US3653254A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Leak-testing internal seals in pipe joints
Assignee: BBVA USA
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Filing: 1970-10-16
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Granted: 1972-04-04
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Expires: 1990-10-16
Abstract
Abstract The leak-testing of thread-connected, multiple-seal pipe joints is improved by connecting them to a limited extent that engages at least one internal seal without engaging the outermost seal, increasing the external fluid pressure to an amount significantly greater than the internal pressure, and detecting any resultant inflow of fluid.
Inventors
- 👤 Theodore A Simon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 08:40
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/26; G01M3/28; G01M3/2853; E; E21; E21B; E21B47/00; E21B47/10; E21B47/117
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
54 words
A process for leak testing a thread-connected, multiple-seal pipe joint comprising: connecting the joint to a limited extent that engages at least one inner seal without engaging the external seal; increasing the external fluid pressure to selected pressure significantly greater than the internal pressure; and detecting any resultant inflow of the pressurized external fluid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
54 words
A process for leak testing a thread-connected, multiple-seal pipe joint comprising: connecting the joint to a limited extent that engages at least one inner seal without engaging the external seal; increasing the external fluid pressure to selected pressure significantly greater than the internal pressure; and detecting any resultant inflow of the pressurized external fluid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The process of claim 1 in which the amounts of torque, applied in connecting the threads of the pipe joint, and external fluid pressurization are significantly less than those corresponding to full tool joint connection torque and full rated pressure resistance of the tool joint.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process of claim 1 in which the pipe joint connecting and testing is conducted at a use location on pipe joints which are being quality control tested in a pipe string.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
111 words
A process for installing a pipe string in a borehole of a well comprising: assembling a pipe string from sections joined by thread-connected, multiple-seal pipe joints; partially connecting at least one pipe joint to a limited extent that engages at least one inner seal without engaging the external seal; increasing the external fluid pressure to a specific pressure significantly greater than the internal pressure within said partially connected pipe joint; detecting any resultant inflow of said pressurized external fluid; completing the connecting and running into the borehole of pipe joints through which no fluid inflow is induced; and disconnecting and correcting or replacing pipe joints through which fluid inflow is induced.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
111 words
A process for installing a pipe string in a borehole of a well comprising: assembling a pipe string from sections joined by thread-connected, multiple-seal pipe joints; partially connecting at least one pipe joint to a limited extent that engages at least one inner seal without engaging the external seal; increasing the external fluid pressure to a specific pressure significantly greater than the internal pressure within said partially connected pipe joint; detecting any resultant inflow of said pressurized external fluid; completing the connecting and running into the borehole of pipe joints through which no fluid inflow is induced; and disconnecting and correcting or replacing pipe joints through which fluid inflow is induced.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-04 | 1975-10-04 | 1976-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-04 | 1979-10-04 | 1980-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-04 | 1983-10-04 | 1984-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |