Sealing and testing segmented tools
First Claim
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1. A method of sealing between two segments of a mandrel, comprising:
- arranging an inner seal, an outer seal, and a middle seal to form first and second seal chambers between the two mandrel segments, wherein the inner, outer and middle seals seal the mandrel segments together;
applying a vacuum to each of the first and second seal chambers; and
sensing a change in vacuum pressure within the first and second seal chambers.
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Abstract
A substantially air-tight triple seal arrangement along a seam between first and second tool segments comprises inner, middle and outer seals forming first and second substantially air tight vacuum chambers.
7 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of sealing between two segments of a mandrel, comprising:
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arranging an inner seal, an outer seal, and a middle seal to form first and second seal chambers between the two mandrel segments, wherein the inner, outer and middle seals seal the mandrel segments together; applying a vacuum to each of the first and second seal chambers; and sensing a change in vacuum pressure within the first and second seal chambers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of sealing between segments of a mandrel, comprising:
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arranging an inner seal, an outer seal, and a middle seal to form first and second seal chambers between a first mandrel segment and a second mandrel segment, wherein the inner, outer and middle seals seal the first mandrel segment and the second mandrel segment together, wherein the first seal chamber is formed between the inner seal and the middle seal, and wherein the second seal chamber is formed between the outer seal and the middle seal; applying a vacuum to each of the first and second seal chambers; and sensing a change in vacuum pressure within the first seal chamber or the second seal chamber. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of sealing and testing the integrity of seals between two segments of a mandrel, comprising:
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arranging an inner seal, an outer seal, and a middle seal to form first and second seal chambers between the two mandrel segments, wherein the inner, outer and middle seals seal the mandrel segments together; applying a vacuum to each of the first and second seal chambers; and detecting a leak in the inner seal or the outer seal by sensing a change in vacuum pressure within the first and second seal chambers. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification