CA2145792A1 - Test plug for pipes - Google Patents
Test plug for pipesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2145792A1 CA2145792A1 CA 2145792 CA2145792A CA2145792A1 CA 2145792 A1 CA2145792 A1 CA 2145792A1 CA 2145792 CA2145792 CA 2145792 CA 2145792 A CA2145792 A CA 2145792A CA 2145792 A1 CA2145792 A1 CA 2145792A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- annular
- test plug
- pipe
- plug assembly
- assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/022—Test plugs for closing off the end of a pipe
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
- G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
- G01M3/2853—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipe joints or seals
Abstract
A test plug assembly for testing the internal integrity of a segment of pipe having an internal diameter, the assembly comprising an annular body with opposite annular face and defining on its outer perimeter, a recess a pair of bosses, a pair of resilient annular members adapted to be respectively juxtaposed between a boss and annular face means for urging the bosses respectively against the resilient annular members so as to urge the same to frictionally engage and to seal against the internal diameter of the pipe segment and, means communicating through the assembly to that plenum now defined by said recess and the internal diameter of the pipe whereby the integrity of the pipe segment may be determined.
Description
214579~
TE~T PLUG FUR PIPES
This invention relates to a test plug for pipes~
~A~K(3R~UN~ '1'0 THE INVEN'l'I~N
ln the fabriçatiQn of fluid flow systems, whether they be for the purFQses of conveying li~uid suGh as petro-chemic,Als, or gases suGh as natural gas, or even fluidized cereals as is common in the sereal proc-essing industry, the use of sonduits or pipes is Gommon and replete. From a fabrica~ion point of view, pipes can only he manufas~ured to a finite length and therefore, various lengths or elhows must he sQnnected together in order ~o struc.ture the c.ond11it~
fl1id co1lveyance means. 'l~his is acsomplished by welding _~ h-ltt endE of FiFeS ~ogether or to elbow~ e,tc., or alternatively, to weld to the end of a pipe to a butt flange and to juxtapose two h-utt flanges together by means c.ommQnly known, for examFle, use of ,h-olts through eash juxtaposed annular portions of eash h-utt flange t It is inr.reasingly desired to have these welds tested for the purposes of ~.le~ermining whether there is any leakage ~articularly, in the petro-chemical industry, it is now h-eing mandated that the amount of fluid evaporating or essaping from any weld or flange/flange interfac.e be ~5 reduced to allowahle limitE which, up to now, have h-ef~-n ahQut ~ litres per annum to less than a % of a litre per annum per flange~flange or weld interface. When one considers that in petro-chemisal plants there are thousands of such welds or hu~t flanges, ~he task of testing each of ~(~ them hec.ome~ onerou~ and costly with prior art plus~
l'HE INVENTI~N
We have conc.eived a simplified teEt plug which is capa~le, in modific.ation, to te~t pipeE with an internal diameter of approximately ~ inch (l.r~5cm) to as great as what is de.sired, say even ~ to lO feet (-~O~c.m), internal diameter.
It is an ohject of the invention to provide a simplified test plug which can ~e hand carried by one or two , ~14~ (Yi~
5~q~
workers, assemhled within the diameter of 2 pipe to be teste~, temporarily sealed therein so as to allow a testing Et-ep to take place which tests the integrity between an annular pipe segment and the test plug, the annular pipe Eegment generally inc.luding a welding interface or a flange interface, in order to determine if the same leaks at all, and if it does, to what extent.
The invention therefore contemplates a test plug assem~ly for testing the internal integrity of a segment of 1-1 pipe having an int-ernal diameter, the assembly comprising (a) an annul3r body with opposite annular faces and defining on its outer perimeter, a recess, (b) a pair of hosses (c) a pair of resilient annular members adapted to be respectively juxtaposed between a hoss and an annular fases, (d) means _5 for urging thç bosses respeçtiYely against the resilient annular members EQ as to cause the same to frictionally engage and to seal against the internal diameter of the pipe segment, and, ~e) means communicating throlAgh the assembly to that plenum now defined by said recess and the internal ~o diameter of the pipe wherehy the integrity of the pipe segment may be determined. Particularly, the urging means (d) is a shaf~ which extends between said bosses, one of the bosses being integral to the shaft, the opposite ends of the shaft being thre~ded so as to provide means for urging the ~5 re~ilient annular memhers agains~ ~he oppQsi~e ends of the ann~ r f~ce~ in order to seal the same against the internal diameter of the plug. In one embodiment, the communic.ating means (e) communicates through the shaft from its threaded end and provides communication means to recess in the 3~! annular hody, which preferably is an annulus.
In other embodiments, there may be a pair Gommunicating means to the annular rece~s sf the annulus and the urging means, a plurality of axially oriented circumferentially disposed ~olts, in which case each bos6 may be an annulus.
