Pipe pressure testing method and apparatus

A pressure testing assembly for use in testing the pressure in a pipe line, the pressure testing assembly comprising:

• a fitting having outer and inner fitting walls that together define a flow path along a longitudinal axis, the fitting including:
• a port on the outside of the fitting, the port forming a circular opening around a central axis that extends toward and interests the longitudinal axis;
• a recess that opens into the port, the recess at least partially encircles the flow path and intersects the fitting walls;
• a upstream wall that forms a flat inside the port;
• and
• a downstream wall that has a circular cross-sectional shape that forms a crescent shaped flat inside the recess;
• a removable pressure testing device configured to be inserted into the recess during use to block fluid flow through the fitting for testing, the removable pressure testing device including:
• an upstream face with a ring seal to provide a fluid tight seal within the fitting, the upstream face defining an upstream opening;
• a flange having a flat on an upstream side formed by the upstream face;
• a sidewall that extends between opposing sides of the upstream face to form a continuous curve that is configured to mate with the downstream wall of the fitting to block the flow path when the removable pressure testing device is inserted into the fitting, a downstream opening being formed in the sidewall of the removable pressure testing device;
• at least two flats adjacent the sidewall;
• and
• a slotted recess formed by slotted walls on the sidewall, the slotted recess being aligned parallel to the central axis;
• a retaining ring removably fastened to the fitting to hold the pressure testing device within the fitting.