WO2006127449A2 - Cross-line plugging system and locking plug - Google Patents
Cross-line plugging system and locking plug Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2006127449A2 WO2006127449A2 PCT/US2006/019420 US2006019420W WO2006127449A2 WO 2006127449 A2 WO2006127449 A2 WO 2006127449A2 US 2006019420 W US2006019420 W US 2006019420W WO 2006127449 A2 WO2006127449 A2 WO 2006127449A2
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- cross
- line
- pipeline
- pig
- pipe plug
- Prior art date
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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
- F16L55/18—Appliances for use in repairing pipes
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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
- F16L55/10—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
- F16L55/128—Means for stopping flow from or in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose
- F16L55/136—Means for stopping flow from or 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
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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
- F16L41/00—Branching pipes; Joining pipes to walls
- F16L41/04—Tapping pipe walls, i.e. making connections through the walls of pipes while they are carrying fluids; Fittings therefor
- F16L41/06—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
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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
Definitions
- This invention relates to a system and method of providing access to the interior of a branch pipeline, referred to as a "cross-line" that intersects with a main pipeline of equal or greater diameter.
- Pipelines are used in all parts of the world for the transportation of hydrocarbon products including primarily natural gas and crude oil. These commodities are exceedingly valuable and, in fact, indispensable to the modern standard of living enjoyed throughout the world. However, in addition to being valuable, they are also hazardous. Such hazards include danger to life as can be a consequence of explosions or fires from leaked oil or gas products and, in addition, these products can be harmful to the environment. For these reasons, it is important that pipelines be periodically inspected and/or evaluated for proper repair and maintenance. Pipelines are usually buried under the earth's surface to protect them against hazards that would exist if they were laid on the earth's surface.
- a particular problem is encountered with the use of pipeline pigs for inspecting cross-lines, that is, pipelines that interconnect between other and usually, larger diameter pipelines. While primary pipelines may extend for miles or even hundreds of miles, cross-lines are typically of much shorter length, such as a few hundred feet up to a few miles. It is sometimes difficult and always expensive to install pig launching and receiving facilities for such cross-lines.
- cross-line includes a pipeline that interconnects between other pipelines, as above stated, and also branch lines, that is, a smaller diameter pipeline that extends from a main pipeline that does not necessarily connect to another main pipeline but that connects such as to a storage facility, a processing plant or the like.
- branch lines herein includes branch lines.
- the invention herein provides methods, apparatus and systems for providing access to the interior of a cross-line that intersects with a main pipeline of equal or greater diameter.
- the method includes the steps of first attaching a side outlet fitting to the exterior of the main pipeline on the side thereof diametrically opposite the point of intersection of the cross-line.
- a side outlet may be attached by welding to the exterior of the main pipeline a saddle-type device having a portion that fits against the exterior wall of the pipeline with an integral branch fitting.
- a full opening valve is affixed to the outlet fitting.
- the typical side outlet fitting is of the type having a flange. A full open valve can be affixed to the flange fitting.
- a hot tapping system is then affixed to the valve.
- the following two U.S. patents illustrate and describe apparatus and systems that can be used to tap a pipeline under pressure. 1. 4,579,484 entitled “Underwater Tapping Machine", Sullivan, issued April 1, 1986;
- such hot tapping system is applied to the exterior of the valve and with the valve open, the hot tapping system can extend through it to cut an opening in the sidewall of the main pipeline. While in some instances it may be necessary to cut an opening in the pipeline that is only as large as the interior diameter of the cross-line, nevertheless, for practical purposes, it is normally desirable that an opening be cut in the sidewall of the main pipeline substantially equal to its internal diameter.
- a pig launcher may be affixed to the valve. Thereafter, with the valve open, a pig can be launched through the valve and through the fitting attached to the main pipeline diametrically through the main pipeline and into the cross-line. Thereafter, the pig moves by fluid flow, either gas or liquid, through the cross-line to perform any of the usual services that can achieved by a pig.
