Abstract: The leak detecting system comprises a housing including a conduit with an inlet for coupling to the outlet of a pressure actuated valve and an outlet for passing fluid through the leak detector during normal operation. A movable element extends in said conduit and moves upon entry of fluid therein. A sensor is coupled to the movable element and provides an alarm control signal upon detection of movement of the movable element.

Abstract: A device for monitoring leakage of fluid across a seal in a component connected to a pressurized fluid system. The device includes a housing defining a chamber which includes an inlet for receiving fluid leaking across the seal and an outlet. A plate having an orifice is disposed in the chamber transverse to the longitudinal axis of the chamber and between the inlet and outlet for dividing the chamber into a first chamber volume for receiving fluid through the inlet and a second chamber volume for receiving fluid through the orifice and for discharging the fluid through the outlet. A plug is movably mounted for adjusting the open area in the plane of the orifice in the plate.

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

Abstract: A test tool adapted for use during pressure testing of a subsea blowout preventer stack is disclosed. The tool has an upper and a lower body connected in a first connection by left hand threads. A check valve landed in the bore of the tool prevents downward fluid flow from the interior of the tool, but allows upward flow through the tool and the attached drill pipe for the detection of leakage of the wellhead sealing tool about the wellhead during pressure testing of a blowout preventer in the stack. During testing of a shear ram blowout preventer, the upper body is disconnected from the lower body by turning the drill pipe to the right. Raising the drill pipe then causes the upper body to shift a second set of right hand threads into position and moves the upper body and the drill pipe from the bore of the shear ram allowing it to be closed for pressure testing.

Abstract: A compact flow prover for calibrating continuous flowmeters includes a measuring housing comprising a main cylinder having a substantially uniform inside diameter and inlet and downstream sections having inside diameters greater than the main cylinder. The compact flow prover is provided with a displacer movably disposed within the housing having seals which form a fluid barrier while the displacer is disposed within the main cylinder. Inlet and downstream section guide means are provided to maintain the displacer in axial alignment with the main cylinder while the displacer is disposed within either of these sections, assuring smooth exit and entry. The displacer is provided with seals which are circumferentially compressed when the displacer enters the main cylinder and may be statically or dynamically monitored for integrity without an external pressure source.

Abstract: A method of forming and testing a fluid tight seal comprises placing a sealing ring between two members between which the seal is to be formed, either the sealing ring or the respective members being so shaped and arranged that lines of contact are formed between the sealing ring and the respective members between which there are continuous grooves or channels between the sealing ring and the respective member. By establishing a pressure difference between the continuous channels and the ambient atmosphere, the integrity of the seal can be tested by monitoring any fluid flow to or from the closed groove or channel. A single source of fluid pressure may be coupled to both grooves or channels via a union in one of the members and one or more transverse bores in the sealing ring.

Abstract: A gas leak meter is directly attached to a valve box having a leaking valve therein. Based upon the rate of gas leakage, a decision can be made to delay or replace the leaking valve. The gas leak meter has a stopper that is placed into the valve box. The stopper has a rubber tube attached thereon and this tube leads to a gas collector which operates at atmospheric pressure. In a given period of time, the rate of gas leakage can be determined based upon the amount of gas collected.

Abstract: A fluid test apparatus for high pressure valves consists of a massive rigid supporting frame having a supporting table portion with an opening for application of fluid pressure to a valve being tested and an end sealing arrangement for sealing one opening to such valve. A pair of fluid operated cylinders are positioned on opposite sides of the supporting table and have extended pistons operable to be retracted upon application of fluid pressure to the cylinders. A clamping bar extends between the ends of the pistons and supports an end closure and seal for closing another opening to the valve being tested. A control system is associated with the apparatus to control the application of fluid pressure to the cylinders to retract the pistons to clamp and seal a valve being tested, and to control the application of fluid pressure to such valve in either open or closed position to test both the valve and the valve body for leakage.