In order to further reduce weight, the annulus may be aluminum wherein the outer annular recess is milled from cylindrical aluminum stock; and the boEses, fabricated either from steel or aluminum solid rod or square stock and 21~79~
.
appropriately milled.
In all emhodiments, the hydrostat~ic li~uid, water, is a tçsting media which is inserted into the plug after its sealing engagementc within the inner diameter of a pipe spaçe whereby the testing plenum is defined by the plug and the internal pipe spac.e diameter. Into this plenum, the testing media is flowe-l through the plug, then, prefisurized ~o test the inte~rity of that portion of the pipe that is juxtaposed with a hydrostatically filled plenum.
O
L)E~RIPTION OF THE DRAWING~
The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 is an assembly perspeçtive view of a test plug, ac.c.ording to the invention, particularly s~ited fsr pipe diameters up to 3.5" (~.~cm), approximately;
Figure ~ is a sectional view in preliminary application of the plug of Figure 1 into a butt flange pipe wel~ interface, the integrity of which is to be tested.
~() Figure 2A i6 the same as Figure ~ showing the fitting of the plug-in sealed position.
Figure 2~ is an orthogonal cross-seçtion to that of Figure ~ and ~2A further showing testing;
Figure ~ is a cross section along lines III-III of 2 5 Figure ~:
Fi~ure 4 i5 a partially axially cross-sectional view of an alterna~ive embodiment of pipe plug with venting, particul~rly suitable for larger diameter pipes of up to ~ollt ~" (12~c.~
Figure 5 is a partial seçtion illustrative of the te~ting se~ue-nce for testing the integrity of the pipe flange welded interface;
Figure ~ is an end plan view of yet a third embodiment of test plug, allQwing a central cavity through ~5 the plug and particularly adap~ed to test pipes of internal diameters of ~" or more;
Figure 7 is a section along line VII-VII of Figure ~, hut in partial sestion.
21~5792 -~ eferring to Figures 1 and 2, one embodiment of test plug is generally shown as ~10) and is suitahle fo7- testing the integrity, at the welding discontinuity (~o) of a f lange ~3l) pipe (32) interf~.çet The flange (31) is a standard butt flangef as will be apparent hereafter, while the pipe or çonduit (32) is generally of a diameter up to approximately 1~". 'l~he welding discontinuity, yenerally shown as (~), is a weld which holds the flanged (~1) to the end of the pipe (~2) SQ that a correspQnding flange pipe may he bolted to the butt annular sùrfaçe (3~) of the flange (-~1) It is the interfaçe (30) whose integrity is tQ be determined: whether or not there are unseen fissures or apertures whic,h may allow leakage of fluid passing through the conduit (~2) when in application as in the petro-1~ ç,hemiçal environment or otherwise.l'he plug (10) includes a cylindrical shaft (11) that at one end has a threaded shank (12) and at the other encl, an in~egral boss, plug or disk (13) so as to form an integral shaft çomponent (14): the disk (13) has an inner bevelled or trunçated cone-like surfaçe (13'), as shown. The shaft (11) has an internal bore ~1~) with a flaring outer end (1~) that acts as an attaçhment means to communicate the bore t9 a water pressure sourç,e that, during testing, acts as a pressure media as will be explained. The bore (15) extends 2~ approximately mid-way into and along the longitudinal axis of the shaft (11), as more clearly seen in phantQm in Figure 2 and in the çross seçtion Figure ~B, and çommuniç.ates with a diametriçally oriented channels (17), that commlmicate to the outside cliameter of ~he shaft (11) - see Figure 2B.
~n 'l'he shaft (11) is adapted to pass through an annular pieçe, sometimes referred to as the annulus, generally referenced as (2r) having an internal bore (21) si~ed larger than the external diameter of the shaft (11) and having at least a radiAl, shown in the figures as two radially oppositely disposed channels (~2) that çommunicate bçtween a stepped annular reçess exteriorly çirçumscribing the çentre portion of the annulus (20) and with the inner bore (21).
The opposite ends of the annulus (20) are integral radially 2Iq5792 protruding disks (24) and (25), with their respective outer surfaces (24') and (~5') being bevelled as outwardly protruding truncated annular conics.
In order to complete the other rigid components of the plug 110), there is an annulus (2~) whose inner bore is larger than the outer diameter of the threaded shaft (12) so as to acGommodate its passing therethrough with space, the annulus having an interface (2Ç') as a reversibly bevelled annular conical surface, and its outerface preferably orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the bore and having a stepped hore of slightly larger diameter at the interface between this space and the inner bore of the annulus so define a channelled race (2Çr) which accommodates a smaller elastomeric ring ~3), as will be explained. The obverse surface (2Ç') is a reversibly bevelled annular conical surface, all of which are clearly seen in Figures 2, 2A and 2B.
