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 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 fusion joint test system for a saddle fusion joint on a pipe includes a movable sealing mechanism and computer for automatically testing a saddle interface, or fusion joint. The test system controllably pressurizes a substantially isolated area about the fusion joint to a set pressure using a fluid pressure source. A pressure sensor senses a change in pressure about the fusion joint after pressurization and a computer electronically determines whether the fusion joint is within an acceptable integrity range.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conduit that is at least partially encased within a containment housing. The containment housing provides structure for containment of fluids from a leaking or totally failed conduit and for automatically shutting off the flow of fluid through the leaking conduit. More particularly, the apparatus comprises at least one conduit that is at least partially received within a containment housing. A valve is attached to the conduit so that it is in fluid flow relationship with the conduit. The valve is biased toward a closed position, but is held in the open position by a block located within the containment chamber defined by the space between the exterior of the conduit and the interior of the containment housing. When a predetermined fluid leaks from the conduit into the containment chamber the fluid structurally alters the block and the valve moves to the closed position blocking the flow of fluid through the conduit.

Abstract: A leak compressed fuel gas discharging device in an automobile having a compressed fuel gas tank arranged within a shut-up compartment such as a trunk room is provided.

Abstract: A fusion joint test system for a saddle fusion joint on a pipe includes a test plug having a rotatable swivel base with a hard robber foot for accommodating the curvature of the pipe, and for preventing the base from rotating once it comes in contact with the pipe. The base is connected to a threaded shank that engages the internal threads of a cylindrical bore of a connector that forms the saddle. The shank has a top end for receiving an electronic torque wrench. The torque wrench applies a predetermined torque on the plug, which exerts an upward force on the saddle joint. The shank may also have an air channel for also allowing fluid pressure to be applied to the fusion joint.

Abstract: A method of detecting a malfunction or failure of a pressure regulator in a corrosive or reactive gas distribution system while in use involves continuously measuring or monitoring the output pressure of the pressure regulator, both in the presence and the absence of gas flow. The onset of a malfunction of the pressure regulator can be predicted when the differential output pressure between flowing and non-flowing gas fluctuates highly and increases gradually. Failure of the pressure regulator or of the total system is detected when the differential output pressure in the presence and absence of flowing gas exceeds some experimentally determined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a new pipe coupling for a leak that could be too small to be detected visually involves a section of pipe, a hole through the pipe, a 90 degree ell affixed to the hole from inside the section of pipe, a length of tubing from the 90 degree ell extending to a tee outside the section of pipe, an air gage attached to the tee, and a tire pump attached to the tee for applying about 100 psi of air pressure to the interior of such pipe coupling through the hole to a small space between the section of pipe and the coupling, for locating a leak in the coupling after first sealing the pipe coupling to the pipe section, as done by observation at the air gage of a decrease in air pressure at such small space.

Abstract: A stuffing tube integrity checking assembly includes first and second annular seals, with each seal adapted to be positioned about a stuffing tube penetration component. An annular inflation bladder is provided, the bladder having a slot extending longitudinally therealong and including a separator for sealing the slot. A first valve is in fluid communication with the bladder for introducing pressurized fluid to the space defined by the bladder when mounted about the tube. First and second releasible clamps are provided. Each clamp assembly is positioned about the bladder for securing the bladder to one of the seals for thereby establishing a fluid-tight chamber about the tube.

Abstract: A leak test system is disclosed for a double block and bleed valve arrangement, the system including a second vent valve disposed along the bleed line and a secondary gas supply line connected to the bleed line for introducing gas at a known pressure into the bleed line to test the valves and ensure that they are not leaking. A pressure switch and pressure gauge monitor are positioned to monitor the pressure within the bleed line. The pressure switch activates an alarm if the pressure in the bleed line changes, thereby indicating a leak. A method for testing each valve in the arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provision of an abnormality detection and suppression system for a valve apparatus, which is capable of detecting abnormal states such as leakage through valve seats or a gland/packing assembly and coping with the abnormality while ensuring protection for the valve apparatus by controlling a driving unit for a valve stem on the basis of information as detected, by means of a vibration sensor, a temperature sensor and a strain sensor are disposed internally of a valve stem 4 at a portion thereof which lies outside of a valve casing of the valve apparatus.

