Directly installed shut-off valve assembly for flowing high pressure line
US5076311A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 1991 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T408/8957
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for installing a reopenable shut-off valve into a flowing high pressure pipe, such as the production pipe in an uncontrolled flowing well, utilizes a cylindrical outer saddle member attached around the production pipe and providing a housing for the drilling, finishing and plugging assembly. The saddle is welded directly to the pipe section or attached via an intermediate layer of epoxy to add rigidity and strength to the pipe section. A rotary drill is advanced completely through the surrounding saddle and the internal production pipe and is followed axially by a valve plug. Sealing engagement of the valve plug in the cut hole may be attained by expanding the plug with internal fluid pressure or by utilizing a tapered plug held in sealing engagement with the similarly tapered hole by the application of an axial sealing force. A method for accessing the production pipe at an underground location for attaching the pipe plugging apparatus a safe distance from the well head is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.