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. 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 spray hood device for containing a fluid spray leak in a fluid-based cooling system. A cover member surrounds a given component subject to a fluid spray leak, containing fluid sprays, preventing the fluid sprays from reaching equipment therebelow and minimizing fluid leakage damage.

Abstract: A joint comprising a main seal, a secondary seal and an external pressure test port providing access to a cavity between the main seal and the secondary seal wherein the integrity of the main seal can be tested in its in-service direction by applying pressure to the cavity via the pressure test port such that the cavity is pressurised and the main seal is tested. Following testing of the main seal, the secondary seal may become redundant during normal use of the joint. In some embodiments, however, the integrity of the main seal can be retested at any time due to the reusability of the secondary seal.

Abstract: A method of determining seal failure is implemented in a ball joint including a stud having a ball embedded in grease within a sealed socket assembly. A dielectric characteristic of the grease is measured to determined if the sealed socket assembly has failed based upon a substantial variation of the measured dielectric characteristic from a predetermined value.

Abstract: In order to provide a leak-proof coupling for a gas-carrying pipe having two pipe sections that are relatively movable, the coupling includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section that have respective coupling ends disposed in closely spaced adjacent relation to define a gap therebetween. The first pipe section has an upstream end in communication with a source of a pressurized gas and a first coupling end remote therefrom such that the upstream end receives the pressurized gas from the source and the gas then flows through the first pipe section from the upstream end to the first coupling end for discharge therefrom. The second pipe section has a second coupling end in communication with the first coupling end and receives the pressurized gas from the first pipe section and the gas then flows through the second pipe section from the second coupling end to the downstream end for discharge therefrom.

Abstract: A leak indicating system for a pipeline valve, the valve for selectively controlling the flow of oil through the pipeline, the leak indicating system including a hollow can with a can interior and an open top end, the hollow can in fluid communication with part of the apparatus, a lid releasably closing off the open top end of the hollow can, and a spring compressed beneath the lid and held in compression by an oil-dissolvable member so that, upon dissolution of the oil dissolvable member by oil leaked from the apparatus and flowing into the hollow can and contacting the oil dissolvable member, the spring is released to launch the lid away from the hollow can. The system further includes a can top releasably secured over the open top end of the hollow can, the can top having a hole therethrough, the lid mounted above the can top, and the spring extendable through the hole in the can top. The system wherein the lid has at least one surface with visually sightable indicia thereon.

Abstract: A system for pressure testing the seals and fittings associated with at least one communication line passing through a well tool mandrel, each communication line housed within a communication line conduit defined through the well tool and sealingly engaged to each end of its corresponding communication line conduit by way of a fitting and the fittings also sealingly engaged to the communication line conduit. The system generally comprises a testing conduit, a testing passageway system, and a testing plug. The testing conduit is defined in the well tool mandrel. The testing passageway system is defined in the well tool mandrel and provides fluid communication between the testing conduit and the fittings and seals associated with each of the communication line conduits. The testing plug provides fluid communication between a pressure testing source and the testing passageway system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing the bottom of an optical waveguide draw furnace is disclosed. The apparatus includes an assembly constructed and arranged to mate with the bottom of the draw furnace to form a seal, and a leak detection system communicating with the assembly to signal the forming of a proper or an improper seal. The covering plate of the assembly is selectively seated on the sealing plate of the draw furnace to form the seal, and an inert gas is delivered between the covering plate and the bottom of the draw furnace. The flow of the inert gas is detected to determine if the seal has been properly formed. An assembly including a covering plate having at least two radially spaced gaskets circumferentially positioned on the top surface of the covering plate for engagement with the sealing plate at the bottom of the draw furnace, and a method for sealing the bottom of a draw furnace are also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve jacket is provided to surround a valve and contain any liquid that may leak from the valve as a part of a secondary containment system of the type found a gasoline service stations. The valve jacket is provided as a hollow body with a pair of openings through which a pair of primary pipelines associated with the valve can extend. One of the two openings is sized large enough that the jacket can be slid over the valve. The two openings are sealed to a pair of secondary conduits associated with the primary pipelines. A reservoir can be provided in the jacket to collect any liquid and a sensor can be provided in the reservoir to detect the presence of liquid in the reservoir. Preferably, a removable and sealable cap is provided to allow access to the valve for operation.

