TRANSPORTABLE HOSE-TEST CONTAINERS, SYSTEMS AND
METHODS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] This invention relates generally to transportable container-based systems for
field testing hydraulic hose.
Description of the Prior Art
[0002] In recent years, improved safety practices in the oil and gas industry have
required oil rig operators to recertify critical equipment. There are now industry
guidelines from organizations like Oil and Gas UK' which companies need to follow in
order to demonstrate industry best practice. One part of these best practices relates to the
recertification of critical hoses. Current practice involves pressurizing the hose to be
recertified to a specified pressure and duration determined by the manufacturer's
guidelines. The hoses are held at pressure for a specified amount of time, which can be as
short as under 20 minutes or as long as 24 hours or more. The hoses are monitored
continuously while they are pressurized. Hoses are failed or taken out of service if they
are not able to hold pressure for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer.
[0003] Current practices include laying pressurized hose on the ground for
extended periods of time, which may expose personnel to unsafe conditions. Hose bursts
may be dangerous to personnel or equipment. The hoses are cleaned, and the cleaning
fluids may be environmentally hazardous.
[0004] What is needed is hose test systems and methods with improved safety,
mobility or transportability, and efficiency.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention is directed to systems and methods which facilitate
inspection, maintenance, and recertification of hoses with improved portability, safety,
and efficiency.
[0006] The invention is directed to a transportable test system having a control
room module, a first IMR test module, and a second IMR test module. The test modules
may have fasteners that permit assembly into a unitary package of predetermined overall
dimension (i.e. size and shape). A first IMR test module may have a clean fluid provider
and/or supply reservoir, and a second IMR test module may have a used fluid collector
and/or collection reservoir.
[0007] The transportable test system may have a predetermined overall dimension
(i.e. size and shape) which is that of a standard shipping container. The unitary package
may have an external lifting interface for moving and/or securing. The interface could be
one or more selected from a padeye, a shackle, a fork pocket, a tugger point, and a
complete lifting set.
[0008] The transportable test system may further include a hose pressurization
subsystem which may include a compressor or pump for pressurizing, filtration apparatus,
hook ups and/or manifolds for connecting the test hose(s), and it may be housed in one or
more of said modules.
[0009] The transportable test system may further include a cleaning subsystem
which can include pump, filter, hose, nozzle, and may be for example, a power washer.
The cleaning subsystem can be housed in one of the modules for transport of the system.
[0010] The transportable test system may further include a fluid containment
subsystem. For example, the IMR test modules include fluid collection apparatus,
reservoir, etc. The collection subsystem may include hose test stands, blanket (flexible
channel), drain, etc. Stands may be of varying and/or adjustable height and/or shape to
facilitate flow of fluid runoff toward the fluid collection apparatus and collection
reservoir located in an IMR test module.
[0011] The transportable test system may further include a hose lifting subsystem
which can include crane(s), test stands, etc. These may be housed in and/or mounted on
one or both of the IMR test modules.
[0012] The mobile test system may further include a hose restraint subsystem
which can include shackles, tethers, chains, and/or other anti-whip or whip-check devices
for hose ends and/or for the hose length and can include use of the lifting frame to restrain
and/or support the hose.
[0013] The transportable test system may further include a control system housed
in said control room module and adapted to implement a predetermined test protocol
including carrying out a hose pressurization schedule, leak detection, and test report
generation. The control system can implement any desired test protocol including ramp
rate, duration, max P (e.g. 120% of working pressure), pressure decay monitoring, etc.).
The system can optionally include an ultrasonic tube tester or other non-destructive test
equipment. The control system may be a computer-based system with digital storage,
display, printouts and the like.
[0014] The transportable test system modules may each be of a standard shipping
container size. For example, the package dimensions may be that of a 20-foot shipping
container, and the IMR test modules may be ½-height containers (¼ the size of a 20-foot
container) and the control module may be a 10-foot container size (i.e. ½ the size of a 20-
foot container). The containers may be transported individually or combined in various
sized container packages.
