Sealing test equipment for systems that isolate two media in a sealed manner

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sealing test apparatus (D1) for a system that isolates two media in a sealed manner, the system including a flange and a sealing blocking device mounted in the flange, the test apparatus comprising: a housing (36) including an expandable seal (48) intended to contact the system in an expanded state and ensure the sealing of a test space defined between the system and the housing; a pneumatic pump (P1) and a pneumatic circuit (C1) configured to connect the pump (P1) to the expandable seal (48) in a first step such that the pump (P1) expands the expandable seal (48), and to connect the pump (P1) to the test space in a second step such that the pump (P1) generates a pressure of a given value in the test space; and means for measuring the pressure in the test space.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing test device for a system for isolating two media in a sealed manner, for example for a double door transfer system, and for a glove enabling handling in a sealed environment. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a certain number of industrial sectors, for the nuclear sector, the medical sector and the pharmaceutical sector, and the food industry, in order to protect the environment, for example from radioactivity, toxicity, etc., or conversely, in order to be able to carry out these tasks in a sterile or dust-free atmosphere, or finally to achieve both objectives, it is necessary or desirable to carry out certain tasks in a confined atmosphere.

[0003] Transferring a device or a product from one closed space to another closed space, without at any time breaking the seal of each of these spaces with respect to the outside, is a difficult problem to overcome. This problem can be solved by a double door transfer device.

[0004] Such a double door device provided with a plurality of safety commands is known, for example, from document FR 2 695 343. Each space is closed by a door mounted in a flange. Each door is integral with its flange by a snap connection, and the two flanges are intended to be integral with each other by a snap connection.

[0005] For example, one of the closed spaces is formed by an isolator and the other space is formed by a container.

[0006] Generally, the connecting portion carried by the isolator is designed as an alpha portion and the connecting portion carried by the container is designed as a beta portion.

[0007] Before connecting the two closed spaces, it is desirable to verify that each alpha door and beta door respects the sealing criteria, in order to avoid any risk of causing internal or external contamination during the connection of the two closed spaces.

[0008] A technique for verifying the sealing of the alpha and beta portions is implemented by a device comprising a cavity whose opening is delimited by a thin and relatively rigid O-ring, a seal being intended to be applied against the thin surface of the flange of the alpha or beta portion, so as to define with this surface a test space whose sealing is tested. For example, a given pressure level is generated, for example the pressure is lowered in this space, and it is verified whether this pressure level is stable over time.

[0009] The device is fixed on the alpha or beta portion so as to press the seal against the surface of the alpha or beta portion.

[0010] In another example, the isolation portion forms a glove box and the glove enables an operator to work inside the glove box while remaining isolated from the interior of the glove box. It is also desirable to verify the glove's seal before using it.

[0011] Furthermore, it is desirable for the testing device to be small and lightweight. SUMMARY

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a seal testing device that is small and lightweight, thereby enabling the verification of the seal of a system for isolating two media in a sealed manner, such as the seal of at least a portion of a double-door transfer device or a glove mounted on a glove box.

[0013] The above object is achieved by a seal testing device comprising a housing comprising an inflatable seal intended to engage with the system to be tested to delimit a testing space, and a single pump ensuring the inflation of the seal and the seal testing.

[0014] In the case of testing a glove, the pump can ensure the inflation of the glove, which forms the testing space. In the case of testing a double-door transfer system, the pump can ensure the evacuation of the testing space.

[0015] In order to test the seal of a glove or of any system comprising a flexible portion, a pump is preferably chosen that is capable of inflating a considerable space at low pressure to inflate the glove or the flexible portion, and of inflating a reduced space at high pressure to inflate the inflatable seal, thereby enabling the seal testing of the glove or of the system provided with a flexible portion to be performed in an acceptable time.

[0016] In order to test the seal of a double-door transfer system, a pump is preferably chosen that is capable of inflating a reduced space at high pressure and of creating a pressure drop between the housing of the device and the alpha or beta portion.

[0017] Very advantageously, the pump is a diaphragm or membrane pump that enables the inflation of a considerable space at low pressure, the inflation of a reduced space at high pressure and the creation of a pressure drop.

[0018] In other words, the seal testing device is implemented with a single pump capable of inflating the seal and of creating a pressure in the space whose seal is to be verified, and a pneumatic circuit that can be controlled to establish the pneumatic connections required for the different steps of the seal testing.

[0019] Thus, one subject of the application is a device for testing the tightness of at least one system that isolates two media in a sealed manner, the testing device comprising: a housing comprising an inflatable seal intended, in an inflated state, to come into contact with the system and to ensure the tightness of a test space defined between the system and the housing; a pneumatic pump and a configured pneumatic circuit, in a first step, the pump being connected to the inflatable seal so that the pump inflates the inflatable seal, and in a second step, the pump being connected to the test space so that the pump generates a pressure with a given value in the test space; and means for measuring the pressure in the test space.

[0020] In an embodiment, the pneumatic circuit comprises at least one distributor between the pump and the inflatable seal, at least one distributor between the pump and the test space, and at least one distributor between the inflatable seal, the test space and the discharge zone.

