A completion system includes a pipeline fitting (F); a plug body (P) sized for the fitting; a set of blades (B) adapted for securing the plug body within the fitting, the blades having a retracted position and an extended position; a circumferential groove adapted to receive the set blades when in the extended position; and a control bar (C) adapted for use with the plug body, wherein the completion system further includes a sensor (S) and the set of blades is further adapted to trigger the sensor when the set of blades is extended into the circumferential groove at a predetermined locking depth within the circumferential groove.
F16L 55/136 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially expanding or deforming a split ring, hooks or the like
2.
PIPELINE PIG WITH PRESSURE-EQUALIZING TRANSMITTER CAVITY SYSTEM
A pipeline pig (10) comprising: a transmitter cavity (13) located between a forward end (29) and a rearward end (31) of the pipeline pig and arranged coaxial a central longitudinal centerline (23) of the pipeline pig, the transmitter cavity having a forward end (39) and a rearward end (41), the forward end being a closed end; a flange (17) located at the rearward end of the cavity, the flange including a central opening and having a first hardness; a plug (15) sized for engagement with the central opening of the flange, the plug including a thru passageway (25) and having a second hardness different than that of the first hardness;wherein, when the plug is engaged with the flange, the transmitter cavity is in fluid communication with the thru passageway of the plug.
F16L 55/26 - Pigs or moles, i.e. devices movable in a pipe or conduit with or without self-contained propulsion means
B08B 9/055 - Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
Embodiments of a plugging tool (10) of this disclosure a control bar head (20) and at least one sealing head (30, 40) pivotally connected to the control bar head, the control bar head including a stress suppressor (50) located at a lower end (25) of the control bar head, the stress suppressor including an elastomeric element (51). The stress suppressor can act as a dual-stage suppressor, there being a primary (first stage) and a secondary (second stage) stress suppressor or zone (50A, SOB). The primary stress suppressor has an arched-shaped lowermost end (58) located between a pair of spaced-apart feet (21) of the control bar head, the feet having lateral edges (23) and comprising the secondary stress suppressor. During rotation of the tool into the pipe, stress to the pipe is reduced in a range of 5X to 14X relative to a plugging tool without the stress suppressor.
A pipeline isolation tool (10) with a circumferential seal (30) having a T-shaped cross section. The seal has a radially oriented lower seal profile (36) and an axially oriented upper seal profile (38). Pressure heads (40, 50) are located on either side (32, 34) of the lower profile. Overlapping structural elements (60, 80) are located on either side (32, 34) of the upper profile and include a concave area (70, 90) for receiving a portion of the upper seal profile. The inner face (64, 84) of the structural elements contact the outer surfaces (42, 52) of the pressure heads. Angle plates (100, 110) define an inner face (102, 112) that contacts an outer face (66, 86) of each of the structural elements. The tool may be configured as an intrusive tool or as a non-intrusive tool.
F16L 55/132 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially deforming the packing
F16L 55/124 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced radially into the pipe or hose
F16L 55/105 - Closing devices introduced radially into the pipe or hose
5.
PRESSURE-RESPONSIVE, DEFORMABLE, SELF-INTEGRATING PIGGING ELEMENT FOR USE IN PIPELINE PIGGING APPLICATIONS
A pipeline pigging element (10) that changes its size in an axial and a radial direction as a function of applied pipeline pressure. The pigging element includes at least two circumferential zones (13, 15) having different section modulus than one another, each of the zones changing at different rates from one another between an uninflated and an inflated state at the applied pipeline pressure. The pigging element reacts to changes in pipe geometry, having a first length and a first diameter at a first applied pipeline pressure and a second length and a second diameter different than the first at a second applied pipeline pressure. As the pigging element wears, it becomes easier to inflate at the applied pressure and sealing contact with the pipe wall remains substantially unaffected. No onboard pumps or fluid circuits are required to inflate the pigging element.
A pipeline inspection tool (10) including a cylindrical tool body (11) that includes a deformable portion (13) with a plurality of sensors (25) located near or on an external circumferential surface (12) of the deformable portion. A sealed unit (60) contains a corresponding signal source (25). Pipeline gauging relies upon the compressibility and elasticity inherent in the deformable portion as it encounters anomalies in pipeline geometry and moves between a first size and a second size, the signal strength of the source detected by the sensors changing as a result. The sensors may be arrayed in a circumferential band (47) about the deformable portion or along its length. In some embodiments, the sensors and source are magnetic or acoustic (e.g., transceivers or radar integrated chips). In other embodiments, the sensors and source are light or fiber optic.
