Apparatus and method for testing pipes for leaks, and seals therefor

摘要

The present apparatus, method and seals relate to an external tester for defining a sealed chamber around a pipe joint, such chamber then being filled with fluid under very high pressure. After introduction of fluid into the test chamber is terminated, a determination is made as to whether or not the pressure is reducing -any such reduction indicating that a leak is present in the pipe joint. To define a test chamber which is perfectly sealed so that fluid will not escape otherwise than through a leak in the pipe joint, there are provided longitudinal sealing elements and arcuate seal segments of special construction. The longitudinal and arcuate sealing elements interrelate with each other and with extrusion-prevention and index elements in such manner that no cracks remain through which the fluid may escape.