[0015] The transportable test system may include on each of the IMR test modules
a stabilizer subsystem and a mobilizer subsystem, or a combination stabilizer/mobilizer
subsystem. This may for example include extendable legs with leveling jacks and wheels
or casters.
[0016] The transportable test system may further include a frame that facilitates
assembly of the modules into a unitary package, including attachment sites for lifting the
package as a unit. The frame may be the top portion of the package or the bottom portion
of the package. The lifting frame may be adapted to secure the modules for transport. It
also may be adapted to support and restrain a section of hose during testing. As a hose
support, it can be used with stands as well.
[0017] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical
advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention
that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the
invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the
invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and
specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or
designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It
should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not
depart from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel
features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its
organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will
be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with
the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the
figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended
as a definition of the limits of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of the
specification in which like numerals designate like parts, illustrate embodiments of the
present invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the
invention. In the drawings:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hose test system according to an
embodiment of the invention assembled for transport;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hose test system of FIG. 1 in use
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the hose test system of FIG. 1 in use
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hose test system according to another
embodiment of the invention assembled for transport;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a hose test system the hose test system of
FIG. 4 in use according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hose test system according to an
embodiment of the invention being transported as a shipping container;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hose test system in use onboard a ship
according to an embodiment of the invention; and
[0026] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram for an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The present invention is directed to systems and methods which facilitate
inspection, maintenance, and revalidation or recertification of hoses with improved
portability, safety, and efficiency. This process will be referred to herein as IMR
(standing for Inspection, Maintenance, and Revalidation or Recertification). The present
invention provides test units comprised of individual components which can be easily
assembled into a transportable package to ship to customer sites such as offshore
platforms, ships, ship yards or other onshore locations. The invention provides
improvements in test flexibility, system portability, environmental safety and overall
efficiency.
[0028] FIG's 1-3 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a test
system 100 assembled into a containerized package for easy portability. FIG's 2 and 3
show the system of FIG. 1 in two representative uses. The major components of the
package in are the control module 110 and the first IMR test module 120 and the second
IMR test module 130. Also shown is a lifting frame 140 on the top portion of the
assembled package. Thus the unitary package may have an external lifting interface for
moving and/or securing. The interface could include one or more selected from a padeye,
a shackle, a fork pocket, a tugger point, and a complete lifting set. FIG. 1 shows fork
pockets 142 located in bottom rail 144, as well as crane hooks 146 and corner
reinforcements 148 and tugger points 150. The test modules may have fasteners, such as
DNV rated twist locks, which permit assembly into a unitary package of predetermined
overall dimension (i.e. size and shape). The transportable test system may have a
predetermined overall dimension (i.e. size and shape) which may be that of a standard
shipping container. DET NORSKE VERITAS ("DNV") is an autonomous and
independent Foundation with the object of safeguarding life, property and the
environment at sea and ashore. By standard shipping container is meant any of the socalled
intermodal containers also referred to as freight container, ISO container, shipping
container, hi-cube container, conex box and sea can, which are basically a standardized
reusable steel box used for moving goods by ship, rail, or truck in a global containerized
intermodal freight transport system. There are various applicable standards, so such
containers may range in length from about 8 to 56 feet (about 2.4 to 1 m) and in height
from 8 feet (about 2.4 m) to 9 feet 6 inches (about 2.9 m) and have a width of about 8 feet
(about 2.4 m) or 7 to 8 feet (2.1-2.4 m) (as may the inventive test system containerized
package).
[0029] The control module functions as a safe chamber for the testing personnel
during pressurization and stabilization of the hose. The control module may house the
requisite pressure generation and filtration equipment for the hose testing. The control
module may have a service panel 112 which provides external connection points for
electricity, pressurized air, high-pressure test fluid, low-pressure water, data
communication lines, and the like. The control module may have two service panels, one
dedicated to each of the two IMR test modules. The control module houses a test control
system. The test control system is adapted to implement a predetermined test protocol
which can include carrying out a desired hose pressurization schedule with defined
pressurization ramp(s) and level(s), leak detection, and recordation of test data and
reporting of the data and results. The control system may include a computer with data
storage and output capability or other automatic data processing equipment capable of
controlling a test, measuring the required test parameters and performing data recording
and reporting functions. Reporting may include a chart recorder, printer, graphical
display device, or the like. The control system may also include or interface with any
desired non-destruction test useful for hose revalidation, such as an ultrasonic tube tester.