- pigs can be employed to make geometry measurements to detect indentations, buckles or other obstructions in the pipeline.
- Pigs can be employed for cleaning the interior of the cross-line.
- Pigs can be employed for detecting corrosion in the walls of the cross-line by the use of magnetic flux leakage or sonic inspection technologies.
- the cross-line can be closed adjacent the point where it intersects the main pipeline. With the cross-line closed, pressure tests can be made. Further, by closing off the cross-line at both ends, it can be depressurized and repairs can be made to it without stopping the flow of the fluids through the main pipeline.
- Cross-lines typically extend between two main pipelines. In this case it is desirable to provide access to both ends of the cross-line which is accomplished by the steps above indicated being employed on both main pipelines. That is, access can be obtained through the main pipelines into both the opposite ends of the cross-line.
- the invention herein further provides an apparatus for use when inspecting, testing or repairing a cross-line after access has been provided through the main pipelines to which the cross-line attaches.
- a branch shield pig guide is disclosed that can be installed in a main pipeline to prevent a pig passing through the main pipeline from being inadvertently diverted into the cross-line.
- a flow-through pig guide is also disclosed to ensure the passage of a pig diametrically through a main pipeline and into a cross-line. Such flow-through pig guide is always removed after the pigging operation is complete through the cross-line.
- locking pipe plugs or cross-line pluggers both of which are disclosed herein, can be employed for closing off the ends of the cross-line for reasons above described.
- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic, isometric view showing an excavation in the earth in an area having two main pipelines and a cross-line. This figure shows the method of this invention for providing access to the cross-line by cutting a hole in the side wall of each of the main pipelines, each hole being diametrically opposite the attachment of the cross-line .
- Figure 2 is an isometric view showing a main pipeline in dotted outline and showing, in solid line, a flow-through pig guide that is temporarily inserted through a main pipeline when a pig is being launched into the cross-line.
- Figure 3 is an isometric view of a branch shield pig guide that can be inserted into a main pipeline after access has been provided to a cross-line to restore pigability of the main pipeline. That is, the branch shield pig guide is used to ensure that a pig passing through a main pipeline is not inadvertently diverted into a cross-line.
- Figure 4 is an exploded view of a locking pipe plug that can be used for closing the interior of a cross-line and showing a tool that is used for the installation of the locking pipe plug.
- FIG 5 is a cross-sectional view of a locking pipe plug of the type shown in Figure 4.
- the locking pipe plug is in the non-expanded condition as when it is being inserted into or removed from the interior of the cross-line.
- Figure 6 shows the locking pipe plug of Figures 4 and 5 after having been actuated to a secure position within the interior of the cross-line in a manner to provide leak proof closure of the cross-line.
- Figure 7 is a side view of the cross-line plugger that can be used to close off the opening in a main pipeline where communication is provided with a cross-line.
- Figure 8 is a side view of the cross-line plugger rotated 90° with respect to Figure 7.
- Figure 9 is an isometric view of a cross-line plugger of Figures 7 and 8.
- Figure 10 is an elevational front view of the cross-line plugger of Figures 7, 8 and 9.
- Figure 11 is an elevational rear view of the cross-line plugger of Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10.
- Figure 12 is an isometric view of a typical instrument pipeline pig, shown in small scale, that can be launched into the cross-line after the methods of this invention are employed to provide access diametrically through main pipelines to which the cross-line connects.
- Figure 13 is an elevational view, shown partially in cross-section, of an improved locking pipe plug of the type shown in Figures 5 and 6.
- the improved locking pipe plug includes, among other advantages, a rotation resistor.
- FIG. 1 an environment in which the principles of this invention can be practiced is illustrated.
- This figure shows the earth's surface 10 having an excavation 12 that reveals a first main pipeline 14, a second main pipeline 16 and a cross-line 18.
- This invention provides improved methods, systems and apparatuses for verifying the integrity of cross-line 18.
- the first step in practicing the invention to provide access to cross-line 18 is to affix a branch fitting 22 to the exterior of primary pipeline 14 on the side thereof diametrically opposite the point of intersection 20 of cross-line 18.
- the term "cross- line” could equally as well be "branch pipeline” as either term is indicative of a line that extends perpendicularly from a primary pipeline.
- the branch fitting 22 needs to be of a diameter at least equal to the diameter of cross-line 18 but preferably is of a diameter equal to that of the main pipeline 14.
- Such branch fitting will typically include a flange 24 which receives the attachment of a full opening valve 26. After valve 26 has been attached, then a hot tap machine (not shown) is secured to the valve.
- the use of hot tapping machines to provide access to the interior of a pipeline is well known in the industry. For specific teachings of the construction, operation and methods of use of hot tapping machines, reference may be had to the following United States Patents:
- a shell cutter (not shown) is extended through valve 26, flange 24 and branch fitting 22 to engage the exterior sidewall of main pipeline 14 so that an opening is cut in the side wall of main pipeline 14.
- the opening is diametrically opposite the connection 20 of cross-line 18 to the main pipeline 14.
- Valve 26 can then be closed and the hot tapping machine (not shown) can be removed and in place of the hot tapping machine, a pig launcher 28 is attached to valve 26.
- Pig launchers are well known in the pipeline industry.
- a pig launcher is a device that permits, at atmospheric pressures, a pipeline pig such as the pipeline pig 30 illustrated in Figure 1, to be positioned within the launcher.
- the pig launcher is then hermetically sealed.
- Valve 26 can then be opened and by means such as a hydraulic ram 32, pipeline pig 30 can be pushed out of pig launcher 28, through valve 26 and branch fitting 22, and diametrically through main pipeline 14 into the interior of cross-line 18.
- By force of fluid flow either liquids or gases, the pig can then be caused to move through cross- line 18.
- a pipeline pig 30 is indicated by dotted outline as moving through cross-line 18.
- a plugging machine generally indicated by the numeral 34 can be affixed to pipeline 14 downstream of the cross-line connection.
- a plugging machine which functions as previously described can provide an opening into the interior of main pipeline 14 through which a flow blockage apparatus (not shown) can be inserted for temporarily blocking or at least reducing fluid flow through the main pipeline.
- flow blockage mechanism is well known in the pipeline industry and is commercially available from T.D. Williamson, Inc. of Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A.
- the pipeline pig 30 With fluid flow blocked or at least restricted by way of a plugging machine 34 and the insertion of a flow blockage mechanism, the pipeline pig 30 will be forced through the interior of cross-line 18.
- the pig 30 may be of any type that is currently used in the industry including geometrical measurement pigs, cleaning pigs, corrosion measurement pigs and so forth. Movement through cross-line 18 of the pig can be verified by the use of pig signaling devices 36 that are attached to the exterior of cross-line 18. Two such pig signaling devices are shown in Figure 1.
- a second branch fitting 38 is shown as having been attached to second main pipeline 16 opposite the connection of cross-line 18.
- a valve 42 is employed.
- a hot tapping machine (not shown) may be employed to provide an opening in the wall of second main pipeline 16. After such opening is provided, the hot tapping machine is removed and a pig catcher 44 can be installed.
- the pig is captured within catcher 44 and may be removed.
- a hot tap machine can be employed so as to provide an opening into the interior of second main pipeline 16 and the insertion of flow blockage equipment with a plugging machine to temporarily block or restrict fluid flow.
- a flow-through pig guide as generally indicated by the numeral 48 is employed.
- the flow-through pig guide is illustrated in Figure 2.
- Flow-through pig guide 48 is inserted diametrically through first main pipeline 14 that is illustrated in dotted outline in Figure 2, the flow-through pig guide 48 passing through valve 26.
- Flow-through pig guide 48 has a tubular body 50 with slotted openings 52 therein.
- the outer end portion 54 is of external diameter so that it can extend telescopically within the interior of cross-line 18.
- the inner end of flow-through pig guide 48 has a locking ring flange 56 with an external circumferential groove 58 therein.
- Flange fittings 24 and 40 are preferably of the type that facilitate receiving an internal device and removably locking it in place. Such a device is illustrated and described in detail in United States Patent No. 3,766,947 entitled “Fluid-Type Closure", issued October 23, 1973.
- This patent teaches a type of flange that has provisions for actuation of a plurality of locking elements that can be moved radially inwardly or radially outwardly by adjustment of screw mechanisms on the exterior of the flange (not shown in Figure 1). These locking elements are moved into external circumferential groove 58 to thereby hold flow-through pig guide 48 in position as it extends diametrically through pipeline 14.
- a flow-through pig guide as illustrated in Figure 2 is positioned diametrically within second pipeline 16 in which case the flange 40 (as seen in Figure 1) is of the type that has locking elements that can be extended into and withdrawn from the circumferential groove 58.
- the flow-through pig guide 48 of Figure 2 is used only when a pig is being launched into or received diametrically through main pipeline 14 or 16 and thereafter removed since if left in position they would interfere with the passage of pigs through the main pipelines.
- the branch shield pig guide includes a main short length tubular body portion 62 that is of external dimensions slightly less than the internal diameter of main pipeline 14. Extending from tubular body portion 62 is a lateral tubular portion 64 that connects the main body portion to a locking ring flange 66 that has a circumferential groove 68.
- a locking ring system as illustrated and described in U.S. Patent No. 3,766,947 as previously mentioned, the branch shield pig guide 60 can be maintained within the interior of main pipeline 14.
- the short length tubular portion 70 extends telescopically within the cross-line to assist in anchoring the branch shield pig guide 60 in position.
- paralleled bars 72 close tubular portion 70.
- Similar bars 74 are shown closing the lateral tubular portion 64 for similar reasons, that is, to close off the possibility of a pig attempting to enter this passageway. The use of bars 74 is optional since there is no fluid flow through this lateral tubular passageway that would tend to cause a pig to enter it whereas fluid flow through the short length tubular portion 70 is possible.
- Branch shield pig guide 60 is installed through valve 26 as previously described by means of a hot tapping machine so that such device can be installed while the main pipeline 14 is under pressure.
- Branch shield pig guide 60 includes a flange closure system 66 to close off flange 24 enabling valve 26 to be removed and a blind flange (not shown) installed.
- a branch shield pig guide 60 will also be installed in second main pipeline 16 for the same reasons as described with reference to the first main pipeline 14.
- a locking pipe plug 76 as generally indicated in Figure 4 and in greater detail in Figures 5 and 6 is employed. As shown in Figure 4 the locking pipe plug 76 has, on the rearward end thereof, a tightening nut 78 that can be grasped by a ram expander 80 that is positioned and rotated by a shaft 82. By means of hot tapping equipment that controls the axial and rotational position of ram expander 80, it can be extended diametrically through the interiors of both main pipeline 14 and 16.
- a base member 84 has a tubular portion 86 that is externally threaded and receives nut 78 thereon.
- the base portion 84 has an integral radial flange portion 88 that faces a radial compression member 90 that is slidable on tubular portion 86.
- Between radial flange portion 88 and compression member 90 is a circumferential elastomeric seal member 92.
- the seal member In the relaxed position as shown in Figure 5 the seal member is cupped outwardly as indicated in the cross-sectional view.
- Received on tubular portion 86 is an actuation member 94 having a cupped portion 96.
- the compression member 90 has a frusto- conical surface 98 that receives segmented slips 100.
