GB2568712A - Sealing apparatus - Google Patents

Sealing apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2568712A
GB2568712A GB1719506.6A GB201719506A GB2568712A GB 2568712 A GB2568712 A GB 2568712A GB 201719506 A GB201719506 A GB 201719506A GB 2568712 A GB2568712 A GB 2568712A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
pipeline
opening
seal
outer shaft
adjacent
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.)
Granted
Application number
GB1719506.6A
Other versions
GB201719506D0 (en
GB2568712B (en
Inventor
Kill Jeffrey
Day Jeffrey
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB1719506.6A priority Critical patent/GB2568712B/en
Publication of GB201719506D0 publication Critical patent/GB201719506D0/en
Publication of GB2568712A publication Critical patent/GB2568712A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2568712B publication Critical patent/GB2568712B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • F16L55/10—Means for stopping flow from or in pipes or hoses
    • F16L55/12—Means for stopping flow from or in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ
    • F16L55/124—Means for stopping flow from or in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced radially into the pipe or hose
    • 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
    • F16L55/1612—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders by means of a plug
    • 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

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pipe Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

A sealing apparatus for plugging an opening in a pipeline comprises an outer shaft 12 received within and extending through the opening in the pipeline. The outer shaft comprises a first open end 14 located adjacent an outer surface of the pipeline. A second opposed open end (16, fig. 3) of the outer shaft is located adjacent an inner surface of the pipeline. An internal cavity extends between the first and second open ends. The apparatus further comprises an outer seal (20, fig. 3) located adjacent the outer shaft to sealingly engage at least a portion of the opening and an adjacent outer surface of the pipeline. The apparatus further comprises an inner seal 30 moveable between a first retracted position in which it is received within and is moveable through the internal cavity of the outer shaft, and a second expanded position in which it sealingly engages at least a portion of the opening and an adjacent inner surface of the pipeline. The inner seal can be an umbrella seal which can comprise arms movable between the first and second positions, from being substantially aligned with each other to substantially radially extending respectively.

Description

(57) A sealing apparatus for plugging an opening in a pipeline comprises an outer shaft 12 received within and extending through the opening in the pipeline. The outer shaft comprises a first open end 14 located adjacent an outer surface of the pipeline. A second opposed open end (16, fig. 3) of the outer shaft is located adjacent an inner surface of the pipeline. An internal cavity extends between the first and second open ends. The apparatus further comprises an outer seal (20, fig. 3) located adjacent the outer shaft to sealingly engage at least a portion of the opening and an adjacent outer surface of the pipeline. The apparatus further comprises an inner seal 30 moveable between a first retracted position in which it is received within and is moveable through the internal cavity of the outer shaft, and a second expanded position in which it sealingly engages at least a portion of the opening and an adjacent inner surface of the pipeline. The inner seal can be an umbrella seal which can comprise arms movable between the first and second positions, from being substantially aligned with each other to substantially radially extending respectively.
At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.
01 19
I 3
01 19
3/3
01 19
SEALING APPARATUS
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sealing apparatus for quickly and efficiently plugging an opening in a pipeline.
Background
After rupture of a pipeline, the pipeline is typically repaired by clamping a gasket over the opening and welding a boss onto the pipeline. A cap or plug then has to be fitted in order to complete the repair. Conventional pipeline repair processes therefore involve the use of a plurality of different pieces of equipment and the process has multiple steps for repair. There is an increased cost and time associated with the use of a plurality of different pieces of equipment during the repair.
There is therefore a need for a single piece of apparatus for use in quickly plugging a ruptured pipeline with reduced cost and time associations.
Prior Art
W0201305013 discloses a pipe repair kit for repairing a pipe or pipe Joint the kit comprising: (i) a segmented housing for receiving the pipe or pipe joint to be repaired, the housing comprising a plurality of articulated segments for placement around the pipe or pipe joint; (ii) securement means for flexibly securing the articulated segments of the housing together around the pipe or pipe joint; and {ill) tensioning means for surrounding the secured segmented housing and clamping the segments thereof
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sealing apparatus for plugging an opening in a pipeline, in which the apparatus comprises:
an outer shaft configured to be received within and extend through the opening in the pipeline, in which the outer shaft comprises a first open end configured in use to be located adjacent an outer surface of the pipeline, a second opposed open end configured in use to be located adjacent an inner surface of the pipeline, and an internal cavity extending between the first and second open ends;
an outer seal configured to be located adjacent the outer shaft and to sealingly engage at least a portion of the opening and an adjacent outer surface of the pipeline; and an inner seal moveable between a first retracted position in which the inner seal is configured to be received within and moveable through the internal cavity of the outer shaft, and a second expanded position in which the inner seal is configured to sealingly engage at least a portion of the opening and an adjacent inner surface of the pipeline.
The inner seal is preferably an umbrella seal. The term “umbrella seal” is used herein to refer to a seal which is moveable between a retracted position in which the seal is radially contracted and a radially expanded position.
The inner seal may comprise a plurality of arms moveable between the first retracted position in which the arms are substantially aligned with each other, and the second expanded configuration in which the arms are substantially radially extending.
The arms may be composed of any suitable material. For example, the arms may be composed of shape memory material. The arms may further comprise a silicone cover.
The outer shaft is preferably substantially cylindrical in shape. The internal shaft is preferably cylindrical in shape. The outer shaft may comprise an outer surface providing a threaded portion.
The apparatus may further comprise a saddle providing a threaded cavity configured to receive and to threadingly engage the outer shaft. The saddle may be configured to sealingly engage the outer seal against the opening and the outer surface of the pipeline.
One or more of the inner and outer seals are preferably composed of rubber.
The inner seal may further provide an opening extending therethrough, and in which the opening is configured in use to be in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the outer shaft. The apparatus may therefore be used as an attachment point for additional pipelines or fluid flow equipment. The apparatus may further comprise one or more valves, located for example adjacent or at the inner seal.
The apparatus may further comprise a capping nut comprising a threaded internal opening configured for threaded engagement with the outer shaft.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for sealing an opening in a pipeline comprising:
a. inserting an outer shaft of an apparatus as described herein into the opening;
b. positioning the outer seal on the outer shaft adjacent an outer surface of the pipeline adjacent the opening to provide a seal extending across at least a portion of the opening and the outer surface of the pipeline;
c. inserting the inner seal in the retracted position through the internal cavity of the outer shaft;
d. positioning the inner seal adjacent the opening and an inner surface of the pipeline;
e. moving the inner seal to the expanded position to provide a seal extending across at least a portion of the opening and the inner surface of the pipeline.
The pipeline may be any suitable pipeline, such as for example industrial pipelines, including but not limited to one or more of: mains water pipes, gas or oil pipelines, mains and undersea pipelines.
The apparatus of the present invention may have any suitable dimensions in order to be able to seal a variety of different opening sizes formed within pipelines having various diameters.
Brief Description of Figures
Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of the sealing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from below of the sealing apparatus of Figure 1; and
Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of an exploded view of the sealing apparatus of Figure 1.
Detailed Description of Figures
With reference to the Figures, the sealing apparatus 10 comprises: an outer shaft 12 configured to be received within and extend through the opening in the pipeline. The outer shaft 12 comprises a first open end 14 configured in use to be located adjacent an outer surface of the pipeline, a second opposed open end 16 configured in use to be located adjacent an inner surface of the pipeline, and an internal cavity (not shown) extending between the first and second open ends. The outer shaft 12 may be composed of any suitable material, such as for example stainless steel.
The apparatus 10 further comprises an outer seal 20 configured to be located adjacent the outer shaft 12 and to sealingly engage at least a portion of the opening and an adjacent outer surface of the pipeline. The outer seal 20 is preferably composed of rubber.
The apparatus 10 further comprises an inner seal 30 moveable between a first retracted position in which the inner seal is configured to be received within and moveable through the internal cavity of the outer shaft, and a second expanded position in which the inner seal is configured to sealingly engage at least a portion of the opening and an adjacent inner surface of the pipeline.
The apparatus of the present invention is used to quickly and efficiently seal openings of varying shapes and dimensions in any pipelines.
In use, the outer shaft 12 is inserted into the opening (not shown). The outer seal 20 is positioned on the outer shaft 12 adjacent an outer surface of the pipeline adjacent the opening to provide a seal extending across at least a portion of the opening and the outer surface of the pipeline. The inner seal 30 is inserted in the retracted position through the internal cavity of the outer shaft 12. The inner seal 30 is positioned adjacent the opening and an inner surface of the pipeline. The inner seal 30 is moved to the expanded position to provide a seal extending across at least a portion of the opening and the inner surface of the pipeline.
The inner seal is moved to the expanded position by the application of pressure or torque. This may be administered by the presence of a saddle 40 configured to be received on the outer shaft and to be in contact with the outer seal 20. The saddle 40 may be secured in place by a locking nut 42. The locking nut 42 may have a threaded bore configured to threadingly engage the thread provided by the outer 10 surface of the outer shaft 12.
The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described 15 in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.
Claims

Claims (10)