Abstract: On a container for collecting contaminated liquids which has container walls surrounding the base of the container or on a collecting vat for liquid dielectric of a transformer, at least one detachable container part being joined to the collecting container in a liquid tight manner, or at a joining area for two parts that are tightly assembled but detachable from each other, at least one monitoring chamber (46) is provided between the parts (56, 58) that are tightly assembled. The monitoring chamber (46) is connected to a current source at one end and to pressure monitoring device at the other end. The detachable container part (58) should be joined to a section (56) of the collecting container so as to form at least one chamber-like hollow (46). The hollow which serves as a monitoring chamber is tightly bordered by scaling elements (60c) and by the surface of the detachable container part and by the surface of each section of the collecting tank which run between the sealing elements.

Abstract: A diaphragm failure sensing apparatus for use in a diaphragm pump having at least two pumping cavities, each pumping cavity having a fluid chamber and a motive gas chamber separated by a pumping diaphragm. The diaphragm failure sensing apparatus includes a fluid conduit for connection with each of the motive gas chambers of the diaphragm pump, a sensor chamber connected to the fluid conduit, and a check valve located in the fluid conduit for alternately connecting the sensor chamber to the motive gas chambers. Also provided is a diaphragm pump having at least two pumping cavities, each pumping cavity having a fluid chamber and a motive gas chamber separated by a pumping diaphragm. A fluid conduit is disposed between and connected individually to each of the motive gas chambers and a sensor chamber is connected to the fluid conduit which is alternately connected to the motive gas chambers by a check valve located in the fluid conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas leakage detecting apparatus capable of detecting a gas leak in a cylinder cabinet with accuracy. The gas leakage detecting apparatus comprises a first air take-out pipe for taking out air from the inside of an exhaust duct of a cylinder cabinet and leading the same air to a gas sensor; a second air take-out pipe for taking out air at a given position in said cylinder cabinet and leading the same air to said gas sensor; a first shut-off valve and a second shut-off valve respectively provided on the respective air take-out pipes so that air from these air take-out pipes is selectively led to said gas sensor; and a control means for controlling the opening and closing operation of these shut-off valves. Owing to this construction, one is able to monitor the location of the gas leak upon taking out air from the cylinder cabinet through the second air take-out pipe.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting the presence of and confirming the correct orientation of an oil seal. The system comprises a sensor orifice, a flow regulator for regulating flow of air to the sensor orifice, a pressure regulator for regulating air pressure to the flow regulator, and an air supply means for supplying air to the pressure regulator. A vent orifice is also provided for allowing air flow to exit from the sensor orifice when the oil seal is incorrectly oriented. The system further comprises an air pressure sensor, whereby when the oil seal is correctly oriented, with its flat side blocking the sensor orifice, a back pressure of air is created in the sensor orifice and the air supply means, the back pressure detectable by the air pressure sensor to confirm presence and correct orientation of the oil seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-line detection of leaky emergency shutdown or other valves in a fluid transport system having an upstream pipe, a downstream pipe and the valve connected between the upstream pipe and the downstream pipe for controlling fluid flow through the system. The valve has at least one upstream seal and at least one downstream seal and an inner cavity effectively isolated by the seals from the fluid flow stream through the system. The apparatus comprises a first transducer in fluid communication with the fluid flow stream at at least one of: a predetermined distance upstream of the upstream seal; and a predetermined distance downstream of the downstream seal. The first transducer is for sensing pressure pulsations resulting from at least one of: dynamic energy due to fluid flow through the transport system; and transient energy within the fluid in the transport system after the valve is closed and for generating representative electrical signals as a function of time.