[0021] Advantageously, the distributor between the pump and the test space is configured to ensure the connection of the test space at the pressure orifice of the pump or at the pressure containment orifice of the pump.

[0022] Preferably, the pneumatic circuit comprises pressure monitoring means in the inflatable seal.

[0023] Advantageously, the pump is a diaphragm pump.

[0024] Preferably, the tightness testing device comprises a control unit configured to control the pump and the pneumatic circuit.

[0025] For example, the system to be verified is a double-door transfer system of an isolation unit, the pump can thus be configured to reduce the pressure in the test space with respect to the external pressure.

[0026] In another example, the system to be verified is a double-door transfer system of a container, the pump can thus be configured to reduce the pressure in the test space with respect to the external pressure.

[0027] According to another feature, the tightness testing device comprises fixing means configured to engage with the system to be tested, for example snap-on fixing means.

[0028] When the system to be verified is a system comprising a flexible part, for example a glove, the circuit is advantageously configured to inflate the flexible part.

[0029] In the case where the system to be verified is a system comprising a flexible portion or a double-door transfer system of a lockout or a container, in the case where a system comprising a flexible portion is tested, the control unit is configured to connect the system comprising a flexible portion at the pressure port of the pump during the test phase and to connect the system comprising a flexible portion at the pressure containment port of the pump at the end of the test, and in the case where a double-door transfer system is tested, the control unit is configured to connect the test space at the pressure containment port of the pump during the test phase.

[0030] According to another feature, the control unit comprises means for emitting a signal representative of the result of the tightness test.

[0031] The distributor is for example an electromagnetic valve.

[0032] Another subject of the application is a method for testing the tightness of a system isolating two media in a sealed manner, implemented by means of a tightness test device according to the application and comprising the following phases:

[0033] - mounting the device on the system,

[0034] - pneumatically connecting the pump to the inflatable seal,

[0035] - actuating the pump until the pressure in the inflatable seal reaches a first given value,

[0036] - stopping the pump,

[0037] - pneumatically connecting the pump to the test space,

[0038] - actuating the pump to generate a pressure having a second given value in the test space,

[0039] - stopping the pump,

[0040] - monitoring the pressure in the test space,

[0041] - emitting a signal representative of the test result,

[0042] - emptying the inflatable seal and the test space if necessary.

[0043] The first given value is for example about 2 bar.

[0044] In the case where the system is a double-door transfer system of a lockout or a container, the first given value is preferably a pressure lower than the external pressure.

[0045] In the case of a system comprising a flexible portion, the second value is preferably a positive pressure of about a few millibars to a few tens of millibars.

[0046] Advantageously, for the emptying step, the system comprising the flexible portion is connected to the pump's depression orifice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0047] The application will be better understood on the basis of the following description and the attached drawings, in which:

[0048] Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the connection of a container on a chamber by means of a double door sealing transfer device by means of a clamping device.

[0049] Figure 2A is a longitudinal sectional view schematically representing an example of a sealing test device before installation on an isolation portion, the seal being in an unexpanded state.

[0050] Figure 2B is a longitudinal sectional view schematically representing an example of a sealing test device installed on an isolation portion, Figure 2A the seal being in an unexpanded state.

[0051] Figure 2C is a longitudinal sectional view schematically representing an example of a sealing test device installed on an isolation portion, Figure 2A the seal being in an expanded state.

[0052] Figure 3 is a schematic view of an example of a pneumatic circuit of a sealing test device implemented to test the sealing of a double door transfer system installed on an isolation portion.

[0053] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a variant of the pneumatic circuit of Figure 3 .

[0054] Figure 5A is a longitudinal sectional view schematically representing an example of a sealing test device before installation on a container, the seal being in an unexpanded state.

[0055] Figure 5B is a longitudinal sectional view schematically representing an example of a sealing test device installed on a container, Figure 5A the seal being in an unexpanded state.

[0056] Figure 5C is a longitudinal sectional view schematically representing an example of a sealing test device installed on a container, Figure 5A the seal being in an expanded state.

[0057] Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically representing an example of a sealing test for testing the sealing of a glove.

[0058] Figure 7 is a schematic view of an example of a pneumatic circuit of a leak test apparatus, which is implemented to test the leak tightness of a glove and is also suitable to test the leak tightness of a double door transfer system.

[0059] Figure 8 is a schematic view of another example of a pneumatic circuit of a leak test apparatus, which is implemented to test the leak tightness of a glove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The leak test apparatus according to the present application is intended to test the leak tightness of a system for isolating two media in a leak tight manner. This system can for example include, but is not limited to:

[0061] - an alpha part of a double door transfer system, which is carried by the wall of the isolation and isolates the interior of the isolation from the external environment.

[0062] - a beta part of a double door transfer apparatus, which is carried by the container or the flexible bag and isolates the interior of the container or the flexible bag from the external environment.

[0063] - a glove, which is mounted in a port of a glove box and isolates the interior of the glove box from the external environment and enables an operator to work in the glove box while being isolated from the interior of the glove box.

