CA2365756C - External pipe leak repair arrangement - Google Patents
External pipe leak repair arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2365756C CA2365756C CA002365756A CA2365756A CA2365756C CA 2365756 C CA2365756 C CA 2365756C CA 002365756 A CA002365756 A CA 002365756A CA 2365756 A CA2365756 A CA 2365756A CA 2365756 C CA2365756 C CA 2365756C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- leak
- pipe
- plug
- arresting
- sleeve
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
- F16L55/16—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders
- F16L55/168—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from outside the pipe
- F16L55/175—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from outside the pipe by using materials which fill a space around the pipe before hardening
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
- F16L55/16—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders
- F16L55/168—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from outside the pipe
- F16L55/17—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from outside the pipe by means of rings, bands or sleeves pressed against the outside surface of the pipe or hose
- F16L55/1705—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from outside the pipe by means of rings, bands or sleeves pressed against the outside surface of the pipe or hose with a substantially radial tightening member
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
- F16L55/16—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders
- F16L55/168—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from outside the pipe
- F16L55/17—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from outside the pipe by means of rings, bands or sleeves pressed against the outside surface of the pipe or hose
- F16L55/1715—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from outside the pipe by means of rings, bands or sleeves pressed against the outside surface of the pipe or hose the ring or the sleeve being tightened by hooks, pawls, or other movable members
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Pipe Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
An external pipe leak repair technique is provided for arresting a leak occurring on an operating pipe in conjunction with an external pipe reinforcing sleeve arrangement. An installation apparatus is first placed over the leak to remove and divert the flow of errant fluids from the leak to create a safe working environment. Then a leak- arresting plug is placed over the leak and an elastomeric portion of the plug is pressed into the leak. After cleaning in the vicinity of the leak, the leak-arresting plug is affixed to the pipe using a binding agent. Then the outer surface of the pipe and the inner surface of the pipe reinforcing sleeve are cleaned, and an epoxy filler material is applied to the pipe over the area to be covered by the external pipe reinforcing sleeve and over the leak--arresting plug. A depression is ground into a part of the sleeve to accommodate the protruding leak-arresting plug and binding agent above the pipe's outer surface. The sleeve is then installed around the pipe to mechanically support the leak- arresting plug. The leak-arresting plug, binding agent, and epoxy act both as a filler agent and sealant, arresting the leak and filling all voids between the pipe and the sleeve. The leak-arresting plug prevents the pipe from leaking, the sleeve prevents the anomaly from rupturing, and the binding agent / epoxy acts as a secondary mechanism to prevent product leakage. The pipe sleeve therefore act as one unit, expanding and contracting with fluctuations in the pipe's pressure and temperature.
Description
TEM File No. 145.5 TITLE: EXTERNAL PIPE LEAK REPAIR ARRANGEMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a leak arrest and reinforcing arrangement for a pipe, and in particular a method and device to arrest and seal leaks in pipes used in the oil and gas industry.
1 o BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that pipes in general, and parl:icularly pipes used in the oil and gas industry, are subject to defects such as corrosion which develop into leaks. During installation and operation of a pipe, pipe wall defects having the potential to cause failure are identified. The usual methods of repairing such defects are either to remove the defect by cutting out an entire cylindrical section of the pipe, or by significantly reducing the internal pressure in the pipe prior to either welding a pressure-containing sleeve onto the pipe or by applying a mechanically tightened sleeve to the pipe.
A disadvantage of these prior methods is that they may require pipe system shut downs and a resultant loss of throughput of product in the pipe. For instance, shut downs are typically required where a leak is identified. Welding sleeves directly to a pipe requires an operational shutdown. Such methods also involve occupational hazards, -l-potential metallurgical failures, and costly expenditures. Another disadvantage is that prior art sleeves, if installed while the pipe is under operating pressures, can loosen and separate from the pipe if the operating pressure later drops for any reason.
