MXPA06008662A - Retrievable plug system - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus and method for a retrievable plug in coil tubing. A plug is disposed within a tubing and is set within the tubing by an anchoring element placed in gripping engagement with the tubing. The plug also has seal elements disposed therein that are placed in sealing engagement with the tubing. An orientation element on the plug positions the plug within the tubing with respect to the seam of the tubing.

Description

RECOVERABLE SHUTTER SYSTEM CREDIT REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of, and incorporates as reference, provisional application Serial No. 60 / 706,486, filed on August 8, 2005, and entitled "Recoverable Shutter System".

DECLARATION REGARDING RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT SPONSORED FEDERALLY Not applicable FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to recoverable seals, and more particularly, relates to recoverable seals for placement in pressurized hydrocarbon wells, to temporarily seal a portion of the well. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a recoverable obturator that can be oriented in a spiral pipe.

BACKGROUND During hydrocarbon drilling operations, it may become necessary to permanently or temporarily seal a portion or several zones of a well. Shutters are tools that are typically lowered into a piped well of hydrocarbons and provide a seal to isolate two zones in the well when they are placed in position within the tubing. Recoverable seals provide temporary sealing and separation of zones during drilling operations and reconditioning work. Typically, conventional recoverable seals are characterized by anchoring elements such as conventional pegs, and also generally include one of a variety of conventional seal or gasket elements. The anchoring elements are used to hold the inner surface of the well casing and thus prevent the fixed shutter from moving inside the casing. The seal or packing elements also fit into the inner surface of the well tubing to seal the annulus between the plug and the well tubing. A recoverable seal is removed from the well casing through the release and retraction of the anchoring elements and the seal or packing elements after the shear member is activated. Typically, recoverable plugs are designed to be used with a range of sizes of large diameter casing tubing. In some cases, a seal may be desired to seal the spiral pipe sections, wherein the spiral pipe may or may not include a longitudinal joint along the inner surface of the pipe. However, in spiral pipe applications, where pipe diameters may be smaller and shutters typically deployed at the bottom of the pipeline, recoverable gaskets have not been used consistently, especially where Spiral pipe is characterized by a joint along the inner wall of the spiral pipe. The presence of a joint in the inner wall that spans the length of the spiral pipe makes it difficult to properly orient the shutter, and as a result, completely seal the annulus between the shutter and the spiral pipe. Also, the presence of the union in the internal wall makes the obturator recovery difficult, and economically inefficient. Accordingly, there is a need to develop novel and improved systems and apparatuses for a recoverable plug placed in the spiral pipe near the surface, which address certain of the above difficulties.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and apparatus for sealing small diameter spiral pipe used in a well. It is desired to provide a recoverable plug assembly for use in spiral pipe characterized by a joint along the inner wall of the spiral pipe. The embodiments of the recoverable plug assembly described herein can also be used in the spiral pipe without a joint in the inner wall. In an embodiment of the present invention, a recoverable plug assembly for isolating or sealing sections of spiral tubing comprises a mandrel, sealing elements, fixation cones and a stake mechanism. The assembly of the recoverable plug is anchored inside the spiral pipe by the stake mechanism, which includes stakes, a cage for the stakes, a securing ring and an antifixing ring. The assembly of the recoverable plug is lowered in the spiral pipe to the desired depth. In one embodiment, an orientation tool located in the shutter assembly is used to determine the location and orientation of the spiral pipe joint. In an alternate embodiment, a mule shoe orientation guide is used to position the plug assembly prior to insertion into the spiral pipe, so that the pegs are placed to couple the inner wall of the spiral pipe, between the union of the spiral pipe. An additional method for locating the spiral pipe joint includes making a previous trip in the well with a separate tool in which an orientation tool is placed before inserting the plug assembly. Once the recoverable plug assembly is placed on the spiral pipe at the desired depth and orientation, the stake mechanism is activated. In one embodiment, the staple mechanism is activated through the introduction of a pressurized hydraulic fluid in the shutter assembly. In another embodiment, the application of a mechanical force to the shutter assembly activates the stake mechanism. When the stake mechanism is activated, the stakes are wedged between the mandrel and the locking cone, causing the stakes to extend radially outward and eventually engage the inner wall of the spiral pipe. In conjunction with the movement of the stakes in the downward direction, the clamping cone is forced downwards, and the sealing elements are compressed between the clamping cone and a collar. As the sealing elements are compressed, the sealing elements are forced to expand radially until they seally seal the inner wall of the spiral pipe, thereby creating a seal between the shutter assembly and the spiral pipe. To remove the recoverable plug assembly from the spiral pipe, force is applied upwardly to the mandrel, until a cutting member located below the sealing elements is cut. The clamping cones and the stakes are disengaged, allowing the stakes to be retracted radially away from the inner wall of the spiral pipe, thereby releasing the shutter assembly from its anchored position. The anti-fixation ring prevents the stakes from being fixed again during the removal of the shutter assembly from the spiral pipe. The assembly of the recoverable plug is configured so that all the critical anchoring elements are located above the sealing elements. As a result, the antifixing ring and the stakes can not be damaged by hydrocarbons emanating from the well. In addition, the arrangement of the sealing elements down the hole of the critical anchoring elements allows the shutter assembly to remain in the well during the life of the sealing elements.