Leak detection may include pressure decay monitoring. A typical maximum test pressure
may be e.g. 120% of the rated working pressure of the hose under test.
[0030] A first IMR test module may have a clean fluid provider and/or supply
reservoir, and a second IMR test module may have a used fluid collector and/or collection
reservoir.
[0031] In use, the two IMR test modules 120 and 130 are set apart in accordance
with the length of hose 172 to be tested, as shown in FIG's 2 and 3. The test system is
surrounded or at least partially surrounded with safety cordoning 160 to indicate to
personnel where high pressure test activity might be in progress. The hoses typically
requiring revalidation testing in off shore oil field use might by up to 200 feet or more in
length, many inches in diameter, rated for many thousands of psi in working pressure, and
therefore quite heavy and potentially dangerous if they were to rupture or become free
during testing. The inventive test system and methods are therefore designed to minimize
the risk of injury to test personnel and anyone else in the vicinity of the testing. The
safety cordoning may be stored in the control module during transport of the system.
[0032] The test modules include a fluid containment subsystem or capability, i.e.
fluid collection apparatus, collection and supply reservoirs, drains, associated piping and
valves, and the like. Preferably, a first IMR test module 120 stores and provides clean
fluid(s) for testing and cleaning use, while a second IMR test module 130 receives and
stores used test fluid and/or cleaning fluid. The test modules may include a tapered or
funnel-like surface, with a hole so that water collects and falls through the hole into a
reservoir below. Water (or other fluid) can be then drawn from the reservoir to either
supply either the high pressure test unit or the washer unit, or drained out for further use,
treatment or disposal.
[0033] The system includes a pressurization subsystem which provides pressurized
test fluid to the hose to be tested. A fluid flow diagram according to one embodiment of
the invention is shown in FIG. 8. The first IMR test module includes a clean fluid
reservoir. A pumping system is housed in the control module. The pumping system may
be connected to the reservoir through a low pressure hose which connects between
appropriate service panels on the control module and the first IMR test module. The
pumping system is then connected with high pressure hose between the control module
and the manifold on one of the IMR test modules via appropriate service panel
connections. Note that the flow system could be arranged to provide the high pressure
test fluid to either one of the manifolds. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 the high
pressure test fluid may be pumped to either IMR test module and its manifold. Spent or
used test fluid may be then drained into the storage or collection reservoir for dirty fluid
on the second IMR test module via appropriate piping and valves. The pumping system
could include a pump, filtration, piping and valves, and the like.
[0034] FIG. 8 shows in more detail one possible flow diagram for a test system
according to an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 8, a number of abbreviations are
used. UHP stands for ultra-high pressure water lines. LP stands for low pressure water
lines. E stands for electrical lines. CA stands for compressed air lines. FIG. 8 shows one
possible flow and services arrangement between the control room module and two IMR
test modules. The control room 116 in control module 110 is shown with air conditioning
117, fluorescent lights 118, a fuse box 119 and a window 114. Other features for comfort
and utility would of course be considered within the scope of the invention. The primary
elements of the pressurization system are show as a UHP water pump 115 housed in the
control room, a low pressure diaphragm pump 121a and 121b housed in each test module,
and a manifold 132a and 132b in each test module. These elements are connected by
suitable hoses to complete the necessary flow circuits. There is an air compressor 156
supplying compressed air (CA) to the diaphragm pumps. Other types of pumps and/or
pump power sources could be used. There is shown a header tank 113 which feeds water
to the high pressure pump 115. The header tank may be supplied from a supply reservoir
in one of the test modules, or from a collection reservoir in one of the test modules. The
high pressure water may be supplied to either manifold, although the test system need
only have one of the manifolds supplied by UHP water. The test hose(s) may be
connected between the two manifolds or connected to one manifold and the other end
capped off. FIG. 8 also shows electric supply lines (E) to run the cranes. These may be
any desired voltage and may also run electric pumps instead of air pumps. The low
pressure water lines (LP) are also shown supplying an optional water washer which may
be used to wash off the test hoses. The various lines are shown passing through a
bulkhead 112 in the side wall of the control room module. This is equivalent to the
service panel 112 mentioned above. The lines may pass through or be removably
connected to suitable bulkhead fittings. The various lines may be housed in an umbilical
line. The lines may be disconnected from the modules and stored in one or more of the
modules for transport.