Abstract: A double containment manhole fitting for use with a double containment pipe with inner carrier pipes and outer containment pipes. The fitting includes an inner T carrier housing that may be connected to the inner carrier pipes, the housing having a removable cap. An outer containment housing has a larger diameter than the height of the inner carrier housing, the outer carrier housing having a V-shaped opening. A plurality of spiders are attached to the carrier housing to concentrically position the inner carrier housing within the outer carrier housing. The branch assembly is attached to the outer containment housing V-shaped opening, the branch assembly having a removable cover to provide access to the removable cap of the carrier housing.

Abstract: A monitoring device and system for detecting fugitive emissions including emissions from valves and bolted flange connections. The monitoring device includes (1) an enclosure with gaskets to seal the air space around the valve or between the members of the flange, and (2) an indicating cartridge installed contains material which will register a change if emissions leak into the enclosed air space.

Abstract: A valve stem gas leak sensor or detector configured to surround a possibly leaking petrochemical or like flow line valve stem and provide for external monitoring equipment an electrical resistance related to the amount of hydrocarbon gas leakage occurring around the valve stem. Such a gas leak detector, termable a ring sensor, is configured as a stem surrounding enclosure, with interconnecting segments for ease of installation around and removability from a valve stem, with one or both of each such segments having an interiorly arranged layer of gas sensor particulate material characterized by change in electrical resistance in the presence of a changing concentration of hydrocarbon gas leakage around a valve stem, and with interengaging connector/conductor pins holding the segments together around the valve stem and across which the electrical resistance of one or both gas sensor material layers can be measured with the ring sensor in place on the valve stem.

Abstract: An external valve operating means that forms a seal around the rotating valve stem of a valve operating under internal pressure is disclosed. This seal prevents the escape of fluids should the valve's primary seals fail. The external valve operating means allows for rotation of the valve stem without removal or compromise of the seal. A stationary operating seal cap is in threaded and sealed engagement with the valve body. Upon partial disengagement of the stationary operating seal cap, the pressure within the external valve operating means is vented. An external valve stem drive protrudes through the top of the stationary operating seal cap. An O-ring forms a seal between the two. The bottom of the external stem drive mates with the rotating valve stem while the top of the external stem drive is shaped so as to allow gripping by a tool. Rotation of the external stem drive via the tool effects rotation of the valve stem while the seal surrounding it is maintained.

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.

Abstract: An integral dual containment valve system for dual containment piping having inner carrier pipes for fluid and outer carrier pipes. The dual containment valve system includes an inner carrier housing connectable to the inner carrier pipes. A valve controls flow of fluid through the inner carrier housing. An outer containment housing surrounds the inner carrier housing and surrounds the valve. The outer containment housing connects to the outer containment pipes. The outer containment housing provides sealable access to the valve.

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: A fluid pump for displacing a small, precise volume of fluid for each pump stroke, particularly where the fluid to be displaced is a liquid containing dissolved gas. The precise volume of fluid to be displaced is adjustable to any selected amount up to the full displacement of the pump. The pump has instrumentation that indicates a seal failure within the pump, thus allowing for maintenance on the pump before a total failure. This instrumentation results in increased safety when the pump is used to inject odorant into a natural gas pipeline or in other precision chemical injection applications.

Abstract: Equipment and techniques test the integrity of one or more seals within an oilfield tubular threaded connection 12. A test fixture 74 may be utilized including three axially spaced sensors 92, 86 and 88 which are each responsive to radial deformation of an outer surface of an internally pressurized threaded connection. Excessive radial deformation indicates a failure of at least one of the threaded connection seals. A relatively simple yet highly reliable technique is provided for quickly and easily determining the sealing integrity of a threaded connection made up at a well site. If any one of the multiple seals fails during the test, the operator may either break out and re-test the connection, or may make up and test a new threaded connection. The present invention may be used for substantially increasing the integrity of oilfield tubular connections and thereby reducing the overall cost of hydrocarbon exploration and recovery operations.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a leak detection means that directs any leaked fluid to a single preselected radial point where it contacts and activates an indicating means. The means for defining the leakage flow path to the indicating means also acts as a barrier preventing contamination of the flange bolts by any leaking fluid.