A second boss in the form of an annular collar (27) has its inner bore sized to accommodate the threaded shaft, and finally a threaded nut (28) which is adapted to thread onto the shaft and to compress all the components referenced in the (~0) into one integral unit. In order to provide annular sealing between juxtaposed bevelled surfaces (13') and (24'), there is an elastomeric annular ring (~
similarly, there is an elastomeric annular ring (R2) juxtaposed between truncated conical annular surfaces (25') and (2Ç'), the elastomeric annular seal (~3) which nests into the annular race (2Ç~). Thç inner diameter of the annular race is sized to frictionally engage the outer ~0 diameter of the shaft (11) so as to a sealing fit as will be explained.
In order to insert the assem~led plug (10) into the pipe interface so as to test the integrity of the internal diameter of the interface (~0), and now referencing Fiqure -35 ~, the assembled plug in its relaxed mode is placed into the pipe flange with the interface (30) occupying or communicating with the area defined by the annular recess (2~). The nut (28) is turned down, as shown by the arrow in 2l~792 ~'igure ~A, and the respective annular bevels (13') and (~4') forced into closer proximity, and similarly, with juxtaposed bevels (~') and (~'), respectively forcing the respective annular rings (Rl) and (~2) outward in the direction of their respective arrows (~a). At the same time, fluîd in the direction of the arrow (F), floods the bore (15), the oppositely disposed radial channels (17) communicating water flow into the foreshaft regions referenced (4Q) in Figure 2B, out the radial channel (~) of the annulus (~0) so as to flood the ann-llar space (S) defined by the plug (10) in the internAl diameter of the pipe flange interface. Some of the fluid would escape, flowing in the direction of arrows (~0) during initial purging of any air within the space or plenum (~) while the nut (~) is turned down in the direction of the arrow (50) eventually sealing with the space (S). The annular ring (~3 ) isolates the annular space (S) between the internal bore (21) and the outside shaft diameter (11) so as to create a watertight environment.
Additional water pressure is applied so as to increase ~0 the pressure of water within space (~). The pressure of water within space (S) can be measured by a hydrostatlc device, not shown, while observing the outside of the weld interface (3(~) to see whether any leakage occurs.
In the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, which is particularly suitable for internal pipe diameters up to approximately 1~5cm because test plugs with larger diameter than about ~cm, Figures 1 through ~, become too heavy for workmen to carry thus, the same consists of a shaft (41) having an external end boss or disk (42) at one end and a 3(~ threaded portion (43) at the opposite end, the shaft and disk defining a central hore (44). The disk (4~) is welded at (45) to an annular end di6k plate (4~) whose inner margin (4~') is a bevelled annulus to accommodate "~" ring (R.).
rl`here is an opposite annular end disk (47) with a similar 3~ inner annular bevel (47') to accommodate annular ring (~2) but the disk (47) also has an aperture therethrough (4~) which allows passage of a hydrostatic flooding and testing circuit, generally shown as (50) to extend therethrough.
The plug (4~) includes an ann~llar piece (~0) defining an inner bore (~1) whiçh accom~odates the shaft (41) and an outside circumferential race (~1, the bottom of which communicates with a hydrostatic filling Ghannel (6~) communicating to the testing circuit (5~) in the fashion shown. As such, the circuit (5~) has a threaded hose (51) whose distal end threads into and sealingly mates with a corresponding thread (T) defined by the outer extremity of the bore (~3) to make a fluid channel passing through the l(J disk (47) and com~unicating with the race (6~). The bore 144) acts as a venting channel to allow venting of the internal pipe (32) when the plug (4q) is being inserted into the flanqed pipe bounded by the peripheral weld (~0) which is put in place to sealingly attach one to the other - see Figure 5. It may also ~e an advantage to conduct a second testing circuit which is referenced (~5) to test everything that is to the right of the plug (4~), as shown in that figure. Thus, the same bore (44) acts as the venting of the space to the right of the plug (4(~) as during insertion and removal into the pipe (~) or alternatively, to accommodate a second circuit for testing the pipe from plug (4[~) onwards to the left thereof, if this be re~uired, hy utilizing testing circuit (~5).
If the space (S) which is bounded by the pl~lg (40) and ~5 the internal pipe (-~) flange (31) and circumferential weld (~) is to be tested, then preferably threaded hose (51) is positioned so as to be vertical over the bore (44) and the testing circuit (5~)) consist of a hydrostatic pressure gauge (P) communicating thereto and, to a venting valve (V), with 3u turn-off and turn-on switches, and a hydraulic fluid control Yalve (H) with its corresponding turn-on and turn-off (Hl).
