Pressure Test Caps & Plugs



Pressure testing down-hole equipment is a common practice. In order to hold the pressure each end shall be closed by:
  • Pressure test plug where the element to be tested has a box connection.
  • Pressure test cap where the element to be tested has a pin connection.

The pressure test caps and plugs shall meet the following requirements.

  • Meet all safety standards regarding use of pressure testing equipments.
  • Fit the connection to be tested. (see VAM® Compatibility rules).
  • Ability to hold the required test pressure.
  • Easy to install and remove.
  • Withstand numerous make and break.
  • Shall be designed to prevent any change the dimensional characteristics of the connection after test.
  • Shall not damage the connection due to makeup and breakout (removal of the surface treatment, galling of the threads or sealing area…).
  • May be used with any type steel.

For safety reasons it is not recommended to use gas as pressure medium.

“Type-1” (Also called “Metal to Metal Pressure Test Fixtures”): Here the pressure tightness is achieved by metal to metal seal engagement (just like the product). Although designed to minimize the torque to be applied, these test fixtures need a power tong to reach the necessary complete make-up whenever the product sizes is greater than 5 inches (make-up torque = 25% lowest weight and grade of the corresponding OD).

The “Type-1” is available for all VAM® Connections and may be purchased from any VAM® Licensee or approved suppliers. For more information on ordering these contact Mr Help.

These “Type-1” test caps or plugs will not generate any product deformation under pressure only if the make-up with the product to be tested is complete i.e.: at shoulder point. It is reminded that inserting any kind of seal ring between the shoulders to escape the power make-up shall be banned because it causes permanent deformation of the product.

As there is metal to metal seal engagement a particular care shall be taken about using and applying the proper thread compound. A systematic inspection shall be conducted before each engagement to prevent damaging the product due to galled or indented seal of the test cap or plug.


“Type-2” (Also called “Soft Seal Low Torque Pressure Test Fixures”): Here the pressure tightness is achieved by a specially designed polymeric seal ring.

  • No risk of seal damage (thanks to specific soft seals).
  • Real hand-tight solution for all sizes. No need of power tong, a wrench is enough.
  • No deformation after test, the connection remains “new” after pressure test this has been proven by tests.
  • Keep control on condition and serviceability through rental only.
  • Available on rental (short term or long term agreements) or for sale.
  • VAM® TOP Type 2 are suitable for hydro-testing up to 15 Ksi or gas testing up to 7,5 Ksi for some sizes.
  • VAM® 21 Type 2 are suitable for both hydro-testing and gas testing up to 15 Ksi.
  • Easily available through VAM® Services.
  • Supplied in a PELI-CASE easily transportable.

At the moment the “Type-2” is available for VAM® TOP, VAM® TOP HC and VAM® TOP HT from 2 3/8” up to 14” and for VAM® 21.
For any question you may have on their availability or to order them, please contact gauges.dept@vamservices.com.

VAM® 21™ offer:

Soft seal test fixtures (test caps and test plugs) are now available for the VAM® 21™ connections from 4 1/2” up to 13 5/8”.

The soft seal test fixtures are available on different supply basis:

  • Short term rental (on a daily basis).
  • Long term rental (6 month renewable periods).
  • For sale.
  • Maintenance (revamping every 200 cycles and recertification every 3 years).
Test cap / plug | Sizes available:
OD Weight Standard design
15 kPSI with water and gas		 Standard design
22.5 kPSI with water / 15 kPSI with gas
4 1/2" 11.6 to 15.1# ✔ ✔
4 1/2" 16.6 to 18.9# ✔
4 1/2" 21.5 to 23.7#

✔

(also available for VAM® 21-NA)		 ✔
5" 18# ✔
5" 21.4 to 24.1# ✔ ✔
5 1/2" 17 to 23# ✔ ✔
5 1/2" 26 to 26.8# ✔ ✔
6" 30.9# ✔
6 5/8" 23.2 to 32# ✔
6 5/8" 34.5 & 36.7# ✔ ✔
7" 23 to 35# ✔
7" 38 to 42.7# ✔
7 5/8" 29.7 to 39# ✔
8 5/8" 44# ✔
9 5/8" 43.5 to 53.5# ✔
10" 73.9# ✔
10 3/4" 51 to 60.7# ✔
10 3/4" 65.7# ✔
13 3/8" 68 to 72# ✔
13 5/8" 88.2# ✔

Note: Additional sizes will be available soon. Do not hesitate to ask VAM® Services for a size that does not appear in the table.

A printed copy of the User Guide will be provided along with the pressure test fixtures (rental or sale). Should you need a copy or in case of change of revision, please do not hesitate to contact gauges.dept@vamservices.com.

The applicable documents are:

FORVS-507 Rev3 - VAM® 21 Test Plug with Soft Seal - User Guide.

FORVS-508 Rev3 - VAM® 21 Test Cap with Soft Seal - User Guide.

VAM TOP® offer:

Soft seal test fixtures (test caps and test plugs) are now available for the VAM TOP® connections from 2 3/8” up to 9 7/8”.

The soft seal test fixtures are available on different supply basis:

  • Short term rental (on a daily basis).
  • Long term rental (6 month renewable periods).
  • For sale.
  • Maintenance (revamping every 200 cycles and recertification every 3 years).
Test cap / plug | Sizes available:
OD Weight Standard design
15 kPSI with water / 7.5 kPSI with gas
2 3/8" 4.6 to 5.1# ✔
2 3/8" 5.8 to 7.35# ✔
2 7/8" 6.4# ✔
2 7/8" 7.8 to 10.7# ✔
2 7/8" 11.5# ✔
3 1/2" 6.5 to 10.2# ✔
3 1/2" 12.7 to 14.7# ✔
3 1/2" 15.5 to 18.35# ✔
4" 8.2 to 13.2# ✔
4" 14.8 to 16.5# ✔
4" Greater than 18.9# ✔
4 1/2" 10.5 to 15.1#

✔

(also available for VAM TOP ® HT / HC / -ND)
4 1/2" 17 to 18.9#

✔

(also available for VAM TOP ® HT / HC / -ND)
4 1/2" 21.5 to 23.7#

✔

(also available for VAM TOP ® HT / HC / -ND)
5" 13 to 26.7# ✔
5 1/2" 14 to 29.7# ✔
5 3/4" 18.1# ✔
6 5/8" 20 to 36.7#

✔

(also available for VAM TOP ® FE™)
7" 23 to 42.7# ✔
7 5/8" 26.4 to 47.1#

✔

(also available for VAM TOP ® FE™)
7 3/4" 46.1# ✔
8 5/8" 36 to 52#

✔

(also available for VAM TOP ® FE™)
9 5/8" 40 to 58.4# ✔
9 7/8" 62.8 to 70.7# ✔
Note : 15 kpsi = 15,000 psi.

Thanks to contact gauges.dept@vamservices.com to get a quotation