CA2358977C - Weld testing assembly - Google Patents
Weld testing assembly Download PDFInfo
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- CA2358977C CA2358977C CA 2358977 CA2358977A CA2358977C CA 2358977 C CA2358977 C CA 2358977C CA 2358977 CA2358977 CA 2358977 CA 2358977 A CA2358977 A CA 2358977A CA 2358977 C CA2358977 C CA 2358977C
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- Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
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Abstract
The invention provides an assembly for hydrostatic testing of welds between components, such as but not limited to welds which connect components such as nozzles (2) or patches (40) to a pressure vessel (1). A sealing body (8) is secured against one of the components to define a sealed space (25) adjacent to the weld (5) to be tested. The body is secured by at least one tie rod (9), positioned to pull the body against the component by tightening of a nut (12). Pressure testing can then be carried out by introducing pressurized fluid into the sealed space and applying appropriate monitoring techniques to check for leakage.
Description
2
3 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
4 [0001] This invention relates to the testing of welds, and particularly but not necessariiy, the hydrostatic testing of welds for nozzies, studs, flanges, patches, etc. on or connected to pressure 6 tanks or vessels.
7 [0002] The testing of weld integrity on nozzles or other components welded to pressure vessels 8 traditionally involves the whole vessel having to be filled with a pressurizing fluid medium. This 9 usually means that a large volume of fluid is required, and, if the fluid is not used in the actual operation of the system of which the vessel is a part, purging of the equipment has to be performed 11 both before and after weld testing.
13 [0003] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a weld testing assembly for 14 hydrostatic pressure testing of welds between two components, the weld testing assembly comprising: a body securable against at least one surface of at least one of the components so as to 16 define a sealed space adjacent to the weld to be tested; and, at least one port for receiving a 17 pressurized test fluid into the sealed space; the body being provided with one or more threaded tie 18 rods and one or more nuts adapted to be threaded on the tie rods; wherein the weld is provided 19 between a vessel and a patch thereon, and wherein the at least one tie rod is secured to the patch and tightening of the nut forces the body against the patch, the body extending beyond the patch 21 such that the sealed space includes the weld.
22 [0004] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for testing a weld between a 23 first component and a patch on the first component, comprising the steps of: providing a sealing 24 assembly comprising a body adapted to be forced into engagement with at least one surface of the first component, the body extending beyond the patch; providing at least one threaded tie rod 26 secured to the patch; securing the sealing assembly against the at least one surface so as to define 27 a sealed space adjacent to, and including, the weld to be tested, the sealing assembly being 28 secured against the at least on surface by tightening a nut on each of the at least one threaded tie 29 rod such that tightening of the nut pulls the body towards the patch;
injecting a pressurized test fluid into the sealed space; and monitoring the seaied space fcx indkia of a leak of the test fluid from the 31 sealed space.
32 10005] In a further embodiment, the invention provides a weld testing assembly for hydrostatic 33 pressure testing of welds between two components, the weld testing assembly c.omprising: a body 34 securable against at least one surface of at least one of the components so as to define a sealed 21707993.1 1 .. ...................... ....... . .. ........... . .............. .. ..
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1 space adjacent to the weld to be tested; and, at least one port for receiving a pressurized test fluid 2 into the sealed space; the body being provided with one or more threaded tie rods and one or more 3 nuts adapted to be threaded on the tie rods; wherein the body is comprised of two or more sections, 4 each of the sections including a means for joining the sections together to form the body.
[0006] Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the 6 following description.
7 BRiEi; OESCR#PTiON OF THE DRAWINGS
8 [0007] In order that the invention may be more ciearly understood, the preferred embodiment 9 thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
11 [0008] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectionai view of one embodiment of a weld testing assembly for a 12 nozzle extending from a pressure vessel;
13 [0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an alter+native weld testing assembly for a nozzle;
14 [0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another altemative weld testing assembly for a nozzle;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a more complex weld tes4ng assembly for a nozzle, 16 useful for large welds;
17 [0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-secbonat view of a weld testing assembly for a spigot extending from a 18 pressure vessel;
19 [0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a weld testing assembly for a patch in the wall of a pressure vessel;
21 [0014] FIG. 7 Is a cross-sectional view of an aitemative embodiment of a weld testing assembly 22 for a patch; and 23 [0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another altemative embodiment of a weld testing 24 assembly for a patch.
[0016] FIGS. 9 to 15 show cross-sectional views of alternate embodiments of the invention.
26 [0017] FIG. 16 is a partial cross sectional view of another embodiment of the invenfion.
27 [0018] FIG. 17 is an end view of the embodiment of FIG.16.
28 10019] FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 when used with the 29 assembly of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 for use on a patch in the 31 wall of the vessel.
21707993.1 2 .............. . ....... .... _.........
2 [00211 FIG. 1 shows a weld testing assembly configured to test a weld 5 which holds a nozzle 2 3 in a hole in the wall of a pressure vessel 1. A flange 3 is mounted on the nozzle 2 via a flange weld 4 4. The weld testing assembly is secured against the inner wall of the vessel, to define a sealed area 25. The assembly has an external blind 6, which matches the form and shape of the flange 3. The 6 blind can be mounted on the flange using any appropriate fastening means, such as nuts and bolts, 7 through corresponding holes in the flange and the blind. There is at least one hole 20 in the blind 6, 8 and normally several such holes, each such holes accommodating a threaded tie rod 9. The tie rod 9 9 connects the blind 6 to a body 8, which is situated inside the pressure vessel 1 and which has walls 16 which seal against the wall of the pressure vessel, outside the nozzle weld 5. The seal is 11 achieved by any suitable means, such as by using a rubber 0-ring 14, held in place by a groove 23 12 at the end of the walls 16. A lead seal could be used as one altemative.
Each tie rod 9 passes 13 through a hole 21 in the body and is threaded into a nut 10. Each nut 10 is sealed to the body by a 14 seal wetd 19.
[0022] The tie rods 9 pull the body 8 towards the blind 6, via tightening of the nuts 12, to create 16 the sealed area 25. Preferably, a packing box 11 is used to provide an effective seal where the tie 17 rods extend through the blind, the packing box being mounted on the tie rod 9 on the outside of the 18 blind 6. In the preferred embodiments, an 0-ring 27, preferably accommodated in suitable grooves 19 in the packing box and the blind, provides a seal between the packing box assembly and the blind.