Water is periodically allowed to flow through valve (H) into space (S) by opening (Hl) and closing (Vl) and Yenting of the air within the space (~) is achieved by reversing valve -35 positions (Hl) and (Vl) so air vents out of valve (V) in accordance with the arrow thereabove. This cycling occurs until the space (~) is filled with water and then pressurin~
of the water takes place so that the pressure gauge ~P) pressure gauge (P) registers the hydrostatic pressure on the cirGumferential weld seam (30) to test the integrity of the same.
~ eferring Figures ~ and 7 and to the third embodiment of the invention, the same consists of an annular plug (80) consisting of mirror end annular bosses or plates (81) and an annulus (8~) with an outer circumferential race (83).
'rhe juxtaposed faces of the annular plates (81) and the annulus (~1 are respectively bevelled at (81') and (8~'), as shown, so as to accommodate the seating of "v" rings (~) and (R2) therebetween. Each of the annular disks (81) have a plurality of apertures (83) therethrough circumferentially disposed so as to permit the passage therethrou~h of a nut-~olt arrangement, generally shown as (85) consisting of a bolt head (85) which is welded at (87) to the exterior face of each annular disk (81), the opposite end of the bolts (85) having a threaded shaft portion (86) accommodating a nut (87) which can be turned down onto an underlying washer (~8). The annullls (8~) may have appropriate diameters, as ~-J may the disks (81) to accommodate internal pipe diameters over 8", as may be re~uired.
The annulus (82) defines a filling and pressure channel ( 90 ) which communicates through the annulus ~8~) to the outside annular race (83), and diametrically opposite thereto a venting channel (sl~). The plug (8~) can ~e inserted into lar~e diameter pipes exceedin~ 8", the bolts (87) tied down so as to force "O~ rings (Rl) and (R2) against the inner ~urfaces of the pipe flange interface.
Liquid media i6 channelled into the space (~) defined ~y the race (8~) and the inner wall of the pipe flange interface while venting of any air exits the diametrically disposed venting channel (~"). Testing of the interface in a similar fashion occurs.
~ecause of the great weight of the annular plug (8~), particularly made of steel, or steel alloys such as stainless steel, each annular plate (81) has four adjustin~
heads (~5) diametrically paired and consisting of a protruding butt (~6) having a threaded bore (97) 2~792 , accommodating a threaded bolt (g~) whiGh extends therethrough and whose distal end is adapted to turn against the internal diameter of the pipe (~), co-axial with the pipe. Each of the diametrically opposed pairs (~5) are adjusted to position the flange (~) centrally in the pipe ~ thereafter, the nuts (87) are turned down applying the pressure on the "~" rings (Rl) and (R~) and sealing them against the inner walls of the pipe flange interface so that the annular space (S) is sealed. Hydrostatic filling of the space (S) occurs as above noted, and pressure venting in the fashion, as earlier described, can take place. It is convenient to make the annulus (20), (60), (~) from aluminum in order to reduce its weight, and in certain applications even the bosses (l~ ), (4~), (47), (~l) may be made from appropriate aluminum stock but in some applications, particularly in the cereal industry, the whole plug will have to be made from stainless steel in order to meet health standards.
~0
TE~T PLUG FUR PIPES
This invention relates to a test plug for pipes~
~A~K(3R~UN~ '1'0 THE INVEN'l'I~N
ln the fabriçatiQn of fluid flow systems, whether they be for the purFQses of conveying li~uid suGh as petro-chemic,Als, or gases suGh as natural gas, or even fluidized cereals as is common in the sereal proc-essing industry, the use of sonduits or pipes is Gommon and replete. From a fabrica~ion point of view, pipes can only he manufas~ured to a finite length and therefore, various lengths or elhows must he sQnnected together in order ~o struc.ture the c.ond11it~
fl1id co1lveyance means. 'l~his is acsomplished by welding _~ h-ltt endE of FiFeS ~ogether or to elbow~ e,tc., or alternatively, to weld to the end of a pipe to a butt flange and to juxtapose two h-utt flanges together by means c.ommQnly known, for examFle, use of ,h-olts through eash juxtaposed annular portions of eash h-utt flange t It is inr.reasingly desired to have these welds tested for the purposes of ~.le~ermining whether there is any leakage ~articularly, in the petro-chemical industry, it is now h-eing mandated that the amount of fluid evaporating or essaping from any weld or flange/flange interfac.e be ~5 reduced to allowahle limitE which, up to now, have h-ef~-n ahQut ~ litres per annum to less than a % of a litre per annum per flange~flange or weld interface. When one considers that in petro-chemisal plants there are thousands of such welds or hu~t flanges, ~he task of testing each of ~(~ them hec.ome~ onerou~ and costly with prior art plus~
l'HE INVENTI~N
We have conc.eived a simplified teEt plug which is capa~le, in modific.ation, to te~t pipeE with an internal diameter of approximately ~ inch (l.r~5cm) to as great as what is de.sired, say even ~ to lO feet (-~O~c.m), internal diameter.