[0035] The test system may be adapted to test multiple hoses at once. There may
be a manifold in each IMR test module, with multiple hose connections. There may be
relatively short jumper hoses that go from the manifold to the ends of the test hoses. The
manifolds, for example, may be designed to accommodate two to four hoses. Thus,
provided the hoses are a similar length and require the same test procedure, the inventive
test system can run multiple hose tests simultaneously.
[0036] Hose stands 152 may also be provided to ease cleaning, improve handling
and ergonomics, to support the test hose, and to help drain fluids into test chambers
during and after cleaning and after testing. The hose stands may vary in height so that the
test hose may be supported in a sloped manner to facilitate draining of the test fluids
towards the fluid collection apparatus and reservoir in the second IMR test module. The
hose stands may be stackable for easy storage and handling. The hose stands may be
adjustable and/or lockable into specific positions. The hose stands may be stored in the
control module or in one or more of the IMR test modules during transportation of the
system as a unitary package.
[0037] The test modules may have an integrated hose lifting subsystem for easier
and safer manipulation of test hoses before, during, and after testing. The hose lifting
subsystem may include integrated crane(s) mounted on the IMR test module(s) for easier
and safer manipulation of hoses. FIG. 2 shows a crane 166a extended and lifting one end
of the test hose on the first IMR test module 120. The hose end may be lifted to facilitate
purging air from the hose when filling with test fluid, or for draining water from the hose
after cleaning the inside or after pressurized testing is completed. The crane 166b shown
on the second IMR test module 130 is in the collapsed position for storage and
transporting.
[0038] The hose-test system may include a hose restraint subsystem. Hoses may be
shackled, chained, tethered, or otherwise restrained to the IMR test modules at each end
of the hose during testing. Such restraining is to prevent whipping of the hose end should
it rupture during high-pressure testing. Any known suitable anti-whip or whip-check
device(s) may be used. The IMR test modules may also include suitable hatch covers to
block shrapnel or other projectiles that might be produced and thrown out during a
catastrophic hose failure. The burst protection hatch covers shown in the figures are
illustrated as steel mesh covers on each test chamber module. The covers 162a and 162b
may be hinged and/or removable. In the embodiment of the invention, hose test system
200 shown packaged in FIG. 4 and corresponding in-use system 201 in FIG. 5, the lifting
frame 240 is used as a bolster or support and restraint for the middle section of the test
hose. Tethering 250 of the hose to the bolster/lifting frame 240 is shown in FIG. 5 in
order to prevent movement thereof.
[0039] The hose test system may include a cleaning subsystem. The cleaning
subsystem can include a cleaning fluid reservoir, pump, filter, hose, and nozzle for
washing the hose. The cleaning subsystem can be a power washer 158. The power
washer can be stored in the control module during transport of the system.
[0040] The hose test system may include stabilizer and mobilizer subsystems. A
stabilizer subsystem is shown in FIG's 2, 3, and 5 as extendable legs 180 located at the
corners of the IMR test modules. The legs may be retracted in the modules during
transport, or extended and adjusted (for example, with adjustable feet) to stabilize and/or
level the module. A mobilizer subsystem, not shown, may include attachable and/or
detachable wheels which mount on legs of the stabilizer system to make the test modules
easily movable. The mobilizer subsystem could be wheels or casters on the test modules.
The wheels could be disengaged to stabilize the test modules by activating the legs.
Alternately, the wheels could be retractable or removable.
