Apparatus and method for leakage testing of pressurized/suction piping systems

Abstract

An apparatus and method for leakage testing of a pressurized/suction piping system. The apparatus includes a pump assembly for pressurizing the test system formed by the apparatus and the piping system, a pressure source connected to at least one input line assembly, an input line for supplying test fluid to the apparatus, an output line for discharging test fluid, and suitable adapters for connecting the input line assembly to the pipes being tested. In use, the apparatus is installed near the pipeline system to be tested. After all system pumps are turned off and the crash valve on each line is closed, the apparatus is initialized and a test pressure ramping procedure is initiated. The test pressure is maintained for at least approximately 30 minutes. If the measured leakage rate over a 30-minute period is less than a preselected rate, the pipeline system meets applicable standards. If not, all readily-accessible system fittings (connectors, adapters, O-rings, and so forth) are inspected, all defective fittings are replaced, and the system is re-tested. A second failure indicates that the measured leakage is due to a defective pipeline (or pipelines) rather than a defective fitting. The system operator may then proceed to shut down operations, and isolate and repair the leak.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.