It is an ohject of the invention to provide a simplified test plug which can ~e hand carried by one or two , ~14~ (Yi~
5~q~
workers, assemhled within the diameter of 2 pipe to be teste~, temporarily sealed therein so as to allow a testing Et-ep to take place which tests the integrity between an annular pipe segment and the test plug, the annular pipe Eegment generally inc.luding a welding interface or a flange interface, in order to determine if the same leaks at all, and if it does, to what extent.
The invention therefore contemplates a test plug assem~ly for testing the internal integrity of a segment of 1-1 pipe having an int-ernal diameter, the assembly comprising (a) an annul3r body with opposite annular faces and defining on its outer perimeter, a recess, (b) a pair of hosses (c) a pair of resilient annular members adapted to be respectively juxtaposed between a hoss and an annular fases, (d) means _5 for urging thç bosses respeçtiYely against the resilient annular members EQ as to cause the same to frictionally engage and to seal against the internal diameter of the pipe segment, and, ~e) means communicating throlAgh the assembly to that plenum now defined by said recess and the internal ~o diameter of the pipe wherehy the integrity of the pipe segment may be determined. Particularly, the urging means (d) is a shaf~ which extends between said bosses, one of the bosses being integral to the shaft, the opposite ends of the shaft being thre~ded so as to provide means for urging the ~5 re~ilient annular memhers agains~ ~he oppQsi~e ends of the ann~ r f~ce~ in order to seal the same against the internal diameter of the plug. In one embodiment, the communic.ating means (e) communicates through the shaft from its threaded end and provides communication means to recess in the 3~! annular hody, which preferably is an annulus.
In other embodiments, there may be a pair Gommunicating means to the annular rece~s sf the annulus and the urging means, a plurality of axially oriented circumferentially disposed ~olts, in which case each bos6 may be an annulus.
In order to further reduce weight, the annulus may be aluminum wherein the outer annular recess is milled from cylindrical aluminum stock; and the boEses, fabricated either from steel or aluminum solid rod or square stock and 21~79~
.
appropriately milled.
In all emhodiments, the hydrostat~ic li~uid, water, is a tçsting media which is inserted into the plug after its sealing engagementc within the inner diameter of a pipe spaçe whereby the testing plenum is defined by the plug and the internal pipe spac.e diameter. Into this plenum, the testing media is flowe-l through the plug, then, prefisurized ~o test the inte~rity of that portion of the pipe that is juxtaposed with a hydrostatically filled plenum.
O
L)E~RIPTION OF THE DRAWING~
The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 is an assembly perspeçtive view of a test plug, ac.c.ording to the invention, particularly s~ited fsr pipe diameters up to 3.5" (~.~cm), approximately;
Figure ~ is a sectional view in preliminary application of the plug of Figure 1 into a butt flange pipe wel~ interface, the integrity of which is to be tested.
~() Figure 2A i6 the same as Figure ~ showing the fitting of the plug-in sealed position.
Figure 2~ is an orthogonal cross-seçtion to that of Figure ~ and ~2A further showing testing;
Figure ~ is a cross section along lines III-III of 2 5 Figure ~:
Fi~ure 4 i5 a partially axially cross-sectional view of an alterna~ive embodiment of pipe plug with venting, particul~rly suitable for larger diameter pipes of up to ~ollt ~" (12~c.~
Figure 5 is a partial seçtion illustrative of the te~ting se~ue-nce for testing the integrity of the pipe flange welded interface;
Figure ~ is an end plan view of yet a third embodiment of test plug, allQwing a central cavity through ~5 the plug and particularly adap~ed to test pipes of internal diameters of ~" or more;
Figure 7 is a section along line VII-VII of Figure ~, hut in partial sestion.
21~5792 -~ eferring to Figures 1 and 2, one embodiment of test plug is generally shown as ~10) and is suitahle fo7- testing the integrity, at the welding discontinuity (~o) of a f lange ~3l) pipe (32) interf~.çet The flange (31) is a standard butt flangef as will be apparent hereafter, while the pipe or çonduit (32) is generally of a diameter up to approximately 1~". 'l~he welding discontinuity, yenerally shown as (~), is a weld which holds the flanged (~1) to the end of the pipe (~2) SQ that a correspQnding flange pipe may he bolted to the butt annular sùrfaçe (3~) of the flange (-~1) It is the interfaçe (30) whose integrity is tQ be determined: whether or not there are unseen fissures or apertures whic,h may allow leakage of fluid passing through the conduit (~2) when in application as in the petro-1~ ç,hemiçal environment or otherwise.l'he plug (10) includes a cylindrical shaft (11) that at one end has a threaded shank (12) and at the other encl, an in~egral boss, plug or disk (13) so as to form an integral shaft çomponent (14): the disk (13) has an inner bevelled or trunçated cone-like surfaçe (13'), as shown. The shaft (11) has an internal bore ~1~) with a flaring outer end (1~) that acts as an attaçhment means to communicate the bore t9 a water pressure sourç,e that, during testing, acts as a pressure media as will be explained. The bore (15) extends 2~ approximately mid-way into and along the longitudinal axis of the shaft (11), as more clearly seen in phantQm in Figure 2 and in the çross seçtion Figure ~B, and çommuniç.ates with a diametriçally oriented channels (17), that commlmicate to the outside cliameter of ~he shaft (11) - see Figure 2B.
