Patent ID: 7784328

Claim:
A weld testing apparatus for testing welds securing a nozzle to a vessel, said nozzle having a stem portion welded to an opening in the vessel wall and an opposite flange portion extending outward from said opening, the flange having an outer face, wherein, when in use, the apparatus comprises: a blind for mounting on said flange outer face for sealingly closing the flange; a back plate for mounting within the vessel to close the vessel opening; an urging means biased against the inner or outer surface of the vessel wall for urging the back plate against the interior surface of the vessel wall to form a seal there-between; and a means for pressurizing the space within the nozzle between the blind and the back plate; wherein, the urging means comprises: a front plate for mounting in front of the blind, the front plate having a support means biased against the outer surface of the vessel wall; one or more tie rods connected to and extending between the front plate and said back plate and through said blind; and, and a tightening means for forcing the back plate towards the front plate.