When the nut 12 is tightened, it creates a seal to define the sealed area 25, but it also produces a 21 longitudinaily-oriented mechanical stress in the nozzle weld 5.
Accordingly, the weld's ability to 22 withstand the mechanical stress in addition to the hydrostatic pressure created by the pressurizing 23 fluid during the test provides the operator with additional confidence in the integrity of the weld, 24 because it will have to withstand more stress than it will experience during norma[ operational use.
[0023] Clearly, altemative tightening and sealing arrangements could be used, and the use of 26 such aftematives is within the scope of this invention.
27 [0024] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the body 8 is generally cup-shaped, having a disc 17 28 to which the wall 16 is via a body weld 18. The disc has one hole 21 for each tie rod 9.
29 [0025J The weld testing assembly also has vent and filler pipes 7 and 15 respecfive[y, each communicating with the sealed area 25, for passage of pressure testing fluid into and from the 31 sealed area. The pressurizing fluid is normally water or conventional antifreeze if the test is carried 32 out in cold temperatures. However, it should be understood that any number of different fluids, such 33 as atmospheric air, nitrogen, or an inert gas, may also be used. Ports to accommodate a vent and 34 filler pipe can be situated in the blind 6 (vent and filler port 7) or in the body 8 (vent and filler port 15) or in both (as illustrated in FiG.1). The vent and filler pipe are connected to a pressurized fluid 21707993.1 3 .. ... . ........... .. ..._....._ ......... ............................. ..
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1 media container and a purge fluid container via one or more valves 13, shown schematically in FIG.
2 1. If desired, a single port can be used for both filling and venting, although purging of the test fluid 3 may then be less effective.
4 [0026] With the invention, pressurizing the sealed area 25 with fluid can thus readily be achieved, in order to test the strength and integrity of the weld using conventional monitoring means, 6 e.g. visual leak inspection, measurement of pressure drop, measurement of flow, etc. Of course, for 7 a secure weld, there should be no pressure drop or fluid flow once the sea[ed area is pressurized.
8 [0027] FIG. 2 shows an altemative embodiment for the weld testing assembly, where the body 8 9 is a one-piece hemispherical shape. A groove 23 is defined within the edge of the body to accommodate a seal 14, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1.
11 [0028] FIG. 3 shows another alternative embodiment of the weld testing assembly, where the 12 body 8 is one piece which conforms to the shape of the inside of the vessel 1, in the area adjacent 13 the weld. There is a groove 23 in the body, to hold the seal 14.
14 [0029] FIG. 4 shows another alternative embodiment of the weld testing assembly configured to test a weld attaching a nozzle to a pressure vessel. This embodiment is particularly advantageous 16 for a pressure test where the circumference of the weld to be tested is so large that three or more tie 17 rods 9 are required to maintain the seal. This configuration provides a cost and time savings by 18 eliminating the requirement of sealing every tie rod using a packing box.
Instead, the threaded tie 19 rods are tightening against the external blind 6 by conventional nuts to create a seal between the pressure vessel and the body 8 and between the circumferential edges of the flange 3 and the 21 external blind. A conventional welineck flange 30 is secured to the top of the external blind by a 22 weld 31. A second extemal blind 32 is sealably connected to the welineck flange using conventional 23 studs (not shown) to seal the top of the test assembly. Three threaded openings are drilled in the 24 second extemal blind to provide a vent port 33, a filler port 34, and a gauge port 35. During the pressure test, fluid is introduced through the filler port 34, and a gauge port 35. During the pressure 26 test, fluid is introduced through the filler port and passes through holes 36 drilled in the external blind 27 6.
28 [0030] FIG. 5 shows an altemative embodiment of the weld testing assembly configured to test 29 a weld 5 securing a spigot 52 to the wall of a pressure vessel. A groove 51 is machined in a cylindrica{ plate 50, such that the spigot fits tightly into the groove. To create a seal between the 31 plate and the spigot, an 0-ring 53 is inserted into the groove and then the plate is fitted onto the 32 spigot. The assembly is then tightened using the rod, packing box, and nuts, as previously 33 described.
34 [0031] FIG. 6 shows an altemative embodiment of the weld testing assembly configured to test a weld 41 securing a patch 40 to the wall of a pressure vessel. A tie rod seals the body against the 21707993.1 4 . ..................... .... ................. .... .... .... . ... . . .
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1 inside of the pressure vessel. The body has a sealing circumference around the patch and the seal 2 between the body and the pressure vessel is accomplished by an O-ring 14 which fits into a groove 3 23 in the body, as described above. To provide a second seal between the body and the opening to 4 accommodate the tie rod, preferably a packing box 11 and a second 0-ring 27 are provided. The tie rod is screwed into the first nut 10, which is welded onto the patch by an ordinary fillet weld 45. The 6 assembly is sealed by tightening the second nut 12, as described previously.
7 [0032] In certain situations, it may be advantageous to pre-weld the first nut 10 to the patch in 8 anticipation of conducting the hydrostatic test using the invention.
9 [0033] FIG. 7 shows an altemative embodiment of the weld testing assembly configured to test a weld securing a patch to the wall of a pressure vessel. This embodiment is required when the 11 patch is so large that the circumference of the weld to be tested requires more than one tie rod to 12 maintain the seat during the pressure test.
13 [0034] FIG. 8 shows an altemative embodiment of the weld testing assembly configured to test 14 a weld securing a patch to the wall of a pressure vessel, where the assembly is sealed against the outside of the vessel.
16 10035] It will be understood that the materials for the components of the weld test assembly 17 have to be chosen according to the specific demands of the particular pressure vessel environment 18 to be tested. In most cases, a carbon steel body will suffice. In other cases, a stainless steel body 19 will have to be employed.
[0036] It should be appreciated that although the invention is particularly adapted to use In 21 testing welds in pressure vessels, as described above, the invention can be readily adapted to 22 testing any other welds, whether in pressure vesse[s or elsewhere.
23 [0037] The invention provides an effective and efficient means for testing the integrity of welds, 24 particularly but not necessarily only in pressure vessels.
[0038] Returning to F{G.1, as mentfoned previously, the external blind 6 is preferably mounted 26 to the flange 3 by means of bolts, which extend through the holes 72 and 74 in the blind 6 and flange 27 3, respectively. This arrangement ensures that the blind 6 is properiy positioned over the flange 3 so 28 that the required seal is established. Further, in such arrangement, the tie rods 9 only serve to draw 29 the body 8 towards the blind 6 to create the required seal for conducting the test.
[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention similar to that of FIG. 4 with 31 different but similar elements being designated with the letter "a" for convenience. As shown, the 32 weld testing assembly includes a body 8, which may be of a single piece or a combination of pieces 33 as described above. The body 8 is placed inside of a pressure vessel 1 and includes an 0-ring 14 to 34 effect sealing of the body 8 against it. Tie rods 9 extend from the body 8 to the extemal blind 6a Is mounted to the flange 3 by means of bolts 76, which secure the blind 6a to the flange 3. As 21707993.1 5 1 mentioned above, such arrangement ensures that the blind 6a is properly placed and secured 2 against the flange 3. As before, the blind 6a and the flange 3 are provided with openings 36 to 3 enable the pressurized fluid for the test to enter the sealed area 25. A
weilneck flange 30a is 4 attached to the blind 6a by welding. A second extemal blind 32a is then bolted on the wetlneck flange 30a. Both the wellneck flange 30a and the second blind 32a are provided with openings 6 through which extends ports 78 and 80 forfrlling and venting the sealed area 25 and, if required, for 7 providing a pressure gauge.
8 [0040] In FIG. 10, a further embodiment of the invention is provided wherein the testing 9 assembly is adapted for use in nozzles incorporating a bend. Elements in this figure that are similar to those in the previous drawings are designated with the letter "b" for convenience. In this case, the 11 nozzle 2b includes a bend 82 between the vessel 1 and the flange 3b. The testing assembly 12 includes a body 8b within the vessel and an extemai blind 6b connected by at least one tie rod 9b.
13 As before, the body 8b includes a sealing element such as an O-ring 23b for creating a seal between 14 the body 8b and the vessel 1. The externai biind 6b is secured to the flange 3b by means of bolts 84 or other such securing means. The body is provided with a port 86 and the blind 6b is provided with 16 ports 88 and 90 for filling and venting the sealed area 25b. In the case of the external blind, one of 17 the ports can also be used for adding a pressure gauge. The tie rods 9b, in this embodiment, are 18 flexible material in order to navigate through the bend 82 and preferably comprise chains. However, 19 the tie rods 9b stiii perform the same function as before, namely, they are used to tighten the body 8b against the inner wall of the vessel 1 by pulling it towards the externai blind 6b. In order to 21 ensure that the force on the body 8b is applied generaliy perpendiculariy, a guide 92 is placed within 22 the bend to the guide the tie rods 9b in the required directions. The guide 92 thus ensures that the 23 body 8b bears against the vessel wall equally on all sides so that an adequate seal is established.
24 As before, the tie rods 9b are connected by means af nuts 10b and 12b and packing boxes 11 b.
The tie rods 9b, or chains, are also preferably provided with links or grommets 93 for attaching the 26 chains tagether.
27 [0041] FIG. 11 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention with similar elements designated 28 with the letter "c for convenience. In this embodiment, the nozzle 2c is offset and attached to a 29 vessel 1 at an angle. Accordingly, to create the required sealed area 25c, the body as shown In FIG.
2 is used and comprises a"universaP" body that can be used for different orientations of the nozzle.
31 In this case, the tie rod 9c is capable of being directed in the required direction. This is 32 accomplished by anchoring the tie rod 9c to the body 8c with a swivel joint. The swivel joint 33 preferably comprises a ball 94, such as that of a trailer hitch, to which the tie rod 9c is attached. The 34 means of attachment may be by screwing or welding the rod to the ball or any other means. An opening is provided in the body 8c through which the tie rod 9c is passed, but which is not wide 21707993.1 6 .............. .... ............................... .. ....... .. ......... ..
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1 enough for the ball 94 to rotate within. The ball 94 is also provided with a sealing means such as a 2 gasket type material (for example, TeflonTM) so that once the tie rod 9c is tightened, the ball 94 3 forms a leak-proof seal against the opening In the body Bc. In the preferred embodiment, the 4 assembly is provided with one or three tie rods 9c as this arrangement has been found to minimize the "walking", or movement, of the body Bc along the inner wall of the vessel 1.
6 [0042] FIG. 12 illustrates yet a further embodiment of the invention with similar elements 7 identified with the letter "d" for convenience. In this embodiment, the nozzle 2d includes a threaded 8 end 96 and does not have a flange. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the external blind Is replaced 9 with a sleeve 98 that is screwed onto the threaded portion 96. A tie rod 9d is attached to a body 8d similar to that shown in FIG. 2 and is secured to the sleeve 98 with a nut 100. The sleeve is 11 provided with ports 102 and 104 for filling and venting the sealed area 25d. Further, a port 106 may 12 be provided on the body 8d also for filling or venting the sealed area 25d.
13 [0043] FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of the invention with similar elements Identifted 14 with the letter "e" for convenience. In this instance, the nozzle 2e extends into the vessel 1 by a 16 certain distance to create a protruding portion 110. Accordingly, the body 8e must be designed so 16 that is has elongated side walls 16e that can extend beyond the protrusion 110 of the nozzle 2e in 17 order to contact the inner wall of the vessel 1. A spacer 108 is provided over the protrusion of the 18 nozzle so that the body 8e can be centered over it and also to prevent any movement of the body 19 8e. The spacer may be an annular structure that is fitted over the protruding portion 110 of the nozzle 2e.
21 [0044] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the invention, with similar elements identified with 22 "f', wherein the vessel is provided with a pipe 112 with a valve 114, such as a gate or metering 23 valve. Again, the body 8f is similar to that of FIG. 2 and is attached to a tie rod 9f, which is 24 connected, at its other end, to a plate 116 by means of a nut 118. The body 8f is provided with ports 120 and 122 for filling and ventfng the sealed area 25f.
26 [0045] FIG. 15 is a variant of the embodiment shown In FIG. 5, with similar elements identified 27 with "g", wherein the plate 50g Is provided with two ports 124 and 126 for filling or venting the sealed 28 area 25g.
29 [0046} in most vessels, the largest opening is generally in the range of 20" to 24" in diameter.
However, in order to test welds around such openings, the body of the test assembly must be 31 smaller than the largest opening in order to have such body enter into the vessel. Therefore, a 32 problem occurs when testing such large openings (i.e. openings greater than 20" in diameter) since 33 the body of the test assembly, required for conducting the test, cannot fit into the vessel. For 34 example, for testing vessel openings greater than 20" in diameter, the body of the test assembly is usually 30" in diameter. As such, the body will not be able to enter the vessel in order to conduct the 217a7993.1 7 1 required test. Normally, tests on such "large" openings are carried out by cutting the body into two 2 pieces and welding them together inside the vessel. After the test is complete, the body is once 3 again cut and removed from the vessel. As will be understood, this process involves much more 4 time than regular tests and the life span of the body is reduced. To overcome this problem, the present invention, according to another embodiment, comprises a test assembly generally as 6 described above but including a body consisting of two pieces, or halves, and being capable of being 7 joined together with connectors, such as nuts and bolts and the like.
8 [0047] The test assemblies Illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 18 may be used for the large vessel 9 openings mentioned above. In FIGS. 16-18, elements that are similar to those mentioned above with reference to other figures are identified with like reference numerals but with the letter "h" added 11 for ciarity. For the purpose of the present description, the term "large openings" is considered to 12 comprise openings having a diameter greater than 20". However, it will be understood by persons 13 skilled in the art that the term "large" is discretionary and may comprise any size opening for which a 14 test assembly body is too large to fit inside a vessel.
[0048] FIG.16 illustrates a partial view of a test assembly for use on openings for which a single 16 piece test body cannot be used. As mentioned above, such test assembly is provided with a disc 17 17h, which includes two separate pieces or sections 150 and 152. The sections 150 and 152 of the 18 disc 17h are provided with a plurality of flanges 154 and 156, respectivety, extending generally 19 perpendicularly from the plane of the disc 17h on both sides thereof, Sealing flanges 154 and 156 are provided on pieces 150 and 152 in such manner as to allow the flanges of each piece to oppose 21 each other. The flanges 154 and 156 are also provided with opposing apertures 158 and 160, 22 respectiveiy, through which is passed a bolt 162. Nuts 164 and 166 are provided on opposite ends 23 of bolt 162 whereby tightening of the nuts 164 and 166 forces opposing flanges 154 and 156 to 24 approach each other. In the result, the separate pieces 150 and 152 are brought together thereby to form the disc 17h. In order to achieve a sealing relationship between the pieces 150 and 152 each 26 piece is provided with a notch or groove 168 and 170, respectiveiy, on the adjacent ends thereof. A
27 sealing material such as an "O" ring or gasket, 172, is provided within the space formed by the 28 opposing notches or grooves, 168 and 170. The sealing flanges 154 and 156 may be either formed 29 with each piece 150, 152, or, as shawn, may be separate pieces that are attached to each piece 150, 152 by welds 174.
31 [0049] Although the above preferred embodiment describes the use of sealing flanges and 32 associated bolts to connect the pieces, 150 and 152, of the disc 17h, other means of connecting 33 such pieces wiii be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Further the flanges 154, 156 may be 34 attached to the pieces or sections 150 and 152 in a number of ways as known in the art.
21707993.1 8 1 [0050] FIG. 17 illustrates an end view of the assembly of FIG. 16. As can be seen, each piece 2 or section, 150 and 152, forming the disc 17h, is provided with a plurality of sealing flanges 154 and 3 156, respectively. It will be appreciated that the number of flanges required will be dependent on the 4 diameter of the disc 17h being formed. Further, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that the number of flanges 154, 156 may be reduced by providing one or more long flanges on each 6 piece 150, 152, each of such flanges being connected to an opposing flange by one or more bolts.
7 [0051] FIG. 18 illustrates the assembly of FIG. 1 wherein the opening to be tested has a 8 diameter greater than 24". In such case, the disc 17 is formed with the embodiment shown in FIG.
9 16. Therefore, the disc 17h is formed by the opposing pieces or halves 154 and 156.
[0052] FIG. 19 illustrates the two part test assembly for testing the welds of a patch on a vessel 11 wall.
12 [0053] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific 13 embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without 14 departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outiined in the claims appended hereto.
21707993.1 9
7 [0002] The testing of weld integrity on nozzles or other components welded to pressure vessels 8 traditionally involves the whole vessel having to be filled with a pressurizing fluid medium. This 9 usually means that a large volume of fluid is required, and, if the fluid is not used in the actual operation of the system of which the vessel is a part, purging of the equipment has to be performed 11 both before and after weld testing.
13 [0003] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a weld testing assembly for 14 hydrostatic pressure testing of welds between two components, the weld testing assembly comprising: a body securable against at least one surface of at least one of the components so as to 16 define a sealed space adjacent to the weld to be tested; and, at least one port for receiving a 17 pressurized test fluid into the sealed space; the body being provided with one or more threaded tie 18 rods and one or more nuts adapted to be threaded on the tie rods; wherein the weld is provided 19 between a vessel and a patch thereon, and wherein the at least one tie rod is secured to the patch and tightening of the nut forces the body against the patch, the body extending beyond the patch 21 such that the sealed space includes the weld.
22 [0004] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for testing a weld between a 23 first component and a patch on the first component, comprising the steps of: providing a sealing 24 assembly comprising a body adapted to be forced into engagement with at least one surface of the first component, the body extending beyond the patch; providing at least one threaded tie rod 26 secured to the patch; securing the sealing assembly against the at least one surface so as to define 27 a sealed space adjacent to, and including, the weld to be tested, the sealing assembly being 28 secured against the at least on surface by tightening a nut on each of the at least one threaded tie 29 rod such that tightening of the nut pulls the body towards the patch;
injecting a pressurized test fluid into the sealed space; and monitoring the seaied space fcx indkia of a leak of the test fluid from the 31 sealed space.
32 10005] In a further embodiment, the invention provides a weld testing assembly for hydrostatic 33 pressure testing of welds between two components, the weld testing assembly c.omprising: a body 34 securable against at least one surface of at least one of the components so as to define a sealed 21707993.1 1 .. ...................... ....... . .. ........... . .............. .. ..
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1 space adjacent to the weld to be tested; and, at least one port for receiving a pressurized test fluid 2 into the sealed space; the body being provided with one or more threaded tie rods and one or more 3 nuts adapted to be threaded on the tie rods; wherein the body is comprised of two or more sections, 4 each of the sections including a means for joining the sections together to form the body.
[0006] Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the 6 following description.
7 BRiEi; OESCR#PTiON OF THE DRAWINGS
8 [0007] In order that the invention may be more ciearly understood, the preferred embodiment 9 thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
11 [0008] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectionai view of one embodiment of a weld testing assembly for a 12 nozzle extending from a pressure vessel;
13 [0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an alter+native weld testing assembly for a nozzle;
14 [0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another altemative weld testing assembly for a nozzle;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a more complex weld tes4ng assembly for a nozzle, 16 useful for large welds;
17 [0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-secbonat view of a weld testing assembly for a spigot extending from a 18 pressure vessel;
19 [0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a weld testing assembly for a patch in the wall of a pressure vessel;
21 [0014] FIG. 7 Is a cross-sectional view of an aitemative embodiment of a weld testing assembly 22 for a patch; and 23 [0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another altemative embodiment of a weld testing 24 assembly for a patch.
[0016] FIGS. 9 to 15 show cross-sectional views of alternate embodiments of the invention.
26 [0017] FIG. 16 is a partial cross sectional view of another embodiment of the invenfion.
27 [0018] FIG. 17 is an end view of the embodiment of FIG.16.
28 10019] FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 when used with the 29 assembly of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 for use on a patch in the 31 wall of the vessel.
21707993.1 2 .............. . ....... .... _.........
2 [00211 FIG. 1 shows a weld testing assembly configured to test a weld 5 which holds a nozzle 2 3 in a hole in the wall of a pressure vessel 1. A flange 3 is mounted on the nozzle 2 via a flange weld 4 4. The weld testing assembly is secured against the inner wall of the vessel, to define a sealed area 25. The assembly has an external blind 6, which matches the form and shape of the flange 3. The 6 blind can be mounted on the flange using any appropriate fastening means, such as nuts and bolts, 7 through corresponding holes in the flange and the blind. There is at least one hole 20 in the blind 6, 8 and normally several such holes, each such holes accommodating a threaded tie rod 9. The tie rod 9 9 connects the blind 6 to a body 8, which is situated inside the pressure vessel 1 and which has walls 16 which seal against the wall of the pressure vessel, outside the nozzle weld 5. The seal is 11 achieved by any suitable means, such as by using a rubber 0-ring 14, held in place by a groove 23 12 at the end of the walls 16. A lead seal could be used as one altemative.
Each tie rod 9 passes 13 through a hole 21 in the body and is threaded into a nut 10. Each nut 10 is sealed to the body by a 14 seal wetd 19.
[0022] The tie rods 9 pull the body 8 towards the blind 6, via tightening of the nuts 12, to create 16 the sealed area 25. Preferably, a packing box 11 is used to provide an effective seal where the tie 17 rods extend through the blind, the packing box being mounted on the tie rod 9 on the outside of the 18 blind 6. In the preferred embodiments, an 0-ring 27, preferably accommodated in suitable grooves 19 in the packing box and the blind, provides a seal between the packing box assembly and the blind.
When the nut 12 is tightened, it creates a seal to define the sealed area 25, but it also produces a 21 longitudinaily-oriented mechanical stress in the nozzle weld 5.
Accordingly, the weld's ability to 22 withstand the mechanical stress in addition to the hydrostatic pressure created by the pressurizing 23 fluid during the test provides the operator with additional confidence in the integrity of the weld, 24 because it will have to withstand more stress than it will experience during norma[ operational use.
[0023] Clearly, altemative tightening and sealing arrangements could be used, and the use of 26 such aftematives is within the scope of this invention.
27 [0024] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the body 8 is generally cup-shaped, having a disc 17 28 to which the wall 16 is via a body weld 18. The disc has one hole 21 for each tie rod 9.
29 [0025J The weld testing assembly also has vent and filler pipes 7 and 15 respecfive[y, each communicating with the sealed area 25, for passage of pressure testing fluid into and from the 31 sealed area. The pressurizing fluid is normally water or conventional antifreeze if the test is carried 32 out in cold temperatures. However, it should be understood that any number of different fluids, such 33 as atmospheric air, nitrogen, or an inert gas, may also be used. Ports to accommodate a vent and 34 filler pipe can be situated in the blind 6 (vent and filler port 7) or in the body 8 (vent and filler port 15) or in both (as illustrated in FiG.1). The vent and filler pipe are connected to a pressurized fluid 21707993.1 3 .. ... . ........... .. ..._....._ ......... ............................. ..
.. .. .... .......
1 media container and a purge fluid container via one or more valves 13, shown schematically in FIG.
2 1. If desired, a single port can be used for both filling and venting, although purging of the test fluid 3 may then be less effective.
4 [0026] With the invention, pressurizing the sealed area 25 with fluid can thus readily be achieved, in order to test the strength and integrity of the weld using conventional monitoring means, 6 e.g. visual leak inspection, measurement of pressure drop, measurement of flow, etc. Of course, for 7 a secure weld, there should be no pressure drop or fluid flow once the sea[ed area is pressurized.
8 [0027] FIG. 2 shows an altemative embodiment for the weld testing assembly, where the body 8 9 is a one-piece hemispherical shape. A groove 23 is defined within the edge of the body to accommodate a seal 14, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1.
11 [0028] FIG. 3 shows another alternative embodiment of the weld testing assembly, where the 12 body 8 is one piece which conforms to the shape of the inside of the vessel 1, in the area adjacent 13 the weld. There is a groove 23 in the body, to hold the seal 14.
14 [0029] FIG. 4 shows another alternative embodiment of the weld testing assembly configured to test a weld attaching a nozzle to a pressure vessel. This embodiment is particularly advantageous 16 for a pressure test where the circumference of the weld to be tested is so large that three or more tie 17 rods 9 are required to maintain the seal. This configuration provides a cost and time savings by 18 eliminating the requirement of sealing every tie rod using a packing box.