~n 'l'he shaft (11) is adapted to pass through an annular pieçe, sometimes referred to as the annulus, generally referenced as (2r) having an internal bore (21) si~ed larger than the external diameter of the shaft (11) and having at least a radiAl, shown in the figures as two radially oppositely disposed channels (~2) that çommunicate bçtween a stepped annular reçess exteriorly çirçumscribing the çentre portion of the annulus (20) and with the inner bore (21).
The opposite ends of the annulus (20) are integral radially 2Iq5792 protruding disks (24) and (25), with their respective outer surfaces (24') and (~5') being bevelled as outwardly protruding truncated annular conics.
In order to complete the other rigid components of the plug 110), there is an annulus (2~) whose inner bore is larger than the outer diameter of the threaded shaft (12) so as to acGommodate its passing therethrough with space, the annulus having an interface (2Ç') as a reversibly bevelled annular conical surface, and its outerface preferably orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the bore and having a stepped hore of slightly larger diameter at the interface between this space and the inner bore of the annulus so define a channelled race (2Çr) which accommodates a smaller elastomeric ring ~3), as will be explained. The obverse surface (2Ç') is a reversibly bevelled annular conical surface, all of which are clearly seen in Figures 2, 2A and 2B.
A second boss in the form of an annular collar (27) has its inner bore sized to accommodate the threaded shaft, and finally a threaded nut (28) which is adapted to thread onto the shaft and to compress all the components referenced in the (~0) into one integral unit. In order to provide annular sealing between juxtaposed bevelled surfaces (13') and (24'), there is an elastomeric annular ring (~
similarly, there is an elastomeric annular ring (R2) juxtaposed between truncated conical annular surfaces (25') and (2Ç'), the elastomeric annular seal (~3) which nests into the annular race (2Ç~). Thç inner diameter of the annular race is sized to frictionally engage the outer ~0 diameter of the shaft (11) so as to a sealing fit as will be explained.
In order to insert the assem~led plug (10) into the pipe interface so as to test the integrity of the internal diameter of the interface (~0), and now referencing Fiqure -35 ~, the assembled plug in its relaxed mode is placed into the pipe flange with the interface (30) occupying or communicating with the area defined by the annular recess (2~). The nut (28) is turned down, as shown by the arrow in 2l~792 ~'igure ~A, and the respective annular bevels (13') and (~4') forced into closer proximity, and similarly, with juxtaposed bevels (~') and (~'), respectively forcing the respective annular rings (Rl) and (~2) outward in the direction of their respective arrows (~a). At the same time, fluîd in the direction of the arrow (F), floods the bore (15), the oppositely disposed radial channels (17) communicating water flow into the foreshaft regions referenced (4Q) in Figure 2B, out the radial channel (~) of the annulus (~0) so as to flood the ann-llar space (S) defined by the plug (10) in the internAl diameter of the pipe flange interface. Some of the fluid would escape, flowing in the direction of arrows (~0) during initial purging of any air within the space or plenum (~) while the nut (~) is turned down in the direction of the arrow (50) eventually sealing with the space (S). The annular ring (~3 ) isolates the annular space (S) between the internal bore (21) and the outside shaft diameter (11) so as to create a watertight environment.
Additional water pressure is applied so as to increase ~0 the pressure of water within space (~). The pressure of water within space (S) can be measured by a hydrostatlc device, not shown, while observing the outside of the weld interface (3(~) to see whether any leakage occurs.
In the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, which is particularly suitable for internal pipe diameters up to approximately 1~5cm because test plugs with larger diameter than about ~cm, Figures 1 through ~, become too heavy for workmen to carry thus, the same consists of a shaft (41) having an external end boss or disk (42) at one end and a 3(~ threaded portion (43) at the opposite end, the shaft and disk defining a central hore (44). The disk (4~) is welded at (45) to an annular end di6k plate (4~) whose inner margin (4~') is a bevelled annulus to accommodate "~" ring (R.).
rl`here is an opposite annular end disk (47) with a similar 3~ inner annular bevel (47') to accommodate annular ring (~2) but the disk (47) also has an aperture therethrough (4~) which allows passage of a hydrostatic flooding and testing circuit, generally shown as (50) to extend therethrough.
