Patent attributes
A method for testing the integrity of welds used to secure a nozzle to a vessel and the like comprises forming a sealed space within the nozzle by providing a blind against the flange and a sealing plate within the vessel and filling the space with a pressurizing fluid. The sealing plate is not biased against the flange. As such, the method of the invention simulates normally occurring axial expansion stresses within the nozzle thereby providing a more accurate test. The apparatus of the invention comprises a blind flange for sealing the flange face and a back plate for positioning against the inner surface of the vessel. The apparatus includes a biasing means for urging the back plate against the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the biasing means includes a front plate located outside of the vessel and connected to the back plate. In another embodiment, the biasing means comprises a plurality of magnets for engaging the vessel wall.