Instead, the threaded tie 19 rods are tightening against the external blind 6 by conventional nuts to create a seal between the pressure vessel and the body 8 and between the circumferential edges of the flange 3 and the 21 external blind. A conventional welineck flange 30 is secured to the top of the external blind by a 22 weld 31. A second extemal blind 32 is sealably connected to the welineck flange using conventional 23 studs (not shown) to seal the top of the test assembly. Three threaded openings are drilled in the 24 second extemal blind to provide a vent port 33, a filler port 34, and a gauge port 35. During the pressure test, fluid is introduced through the filler port 34, and a gauge port 35. During the pressure 26 test, fluid is introduced through the filler port and passes through holes 36 drilled in the external blind 27 6.
28 [0030] FIG. 5 shows an altemative embodiment of the weld testing assembly configured to test 29 a weld 5 securing a spigot 52 to the wall of a pressure vessel. A groove 51 is machined in a cylindrica{ plate 50, such that the spigot fits tightly into the groove. To create a seal between the 31 plate and the spigot, an 0-ring 53 is inserted into the groove and then the plate is fitted onto the 32 spigot. The assembly is then tightened using the rod, packing box, and nuts, as previously 33 described.
34 [0031] FIG. 6 shows an altemative embodiment of the weld testing assembly configured to test a weld 41 securing a patch 40 to the wall of a pressure vessel. A tie rod seals the body against the 21707993.1 4 . ..................... .... ................. .... .... .... . ... . . .
........................ . ..........
1 inside of the pressure vessel. The body has a sealing circumference around the patch and the seal 2 between the body and the pressure vessel is accomplished by an O-ring 14 which fits into a groove 3 23 in the body, as described above. To provide a second seal between the body and the opening to 4 accommodate the tie rod, preferably a packing box 11 and a second 0-ring 27 are provided. The tie rod is screwed into the first nut 10, which is welded onto the patch by an ordinary fillet weld 45. The 6 assembly is sealed by tightening the second nut 12, as described previously.
7 [0032] In certain situations, it may be advantageous to pre-weld the first nut 10 to the patch in 8 anticipation of conducting the hydrostatic test using the invention.
9 [0033] FIG. 7 shows an altemative embodiment of the weld testing assembly configured to test a weld securing a patch to the wall of a pressure vessel. This embodiment is required when the 11 patch is so large that the circumference of the weld to be tested requires more than one tie rod to 12 maintain the seat during the pressure test.
13 [0034] FIG. 8 shows an altemative embodiment of the weld testing assembly configured to test 14 a weld securing a patch to the wall of a pressure vessel, where the assembly is sealed against the outside of the vessel.
16 10035] It will be understood that the materials for the components of the weld test assembly 17 have to be chosen according to the specific demands of the particular pressure vessel environment 18 to be tested. In most cases, a carbon steel body will suffice. In other cases, a stainless steel body 19 will have to be employed.
[0036] It should be appreciated that although the invention is particularly adapted to use In 21 testing welds in pressure vessels, as described above, the invention can be readily adapted to 22 testing any other welds, whether in pressure vesse[s or elsewhere.
23 [0037] The invention provides an effective and efficient means for testing the integrity of welds, 24 particularly but not necessarily only in pressure vessels.
[0038] Returning to F{G.1, as mentfoned previously, the external blind 6 is preferably mounted 26 to the flange 3 by means of bolts, which extend through the holes 72 and 74 in the blind 6 and flange 27 3, respectively. This arrangement ensures that the blind 6 is properiy positioned over the flange 3 so 28 that the required seal is established. Further, in such arrangement, the tie rods 9 only serve to draw 29 the body 8 towards the blind 6 to create the required seal for conducting the test.
[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention similar to that of FIG. 4 with 31 different but similar elements being designated with the letter "a" for convenience. As shown, the 32 weld testing assembly includes a body 8, which may be of a single piece or a combination of pieces 33 as described above. The body 8 is placed inside of a pressure vessel 1 and includes an 0-ring 14 to 34 effect sealing of the body 8 against it. Tie rods 9 extend from the body 8 to the extemal blind 6a Is mounted to the flange 3 by means of bolts 76, which secure the blind 6a to the flange 3. As 21707993.1 5 1 mentioned above, such arrangement ensures that the blind 6a is properly placed and secured 2 against the flange 3. As before, the blind 6a and the flange 3 are provided with openings 36 to 3 enable the pressurized fluid for the test to enter the sealed area 25. A
weilneck flange 30a is 4 attached to the blind 6a by welding. A second extemal blind 32a is then bolted on the wetlneck flange 30a. Both the wellneck flange 30a and the second blind 32a are provided with openings 6 through which extends ports 78 and 80 forfrlling and venting the sealed area 25 and, if required, for 7 providing a pressure gauge.
8 [0040] In FIG. 10, a further embodiment of the invention is provided wherein the testing 9 assembly is adapted for use in nozzles incorporating a bend. Elements in this figure that are similar to those in the previous drawings are designated with the letter "b" for convenience. In this case, the 11 nozzle 2b includes a bend 82 between the vessel 1 and the flange 3b. The testing assembly 12 includes a body 8b within the vessel and an extemai blind 6b connected by at least one tie rod 9b.
13 As before, the body 8b includes a sealing element such as an O-ring 23b for creating a seal between 14 the body 8b and the vessel 1. The externai biind 6b is secured to the flange 3b by means of bolts 84 or other such securing means. The body is provided with a port 86 and the blind 6b is provided with 16 ports 88 and 90 for filling and venting the sealed area 25b. In the case of the external blind, one of 17 the ports can also be used for adding a pressure gauge. The tie rods 9b, in this embodiment, are 18 flexible material in order to navigate through the bend 82 and preferably comprise chains. However, 19 the tie rods 9b stiii perform the same function as before, namely, they are used to tighten the body 8b against the inner wall of the vessel 1 by pulling it towards the externai blind 6b. In order to 21 ensure that the force on the body 8b is applied generaliy perpendiculariy, a guide 92 is placed within 22 the bend to the guide the tie rods 9b in the required directions. The guide 92 thus ensures that the 23 body 8b bears against the vessel wall equally on all sides so that an adequate seal is established.