[0064] In Figure 1 , a schematic view of an example of a double door transfer system can be seen.

[0065] In the following description, the two closed spaces whose leak tightness is expected to be tested before being connected correspond respectively to the isolation 10 and the container 12. However, it should be understood that the present application is applicable in the case where the closed spaces will be present in a non-restrictive manner, for example one being a glove box and the other being a container or a glove box.

[0066] The isolation 10 is delimited by a wall 14, Figure 1 In which only a part of the wall 14 can be seen. Generally, this isolation is for example equipped with remote handling means, such as a remote manipulator and / or a glove (not shown) integral with the wall 14, thanks to which a centralized command mechanism can be manipulated from the interior of this chamber 10. In particular, as shown in Figure 1 The container 12 is also delimited by a wall 16, as shown in

[0067] The double-door sealed conveying device mainly comprises an isolation flange 18, a container flange 20, an isolation door 22 which generally obstructs the circular opening delimited by the isolation flange 18, and a container door 24 which obstructs the opening delimited by the container flange 20. The isolation flange 18 and the container flange 20 are fixed respectively on the wall 14 of the isolation portion 10 and on the wall 16 of the container 12. The door 22 of the isolation portion is hinged on the isolation flange 18 by a hinge 26.

[0068] The device, generally denoted by reference 28 (not shown), makes it possible to control the opening and closing of the doors 22 and 24.

[0069] The fixing of the container door 24 on the container flange 20 is ensured by a snap connection 30, for example as described in document FR 2 695 343. For example, in order to make it possible to fix the container flange 20 on the isolation flange 18 and to make it possible to fix the container door 24 on the isolation door 22, the double-door sealed conveying system also comprises two other snap connections, denoted by references 32 and 34 respectively. The three snap connections 30, 32 and 34 are arranged so that, after the container flange 20 has been docked on the isolation flange 18, a rotation of the container 12 around its axis, for example a clockwise rotation, has the effect of fixing the container flange 20 and the isolation flange 18, of fixing the container door 24 and the isolation door 22, and of disconnecting the container door 24 from the container flange 20. The last two operations are performed consecutively, so that the container is opened only after the container door 24 has been fixed to the isolation door 22 to form a double door.

[0070] The isolation flange and the isolation door are generally referred to as the "a portion". The container flange and the container door are generally referred to as the "b portion".

[0071] Generally, the double-door conveying system has rotational symmetry around an axis X which is the axis of the isolation flange.

[0072] In Figures 2A to 2C , a schematic view of an example of a testing device D1 adapted to verify the tightness of the a portion can be seen.

[0073] In Figures 2A to 2C , the door 22 of the a portion can be seen in detail. This door 22 comprises a seal 23 which is mounted on the outer face 22.1 of the door and on the outer periphery of the door. The seal 23 extends on the outer face 22.1 of the door and on the lateral edge 22.2 of the door. On the one hand, the seal 23 ensures the tightness between the isolation door 22 and the isolation flange 18 and between the outer face of the isolation door 22 and the outer face of the container door 24, so as to isolate these outer faces from the inside of the closed space.

[0074] The seal 23 is fixed to the isolation door 22 by means of an annular protrusion 25, called "heel", which is mounted in an annular recess 21 formed in the isolation door 22.

[0075] A potential leak, indicated by the arrow F1, can occur between the seal 23 and the isolation flange 18; and a potential leak, indicated by the arrow F2, can occur between the door 22 and the seal 23 at the level of the mounting of the "heel" 25.

[0076] A test device D1 is formed to enable detection of the leaks F1 and F2. The test device D1 comprises a housing or head 36 which delimits a cavity 38 and comprises a bottom 40, a lateral wall 42 and an opening 44 opposite the bottom. The cavity 38 extends along a longitudinal axis X1.

[0077] The housing 36 comprises a recess 46 around the opening 44 and an inflatable seal 48 mounted in the recess 46. In the un-inflated state (Fig. 1), Figure 2A and Figure 2B ) advantageously, the inflatable seal 48 does not protrude from the recess, thereby reducing the friction during the connection of the test device D1 on the alpha part. In addition, the seal is protected. For example, the inflatable seal 48 is glued by its face opposite the face intended to be inflated.

[0078] The inflatable seal is for example made of an elastomer, for example silicone, butadiene styrene or SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber), EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer), fluoropolymer, for example FKM, hydrogenated nitrile HNBR (hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber).

[0079] The diameter of the cavity is chosen so that the inflatable seal 48, in the inflated state, does not cover the potential leak areas F1 and F2 of the isolation. In addition, preferably, the housing is such that it does not come into contact with the seal 23. The dimensions of the housing are such that the edge of the recess 46 adjacent to the opening 44, in other words the spacing between the recess 46 and the opening 44, does not come into contact with the seal 23. The positioning of the test device D1 is ensured by fixing means; in the connected state, the housing and in particular the inner edge of the recess 46 is short enough not to come into contact with the seal 23.