- segmented slips 100 are concurrently moved forward and the reaction of the slips with frusto-conical surface 98 causes the slips to expand radially outwardly for engagement with the interior of cross-line 18. In this way the locking pipe plug 76 is tightly engaged within the interior of cross-line 18.
- each locking pipe plug With a locking pipe plug at each end of the cross-line, pressure can be applied to it to test for leakage. High pressure can be applied to test the bursting strength of cross- line 18. After such tests are completed, each locking pipe plug can be removed by reversing the rotation of nut 78, and retrieving the plug with expander 80 as affixed to shaft 82.
- FIG. 7 Another way of closing off the opposed ends of cross-line 18 is by the use of a cross-line plugger 108 as shown in Figures 7 through 11.
- This item has a base portion 102 with a bolt 104 having a head 106 that forms the forward end of the cross-line plugger, which is generally indicated by the numeral 108.
- Bolt 104 receives an arcuate back up plate 110 having an elastomer seal 112 on the forward surface thereof.
- the radius of curvature of the back up plate 110 and the forward surface of elastomer seal 112 is the same radius of curvature as the interior circumferential surface of the main pipelines 14 and 16.
- the rearward end of the cross-line plugger 108 is an attachment guide 114.
- the cross-line plugger 108 is used in this way: with an opening having been formed in each of the main pipelines 14 and 16, each ends of cross-line 18 can be temporarily closed by inserting through each open valves 26 and 42, a cross-line plugger 108 attached to a rod (not shown) extending from hydraulic cylinder 32.
- Cross-line plugger 108 passes diametrically through a main pipeline.
- the elastomer seal 112 of each plugger engages the circumferential area of the internal cylindrical wall of a main pipeline that surrounds the opening communicating with cross-line 18. In this way the cross-line is plugged off at each end.
- cross-line plugger 108 is not intended for use to resist high pressure within cross-line 18 but cross-line pluggers 108 may be used to isolate the cross-line from the main pipelines and permit drainage of liquids and gases from it so as to permit repairs.
- the cross-line pluggers are not intended for permanently closing the cross-line.
- Figure 12 is a small scale isometric representation of a pipeline pig 116 which may be of the type used for determining the structural integrity of cross-line 18. Pigs 116 of the type shown in Figure 12 may include highly technical systems such as for measurement of corrosion by magnetic flux leakage, or sonic energy reflections.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an additional element that is not directly related to the methods and systems of this invention but that make the inventions herein more useful.
- Extending from cross-line 18 is a bypass line 118 that connects to second main pipeline 16 downstream of branch fitting 38.
- a bypass valve 120 controls flow through bypass line 118.
- valve 120 is opened.
- pipeline pig 30 gets to near the end of cross-line 18 as shown in dotted outline in Figure 1 the restriction to fluid flow imposed by the pipeline pig will cause fluid flow through bypass line 118, stopping further movement of the pipeline pig which is then in position for retrieval by apparatus extending from pig catcher 44.
- bypass valve 120 will normally be closed.
- FIG 13 illustrates in elevational view, shown partially in cross-section, an improved locking pipe plug generally indicated by the numeral 76A.
- the improved locking pipe plug employs the basic concepts of the locking pipe plug illustrated and described with reference to Figures 5 and 6 and the components in the improved locking pipe plug 76A that have the similar structure and function to the components in Figures 5 and 6 are provided with the same numbers.
- Figure 13 As compared with the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, has these similar functioning components: a base member 84 with a tubular portion 86 and a radial flange 88; an expansion member 90; an elastomeric seal member 92; an actuation member 94 having a cup portion 96; and a frusto- conical surface 98 on compression member 90 that receives segmented slips 100.
- Figure 13 shows additional features and improvements.
- segmented slips 100 are formed of metal to securely lock into the interior wall of the pipe in which the improved locking pipe plug 76 A is positioned.
- a retainer spring 126 encircles the segments making up segmented slips 100 to hold them in contact with frusto-conical surface 98 of compression member 100.