Thus, the present invention comprises a combination of features and features that are intended to overcome various disadvantages of prior devices. The various features described above, as well as other features, will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, and referring to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a cross-section elevation view of the hydraulically activated shutter assembly with the retracted stakes; Figure IB is a cross-sectional view of the shutter assembly with retracted stakes; Figure 2A is a cross-section elevation view of the hydraulically fixed shutter assembly, with the stakes extended; Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the shutter assembly with the stakes extended; Figure 3 is a cross-section elevation view of the hydraulically attached shutter assembly, before removal; Figure 4 is a cross-section elevation view of the hydraulically activated shutter assembly during removal; Figure 5A is an elevation view in cross section of the shutter assembly with the mule shoe orientation guide; Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the track shoe orientation guide; Figure 6A is an elevation view in cross section of the shutter assembly with the orientation tool; Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the orientation tool; Figure 7 is an elevation view in cross section of the orientation assembly; Figure 8 is a cross section elevation view of the mechanically activated shutter assembly, with the stakes retracted; and Figure 9 is an elevation view in cross-section of the mechanically fixed shutter assembly, with the stakes extended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES In the description that follows, similar parts are marked through the specification and the drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The figures in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be exaggerated in scale or in a somewhat schematic form, and some details of conventional elements may or may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The present invention is susceptible to modalities of different forms. These are shown in the drawings and certain embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail herein, with the understanding that the present description should be considered as an embodiment of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that of the invention. illustrated and described herein. It will be fully recognized that the different teachings of the modalities discussed below may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce the desired results. Referring to Figure 1A, one embodiment of the recoverable plug assembly (100) includes a mandrel (10), the collar (12), the sealing elements (14), the fixing cone (16), the shear force member (28) and the stake mechanism (40). The staple mechanism (40) includes stakes (42), the stake cage (44), the securing ring (46), the retaining ring (47) and the anti-locking ring (48). The assembly of the recoverable plug (100) is placed in the spiral pipe (30). In certain embodiments, the spiral pipe (30) may be characterized by the presence of a joint (32) along the inner wall (34), as shown in Figure IB. The joint (32) is formed as a result of the rolling process used during the manufacture of the spiral pipe (30). The assembly of the plug (100) is placed in the spiral pipe (30) at the desired depth for fixing, and is fixed using an anchoring element such as the stake mechanism (40). While the assembly of the plug (100) is lowered to the desired depth in the spiral pipe (30), the anti-locking ring (48) prevents the fixing cone (16) from moving up the mandrel (10) and engaging the prematurely stakes (42). As a result, the stakes (42) are prevented from extending and the assembly of the plug (100) to be fixed prematurely. In certain modalities, the mechanism of stakes (40) is activated through the introduction of a pressurized hydraulic fluid from a source outside the well (not shown). The hydraulic fluid is introduced through the opening (18) and applies pressure in the cavity (20) that creates a downward force in the stake cage (44). The stake cage (44) is forced downward, and the additional components of the stake mechanism (40) coincide with the downward movement with respect to the mandrel (10), the fixing cone (16) and the sealing elements ( 14). As the stalk mechanism (40) moves downward, it is prevented from moving upwardly in the spiral pipe (30) with respect to the mandrel (10) by the securing ring (46). The mandrel (10) has ratchet teeth (22) which couple the securing ring (46) to maintain the stake mechanism (40) in position. The downward movement of the staple mechanism (40) forces the stakes (42) to engage with the wedge surface in the fastening cone (16), thereby tilting the stakes (42) so that they extend radially outwardly. until the stakes (42) couple the inner wall (34) of the spiral pipe (30) and place the shutter assembly in a fixed position, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. An upper portion of the stakes (42) protrudes through the slot (48) of the stake cage (44), thereby securing the stakes (42) in the fixed position between the fixing cone (16) and the stalk (42). stake cage (44). While the staple mechanism (40) is forced down and into the fixed position, the sealing elements (14) are compressed between the clamping cone (16) and the collar (12). The compression of the sealing elements (14) causes the sealing elements (14) to expand radially to create a sealing coupling between the sealing elements (14) and the inner wall (34) of the spiral pipe (30). ). Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, when it is desired to remove the plug assembly (100) from the spiral pipe (30), a retrieval tool (not shown) is lowered into the well and engages the upper mandrel (26) An upward force is applied to the upper mandrel (26) through the recovery tool, so that the shear force member (28) is cut and the mandrel (10) is detached from the collar (12). As a result of the upward movement of the mandrel (10), the stakes (42) are disengaged from the fixing cone (16) and retracted from the coupling with the internal wall (34) of the spiral pipe (30). The retraction of the stakes (42) is aided by the retaining ring (47), which is composed of an elastomeric material and contracts around the stakes (42) to pull the stakes (42) away from the inner wall (34). ) as the stakes (42) are unattended from the fixing cone (16). With the force downwardly in the releasing cone (16) released, the sealing elements (14) are decompressed, retracted away from the coupling with sealing with the inner wall (34) of the spiral pipe (30), and they expand again to their approximate original size and shape. Once the stakes (42) are retracted and the sealing elements (14) are relaxed from the sealing engagement with the inner wall (34) of the spiral pipe (30), the assembly of the shutter (100) can be removed from the spiral pipe (30). An anti-fixation element, including an anti-fixation ring (48), prevents the stakes (42) from reattaching with the inner wall (34) and re-attaching the shutter assembly (100) during removal of the shutter assembly (100). ) of the spiral pipe (30). The anti-fixation ring (48) is placed in a groove in the external surface of the mandrel (10), below the ratchet teeth (22). As the stakes (42) are disengaged from the fixation cone (16) and pushed upwardly with the rest of the stake mechanism (40), the stakes (42) are held in a retracted position as a result of the anti-fixation ring (48) that prevents downward movement of the securing ring (46). By stopping the securing ring (46), the anti-locking ring (48) also stops the staking cage (44) from descending towards the fixing cone (16) and undesirably moving its movement to the stakes (42).

Referring again to Figures IB and 2B, it is desired to orient the assembly of the plug (100) when it is placed on the spiral pipe (30) so that the stakes (42) are fixed in a way that the stakes (42) do not couple the union (32). In certain embodiments, the orienting elements operate to orient the assembly of the obturator (100) and the stakes (42) in that manner with respect to the joint (32), in order to ensure that the central line of the obturator assembly ( 100) matches that of the spiral pipe (30). In addition, orienting the assembly of the plug (100) in this manner, helps the ability of the sealing elements (14) to seally seal the inner wall (34) concentrically and force the sealing elements (14) to wrap around and surround the joint (32). It is then ensured that the sealing interface between the sealing elements (14) and the joint (32) is tight. Referring now to Figures 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B, embodiments of the shutter assembly (100) are described which are constructed to include an orientation element for locating the joint (32). In the embodiment shown in Figure 5A, the shutter assembly (100) includes an orientation element in the shape of the track shoe orientation guide (50). The orientation guide of the mule shoe (50) can be used in the embodiments where the assembly of the plug (100) is run in a wire line. The orientation guide of the mule shoe (50) allows the assembly of the obturator (100), and specifically the pegs (42), to be oriented appropriately with respect to the junction (32) on the surface, and before the insertion in the spiral pipe (30), so that the stakes (42) couple the inner wall (34) between the joint (32), as shown in Figure 2B. The mule shoe orientation guide (50) operates to orient the assembly of the obturator (100) with respect to the joint (32), through the use of a helical surface (51) and an orientation slit (52). The helical surface (51) guides the mule shoe orientation guide (50) and the shutter assembly (100) during insertion towards, and while it is placed on the spiral pipe (30), so that the slit orientation (52) is keyed to the joint (32). In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the orientation slit (52) and the stakes (42) are positioned on opposite radial sides of the obturator assembly (100), so that the orientation slot (52) and the stakes (42). ) are neither aligned nor coplanar, in order to ensure that the stakes (42) do not couple the joint (32). The inclusion of the mule shoe orientation guide (50) in the obturator assembly (100), allows the obturator assembly (100) to self-center and be used in deeper wells, without the requirement to manipulate the orientation of the shutter assembly (100) on the surface. Referring now to Figure 6A, in certain embodiments, an orientation element in the form of an orientation tool (60) is placed in the assembly of the shutter (100). The orientation tool (60) assists in the proper orientation of the shutter assembly (100), so that the stakes (42) do not couple the joint (32). The orientation tool (60) can be located at any point along the assembly of the obturator (100), but preferably, it is located at the end of the obturator assembly (100), which is first inserted into the spiral pipe ( 30). The orientation tool (60) locates the position of the joint (32) along the internal wall (34) of the spiral pipe (30), to ensure that the stakes (42) couple the inner wall (34) of the spiral pipe (30), between the joint (32), as shown in Figure 2B. The orientation tool (60) includes the orientation key (62), the body of the orientation tool (64), the measurement rings of the centralization (66) and the spring (68). The shutter assembly (100) and the orientation tool (60) are lowered into the spiral pipe (30), at which point the orientation tool (60) is rotated until the orientation key (62) grasps the joint (32), as shown in Figure 6B. In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the orientation key (62) and the stakes (42) are positioned on opposite radial sides of the shutter assembly (100), such that the orientation key (62) and the stakes (42). ) are neither aligned nor coplanar, in order to ensure that the stakes (42) do not attach to the joint (32). The centralization measuring rings (66) operate to align the body of the orientation tool and the assembly of the plug (100) with the longitudinal axis of the spiral pipe (30). The orientation key (62) is held in position to grip the joint (32) by means of a spring (68). As a result of using the orientation tool (60) to locate the joint (32), there is no need for a further additional trip down the well, for the purpose of finding the joint (32) before inserting the plug assembly ( 100). Referring to Figure 7, in an alternate embodiment, the orientation assembly (200) is used to locate the joint (32) of the spiral pipe (30). Placed in the orientation assembly (200) is the orientation tool (60), which includes the orientation key (62). The orientation assembly (200) and the orientation tool (60) are lowered into the spiral pipe (30) in a separate travel prior to the insertion of the shutter assembly (100) into the spiral pipe (30). The orientation assembly (200) and the orientation key (60) are rotated until the orientation key (62) grasps the seal (32), as shown in Figure 6B, thereby indicating the location of the joint (32) in the spiral pipe (30). The orientation assembly (200) is removed from the spiral pipe (30), and the shutter assembly (100) is lowered into the spiral pipe (30) in an orientation that prevents the stakes (42) from engaging to the joint (32), as shown for example, in Figure 2B, as a result of the pre-location of the joint (32) through the use of the orientation assembly (200). Referring to Figure 8 and 9, in an alternate embodiment, the stalk mechanism (40) is adjusted through the application of a hydraulically assisted downward mechanical force. A hydraulically actuated fixing tool (not shown) is inserted into the upper mandrel (26). The clamping tool applies a downward force, causing the downward movement of the stake cage (44) with respect to the mandrel (10). As the stake cage (44) is forced downward, the remaining components of the stalk mechanism (40) also move downwards, causing the stakes (42) to tilt in the locking cone (16). The stakes (42) extend radially and in engagement with the inner wall (34) of the spiral pipe (30), placing the shutter assembly (100) in the fixed position. As the stake mechanism (40) is forced further down, the sealing elements (14) are radially compressed and expanded until they reach sealing engagement with the inner wall (34) of the spiral pipe (30). Referring now to Figures 1A-9, in certain embodiments, the sealing elements (14) comprise rubber with a durometer hardness of 50 or less. The sealing elements (14) of durometer 50 are manufactured by Parker Seal. The industry standard rubber durometer for sealing or packing elements in downhole packer / shutter applications is in the durometer range of 60 to 90, which indicates the use of a much harder rubber compound. In contrast, the softer rubber compound used in certain embodiments of the present invention is crucial in order to sufficiently expand the sealing elements (14), when compressed through the application of the clamping force. As a result of being comprised of a softer rubber compound, the sealing elements (14) can be tightened around the joint (32) in the spiral pipe (30), thereby creating a tighter pressure seal between the plug assembly (100) and the spiral pipe (30). In addition, multiple sealing elements (14) can be used, to further assist in the formation of a tighter seal. In the alternate embodiments, the consistency of the rubber compound of the sealing elements (14) can be varied within the stack of multiple sealing elements, with some sealing elements (14) comprised of a compound with a durability greater than the durometer .fifty. The use of sealing elements (14) with a hardness greater than durometer 50, allows the assembly of the plug (100) to be released when the shearing member (28) is cut as a result of the application of an upward force during the removal of the shutter assembly (100). Seal elements (14) having a hardness of durometer 50 or less, exhibit more difficulty in springing to the original shape after being compressed to fix the plug assembly (100) in the spiral pipe (30) and for placing the sealing elements (14) in sealed engagement with the inner wall (34) of the spiral pipe (30). The addition of the sealing elements (14) with a harder rubber compound and a hardness greater than 50 durometer, allows the shutter assembly (100) is released without surface handling, since a rubber compound with a higher durometer returns more easily to its original, precompressed shape, as the stakes (42) are released from the inner wall (34) of the pipe in spiral (30). Referring again to Figure 1A, the staple mechanism (40) is located upstream or upstream of the seal member (14). As a result, the critical parts of the stalk mechanism (40) with respect to maintaining the assembly of the anchored plug (100), such as the stakes (42), the securing ring (48) and the stake cage (44), they are isolated from the hydrocarbons that may be present in the well. Exposure of critical anchor components to hydrocarbons such as sulfur-rich gas or hydrogen disulfide can result in damage to the parts or deterioration of their optimal function. Therefore, the shutter assembly (100) can remain in the spiral pipe (30) during the life of the sealing elements (14). The cutting member (28) is exposed to the gas rich in sulfur products and other hydrocarbons present in the well / due to the placement of the shear member (28) below the sealing elements (14). In one embodiment, the shear member (28) is comprised of a corrosion resistant alloy, the use of which can extend the life of the shear member (28). Such corrosion-resistant alloy is not so susceptible to changes in properties, as a result of exposure to gas rich in sulfur products or other harmful hydrocarbons. Although the preferred embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, modifications may be made thereto by one skilled in the art, without departing from the scope or teachings herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Because many varied and different modalities can be made within the scope of the present inventive concept, including the structures or equivalent materials thought of hereinafter, and because many modifications can be made herein, detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law , it will be understood that the details herein should be construed as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (32)

1. CLAIMS 1. A shutter assembly for use in a pipe, wherein the pipe has an internal surface, characterized by a longitudinal joint, comprising: an operable anchor element for securing the shutter assembly within the pipe, wherein the Anchor element couples the internal surface of the pipe; an operable seal element to create a seal coupling between the shutter assembly and the inner surface of the pipe; and an operable orientation element for placing the obturator inside the pipe, with respect to the joint.
2. 2. The shutter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the orientation element is operable so that the anchoring element does not engage the joint when securing the obturator assembly.
3. 3. The shutter assembly according to claim 2, wherein the orientation element comprises a key, wherein the key is operable to couple the joint.
4. 4. The shutter assembly according to claim 3, wherein the key and the anchoring element are located on opposite radial sides of the shutter assembly.
5. The seal assembly according to claim 2, wherein the targeting element comprises an operable mule shoe for guiding the seal assembly during insertion into the pipe, wherein the mule shoe is positioned below the seal element and below the anchoring element.
6. The plug assembly according to claim 5, wherein the mule shoe is characterized by a helical external surface, and wherein the helical outer surface is further characterized by a helical groove.
7. 7. The shutter assembly according to claim 6, wherein the helical groove couples the joint.
8. The plug assembly according to claim 6, wherein the helical groove and the anchoring element are located on opposite radial sides of the plug assembly.
9. 9. The shutter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the seal element comprises a compressible seal member.