[0080] The test device D1 comprises means 50 for mechanically connecting the housing 36 on the alpha part, in particular for mechanically connecting the housing on the isolation flange 18, so that the seal 48, in the inflated state, comes into contact with the outer face 18.1 of the isolation flange 18.

[0081] Advantageously, the mechanical connection means 50 engage with the means for fixing the container flange 20 on the isolation flange 18. In the example described, these are snap-on means. Thus, since the device D1 is mounted on the flange and not on the container, the mechanical connection means 50 are identical to the mechanical connection means carried by the container flange 20.

[0082] Thus, in the example shown in Figures 2A to 2C the mechanical connection means comprise a lug 52 which penetrates into a recess 54 of the isolation flange 18 and locks the translation of the two flanges 18, 20. In variants, the mechanical connection means can be snap-on mechanical connection means connected by screws or the like.

[0083] The test device further comprises a pump P1 and a pneumatic circuit C1 which selectively connects the pump P1 to the inflatable seal 48 and to the cavity 38. Figures 2A to 2C The circuit C1 is not shown in

[0084] In Figure 3 an example of such a pneumatic circuit C1 can be seen.

[0085] The pneumatic circuit C1 comprises selective connection means between the pump P1, the inflatable seal 48 and the cavity 38.

[0086] Advantageously, the pneumatic connection means comprise a first distributor 3 / 2 66 forming a distribution valve. The distributor comprises two positions and three orifices: a first orifice connected to the pump P1, a second orifice connected to the inflatable seal 48 and a third orifice connected to the first bleeder system 68 so as to deflate the seal 48.

[0087] The first distributor 3 / 2 66 comprises a slider which can be in two positions such that it connects the pump P1 and the seal 48 and interrupts the connection between the seal 48 and the first bleeder system 68, or such that it connects the seal 48 and the first bleeder system 68 and interrupts the connection between the pump P1 and the seal 48.

[0088] For example, the first bleeder system 68 comprises a first distributor 2 / 2 70 comprising a first orifice connected to the third orifice of the first distributor 3 / 2 66 and a second orifice connected to the bleeder zone 69. The first distributor 2 / 2 70 comprises two positions: a position in which the first orifice is connected to the second orifice, and a position in which the connection between the first orifice and the second orifice is interrupted.

[0089] Advantageously, the pneumatic connection means comprise a second distributor 3 / 2 72 forming a distribution valve, the second distributor 3 / 2 72 comprising a first orifice connected to the pump P1, a second orifice connected to the cavity 38, and a third orifice connected to the second drain system 74 to enable emptying of the cavity.

[0090] The spool of the second distributor 3 / 2 72 can be in two positions, such that it connects the pump P1 and the cavity 38 and interrupts the connection between the cavity 38 and the second drain system 74, or such that it connects the cavity 38 and the second drain system 74 and interrupts the connection between the pump P1 and the cavity 38.

[0091] For example, the second drain system 74 comprises a second distributor 2 / 2 76 comprising a first orifice connected to the third orifice of the second distributor 3 / 2 72 and a second orifice connected to the drain region 75. The second distributor 2 / 2 76 comprises two positions: a position in which the first orifice is connected to the second orifice, and a position in which the connection between the first orifice and the second orifice is interrupted.

[0092] The means for moving the spools of the distributors 66, 70, 72, 76 are advantageously electromechanical means, the distributors being solenoid valves or electric valves. In variants, the means for moving the spools are pneumatic means or mechanical means.

[0093] The distributors 66, 70, 72, 76 are advantageously controlled by a control unit UC, for example carried by an electronic board.

[0094] It will be understood that all or some of the distributors 66, 70, 72, 76 can be replaced by a single valve controlled by the control unit UC.

[0095] The pump P1 enables the seal 48 to be inflated at a low flow rate at several bars of pressure, for example at 2 bars of pressure, in practice, the seal has a small volume. Furthermore, the pump P1 enables a vacuum to be created in the cavity 38 with a reduced volume relative to an external pressure of, for example, -40 millibars.

[0096] The membrane pump very advantageously enables the seal to be inflated and enables a vacuum to be ensured in the cavity. In variants, a piston pump, a vane pump or a vane wheel pump can be used in the test device.

[0097] The pneumatic circuit C1 also comprises means 78 for controlling the pressure in the cavity 38 in order to verify its tightness, the means 78 comprising, for example, a pressure sensor. In practice, if the pressure increases, it means that the alpha portion is not tight.

[0098] Very advantageously, the pneumatic circuit also comprises monitoring means 80 for monitoring the pressure in the inflatable seal 48, thus making it possible to verify the state of the inflatable seal and / or to install the device on the isolation flange 18. For example, the monitoring means 80 comprise a pressure switch. The pressure switch controls the loss of pressure. A predefined command corresponds to an inflation pressure value of the seal which has been fixed beforehand. The pressure switch compares the predefined command with the actual pressure measurement of the seal. When the command / measurement difference exceeds a threshold value, for example if the seal is penetrated, the pressure switch sends a signal, for example an alarm in the form of a warning light. It is thus possible to verify that the pressure remains stable throughout the test and that the conditions of the test are valid. During inflation, the pressure switch controls the stopping of the pump when the inflation pressure of the seal is reached.

