The isolation tool works at depth in the bore of a pipe whose upper end is to be severed and replaced. The tool isolates the lower pipe bore from the upper bore so that flammable downhole fluid is prevented from reaching a welding site along the pipe wall. The tool incorporates: means for establishing a pair of axially spaced apart annular seals engaging the pipe inner surface; means for venting downhole fluid to ground surface. The tool is primarily mechanical in nature. It finds use in connection with off-shore platform riser renewal operations.
The tool comprises a front plate for closing the open end of a pipe. A pair of clamping devices are positioned around the pipe and frictionally engage its outer surface. Nut and bolt assemblies connect the front plate with the clamps. These assemblies pull the front plate tight against the pipe end face. A back plate is positioned transversely within the bore of the pipe. The plate has a stem that slidably projects forwardly through a central aperture in the front plate. The back plate carries an O-ring. A nut is threaded onto the stem and functions to draw the back plate forward so that the O-ring seals the interface of the front plate and pipe end face.
An apparatus for sealing an open end of a pipe includes a sealing means for forming a circumferential seal between the apparatus and the inner surface of the pipe and first and second "gripping" means for frictionally engaging the inner and outer surfaces of the pipe, respectively, to prevent relative axial movement between the apparatus and the pipe. The invention also provides a method of sealing an open end of a pipe. The apparatus and method are also adapted to pressurize the interior of the pipe for conducting an integrity test of the pipe or welds on the pipe.
An apparatus for testing a pressure relief valve, the apparatus comprising a disc- shaped body having an outer edge and opposed first and second faces, wherein the first face is adapted to engage and seal an inlet portion of the pressure relief valve, the first face including an orifice extending into the body; the body further having at least one port extending there-through between the outer edge and the orifice. A method of testing a pressure relief valve is also provided, wherein the apparatus of the invention is positioned between the valve and the flange to which is connected, and wherein the valve is pressurized in isolation to the flange.
F16K 17/02 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16L 55/07 - Arrangement or mounting of devices, e.g. valves, for venting or aerating or draining
F17C 13/02 - Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment
An apparatus for forming a flange on the end of a pipe comprises a flange assembly that is provided on the end of the pipe and a clamp assembly that circumferentially engages the outer surface of the pipe. The flange assembly is connected to the clamp assembly. In one aspect, the flange assembly comprises a body having a flange end and a pipe receiving end separated by a stem. The stem includes one or more sealing means for forming a seal between the flange assembly and the pipe. A method of forming a flange on the end of a pipe using the aforementioned apparatus is also provided.
F16L 23/024 - Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned axially characterised by how the flanges are joined to, or form an extension of, the pipes
F16L 1/26 - Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
F16L 19/08 - Joints in which sealing surfaces are pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on, or into, one of the joint parts with metal rings which bite into the wall of the pipe
An apparatus for sealing a pipe comprises a clamp assembly for frictionally engaging the pipe and a generally annular valve assembly for connecting to the clamp assembly and including a sealing means. A method is also provided wherein the clamp and valve assemblies are provided on a pipe and the pipe is cut at a position there-between. The valve assembly is then closed to seal the apparatus and, therefore, the end of the pipe.
F16L 55/17 - Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from outside the pipe by means of rings, bands or sleeves pressed against the outside surface of the pipe or hose
A pipe sealing apparatus comprises at least one pinching mechanism for reducing the diameter of the pipe at a discrete location in order to reduce to stop flow of fluid there- through. Clamping flow diverting apparatuses are also provided. The flow diverting apparatus includes a "hot tap" device.
An apparatus for sealing an open end of a pipe includes a clamp for frictionally being secured to the exterior of the pipe, a sealing plate for covering the open end of the pipe and being connectable to the clamp, and sealing means for urging the sealing plate towards the clamp and for forming a seal between the sealing plate and the open end of the pipe. In one aspect, the clamp comprises an annular body formed by at least two sections that are radially tightened over the pipe exterior. In another aspect, the clamp comprises cooperating annular bodies, one capable of radially narrowing the other for frictionally engaging the pipe outer surface. In another aspect the method provides a method of sealing an end of a pipe. According to the invention, once the open end is sealed, the interior of the pipe may be pressurized, for example for testing the integrity thereof.
An apparatus for sealing an open end of a pipe includes an external clamp for frictionally being secured to the exterior surface of the pipe and an internal clamp for frictionally being secured to the interior surface of the pipe. The apparatus further includes a means for pressurizing the interior of the pipe.
A restraint or gripping device for anchoring within the interior of a pipe comprises a pair of end plates adapted to be urged towards each other and a plurality of shoes, positioned between the end plates, and adapted to be moved radially outwardly as the end plates are urged together. In a further aspect, a method of restraining a pipe plug or isolation tool is provided. Also provided are assemblies for pipe isolation including an integral restraint or gripping mechanism.