Abstract: System and method for in situ testing of the leak-tightness of a tubular member, which tubular member may be a nuclear steam generator heat transfer tube. The system includes a mandrel insertable into the tube, the mandrel having a pair of spaced-apart expandable bladders surrounding the mandrel. A first channel extends through the mandrel and is in communication with the bladders. A fluid supply circuit is in fluid communication with the first channel for supplying pressurized liquid to the bladders so that the bladders radially expand into sealing engagement with the inner diameter of the tube. As the bladders expand into sealing engagement with the tube, a sealed annular chamber is defined therebetween bounded by the bladders and the inner diameter of the tube.

Abstract: A pressure difference detector for detecting a pressure difference between atmospheric pressure and a fuel system vapor pressure to be measured, includes a pressure dampening member 17a for dampening the flow of atmospheric air between an introducing inlet 11a and a reference pressure chamber 12 to limit the air flow rate to a value smaller than a leakage flow rate between the chamber and a fuel system vapor pressure introducing inlet 11b due to a leaking 0 ring seal. This prevents an erroneous judgment that the fuel system is leaking.

Abstract: A fluid supply system including a casing having at least one duct extending through it for the passage of fluid and a recess in the casing around the duct or ducts, a cover covering the recess and held against a bearing surface on the casing surrounding the recess, the cover carrying a continuation of the or each duct, and a vent in either the casing or the cover communicating the recess with the environment outside the casing, is provided with a leak tell-tale device for indicating passage of fluid along a path, such as the vent, which, in the event of a leakage of fluid from a duct into the recess, would be followed by the leaked fluid.

Abstract: In a turbo machine, for example, a turbo compressor, the rotor shaft extends through and is sealed relative a housing via dry gas seals in which a seal clearance is achieved between a rotating, sealing body and a non-rotating sliding body in which the inner side of the dry gas seal is charged with a barrier gas, with the leakage of the dry gas seal being dammed via a back-up plate and the dynamic pressure is monitored via a pressure inspection device, wherein due to increasing dynamic pressure an alarm is given off or the turbo machine is automatically shutdown without delay so that the exit of gas, particularly of toxic or explosive gas from the inner area of the housing of the turbo machine is avoided, wherein, via the use of multiple seals the leakage pressure of one of the inner dry gas seals can initiate a warning or alarm signal and via the leakage pressure of the outer dry gas seal, the turbo machine can be shut down.

Abstract: Risk of hydrodynamic pressure noise interference with a valve leakage test conducted upon a plurality of valves within a pump assembly is minimized. A pressure sensor within the pump assembly produces a signal indicative of hydrodynamic pressure in fluid distal of an outlet valve of the pump. The signal produced by the pressure sensor is input to a microcontroller that controls the pump assembly. Prior to conducting the valve leakage test, the hydrodynamic pressure level of the fluid is sampled at a frequency that is at least twice that of the hydrodynamic noise. The microcontroller determines if a maximum of the samples of the hydrodynamic pressure level taken during a data interval is above a predetermined threshold. If so, the valve leakage test is suppressed until the maximum pressure level is below the predetermined threshold during a successive data interval.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure apparatus for use in analyzing the leak integrity of a fluid dispensing system such as a system used to dispense gasoline from an underground storage tank into a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes at least one pressure device (e.g., a pressure gauge and/or a quick-connect fitting) having its own enclosure. The apparatus has an additional containment structure substantially surrounding the device enclosure so that inadvertent fluid leaks are captured by the structure. Also disclosed is a fluid dispensing system incorporating one or more apparatus. The apparatus is particularly useful for carrying out periodic inspections of the system to help assure that it is substantially leak-free.

Abstract: Centrifugal pumps and similar fluid handling machines may be tested to detect leakage from shaft seal assemblies by an apparatus which includes a support flange for supporting a section of the pump casing including the seal assembly. The apparatus includes a housing portion with an interior chamber which may be placed in communication with a source of pressure fluid such as compressed air to act on the seal assembly to detect any fluid leakage therefrom. The apparatus includes a cylindrical support flange and removable adaptor plates which may be interchanged depending on the configuration of the pump casing.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine detects an exhaust leak from the engine exhaust of an internal combustion engine using engine operating parameters. Signals from an exhaust gas oxygen sensor downstream of a catalyst indicates a leak if the signals are smaller than a predetermined constant.