The plug (4~) includes an ann~llar piece (~0) defining an inner bore (~1) whiçh accom~odates the shaft (41) and an outside circumferential race (~1, the bottom of which communicates with a hydrostatic filling Ghannel (6~) communicating to the testing circuit (5~) in the fashion shown. As such, the circuit (5~) has a threaded hose (51) whose distal end threads into and sealingly mates with a corresponding thread (T) defined by the outer extremity of the bore (~3) to make a fluid channel passing through the l(J disk (47) and com~unicating with the race (6~). The bore 144) acts as a venting channel to allow venting of the internal pipe (32) when the plug (4q) is being inserted into the flanqed pipe bounded by the peripheral weld (~0) which is put in place to sealingly attach one to the other - see Figure 5. It may also ~e an advantage to conduct a second testing circuit which is referenced (~5) to test everything that is to the right of the plug (4~), as shown in that figure. Thus, the same bore (44) acts as the venting of the space to the right of the plug (4(~) as during insertion and removal into the pipe (~) or alternatively, to accommodate a second circuit for testing the pipe from plug (4[~) onwards to the left thereof, if this be re~uired, hy utilizing testing circuit (~5).
If the space (S) which is bounded by the pl~lg (40) and ~5 the internal pipe (-~) flange (31) and circumferential weld (~) is to be tested, then preferably threaded hose (51) is positioned so as to be vertical over the bore (44) and the testing circuit (5~)) consist of a hydrostatic pressure gauge (P) communicating thereto and, to a venting valve (V), with 3u turn-off and turn-on switches, and a hydraulic fluid control Yalve (H) with its corresponding turn-on and turn-off (Hl).
Water is periodically allowed to flow through valve (H) into space (S) by opening (Hl) and closing (Vl) and Yenting of the air within the space (~) is achieved by reversing valve -35 positions (Hl) and (Vl) so air vents out of valve (V) in accordance with the arrow thereabove. This cycling occurs until the space (~) is filled with water and then pressurin~
of the water takes place so that the pressure gauge ~P) pressure gauge (P) registers the hydrostatic pressure on the cirGumferential weld seam (30) to test the integrity of the same.
~ eferring Figures ~ and 7 and to the third embodiment of the invention, the same consists of an annular plug (80) consisting of mirror end annular bosses or plates (81) and an annulus (8~) with an outer circumferential race (83).
'rhe juxtaposed faces of the annular plates (81) and the annulus (~1 are respectively bevelled at (81') and (8~'), as shown, so as to accommodate the seating of "v" rings (~) and (R2) therebetween. Each of the annular disks (81) have a plurality of apertures (83) therethrough circumferentially disposed so as to permit the passage therethrou~h of a nut-~olt arrangement, generally shown as (85) consisting of a bolt head (85) which is welded at (87) to the exterior face of each annular disk (81), the opposite end of the bolts (85) having a threaded shaft portion (86) accommodating a nut (87) which can be turned down onto an underlying washer (~8). The annullls (8~) may have appropriate diameters, as ~-J may the disks (81) to accommodate internal pipe diameters over 8", as may be re~uired.
The annulus (82) defines a filling and pressure channel ( 90 ) which communicates through the annulus ~8~) to the outside annular race (83), and diametrically opposite thereto a venting channel (sl~). The plug (8~) can ~e inserted into lar~e diameter pipes exceedin~ 8", the bolts (87) tied down so as to force "O~ rings (Rl) and (R2) against the inner ~urfaces of the pipe flange interface.
Liquid media i6 channelled into the space (~) defined ~y the race (8~) and the inner wall of the pipe flange interface while venting of any air exits the diametrically disposed venting channel (~"). Testing of the interface in a similar fashion occurs.
~ecause of the great weight of the annular plug (8~), particularly made of steel, or steel alloys such as stainless steel, each annular plate (81) has four adjustin~
heads (~5) diametrically paired and consisting of a protruding butt (~6) having a threaded bore (97) 2~792 , accommodating a threaded bolt (g~) whiGh extends therethrough and whose distal end is adapted to turn against the internal diameter of the pipe (~), co-axial with the pipe. Each of the diametrically opposed pairs (~5) are adjusted to position the flange (~) centrally in the pipe ~ thereafter, the nuts (87) are turned down applying the pressure on the "~" rings (Rl) and (R~) and sealing them against the inner walls of the pipe flange interface so that the annular space (S) is sealed. Hydrostatic filling of the space (S) occurs as above noted, and pressure venting in the fashion, as earlier described, can take place. It is convenient to make the annulus (20), (60), (~) from aluminum in order to reduce its weight, and in certain applications even the bosses (l~ ), (4~), (47), (~l) may be made from appropriate aluminum stock but in some applications, particularly in the cereal industry, the whole plug will have to be made from stainless steel in order to meet health standards.
