Verifiable closing and locking system of a cylindrical passageway
US8001988B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 2008 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/612
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method according to this invention employs a set of valves, a series of pressure checks, and a physical stop for verifying the closing of a locking system of a cylindrical passageway. The method may also employ an equalization piping. The valves isolate a tapping machine, a pipeline, and the equalization piping from one another so that product cannot flow from one to the other. The valves are then opened as a series of pressure checks are performed. A completion plug is then lowered into the passageway until the plug comes to rest within the passageway and is oriented so that a locking ring of the plug is in a filly expanded position. The expanded position is then confirmed by raising the plug until its upward travel is restricted. The plug is then released and pressure above the plug is reduced to 0 psi gauge.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.