Method and system for testing the roundness of the inner wall of a pipe or other hollow cylinder

A system configured for testing the roundness of the inner wall of a pipe or other hollow cylinder, comprising:

• first and second actuators, each actuator comprising:
• a coupler;
• an extension tube securable at an outer end to an inner end of the coupler, and a plate attachable to an inner end of the extension tube, the plate having an opening formed therethrough;
• at least one valve between a vacuum source and the extension tube;
• a first valve between the vacuum source and the extension tube of the first actuator;
• and
• a second valve between the vacuum source and the extension tube of the second actuator;
• whereby the vacuum from the vacuum source is directable between the first and second actuators when the first and second valve are alternately opened and closed.

A method for testing the roundness of the inner walls of a plurality of pipes or other hollow cylinders, comprising:

• inserting a drift into a first end of a first pipe;
• pressing a plate of a first actuator against a second end of the first pipe;
• opening a first valve of the first actuator;
• closing a second valve of a second actuator;
• applying a vacuum to the first actuator, whereby the drift is drawn through the first pipe towards the second end of the first pipe;
• inserting the drift into a second end of a second pipe;
• pressing a plate of the second actuator against a first end of the second pipe;
• closing the first valve of the first actuator;
• opening the second valve of the second actuator;
• and
• applying a vacuum to the second actuator;
• whereby the drift is drawn through the second pipe towards the first end of the first pipe.