Ronald J Mallet

US Patent:

6430990, Aug 13, 2002

Filed:

Nov 10, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/709861

Inventors:

Ronald James Mallet - Kaplan LA

Assignee:

Ronald J. Mallet - Kaplan LA
Kenneth Ray Mallet - Kaplan LA
P. Warren Trahan - Lafayette LA
Fred B. Trahan - Jennings LA

International Classification:

G01M 304

US Classification:

73 495, 73 407

Abstract:

An apparatus for forming a test chamber within a tubular and internally pressure testing the tubular with a test gas. The apparatus is comprised of a generally cylindrical tester body having first and second spaced-apart sealing assemblies that are expandable against the inner wall of the tubular by a piston assembly so as to form a test chamber defined by the inner wall of the tubular and the expanded seal assemblies. The pistons of the first sealing assembly are gas actuated pistons acting in cooperation with the seals of the first sealing assembly in response to a gas under pressure. The pistons of the second sealing assembly are fluid actuated pistons acting in cooperation with the seals of the second sealing assembly in response to a fluid under pressure. The pressure of the gas and the pressure of the fluid used to actuate the first and second pistons are controlled independently of each other. The gas used to activate the first set of pistons is directed to the test chamber to serve as a test gas.

US Patent:

55633366, Oct 8, 1996

Filed:

Sep 13, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/527742

Inventors:

Ronald J. Mallet - Rayne LA

International Classification:

G01M 308

US Classification:

73 491

Abstract:

An apparatus for pressure testing of tubulars. The apparatus comprises a tester body having multiple spaced-apart external circumferential seal elements expansible by piston movement; a seal gas saver valve connected to the tester body; and a pressurized seal and test gas source to supply gas to the tester. The tester body is inserted into a tubular so that the seal elements are astride a desired test area, typically a tubular connection. Seal gas pressure is then applied to move the pistons and expand the seal elements against the tubular wall, forming a test chamber. Test gas is then introduced into the chamber to achieve a desired pressure, and external containment and sensing means are used to detect any escape of test gas, thereby showing a leak. When the test is complete, the test gas pressure is released, and the seal gas pressure is reduced, with the seal gas flowing back into a reclamation tank. When a desired seal gas retention pressure is reached, the seal gas saver valve closes, maintaining the pressure in the seal gas supply line and venting the small remaining seal gas volume in the tester body.