Abstract: A test plug assembly which tests the integrity of a segment of pipe having an internal diameter. The assembly comprises an annular body with opposite annular faces and defining on its outer perimeter, an annular recess, a pair of bosses, a pair of resilient annular members adapted to be respectively juxtaposed between an adjacent boss and annular face, means for urging the bosses respectively against the adjacent resilient annular member so as to urge the same frictionally engage and to seal against the internal diameter of the selected pipe segment and, means communicating through the assembly to that plenum now defined by said recess, the resilient annular members and the internal diameter of the pipe whereby the integrity of that pipe segment may be determined.

Abstract: An apron for indicating a leak from the joinder of a toilet with an underlying closet flange and soil pipe includes a compliant impervious thin sheet having flat upper and lower surfaces. A circular aperture is centered in the sheet. A colorant-emitting disc is attached to the upper surface of the sheet in surrounding annular relationship about the aperture. The dimensions of the disc are chosen so as to interact with the closet flange and intercept any leaks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-line detection of leaky emergency shutdown or other valves in a fluid transport system having an upstream pipe, a downstream pipe and the valve connected between the upstream pipe and the downstream pipe for controlling fluid flow through the system. The valve has at least one upstream seal and at least one downstream seal and an inner cavity effectively isolated by the seals from the fluid flow stream through the system. The apparatus comprises a first transducer in fluid communication with the fluid flow stream at at least one of: a predetermined distance upstream of the upstream seal; and a predetermined distance downstream of the downstream seal. The first transducer is for sensing pressure pulsations resulting from at least one of: dynamic energy due to fluid flow through the transport system; and transient energy within the fluid in the transport system after the valve is closed and for generating representative electrical signals as a function of time.

Abstract: A fluid-containment hose assembly for connecting a fluid supply to a device using the fluid (such as a washing machine), the hose assembly having a first connector with a nipple; a second connector with a nipple; an inner hose sealingly attached to the nipple of the first connector at one end of the inner hose and to the nipple of the second connector at another end of the inner hose; an outer hose covering the inner hose defining a space therebetween as a relief passageway, the outer hose sealingly attached at the nipple of the first connector and at the nipple of the second connector; a relief hose attached to the outer hose, the relief hose having a relief port in communication with the relief passageway and further having an exit port through which fluid may be discharged; and a signal device on the relief hose which, when fluid enters the relief hose due to a rupture of the inner hose, generates an audible signal.

Abstract: A test fixture for the simultaneous evaluation of a plurality of seals inding an outer tubular shell having a first terminal end and a second terminal end. A first bulkhead has interior and exterior sides to cover the first terminal end of the tubular shell and a second bulkhead has interior and exterior sides to cover the second terminal end of the tubular shell. A sleeve has a first terminal end and a second terminal end and is positioned inside the exterior tube. The sleeve may be segmented into two sections connected end to end. One end of the sleeve is fixed to a simulated pipe flange and sealed by a coaxial overlapping seal. The other end of the flange is connected to an adapted ring by a similar seal. Another such seal is used to connect the two segments of the sleeve.

Abstract: A leak detector for a pump having a plurality of stacked diaphragms includes a plurality of flat spacer rings each having discontinuous channels and being disposed in face-to-face abutting and stacked relationship with one another wherein the discontinuous channels of the spacer rings together form tortuous leak paths extending through the flat spacer rings from working areas of the pump to a point outside of sealing areas thereof. A port is disposed in fluid communication with the port and an apparatus is provided for developing a visual indication of fluid in the port. A circumferential fluid-tight seal is disposed radially outside of the port for sealing off fluid loss beyond the outer periphery of the plurality of diaphragms and flat spacer rings.

Abstract: A sewage structure in the form of a drain, inspection shaft or the like, consists particularly of one or several hollow concrete with at least one connection for a sewage pipe. The inventive sewage structure is provided at its inner wall with a contacting form region for supporting a test seal in a fluid-tight test position.