[0041] The transportable hose-test system 101, 201 also may include a lifting frame
140, 240 for mobilization and transport of the units. The lifting frame assembles with the
control and test modules into a unitary package 100, 200 and thus secures the modules for
transport. The lifting frame includes attachment sites for lifting the test system package
as a unit. The lifting frame 140 may be the top portion of the package as shown in FIG.
1, or the lifting frame 240 may be the bottom portion of the package as shown in FIG. 4.
The lifting frame may also be adapted to support and restrain a section of hose during
testing as shown in FIG. 5. The lifting frame shown in FIG. 5 could also be used with the
hose stands 152 if desired. The lifting frame could also be used to assemble 2 or more
individual units to be mobilized as one ISO container for regular shipping, logistical
compliance, and movement. In the figures as shown, the control module is dimensioned
as a 10-foot shipping container and the two IMR test modules are dimensioned as 10-foot,
½-height, shipping containers. Thus, the lifting frame assembles with a control module
and two IMR test modules to form one 20-foot ISO container. Alternately, the frame
could handle transportation of two control modules or four IMR test modules. A 40-foot
lifting frame could handle two complete hose-test systems including two control modules
and four test modules. All modules and assembled systems may be compliant with DNV
2.7-2 certification for use in offshore transportation systems and applications. FIG. 6
illustrates a test system package 100 being lifted as a single container by a helicopter or
crane using a standard lifting set 260 comprising four sling legs 264 connected at a master
link 262 and shackled 266 to the lifting frame, with guide line 268 for guiding and/or
orienting the container. FIG. 7 illustrates the transportable hose-test system 101 in use on
the deck of a drilling ship 270 and a second packaged system 200 residing nearby.
Alternatively, the individual modules may be transported without the lifting frame. Thus,
for example, the control module may be transported as a 10-foot container alone, and
each of the 2 half-height test modules may be transported separately or joined to form
another 10-foot container.
[0042] The fluid containment subsystem may include a blanket 170 which may be
laid underneath the test hose 172 along its length or wrapped loosely around it. The
blanket when laid flat under the hose, and possibly in conjunction with the hose stands
152, may collect wash water and then facilitate draining of the external wash water back
to one of the reservoirs contained in the test modules. The blanket 170 in its wrapped
configuration, as shown in FIG's 2 and 3, may also contain leaks during the hose testing
and again facilitate draining of the leaked fluid or water back to one of the reservoirs
contained in the test modules. The blanket 170 may also contain fluid and or hose parts
should the hose rupture during test.
[0043] What follows is a description of the testing process or method. The
methods, according to embodiments of the invention, may include various combinations
of some or all of the following steps.
[0044] The test hose(s) may be cleaned thoroughly from the outside and inspected
for damage, corrosion, fatigue or degradation. This step may utilize the cleaning
subsystem described above. Some minor external hose repair could possibly be done.
[0045] The test hose(s) may be cleaned thoroughly on the inside and inspected for
damage, corrosion, fatigue or degradation. Internal inspection may utilize a flexible
borescope, push camera, pipe scope or snake scope (i.e. an industrial endoscope) with
appropriate lighting, lens and length and camera or other data recording or viewing
apparatus suitable for the application. This step may also use the cleaning subsystem
and/or non-destructive testing methods for crack or flaw detection such as the ultrasonic
method mentioned above.
[0046] If the test hose(s) are free of significant damage, corrosion, fatigue or
degradation then the revalidation process moves on to pressure testing to test for hose and
coupling integrity. Should significant damage to the hose or couplings be observed
during inspecting a hose can be failed before pressure testing.
[0047] The hose is then restrained by shackling and chaining the hose ends to their
respective IMR test modules as shown in FIG. 5. The hose ends are connected to the
IMR test modules via manifolds, hose connectors and/or jumper hoses. Any additional
anti-whip or whip checking devices may be applied at this time. The test hose(s) may
also be supported and/or restrained on a flat, platform-like lifting frame 240 which is also
functional to assemble the test modules into a containerized package for transportation of
the system as shown in FIG. 5, with tethers 250 and hose-end restraints 252. The test
hose(s) may also be supported on one or more hose stands 152 as shown in FIG. 3. The
hose stands may be stackable as shown in FIG's 1 and 2 and may be of various heights to
provide slope to the test hose to facilitate draining or filling. One or more of the hatch
covers 162a and 162b on the IMR test modules may be closed for safety for example
during pressurization.