As a result, prior art sleeves require frequent maintenance, repair and replacement, which adds significantly to the operating costs of a pipe.
What is desired therefore is a leak repair arrangement that overcomes the limitations and disadvantages of these other prior art sleeves. Preferably the leak repair arrangement should not require welding to the pipe, and should be capable of being installed whether the pipe is pressurized (i.e. operating) or not. If installed while the pipe is pressurized, the leak repair device should remain firmly secured to the pipe upon depressurization or shut down. Further, the method of installing the leak repair device should be relatively quick and efficient to reduce installation costs and should provide a safe working environment in the vicinity of the leak.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an arrangement for repairing leaks in a longitudinal section of hollow pipe and for directing leaking fluids therefrom as follows:
providing an installation apparatus having a means for channeling fluids;
installing the installation apparatus on the hollow pipe over the area of the leak;
adjusting the channeling means over the leak to divert leaking fluids away from the leak;
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a leak arrest and reinforcing arrangement for a pipe, and in particular a method and device to arrest and seal leaks in pipes used in the oil and gas industry.
1 o BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that pipes in general, and parl:icularly pipes used in the oil and gas industry, are subject to defects such as corrosion which develop into leaks. During installation and operation of a pipe, pipe wall defects having the potential to cause failure are identified. The usual methods of repairing such defects are either to remove the defect by cutting out an entire cylindrical section of the pipe, or by significantly reducing the internal pressure in the pipe prior to either welding a pressure-containing sleeve onto the pipe or by applying a mechanically tightened sleeve to the pipe.
A disadvantage of these prior methods is that they may require pipe system shut downs and a resultant loss of throughput of product in the pipe. For instance, shut downs are typically required where a leak is identified. Welding sleeves directly to a pipe requires an operational shutdown. Such methods also involve occupational hazards, -l-potential metallurgical failures, and costly expenditures. Another disadvantage is that prior art sleeves, if installed while the pipe is under operating pressures, can loosen and separate from the pipe if the operating pressure later drops for any reason.
As a result, prior art sleeves require frequent maintenance, repair and replacement, which adds significantly to the operating costs of a pipe.
What is desired therefore is a leak repair arrangement that overcomes the limitations and disadvantages of these other prior art sleeves. Preferably the leak repair arrangement should not require welding to the pipe, and should be capable of being installed whether the pipe is pressurized (i.e. operating) or not. If installed while the pipe is pressurized, the leak repair device should remain firmly secured to the pipe upon depressurization or shut down. Further, the method of installing the leak repair device should be relatively quick and efficient to reduce installation costs and should provide a safe working environment in the vicinity of the leak.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an arrangement for repairing leaks in a longitudinal section of hollow pipe and for directing leaking fluids therefrom as follows:
providing an installation apparatus having a means for channeling fluids;
installing the installation apparatus on the hollow pipe over the area of the leak;
adjusting the channeling means over the leak to divert leaking fluids away from the leak;
providing a leak-arresting plug comprising a steel plate supporting a portion of elastomeric (i.e. rubber-like) material;
placing the leak-arresting plug with the elastomeric material over the leak;
forcing the elastomeric material of the leak-arresting plug into the leak;
cleaning the plug and surrounding external surface of the pipe;
applying epoxy at least about the elastomeric material between the plug's steel plate and the pipe surface;
removing the installation apparatus following curing of the epoxy; and, installing an external pipe reinforcing sleeve over the leak-arresting plug after grinding a depression into a portion of the sleeve to accommodate any portion of the leak-arresting plug protruding above the external surface of the hollow pipe.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a defect on a longitudinal section of hollow pipe causing a leak therein;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of an installation apparatus assembled on the pipe with a channeling means placed over the leak so as to direct leaking fluid therefrom;
Figure 2a is a close-up view in cross-section of a portion of the apparatus of fig. 2 in the area of the leak;
placing the leak-arresting plug with the elastomeric material over the leak;
forcing the elastomeric material of the leak-arresting plug into the leak;
cleaning the plug and surrounding external surface of the pipe;
applying epoxy at least about the elastomeric material between the plug's steel plate and the pipe surface;
removing the installation apparatus following curing of the epoxy; and, installing an external pipe reinforcing sleeve over the leak-arresting plug after grinding a depression into a portion of the sleeve to accommodate any portion of the leak-arresting plug protruding above the external surface of the hollow pipe.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a defect on a longitudinal section of hollow pipe causing a leak therein;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of an installation apparatus assembled on the pipe with a channeling means placed over the leak so as to direct leaking fluid therefrom;
Figure 2a is a close-up view in cross-section of a portion of the apparatus of fig. 2 in the area of the leak;
Figure 3 is a view similar to fig. 2a but including a leak-arresting plug inserted between the bolt of the channeling means and the pipe for arresting the leak;
Figure 4 shows an intermediate stage of the installation of the leak-arresting plug with epoxy placed between the plug and the pipe wall and extending onto the surrounding external surface of the hollow pipe;
Figure 4a is a close-up view in cross-section of the plug of fig. 4 on the pipe;
Figure 5 shows an external pipe reinforcement sleeve being mounted over the leak arresting plug installation of fig. 4 for additional support; and, Figure 5a shows in cross-section the sleeve mounted over the plug on the pipe.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The figures show an installation apparatus (generally indicated by reference numeral 20 in fig.2) and method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention for installing a leak-arresting plug 30 onto a hollow pipe 10 leaking a fluid, and for channeling the leaking fluid way from the pipe. The installation apparatus 20 is mounted onto the outer surface 12 of a longitudinal section of the pipe containing the leak 13 caused by a defect or anomaly 16 in the pipe's wall 11. The defect may be a crack, an area of pipe wall degradation due to corrosion, a dent, and the like. For illustrative purposes, the pipe 10 is one which transports hydrocarbons under pressure, such as a natural gas or oil pipeline. Whether the pipeline is located above or below ground, it is typically subject to internal pressure fluctuations, iriternal and external temperature fluctuations, and to both internal and external corrosive agents. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that the installation apparatus 20 and the leak arresting plug 30 is not restricted to use on such pipelines but is also suitable for use on various types of pipes, such as those used for transporting drinking water, sewage, and a host of other liquids and gases, whether pressurized or not.
Referring now to figs. 2, 2a and 3, the installation apparatus 20 has an upstanding "handle" portion 21 with legs 22 at either end which are clamped to the pipe wall 11 by straps 23 or like securing means. The handle 21 has a threaded opening 24 carrying a hollow bolt 25 with a passage 29 for placement above the leak 13. The hollow bolt has an elongate screw portion 26 capped by a hex shaped head 27 for turning by wrench or like means to place the open bottom end of the hollow bolt over the leak 13. A
hose 28 is connected to the open upper end of the hollow bolt 25 to channel the errant (i.e. leaking) hydrocarbons away from the area of the leak and the surrounding work site. In the embodiment shown suction is not applied to the hose 28 since the escaping fluid is pressurized, and so the bolt's passage 29 and hose 28 serve to divert the escaping pressurized fluid to a distant collecting means.
Referring again to fig. 3, the plug has two main parts, namely a lower elastomeric portion 31 topped by a stiff plate member 32 of larger diameter. The plug is placed over the leak with the elastomeric portion facing the leak. The hose 28 is preferably first removed to avoid interfering with the plug's installation, although it may remain until after the plug is in place. If need be, the hollow bolt 25 is raised a sufficient height from the pipe surface 12 for quickly slipping the plug 30 over the leak 13. The hollow bolt 25 is then used to press onto the plate member 32 and drive the elastomeric portion 31 onto the defect to arrest the leak. In the present example, the elastomeric material, such as neoprene, should be impervious to petroleum products.
It will be appreciated that the plug and surrounding area of pipe will typically be dirty with fluid and other debris after pressing the plug to arrest an active leak. Hence, the plug and a chosen area of the pipe's outer surface 12 surrounding the plug (which typically roughly corresponds to the area of the anomaly 16 shown in figs l and 4) should be cleaned for receiving a binding agent, such as an epoxy. It is noted that when the plug is pressed into the defect, a small gap (say 1/8 inch, or 3 mm) should be left between the plug's plate member 32 and the pipe's outer surface 12 (as shown in fig.3) to allow access for cleaning by suitable means. In a preferred mode of preparation using known "sand blasting" techniques, the surface area 16 about the plug is cleaned, including the exposed pipe surface beneath the plate member 32 immediately around the compressed elastomeric portion of the plug, as well as the underside 33 of the plate member. Other suitable cleaning means may include the application of liquid cleansers. The epoxy is next liberally injected under the plate member 32 to fill the void aboutthe elastomeric portion 31 and may be allowed to spill over onto the pipe's cleaned area 16 and over onto the top of the plate member, as indicated by 17 in fig. 4a. The epoxy 17 should be allowed to cure to provide the plug with sufficient adhesion to the pipe wall to remain in place and maintain the seal on its own, namely without the benefit of the installation apparatus. If a greater bond is required, then a larger plate member 32 should be provided to increase the available surface area 33 for adhesion with the epoxy. Once the epoxy is cured, the apparatus 20 is removed by first disengaging the bolt 25 from the plug's plate member 32, and then by disengagbig the straps 23 from the pipe.
Following removal of the installation apparatus 20, a larger pipe surface area (indicated by reference nu.meral 18 in fig_ 4) surrounding the epoxy 17 and extending in a band about the circumference of the pipe is made ready for the iiistallation of an external pipe reinforcing sleeve 40, preferably according to applicant's Canadian patent 2,164,011 and US patent 5,722,463 with some modification. Referring to figs. 5 and 5a, a 20 depression 43 should be ground into the conc,zve inner suface 42 of one of the sleeve segments 41 that is to be placed over the leak-arresting plug to accommodate the raised plate member 32 above the pipe's outer $urface 12. To keep the depth of the depression 43 to a minimum, it is preferred to grind or otherwise remove most or all of the epoxy 17 from the top surface 34 of the plate member since that part of the epoxy does not i5 significantly contribute to adhesion of the pla.te member to the pipe surface 12. The remaining (i.e. non-epoxied) surface area 18 wliich is to be covered by the external pipe-reinforcing sleeve is also prepared (i.e. cleaned) for receiving a layer of binding agent 44, which may be the same or a different product ihan the epoxy 17. The binding agent 44 should cover substantially the entire band, ineli,ding the epoxy 17 that remains about the 20 plug and the cleaned top surface 34 of the plate member. The inside surfaces of the sleeve segments of the external pipe reinforcing sleeve 40 are also cleaned, and are then installed over the binding agent 44 to complete the repair.
Several advantages and benefits of the present invention may now be better appreciated. First, it avoids the drawback of many prior art repair methods that require mechanical clamps around the pipe or the welding of sleeves to the pipe to retain a plug in place, thus avoiding the possibility of creating cracking in the welds on the pipe. In the prior art methods the removal of the clamps would result in removal of the plug. In the present invention the plug is held in place by the epoxy 17, thus allowing for removal of the installation apparatus 20 and for performing other tasks on the pipe in the vicinity of the defect without interference from the installation apparatus. Second, the apparatus provides a means to direct and control errant hydrocarbons in the vicinity of the leak so that a safe working environment is created. Thirdly, the leak arresting plug 30 can be installed whether the pipe is pressurized or not, thus avoiding shut down of the pipe and disruption of flow of product for repair work, resulting in significant cost savings to the pipe operator. Similarly, the present invention eliminates the need to cut away and remove an entire cylindrical section of defective pipe, consequently avoiding disruption of flow of product, and occupational and environmental hazards related to product contained in the pipe. Fourth, the epoxy 17, binding agent 44 and the leak arresting plug 30 complement one another, namely the leak arresting plug acts as the primary seal and the combination of the epoxy and binding agent acts as secondary sealing agent to prevent product leakage from the pipe. The plate steel sleeves 41 provide additional mechanical support to the leak-arresting plug, thus preventing the pipe's steel wall 11 from rupturing. Fifth, significant reductions in operating stress levels in the pipe have been achieved in test installations of the sleeve. Sixth, the pipe, plug and sleeve have been found to act as one unit during pressurizing and depressurizing of the pipe, namely without any dislocation of the leak arresting plug from the pipe.
The above description is intended in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense and variations to the specific configurations described may be apparent to skilled persons in adapting the present invention to specific applications. Such variations are intended to form part of the present invention insofar as they are within the spirit and scope of the claims below.
Figure 4 shows an intermediate stage of the installation of the leak-arresting plug with epoxy placed between the plug and the pipe wall and extending onto the surrounding external surface of the hollow pipe;
Figure 4a is a close-up view in cross-section of the plug of fig. 4 on the pipe;
Figure 5 shows an external pipe reinforcement sleeve being mounted over the leak arresting plug installation of fig. 4 for additional support; and, Figure 5a shows in cross-section the sleeve mounted over the plug on the pipe.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The figures show an installation apparatus (generally indicated by reference numeral 20 in fig.2) and method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention for installing a leak-arresting plug 30 onto a hollow pipe 10 leaking a fluid, and for channeling the leaking fluid way from the pipe. The installation apparatus 20 is mounted onto the outer surface 12 of a longitudinal section of the pipe containing the leak 13 caused by a defect or anomaly 16 in the pipe's wall 11. The defect may be a crack, an area of pipe wall degradation due to corrosion, a dent, and the like. For illustrative purposes, the pipe 10 is one which transports hydrocarbons under pressure, such as a natural gas or oil pipeline. Whether the pipeline is located above or below ground, it is typically subject to internal pressure fluctuations, iriternal and external temperature fluctuations, and to both internal and external corrosive agents. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that the installation apparatus 20 and the leak arresting plug 30 is not restricted to use on such pipelines but is also suitable for use on various types of pipes, such as those used for transporting drinking water, sewage, and a host of other liquids and gases, whether pressurized or not.
Referring now to figs. 2, 2a and 3, the installation apparatus 20 has an upstanding "handle" portion 21 with legs 22 at either end which are clamped to the pipe wall 11 by straps 23 or like securing means. The handle 21 has a threaded opening 24 carrying a hollow bolt 25 with a passage 29 for placement above the leak 13. The hollow bolt has an elongate screw portion 26 capped by a hex shaped head 27 for turning by wrench or like means to place the open bottom end of the hollow bolt over the leak 13. A
hose 28 is connected to the open upper end of the hollow bolt 25 to channel the errant (i.e. leaking) hydrocarbons away from the area of the leak and the surrounding work site. In the embodiment shown suction is not applied to the hose 28 since the escaping fluid is pressurized, and so the bolt's passage 29 and hose 28 serve to divert the escaping pressurized fluid to a distant collecting means.
Referring again to fig. 3, the plug has two main parts, namely a lower elastomeric portion 31 topped by a stiff plate member 32 of larger diameter. The plug is placed over the leak with the elastomeric portion facing the leak. The hose 28 is preferably first removed to avoid interfering with the plug's installation, although it may remain until after the plug is in place. If need be, the hollow bolt 25 is raised a sufficient height from the pipe surface 12 for quickly slipping the plug 30 over the leak 13. The hollow bolt 25 is then used to press onto the plate member 32 and drive the elastomeric portion 31 onto the defect to arrest the leak. In the present example, the elastomeric material, such as neoprene, should be impervious to petroleum products.
It will be appreciated that the plug and surrounding area of pipe will typically be dirty with fluid and other debris after pressing the plug to arrest an active leak. Hence, the plug and a chosen area of the pipe's outer surface 12 surrounding the plug (which typically roughly corresponds to the area of the anomaly 16 shown in figs l and 4) should be cleaned for receiving a binding agent, such as an epoxy. It is noted that when the plug is pressed into the defect, a small gap (say 1/8 inch, or 3 mm) should be left between the plug's plate member 32 and the pipe's outer surface 12 (as shown in fig.3) to allow access for cleaning by suitable means. In a preferred mode of preparation using known "sand blasting" techniques, the surface area 16 about the plug is cleaned, including the exposed pipe surface beneath the plate member 32 immediately around the compressed elastomeric portion of the plug, as well as the underside 33 of the plate member. Other suitable cleaning means may include the application of liquid cleansers. The epoxy is next liberally injected under the plate member 32 to fill the void aboutthe elastomeric portion 31 and may be allowed to spill over onto the pipe's cleaned area 16 and over onto the top of the plate member, as indicated by 17 in fig. 4a. The epoxy 17 should be allowed to cure to provide the plug with sufficient adhesion to the pipe wall to remain in place and maintain the seal on its own, namely without the benefit of the installation apparatus. If a greater bond is required, then a larger plate member 32 should be provided to increase the available surface area 33 for adhesion with the epoxy. Once the epoxy is cured, the apparatus 20 is removed by first disengaging the bolt 25 from the plug's plate member 32, and then by disengagbig the straps 23 from the pipe.
Following removal of the installation apparatus 20, a larger pipe surface area (indicated by reference nu.meral 18 in fig_ 4) surrounding the epoxy 17 and extending in a band about the circumference of the pipe is made ready for the iiistallation of an external pipe reinforcing sleeve 40, preferably according to applicant's Canadian patent 2,164,011 and US patent 5,722,463 with some modification. Referring to figs. 5 and 5a, a 20 depression 43 should be ground into the conc,zve inner suface 42 of one of the sleeve segments 41 that is to be placed over the leak-arresting plug to accommodate the raised plate member 32 above the pipe's outer $urface 12. To keep the depth of the depression 43 to a minimum, it is preferred to grind or otherwise remove most or all of the epoxy 17 from the top surface 34 of the plate member since that part of the epoxy does not i5 significantly contribute to adhesion of the pla.te member to the pipe surface 12. The remaining (i.e. non-epoxied) surface area 18 wliich is to be covered by the external pipe-reinforcing sleeve is also prepared (i.e. cleaned) for receiving a layer of binding agent 44, which may be the same or a different product ihan the epoxy 17. The binding agent 44 should cover substantially the entire band, ineli,ding the epoxy 17 that remains about the 20 plug and the cleaned top surface 34 of the plate member. The inside surfaces of the sleeve segments of the external pipe reinforcing sleeve 40 are also cleaned, and are then installed over the binding agent 44 to complete the repair.
Several advantages and benefits of the present invention may now be better appreciated. First, it avoids the drawback of many prior art repair methods that require mechanical clamps around the pipe or the welding of sleeves to the pipe to retain a plug in place, thus avoiding the possibility of creating cracking in the welds on the pipe. In the prior art methods the removal of the clamps would result in removal of the plug. In the present invention the plug is held in place by the epoxy 17, thus allowing for removal of the installation apparatus 20 and for performing other tasks on the pipe in the vicinity of the defect without interference from the installation apparatus. Second, the apparatus provides a means to direct and control errant hydrocarbons in the vicinity of the leak so that a safe working environment is created. Thirdly, the leak arresting plug 30 can be installed whether the pipe is pressurized or not, thus avoiding shut down of the pipe and disruption of flow of product for repair work, resulting in significant cost savings to the pipe operator. Similarly, the present invention eliminates the need to cut away and remove an entire cylindrical section of defective pipe, consequently avoiding disruption of flow of product, and occupational and environmental hazards related to product contained in the pipe. Fourth, the epoxy 17, binding agent 44 and the leak arresting plug 30 complement one another, namely the leak arresting plug acts as the primary seal and the combination of the epoxy and binding agent acts as secondary sealing agent to prevent product leakage from the pipe. The plate steel sleeves 41 provide additional mechanical support to the leak-arresting plug, thus preventing the pipe's steel wall 11 from rupturing. Fifth, significant reductions in operating stress levels in the pipe have been achieved in test installations of the sleeve. Sixth, the pipe, plug and sleeve have been found to act as one unit during pressurizing and depressurizing of the pipe, namely without any dislocation of the leak arresting plug from the pipe.