[0099] The circuit C1 has an optimized space by reducing the number of distributors.

[0100] The operation of the device D1 for testing the tightness of the alpha part will now be described.

[0101] The device D1 is connected to the flange of the alpha part like a container. In this example, the connection of the device to the alpha part is of the snap-on type.

[0102] The distributors 2 / 2 70, 76 are in a position to interrupt the connection of the bleeder zones 69, 75.

[0103] When the device D1 is installed on the alpha part, the cavity 38 of the test device is closed by the alpha part, the control unit UC controls the first distributor 3 / 2 66 in order to connect the pump P1 to the inflatable seal 48 and controls the pump P1 to inflate the seal 48. When the seal 48 is sufficiently inflated, the pump P1 is stopped. The first distributor 3 / 2 66 is then controlled to isolate the seal 48 from the pump P1 and to connect the seal 48 to the first distributor 2 / 2 70 which is in the blocking position. The space of the seal is thus closed. The cavity 38 with the inflatable seal delimited by the alpha part forms the test space V.

[0104] The test phase begins. The control unit UC controls the second distributor 3 / 2 72 in order to connect the pump P1 to the cavity 38 and actuates the pump P1 in order to suck the fluid, for example air, in the cavity 38 to create a negative pressure with respect to the external pressure. When the desired pressure level is reached, the operation of the pump P1 is interrupted and the second distributor 3 / 2 72 is switched in order to isolate the cavity 38 by connecting it to the second distributor 2 / 2 76 which is in the blocking position.

[0105] The pressure level in the cavity 38 is then monitored by the means 78.

[0106] If the pressure increases, it means that there is a leak between the inside of the isolation and the cavity. It is thus deduced that the connection between the alpha part, i.e. the door, and the flange of the alpha part is not sealed. The inflatable seal is in contact with the alpha part so as not to obstruct the potential leak area.

[0107] If the pressure in the cavity stabilizes, it is thus concluded that the alpha part is sealed.

[0108] Then, the first distributor 2 / 2 70 and the second distributor 2 / 2 76 are controlled to connect the seal 48 and the cavity 38 to their respective bleeder areas 69, 75.

[0109] In Figure 4 , a variant C1' of the circuit C1 can be seen.

[0110] The circuit C1' comprises a first distributor 3 / 2 82 selectively connecting the pump to the inflatable seal 48 and to the cavity 38.

[0111] The circuit C1' comprises a branch C1.1' between the distributor 82 and the inflatable seal 48 and a branch C1.2' between the distributor 82 and the cavity 38.

[0112] The branch C1.1' comprises a distributor 2 / 2 84 making it possible to communicate or not between the distributor 82 and the inflatable seal, and a distributor 2 / 2 86 downstream of the distributor 84 to empty the inflatable seal 48.

[0113] The branch C1.2' comprises a distributor 2 / 2 88 making it possible to communicate or not between the distributor 82 and the cavity 38, and a distributor 2 / 2 90 downstream of the distributor 88 to empty the cavity 38.

[0114] The different distributors are controlled by a control unit.

[0115] The operation of the circuit C1' is similar to that of the circuit C1.

[0116] In Figures 5A to 5C , an example of a device D2 making it possible to test the beta part can be seen.

[0117] In Figures 5A to 5C , a tightness testing device D2, particularly adapted to test the tightness of the beta part, can be seen. The container flange 20 comprises a seal 27 similar to the seal 23 mounted on the isolation door 22.

[0118] The device D2 is very close to the device D1 in that it also implements an inflatable seal to delimit a sealed cavity with the beta part. The device D2 differs from the device D1 in that the inflatable seal 148 is in contact with the radial outer periphery of the container flange 20. The device D2 has a rotation axis X1'.

[0119] The housing 136 comprises a cavity 138 delimited by a bottom 140 and a lateral wall 142, the opening 144 having a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the cavity so as to delimit a radial recess 146 in the housing which accommodates the inflatable seal 148.

[0120] The inflatable seal 148 is glued, for example, through its face opposite the face intended to be inflated. The inflatable seal 148 is glued to the bottom of the radial recess 146. The examples of materials given for the seal 48 are applied to the seal 148.

[0121] Advantageously, the opening 144 has a radially internal bevelled edge which facilitates the mounting of the housing on the beta part.

[0122] The mounting of the device on the beta part leaves a gap between the free face of the beta part and the bottom 140 of the cavity 138 so as to arrange a test space V' between the beta part and the device and to avoid blocking the potential leak areas F1' and F2'. The space V' is generally a few cubic centimetres.

[0123] In the example shown in Figures 5A to 5C , the test device D2 is configured to be connected to the beta part by a snap-on connection. In this example, the device D2 comprises a lug 152 which is arranged in the radial recess 146, between the bottom of the cavity 138 and the seal 148, and which engages with the outer peripheral edge of the container flange 20.

[0124] In a variant, the mechanical connection means can be snap-on fitting mechanical connection means connected by screws or the like.

