Tube weld steam test device and method

A method of testing a weld seam (32) of a flexible tube (18) for leaks, comprising:

• pinching closed the flexible tube (18) at a first position (A) and at a second position (B), the tube weld seam (32) to be tested being located between the first and second positions (A;
• B);
• partly compressing a tube section between the first and second positions (A;
• B);
• and
• testing an internal pressure of the tube section;
• wherein the step of partly compressing said tube section comprises moving at least the first position (A), at which the flexible tube (18) is pinched closed, towards the second position (B), thereby shortening a length (L) of the tube section between the first and second positions (A;
• B).

A tube weld seam test device for testing a tube weld seam (32) of a flexible tube (18) for leaks, comprising:

• a first pinching device (10) and a second pinching device (12) for pinching closed the flexible tube (18) at a first position (A) and at a second position (B) distant from the first position (A);
• a compressing mechanism (26) arranged for partly compressing a tube section enclosed between the first and second pinching devices (10;
• 12), when the tube (18) is pinched closed by the first and second pinching devices (10;
• 12);
• and
• a pressure test device (14) arranged for testing an internal pressure of said tube section;
• wherein the compressing mechanism (26) is adapted for shortening a length (L) of a non-pinched section of the flexible tube (18) between the first and second pinching devices (10;
• 12).