WO2024096847A1

WO2024096847A1 - Self locking isolation tool

Info

Publication number: WO2024096847A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/046648
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jimi WADE; Aaron Meyers; Mark King
Original assignee: Team Industrial Services, Inc.
Priority date: 2022-10-14
Filing date: 2022-10-14
Publication date: 2024-05-10

Abstract

A technique for utilizing a tool having a body sized for insertion into an interior of a pipe. A seal may be disposed about the body and oriented to form a seal with the interior surface of the pipe defining the inner diameter. Additionally, a loading flange may be coupled to the body in a manner enabling generally axial movement of the loading flange with respect to the body. The loading flange and the body cooperate to establish a plurality of pockets disposed circumferentially around the body. Furthermore, a locking system comprises a plurality of gripping feet which are sized for receipt in the plurality of pockets. The gripping feet are positioned to utilize a wedge with corresponding sloped surfaces which collectively drive the plurality of gripping feet in a radially outward direction when the loading flange is moved relative to the body in an axial setting direction.

Description

SELF LOCKING ISOLATION TOOL

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0001] In general, the disclosure describes a self-locking isolation tool which may be constructed to provide a self-energizing preloaded restraint mechanism configured for location along the inner diameter of a component. The self-locking isolation tool is able to form a seal along the interior of the component while the self-energizing preloaded restraint mechanism locks the device in position and further actuates should a force be applied in an axial direction.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

[0002] When performing pipeline maintenance or servicing, it is sometimes desirable to seal off and isolate a section of the pipe. Various types of tools are provided with seals sized for insertion and sealing along an inner diameter of the pipe. Various types of mechanisms have been employed to help secure the tool within the pipe during the maintenance or servicing operation. However, some of these mechanisms are not suitable to withstand high pressures, and the resulting forces, developed inside the pipe during certain operations. Some tools have been constructed with a large number of gripping devices which are discreetly and individually self biased into gripping engagement with the inner diameter of the pipe. Such tools tend to be complex and expensive, which can be limiting with respect to certain types of operations.

[0003] What is needed is an improved, simplified, pipe isolation device with a locking system able to withstand relatively high pressures and the resulting forces while avoiding the complexity and expense of utilizing a large number of individually self biased, discrete gripping devices.

SUMMARY

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. However, many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] According to an embodiment, a system and methodology are provided for isolating an interior region of a component, e.g. an interior of a pipe. For example, the system may comprise a body sized for insertion into an interior of a pipe. A seal may be disposed about the body and oriented to form a seal with the interior surface of the pipe defining the inner diameter. Additionally, a loading flange may be coupled to the body in a manner enabling generally axial movement of the loading flange with respect to the body. The loading flange and the body cooperate to establish a plurality of pockets disposed circumferentially around the body. Furthermore, a locking system comprises a plurality of gripping feet which are sized for receipt in the plurality of pockets. The gripping feet are positioned to utilize corresponding sloped surfaces which collectively drive the plurality of gripping feet in a radially outward direction when the loading flange is moved relative to the body in an axial setting direction. This radially outward movement shifts the gripping feet into gripping engagement with the surrounding surface which defines the inner diameter of the pipe. If internal pressures within the pipe cause increased forces to act on the system, the gripping feet are automatically actuated via the sloped surfaces into increased gripping engagement with the surrounding surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0006] Certain embodiments of the disclosure will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. It is emphasized that, in accordance with standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. It should be understood, however, that the accompanying figures illustrate the various implementations described herein and are not meant to limit the scope of various technologies described herein, and:

[0007] Figure 1 is an orthogonal view of a self-locking isolation tool, inserted along the interior of a component, e.g. a pipe, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; [0008] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the self-locking isolation tool illustrated in Figure 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 3 is another cross-sectional view of the self-locking isolation tool in which gripping feet have been actuated in a radially outward direction in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 3 but showing the gripping feet in a different operational position in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of gripping feet in a radially expanded configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of gripping feet in a radially contracted configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional illustration of another example of the self-locking isolation tool in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional illustration similar to that of Figure 7 but showing the selflocking isolation tool in a different operational position in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional illustration of another example of the self-locking isolation tool in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 10 is an orthogonal illustration of the self-locking isolation tool shown in Figure 9 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 11 is an orthogonal illustration of another example of the self-locking isolation tool in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional illustration of the self-locking isolation tool shown in Figure 11 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the system and/or methodology may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but rather made merely for the purpose of describing general principles of the implementations. The scope of the described implementations should be ascertained with reference to the issued claims.

