Device for cutting a large diameter pipe and initiation manifold therefor
US5816747A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B29/12
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A device (10) for explosively cutting a pipe (40) having an inner circumference has a carrier member (12) having a circumference. A support structure, such as a spring steel band (20), is releasably carried on the carrier member (12) in a retracted configuration by an explosive bolt (24) and is biased towards an extended configuration. The retracted configuration facilitates insertion of the device into the pipe (40). A linear charge of explosive material, e.g., shock wave refractive tape (26), is secured to the support structure. When the bolt (24) is fired, the spring band (20) is released from the carrier member (12) and moves to the extended configuration in which the linear charge engages the interior of the pipe (40) to facilitate cutting the pipe. Initiation manifolds (42) mounted on the support structure receive an initiation signal and detonate the linear charge at both sides thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the device (10) carries a plurality of segments of linear explosive charges (126) in a staggered arrangement about the device. Pneumatic cylinders (125) may be used to move the charges (126) from their retracted configurations to the extended configurations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.