24 As before, the tie rods 9b are connected by means af nuts 10b and 12b and packing boxes 11 b.
The tie rods 9b, or chains, are also preferably provided with links or grommets 93 for attaching the 26 chains tagether.
27 [0041] FIG. 11 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention with similar elements designated 28 with the letter "c for convenience. In this embodiment, the nozzle 2c is offset and attached to a 29 vessel 1 at an angle. Accordingly, to create the required sealed area 25c, the body as shown In FIG.
2 is used and comprises a"universaP" body that can be used for different orientations of the nozzle.
31 In this case, the tie rod 9c is capable of being directed in the required direction. This is 32 accomplished by anchoring the tie rod 9c to the body 8c with a swivel joint. The swivel joint 33 preferably comprises a ball 94, such as that of a trailer hitch, to which the tie rod 9c is attached. The 34 means of attachment may be by screwing or welding the rod to the ball or any other means. An opening is provided in the body 8c through which the tie rod 9c is passed, but which is not wide 21707993.1 6 .............. .... ............................... .. ....... .. ......... ..
... .. .. .............. ...... . ............. . . . . . . ......... . ....
1 enough for the ball 94 to rotate within. The ball 94 is also provided with a sealing means such as a 2 gasket type material (for example, TeflonTM) so that once the tie rod 9c is tightened, the ball 94 3 forms a leak-proof seal against the opening In the body Bc. In the preferred embodiment, the 4 assembly is provided with one or three tie rods 9c as this arrangement has been found to minimize the "walking", or movement, of the body Bc along the inner wall of the vessel 1.
6 [0042] FIG. 12 illustrates yet a further embodiment of the invention with similar elements 7 identified with the letter "d" for convenience. In this embodiment, the nozzle 2d includes a threaded 8 end 96 and does not have a flange. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the external blind Is replaced 9 with a sleeve 98 that is screwed onto the threaded portion 96. A tie rod 9d is attached to a body 8d similar to that shown in FIG. 2 and is secured to the sleeve 98 with a nut 100. The sleeve is 11 provided with ports 102 and 104 for filling and venting the sealed area 25d. Further, a port 106 may 12 be provided on the body 8d also for filling or venting the sealed area 25d.
13 [0043] FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of the invention with similar elements Identifted 14 with the letter "e" for convenience. In this instance, the nozzle 2e extends into the vessel 1 by a 16 certain distance to create a protruding portion 110. Accordingly, the body 8e must be designed so 16 that is has elongated side walls 16e that can extend beyond the protrusion 110 of the nozzle 2e in 17 order to contact the inner wall of the vessel 1. A spacer 108 is provided over the protrusion of the 18 nozzle so that the body 8e can be centered over it and also to prevent any movement of the body 19 8e. The spacer may be an annular structure that is fitted over the protruding portion 110 of the nozzle 2e.
21 [0044] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the invention, with similar elements identified with 22 "f', wherein the vessel is provided with a pipe 112 with a valve 114, such as a gate or metering 23 valve. Again, the body 8f is similar to that of FIG. 2 and is attached to a tie rod 9f, which is 24 connected, at its other end, to a plate 116 by means of a nut 118. The body 8f is provided with ports 120 and 122 for filling and ventfng the sealed area 25f.
26 [0045] FIG. 15 is a variant of the embodiment shown In FIG. 5, with similar elements identified 27 with "g", wherein the plate 50g Is provided with two ports 124 and 126 for filling or venting the sealed 28 area 25g.
29 [0046} in most vessels, the largest opening is generally in the range of 20" to 24" in diameter.
However, in order to test welds around such openings, the body of the test assembly must be 31 smaller than the largest opening in order to have such body enter into the vessel. Therefore, a 32 problem occurs when testing such large openings (i.e. openings greater than 20" in diameter) since 33 the body of the test assembly, required for conducting the test, cannot fit into the vessel. For 34 example, for testing vessel openings greater than 20" in diameter, the body of the test assembly is usually 30" in diameter. As such, the body will not be able to enter the vessel in order to conduct the 217a7993.1 7 1 required test. Normally, tests on such "large" openings are carried out by cutting the body into two 2 pieces and welding them together inside the vessel. After the test is complete, the body is once 3 again cut and removed from the vessel. As will be understood, this process involves much more 4 time than regular tests and the life span of the body is reduced. To overcome this problem, the present invention, according to another embodiment, comprises a test assembly generally as 6 described above but including a body consisting of two pieces, or halves, and being capable of being 7 joined together with connectors, such as nuts and bolts and the like.
8 [0047] The test assemblies Illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 18 may be used for the large vessel 9 openings mentioned above. In FIGS. 16-18, elements that are similar to those mentioned above with reference to other figures are identified with like reference numerals but with the letter "h" added 11 for ciarity. For the purpose of the present description, the term "large openings" is considered to 12 comprise openings having a diameter greater than 20". However, it will be understood by persons 13 skilled in the art that the term "large" is discretionary and may comprise any size opening for which a 14 test assembly body is too large to fit inside a vessel.
[0048] FIG.16 illustrates a partial view of a test assembly for use on openings for which a single 16 piece test body cannot be used. As mentioned above, such test assembly is provided with a disc 17 17h, which includes two separate pieces or sections 150 and 152. The sections 150 and 152 of the 18 disc 17h are provided with a plurality of flanges 154 and 156, respectivety, extending generally 19 perpendicularly from the plane of the disc 17h on both sides thereof, Sealing flanges 154 and 156 are provided on pieces 150 and 152 in such manner as to allow the flanges of each piece to oppose 21 each other. The flanges 154 and 156 are also provided with opposing apertures 158 and 160, 22 respectiveiy, through which is passed a bolt 162. Nuts 164 and 166 are provided on opposite ends 23 of bolt 162 whereby tightening of the nuts 164 and 166 forces opposing flanges 154 and 156 to 24 approach each other. In the result, the separate pieces 150 and 152 are brought together thereby to form the disc 17h. In order to achieve a sealing relationship between the pieces 150 and 152 each 26 piece is provided with a notch or groove 168 and 170, respectiveiy, on the adjacent ends thereof. A
27 sealing material such as an "O" ring or gasket, 172, is provided within the space formed by the 28 opposing notches or grooves, 168 and 170. The sealing flanges 154 and 156 may be either formed 29 with each piece 150, 152, or, as shawn, may be separate pieces that are attached to each piece 150, 152 by welds 174.
