Apparatus and method for externally testing conduit connections

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. The test fluid pressure is applied to and bled from such space through a pressure port or passageway formed in the test ring or in one of the flanges or hubs.

Having fully described the method, apparatus, advantages and objects of our invention we claim: .[.1. Apparatus for testing a connection between fluid conducting conduits employing an external source of fluid pressure comprising: 
     
        grooves..]. .[.15.  A method for externally testing a connection between fluid conducting conduits comprising the steps of: installing ring seal means in said connection for sealing off and preventing leaks through said connection when said connection is made;   installing a test ring seal in said connection surrounding said ring seal means to form a closed annulus between said test seal ring and said ring seal means;   connecting a source of fluid pressure to passageway means which extends from said closed annulus to the exterior of said connection;   applying fluid pressure to said passageway means;   shutting off the source of fluid pressure; and   then measuring the fluid pressure in said closed annulus..]. .[.16. A method as recited in claim 15 comprising releasing fluid pressure from said annulus..]. .[.17. A method for externally testing a connection between fluid conducting conduits, said connection including ring seal means for sealing off and preventing leaks through said connection when said connection is made comprising the steps of:   installing a test ring seal in said connection surrounding said ring seal means to form a closed annulus between said test ring seal and said ring seal means, said test seal ring having a pressure port;   connecting a source of fluid pressure to said pressure port;   applying fluid pressure to said pressure port;   shutting off the source of fluid pressure; and then measuring the fluid pressure in said annulus..]. .[.18. A method as recited in claim 17 comprising:   releasing fluid pressure from said annulus..]. .[.19. A method as recited in claim 18 including the steps of: after releasing fluid pressure from said annulus, cutting off a test nipple, which contains a port connected to said pressure port and which extends beyond the outer rim of said connection, adjacent the outer rim of said connection and then welding shut said port in said test nipple..]. .Iadd. 20. Apparatus for use in testing a connection between fluid conductive conduits, said connection having two mateable flanges, each of which contains a circle of alignable bolt holes comprising:   a seal ring for engaging the surface of and sealing off the spaces between said flanges to prevent flow of fluids into and from said conduits via said flange connection;   a test ring having seal means for sealing off the spaces between said flange faces and said test ring, said test ring and said seal ring forming a one-piece unit;   an annular space formed between said seal ring, said seal means on said test ring and said mateable flange faces; and   a passageway for communicating test fluid under pressure to said annular space for testing the effectiveness of said seal ring and said seal means, said test ring having a greater diameter than said seal ring with the outside diameter of said test ring being about the same diameter as the inside diameter of said circle of bolt holes in said flanges. .Iaddend..Iadd. 21. Apparatus as recited in claim 20 including means connected to said passageway for measuring fluid pressure in said annular space. .Iaddend..Iadd. 22. Apparatus as recited in claim 21 including a circular groove formed in each flange for receiving said seal ring. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 23. Apparatus as recited in claim 22 including a nipple extending external of said connection and connected to said port means. .Iaddend..Iadd. 24. Apparatus as recited in claim 23 in which said seal means comprises O-rings for sealing off the spaces between said flanges. .Iaddend..Iadd. 25. Apparatus as recited in claim 24 in which said passageway extends through said test ring. .Iaddend..Iadd. 26. Apparatus as recited in claim 25 including a source of fluid pressure connected to said passageway for supplying fluid pressure to said annular space. .Iaddend..Iadd. 27. Apparatus as recited in claim 24 in which said passageway extends through one of said flanges. .Iaddend..Iadd. 28. Apparatus as recited in claim 27 including a source of fluid pressure connected to said passageway for supplying fluid pressure to said annular space. .Iaddend..Iadd. 29. A method for testing a connection between fluid conducting conduits, said connection including two matable flanges each having a circle of alignable bolt holes comprising the steps of:   inserting at least one bolt through at least one set of aligned holes in said flanges;   inserting test sealing apparatus between said flanges, said sealing apparatus including a seal ring for sealing off the spaces between said flanges to prevent flow of fluids into and from said conduits and a test ring, formed integral with said seal ring, for sealing off the spaces between said flanges, said test ring and said seal ring having an annular space therebetween, said test ring having a greater diameter than said seal ring with the outside diameter of said test ring being about the same diameter as the inside diameter of said circle of bolt holes in said flanges;   manipulating said sealing apparatus, including pushing said sealing apparatus against said bolt, until the outside diameter of said test ring is positioned within the diameter of said circle of bolt holes;   inserting bolts through said remaining sets of aligned bolt holes;   securing said flanges together;   applying fluid pressure to said annular space;   shutting off said fluid pressure; and then measuring the fluid pressure in said annular space. .Iaddend..Iadd. 30. A method as recited in claim 29 including inserting several bolts through sets of aligned holes in said flanges prior to inserting said test sealing apparatus, the outside diameter of said test ring being positioned within the diameter of said bolt holes by pushing sail sealing apparatus against said several inserted bolts. .Iaddend..Iadd. 31. A method as recited in claim 30 comprising:   releasing fluid pressure from said annular space. .Iaddend..Iadd. 32. A method as recited in claim 31 in which said fluid pressure is applied through a passageway extending through said test ring. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 33. A method as recited in claim 32 in which a nipple is connected to said passageway and including the steps of cutting off said nipple adjacent the outer rim of said connection after releasing pressure from said annular space and then welding said nipple closed. .Iaddend..Iadd. 34. A method as recited in claim 31 in which said fluid pressure is applied through a passageway in one of said flanges. .Iaddend..Iadd. 35. A method as recited in claim 34 in which a nipple is connected to said passageway and including the steps of cutting off said nipple adjacent the outer rim of said connection after releasing pressure from said annular space and then welding said nipple closed. .Iaddend.