the upstream pipe and downstream pipe for isolating fluid flow through the transport system; wherein the isolation valve includes at least one upstream seal, one downstream seal, and an inner cavity effectively isolated from the fluid flow by the seals.

Abstract: An improved safety hose apparatus includes an inner hose having threaded connectors attached rotatably at each end thereof. An inner hose is disposed about the outer hose. The inner hose is alternatable between longitudinally expanded and contracted conditions. The outer hose includes a pair of resiliently expandable end coupling portions. Each end portion is selectively expanded to releasably grip the peripheral surface of a respective threaded connector. This seals the end of the apparatus so that water leaking through a rupture in the inner hose is retained within the outer hose.

Abstract: A sensor and method for rapidly determining the absence of a vapor in a gas or fluid is described as well as a method for constructing the sensor. The sensor comprises a resistive element having first and second leads; an elastomeric material in thermal contact with and surrounding a portion of the resistive element; and a stratum of electrically conductive particles surrounding a portion of the elastomeric material and electrically coupled to the first lead and a third lead. The method for determining the absence of a vapor comprises linking the sensor to a control means for preventing excessive adsorption; exposing the sensor to an environment; and monitoring the sensor.

Abstract: A leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical elongated sealing gasket which defines a recess therethrough. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends radially into the recess for supporting a diaphragm member thereon. The diaphragm member includes a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the recess. In a preferred embodiment, the diaphragm member is made integral with the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve assembly provided on the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits.

Abstract: A low volume vacuum source that utilizes a mechanical vacuum generating device. In particular, a syringe is used as a vacuum source and is connected through a check valve to a test fixture of a cascade impactor that is used for classifying particles. The test fixture has fluid passageways that seal onto the chambers of the compactor, and by pulling and retracting the syringe piston, the vacuum is generated in the test fixture. The vacuum level is measured with a gauge. A check valve in the syringe outlet line prevents bleed back of the vacuum once vacuum has been formed. A separate bleed valve can be opened for relieving the vacuum applied to the test fixture.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a valve (2) that can be actuated by a position controller via a drive. The diagnostic system includes a device (14) provided for recording, storing, and evaluating, body sound spectra on the valve. In order to enable a valve to be diagnosed in a particularly reliable manner, a body sound spectrum which is recorded when the intact valve (2) is slightly open is stored in the device (14) provided for recording, storing, and evaluating, whereby the valve can be closed for diagnostic purposes and the resemblance of the recorded body sound spectrum to the stored body sound spectrum is used as a criterion for evaluating a non-sealing condition of the valve.

Abstract: A combination sheath and frost-resistant wall hydrant include a hydrant having a wall-penetrating conduit and intermediate wall bracket. There is an internal valve seat between the bracket and indoor or inlet end, and so is located in a presumptively warm indoor climate and spaced back from the wall and/or outdoors so as to reduce chances of freezing outdoor temperatures freezing water stopped behind the valve seat. The sheath telescopes over the hydrant's inlet end until the sheath's leading end mates against the hydrant's bracket. The leading end is vented for venting leakwater from the hydrant outdoors and not indoors in cases if the hydrant bursts by freezing because water got stopped in the conduit between the valve seat and outlet and failed to drain despite an open outlet. The sheath's trailing end seals onto the hydrant somewhere behind the valve seat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a plumbing system in a more dependable and cost-effective manner. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, the drain pipe leading from the plumbing system in a building to the city sewer main or main sewer line is positively sealed off by a test cap or plug welded in the pipe at the location of the clean-out. Access to the test cap is maintained through the clean-out. Pressurizing the rough-in plumbing to test the same can then proceed knowing that if any leaks occur, they are in the branch plumbing on the building side of the test cap, and not at or in the test cap. Following successful completion of the initial test, the top-out plumbing job is completed, leaving the test cap welded in the clean-out or drain pipe. After the roof vents are in, the second test of the plumbing system is made, again knowing that if the system shows any leaks, they are the result of a failure in the plumbing work and not a failure of the test cap.

Abstract: A continuous processing trap apparatus is capable of increasing the trapping efficiency while maintaining conductance required by a vacuum chamber. The trap apparatus includes an exhaust passage for evacuating a hermetically sealed chamber by a vacuum pump, a hermetically sealed trapping and regenerating casing extending across the exhaust passage and a regenerating passage adjacent to the exhaust passage, and a trap unit movably housed in the trapping and regenerating casing for selective movement between a trapping position connected to the exhaust passage and a regenerating position connected to the regenerating passage. The trap apparatus further includes valve bodies disposed one on each side of the trap unit and supporting seals on outer circumferential surfaces thereof for sealing the exhaust passage and the regenerating passage from each other, and a monitoring mechanism for monitoring whether the seals are functioning normally.

Abstract: A diverter valve for controlling a fluid flow without the sudden hammering pressure changes normally found in fluid control systems, and a method for assembling the valve. The valve includes a modular valve body with two substantially identical sections, each with a valve seat, oppositely arranged. The valve body also includes a T-shaped connecting section connected between the end openings of the two other sections. A valve stem shaft in the valve body has two valve plugs facing together, with the two valve seats between the valve plugs, so that each valve plug moves against the flow of the fluid to a closed position. A valve actuator shifts the valve stem shaft axially between first and second positions so that first one plug is closed, and then the other. The second valve plug is removably attached to the shaft by means of a hollow stem connected to the second valve plug preferably by means of threads.

Abstract: An in-situ testing apparatus for testing the integrity of rib plugs used to seal faulty reactor boiler tubes consists of a cup-shaped member with a groove on the open end, a tapped hole for attaching a hydraulic hose of known pressure, and a hole through the top of the member. A seal is installed in the groove on the open end of the cup to seal to the primary face of a tubesheet around the tested rib plug. A threaded mandrel goes through the hole in the top of the cup-shaped member and engages the expander member of the rib plug. The threading action of the mandrel into the expander draws the seal against the tubesheet to seal the testing apparatus and allows the rib plug to be in-situ pressure tested.

Abstract: A test plug for testing the integrity of a pipe includes a blind flange for mating with a pipe flange, a compression mandrel having a conical recess, an expander having a conical surface which mates with the compression mandrel and an elastomeric annular seal positioned between the compression mandrel and the expander. Removeable compression rings of different sizes may be attached to the test plugs and used with different sizes of annular seals. The expander is actuated by a rod which extends through the compression mandrel and to the exterior of the test plug. Installation of the test plug isolates and seals an end portion of the pipe. Fluid under pressure may then be pumped into the isolated segment to test for pressure integrity.

Abstract: The invention is a leakage testing tool for a bellow of a semiconductor manufacturing machine. The testing tool has a plate, a first rack and an opposite second rack, both racks formed on the plate and supporting the bellow. Two movable plates each engage with a respective one of two adjustment screws. Each adjustment screw can adjust a flat end of one of the movable plates to press on a respective one of two end flanges of the bellow. With the testing tool, whether a bellow is damages can be quickly and conveniently determined, whereby a significant low cost is achieved.

Abstract: A leak detection system for use with a fluid conducting system in a vacuum environment, such as space, is described. The system preferably includes a mesh-like member substantially disposed about the fluid conducting system, and at least one sensor disposed within the mesh-like member. The sensor is capable of detecting a decrease in temperature of the mesh-like member when a leak condition causes the fluid of the fluid conducting system to freeze when exposed to the vacuum environment. Additionally, a signal processor in preferably in communication with the sensor. The sensor transmits an electrical signal to the signal processor such that the signal processor is capable of indicating the location of the fluid leak in the fluid conducting system.