[0048] The hose(s) are then filled with test fluid and pressurized to a specified or
predetermined pressure and held for a predetermined duration as determined by the
manufacturer's or a certification standard's guidelines. The control system implements
the specified ramp rates and pressure levels. Water is a preferred test fluid, but other test
fluids could be used instead of water if desired.
[0049] The test hose(s) are held at a specified pressure for a specified amount of
time. This can be as short as 20 minutes or less, or as long as 24 hours or more. The test
hoses are monitored continuously by the control system while and after they are
pressurized. Hoses are failed if they are not able to hold pressure for the amount of time
specified by the manufacturer.
[0050] In all cases, but particularly the cases where hoses are left pressurized over
night, it should be ensured that access to the hoses is limited to trained or designated
personnel. The safety cordoning described above is helpful limit access. The test may be
safely observed from inside the control module with viewing through a window provided
therein.
[0051] Upon successful completion of the pressure test, the pressure is released and
fluid is emptied out of the hose into the fluid collection apparatus and reservoir of the
second IMR test module. Draining of the hose(s) may include lifting one end of the
hose(s) with a crane integrally mounted on one of the IMR test modules, preferably on the
first module which contains the clean test fluid reservoir. The used test fluid may then
drain into the second IMR test modules spent fluid reservoir.
[0052] A test report is generated and/or printed incorporating the data from the
recorded from the pressurization test as well as inspection information. The report
validates or certifies that the hose has passed the test and may be suitable for continued
use. Generally recertification/revalidation does not promise any further warranty on the
hose tested
[0053] The advantages of the present invention are many. The equipment can be
used according to work instructions for safe testing, and the specialized equipment
facilitates implementing a strong HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) strategy. It is
also possible to attain better consistency for the testing procedures with the automatic
data recording and report generation. Test stands and lifting equipment improves hose
handling and ergonomics resulting in safer operations. Hoses are shackled and restrained
to the test chambers to prevent whipping in the event of hose failure. Burst protection
makes the testing area safer for personnel. Fluid containment systems prevent
environmental contamination.
[0054] Many limitations of the conventional process are resolved or improved by
embodiments of the present invention. Report writing is accelerated by the computerized
control system. Hoses no longer need lie on the ground, keeping them cleaner and less
likely to become dirty or damaged. The fluid used for cleaning and pressuring the hoses
can now be collected instead of escaping into the environment around the testing area.
Hose ends may be constrained in a much safer manner during testing. If a coupling fails
or a hose end bursts, the hose end can be kept from whipping around and possibly
damaging equipment or endangering personnel. Testing no longer need rely on people
lifting and manipulating the hose by hand. As noted elsewhere, the hose ends can be very
heavy. The inventive testing methods and associated equipment are now better suited to
an offshore environment than previous conventional test setups. The containerized test
system can be transported to a remote site and used in more space-limited environments.
[0055] The test system described herein could be used on a wide variety of hoses,
or other tubular products or fluid conduits, including tubes and hoses with different kinds
of reinforcements, tube or cover materials, designed for a wide variety of applications.
The tested hose could for example be hydraulic hose, a mud pumping hose, a flow line or
fluid transport hose, an umbilical or tube which contains other tubes, wiring, and so on.
[0056] Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in
detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be
made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be
limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition
of matter, means, methods, and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary
skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention,
processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,
presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or
achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein
may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are
intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture,
compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. The invention disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein.

CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. A transportable test system comprising:
a control room module;
a first IMR test module with a clean fluid provider; and
a second IMR test module.
2. The transportable test system of claim 1 wherein said first IMR test module
has a clean fluid provider; said second IMR test module has a used fluid
collector; and said control room module and said two IMR test modules
comprise fasteners that permit assembly into a unitary package of
predetermined overall size and shape.