The above description is intended in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense and variations to the specific configurations described may be apparent to skilled persons in adapting the present invention to specific applications. Such variations are intended to form part of the present invention insofar as they are within the spirit and scope of the claims below.
Claims (5)
1. A method of arresting a leak in a longitudinal section of hollow pipe for carrying fluids comprising:
providing an installation apparatus having a means for channeling said fluid;
installing the installation apparatus on the hollow pipe surrounding the leak;
adjusting the channeling means over the leak to divert leaking fluids away from said leak;
providing a leak-arresting plug comprising of a steel plate adjacent an elastomeric portion;
placing the leak-arresting plug with said elastomeric portion over the leak;
forcing the elastomeric portion into the leak to arrest the leak;
applying epoxy between the pipe and the leak-arresting plug;
curing said epoxy; and, removing the installation apparatus from the pipe.
providing an installation apparatus having a means for channeling said fluid;
installing the installation apparatus on the hollow pipe surrounding the leak;
adjusting the channeling means over the leak to divert leaking fluids away from said leak;
providing a leak-arresting plug comprising of a steel plate adjacent an elastomeric portion;
placing the leak-arresting plug with said elastomeric portion over the leak;
forcing the elastomeric portion into the leak to arrest the leak;
applying epoxy between the pipe and the leak-arresting plug;
curing said epoxy; and, removing the installation apparatus from the pipe.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising installing an external pipe reinforcing sleeve assembly to mechanically support the leak-arresting plug after said removal of the installation apparatus from the pipe.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising placing said leak-arresting plug while the leaking hollow pipe is under pressure and operating.
4. The method of claim 2 further comprising placing said leak-arresting plug while the leaking hollow pipe is under pressure and operating.
5. The method of claim 1 further including the step of cleaning portions of the plug and the pipe in the vicinity of the plug prior to said applying of epoxy.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002365756A CA2365756C (en) | 2001-12-20 | 2001-12-20 | External pipe leak repair arrangement |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002365756A CA2365756C (en) | 2001-12-20 | 2001-12-20 | External pipe leak repair arrangement |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2365756A1 CA2365756A1 (en) | 2003-06-20 |
| CA2365756C true CA2365756C (en) | 2009-07-21 |
Family
ID=4170921
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002365756A Expired - Lifetime CA2365756C (en) | 2001-12-20 | 2001-12-20 | External pipe leak repair arrangement |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2365756C (en) |
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| CN113389956B (en) * | 2021-06-08 | 2023-06-13 | 李季 | Hydraulic engineering pipeline stable connection device convenient to adjust |
| CN115751166B (en) * | 2022-11-16 | 2024-06-25 | 贵州电网有限责任公司 | Sulfur hexafluoride gas cylinder residual pressure monitoring and inflating method and plugging device |
| CN117450352B (en) * | 2023-12-25 | 2024-03-08 | 康泰塑胶科技股份有限公司 | Composite pipeline pressurized perforating method |
-
2001
- 2001-12-20 CA CA002365756A patent/CA2365756C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2365756A1 (en) | 2003-06-20 |
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