Double block and bleed plug
US8307856B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/5762
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pipe plug includes two or more pivotally connected plugging heads that work in combination to double block and bleed a pipe. At least one of the plugging heads has an expandable sealing element that is in communication with an inflation source. The sealing element may be an inflatable sealing element or a compression packer sealing element. A passageway—sections of which may pass through the pivotal connection and into the plugging head—carries the inflation medium from the source to the sealing element. A bleed port passageway is also provided that passes through the plugging head. The leading plugging head may include a cleaning element for sweeping away debris ahead of the plug. The plugging heads may also include a skid plate that slideably engages the interior surface of the pipe to properly orient the plugging heads within the pipe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.