A pigging device (10) includes at least one pipe wall contacting surface (34) and a wear indicator (30) configured to visually indicate an amount of material loss of the pipe wall contacting surface. The pipe wall contacting surface may be any shape suitable, including but not limited to spherical-shaped, cylindrical-shaped, cup-shaped, disc-shaped, conical-shaped. frusto-conical shaped, bowl-shaped, and bullet-shaped. In some embodiments, the pigging device is a pipeline pig such as but not limited to a spherical foam pig, cylindrical-shaped foam pig, or a bullet-shaped foam pig. In other embodiments, the pigging device is a component of a pipeline: pig such as but not limited to a cup (11) or disc arranged, about a body of the pipeline pig. The pigging device may also be a pigging disc element. The pigging device may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to an elastomer such as urethane.
An inline inspection tool of this disclosure includes at least one sensor arm (50) having a sensor head (30) located at its distal end (51), the sensor head including an arched-shaped pipe contacting portion (33) between its forward, and rearward ends (32, 34), the pipe contacting portion having a radius R and a width Wc and at least one triaxial sensor element (31) having at least a portion located directly below the arched-shaped pipe contacting portion and having a width Ws, Wc < Ws, During the tool's travel through a pipeline, contact, of the sensor head with the pipe wall lies along a single line of travel substantially equal to the width Wc. Because of its shape, the sensor head better traces and maintains contact with the pipe wail to detect dents. wrinkles, weld intrusions, and other defects or anomalies in the pipe wail
G01N 27/87 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables for investigating the presence of flaws by investigating stray magnetic fields using probes
F16L 55/26 - Pigs or moles, i.e. devices movable in a pipe or conduit with or without self-contained propulsion means
9.
PIPELINE TOOL WITH COMPOSITE MAGNETIC FIELD FOR INLINE INSPECTION
Embodiments of an inline inspection ("IL1") tool (10) of this disclosure include a plurality of composite field systems (20) arranged circumferentially about the body of the IL1 tool, each composite field system including multiple magnetic circuits (60) to produce a composite or resultant angled field C relative to the target, along with a sensor array or circuit (40) configured for magnetic flux.leakage ("MFL") or magnetostrictive electro-magnetic acoustic transducers ("EMAT" ) implementations. In embodiments, the pole magnets (61) of the magnetic circuits are oriented in the axial direction of the tool body rather than in the direction of the resultant angled field. The same is true of the sensors (43). This composite field system approach provides options to design -geometries that were not previously possible in prior art single-circuit helical MFL designs and EMAT designs.
G01N 27/87 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables for investigating the presence of flaws by investigating stray magnetic fields using probes
10.
POLYETHYLENE PIPE SERVICE SYSTEM INCLUDING QUICK CONNECT MEANS FOR POLYETHYLENE PIPE TAPPING, PLUGGING, AND COMPLETION OPERATIONS
Embodiments of a polyethylene ("PE") pipe servicing system of this disclosure may include a fusible PE fitting (F) providing a branch connection to a PE pipeline section or run (P), a valve (10) connected to the fitting and including quick connect/disconnect means, and a machine connectable to the valve including complementary quick connect/disconnect means. The quick connect means provide for full scope of operation, including cleaning, fusion, cool down, hot tap, plugging, and completion. No squeezing is used. The quick connect/disconnect means may include a first portion 20 of a cam profile and a second portion 40 of the cam profile complementary to that of the first. The machine may be a drilling or hot tapping machine (30T), a plugging machine (30P), or a completion machine (30C), and their associated tools. The valve and machine are more lightweight and faster and easier to use than the prior art.
F16L 41/06 - Tapping pipe walls, i.e. making connections through the walls of pipes while they are carrying fluids; Fittings therefor making use of attaching means embracing the pipe
11.
SHAFT MECHANICAL LOCK FOR PIPELINE ISOLATION TOOLS
A mechanical lock unit (10, 100, 210, 410) with a shaft lock assembly (12) and method of achieving a self-lock mode for, e.g., hydraulically activated isolation plug module. The shaft lock assembly (12) includes a teeth-form ring (30, 130, 230) that surrounds a shaft (14, 114, 214). The teeth-form ring (30, 130, 230) defines a plurality of teeth (38, 138, 238). A teeth-form split gripper assembly (340) is positioned to surround the teeth-form ring (30, 130, 230). The teeth-form split gripper assembly (340) has at least a first teeth-form split gripper (342) and a second teeth-form split gripper (344) with a spring (346) therebetween for biasing the first teeth-form split gripper (342) away from said second teeth-form split gripper (344). The first teeth-form split gripper (342) and the second teeth form split gripper (344) having an inner surface (348) that defines a plurality of teeth (350) for cooperative engagement with the plurality of teeth (38, 138, 238) of the teeth-form ring (30, 130, 230).
F16L 55/132 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially deforming the packing
F16L 55/136 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially expanding or deforming a split ring, hooks or the like
F16L 55/128 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose
E21B 33/128 - Packers; Plugs with a member expanded radially by axial pressure
E21B 33/129 - Packers; Plugs with mechanical slips for hooking into the casing
A pipeline isolation tool (10) and method of its use includes a plugging head (20) having a seal (30) to sealably engage a pipe wall; a fluid-activated cylinder (64) located on one side of the seal and moveable in an axial direction; metal support segments (40) located on another side of the seal and moveable in a transverse direction radially outward and inward; the metal segments including a concave portion (45), a portion (35) of the seal residing within the concave portion when unset and set. When in a seal unset position a portion (33) of the seal is covered by adjacent metal support segments of the plurality. When in a seal set position the portion of the seal is exposed between the adjacent metal support segments. The seal is self-energizing, its actuating force being in a same direction as a force from isolation pressure.
F16L 55/132 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially deforming the packing
13.
VESSEL CLOSURE DEVICE WITH FAIL SAFE FAILURE DETECTION MEANS
A closure [10] for a cylindrical vessel includes at least one holding means [30] configured to move the closure into a fully closed state, the holding means having a predetermined actuation force or torque to properly close the closure, the closure including one or both of the following failsafe failure detection features: a mechanical fuse [20] having a predetermined load failure force below that of a load failure force of at least one component of the holding means and above that of a predetermined actuation force or torque to properly close the closure; or a block [40] sized to at least partially overlap a pressure warning lock hole [19] of the closure door when the closure is not in the fully closed state and to fully expose the pressure warning lock hole when the closure is in the fully closed state, thereby permitting insertion of a pressure warning lock [17].
A system and method for detecting passage of a pipeline pig, the system and method including a passive impulse detector (10) having a housing (13); a non-intrusive connection (15) of the housing to an exterior wall (17) of a pipeline (P), at least one vibration sensor (11) housed by the housing,; and signal processing (23) including at least one band pass filter (27) configured to receive data collected by the vibration sensor, the vibration sensor and band pass filter configured to monitor frequencies in a predetermined range indicating the impulse. The selected frequencies should be those more easily detectable above the baseline (signature or natural resonance) frequency of the section of pipeline being monitored. In some embodiments, the selected frequencies are lower frequencies. No portion of the passive pipeline pig signal intrudes into an interior of the pipeline.
A fusible fitting (10) of this disclosure includes a saddle (11) having a radially extending branch (17) with a closed bottom end (19). The closed bottom end (19) forms a portion of the saddle (11) and contains some of the fusion wires (13) that run through the saddle (11). After the fitting is fused to a pipe (P), the closed bottom end (19) may be tapped through, with that portion of the fusion wires (13) being removed along with the coupon. Because of this configuration, the branch may be a size-on-size or near size-on-size branch. For example, the radially extending branch (17) may have an inside diameter in a range of greater than 75% of an inside diameter of the pipe to 100% of the inside diameter of the pipe plus one wall thickness of the pipe.
F16L 47/03 - Welded joints with an electrical resistance incorporated in the joint
F16L 47/28 - Joining pipes to walls or to other pipes, the axis of the joined pipe being perpendicular to the wall or to the axis of the other pipe
F16L 47/30 - Joining pipes to walls or to other pipes, the axis of the joined pipe being perpendicular to the wall or to the axis of the other pipe using attaching means embracing the pipe
F16L 47/34 - Tapping pipes, i.e. making connections through walls of pipes while carrying fluids; Fittings therefor
B29C 65/34 - Joining of preformed parts; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement"
16.
USE OF HIGH SPEED RADIO FREQUENCY PROTOCOLS FOR COMMUNICATION WITH PIPELINE PIGS AND INSPECTION TOOLS
A method and system of high speed radio frequency communication between an outside of a metallic pipeline or vessel and an interior volume contained by the metallic pipeline or vessel includes passing a high speed radio frequency signal through a communication portal (10) having a high speed radio frequency permittive material exposed to the interior volume of the metallic pipeline and to the outside. The high speed radio frequency signal may be transmitted from the interior volume to the outside or from the outside to the interior volume. The communication portal (10) may be a cylindrical- or planar-shaped body connected to the metallic pipeline. A tool located within the interior volume may transmit, receive, or transmit and receive the high speed radio frequency signal. The high speed radio frequency signal may be configured according to a 2.45 GHz standard protocol.
A large-gap-seal ("LGS") assembly (30) and methods for its assembly and use are described. The LGS assembly (30) has an elastomer core (50) surrounded by adjoining structural segments (70). Non-adjoining gap segments (60) are located on the sidewall surfaces (55) of the elastomer core (50), with each gap segment (60) approximately centered beneath the edges of two adjoining structural segments (70). The gap segments (60) are exposed by the spaces that form between the structural segments (70) when the LGS assembly (30) is activated. Exposing the gap segments (60) rather than the elastomer core (50) protects the elastomer core (50) from damage and preserves the integrity of the seal between the isolation tool (20) and the inner wall of the pipeline.
A pig trap (10) of this disclosure may include one or more injectors or nozzles (81) located along a sidewall (12) of the barrel (1 1) and oriented to deliver a jet of fluid toward a back side (75) of a vertical member (71) of a pig or tool. The nozzle (81) may be part of an assembly that includes a longitudinally extending pipe (87) having a flat-profile flange (89) at an inlet end (99), a curved-profile flange (91) at the nozzle end, and a bend (105) in between the two ends. When the assembly is installed in a sidewall opening of a pig trap, the nozzle (81) delivers a jet of fluid toward the back side (75) of a vertical member (71) of the pig. A leak path (1 1 1) may be provided through flanges or formed between the sidewall opening and a periphery of the curved-profile flange (91). Launch forces of more than 10 to 15 times that of a conventional launcher may be achieved.
F16L 41/00 - Branching pipes; Joining pipes to walls
B08B 9/055 - Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
19.
THICK, LONG SEAM WELDING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTORTION CONTROL AND NON POST WELD HEAT TREATMENT OF PIPELINE HOT TAP FITTINGS
A method for limiting fitting distortion when welding a fitting (10) to an in-service pipeline— where the fitting (10) includes a thick, longitudinally extending, seam located between fitting halves— involves welding, on each side of the fitting, a middle third section (31) of the seam in a pyramid-like fashion using an inward progression starting from an end of the middle third section (31) along a profile of a seam bevel (19), and welding outer third sections (37) of the seam (20) using an outward progression from an end adjacent to the middle third section (31) along a profile of the seam bevel (19). The welding of each of the three sections per side includes a temper bead welding technique of at least two layers to provide stress relief in lieu of traditional post weld heat treatment.
B23K 31/00 - Processes relevant to this subclass, specially adapted for particular articles or purposes, but not covered by any single one of main groups
B23K 9/035 - Seam welding; Backing means; Inserts with backing means disposed under the seam
Embodiments of a multi-diameter foam pig (10) include a first set of radially spaced-apart, longitudinally extending, slots (11A) located toward a nose end (13) of the pig and a second set of radially spaced-apart, longitudinally extending, slots (11B) located toward a tail end (23). Each set of slots ends at a band section (15A; 15B) of the pig so that, together, the two sets of slots do not traverse the entire length of the pig. A standard-length unit version of the foam pig includes only the first set of slots (11A). A set of shorter, intermediate slots, offset in a circumferential direction from the first and second set of slots and partially overlapping those slots, may be included on the band section. Because of the slots, and because of open cell foam, the foam pig decreases or increases in diameter as it enters a different diameter run than the run just traveled.
B08B 9/055 - Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
This inventions relates to a plugging machine (100) and a rigid tube (2) provided with a stationary disc (3) integral with the bottom of the tube (2) and oriented almost orthogonal to the tube (2), with a movable disc (4) paired with the stationary disc (3). A dealing ring (50) of a resilient material is located between the discs (3, 4) and compressed when the movable disc (4) is pressed against the stationary disc (3) to adhere to an inner surface of the pipeline (200). The sealing ring (50) is coaxial with respect to the pipeline (200). The movement of the movable disc (4) is determined by raising or lowering a control rod (6) within the tube (2) by means of sloping sliders (70) made in the lower portion of the rod (6) which engage in respective grooves (44), likewise sloping, made in an axial shank (40) associated with the movable disc (4) and sliding inside an axial opening of the stationary disc (3). A component of a force is generated which is parallel to the axis of the discs (3,4). The axis is raised or lowered by rotation of a threaded ring (82) engaging in a threading mate at the top (6A) of the rod (6).
F16L 55/124 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced radially into the pipe or hose
22.
PIPELINE PIG WITH HYDRAULICALLY BALANCED COLLAPSIBLE SEALING ELEMENTS
A pipeline pig (10) that can traverse dual- or multiple-diameter pipes or pipelines has collapsible and expandable sealing elements (20) that support the pig, provide a sliding (dynamic) seal with the pipe wall, and maintain the necessary pressure for driving or cleaning as the elements collapse and expand. The sealing elements (20) each have an internal cavity (21) sized to house a first volume of a fluid and a reservoir (20) sized to house a second volume of the fluid. The cavity (21) and reservoir (29) are arranged so that a portion of the volumes of the fluid can move between each. An accumulator (30) maintains a pressure of the first and second volumes of the fluid so that regardless of the sealing element's current size, or whether the element (20) is transitioning between sizes, the element (20) can maintain a sliding seal engagement with the pipe wall (W) and perform the primary function of driving or cleaning (or both).
A metal seal fitting (20) for use on a pipe or pipeline includes at least one metal seal ring (30/40) having a C-profile which houses a spring (31/42) and is arranged concentric to, and outside of, a tap diameter (27) of the access connection. The seal ring (30/40) is double-curved so that it conforms to a pipe-facing side (25) of the fitting (20). A surface (S) of the pipe is prepared to receive the seal (30/40) and, as the fitting (20) is being secured to the pipe, the seal (30/40) is activated and spring- energized. In its final sealing state, the seal (30/40) is not compressed passed its deformation point and maintains its spring-back capability. After the fitting (20) is removed from the pipe, the seal (30/40) may be re-used. The metal seal fitting (20) is suited for applications requiring a high integrity seal and can be used in high pressure, high temperature, and highly corrosive environments which are not well-suited for elastomeric seals.
F16J 15/08 - Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces with exclusively metal packing
F16L 41/06 - Tapping pipe walls, i.e. making connections through the walls of pipes while they are carrying fluids; Fittings therefor making use of attaching means embracing the pipe
24.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IN-SITU MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION OF A PIPE
A system and method for in situ, positive material identification of a pipe selects three test areas that are separated axially and circumferentially from one another and then polishes a portion of each test area. Within each polished area, a ball indenter is used to collect mechanical property data and an optical emission spectrometer is used to collect chemical property data. An overall mean for the mechanical property data, and for the chemical property data, is calculated using at least two data collection runs. The means are compared to a known material standard to determine, at a high level of confidence, ultimate yield strength and ultimate tensile strength within +/- 10%, a carbon percentage within +/- 25%, and a manganese percentage within +/- 20% of a known material standard.
An isolation tool (10) for temporarily isolating a section of pipeline has foldable semi-circular sealing element halves (17, 37) that, when unfolded, combine to form a primary and secondary sealing element (61, 67). The element halves (17, 37) unfold by rotating an inner bar (11) about the axis of an outer bar (31). A bleed hole (71) permits any fluid which leaks past the primary sealing element (61) and into the annular space between the sealing elements (61, 67) to enter a longitudinal bleed passageway (73) located within the tool (10) itself, thereby eliminating the need for a bleed port or valve to be welded onto the pipeline. The tool (10), which is pressure balanced, is well adapted for use in applications in which the lateral access opening is significantly smaller in diameter than the pipe diameter.
An improved machine-actuated removable safety closure (10) made according to this invention includes a latch and central hub combination which permits a plug holder (60) to self-align with the drive holes (41) of the closure's cam plate (25) so that an operator can retrieve the closure without having to lean directly over it.
F16J 13/08 - Detachable closure members; Means for tightening closures attached by one or more members actuated to project behind a part or parts of the frame
F16L 55/136 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially expanding or deforming a split ring, hooks or the like
F16L 41/04 - Tapping pipe walls, i.e. making connections through the walls of pipes while they are carrying fluids; Fittings therefor
A system and method for retrieving a pipeline tool from a pipeline includes a speed control drive section that includes a primary bypass flow valve and a failsafe valve located in a central bypass flow passageway of the drive section. The failsafe valve is placed under the control of a controller. The controller is programmed to release the failsafe valve under prescribed failure conditions. An actuating means moves the failsafe valve between a normally opened positioned and a closed position in response to the controller.
A system and method for detecting the passage of an object in a pipeline includes a non-intrusive detection device that houses one or more shielded magnetometer sensors and a microcontroller with adaptive thresholding detection means. The adaptive thresholding detection means removes outlier data from the magnetic flux data stream and then passes the outlier-free data stream through four low pass filters. A smoothed magnitude of the data stream is compared to detection limits and, if a passage event has occurred, a recent detection is indicated, a counter of a display unit is incremented, a time of passage is recorded, and both statistics are displayed on the display unit. Because a single object may produce multiple magnetic fields, the detector may be locked-out for a predetermined period of time after the passage event to prevent a second detection of the same object as it passes the detection device.
A repair device and method for its use includes plugs that pressure isolate an internally damaged pipeline section and an hermetically sealed housing that contains a length of composite material and a means for controllably releasing the composite material. In a preferred embodiment, the composite material is a pre-cured composite plank and the releasing means is a rotatable carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes pairs of rollers that maintain the composite material in its coiled state and provide for its controlled release onto the interior wall of the pipeline. The carriage assembly also includes a nozzle for injecting an adhesive into a roller. The roller applies the adhesive onto the interior wall surface and then presses the composite material into the adhesive as the carriage assembly rotates and the composite material uncoils. A pneumatic or electric motor may be used to power the carriage assembly.
F16L 55/1645 - Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a sealing material being introduced inside the pipe by means of a tool moving in the pipe
30.
A BLOCK AND BLEED PLUGGING TOOL EMPLOYING SEALS ON A PIPELINE EXTERIOR
The present invention is a method of plugging a pipeline having an exterior surface including the steps of affixing to the exterior of the pipeline first and second spaced apart collars, welding each collar to the pipeline so that an operating space is provided between the collars, positioning a seal with each collar, affixing a containment housing to the opposed collars providing a confined space around the pipeline and surrounding the operating space between the collars, the confined space being accessed by a passageway, cutting and removing a length of pipeline between the collars providing opposed pipeline exteπor end surfaces, positioning first and second seal cups between the collars, each seal cup having a forwardly extending circumferential lip of internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the pipeline, and applying force to move the seal cups away from each other
B23B 41/08 - Boring or drilling machines or devices specially adapted for particular work; Accessories specially adapted therefor for boring, drilling, or tapping holes in tubes under fluid or gas pressure
31.
PIPELINE CLEANING PIG WITH SELF-ENERGIZING DIAGONALLY ORIENTED SCRAPERS
The present invention is a pipeline pig for cleaning the interior of a pipeline, the pipeline pig having a longitudinal pig body with forward and rearward elastomeric propulsion members affixed to and supporting the pig body substantially concentrically in a pipeline, the propulsion members functioning to move the pig body through a pipeline by the force of fluid flow and a plurality of spaced apart elastomeric diagonally oriented scrapers radially extending from the pig body, each scraper member having a semi-circular outer peripheral edge configured and dimensioned to engage the interior wall of a pipeline to thereby scrape and clean the interior pipeline wall as the pig is moved through the pipeline and provide additional support for the pig substantially concentrically in a pipeline. Orientation of the scraper enhances scraping effectiveness by slicing through any debris buildup, separating the debris from the inner pipe wall so that it can be pushed out of the pipeline by the pig discs or cups.
A plugging device for double blocking a section of pipeline or piping and method for its use includes a first and second sealing element and at least one cylinder that is extendable along an axial direction of the pipe between a retracted first position and an extended second position. A means for actuating the cylinder, such as a fluid power source, is provided. When the cylinder is in the extended second position, the sealing element sealably engages an opposing cut end of the pipe. The sealing element is an elastomeric sealing element and may be cup-shaped, convex-shaped, or cork-shaped.
A method and system for launching a pipeline pig includes the steps of compressing a modulating bypass valve of a pipeline pig and installing a locking means to temporally maintain the bypass valve in the compressed state. Once the pig has travelled a predetermined distance through the pipeline, the locking means is released and retrieved through the launch trap door. The locking means is preferably a launching pin having a clip attachment that receives the clips of a retractable lead. The lead is housed by a retraction device that is detachably secured to the launch trap door. The modulating valve has sufficient mass and aerodynamic drag to overcome the force of a gas spring. The valve moves between a retracted and compressed position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig stalling and between the compressed and retracted position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig accelerating.
B08B 9/055 - Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
A fusible completion plug and method for its use includes a cylindrical plug body having a lower portion that includes a fusible element in communication with an electric power supply. The completion plug also includes an elastomeric seal that provides for a temporary seal. A pressure balancing port and equalization valve are provided to relieve the differential pressure across the completion plug as the plug is positioned in place. The pressure equalization valve also includes a fusible element for fusing the valve within the port, thereby preventing a leak path through the plug body. A blind flange may be installed above the completion plug in case the plug fusion fails. The blind flange may be a traditional blind flange or may be a fusible blind flange.
A system and method for repairing and reinforcing a pipeline includes a pair of opposing composite wrap bands that are located on the external surface of the pipeline and positioned a predetermined horizontal distance from a jointed section of the pipeline. A composite wrap is then applied over the bands to create a bridge that spans the bands and forms a cavity above the jointed section. A second pair of bands located on the external surface of the bridge provides structural support. An actuator within the bridge monitors the pressure within the cavity and activates upon the presence of internal pressure, indicating that a gasket failure has occurred. A fitting may also be inserted into the bridge in order to pressurize the cavity and test the repair.
A pipe plug includes two or more pivotally connected plugging heads that work in combination to double block and bleed a pipe. At least one of the plugging heads has an expandable sealing element that is in communication with an inflation source. The sealing element may be an inflatable sealing element or a compression packer sealing element. A passageway-sections of which may pass through the pivotal connection and into the plugging head-carries the inflation medium from the source to the sealing element. A bleed port passageway is also provided that passes through the plugging head. The leading plugging head may include a cleaning element for sweeping away debris ahead of the plug. The plugging heads may also include a skid plate that slideably engages the interior surface of the pipe to properly orient the plugging heads within the pipe.
A closure device includes a door carrying a series of interconnected shear blocks and a keystone shear block designed to transfer stresses created by pressure acting on the door to a surrounding hub. Each interconnected shear block has limited rotation relative to its adjacent blocks. A holding band operating handle is in communication with a driving link which, in turn, is in communication with the keystone shear block. Actuating the handle causes the keystone shear block to move in an upward vertical direction. The linear movement of the keystone shear block allows the limited rotation of the interconnected shear blocks to occur, thereby causing the circumferential holding band to collapse within itself from an expanded-engaged position to a contracted-removed position relative to said hub. A pressure warning lock provides a safety device and prevents actuation of the holding band operating handle when the pressure chamber is under pressure.
A method for repairing and reinforcing a pipeline includes covering a defect in a pipeline section with a composite wrap, isolating the wrap from the ambient environment, and applying a compressive force on the wrap so that the pressure on the wrap is substantially equal to the pipeline pressure. Isolating the wrap involves the use of a housing having a cavity that substantially conforms to the shape of the wrapped section. The cavity may contain a pressurized gas or liquid. Because the pressure acting on the surface of the wrap is at least substantially equal to the pressure of the pipeline section, the wrap cures as if the pipeline is at zero pressure. Once the wrap has effectively cured, the compressive force may be relieved and the housing removed. The composite is now under load and is immediately sharing load with the pipeline.
A pipeline pig includes a venturi and a modulating valve located rearward of the inlet side of the venturi. When the valve is in the open position, a predetermined maximum bypass flow is allowed through the venturi. The closed position allows a predetermined minimum bypass flow. The valve may be a poppet-style valve or a frusto-conical shaped stopper. The stopper has sufficient mass and/or aerodynamic drag to overcome the spring force holding the valve in the open position. When the pig stalls, the valve closes and the stopper chokes bypass flow through the venturi. When the pig starts running again, the valve opens as inertia forces the stopper away from the inlet side of the venturi. Also, as friction of the pig increases due to changes in the internal diameter of the pipeline or accumulation of debris ahead of the pig, increased airflow across the valve creates drag.
B08B 9/055 - Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
40.
VERIFIABLE CLOSING AND LOCKING SYSTEM OF A CYLINDRICAL PASSAGEWAY
A method according to this invention employs a set of valves, a series of pressure checks, and a physical stop for verifying the closing of a locking system of a cylindrical passageway. The method may also employ an equalization piping. The valves isolate a tapping machine, a pipeline, and the equalization piping from one another so that product cannot flow from one to the other. The valves are then opened as a series of pressure checks are performed. A completion plug is then lowered into the passageway until the plug comes to rest within the passageway and is oriented so that a locking ring of the plug is in a fully expanded position. The expanded position is then confirmed by raising the plug until its upward travel is restricted. The plug is then released and pressure above the plug is reduced to 0 psi gauge.
A pipeline pig-that moves by pressurized gas flow and provides for distribution of treating liquid subsisting in a lower portion of a pipeline-having a longitudinally extending nozzle located at a forward end of the pig, an array of helical-shaped louvers located on the discharge side of the nozzle and arranged circumferentially, and two perforated sealing elements that create a cavity that serves as a low pressure plenum. The louvers create a vortex effect and the perforated sealing elements allow vapor and liquid in front of the pig to be drawn into the cavity and discharged through the ports and back into the discharge of the nozzle. In this manner, liquid subsisting at a bottom portion of the pipeline is dispersed to achieve a complete 360° coating application of the interior cylindrical wall of the pipeline.
A pipe plug comprised of two, pivotally connected plugging heads, each plugging head having a sealing element, which work in combination to double block and bleed a pipe. The first sealing element prevents flow of product in the pipe and the second sealing element captures any leakage past the first sealing element and forces that leakage out through a fitting. A stabilization pad, connected to a flange on a nosepiece of each plugging head, prevents deformation of the sealing elements. A spring-loaded pivot arm connected to the second plugging head allows the yoke that connects the two plugging heads to rotate freely. An outward-facing raised taper projection on the pivot arm, along with a guide wheel connected to the first plugging head, prevent the yokes and plugging heads from becoming entrapped during their installation in or removal from the pipe.
An improved signal with adjustable mounting to allow the signal to be oriented to face any direction, without rotating the pressure-containing plug, and with integral seal to protect the outer threads of the mounting nipple.
The present invention is generally directed toward a method for attaching a self-contained keyhole weld fitting and apparatus. More specifically, the present invention provides an improved fitting and method of use providing a branch outlet which can be physically and sealably secured to an underground pipe while causing less disturbance to the earth above the pipe than using a traditional fitting and excavation.
A circular cutter is provided for use in cutting a hole through a main pipe wall from within a branch pipe, the circular cutter including a shaft rotated about a rotational axis, a circular cutter having at an outer end cutting teeth and an inner end secured to the shaft, and at least one centering ring secured to the circular cutter external cylindrical surface and of external diameter greater than the circular cutter external cylindrical surface and less than the internal diameter of the branch pipe, the centering ring serving to centrally position the circular cutter as it is rotated within the branch pipe and also serving to provide a positive stop to axial advancement of the circular cutter after it has cut through the main pipe wall.
