GB1289969A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1289969 Testing pipes HIGH PRESSURE COMPONENTS Ltd 13 Jan 1970 [27 Jan 1969] 4484/69 Heading G1S [Also in Divisions B8 and F1] A pipe pressure-testing apparatus includes a series of pipe holders moving around a closed path including an intake station and a discharge station, each holder having a pair of sealing devices for sealing the ends of the pipe. The pipe holders consisting of clamps 10 operated by hydraulic rams are mounted on a carrier formed by a series of wheels 1, 2, 3. Wheel 1 is fixed to shaft 11 while wheels 2 and 3 are keyed to the shaft so that their position along the shaft may be varied by hydraulic rams 25. Sealing devices 7 are provided at each end, water being supplied at the first end to test the pipes and air released at the second end as the pipe fills. After test, air is introduced at the second end to force the water back out the first end. To bring the sealing devices into operation hydraulic fluid is introduced at 82 into cylinder 60 to move piston assembly 61, 62 &c. forward until the sealing ring 81 is within the end of the pipe. The hydraulic fluid then flows'up channel 83<SP>1</SP> into a further cylinder 70 causing slider 68 to move to the right relative to expander 73 to expand the sealing ring 81 to seal the pipe. After test, the hydraulic fluid-pressure is released and spring 78 causes slider 68 to move back to break the seal. Fluid is then introduced at 84 to withdraw piston 61. The sealing devices may be mounted on hydraulic rams, Fig.4 (not shown) which expand telescopically until the sealing ring is within the pipe, when the pipe end actuates a switch to stop further expansion of the ram. Instead of a carrier comprising wheels, an endless belt may be used. The testing apparatus may form part of an apparatus for facing pipe ends and testing pipes, Fig. 2 (not shown).