Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Samuel A Withrow

Rajender K Sadhir

George E Rudd

Daniel Lee Price

Dong S Kim

A method and apparatus for approximating the life of a gasket used in a predetermined environment is provided which allows for the long-term exposure to the environment to be simulated over a shortened period of time. The method and apparatus utilize the steps of placing a gasket sample in a test assembly, clamping the gasket sample within the test assembly at a predetermined clamping pressure whereby a chamber is formed within the interior of the gasket sample, filling the chamber with a gas at a predetermined pressure from a gas fill system, changing the temperature of the gasket sample over a predetermined number of temperature cycles, and measuring the amount of the gas which leaks from the chamber. The apparatus may also include a pressure control system for changing the pressure within the chamber over a predetermined number of pressure cycles or in response to predetermined temperature conditions.

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Ligonier Township, PA, United States of America

Samuel A Withrow