A method of hydrostatic testing a section of a pipeline having fluid flow therethrough employing a pig train having a leading seal pig (12), a supply liquid slug (20), a first isolation tool (14), a test liquid slug (22) and a second isolation tool (16) including the steps of permitting the train to traverse the pipeline interior by the force of fluid flow until the lead isolation tool (14) is forwardly of and the second isolation (16) tool is rearwardly of the selected selection (10c) of the pipeline, securing the position of the pig train by applying exteriorly of the pipeline appropriate signals to actuate the isolation tools (14, 16) to each engage and seal the interior of the pipeline trapping the test liquid slug (22) therebetween; and pumping liquid from the supply liquid slug (20) into the test liquid slug to a hydrostatic testing pressure.
G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
47.
A REMOTE MONITOR SYSTEM FOR A LONGITUDINALLY POSITIONABLE CONTROL BAR
A remote monitor system for a control bar 18 having position indicating indicia 20 thereon includes a housing 12 having an aperture 34 in a sidewall communicating between the control bar 18 and an exterior housing surface 36. An explosion proof enclosure 42 is mounted exteriorly of the housing 12 and has a transparent window 44 in alignment with the aperture 34. A video camera 50 positioned within the enclosure 42 has a lens 52 with a visual path through the window 44 and aperture 34. A radio transmitter 54 is positioned within the enclosure 42, is connected to the camera 50 and is configured to transmit a video images. A battery power source 52A within the explosion proof enclosure 42 provides energy to the camera 50 and transmitter for providing remotely receivable control bar position indicating images.
A method of plugging a pipe including sealably securing onto its exterior first and second spaced apart collars, (12,14) the collars having sealing faces (18, 20) each in a plane perpendicular the pipe, (42, 44) cutting and removing a length of pipe from between the collars (12, 14) leaving two open pipe ends (42, 44), positioning first and second seal cups (66, 68) between the collars, the seal cups having forwardly extending circumferential lips (102, 104) of internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the pipe, seal cups (66, 68) having top and bottom cam followers (72, 74, 78, 80), moving cam surfaces (82, 84, 86, 88) against the cam followers to guide the seal cups (66, 68) into sealing engagement with the sealing faces (18, 20) of the collars (12, 14), and forcing a wedge (48, 50) between rearward surfaces of the seal cups (66, 68).
B23B 41/08 - Boring or drilling machines or devices specially adapted for particular work; Accessories specially adapted therefor for boring, drilling, or tapping holes in tubes under fluid or gas pressure
A method of providing access to the interior of a cross-line (18) that intersects with a primary pipeline (14) of equal or greater diameter includes the steps of attaching a branch fitting (22) to the exterior of the primary pipeline, affixing a full opening valve to the branch fitting, securing a hot tap machine (46) to the valve (26), using the hot tap machine (46) to cut an opening in the primary pipeline (14) of a diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of the cross-line (18), and removing the machine leaving an access diametrically through the valve (24) and primary pipeline (14) into the interior of the cross-line (18) for installing pipeline inspection or cleaning pigs (30) and/or a locking plug (26). A rotation resistor (132) facilitates securing a locking plug (76) within the pipeline (18).
For use in closing a cylindrical passageway (32) through a working member (30) in which the passageway is defined in part by a reduced diameter internal circumferential sealing surface (124) and an internal locking groove (126), a completion plug having a plug body (60) with a cylindrical external surface (70) receivable within the cylindrical passageway (32) of the working member and having an external circumferential sealing surface (78) dimensioned to radially compressibly engage the working member internal circumferential sealing surface (124). The plug body (60) has on its cylindrical surface (70) an external locking groove (76). A locking ring (122) is received in the working member internal locking groove (126) and simultaneously in the plug body external locking groove (76) and serves to lock the plug body (60) within the working member (30).
A mechanical weldable fitting for use in tapping a pipe includes a first and second metal collar, each formed of attachable upper and lower semi-toroidal portions that when assembled on the pipe providing spaced-apart external cylindrical surfaces. Each collar having at least one internal circumferential sealing groove therein that receives a gasket formed about the pipe. A lower semi-tubular metal containment member is positioned on the external cylindrical surfaces of the collars. An upper semi-tubular metal containment member is positioned on the external cylindrical surfaces of the collars. The upper containment member having an integral upwardly extending tubular access portion affording passage for tapping the pipe. The upper and lower containment members are welded to each other and to the collars to fully encompass a portion of the pipe.
B23K 31/00 - Processes relevant to this subclass, specially adapted for particular articles or purposes, but not covered by any single one of main groups
patents
