Apparatus and Method for Testing Lengths of Pipe

Abstract

An apparatus for pressure testing a pipe includes a frame supporting a mandrel, the mandrel being adapted for positioning within the pipe, and two sealing devices connected to the mandrel and adapted to seal opposite ends of the pipe to create an annular space between the mandrel, the pipe, and the sealing devices. The integrity of the pipe is tested by pressurizing the annular space and monitoring such pressure.

1 . An apparatus for pressure testing a pipe, said pipe having a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening, the apparatus comprising:
 a frame having a first end and a second end;   a mandrel having first and second ends and a length corresponding at least to the length of the pipe and an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of said pipe wherein, when in use, said mandrel is adapted to be received within the pipe to form a mandrel and pipe assembly;   a first sealing means for sealing the first opening of the pipe;   a second sealing means for sealing the second opening of the pipe, whereby, when in use, a generally annular space is created between said mandrel, said pipe, and said first and second sealing means; and,   one or more ports for filling said annular space with a pressurizing fluid or for voiding said annular space of air or said fluid and a means for monitoring the pressure within said annular space.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first sealing means comprises an end plate secured to the mandrel, said plate including a sealing means for forming a seal with the first end of the pipe. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second sealing means comprises:
 an annular sealing ring, coaxially provided over said mandrel adjacent the second end of said pipe, said sealing ring having an outer diameter greater than the diameter of said pipe;   said sealing ring including a first seal adapted to form a seal between said sealing ring and one of said pipe ends and a second seal adapted to form a seal between said sealing ring and the outer diameter of said mandrel; and,   a means for forcing said sealing ring towards said pipe.   
     
     
         4 . A method of pressure testing a pipe, the pipe having a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening, the method comprising:
 providing a mandrel secured to a frame, the mandrel having a length of at least the length of the pipe;   providing the pipe over the mandrel to form a generally annular space between the mandrel and the pipe;   sealing the opposed ends of said annular space;   filling said annular space with a pressurized fluid; and,   testing the integrity of said pipe by monitoring the pressure formed within the annular space.