EXPANSIBLE SEAL SYSTEM FOR PRESSURE TUBE

摘要

A tool for testing the leak tightness of tube junctures is provided with an outer annular seal to seal the tool to a tube assembly. The tool has a groove of variable width to permit significant radial expansion of the sealing gasket so as to extend radially beyond the tool outer surface in sealing engagement with an inner surface of the tube assembly being tested. The extent of seal radial expansion permits passage of the tool in a contracted condition through a necked-down portion, for subsequent radial expansion of the tool into sealing engagement within a larger diameter portion of the tube assembly. The construction of the tool permits insertion and removal of the tool as component parts, to facilitate operation and minimize likelihood of damage.