Apparatus, systems and methods for plugging a high temperature pipe
US7281543B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/6123
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of plugging a pipeline includes the steps of welding onto the exterior of the pipeline (10) first (12) and second (14) spaced apart collars, each having a sealing face (26,26A) in a plane perpendicular the pipeline (10) axis. A containment housing (34,36) is affixed by welding to the collars (12,14) to fully encompass a section of the pipeline (10) between the collars (12,14). A tapping (60) machine is then removably attached to an open top of the containment housing (34). Using the tapping machine (60) a short length of the pipeline (10) is cut and removed from between the collars (12,14) leaving two open exposed pipe ends (78,80). First and second seal elements (92,94) are positioned between the collars (12,14), Each having a forward sealing face. The seal elements (92,94) are forced apart from each other into sealing engagement with the collar sealing faces thereby closing the open, exposed ends (78,80) of the pipe (10).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.