- Actuation member 94 is received slideably on the external threads 128 of tubular portion 86 of base member 84.
- rotation of holder 150 With its internal threads 154 engaged in the external threads 128 on tubular portion 86, causes actuation member 94 to be axially advanced so that it moves the cup portion 96 against segment slips 100 to thereby force compression member 90 in the direction towards radial flange 88.
- This causes radially expansion of segmented slips 100 and simultaneously axially advances compression member 90 towards flange 88, thereby compressing seal member 92.
- threadably rotating holder 150 simultaneously causes segmented slips 100 to lock against the interior surface of the pipe in which the plug is positioned and to radially expand the seal member 92 to seal against the wall of the pipe in which the plug is positioned.
- the embodiment of the improved locking plug 76A of Figure 13 includes an innovative system of restraining rotation of the base member 84 so as to permit locking a plug in position.
- the improved locking pipe plug 76A When the improved locking pipe plug 76A is inserted into a pipeline, it is necessary to rotate holder 150 relative to base member 84 to threadably advance it and thus slideably advance the actuation member 94 so that the cup portion 96 presses against slips 100 to start the process of locking the pipe plug within the pipe. Thus it is helpful if a system is provided for resisting the rotation of base member 84 especially during the initial process of tightening holder 150 on the actuation member tubular portion 86.
- the improved locking pipe plug 76A includes a rotation resistor generally indicated by the numeral 132.
- a rotation resistor 132 In Figure 13, a preferred embodiment of a rotation resistor 132 is illustrated and is in the form of a stiff cleaning brush assembly commonly used on pipeline cleaning pigs.
- An alternative embodiment is essentially of a cylindrical wire brush that is of the type readily commercially available and that is typically used as a part of a rotating mechanism for cleaning the surface of metallic objects.
- the rotation resistor 132 is a wire brush 134 that provides a large number of radially extending flexible wires 136.
- Each of the wires 136 has an outer free end 138 arranged so that the length of the wires 136 extends the outer ends thereof 138 beyond the normal diameter of the pipe in which the plug is to be used. That is, the wires 136 are of sufficient lengths so that the outer ends 138 thereof flexibly engage the pipe inner surface 140.
- Wire brush 134 typically includes opposed face plates 142A and 142B that retain the wires 136 therebetween.
- Face plates 142 A and 142B each have a central opening 144 therein that receives a bolt 146.
- Bolt 146 is received in a threaded opening 148 in base member 84.
- the rotation resistor 132 is rotatably locked to base member 84.
- AU that is required is that rotational resistance be applied to the base member 84 as the holder 150 is rotated to threadably advance actuation member 94 slideably on tubular portion 86.
- segmented slips 100 engage the pipe interior surface and immediately serve to resist rotation of the pipe plug.
- seal member 92 As the advance of the base member 84 continues compressive force is applied against seal member 92 so the outer circumferential surface thereof expands to engage the interior of the pipe to further resist rotation.
- the segmented slip 100 and seal member 92 themselves begin to lock the pipe plug against rotation. After this action takes place the rotational resistance applied by rotation resistor 132 is no longer required.
- wire brush 134 is to merely resist rotation to get the process of anchoring the pipe plug in the pipe started.
- the contact of segmented slips 100 and seal member 92 with the pipe interior surface gradually decreases and the rotational resistor 132 takes over to allow the actuation member 94 to be retracted to the point that the plug can be axially extracted from the pipe.
- Holder 150 is tubular with an inner end portion 152 having an internally threaded opening 154 therein.
- the forward portion of holder 150 is tubular providing an interior recess 156 that receives a threaded pipe plug 158.
- Internally pipe threads 162 at the outer end of the base member tubular portion 86 threadably and sealably receives pipe plug 158.
- a washer 160 has an outer diameter greater than the diameter of holder threaded opening 154.
- the outer end of holder 150 has a radial flange 164 with openings 166 therein.