Abstract: An enclosure to define a substantially annular chamber around a conduit to be tested for leakage, and to confine a liquid to permit the visual detection of gas bubbles indicative of a gas leak in the conduit. The enclosure is sleeve-like and includes two body members pivotable about a longitudinal hinge to permit quick attachment to and removal from a pipe section. A longitudinal seal is provided and a radial seal extends from corresponding ends of the body members to define the bottom wall of the enclosure and to sealingly engage the pipe.

Abstract: A method of testing a weld joint interconnecting two thermoplastic parts comprises forming a sealed cavity around the weld joining the parts and applying a predetermined test pressure to the cavity to determine if there is any leakage thereof. The device of the invention comprises an additional wall structure which defines a seal cavity around the weld joining two thermoplastic parts and which is advantageously made by an additional weld or welds which forms the test cavity surrounding the welded joint to be tested.

Abstract: A pipe joint testing device for testing the joint integrity of two connected pipe sections, each having a bore and pressurized with gas at the joint area during testing uses an annular envelope which can be affixed about the annular external joint of two pipe sections being tested. An inner annular header having a gas inlet with openings which communicate circumferentially with the envelope is provided internally of the envelope. A suction line is connected to the header at a tee connection, for example, for drawing gas from the envelope through the openings. In this manner, any gas leaking from the joint at any radial position along the joint will be detected because it will enter through one of the openings in the header.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a hydraulic pipe testing tool comprises a body member carrying longitudinally spaced, normally retracted packing and anti-extrusion members that are expanded into sealing and abutting engagement with the surrounding walls of a well pipe being tested. The anti-extrusion member includes inwardly biased arcuate segments that carry gripping elements which bite into the pipe to anchor the tool against longitudinal movement during testing operations.

Abstract: A leak detection method and apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising an enclosing temporary removable casing member which is connectable about a section of piping to be tested. The casing member provides openings which allow the passage of a section of piping to be tested therethrough, with the portion to be tested being sealably housed on the inner portion of the casing. The casing thus provides an inner leak recovery collection space between the casing and the section of the piping to be tested. The casing in the preferred embodiment is comprised of a pair of casing halves which are structurally connected about the section of piping to be tested by means of a bolted connection, for example, with flanged mating surfaces of each casing half registering and abutting to form a sealable connection about the section of the pipe to be tested.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting leaks in blowout preventors provides a capsule which forms an envelope about a portion of the blowout preventor where leaks exterior to the blowout preventor might occur. The capsule preferably is formed by a plurality of curved capsule segments which abut and radially assemble about flanges of the BOP system. The capsule segments carrying mating flanges which bolt together upon assembly to secure the capsule segments about the BOP stack. The interior of the flanges provides an inner space which collects leaks which might occur. The interior space is pneumatically connected to a relay which is attached to the capsule means for responding to the occurrence of the accumulated leak within the capsule.

Abstract: An oil seal test unit tests for leakage of oil seals in a rack and pinion steering unit having (a) a pinion housing with a main supply pressure inlet and outlet, and left and right turn fluid pressure connections; (b) a rack housing with left turn and a right turn fluid pressure fittings; and (c) right and left tie rod ends. The test unit includes a pump for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure through a main supply line connected to the inlet of the pinion housing. A return line connected to an outlet from the pinion housing returns fluid to the pump reservoir. Steering pressure is simulated by a reciprocating bar secured to the tie rod ends of the steering unit. A hydraulic cylinder has a piston with an actuating rod connected to the reciprocating bar. Right or left turning movement of the steering unit moves the tie rods which, in turn, applies pressure against hydraulic fluid in the cylinder.