~0
Claims (11)
1. A test plug assembly for testing the internal integrity of a segment of pipe having an internal diameter, the assembly comprising:
(a) an annular body with opposite annular faces and defining on its outer perimeter, a recess;
(b) a pair of bosses:
(c) a pair of resilient annular members adapted to be respectively juxtaposed between a boss and an annular faces;
(d) means for urging the bosses respectively against the resilient annular members so as to cause the same to frictionally engage and to seal against the internal diameter of the pipe segment: and, (e) means communicating through the assembly to that plenum now defined by said recess and the internal diameter of the pipe whereby the integrity of the pipe segment may be determined.
(a) an annular body with opposite annular faces and defining on its outer perimeter, a recess;
(b) a pair of bosses:
(c) a pair of resilient annular members adapted to be respectively juxtaposed between a boss and an annular faces;
(d) means for urging the bosses respectively against the resilient annular members so as to cause the same to frictionally engage and to seal against the internal diameter of the pipe segment: and, (e) means communicating through the assembly to that plenum now defined by said recess and the internal diameter of the pipe whereby the integrity of the pipe segment may be determined.
2. The test plug assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the urging means (e) is a shaft which extends between said bosses.
3. The test plug assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein one boss is integral to said shaft:
4. The test plug assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the end opposite to the integral boss defines an aperture which extends as a bore into the said shaft and communicates to a channel which extends to communicate with the outside diameter of the shaft.
5. The test plug assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the end opposite the integral boss is threaded.
6. The test plug assembly as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein at least one boss is annular.
7. The test plug assembly as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein at least one boss is annular.
8. The test plug assembly as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein both bosses are annular.
9. The test plug assembly as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein both bosses are annular.
10. The test plug assembly as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the means communicating through the assembly includes two channels, one for venting of air, the other for filling of a hydrostatic testing media.
11. The test plug assembly as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the means communicating through the assembly includes two channels, one for venting of air, the other for filling of a hydrostatic testing media.
Priority Applications (10)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2145792 CA2145792A1 (en) | 1995-03-29 | 1995-03-29 | Test plug for pipes |
| AU44287/96A AU718949B2 (en) | 1995-01-23 | 1996-01-19 | Test plug for pipes |
| PCT/CA1996/000032 WO1996023204A1 (en) | 1995-01-23 | 1996-01-19 | Test plug for pipes |
| CA002196523A CA2196523C (en) | 1995-01-23 | 1996-01-19 | Test plug for pipes |
| DK96900487T DK0753135T3 (en) | 1995-01-23 | 1996-01-19 | Test plug for pipes |
| AT96900487T ATE230107T1 (en) | 1995-01-23 | 1996-01-19 | TEST PLUG FOR PIPES |
| DE69625410T DE69625410T2 (en) | 1995-01-23 | 1996-01-19 | TEST PLUG FOR PIPES |
| ES96900487T ES2188740T3 (en) | 1995-01-23 | 1996-01-19 | PLUG FOR CHECKING TUBES. |
| EP96900487A EP0753135B1 (en) | 1995-01-23 | 1996-01-19 | Test plug for pipes |
| US08/759,311 US5844127A (en) | 1995-01-23 | 1996-12-02 | Apparatus for isolating or testing a pipe segment |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2145792 CA2145792A1 (en) | 1995-03-29 | 1995-03-29 | Test plug for pipes |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2145792A1 true CA2145792A1 (en) | 1996-09-30 |
Family
ID=4155520
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2145792 Abandoned CA2145792A1 (en) | 1995-01-23 | 1995-03-29 | Test plug for pipes |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2145792A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6367313B1 (en) | 2000-12-05 | 2002-04-09 | William M. Lubyk | Test plug |
| US6467336B1 (en) | 2000-06-27 | 2002-10-22 | Horst Gotowik | Apparatus for testing or isolating a segment of pipe |
| WO2003056291A1 (en) * | 2001-12-22 | 2003-07-10 | Labcaire Systems Ltd | Detector system |
-
1995
- 1995-03-29 CA CA 2145792 patent/CA2145792A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6467336B1 (en) | 2000-06-27 | 2002-10-22 | Horst Gotowik | Apparatus for testing or isolating a segment of pipe |
| US6601437B2 (en) | 2000-06-27 | 2003-08-05 | United Testing Corp. | Apparatus for testing or isolating a segment of pipe |
| US6367313B1 (en) | 2000-12-05 | 2002-04-09 | William M. Lubyk | Test plug |
| WO2003056291A1 (en) * | 2001-12-22 | 2003-07-10 | Labcaire Systems Ltd | Detector system |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20001023 |