Apparatus and method for testing weld integrity
DCFirst Claim
1. An apparatus for non-destructively testing the weld strength and integrity of at least one weld when desired comprising:
- a framework including at least two pieces;
at least one fluid containing cylinder, for moving a piston therein inwardly and outwardly as fluid is moved out of or into the cylinder, respectively;
an attachment structure for attaching to a pad eye or any device to be tested;
a base;
said base including a clamp;
said at least one fluid containing cylinder attached to said clamp;
at least one bracket; and
said at least one bracket being releasably attached to said pad eye;
whereby moving fluid into said at least one fluid cylinder causes said piston to move outwardly, thereby pushing the bracket upward, thereby creating tension on the pad eye, thereby testing the integrity of the weld.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for testing weld integrity is disclosed which is portable, self-contained, adaptable for field use in most locations, and can verify the integrity of attachment welds. The testing apparatus includes a cylinder or cylinders, attachable to the desired object to be tested on one end and to a cross bar on the other end, support beam or beams which, along with the cylinder or cylinders, support the test apparatus, a supply for pressurized fluid, and a control manifold for flow direction and pressure measurement. The pressurized fluid moves the cylinder shaft creating a load on the test piece. As the fluid pressure increases, the cylinder shafts extend or retract and exert a required load on the test piece. The test piece is then inspected for breakage or damage such as deformation or attachment weld cracking.
14 Citations
31 Claims
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1. An apparatus for non-destructively testing the weld strength and integrity of at least one weld when desired comprising:
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a framework including at least two pieces; at least one fluid containing cylinder, for moving a piston therein inwardly and outwardly as fluid is moved out of or into the cylinder, respectively; an attachment structure for attaching to a pad eye or any device to be tested; a base; said base including a clamp; said at least one fluid containing cylinder attached to said clamp; at least one bracket; and said at least one bracket being releasably attached to said pad eye; whereby moving fluid into said at least one fluid cylinder causes said piston to move outwardly, thereby pushing the bracket upward, thereby creating tension on the pad eye, thereby testing the integrity of the weld. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for testing weld strength and integrity of an attachment weld when desired comprising the steps of:
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providing a desired test piece wherein said test piece comprises a pad eye, lifting lug, or other device being tested; providing a framework including at least two pieces; providing at least one fluid cylinder, having a first end and a second end, mounted with the framework, for moving a piston therein inwardly and outwardly as fluid is moved out or in respectively; providing a first and second attachment apparatus, wherein a pressurized fluid can enter in or exhaust from said cylinder; providing an attachment structure for attaching to said test piece; providing said mounted framework; and assembling the framework with the mounted cylinder fixedly attached on the mounted framework; whereby urging fluid into the cylinder causes the piston to move outwardly to tension the pad eye thus testing the integrity of the weld, and whereby the testing technician or test operator can inspect the tested device and the weld for any structural damage or deformation. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method for testing the strength and integrity of an attachment weld when
desired with a single cylinder apparatus comprising the steps of: -
providing at least one desired test piece; providing a framework including at least two pieces; mounting said single cylinder to the framework, said cylinder having a first end, a second end, and a piston therein, wherein said piston moves inwardly and outwardly as fluid is moved out of or into said cylinder respectively; mounting said framework about said at least one desired test piece; assembling the framework with said at least one mounted cylinder fixedly attached at one end of said cylinder to said desired test piece; retracting the cylinder shaft thereby exerting a force substantially perpendicular to a plane formed between said desired test piece, being tested, and a base and in a direction away from said test piece; increasing said substantially perpendicular force by increasing the pressure of the fluid in the cylinder; increasing said pressure until a pre-calculated required pressure is reached; and inspecting the test piece for damage or deformation. - View Dependent Claims (28)
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29. A method for non-destructively testing strength and integrity of a structure with a multiple cylinder test apparatus comprising the steps of:
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providing at least one desired test piece; providing a framework including at least two pieces;
wherein said base maybe a part of said desired test piece; mounting a plurality of fluid cylinders to the framework, said plurality of fluid cylinders each having a first end, a second end, and a piston therein, wherein said pistons each moving inwardly and outwardly as fluid is moved out of or into said plurality of fluid cylinders respectively; mounting said framework about said at least one desired test piece; assembling the framework with said plurality of fluid cylinders each fixedly attached at said first end of each said plurality of fluid cylinders to said base and at said second end to a cross bar; extending the cylinder shafts thereby exerting a force substantially perpendicular to and toward said cross bar; transferring said force from said cross bar to a support beam which is attached to said desired test piece; transferring said force from said support beam to said desired test piece; increasing said force by increasing the pressure of the fluid in the cylinder; increasing the pressure until a pre-calculated required pressure is reached, wherein said pre-calculated required pressure produces a force which is below the rated strength of the test piece; and inspecting the test piece for damage or deformation.
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30. A method for non-destructively testing the strength and integrity of a test piece having first and second parts, which comprises:
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anchoring the first part of the test piece; attaching a piston from a hydraulic cylinder to the second part of the test piece; moving the piston to put the test piece under tension, wherein the load produced under the tension is below the rated strength of the test piece; and inspecting the test piece for damage. - View Dependent Claims (31)
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Specification