Abstract: The valve testing apparatus is adapted for testing a flanged device having a casing defining a chamber and at least one annular end flange disposed on a horizontal test plate having a fluid inlet. At least one clamping unit is provided which comprises a lever disposed in a radial direction relative to the center of the annular flange. The lever has an outer end detachably resting on an underlying support, and an inner end gripping a portion of the flange. A fulcrum is fixedly mounted above the lever intermediate its inner and outer ends. The lever is adapted to pivot about the fulcrum. A hydraulic ram exerts a vertical force against one end of the lever, thereby causing the inner end of the lever to exert a predetermined clamping pressure on the flange, so as to obtain a fluid-tight connection between the flange and the plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for checking for leaks between the connection flanges of two portions of metal-clad electric gear, said flanges being sealed by means of two seals disposed concentrically in series on the facing surfaces of the flanges, the electric gear being filled with compressed gas, wherein the internal volume (10) lying between the two seals (6, 7) communicates with a smooth hole (11, 24) which itself communicates to the outside, the smooth hole being plugged by a resilient seal (18).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the tightness of a threaded connection between an oilfield pipe and a tapped connector. An annular space along the threaded connection is sealed with a test head, and only the threaded connection is thus subjected to internal hydraulic pressure via this connection.

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

Abstract: A system for externally testing a pipe joint connection utilizes a well known oil field apparatus with minor modifications to perform an important test of the hydraulic integrity of the pipe joint. A pair of hydraulically operated blowout preventor rams are connected by means of a pipe of sufficient length to accommodate the enclosure of a pipe joint connection. The connecting pipe forming the enclosure is aligned with the pipe opening in the rams. Thus the assembly is comprised of upper and lower rams with a pipe therebetween forming a test chamber. The lower rams are inverted so that the rams are closed, the connecting pipe forms a sealed chamber. A port is provided in the connecting pipe to permit fluid under pressure to be passed into the chamber when the rams are closed about pipe being tested. The test assembly is connected by a flange below the lower ram to the wellhead.

Abstract: A head that engages a face of a tube sheet has a mandrel extending from it for insertion in a tube. Pressurized test fluid is introduced through a conduit in the mandrel into an annular fluid-flow space between the mandrel and the tube. The fluid, which is confined by seals, flows around one end of the tube to the joint and, if the joint is not tight, emerges at the opposite face of the tube sheet where it can be detected.

Abstract: Impending bearing failure, seal failure and drilling an undergage well bore, among other things, are immediately detected by sensing the presence of aqueous drilling fluid in a lubricant or other type of sealed cavity of a drilling tool or the like during a downhole drilling operation in an environment of aqueous fluid. Electrical conduction elements are preferably employed to sense the presence of the aqueous fluid. The electrical conduction means may employ a soluble anhydrous conductive material which, when in contact with the aqueous drilling fluid, dissolves or becomes an electrical conductor to signal the presence of the aqueous fluid. The aqueous fluid may additionally serve as an electrolyte between two dissimilar metals, thereby forming a galvanic cell, or as a conductor between a pair of contact terminals. In a drilling operation, a signal is preferably transmitted from a downhole location to the surface of the earth by mud pulse telemetry.

Abstract: The clamping apparatus is adapted for testing a flanged device having a casing defining a chamber and at least one annular end flange disposed on a horizontal test plate having a fluid inlet. At least one clamping unit is provided which comprises a lever disposed in a radial direction relative to the center of the annular flange. The lever has an outer end detachably resting on an underlying support, and an inner end gripping a portion of the flange. A fulcrum is fixedly mounted above the lever intermediate its inner and outer ends. The lever is adapted to pivot about the fulcrum. A hydraulic ram exerts a vertical force against one end of the lever, thereby causing the inner end of the lever to exert a predetermined clamping pressure on the flange, so as to obtain a fluid-tight connection between the flange and the plate.

Abstract: A Y-ram tester for the testing of the blowout prevention apparatus of a gas or oil well. There is a well casing, a well casing segment mounted thereon, and a blowout preventer which has a pair of pipe rams and is mounted on the well casing segment. The rams are adapted to tightly seal around the two pipes. A test plug is mounted in the well casing in a manner so that the test plug would not move any further into the well casing. Two pipes extend through the center passage of the blowout preventer to a position past the pair of rams. There is also means for injecting water at high pressure into the cavity formed by the central passage of the blowout preventer below the pair of rams, the central passage of the well casing segment and the central passage of the casing of the well casing above the test plug.

Abstract: A hollow fitting for use in gas spectrometry leak testing of conduit joints is divided into two generally symmetrical halves along the axis of the conduit. A clip may quickly and easily fasten and unfasten the halves around the conduit joint under test. Each end of the fitting is sealable with a yieldable material, such as a piece of foam rubber. An orifice is provided in a wall of the fitting for the insertion or detection of helium during testing. One half of the fitting also may be employed to test joints mounted against a surface.

Abstract: A method of connecting a first shell to a second shell to establish a unitary sealed structure. A bead of a diaphragm assembly is connected to a first peripheral surface on the first shell to establish a first sealing surface and to define a first chamber between the diaphragm assembly and the first shell. A spring attached to the diaphragm assembly engages the second shell. A force applied to the second shell compresses the spring to bring a second peripheral surface thereon into engagement with the bead on the diaphragm to establish a second sealing surface and define a second chamber between the diaphragm assembly and the second shell. A vacuum evacuates air from the first and second chambers to establish a pressure differential between the first and second chambers and the surrounding environment. This pressure differential acts on the first and second shells to urge the first and second peripheral surfaces against the diaphragm to establish a unitary structure.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the locking apparatus for maintaining in closed condition the two halves of the casing sections of a high pressure leak-testing apparatus for pipe joints comprises a plurality of bifurcated links. The locking apparatus further comprises a substantial number of hooks having end portions pivotally connected to the bifurcated links, the connections being at relatively thin hook portions which nest with the links. With the described construction by which a bifurcated or yoke-shaped end of one element is nested relative to a relatively thin portion of another element, it is possible to achieve extremely strong locking of the casing sections in closed condition despite the great pressure contained within the tester.In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the packer of the leak-testing apparatus comprises a hollow cylindrical mass of rubber which is split, and has insert elements molded therein.

Abstract: A hydraulic vibration brake for use in nuclear power plants is shown. The brake has a casing that a piston divides into two chambers. A storage tank in hydraulic fluid communication through appropriate conduits and valves maintains proper pressure in the system. The piston rod penetrates the casing wall and, at this penetration has a seal which arrests fluid leakage. In this manner, no hydraulic fluid is lost at the seals and sufficient fluid always is available to enable the brake to carry out its function, thereby eliminating the need for a number of burdensome inspections.

Abstract: External pipe testing apparatus is disclosed as comprising semi-cylindrical housing sections hingedly connected for swinging between an open position to permit the housing to be moved into and out of a position about a section of the pipe to be tested. When the pipe sections are locked to one another, seal strips mounted on the inside of each housing section are caused to sealably engage with one another and the ends of the pipe section to form an annular test chamber about the pipe section.

Abstract: A product having primary and secondary air chambers is tested for leaks by pressurizing such chambers to substantially different pressures from a common supply air source. Subsequent to charging the chambers to the predetermined pressures, any air flow occurring from the supply air source is indicative of a product leak. Secondary air is supplied to the product secondary air chamber through an electrically operated valve provided with signals by a transducer which senses the pressure in the secondary air chamber.

Abstract: An external tester defines a sealed chamber around a pipe joint, such chamber then being filled with fluid under very high pressure. After introduction of fluid into the test chamber is terminated, a determination is made as to whether or not the pressure is reducing, any such reduction indicating that a leak is present in the pipe joint. To define a test chamber which is perfectly sealed so that fluid will not escape otherwise than through a leak in the pipe joint there are provided longitudinal sealing elements and arcuate sealing elements interrelated with each other and with an insert of the longitudinal elements. The inserts stiffen and mount the longitudinal elements, provide indexing of the casing sections, and prevent extrusion of the seal rubber, all in such a manner that no cracks remain through which the fluid may escape.