Abstract: The vacuum tester has a housing which is small enough to be held in one hand in which is contained a small vacuum pump, an activator switch and a vacuum gauge. A non-return flap valve, or check valve, is disposed between the vacuum pump and the vacuum gauge so that the vacuum within the chamber under test is not lost once the vacuum pump has been turned off. A connector with a vacuum hose extending therefrom is provided to apply the vacuum to the chamber. Interchangeable adapters can be attached at the end of the vacuum hose to provide a seal with the opening in the chamber. Detection and quantization of leaks in closed systems is provided by observing the leak-back rate on the vacuum gauge once the vacuum pump has been turned off.

Abstract: A novel sealing arrangement for fluid carrying devices and particularly for plug type valves, such as retractable double block and bleed plug valves. The sealing arrangement of the present invention adds secondary and tertiary seals to the conventional packing gland primary seal along the outer surface of the trunnion of such plug type valves. A unique isolated chamber is formed between the secondary and tertiary seals and because of the elastomeric nature of the secondary and tertiary seals, this isolated chamber is bubble tight and thus resists the gradual accumulation of minute leakage, which might otherwise cause false alarms in prior art leakage sensing equipment. Furthermore, the bubble tight feature of a chamber between isolated elastomeric seals, enables purging this chamber for making accurate observations and measurements of true leakage that might otherwise be an environmental hazard.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring suction leakage of external air into the exhaust gas path of an internal combustion engine during intermittent reduced pressure phases of engine running, includes two oxygen concentration sensing lambda probes arranged at a distance from one another along the path. The probes issue signals indicative of such oxygen concentration which are fed to a control device, such that an error signal is generated on deviation of the two probe signals from one another as caused by suction entry of external air into the path solely during a reduced pressure phase.

Abstract: A drainage circuit surrounding a hydraulic circuit, such as a circuit for distributing drinking water on an aircraft, includes an element around one enlarged portion (right connector, T, Y connector, etc) of the hydraulic circuit, namely a draining unit (20) formed of two half shells (24, 26) and tubular joining pieces (28). Imperviousness between the two half shells and between the half shells and the joining pieces is ensured by projecting portions (36, 38) which penetrate into a humidity-repellent stabilized gel (40) placed inside receptacles (42, 44). In addition, clipping members (48, 50) are provided on the half shells.

Abstract: A device for monitoring for fluid leakage in a double stem seal valve (24). The valve housing (25), stem (28), primary stem seal (30), and secondary stem seal (34) define a chamber (36) bounded therebetween. A pressure gauge (44) having a pointer (48) for registering and retaining a maximum pressure reading is mounted on the valve (24) and via a port (38) is in fluid communication with the chamber (36). Fluid leakage into the chamber (36) sufficient to increase the chamber pressure can be registered and retained by the pointer (48), indicating the failure of the primary stem seal (30) and the occurrence of a leak.

Abstract: A pressure testable flexible entry boot that provides sealed piping penetration through a container wall including a first elastomeric boot which cooperates with a second elastomeric boot to form a sealed air pocket, which may be pressurized by introducing air through a port extending through one of the elastomeric boots to detect leaks.

Abstract: In a system for detecting gaseous emissions (10), a housing (20) encases a mechanical member such as a flanged coupling (21) of a closed mechanical system which contains a fluid such as a gas (11) and receives gas (11) escaping through the flanged coupling (21). A sensor (26) extends through the housing (20) into a cavity (22) formed by the housing (20). A semipermeable membrane (28) forming the union between the sensor (26) and housing (20) allows gas (11) encased by the housing (20) to slowly pass from the housing (20) while preventing foreign matter from entering the housing.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for testing the integrity of a joint between two sections of concrete pipe in a test-as-you-go method of assembling concrete pipe sections to form a continuous pipe. The apparatus includes a wheel mounted frame which carries a flexible seal used to cover the interior of the entire pipe joint to form a substantially closed annular space. That space and a connected tank provide a substantially known volume for measurement purposes. The pressure in the known volume is monitored over a set period of time to determine the integrity of the pipe joint. The apparatus is moved along the interior of the pipe to test each joint after it is assembled. A method of testing the pipe joints is also disclosed.