Abstract: An improved system for the non-destructive testing of the fluid tight integrity of an installed fluid transfer line such as a drain pipe or vent and wastewater system of a building. A removable test baffle is held in place between ends of adjacent sections of an installed fluid transfer line to isolate a portion of the line for testing. The test system comprises a baffle carriage, a removable test baffle, and a sleeve adapted to engage the outer surfaces of the adjacent sections to seal the junction and the test installation from leaking and optionally to provide one or more gaskets between the section ends and the baffle carriage. In optional preferred embodiments of the test system the baffle carriage is an integral part of the sleeve. Preferred baffles for use with the invention are flexible, of larger diameter than the fluid line, and comprise dual-gasket sealing means and means for removal of the baffles from either side of the test seal.

Abstract: A hose assembly is provided for transmitting liquid fuel between the fuel tank of a highway truck and the fuel tank of an airport refueler. The assembly comprises inner and outer hoses. The inner hose transmits liquid fuel. A sealed passage is formed between the inner and outer hoses. Each end of the hose assembly is connected to a respective port for transferring the fuel between the highway truck fuel tank and airport refueler tank. The assembly includes at least one sensor port for connecting the passage to sensing means to detect leakage from the inner hose to the passage. A leakage sensing system is coupled to the sensor port for detecting leakage of fuel from the inner hose to the passage and for generating sensor signals. The leakage sensing system includes: (1) a pressure sensor for detecting a change in pressure within the passage, and (2) a liquid sensor for detecting the presence of liquid within the passage.

Abstract: A method and device for sampling the pressure of inert purge gas flowing in two pipes to be welded at a joint comprising a sleeve for encircling the pipes during their coaxial alignment in end to end abutment, and an associated element with the sleeve forming a sealed chamber surrounding the joint and receiving gas that leaks out from the joint at the same pressure as the gas in the pipes, and a connection for connecting the chamber for measuring the pressure of the gas therein as an indication of the pressure of the gas flowing in the pipes; the method includes clamping the device around the pipes or sliding the pipes into the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fault diagnosis system for hydraulic pumps in a work vehicle, which is economical and permits sure identification of one or more trouble-developed ones of the hydraulic pumps.Pressure sensors 61-64 are arranged on pressurized fluid lines 30,40, which extend to a tank T from points immediately out of center bypasses of flow control valves 21,231-234,451-454,26 communicated to hydraulic pumps 1-6. Solenoid-operated directional control valves 51-56 are interposed in input circuits of individual regulators 11-16 so that, upon excitation, a pressure of a pilot pump 7 is introduced into the regulators 11-16. When all the flow control valves are brought into neutral positions thereof and a determination is instructed through a switch 80, one of the solenoid-operated directional control valves is excited by a signal from a processor 70 so that pressurized fluid is delivered at a maximum flow rate from the corresponding hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A system for detecting fugitive emissions including emissions from valves and bolted flange connections. The system includes (1) enclosures for valves and pipe flange connections, and (2) an indicating cartridge (detector/signaler) in communication with said enclosures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting fugitive emissions from valves and other emissions sources is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a capsule enclosing at least a portion of the equipment and an ejector in fluid flow communication with the capsule. The ejector is connected to a compressed air source, which creates a pressure drop in the ejector which draws emissions from the capsule into the ejector. The apparatus may include a sensor chamber housing gas sensors to detect the presence and concentration of any emissions from the equipment being monitored, and may store emissions data, communicate the data to a plant process control system, and use the data to control plant conditions to reduce or eliminate the emissions.

Abstract: A device for providing access to the interstitial region between an inner pipe and an outer pipe which coaxially define the region. The inner pipe has at least one terminal end extending from the outer pipe to leave a portion of the outer wall of the inner pipe exposed to thereby expose the interstitial region. A boot is provided for defining a chamber with a larger end snugly fitting the outer pipe and a small end snugly fitting on the exposed outer wall of the inner pipe. The boot has an access port communicating with the interior of the chamber to provide access to the interstitial region.

