Vector has developed a means of testing a Techlok clamp connector joint in-situ prior to, or in place of a line leak test to save time and ensure seal integrity. There are two forms of test ring, an independent ring or an integral part of the sealring. The separate Reverse Integrity Test Rings (RIT) acts as a sealing carrier which eases the installation process of the sealring during the assembly by testing the lips of the sealring the wrong way hence producing a very onerous test on the seal. The principle is illustrated below.

Materials

External pressure limits for Techlok sealrings

Tests and calculations indicate the external pressure capacity of standard Techlok Sealrings. The external pressure limit is dictated by the sealring geometry and is therefore independent of the line pressure. Two types of testing are shown (i.e. the integral RIT Ring and the independent RIT Ring), and the pressure limit for both are relatively constant across the sealring range,  with the integral RIT Ring having the higher pressure capacity. Consequently a single test pressure can be used for either type. The test is carried out over a 15 minute period. This allows for any settlement of oil and trapped air in the system. The small test volume means that even the smallest leak will result in a pressure loss, ensuring a high integrity test. The RIT test may also be used for gas testing.