F16L 55/136 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially expanding or deforming a split ring, hooks or the like
F16L 55/10 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses
F16L 55/132 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially deforming the packing
11.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FORMING AND TESTING LENGTHS OF PIPE
A pipe forming and testing apparatus includes a frame supporting a mandrel, the mandrel being adapted for positioning within the pipe, and two sealing devices connected to the mandrel and adapted to seal opposite ends of the pipe to create an annular space between the mandrel, the pipe, and the sealing devices. The pipe is formed from two or more pipe segments that are welded together. The apparatus includes at least one welding device for joining the pipe segments and preferably includes a rotating device for axially rotating the mandrel and pipe combination to facilitate the welding process. Once formed, the integrity of the pipe is tested by pressurizing the annular space and monitoring such pressure.
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables, or tubesInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipe joints or sealsInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
B23K 37/053 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted for a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work aligning cylindrical workClamping devices therefor
F16L 55/18 - Appliances for use in repairing pipes
12.
EXTERNAL PIPE TESTING TOOL AND TESTING METHOD USING SAME
An apparatus for testing the integrity of pipe welds includes a sleeve for circumferentially surrounding the pipe, the sleeve having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe. The sleeve having end walls extending radially inwards towards the pipe wall. The apparatus including at least two seals to form a sealed annular space between the pipe, the sleeve and the sleeve end walls. A filling and pressurizing means pressurizes the annular space. The test procedure comprises monitoring of the pressure within the space.
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables, or tubesInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipe joints or sealsInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
F16L 55/00 - Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
13.
PIPE FITTING AND PIPE COUPLING ASSEMBLY EMPLOYING SUCH FITTING
A fitting for fixedly attaching to pipes and the like includes an inner and outer ring being coaxially provided over a pipe. The inner and outer rings are preferably connected by means of a ratchet mechanism allowing for one way advancement there-between. Advancement of the outer ring over the inner ring radially compresses the latter thereby resulting in swaging of the pipe. The radial compression of the pipe results in the fitting being locked in place and prevents axial movement between the fitting and the pipe. Various apparatus are provided for advancing the outer ring over the inner ring. Coupling assemblies are provided utilizing the fittings for forming joints between abutting pipes.
F16L 21/06 - Joints with sleeve or socket with a divided sleeve or ring clamping around the pipe ends
F16L 19/06 - Joints in which sealing surfaces are pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on, or into, one of the joint parts in which radial clamping is obtained by wedging action on non-deformed pipe ends
F16L 25/12 - Joints for pipes being spaced apart axially
14.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ISOLATING OR TESTING A PIPE SEGMENT WITH AXIAL REINFORCEMENT
An apparatus and method for testing the integrity of a weld securing a flange to the end of a pipe comprises a testing assembly and a reinforcement assembly. The testing assembly comprises a first sealing means positioned within the pipe and a second sealing means secured against the flange face to form a sealed region within the pipe with the region overlapping the weld. The reinforcement assembly comprises a circumferential clamp secured to the outer wall of the pipe and an anchor plate positioned opposite the flange. The first sealing means is connected to the anchor plate to prevent relative movement there-between. The anchor plate is connected to the clamp to prevent relative movement there-between. The weld test procedure comprises installing the apparatus, filling and pressurizing the sealed space and monitoring the pressure created therein. The reinforcement assembly prevents the first sealing member from being separated and allows a weld test to be performed without a compressive force being applied on the weld. The invention also provides a reinforced tool and method for isolating an end segment of a pipe.
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables, or tubesInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipe joints or sealsInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
B23K 31/12 - Processes relevant to this subclass, specially adapted for particular articles or purposes, but not covered by any single one of main groups relating to investigating the properties, e.g. the weldability, of materials
G01M 3/30 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables, or tubesInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipe joints or sealsInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves using progressive displacement of one fluid by another
A method for testing the integrity of welds used to secure a nozzle to a vessel and the like comprises forming a sealed space within the nozzle by providing a blind against the flange and a sealing plate within the vessel and filling the space with a pressurizing fluid. The sealing plate is not biased against the flange. As such, the method of the invention simulates normally occurring axial expansion stresses within the nozzle thereby providing a more accurate test. The apparatus of the invention comprises a blind flange for sealing the flange face and a back plate for positioning against the inner surface of the vessel. The apparatus includes a biasing means for urging the back plate against the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the biasing means includes a front plate located outside of the vessel and connected to the back plate. In another embodiment, the biasing means comprises a plurality of magnets for engaging the vessel wall.
G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables, or tubesInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipe joints or sealsInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
patents