Abstract: A T-fitting such as for use inside a containment box for connecting a primary pipeline to a gasoline dispenser has two flanges which connect to the pipeline and a main T-element sealed to each flange by a sealing element such as a gasket. The flanges thread onto each end of the primary pipeline. The main T-element has a stem which is threaded to a pipe leading to a gasoline dispenser. The flanges of the T-element are bolted to the main body of the T-element with the rubber gasket in between to seal the primary pipeline to the T-element. A method for installing a secondary containment system using the T-fitting includes the steps of fastening the stem of the T to the pipe leading to the gasoline dispenser, fastening the flanges of the T-fitting to primary pipeline segments, and fastening the flanges to the main body of the T element.

Abstract: A device for confining leaks of one or more gases contained in a gas cylinder, which comprises a shroud made of a flexible and nonflammable material which is inert with respect to the gas or gases contained in the cylinder and designed to partially envelope said cylinder, wherein said shroud has an opening provided with means for sealing said shroud to the surface of the cylinder and wherein the shroud is provided with an outlet coupling connected to a line for removing one or more of the gases to a means for neutralizing said one or more gases.

Abstract: A T-fitting such as for use inside a containment box for connecting a primary pipeline to a gasoline dispenser has two flanges which connect to the pipeline and a main T-element sealed to each flange by a sealing element such as a gasket. The flanges thread onto each end of the primary pipeline. The main T-element has a stem which is threaded to a pipe leading to a gasoline dispenser. The flanges of the T-element are bolted to the main body of the T-element with the rubber gasket in between to seal the primary pipeline to the T-element.

Abstract: A device serves to enable detection of leakages in flange joints in pipelines. Between end faces (22, 24) adjacent, opposing flange pipe ends, a packer (30') has been disposed, the packer being adapted to bear sealingly against seat faces which said end faces (22, 24) exhibit. At each of the opposite side faces of the packer (30'), an annular groove (26', 28') has been formed, said annular grooves being closed and thereafter forming annular cavities when the joint has been established. Between at least one cavity (28') and the surroundings outside the pipeline (14, 16), a fluid connection (38') is established. The packer (30') is formed with a through-going hole (32') establishing fluid-communication between the two annular cavities (26', 28').

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing leaks in a compressed natural gas fuel system on an assembly line. The apparatus includes a filling receptacle, a filling conduit, a fuel tank assembly, a supply conduit, a pressure regulating assembly, and a joint box. The filling conduit extends between the filling receptacle and the fuel tank assembly. The supply conduit extends between the fuel tank assembly and the pressure regulating assembly. The joint box includes a valve which regulates fluid communication between the filling conduit and the supply conduit. In the method according to the present invention, the tank assembly is fluidly isolated from the remainder of the fuel system and the filling conduit and supply conduit are fluidly connected, by opening the joint box valve, to permit pressurization and leak detection of a first portion of the fuel system.

Abstract: A system of the invention for supervising piping work comprises a machine for performing piping work such as welding of pipes or tightening of pipe joints under predetermined conditions, check means for checking whether the piping work has been executed properly based on predetermined values of piping work conditions and actual piping work data, a host computer for accumulating the predetermined values of piping work conditions, the actual piping work data and the result of checking, and communication means for transmitting the predetermined values of piping work conditions, the actual piping work data and the result of checking.

Abstract: A system for detecting fugitive emissions including emissions from valves and bolted flange connections. The system may include: (1) enclosures, for example, for valves and pipe flange connections, and (2) a detector in communication with said enclosures.

Abstract: A safety hose apparatus is provided for delivering water from a standard threaded hose bib to an appliance. The apparatus includes a first end fitting that has a first pipe. A first threaded connector is rotatably attached to the first pipe for communicably connecting the first pipe to the hose bib. A second end fitting includes a second pipe and a second threaded connector is rotatably connected to the second pipe for communicably connecting the second pipe to a standard threaded appliance inlet. An elongate outer hose segment extends continuously between the first and second fittings and includes a first end interengaged with the first end fitting and spaced apart from the first connector to fully expose the first connector. A second end is interengaged with the second end fitting and spaced apart from the second connector to fully expose the second connector. An elongate inner hose segment extends through the outer hose segment and communicably interconnects the first and second pipes.