[0020] As used herein, the terms “connect”, “connection”, “connected”, “in connection with”, and “connecting” are used to mean “in direct connection with” or “in connection with via one or more elements”; and the term “set” is used to mean “one element” or “more than one element”. Further, the terms “couple”, “coupling”, “coupled”, “coupled together”, and “coupled with” are used to mean “directly coupled together” or “coupled together via one or more elements”. As used herein, the terms "up" and "down"; "upper" and "lower"; "top" and "bottom"; and other like terms indicating relative positions to a given point or element are utilized to more clearly describe some elements.

[0021] The present disclosure generally relates to a system and methodology for isolating an interior of a component, e.g. an interior of a pipe. According to an embodiment, the system may comprise a body sized for insertion into the interior of the component, e.g. pipe. A seal may be disposed about the body and oriented to form a seal with the interior surface of the pipe defining the inner diameter. Additionally, a loading flange may be coupled to the body in a manner enabling generally axial movement of the loading flange with respect to the body. [0022] The loading flange and the body cooperate to establish a plurality of pockets disposed circumferentially around the body for use with a locking system. For example, the locking system may comprise a plurality of gripping feet which are sized for receipt in the plurality of pockets. The gripping feet are positioned to utilize corresponding sloped surfaces which collectively drive the plurality of gripping feet in a radially outward direction when the loading flange is moved relative to the body in an axial setting direction. This radially outward movement shifts the gripping feet into gripping engagement with the surrounding surface forming the inner diameter of the component/pipe. If internal pressures within the component/pipe cause increased forces to act on the system, the gripping feet are automatically actuated via the sloped surfaces into increased gripping engagement with the surrounding surface.

[0023] As described in greater detail below, one embodiment utilizes a single wedge to collectively actuate the gripping feet in the radially outward direction. The single wedge may be established via slopes formed on the body such that movement of the loading flange relative to the body in the axial setting direction moves the gripping feet linearly against the slopes which, in turn, force the gripping feet in the radially outward direction. The gripping feet may be slidably secured along the slopes via T-slot features or other suitable engagement features. Additionally, the loading flange may be spring biased in the axial setting direction to help initially set the gripping feet against a surrounding surface, e.g. the surface forming the inside diameter of a pipe. The gripping feet may be retracted for removal from the components/pipe using a retraction handle coupled to the loading flange. Pulling the retraction handle thus pulls the loading flange which, in turn, draws the gripping feet down slideways using, for example, gripping feet pins running in corresponding slots. It should be noted the gripping feet may be constructed as interchangeable gripping feet to facilitate use of differently sized gripping feet so that a single tool may be used in a range of pipe diameters.

[0024] Referring generally to Figures 1 and 2, an embodiment of a system 20 for isolating an interior of a component 22 (e.g. a pipe 28) is illustrated. In this embodiment, system 20 comprises a tool 24 sized for insertion into an interior 26 of a pipe 28. According to this example, the tool 24 comprises a body 30 sized for insertion into the interior 26 of pipe 28. The body 30 may be constructed in a variety of configurations as a unitary piece or a combination of components. In the embodiment illustrated, the body 30 is constructed with a combined tool end plate 32, a tool annulus section 34, and a tool sealing spindle 36 which are secured together via suitable fasteners, such as the illustrated threaded studs 38 extending in an axial direction through components 32, 34, 36. The studs 38 may be secured in position via, for example, corresponding thrust bearings 40 and nuts 42.

[0025] In the embodiment illustrated, the tool 24 also comprises at least one seal 44 disposed about the body 30. For example, a plurality of the seals 44, e.g. two seals 44, may be disposed about the body 30 and oriented for sealing engagement with a surrounding surface 45 defining the interior 26 of pipe 28. Additionally, a loading flange 46 is coupled to the body 30 in a manner enabling generally axial movement of the loading flange 46 with respect to the body 30. For example, the loading flange 46 may be slidably mounted on a reduced diameter section 47 of body 30. In some embodiments, the loading flange 46 also may be slidably coupled with body 30 via connection studs 48 extending through corresponding passages 50 of loading flange 46 and threadably engaged with body 30 as illustrated. The studs 48 may be in the form of cap screws or other suitable studs having heads 52 sized to be blocked and retained by abutments 54 disposed along passages 50 so as to prevent inadvertent separation of the loading flange 46 from the body 30 (see Figure 2).

[0026] As illustrated, the loading flange 46 and the body 30 may be constructed to establish a plurality of pockets 56 disposed circumferentially around the body 30. The pockets 56 are constructed to accommodate a locking system 58 which securely locks the tool 24 along the interior 26 of pipe 28 (or other component 22). In this embodiment, the locking system 58 comprises a plurality of gripping feet 60 received in the plurality of pockets 56. The gripping feet 60 are positioned for collective cooperation with a single wedge 62 which transitions the gripping feet 60 between the radially contracted position illustrated in Figure 1 and the radially expanded position illustrated in Figure 2. Effectively, the wedge 62 drives the gripping feet 60 in the radially outward direction as the loading flange 46 is moved relative to the body 30 in an axial setting direction. The axial setting direction is illustrated by the movement of the loading flange 46 from the linearly extended position shown in Figure 1 to the linearly shifted and contracted position shown in Figure 2. The gripping feet 60 may comprise outer gripping surfaces 64 which are oriented to engage the surrounding interior surface 45 of pipe 28 when the gripping feet 60 are sufficiently shifted in the radially outward direction.

[0027] By way of example, the single wedge 62 may be formed via a plurality of sloped surfaces 66. The sloped surfaces 66 are arranged in correspondence with the gripping feet 60 to collectively drive the gripping feet 60 in the radially outward direction. By way of example, the sloped surfaces 66 may be formed along the body 30, e.g. along the tool annulus section 34 of body 30. In some embodiments, the sloped surfaces 66 may be formed via inserts 68 attached to the body 30 via suitable fasteners 69, e.g. threaded screws.

[0028] The inserts 68 also may comprise engagement features 70 which secure the gripping feet 60 along the body 30 while allowing the gripping feet 60 to slide along the wedge 62/sloped surfaces 66, as further illustrated in Figures 3-6. By way of example, the engagement features 70 may comprise T-slots 72. In some embodiments, slideway s/slots 74 are formed in loading flange 46 for receiving corresponding pins 76 of gripping feet 60. The slots 74 may be oriented to guide the corresponding pins 76 and thus the gripping feet 60 to the radially contracted position as the loading flange 46 is shifted linearly in an axial release direction relative to the body 30. This axial release direction and the transition of gripping feet 60 from a radially expanded configuration to a radially contracted position is illustrated by the transition from the configuration of Figure 3 to the configuration of Figure 4 (also shown by the transition from Figure 5 to Figure 6).

[0029] The transition in the axial release direction may be facilitated by a retraction handle 78 coupled to the loading flange 46 such that pulling the retraction handle 78 causes the loading flange 46 to move relative to the body 30 in the axial release direction. This movement, in turn, draws the gripping feet 60 radially inward as the gripping feet 60 are pulled along engagement features 70 via loading flange 46 pulling on pins 76. The slots 74 accommodate the radially inward movement of pins 76 during this transition. In this type of embodiment, the configuration of components for shifting gripping feet 60 works independently of the arrangement of seals 44. One benefit of this configuration is that the retraction handle 78 can be activated to disengage all of the gripping feet 60 in one movement. This simple shifting of retraction handle 78 and the corresponding release action facilitates fast retrieval of the tool 24. It should be noted that if a sufficient load is applied to the tool 24 during, for example, testing, the handle does not readily function to release the tool 24. This reduces or eliminates the risk of someone being able to pull the tool 24 out of a corresponding line when under pressure.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the loading flange 46 and the body 30 may be biased in the axial setting direction. As a result, insertion of the tool 24 into pipe 28 causes self-locking by biasing the gripping feet 60 into engagement with the surrounding interior surface 45 of pipe 28. This type of self-locking isolation tool 24 may be facilitated by spring biasing the loading flange 46 toward the body 30 in the axial setting direction. The spring biasing may be achieved by locating springs 80, e.g. coil springs, about studs 48 in corresponding passages 50. The springs 80 are trapped between heads 52 and abutments 54 so as to bias the loading flange 46 toward the body 30 in the axial setting direction.

