Double sealing plug for clandestine hydrocarbon outlets

Description

1 / 11 Double sealing plug for clandestine hydrocarbon outlets UTILITY MODEL TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present utility model relates to a double sealing shutter for clandestine hydrocarbon outlets that is used in the petroleum industry to block leaks and reduce the risk of accidents. BACKGROUND OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[002] Theft from hydrocarbon pipelines through clandestine outlets is a worrying problem today, as it causes enormous economic losses to the oil industry, in addition to being a high-risk source due to fuel leaks generated during the installation of clandestine outlets. These leaks occur in the circumferential welds of the nozzles, which present defects such as porosity, lack of fusion, mines, and cracks, caused by poor welding application. Repairing and canceling clandestine outlets presents risks, primarily due to poor sealing because the sealing is simple, and another risk is caused by sparks that accidentally occur when using all-metal tools. Also, sealing requires a special tool that creates a completely airtight seal before canceling the clandestine outlet.

[003] There are shutters on the market for clandestine exits, such as the one described in document CN103322373, which discloses a shutter with a decompression or ventilation chamber and a plurality of mechanical elements, which, in addition to all being metal and spark hazards, are very difficult to assemble and transport. Petition 870250013838, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 5 / 28 2 / 11

[004] In order to provide a solution to the high risk in the containment of hydrocarbon leaks in clandestine outlets, as well as a high hermetic seal, the present utility model proposes a shutter that allows a safe, hermetic and spill-free seal for its subsequent containment by means of graft welding with a welding helmet.

[005] The main advantages of the double-seal shutter for clandestine hydrocarbon outlets in the present utility model are as follows:

[006] 1. Eliminates 100% of oil spill costs: By preventing leaks and spills during the cancellation of illegal outlets, the costs associated with product loss and spill cleanup are eliminated.

[007] 2. Eliminates oil pollution costs: By preventing soil and water contamination due to hydrocarbon spills, costs related to environmental remediation and penalties for non-compliance with regulations are reduced.

[008] 3. Eliminates oil spill contamination: The safe cancellation of illegal outlets protects the environment and prevents hydrocarbon pollution, benefiting public health and the ecosystem.

[009] 4. Reduces the risk of accidents during installation, such as preventing sparks when installing the shutter, as the cable is made from a special material to prevent sparks when rubbing against the pin.

[0010] 5. Facilitates installation by means of a two-stage handle. DESCRIPTION OF THE UTILITY MODEL Petition 870250013838, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 6 / 28 3 / 11 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] Figure 1 is an exploded side view with each of the components of the double seal shutter for clandestine non-hermetic hydrocarbon outlets of the present utility model.

[0012] Figure 2a is a view with each of the components of the double sealing shutter for clandestine non-hermetic hydrocarbon outlets of the present utility model.

[0013] Figure 2b is a section illustrating the coupling of the anti-spark handle (10) of the double sealing shutter for clandestine non-hermetic hydrocarbon outlets of the present utility model.

[0014] Figure 2c is a section illustrating the sealing means of the double-seal shutter for non-hermetic clandestine hydrocarbon outlets of the present utility model.

[0015] Figure 3 is a partial cutaway view with each of the components of the double seal shutter for non-hermetic clandestine hydrocarbon outlets of the present utility model.

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates the assembly of the double sealing shutter for clandestine non-hermetic hydrocarbon outlets of the present utility model in the clandestine outlet.

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates the fully retracted position of the shutter where the doubly sealed elements are housed in the shutter nut cavity of the present utility model, a position that is necessary for its first stage of installation in a clandestine exit. Petition 870250013838, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 7 / 28 4 / 11 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0018] As illustrated in the figures, the present utility model relates to a double sealing shutter for clandestine non-hermetic hydrocarbon outlets comprising a pin (1) threaded externally along its entire length with a first end (1A) and a second end (1B), wherein said pin (1) in the preferred form of the utility model, but is not limited to being manufactured in SAE 1018 steel. At the second end (1B) of the pin (1) is a screw for fixing the shutter cone (1D).