Abstract: An oil and waste line connection spillage containment apparatus, constructed from non-corrosive and rustproof materials, includes a substantially cylindrical container which has two openings for receiving oil and waste loading and unloading lines therein. The lines are connected within the container. A circular cover encloses the container and is quickly and securely fastened and unfastened from the container using a pair of L-shaped members which extend from the cover and cooperatively couple with a lip defined around the top of the container. Any oil and waste spilled from the connection is removed from the container when the lines are disconnected, or alternatively, a removal line with an auxiliary valve affixed thereto, is used to siphon the oil and waste from the container to the loading line. When the unloading line is removed from the opening in the container, a plug having vent holes for releasing gas from the container, is inserted into the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring a rate of leakage from a closed vessel enclosed in a container. Air is expelled from the container and a charge of helium-free gas is introduced. The preferred container is comprised of flexible sheets with mating edges sealed together. The flexible container is collapsed when air is expelled, and then limply charged with a known volume of helium-free gas. The vessel is pressurized with helium, the rate of accumulation of which is measured in the container gas to determine the leakage from the vessel.

Abstract: A method for testing a waterproof casing having a flexible watertight portion having a flexible waterproofing portion, which is compressed to establish a water tight seal, and a stationary watertight portion, in which the watertightness is established by an adhesive, using a test casing to serve as the adjoining element, wherein the flexible waterproofing portion and the test casing together define a closed chamber, and wherein an air pressure change can be effected in the chamber through the test casing. The method includes the steps of establishing a first air pressure in the closed chamber, less than atmospheric pressure, which causes elastic deformation of the flexible waterproofing portion, and subsequently detecting a change in internal air pressure of the closed chamber.

Abstract: An air fuel ratio detecting device has an air-fuel ratio sensor for producing an air-fuel ratio information indicative of the concentration of oxygen in an exhaust gas produced by a burned air-fuel mixture in the internal combustion engine. An air-fuel ratio is calculated on the basis of the air-fuel ratio information. A pressure in the exhaust gas is calculated on the basis of pressure information depending on the pressure of the exhaust gas. The difference between the pressure and a reference pressure which acts on the air-fuel ratio sensor when the air-fuel ratio sensor is placed in a reference environment, is calculated. The air-fuel ratio is corrected with the pressure difference. The corrected air-fuel ratio is free of pressure fluctuations of the exhaust gas, and is highly reliable for accurate air-fuel ratio control.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improved containment, detection, and monitoring of leaks of piped substances in which piping systems are constructed of connections of flanged, plastic-lined concentric pipe segments, these segments each having an inner and outer shell with an annulus therebetween and an aperture connecting the annulus with the exterior flange face of the pipe segment. A connector is described which may be placed between pipe segments to be connected and which has annular resilient sealing members and inner plastic seals to provide seals at the connection. The piping system provides an annular containment passageway to capture fluid escaping from the inner shell of a pipe segment and communicate the fluid to a fluid detection port in the connector. The annular containment passageway comprises at least one pipe segment annulus, at least one aperture in the pipe segment, and an annular fluid opening at the connector to communicate fluid toward the fluid detection port.

Abstract: An O-ring test apparatus for a mass air flow sensor having a lift mechanism for lifting the mass air flow sensor and its production line carrier from the production line to a test location. In the test location, a clamping mechanism clamps the mass air flow sensor to the carrier compressing the O-ring. A seal mechanism blocks one end of an air flow passage provided in the production line carrier and connects an air inlet member to the other end. The air inlet member is connected by a manifold to a source of pressurized air through a solenoid valve. A pressure sensor connected to the manifold generates at least a first pressure signal in the manifold which rises to a pressure indicating that the O-ring is properly mounted on the mass air flow sensor. A control circuit activates the lift mechanism, the seal mechanism and the solenoid valve in a predetermined sequence and generates a fail signal in the absence of the first pressure signal when the solenoid value is open.