Abstract: A valve includes a column having an outer end portion defining a threaded bore, an outer mediate portion defining a first receiving recess communicating with the threaded bore, an inner mediate portion defining a passage communicating with the first receiving recess, and an inner end portion extending outwardly from a valve body and defining a second receiving recess communicating with the passage, and a valve stem having a first end portion formed with an outer thread, and a second end portion extending through the passage and formed with an annular flange received in the second receiving recess.

Abstract: A machine tool has a rotatably mounted part and a rotary leadthrough connected thereto, through which a fluid can be delivered to the rotatably mounted part. The rotary leadthrough further comprises an outlet from which leaking fluid emerges in the event of a leak in the rotary leadthrough. The outlet is connected to a fluid sensor which detects the emerging fluid and reports the leak.

Abstract: A monitoring device for use with a coaxial pipe or double wall pipe device which provides access to the interstitial region between an inner pipe and an outer pipe which coaxially defines the interstitial region, each pipe having two terminal ends. The inner pipe has at least one terminal end extending from the outer pipe to leave a portion of the outer wall of the inner pipe exposed to thereby expose the interstitial region. A boot is provided for defining a chamber with a larger end snugly fitting the outer pipe, and a small end snugly fitting onto the exposed outer wall of the inner pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting leaks in fluid lines having any type, size, or style of fitting, the apparatus comprising in general a source of pressurized gas which is delivered into the fluid line to be tested. The fluid line is sealed on one end by a blanking plug mounted in a bracket, where the blanking plug sealingly mates with any type of fitting. The other end of the fluid line is connected to the gas source by an injector plug mounted in a bracket, the injector plug also sealingly mating with any type of fitting.

Abstract: A reclamation apparatus for capturing leaking hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic system having a higher pressure system end and a lower pressure system end and for delivering the captured fluid back into the system includes an inner fluid line, for carrying hydraulic fluid between two points in the hydraulic system, having a higher pressure first line end and a lower pressure second line end, a reinforcing sleeve containing the inner fluid line and having an inside diameter larger than the inner fluid line outside diameter, an outer fluid line containing the inner fluid line and the reinforcing sleeve and having a first line end, a second line end and an inside diameter larger than the reinforcing sleeve outside diameter so that a containment space is provided between the reinforcing sleeve and the outer fluid line, a line coupling structure connected to the inner and outer fluid line first ends, a manifold structure connected to the inner and outer fluid line second ends and including a manifold body connected t

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure testing valves utilizes a seal plate having a mounting plate disposed on one of its ends and a sealing surface on its other end, and a mounting plate cradle is provided for releaseably securing the mounting plate to a cradle support plate, whereby the seal plate may be readily installed within a valve testing machine without the necessity of screwing or bolting the seal plate within the valve testing machine.

Abstract: An apparatus which tests the internal integrity of, or isolates, a segment of pipe having an internal diameter. The apparatus comprises an annular body with opposite annular faces and defining on its outer perimeter, an annular recess, a pair of bosses, a pair of resilient annular members adapted to be respectively juxtaposed between an adjacent boss and annular face; means for urging the bosses respectively against the adjacent resilient annular member so as to urge the same in frictionally engage and to seal against the internal diameter of the selected pipe segment and, means communicating through the apparatus to that plenum now defined by said recess, the resilient annular members and the internal diameter of the pipe whereby the integrity of that pipe segment may be determined. The apparatus further includes a vent or passage through which the contents of the pipe upstream of the apparatus are allowed to pass.