[0031] Furthermore, if internal pressures within the component 22 (e.g. pipe 28) cause increased linear forces to act on the tool 24, the gripping feet 60 are automatically actuated via the sloped surfaces 66 into increased gripping engagement with the surrounding surface 45 to further provide automatic self-locking functionality under substantial internal pressures. In other words, a buildup of pressure within pipe 28 acts against body 30 in a linear direction but any shifting of body 30 in a linear direction forces movement of gripping feet 60 along sloped surfaces 66, thus moving the gripping feet 60 against the surrounding surface 45 with greater force.

[0032] In some embodiments, the tool 24 may comprise a vent passage 82 disposed longitudinally through an interior of body 30 and overall tool 24. By way of example, the vent passage 82 may be formed at least in part by a vent tube 84 mounted in and extending from the body 30 to enable venting of fluid/pressure during placement of tool 24 and/or at other desired times during a given operation. An appropriate valve, valves, or other flow control devices may be used to selectively block or allow flow along the vent passage 82.

[0033] Referring generally to Figures 7 and 8, another embodiment of tool 24 is illustrated. In this embodiment, a different style of loading flange 46 is movably connected with body 30 via one or more rods 84. In some applications, the linear position of loading flange 46 may be adjusted relative to body 30 by rotating nuts 85 along threaded rods 84. Additionally, the gripping feet 60 may be pivotably mounted to a support ring 86. By way of example, each gripping foot 60 may be pivotably mounted to support ring 86 via a linkage 88. The linkage 88 may be pivotably connected to the support ring 86 via a first pivot 90 and to the corresponding gripping foot 60 via a second pivot 92. As the support ring 86 and gripping feet 60 are moved linearly along body 30 via loading flange 46 and loading flange rods 94, the linkages 88 engage a wedge structure 96 which forces a pivoting, cam-like motion of the linkages 88. This motion effectively forces the gripping feet 60 from a radially contracted configuration illustrated in Figure 7 to a radially expanded configuration illustrated in Figure 8, thus enabling gripping engagement with surrounding surface 45. The motion may be reversed by drawing loading flange 46 linearly away from the body 30.

[0034] In some embodiments, the support ring 86 and gripping feet 60 may be spring biased such that improved contact is maintained between gripping feet 60 and surrounding surface 45. By way of example, the spring bias may be achieved via springs 98 disposed about loading flange rods 94. Additionally, springs 100 may be positioned about rods 84 or at other suitable locations to provide spring bias between body 30 and loading flange 46.

[0035] Referring generally to Figures 9 and 10, another embodiment of tool 24 is illustrated. In this embodiment, a different style of loading flange 46 is movably connected with body 30 via one or more rods 102. Additionally, the gripping feet 60 are received in pockets 56 and have internal tapered surfaces 104 which rest against a first wedge 106 and a second wedge 108. The first wedge 106 is circumferentially mounted to body 30 and secured thereto by suitable fasteners 110. The second wedge 108 is circumferentially mounted to loading flange 46 and similarly secured thereto via suitable fasteners 110. The plurality of gripping feet 60 may be secured in pockets 56 against wedges 106, 108 via circumferential garter springs 112 or other suitable retention mechanisms.

[0036] As the loading flange 46 is moved linearly with respect to body 30 in the axial setting direction, the gripping feet 60 are forced from a radially contracted configuration to a radially expanded configuration via motion of tapered surfaces 104 along the first wedge 106 and the second wedge 108 (see Figure 9). In some embodiments, compression springs 114 or other suitable spring members may be used to provide a biasing force against the loading flange 46 in a direction which biases gripping feet 60 toward a radially expanded, engaged configuration.

[0037] Referring generally to Figures 11 and 12, another embodiment of tool 24 is illustrated. In this embodiment, loading flange 46 is once again movably connected with body 30 via studs 48. Additionally, the gripping feet 60 are received in pockets 56 and have internal tapered surfaces 104 which rest against a slightly modified first wedge 106 and second wedge 108 relative to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. In this embodiment, the first wedge 106 may be circumferentially mounted to body 30 and secured thereto by suitable fasteners 110. However, this embodiment of first wedge 106 comprises engagement features 116, e.g. T-slot features, which slidably secure the gripping feet 60 via corresponding engagement features. Similarly, the second wedge 108 may be circumferentially mounted to loading flange 46 and secured thereto via suitable fasteners 110. The second wedge 108 also may comprise engagement features 116, e.g. T-slot features, which further slidably secure the gripping feet 60 via corresponding engagement features. Accordingly, the gripping feet 60 are secured in pockets 56 against wedges 106, 108 via engagement features 116.