Abstract: A packing system for the operating stem of rotary valves includes first and second packing assemblies engaged with the stem at axially spaced locations. The first assembly is adjustably compressed into sealing engagement with the stem by a first packing nut which carries both the second packing assembly and a second packing nut for adjustably compressing the second packing assembly into sealing engagement with the stem independently of the first packing assembly. The space between the first and second packing assemblies provides a sealed chamber to allow detecting any leakage taking place from the valve chamber through the first stem packing assembly.

Abstract: A pair of semcircular jaws seal against the outer periphery of a pipe adjacent a butt weld joint in the pipe. The jaws have annular pressure rims that apply mechanical pressure against the outer surface of the pipe; and the jaws provide an annular manifold cavity between the pressure rims through which high gas pressure is applied against the joint and adjacent areas of the pipe, all for the purpose of slightly deforming the pipe and opening up any fissure that may exist by reason of an imperfect joint. In a modified form, a cylindrical shroud carries an annulus of balls for supporting against and applying deforming pressure on side portions of the pipe as the shroud is rotated around the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the gas-tightness of a joint between hollow members which has, in one aspect, a mechanism for applying a test gas to the outside of a joint, detection apparatus for detecting the gas inside the hollow members, and wherein the mechanism for applying the test gas to the outside of the joint has a gas testing chamber, a sealing ring for hermetically sealing the gas testing chamber, a casing enclosing the sealing ring, apparatus for applying pressure to the sealing ring, and apparatus for supplying test gas to the gas testing chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressure testing a penetration seal between a process pipe and surrounding penetration sleeve of larger diameter, where the process pipe passes through the wall of a containment structure. A wrap-around elastomeric boot connects the penetration sleeve with the process pipe and defines a chamber communicating with the penetration seal to be tested. Inner and outer collar sets, each formed of an opposed pair of semi-cylindrical collar segments, are mounted over the process pipe and penetration sleeve and secured together in surrounding relation to the elastomeric boot. Wrap-around, pneumatically inflatable clamping rings are interposed between the respective collar sets and the ends of the elastomeric boot, to tightly and sealingly clamp the boot to the process pipe and penetration sleeve.

Abstract: A sealing assembly, usable with a valve or the like, having a movable shaft within a main housing and controlling a product under a first pressure. A cartridge housing forms a continuation of the main housing. An extension of the shaft extends through the cartridge housing and forms an annulus therewith. Spaced first and second annular seals movably seal the annulus between the shaft extension and the cartridge housing, forming a central sealing chamber. An injector introduces sealing medium into the central sealing chamber under a pressure higher than the product pressure. An accumulator receives excess sealing medium from the central sealing chamber, and can also be associated with monitoring means. Additional annular seals may form additional chambers spaced along the shaft, and these chambers may likewise be used for injection of sealing media and/or monitoring and/or leak detection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting leaks in a flanged joint, with therebeing formed between the flanges a hollow space in which pressure changes, changes in the physical condition and/or conductivity changes are detected in the event of a leak by a corresponding sensor.

Abstract: The method and structure permit the testing of welds forming the structure. The structure comprises a base plate, a longitudinal member on the base plate, a web having an opening positioned over the longitudinal member, and a lap collar having an air hole and covering the web opening. An air channel is formed by welds formed between welded abutting surfaces of the base plate and the web, and between the web and the longitudinal member, and between the lap collar and the base plate, and between the lap collar and the longitudinal member. The air channel is continuous along the entire length of the web and base plate thereby permitting the detection of defects in the entire length of welds when the air channel is pressurized through the air hole.

Abstract: A safety structure for detecting fluid leakage from a valve having an exposed end of a rotatable valve stem connected to a valve element within the valve for rotating the valve element between an open and a closed position. The safety structure comprises a jacket, and an elongated handle extension disposed within the jacket for rotation about its axis. The handle extension includes an end which extends outward from the jacket for turning the handle extension. The jacket terminates in an annular flange which is attached to the valve in an isolating configuration having the exposed end of the valve stem covered, and the handle extension connected to valve stem via a slot on the lower end of the handle extension and a pair of opposed flats on the covered end of the rotatable valve stem over which the slot extends for transferring the rotation of the handle extension to the valve stem.