3. The transportable test system of claim 2 wherein said predetermined size and
shape is that of a standard shipping container, and wherein said unitary
package comprises an external lifting interface for moving and/or securing the
unitary package.
4. The transportable test system of claim 3 wherein said lifting interface
comprises one or more selected from a padeye, a shackle, a fork pocket, a
tugger point, and a complete lifting set.
5. The transportable test system of claim 3 wherein said lifting interface
comprises a lifting frame which together with said control room module and
two test modules forms said unitary package with said predetermined size and
shape of a standard shipping container.
6. The transportable test system of claim 1 further comprising a hose
pressurization subsystem.
7. The transportable test system of claim 6 wherein said hose pressurization
subsystem comprises one or more of a compressor or pump for pressurizing,
filtration apparatus, individual test hose hook up, and a manifold for multiple
test hoses.
8. The transportable test system of claim 7 wherein said hose pressurization
subsystem is housed in one or more of said modules.
9. The transportable test system of claim 1 further comprising a cleaning
subsystem.
10. The transportable test system of claim 9 wherein said cleaning subsystem
comprises one or more of a pump, filter, hose, nozzle and a power washer.
11. The transportable test system of claim 10 wherein said cleaning subsystem is
housed in one of said modules for transport of the system.
12. The transportable test system of claim 1 further comprising a fluid
containment subsystem.
13. The transportable test system of claim 1 wherein said fluid containment
subsystem comprises fluid collection apparatus and a reservoir housed in one
or more of said IMR test modules.
14. The transportable test system of claim 1 further comprising a hose lifting
subsystem.
15. The transportable test system of claim 14 wherein said hose lifting subsystem
comprises at least one of one or more hose stands and a crane housed in or
mounted on one or both of said IMR test modules.
16. The transportable test system of claim 15 wherein said hose stands are of
varying or adjustable height and are stackable.
17. The transportable test system of claim 5 further comprising a hose restraint
subsystem.
18. The transportable test system of claim 1 wherein said hose restraint
subsystem comprises one or more of shackles, tethers, chains, an anti-whip or
whip-check device for one or both hose ends, and use of the lifting frame to
restrain and support a length of hose.
19. The transportable test system of claim 1 further comprising a control system
housed in said control room module and adapted to implement a
predetermined test protocol including carrying out a hose pressurization
schedule, leak detection, and test report generation.
20. The transportable test system of claim 1 wherein said modules are each
transportable as a standard shipping container. .
2 1. The transportable test system of claim 1 wherein each of said IMR test
modules comprise a stabilizer subsystem and a mobilizer subsystem.
22. The transportable test system of claim 2 1 wherein said stabilizer and mobilizer
subsystems comprise extendable legs with leveling jacks and wheels.
23. The transportable test system of claim 1 further comprising a frame that
facilitates assembly of said modules into said unitary package, said frame
including attachment sites for lifting said package as a unit.
24. The transportable test system of claim 23 wherein said frame is adapted to
support and restrain a section of hose during testing.
25. The transportable test system of claim 23 wherein said frame assembles with
said modules as the top portion of the unitary package.
26. The transportable test system of claim 23 wherein said frame assembles with
said modules as the bottom portion of the unitary package.
27. A method of testing a hose comprising:
cleaning said hose;
inspecting said hose;
connecting said hose between two test modules at least one of which is
fluidically connected to a high pressure fluid source and a control module;
restraining each hose end to a respective one of said test modules;
pressurizing said hose with a test fluid according to a predetermined test
protocol;
detecting leaks from said hose if present; and
draining said test fluid from said hose into a reservoir housed in one of
said test modules.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein said pressurizing comprises pumping said
test fluid from a supply reservoir in one of said test modules into said test hose
via a high-pressure pump housed in a control module.
29. The method of claim 28 wherein said control module further houses a
computer which carries out said test protocol, implements a leak detection
routine, and generates a report of the test results.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein said control module, and said two test
modules assemble, optionally with a lifting frame, to form a transportable,
standard-size, shipping container.