[0125] The operation of the test device D2 to verify the tightness of the beta part is similar to the operation of the device to test the tightness of the alpha part. It will therefore not be described in detail.

[0126] In Figure 6 , a schematic view of an example of a device D3 capable of testing the tightness of a glove G intended to be mounted in a glove box port can be seen. This device is capable of verifying the tightness of an entire system comprising at least one flexible part or element expected to be connected to the isolation. This flexible part or element can be, for example, a glove, a sleeve associated with the glove, a diving suit, a semi-diving suit.

[0127] In the case where the space of the diving suit or semi-diving suit and the space of the glove are significantly different, it will be preferable to use a pump adapted to inflate the diving suit or semi-diving suit in a different embodiment than the one that inflates the glove, to reduce the duration of the test.

[0128] The glove comprises a flexible portion S provided with an opening and intended to be connected in a sealed manner to the glove machine R fixed by the wall 155 of the isolation.

[0129] The configuration of the device D3 is close to that of the device D2. The seal 148 is mounted in the lateral recess 156 so as to be in contact with the inner lateral surface of the glove machine R. For example, as shown in Figure 6 The opening of the glove is mounted on the end of the glove machine provided with a recess 158 on its outer periphery. An O-ring 160 is mounted above the glove in the recess 158 and ensures the retention of the glove G on the glove machine R.

[0130] In the example shown, the glove machine R is provided at the level of the end opposite the end carrying the recess 158 with a thread 162 intended to be arranged outside the isolation. A nut 164 is screwed from the outside of the isolation on the thread and fixes the glove machine R by the wall. Preferably, a seal 165 is interposed between the glove machine R and the wall 155 inside the isolation.

[0131] The device D3 comprises a single pump P2 and a pneumatic circuit selectively connecting the pump to the inflatable seal or to the glove.

[0132] In Figure 7 , a schematic view of an example of such a pneumatic circuit C2 can be seen.

[0133] The pneumatic circuit C2 comprises selective connection means between the pump P2, the inflatable seal 148 and the inside of the glove G.

[0134] The pump P2 comprises a depression-suppression orifice through which air is sucked and a pressure orifice through which air is expelled.

[0135] The pneumatic circuit C2 comprises a branch C2.1 connected directly to the pressure orifice of the pump P2 and three branches C2.2, C2.3 and C2.4 all connected to the branch C2.1.

[0136] The branch C2.2 connects the pressure orifice of the pump P2 via the branch C2.1 and the inside of the glove. The branch C2.2 comprises a distributor 3 / 2 172 forming a distribution valve comprising a first orifice connected to the branch C2.1, a second orifice connected to the glove G and a third orifice connected to the depression-suppression orifice of the pump, the valve 172 being able to be switched to connect the second orifice to the first orifice or to the third orifice.

[0137] Branch C2.3 connects the pump P2 to the inside of the inflatable seal 148 via branch C2.1. Branch C2.3 comprises a distributor 2 / 2 166 forming a distribution valve, which comprises a first orifice connected to branch C2.1 and a second orifice connected to the inflatable seal.

[0138] Branch C2.4 comprises a distributor 2 / 2 170, which comprises an orifice connected to branch C2.1 and an orifice connected to the outside environment.

[0139] The circuit further comprises a branch C2.5 comprising a distributor 3 / 2 176, which comprises an orifice connected to the depression-suppression orifice of the pump P2, an orifice connected to the glove via a valve 172 and an orifice connected to the outside. The valve 176 can be switched to put the first orifice in communication with the second orifice or the third orifice.

[0140] For the device D1, the means for moving the slides of the distributors 166, 170, 172, 176 are advantageously electromechanical means, the distributors being electrically or magnetically operated valves. In a variant, the means for moving the slides are pneumatic or mechanical means.

[0141] The distributors 166, 170, 172, 176 are advantageously controlled by a control unit UC’ carried for example by an electronic board.

[0142] It will be understood that all or some of the distributors 166, 170, 172, 176 can be replaced by a single valve controlled by the control unit UC’.

[0143] The device D3 further comprises means 178 for verifying the pressure in the glove in order to verify the sealing of the glove. Indeed, if the pressure decreases, it means that the glove is not sealed. For example, the means comprise a pressure sensor.

[0144] The operation of the device D3 will now be described. In a known manner, the glove is mounted in a sealed manner on the device for connecting the glove box by means of a glove machine.

[0145] The glove is deployed inside the isolation portion.

[0146] The device D3 is mounted in the glove machine R Figure 6 ).

[0147] First, the inflatable seal 148 is inflated. To do this, the valves 166 and 172 are in the open position and the valve 176 is in the closed position. Figure 7The position of the valve 170 is switched to interrupt the circulation in the branch C2.4 and the valve 172 is switched to connect the pressure relief orifice to the outside environment. The pump is actuated. The seal 148 is inflated. The pump P2 is stopped when the seal is sufficiently inflated. The valve 166 is switched to isolate the seal.