[0019] To mount and rotate the pin (1) safely and avoid generating any sparks, the device comprises a spark-proof handle (10) for installing the blind, which is placed on the first end (1A) of the pin (1) and is connected by sliding into the profiled pin section (6) made of metal material.

[0020] The anti-spark handle (10) is made from machined lubricated nylon and is black in color and has a rectangular shape composed of two specifically designed cavities (10a, 10b), a first cavity (10a) is located in the center and at the bottom, while a second cavity (10b) is located near one of the ends. This first cavity (10a) and the second cavity (10b) serve to facilitate the installation of the obturator in two positions, one for small spaces and another for larger spaces or when greater torque is required, i.e., the design of these two cavity positions allows the tool to function in two different ways and to adapt to small spaces.

[0021] The profiled pin section (6) has a section Petition 870250013838, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 8 / 28 5 / 11 rectangular crossbar that fits perfectly into the first cavity (10a) and the second cavity (10b) of the anti-spark handle (10), ensuring a secure and effective connection during shutter handling. This combination of design and compatibility between the two parts facilitates the installation process, reducing the risk of damage or errors during handling.

[0022] The anti-spark handle (10) is inserted into the top of the shutter pin, allowing for comfortable and efficient operation when rotating to lower the pin. Its composition and design ensure excellent strength, durability, and safety during use in the sealing system. Furthermore, as the anti-spark handle (10) is made from a plastic material, it offers the added advantage of being a spark-proof tool, which increases safety in environments with a risk of sparks and explosive atmospheres. In summary, the anti-spark handle (10) for installing the shutter of the present utility model is a versatile and safe solution that offers efficient shutter installation in different situations, even in confined spaces, and protects the user in environments with risks associated with sparks and explosive atmospheres.

[0023] To mount the device on the clandestine outlet of the hydrocarbon pipeline, it comprises a connecting means such as a hexagonal nut (2) threaded onto the pin (1) by means of an internal thread and the thread of said pin (1), wherein said hexagonal nut (2) has a hollow internal cavity (2c) within which a sealing means such as a sealing washer (4) is disposed and above it an O-ring (3) is placed on that sealing washer (4), so that Petition 870250013838, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 9 / 28 6 / 11 are firmly secured by means of an omega-type retaining lock (5). Similarly, the hexagonal nut (2) comprises an external torque section (2A) for screwing it to the internal thread of the clandestine outlet valve (V) by means of an external threaded section (2B). The hexagonal nut (2) of the double sealing shutter of the present utility model is designed with the hollow internal cavity (2c) to accommodate, as mentioned above, the sealing washer (4), the O-ring (3) and the omega-type retaining lock (5), as well as a shutter cone, the backing washer and the horseshoe-type lock.When the double sealing shutter is installed on the clandestine outlet, it is necessary that the double sealing shutter be fully retracted, as schematically illustrated in Figure 5, in order to ensure that the ball of the clandestine outlet valve (TC) has free passage and can be opened without obstruction after the placement of the hexagonal nut (2), subsequently, the valve lever is slowly turned to open it, causing the hollow internal cavity (2C) of the shutter to be filled and the pressures to be equalized so that a first seal is obtained) and then the anti-spark handle (10) is turned and a shutter cone (9) is lowered which will reach the second seal.

[0024] As there is a clandestine outlet, there is a valve that connects the passage of hydrocarbons with a perforation made in the pipeline (P) where hydrocarbon leaks are generated, therefore, the obturator of the present utility model comprises a filling means such as the rubber obturator cone (9) disposed on the fixing screw (1D) of the pin (1) with which the perforation in the pipeline is filled and the leak that occurs in the welding is carried out. Petition 870250013838, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 10 / 28 7 / 11 circumferential of the nozzles is normally blocked by defects such as pores, lack of fusion, mines and cracks, to achieve such filling, the obturator cone (9) is manufactured from 83 ± 3 Shore polyurethane in its preferred form and includes a special additive to withstand high temperatures, given the characteristics of the obturator cone material (9) a more durable seal is guaranteed during the welding process of welding helmets, which is carried out after obturation. The obturator cone (9) has a conical shape with diameters from 14 mm to 43 mm and an angle (β) that varies between 40° and 63° depending on the diameter of the obturator.