Abstract: A test tool and a method of testing is disclosed for testing for leaks in apparatus having a bore and a landing surface, such as blowout preventers, wellheads, casing hangers, and the like. The test tool is connected to pipe having a passage therethrough, which has a landing surface for landing on the landing surface of the bore, bypass passages automatically closed on landing and during testing, packing means for effecting a seal in the bore, a pressure relief valve and hydraulic passages communicating with the passage in the pipe, the packing means, and the relief valve which opens at a predetermined pressure. The packing is set either hydraulically, mechanically or by a combination thereof. The packing is set hydraulically by a piston and cylinder which are activated by hydraulic setting pressure in the passages and then hydraulic test pressure is released by the relief valve to the space above the packing for testing the apparatus.

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

Abstract: The integrity of corrosion prevention sheaths of corrosive-resistant metal employed to prevent member corrosion on off-shore platforms is monitored by incorporation of a pressure sensing line sealed into the zone between the sheath and the member. This apparatus allows monitoring members in the splash zone as well as stressed areas such as weld joints which are subject to corrosive environments.

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

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

Abstract: Apparatus for checking the valves of aerosol containers for tightness, in which a vacuum is produced under the valve being checked by pressing the valve by its shut-off member in the open position against a resilient member on a seat in order to deform the resilient member which, after removing the force of pressing and closing the valve, tends to return to the initial position, thereby increasing the volume of the cavity under the valve. This permits reducing the time of exposing the valve to the vacuum. The seats are made blind and are arranged on an endless conveyor which moves the seats with the valves to the mechanisms effecting the operations.

Abstract: The present apparatus, method and seals relate to an external tester for defining a sealed chamber around a pipe joint, such chamber then being filled with fluid under very high pressure. After introduction of fluid into the test chamber is terminated, a determination is made as to whether or not the pressure is reducing --any such reduction indicating that a leak is present in the pipe joint. To define a test chamber which is perfectly sealed so that fluid will not escape otherwise than through a leak in the pipe joint, there are provided longitudinal sealing elements and arcuate seal segments of special construction. The longitudinal and arcuate sealing elements interrelate with each other and with extrusion-prevention and index elements in such manner that no cracks remain through which the fluid may escape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a packoff in an underwater wellhead to a pressure above the normal internal pressure of the casing wherein the packoff is between the casing hanger and the wellhead, the testing being conducted so that should the packoff leak, the casing supported by the casing hanger will not be pressured to its collapse point, the method and apparatus of this invention employing the process steps and devices for maintaining the pressure on the inside of the casing elevated relative to the pressure outside the casing so that the differential pressure across the casing does not exceed the collapse rating of the casing and at the same time maintaining the internal pressure of the casing below the burst rating of that casing.

Abstract: To detect fluid leakage in a hydraulic directional control valve, a plate is installed between the valve and its mounting subplate. Passages through the plate connect with the pressure inlet and tank ports of the valve, while the load ports of the valve are blocked by the plate. Leaking fluid flows out of the tank port and passes through an orifice across which a pressure differential develops in proportion to the leakage rate. The pressure differential is applied to a piston which retracts an indicator knob within the plate when an unacceptable leakage rate is present. A modified form of the invention detects the combined leakage rate in the valve and the load which it controls. Rather than blocking the load ports, the modified plate has passages which connect with the load ports of the valve to deliver fluid to the load. An orifice is located in the passage of the plate which connects with the pressure inlet port of the valve.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for testing the pressure integrity of blowout preventers and wellhead casing hanger seals. An annular pressure chamber between the blowout preventer and wellhead casing hanger is formed by closing the blowout preventer on a tubular member having a test plug which seats within and sealingly engages the casing hanger. Pressure sensing means disposed along the length of the tubular member are used to monitor pressure above, below and within the annular chamber. Pressure changes detected by the sensing means are indicative of leakage across the blowout preventer or wellhead casing seal.

Abstract: Use of a separate alignment ring to position a saddle relative to a main pipe makes possible first testing the saddle-main pipe seal, and then making a shift-free connection with the pretested seal.

