Plugging undesired openings in fluid conduits
US11293578B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 2018 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L55/164
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of plugging at least one undesired opening in a fluid conduit can include introducing one or more plugging devices into the conduit, conveying the plugging devices by flow to the opening, and blocking the flow through the opening with the plugging devices. A system for plugging at least one undesired opening in a fluid conduit can include a deployment apparatus configured to introduce one or more plugging devices into the conduit, a sensor that measures a physical parameter indicative of leakage from the conduit, and a controller that activates an actuator of the deployment apparatus in response to receipt from the sensor of an indication of leakage from the conduit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.