[0025] The obturator cone (9) is composed of a first section (S1) which is the conical section and a second section (S2), wherein the first section (S1) has a height that varies between 24 mm and 9 mm depending on the diameter of the obturator and the second section (S2) has a height of 8 mm. The height of the second section (S2) is carefully calculated to allow the tip to collapse and expand across the entire inner diameter of the nozzles, thus achieving the tightness of the outlet. The flat upper section contains a threaded cavity that facilitates coupling with the second end of the pin.

[0026] The composition, shape and design of the obturator tip ensure excellent strength, durability and effectiveness during use in the obturation system, guaranteeing an efficient and long-lasting seal at all times.

[0027] The shutter of the present utility model also comprises a support washer (8) that supports the sealing cone (9) exerting pressure on the pin (1) and a horseshoe lock (7) which, when inserted into a groove (1C) at the second end (1B) of the pin (1), functions Petition 870250013838, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, p. 11 / 28 8 / 11 as a safety device in case the screw has to be retracted again, this horseshoe lock (7) prevents the screw from coming out of the hexagonal nut (2). The support washer (8) is made from machined lubricated nylon and has the same diameter as the obturator cone (9), whose main function is to provide support and stability to the obturator tip, allowing it to collapse when subjected to pressure without breaking.

[0028] The horseshoe lock (7) is attached to the groove at the second end of the pin (1B). Its main function is to act as a retaining element to prevent the pin from slipping out of the hexagonal nut (2A) if it needs to be retracted. In this way, the horseshoe lock ensures safe and controlled operation of the obturation system, preventing possible incidents or damage that may occur due to the pin eventually coming out of the nut. This component contributes to the reliable and safe operation of the obturator mechanism as a whole.

[0029] The double sealing shutter of the present utility model is an innovative solution for preventing leaks in clandestine outlets, designed to provide a secure and effective seal during the plugging process, as it offers two levels of sealing to ensure that there are no spills or leaks of hydrocarbons during operation. The first level of sealing is obtained by the hexagonal nut (2) that houses the O-ring (3) and the sealing washer (4) held firmly by the omega-type retaining safety (5), and the second level of sealing is made by the shutter cone (9) which is located at the second end (1B) of the pin (1). This double sealing design eliminates the need for Petition 870250013838, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 12 / 28 9 / 11 additional ventilation chambers ensure a hermetic and secure seal.

[0030] One of the main advantages of the double-seal shutter of the present utility model is that it is a single-use and low-cost tool. This means that:

[0031] Facilitates implementation: Because it is a low-cost tool, it is accessible to oil companies, facilitating adoption and widespread use in the industry.

[0032] Reduces operating costs: The low cost of the shutter helps minimize maintenance and operating costs for oil installations.

[0033] Guarantees quality and effectiveness: Because it is a single-use tool, it is guaranteed that it will always be used in perfect condition, which ensures the quality and effectiveness of the process of canceling illegal departures.

[0034] Eliminates the need for maintenance: As a disposable tool after use, the need for maintenance and storage is eliminated, simplifying the logistics of operations.

[0035] It should be noted that the double-seal shutter of the present utility model, in addition to being a low-cost, single-use tool, also has an important feature: the shutter handle is reusable; that is, although the shutter is discarded after use, the handle, which is the part used to operate and position the shutter, can be reused several times. This implies the following benefits:

[0036] 1. Reduces environmental impact: Because it is Petition 870250013838, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 13 / 28 10 / 11 reusable, waste generation is minimized and contributes to reducing the environmental impact of oil activities.