- Bolts extending through openings 166 can be used to hold locking pipe plug 76A, for inserting it into a pipe and correspondingly for removing it after a plug has been inserted, onto shaft 82 of an insertion tool or onto a tapping machine 46 of the type as commonly employed in piping technology and that is readily commercially available from T.D. Williamson, Inc. of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2008512538A JP2008545926A (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-18 | Cross-line stopper system and stopper |
BRPI0611290-0A BRPI0611290A2 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-18 | cross line buffering system and locking cap |
CA002606814A CA2606814A1 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-18 | Cross-line plugging system and locking plug |
CN2006800174295A CN102232159A (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-18 | Cross-line plugging system and locking plug |
EP06760170A EP1886060A2 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-18 | Cross-line plugging system and locking plug |
AU2006251924A AU2006251924B2 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-18 | Cross-line plugging system and locking plug |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/133,514 | 2005-05-20 | ||
US11/133,514 US7311114B2 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2005-05-20 | Cross-line plugging system |
US11/431,215 US7546847B2 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-10 | Locking plug for closing the sidewall of a pipe |
US11/431,215 | 2006-05-10 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2006127449A2 true WO2006127449A2 (en) | 2006-11-30 |
WO2006127449A3 WO2006127449A3 (en) | 2011-05-26 |
Family
ID=37452628
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2006/019420 WO2006127449A2 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-18 | Cross-line plugging system and locking plug |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1886060A2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20080008372A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2006251924B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2606814A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006127449A2 (en) |
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WO2017129631A1 (en) * | 2016-01-25 | 2017-08-03 | Quality Intervention Technology As | Plug for plugging a line and a method for installing a plug in a line |
US10302598B2 (en) | 2016-10-24 | 2019-05-28 | General Electric Company | Corrosion and crack detection for fastener nuts |
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US6810903B1 (en) * | 1998-04-22 | 2004-11-02 | Hydra-Stop, Inc. | Conduit flow controller |
US6361015B1 (en) * | 2000-07-26 | 2002-03-26 | Plug-It Products Corporation | Variable flow-through control plug |
GB0027277D0 (en) * | 2000-11-08 | 2000-12-27 | Stolt Offshore Ltd | Connecting conduits for fluids |
CA2370729C (en) * | 2001-11-23 | 2010-01-26 | John W. Mcgivery | Method and device for plugging a gas main |
US6769152B1 (en) * | 2002-06-19 | 2004-08-03 | Parnell Consultants, Inc. | Launcher for passing a pig into a pipeline |
US6883546B1 (en) * | 2003-03-20 | 2005-04-26 | Thomas E. Kobylinski | Lockable compression plug assembly for hermetically sealing an opening in a part, such as the end of a tubular member |
-
2006
- 2006-05-18 CA CA002606814A patent/CA2606814A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-05-18 WO PCT/US2006/019420 patent/WO2006127449A2/en active Application Filing
- 2006-05-18 AU AU2006251924A patent/AU2006251924B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2006-05-18 EP EP06760170A patent/EP1886060A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2006-05-18 KR KR1020077027004A patent/KR20080008372A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2017129631A1 (en) * | 2016-01-25 | 2017-08-03 | Quality Intervention Technology As | Plug for plugging a line and a method for installing a plug in a line |
US10718460B2 (en) | 2016-01-25 | 2020-07-21 | Quality Intervention Technology As | Plug for plugging a line and a method for installing a plug in a line |
US10302598B2 (en) | 2016-10-24 | 2019-05-28 | General Electric Company | Corrosion and crack detection for fastener nuts |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2606814A1 (en) | 2006-11-30 |
AU2006251924A1 (en) | 2006-11-30 |
EP1886060A2 (en) | 2008-02-13 |
AU2006251924B2 (en) | 2010-09-23 |
WO2006127449A3 (en) | 2011-05-26 |
KR20080008372A (en) | 2008-01-23 |
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