[0038] As the loading flange 46 is moved linearly with respect to body 30 in the axial setting direction, the gripping feet 60 are forced from a radially contracted configuration to a radially expanded configuration via motion of tapered surfaces 104 along the first wedge 106 and the second wedge 108 (see Figure 12). In some embodiments, compression springs 80 or other suitable spring members may be used to provide a biasing force against the loading flange 46 in a direction which biases gripping feet 60 toward a radially expanded, engaged configuration.

[0039] Depending on the parameters of a given pipe isolation operation, the configuration and use of overall system 20 may be adjusted. For example, the diameter and length of tool 24 may be adjusted to accommodate pipes or other components with different types of openings and internal diameters. In some embodiments, the gripping feet 60 may be interchangeable to facilitate swapping of feet for components/pipes of differing internal diameters. This enables the use of a single tool 24 in a greater variety of components/pipes. The gripping feet 60 may have a variety of configurations and may utilize many types of gripping features for securely engaging the surface 45 defining the internal diameter of the component. Similarly, many types of springs, rods, seals, loading flanges, single component or multiple component bodies, and/or other components and component arrangements may be utilized according to the parameters of a given operation or operations.

[0040] Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims. The scope of the invention should be determined only by the language of the claims that follow. The term "comprising" within the claims is intended to mean "including at least" such that the recited listing of elements in a claim are an open group. The terms "a," "an" and other singular terms are intended to include the plural forms thereof unless specifically excluded.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for isolating a pipe interior, the system comprising: a body sized for insertion into an interior of a pipe; a seal disposed about the body; a loading flange coupled to the body in a manner enabling generally axial movement of the loading flange with respect to the body, the loading flange and the body establishing a plurality of pockets disposed circumferentially around the body; and a locking system having a plurality of gripping feet received in the plurality of pockets, the plurality of gripping feet being positioned to utilize a corresponding wedge which drives the plurality of gripping feet collectively in a radially outward direction as the loading flange is moved relative to the body in an axial setting direction.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the corresponding wedge comprises sloped surfaces formed along the body.

3. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein the sloped surfaces are formed via inserts attached to the body.

4. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein the inserts comprise engagement features which secure the plurality of gripping feet along the body while allowing the plurality of gripping feet to slide along the sloped surfaces.

5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the loading flange is spring-loaded in the axial setting direction.

6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of gripping feet comprises outer gripping surfaces oriented to engage an inner surface of the pipe when the plurality of gripping feet are sufficiently shifted in the radially outward direction.

7. The system as recited in claim 6, further comprising a retraction handle coupled to the loading flange such that pulling the retraction handle causes the loading flange to move relative to the body in an axial release direction which draws the plurality of gripping feet radially inward.

8. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein pulling the retraction handle causes disengagement of all of the gripping feet in one movement.

9. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein gripping feet of the plurality of gripping feet are slidably engaged with the loading flange via pins, each pin being slidably received in a corresponding slot of the loading flange to guide the radially inward movement of the gripping feet.

10. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the seal comprises a plurality of seals.

11. A method for isolating a pipe interior comprising the steps of: providing tool body comprising a seal disposed about the tool body, a locking system movable from a first position to a set position in which the locking system engages the interior of the pipe, and the tool body further comprising a loading flange coupled to the tool body in a manner enabling generally axially movement of the loading flange with respect to the tool body from a first position to a set position in which the loading flange moves the locking system to its set position; inserting a tool body into the interior of a pipe with the loading flange in its first position; and moving the loading flange with respect to the tool body in an axial direction to its set position so that the locking system engages the interior of the pipe.

12. The method for isolating a pipe interior of claim 11, further comprising the step of moving the loading flange with respect to the tool body in an axial direction to its first position so that the locking system disengages the interior of the pipe.

13. The method for isolating a pipe interior of claim 11, wherein the loading flange of the tool body is spring-loaded in the axial setting direction.

14. The method for isolating a pipe interior of claim 11, wherein the locking system of the tool body further comprises a plurality of gripping feet.

15. The method for isolating a pipe interior of claim 11, wherein the loading flange is moved axially by applying force to a retraction handle.