Abstract: The radiator filler cap of a conventional internal combustion engine is replaced by an upwardly open tubular device having an adapter at its lower end to fit the radiator filler opening and seal off the radiator vent opening associated therewith. Liquid is added to the device to cause an indicator to float therein, and combustion gases escaping through the faulty head gasket will cause the indicator to vibrate when the engine is rotated. Each engine cylinder is vented in turn, by a tool acting on the valve operating mechanism to permit the observer to note when the vibrating indicator becomes stationary, indicating that the cylinder with the faulty head gasket has been isolated.

Abstract: A seal on a rotatable shaft normally having high pressure sealant liquid behind same with a volatile fluid such as a monomer or light hydrocarbon diluent under high pressure being passed along an annulus in front of same, which annulus terminates in a pressurized vessel, is tested as follows. Before pressuring up the vessel, lubricant liquid under low pressure is passed through the annulus and the shaft is operated for a short time. The bearings are then inspected for vibration, smoking or a surge of sealant liquid along the annulus which would indicate seal failure. This is of particular utility in testing seals on pumps in olefin polymerization reactors.

Abstract: An arrangement and method is provided for testing the seal of a sewer lateral saddle connector assembly used in connecting a lateral or branch sewer pipe line into a sewer main at a point where there is no "T" or "Y" connector available.The sewer branch saddle connector assembly consists of a cast iron saddle which is arranged to fit over a hole to be tapped in the sewer main. A 360.degree. circular rubber "O" ring sealing gasket is provided which is cemented in a retaining groove, on the underside of the sewer branch saddle connector assembly. A stainless steel strap, together with bronze T bolts and the attaching washers and nuts, secures the sewer branch saddle connector assembly to the sewer main, thus making a water-tight connection. The male connection end is shaped to accommodate all standard couplings and adaptors.A sewer branch lateral tester is then positioned over the open end of the male connection and sealed thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for externally testing flanged or hubbed connections used on fluid conducting conduits. A ring gasket fits between the faces of the connecting flanges or hubs to effect a fluid tight seal. A test ring also fits between the faces of the hub or flange connection in a manner so as to form a space between the test ring and the ring gasket. Seal means closes the space between the test ring and the faces of the flanges or hubs. The outside diameter of the test ring is confined within fastening means which secures the hubs or flanges together. Fluid under pressure, used to test the effectiveness of the ring gasket seal, is applied to the space between the ring gasket and the test ring seal means. The pressure in that space falls when the ring gasket is defective but remains constant if the ring gasket is sound. Following the test, fluid pressure is bled off the space between the ring gasket and the test ring seal means.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the strength and/or the leakproofness of seams or joints formed between synthetic resin sheets comprising a semicylindrical shell of transparent material having rounded closed-in portions and forming with its peripheral edges, sealing strip means surrounding said opening a continuous frame for engaging said strip means and a flexible closure means operatively associated with said frame for sealing off the opening whereby a test chamber is formed and pump means connected to said chamber for applying a vacuum thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus is tested for leaks by enclosing it by an enclosure which includes a flexible bag in its walls, the bag passing through its mouth when the pressure in the enclosure changes as a result of a leak, or comprises a member which flexes as a result of sorption of leaking materials.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for externally testing flanged or hubbed connections used on fluid conducting conduits. A ring gasket fits between the faces of the connecting flanges or hubs to effect a fluid tight seal. A test ring also fits between the faces of the hub or flange connection in a manner so as to form a space between the test ring and the ring gasket. Seal means closes the space between the test ring and the faces of the flanges or hubs. The outside diameter of the test ring is confined within fastening means which secures the hubs or flanges together. Fluid under pressure, used to test the effectiveness of the ring gasket seal, is applied to the space between the ring gasket and the test ring seal means. The pressure in that space falls when the ring gasket is defective but remains constant if the ring gasket is sound. Following the test, fluid pressure is bled off the space between the ring gasket and the test ring seal means.