Abstract: A cylinder head for an in-cylinder injection spark-ignition type internal combustion engine is formed with an injection passage for providing communication between a fuel injection valve and a combustion chamber. The injection passage includes a first and second passage sections disposed on the fuel injection valve side and on the combustion chamber side. The first passage section is formed, for example, into a truncated cone shape or a right circular cylindrical shape so that the cross sectional area decreases toward the fuel injection valve side or the area is constant over its entire length. The second passage section is formed to have the cross sectional area which increases toward the combustion chamber side. The fuel injected from the fuel injection valve flows into the combustion chamber via the injection passage having a gradually increasing cross sectional area, so that turbulence of fuel spray due to sudden divergent flow does not occur, resulting in an improved fuel combustion efficiency.

Abstract: A leak check blind, according to the present invention, allows an in-line valve seat to be tested without removal of the valve from the line. The leak check blind is inserted in the flow line upstream from the valve to be tested. The blind is connected to a pressurized fluid supply for injecting a flow (pressure) to the valve and external flow measuring devices are provided for monitoring any flow of the test fluid. Any test fluid flow is indicative of a leaking in-line valve. If the detected leak is outside prescribed limits, the valve is then removed from the line and either repaired or replaced with a new valve. If the leak is within acceptable limits, the valve is simply reconnected and put back in service.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a fluid flow connector such as for oil or gas production flow is able to maintain the integrity of the seal at a junction between fluid conduits and generate a warning signal or activate a secondary seal in the event of main seal failure.The monitoring system of the invention is used with a hydraulic seal to which barrier fluid is supplied under pressure. The pressure of the barrier fluid is sensed at the seal and compared to the applied pressure. A drop in pressure indicates a leaking seal and a warning signal may be generated and/or a secondary seal brought into operation.The system is particularly useful when a plurality of junctions of conduits are present in a connector. Independent supplies of barrier fluid to the seals at each junction are provided so that identification of a leaking seal is accurate and timely.

Abstract: A method is provided for accurately determining the volume of gas that has leaked through and around a cap having a mouth and a seal situated about the circumference of the mouth. The method includes the steps of positioning the cap within a testing neck on a fuel cap testing apparatus, fixing the cap in the neck to create a general sealing engagement between the seal and the neck and to cause the seal to move into the neck, and "staging" the cap for at least 2.5 seconds. Staging refers to the necessary waiting period that must pass in order to allow the seal to complete moving into the testing neck. A test is then conducted for changes in pressure within the testing neck due to low-volume gas leaks through and around the cap.

Abstract: An apparatus for in situ testing an exhaust system of a conventional internal combustion engine safely, via electrical heater, generating smoke from a smoke-generating fluid contained within a chamber, and then communicating such smoke through the tailpipe components comprising conventional exhaust systems such as tailpipes, clamps, gaskets, hangers, welds, and flanges. By observing smoke emanating from any of the plurality of pipes and associated connections in an exhaust system, any and all leaks therein may be identified and precisely located. The apparatus includes a tapered preferably frustoconically-shaped play which is sealably received into the tailpipe of a vehicle being tested for exhaust leaks.

Abstract: In a method for life cycle testing of a swivel joint having male and female conduit elements, a fluid is supplied to the swivel joint under a predetermining pressure; and a certain mechanical load is applied to the swivel joint under test, thereby simulating typical operating conditions. While maintaining one of the conduit elements of the swivel joint immovable, the other conduit element is rotated continuously for a predetermined number of rotational cycles corresponding to a calculated life cycle. The direction of rotation is periodically reversed after a predetermined time period. The swivel joint is continuously checked for an undesirable leakage. A test setup for the life cycle testing is provided.

Abstract: A new high flow rate sampling device and methods for measuring fugitive gas emissions are provided. The high flow rate sampler comprises an air mover connected to a flexible hose for drawing in air near a process component, such as a pump, compressor seal, flange, or pipe thread connection. A second sample hose draws air from the opposing side of the process component at a flow rate low enough not to affect capture of the leak by the first sample hose. Air measured from the first sample hose will contain fugitive emissions from the process component being measured, as well as from other process components. Air measured from the second sample hose will contain only fugitive emissions from surrounding process components and can then be subtracted from the measurement from the first sample hose to obtain the leak rate from the process component in question.