Patent ID: 6131441
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
An apparatus for isolating or testing an interior surface segment of a pipe having an internal diameter, said apparatus comprising:a) an annular body with oppositely facing annular ends and defining, on its outer perimeter, a recess;b) a pair of bosses, each of said bosses being located on opposite ends of said annular body and coaxial therewith;c) a pair of resilient annular members adapted to be respectively and coaxially juxtaposed between each of said bosses and said annular faces;d) means for urging the bosses respectively towards said annular body thereby deforming said resilient members in a radially outward direction against the internal surface of said pipe so as to form a seal there between, whereby a sealed annular space is defined between said recess on said annular body, the pipe internal surface and said resilient members;e) a means for introducing a fluid into said annular space wherein said means for introducing a fluid comprises a first channel for introducing said fluid into the annular space and a second channel for evacuating air from the annular space or for allowing said fluid to circulate through the annular space thereby maintaining the annular space at a desired temperature;f) a vent extending through said apparatus for providing communication between interior segments of said pipe on opposite ends of said assembly thereby preventing pressure accumulation within said pipe while said apparatus is in use;wherein, said apparatus further includes a bolt extending through the annular body and the pair of bosses, said bolt having first and second ends, a first boss of said pair of bosses being secured to the first end of said bolt, and wherein said means for urging comprises a nut co-operating with the second end of said bolt.