10. The seal assembly according to claim 9, wherein the seal member comprises a rubber compound with a hardness of durometer 50 or less.
11. 11. The shutter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the anchoring element comprises at least one radially expandable stake for engagement with the internal surface of the pipe.
12. 12. The shutter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the seal element is located below the anchoring element.
13. The plug assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plug assembly further comprises an operable antifix element to prevent the anchoring element from expanding radially until the plug reaches the desired location within the pipe.
14. The shutter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shutter assembly further comprises an operable anti-fastening element to prevent the anchoring element from expanding radially while the shutter assembly is removed from the pipe.
15. 15. The shutter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the anchoring element is mechanically activated.
16. 16. The shutter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the anchoring element is hydraulically activated.
17. The plug assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plug assembly is recoverable from the pipe, and wherein the anchoring element is mechanically releasable by the operation of a shear member.
18. 18. A mounting for locating a seal for use within a pipe, wherein the pipe has an internal surface characterized by a longitudinal joint, comprising: an orientation body; an orientation key located in the orientation body, wherein the orientation key projects radially with respect to the orientation body; a centralization ring operable to align the orientation body with a longitudinal axis of the pipe; and an orientation spring, wherein the spring exerts a radial force outwardly on the orientation key and causes the orientation key to engage the internal surface of the pipe.
19. The assembly according to claim 18, wherein the location assembly of the seal is rotated inside the pipe, so that the orientation key engages the joint.
20. 20. A method for locating a longitudinal joint in a pipe, comprising: providing an orientation body; placing an orientation key in the orientation body, wherein the orientation key projects radially with respect to the orientation body; providing a centralization ring for aligning the orientation body with a longitudinal axis of the pipe; providing an orientation spring for exerting a radial force outwardly on the orientation key, for coupling the internal surface of the pipe; and insert the orientation body in the pipeline; and rotate the orientation body within the pipe until the orientation key engages the longitudinal joint.
21. 21. A method for constructing a device for locating a longitudinal joint in a pipe, comprising: providing an orientation body; placing an orientation key in the orientation body, wherein the orientation key projects radially with respect to the orientation body; providing a centralization ring for aligning the orientation body with a longitudinal axis of the pipe; and providing an orientation spring for exerting a radial force outwardly on the orientation key, thereby causing the orientation key to engage the internal surface of the pipe.
22. 22. A method for sealing a pipe, wherein the pipe has an internal surface characterized by a longitudinal joint, comprising: providing a recoverable plug, comprising: an anchoring element positioned in the plug, wherein the anchoring element is moving between a non-fixed position with the unexpanded anchoring element and a fixed position with the anchoring element radially expanded; a seal member positioned in the obturator, wherein the seal member is compressible between a relaxed position and a radially expanded position; and an orientation element for locating the position of the joint within the pipeline; lower the shutter in the pipeline; Orient the obturator with respect to the joint; and fixing the shutter, wherein the fastening of the shutter comprises: radially expanding the anchoring element for coupling the internal surface of the pipe; and radially expanding the seal element to couple and seal the pipe.
23. 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the orientation element comprises a key radially projecting.
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the key and the anchoring element are positioned on opposite radial sides.
25. 25. The method according to claim 22, further comprising rotating the obturator until the orientation element couples the joint.
26. 26. The method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of securing the anchoring element against the fixation, until the obturator is in the desired position.
27. 27. The method according to claim 22, wherein the seal element is positioned below the anchoring element.
28. 28. The method according to claim 22, further comprising guiding the orientation of the obturator during installation, wherein the orientation element couples the joint during installation.
29. 29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the orientation element comprises a mule shoe, characterized by a helical outer surface and a helical groove, wherein the helical groove couples the joint.
30. 30. A method for constructing an obturator assembly for use in a pipe, wherein the pipe has an internal surface, characterized by a longitudinal connection, comprising: placing an anchoring element in the shutter assembly; placing an orientation element in the obturator assembly, wherein the orientation element places the obturator assembly with respect to the joint; and placing a seal element in the obturator assembly between the anchoring element and the orientation element.
31. 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the orientation element comprises a wrench radially protruding, and wherein the wrench and the anchoring element are positioned on opposite radial sides.
32. 32. The method according to claim 30, wherein the orientation element comprises a mule shoe characterized by an external helical surface and a helical groove, wherein the helical groove couples the joint.