1. A sealing apparatus for plugging an opening in a pipeline, in which the apparatus comprises:
an outer shaft configured to be received within and extend through the opening in the pipeline, in which the outer shaft comprises a first open end configured in use to be located adjacent an outer surface of the pipeline, a second opposed open end configured in use to be located adjacent an inner surface of the pipeline, and an internal cavity extending between the first and second open ends;
an outer seal configured to be located adjacent the outer shaft and to sealingly engage at least a portion of the opening and an adjacent outer surface of the pipeline; and an inner seal moveable between a first retracted position in which the inner seal is configured to be received within and moveable through the internal cavity of the outer shaft, and a second expanded position in which the inner seal is configured to sealingly engage at least a portion of the opening and an adjacent inner surface of the pipeline.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the inner seal is an umbrella seal.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the inner seal comprises a plurality of arms moveable between the first retracted position in which the arms are substantially aligned with each other, and the second expanded configuration in which the arms are substantially radially extending.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the arms further comprise a silicone cover.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the outer shaft comprises an outer surface providing a threaded portion.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the apparatus further comprises a saddle providing a threaded cavity configured to receive and to threadingly engage the outer shaft, and in which the saddle is configured to sealingly engage the outer seal against the opening and the outer surface of the pipeline.
7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which one or more of the inner and outer seals are composed of rubber.
8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the inner seal further provides an opening extending therethrough, and in which the opening is configured in use to be in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the outer shaft.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a capping nut comprising a threaded internal opening configured for threaded engagement with the outer shaft.
10. A method for sealing an opening in a pipeline comprising:
a. inserting an outer shaft of an apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim into the opening;
b. positioning the outer seal on the outer shaft adjacent an outer surface of the pipeline adjacent the opening to provide a seal extending across at least a portion of the opening and the outer surface of the pipeline;
c. inserting the inner seal in the retracted position through the internal cavity of the outer shaft;
d. positioning the inner seal adjacent the opening and an inner surface of the pipeline;
e. moving the inner seal to the expanded position to provide a seal extending across at least a portion of the opening and the inner surface of the pipeline.
Intellectual Property Office
Application No: GB1719506.6
Claims searched: 1-10
GB1719506.6A 2017-11-24 2017-11-24 Sealing apparatus Expired - Fee Related GB2568712B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1719506.6A GB2568712B (en) 2017-11-24 2017-11-24 Sealing apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1719506.6A GB2568712B (en) 2017-11-24 2017-11-24 Sealing apparatus

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201719506D0 GB201719506D0 (en) 2018-01-10
GB2568712A true GB2568712A (en) 2019-05-29
GB2568712B GB2568712B (en) 2021-03-10

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GB1719506.6A Expired - Fee Related GB2568712B (en) 2017-11-24 2017-11-24 Sealing apparatus

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Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN117307870B (en) * 2023-11-10 2024-06-18 北京燃气昌平有限公司 Quick shutoff system of medium-low pressure gas pipeline leakage

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4369813A (en) * 1981-01-26 1983-01-25 Kerotest Manufacturing Corp. Pipe stopper method and apparatus
FR2680223A1 (en) * 1991-08-09 1993-02-12 Gaz De France Device for plugging an orifice formed in the wall of a pipeline, and an assembly made up of such a device and the pipeline
EP0886099A1 (en) * 1997-06-18 1998-12-23 Gastec N.V. Method for shutting off the gas supply and apparatus for carrying out such method
WO2009149458A2 (en) * 2008-06-06 2009-12-10 Windsor Innovations, Ltd. Compression sealing apparatus and method for use of the same
US20120192496A1 (en) * 2011-02-02 2012-08-02 Zengo Inc. Rupture sealing device
WO2015012674A1 (en) * 2013-07-23 2015-01-29 Benkhouk Abdelhak Rubber plugging machine

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4369813A (en) * 1981-01-26 1983-01-25 Kerotest Manufacturing Corp. Pipe stopper method and apparatus
FR2680223A1 (en) * 1991-08-09 1993-02-12 Gaz De France Device for plugging an orifice formed in the wall of a pipeline, and an assembly made up of such a device and the pipeline
EP0886099A1 (en) * 1997-06-18 1998-12-23 Gastec N.V. Method for shutting off the gas supply and apparatus for carrying out such method
WO2009149458A2 (en) * 2008-06-06 2009-12-10 Windsor Innovations, Ltd. Compression sealing apparatus and method for use of the same
US20120192496A1 (en) * 2011-02-02 2012-08-02 Zengo Inc. Rupture sealing device
WO2015012674A1 (en) * 2013-07-23 2015-01-29 Benkhouk Abdelhak Rubber plugging machine

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Publication number Publication date
GB201719506D0 (en) 2018-01-10
GB2568712B (en) 2021-03-10

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PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20221124