[0148] The test phase is started. The control unit controls the distributor 3 / 2 172 to connect the pump P2 to the inside of the glove G and actuates the pump P2 to inflate the glove G at a pressure of, for example, about 10 mbar. When the desired pressure level is reached, the operation of the pump P2 is interrupted and the distributor 3 / 2 172 is switched to isolate the inside of the glove G.

[0149] The pressure level in the glove G is then monitored.

[0150] If the pressure decreases, it means that the glove G leaks and the glove G is considered to be defective. The glove must be replaced.

[0151] If the pressure in the glove is stable, it is concluded that the glove is sealed and can be used.

[0152] When the test is finished, the seal and the glove are deflated. Very advantageously, a step of deflation of the glove by force takes place. The valves 166 and 172 are switched to connect the inside of the glove to the pressure relief orifice of the pump P2 and the valve 170 is switched to connect the pressure orifice of the pump to the outside environment via the branch C2.4. The pump P2 is actuated to suck the air from the glove G, which ensures a rapid deflation of the glove having a large volume.

[0153] The seal is directly connected to the outside environment by the valve 166. Indeed, the volume of the seal is significantly smaller than the volume of the glove, therefore, the natural deflation of the seal is very fast.

[0154] The device D3 thus has the advantage of ensuring a rapid deflation of the glove. In addition, the device D3 has a great compactness.

[0155] In addition, the pneumatic circuit C2 has the advantage of being able to be used for the device D1 to test the seal of the alpha part or for the device D2 to test the seal of the beta part, in order to test a double door transfer system. Indeed, the connection between the valve 166 and the pressure relief orifice of the pump makes it possible to create a pressure drop in the system to be tested, which is desirable to test a double door transfer system.

[0156] The pneumatic circuit C2 thus makes it possible to test a glove and a double door transfer system such as any flexible connected object listed above and according to which it is installed on the device D1, D2 or D3.

[0157] In Figure 8Among others, one can see another example of a circuit C3 adapted to a device able to test the tightness of a glove G intended to be installed in a glove box port.

[0158] Advantageously, the pneumatic connection device comprises a first distributor 3 / 2 266 forming a distribution valve, comprising a first orifice connected to the pump P3, a second orifice connected to the inflatable seal 148, and a third orifice connected to a first bleed system 268 to deflate the seal 148.

[0159] The first distributor 3 / 2 266 comprises a slide so that it can connect the pump P3 to the seal 148, or the seal 148 to the first bleed system 268.

[0160] For example, the first bleed system 268 comprises a distributor 2 / 2 270 between the bleed area and the third orifice of the first distributor 3 / 2 266.

[0161] Advantageously, the pneumatic connection device comprises a second distributor 3 / 2 272 forming a distribution valve, comprising a first orifice connected to the pump P3, a second orifice connected to the inside of the glove G, and a third orifice connected to a second bleed system 274 to enable the inside of the glove G to be bled.

[0162] The second distributor 3 / 2 272 comprises a slide so that it can connect the pump P3 to the inside of the glove G, or the inside of the glove G to the second bleed system 274.

[0163] For example, the second bleed system 274 comprises a distributor 2 / 2 276 between the bleed area and the third orifice of the second distributor 3 / 2 272.

[0164] The operation of the device for testing the tightness of a glove equipped with a circuit C3 will now be described.

[0165] The testing device is installed in a glove machine R.

[0166] The distributors 270, 276 of the bleed systems are in the closed position.

[0167] The control unit controls the first distributor 3 / 2 266 so as to connect the pump P3 to the seal 148, and controls the pump P3 to inflate the seal 148. When the seal 148 is sufficiently inflated, the pump P3 is stopped. The first distributor 3 / 2 266 is controlled to isolate the seal 148 of the pump P3. The seal 148 is connected to the distributor 270 which is in the blocked position. The inside of the glove delimited by the testing device and the inflatable seal forms a test space.

[0168] The test phase begins. The control unit controls the second distributor 3 / 2 272 to connect the pump P3 to the inside of the glove G and actuates the pump P3 to inflate the glove G at a pressure of, for example, about 10 mbar. When the desired pressure level is reached, the operation of the pump P3 is interrupted and the second distributor 3 / 2 272 is switched to isolate the inside of the glove G by connecting it to the distributor 276 of the second bleed system 274 in the blocked position.

[0169] The pressure level in the glove G is then monitored.

[0170] If the pressure decreases, it means that the glove G leaks and the glove G is considered to be defective. If the pressure in the glove stabilizes, it is concluded that the glove is sealed and can be used.

[0171] The distributors 270, 276 of the bleed systems 268, 274 are then controlled to connect the seal 148 and the glove G to the bleed systems 268, 274, respectively.

[0172] The execution of the tightness test and the control of the distributors and pumps of the different devices described above are preferably automated, the control unit sending commands to the distributors and pumps according to a determined sequence and sending messages to the user, for example by colored lights, to inform the result of the test. The test is simplified and the risk of erroneous handling is greatly reduced.

[0173] In a variant, it can be considered that the user manually controls all or some of the distributors and pumps according to a determined sequence.