31 [0049] Although the above preferred embodiment describes the use of sealing flanges and 32 associated bolts to connect the pieces, 150 and 152, of the disc 17h, other means of connecting 33 such pieces wiii be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Further the flanges 154, 156 may be 34 attached to the pieces or sections 150 and 152 in a number of ways as known in the art.
21707993.1 8 1 [0050] FIG. 17 illustrates an end view of the assembly of FIG. 16. As can be seen, each piece 2 or section, 150 and 152, forming the disc 17h, is provided with a plurality of sealing flanges 154 and 3 156, respectively. It will be appreciated that the number of flanges required will be dependent on the 4 diameter of the disc 17h being formed. Further, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that the number of flanges 154, 156 may be reduced by providing one or more long flanges on each 6 piece 150, 152, each of such flanges being connected to an opposing flange by one or more bolts.
7 [0051] FIG. 18 illustrates the assembly of FIG. 1 wherein the opening to be tested has a 8 diameter greater than 24". In such case, the disc 17 is formed with the embodiment shown in FIG.
9 16. Therefore, the disc 17h is formed by the opposing pieces or halves 154 and 156.
[0052] FIG. 19 illustrates the two part test assembly for testing the welds of a patch on a vessel 11 wall.
12 [0053] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific 13 embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without 14 departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outiined in the claims appended hereto.
21707993.1 9
Claims (8)
1. A weld testing assembly for hydrostatic pressure testing of welds securing a patch provided on a wall of a component, said weld testing assembly comprising:
- a body securable against a surface of the wall of said component, said body including a cavity for defining a sealed space surrounding at least a portion of the weld to be tested;
- at least one port for receiving a pressurized test fluid into said sealed space; and, - an urging means, secured to said patch and to said body for forcing said body towards the patch.
- a body securable against a surface of the wall of said component, said body including a cavity for defining a sealed space surrounding at least a portion of the weld to be tested;
- at least one port for receiving a pressurized test fluid into said sealed space; and, - an urging means, secured to said patch and to said body for forcing said body towards the patch.
2. The weld testing assembly of claim 1 wherein said urging means comprises one or more threaded tie rods, secured at one end to said patch and extending towards said body, and one or more nuts adapted to be threaded onto said tie rods, wherein tightening of said nuts forces said body towards said patch.
3. The weld testing assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein said body is comprised of two or more sections, and wherein said assembly includes a means for sealingly joining said sections together to form said body.
4. A weld testing assembly for hydrostatic pressure testing of welds between two components, said weld testing assembly comprising:
- a body securable against a surface of a least one of said components;
- said body including a cavity defining a sealed space surrounding at least a portion of the weld to be tested;
- at least one port for receiving a pressurized test fluid into said sealed space;
- an urging means, secured relative to the at least one component and to the body, for forcing said body towards the at least one component;
- and wherein said body is comprised of two or more sections, each of said sections including a means for sealingly joining said sections together to form said body.
- a body securable against a surface of a least one of said components;
- said body including a cavity defining a sealed space surrounding at least a portion of the weld to be tested;
- at least one port for receiving a pressurized test fluid into said sealed space;
- an urging means, secured relative to the at least one component and to the body, for forcing said body towards the at least one component;
- and wherein said body is comprised of two or more sections, each of said sections including a means for sealingly joining said sections together to form said body.
5. The weld testing assembly of claim 4 wherein said urging means comprises one or more threaded tie rods, said rods being secured at one end to the at least one component and extending towards said body, and one or more nuts adapted to be threaded onto said tie rods, wherein tightening of said nuts forces said body towards the at least one component.
6. A weld testing assembly as recited in claim 4 or 5, where said assembly is adapted for testing a weld between a nozzle and a pressure vessel, said nozzle extending from said pressure vessel and terminating in a flange, said assembly having a blind securable onto said flange, said body being positioned within said pressure vessel, and said at least one tie rod being positioned between said blind and said body to pull said blind and said body towards each other, thereby sealing said body against said pressure vessel to define said sealed space.
7. A method for testing a weld securing a patch provided on a wall of a component comprising the steps of:
- providing a testing assembly comprising a body adapted to be forced into engagement with one surface of said component, said body having a cavity for sealingly surrounding at least a portion of said patch;
- providing an urging means secured to a surface of said patch and adapted to be secured to the body;
- securing said testing assembly against the component surface using said urging means to force the body against the component surface to define a sealed space defined by the cavity and the component wall, said space surrounding at least a portion of the weld to be tested; and, - conducting said test by filling the sealed space with a pressurized fluid and monitoring the pressure within the sealed space.
- providing a testing assembly comprising a body adapted to be forced into engagement with one surface of said component, said body having a cavity for sealingly surrounding at least a portion of said patch;
- providing an urging means secured to a surface of said patch and adapted to be secured to the body;
- securing said testing assembly against the component surface using said urging means to force the body against the component surface to define a sealed space defined by the cavity and the component wall, said space surrounding at least a portion of the weld to be tested; and, - conducting said test by filling the sealed space with a pressurized fluid and monitoring the pressure within the sealed space.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein urging means comprises at least one threaded rod and cooperating nuts therefor and wherein said step of securing said testing assembly comprises tightening of said nuts.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/705,856 US6463791B1 (en) | 1998-02-13 | 2000-11-03 | Weld testing assembly |
| US09/705,856 | 2000-11-03 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2358977A1 CA2358977A1 (en) | 2002-05-03 |
| CA2358977C true CA2358977C (en) | 2009-08-04 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2358977 Expired - Fee Related CA2358977C (en) | 2000-11-03 | 2001-10-12 | Weld testing assembly |
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| CA (1) | CA2358977C (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| CN107728229B (en) * | 2017-11-28 | 2024-03-22 | 惠易新能源科技(宁波)有限公司 | Projection welding nut automatic detection equipment and control method |
| CN110017947B (en) * | 2019-05-16 | 2024-04-26 | 天津博益气动股份有限公司 | Circumferential weld airtight leakage detection device compatible with multiple specifications of inner containers and detection method |
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2001
- 2001-10-12 CA CA 2358977 patent/CA2358977C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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| CA2358977A1 (en) | 2002-05-03 |
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