[0174] It will be understood that the configuration of the pneumatic circuit can vary significantly in particular according to the available locations and the number of distributors that can be used.

[0175] The test device according to the application is advantageous in that, since a single pump is implemented, it is compact and light in quality to ensure the sealing of the installation of the device on the system to be tested and the execution of the tightness test.

[0176] In addition, the use of the device is relatively simple. In addition, the risk of breakdown due to the limited number of components is reduced.

Claims

1. A leak test apparatus for testing the leak tightness of at least one system that separates two media in a leak tight manner, the test apparatus comprising: a casing (36) comprising an inflatable seal (48, 148) configured to be in contact with the system in an inflated condition and to ensure the tightness of a test space defined between the system and the casing; a pneumatic pump (P1, P2) and a pneumatic circuit (C1, C2) configured to, in a first step, connect the pneumatic pump (P1, P2) to the inflatable seal (48, 148) so that the pneumatic pump (P1, P2) inflates the inflatable seal (48, 148) and, in a second step, connect the pneumatic pump (P1, P2) to the test space so that the pneumatic pump (P1, P2) generates a pressure with a given value in the test space, and means (78, 178) for measuring the pressure in the test space, wherein the pneumatic circuit comprises at least one distributor (66, 166) between the pneumatic pump (P1, P2) and the inflatable seal (48, 148), at least one distributor between the pneumatic pump and the test space, and at least one distributor between the inflatable seal, the test space and a venting zone, and wherein the distributor between the pneumatic pump and the test space is configured to ensure at least the connection of the test space to a pressure port of the pneumatic pump.

2. The leak test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The distributor between the pneumatic pump and the test space is configured to ensure the connection of the test space to a pressure port of the pneumatic pump.

3. The tightness test apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a control unit (UC, UC') configured to control the pneumatic pump and the pneumatic circuit.

4. The tightness testing apparatus according to claim 2, comprising a control unit (UC, UC') configured to control the pneumatic pump and the pneumatic circuit, and wherein, The control unit is configured to control the distributors so as to connect, in one phase, the inflatable seal to a pressure port of the pneumatic pump and, in another subsequent phase, the test space to a pressure relief port of the pneumatic pump.

5. The leak test apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The pneumatic circuit comprises means for monitoring the pressure in the inflatable seal.

6. The leak test apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The pneumatic pump is a diaphragm pump.

7. The tightness testing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, the system to be tested being a double door transfer system of an isolation section, wherein, The pneumatic pump is configured to reduce the pressure in the test space with respect to the external pressure.

8. The tightness testing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, the system to be tested being a double door transfer system of a container, wherein, The pneumatic pump is configured to reduce the pressure in the test space with respect to the external pressure.

9. The tightness test apparatus according to claim 7, comprising fixing means configured to engage with the system to be tested.

10. The tightness test apparatus according to claim 8, comprising fixing means configured to engage with the system to be tested.

11. The tightness testing apparatus of claim 1 or 2, the system to be tested comprising at least one flexible portion, wherein, The pneumatic pump is configured to inflate the flexible portion.

12. The tightness testing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, the system to be tested being a system comprising a flexible portion, or a double door transfer system of isolators or containers, the tightness testing apparatus comprising a control unit (UC, UC') configured to control the pneumatic pump and the pneumatic circuit, wherein, A distributor located between the pneumatic pump and the test space is configured to ensure the connection of the test space to the pressure port of the pneumatic pump, and wherein, in the case of testing a system comprising a flexible portion, the control unit is configured to connect the system comprising a flexible portion to the pressure port of the pneumatic pump during the test phase, and to connect the system comprising a flexible portion to the depression port of the pneumatic pump at the end of the test, and in the case of testing a double-door transfer system, the control unit is configured to connect the test space to the depression port of the pneumatic pump during the test phase.

13. The tightness testing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a control unit (UC, UC') configured to control the pneumatic pump and the pneumatic circuit, and wherein, The control unit comprises means for emitting a signal representative of the result of the tightness test.

14. The tightness test device according to claim 1 or 2, the distributor being a solenoid valve.

15. Method for testing the tightness of a system isolating two media in a sealed manner, implemented by means of a tightness test device according to one of claims 1 to 14, and comprising the following phases: - mounting the device on the system, - pneumatically connecting the pneumatic pump to the inflatable seal, - activating the pneumatic pump until the pressure in the inflatable seal reaches a first given value, - stopping the pneumatic pump, - pneumatically connecting the pneumatic pump to a test space, - actuating the pneumatic pump to generate a pressure having a second given value in the test space, - stopping the pneumatic pump, - monitoring the pressure in the test space, - emitting a signal representative of the test result, - evacuating the inflatable seal and the test space.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first given value is 2 bar.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, the system being a double-door transfer system of an isolation section or a container, the first given value being a pressure lower than the external pressure.

18. The method according to claim 15 or 16, the system being a system comprising a flexible portion, the second given value being a positive pressure of a few millibars to a few tens of millibars.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, For the evacuation step, the system comprising a flexible portion is connected to the depression port of the pneumatic pump.

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