[0037] 2. Optimizes resources: The reusable handle allows for efficient use of resources, reducing the need to produce and acquire new handles for each clandestine raid cancellation.

[0038] 3. Improves operational safety: Reusing the handle ensures that it is a tool known and tested by workers, which contributes to improving operational safety and reducing risks in cancellation activities.

[0039] The method for sealing leaks from clandestine outlets using a double-seal plug for clandestine hydrocarbon outlets includes the following steps:

[0040] a) Align the double sealing shutter axially in relation to the clandestine outlet valve in its fully retracted position, as illustrated in Figure 5.

[0041] b) screw the threaded outer section (2B) of the connector (2) with the inner thread of the clandestine outlet valve.

[0042] c) tighten from the outer torque section (2A)

[0043] d) place the anti-spark handle (10) on the profiled part of the pin (6) through the cavities (10a, 10b) until it meets the first end of the pin (1a)

[0044] e) open the clandestine inlet valve,

[0045] f) with the help of the anti-spark handle (10), turn the pin (1) clockwise to advance the pin and tighten until the hole for the clandestine exit is Petition 870250013838, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, p. 14 / 28 11 / 11 locked with the shutter cone (9)

[0046] g) After sealing the illegal outlet with the double sealing cap, wait approximately one minute to allow the nozzle to empty.

[0047] h) Check for dampness in the perimeter area of ​​the circumferential weld. If present, adjust the tightness.

[0048] i) once the seal has been fully achieved, cut off the excess pin (1) at the level of the hexagonal nut (2). Petition 870250013838, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, p. 15 / 28

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. DOUBLE SEALING PLUG FOR CLANDESTINE HYDROCARBON OUTLETS characterized by comprising: a pin (1) with an external thread having a first end (1A) and a second end (1B); a lubricated machined nylon anti-spark handle (10) disposed near the first end (1A) of the pin (1), wherein said anti-spark handle (10) has a rectangular shape with a first cavity (10a) disposed in the center and at the bottom and a second cavity (10b) disposed near one of the ends of said anti-spark handle (10); a connector means (2) with internal and external threads, wherein said connector means (2) is threaded onto the pin (1) by means of the internal and external threads of said pin (1);wherein the connecting means (2) has a hollow inner cavity (2c) within which a sealing washer (4) is disposed in a retractable position and above said sealing washer (4) an O-ring (3) is firmly fixed in place by means of an omega-type retaining lock (5); a sealing means (9) disposed at the second end (1B) of the pin (1) in a retractable position within the hollow inner cavity (2c) whose function is to obstruct a clandestine exit, wherein said sealing means (9) has a conical shape with diameters from 14 mm to 43 mm and an angle (β) varying between 40° and 63° and wherein said sealing means (9) includes a first section (S1) and a second section (S2), wherein the first section (S1) has a height varying between 24 mm and 9 mm and the second section (S2) has a height of 8 mm.; 2. DOUBLE SEALING BLOCK FOR CLANDESTINE HYDROCARBON OUTLETS, according to claim Petition 870250013838, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 16 / 28 2 / 2 1, characterized by the sealing means (9) being a sealing cone.

3. DOUBLE SEALING PLUG FOR CLANDESTINE HYDROCARBON OUTLETS, according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising a support washer (8) that supports the sealing means (9) exerting pressure on the pin (1) and a horseshoe lock (7) which, when inserted into a groove (1C) at the second end (1B) of the pin (1), allows the support washer (8) to be held in place.

4. DOUBLE SEALING PLUG FOR CLANDESTINE HYDROCARBON OUTLETS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means (2) is a hexagonal nut.

5. DOUBLE SEALING PLUG FOR CLANDESTINE HYDROCARBON OUTLETS, according to claim 1, characterized in the plug tip (9) having a conical cross-section.

6. DOUBLE SEALING PLUG FOR CLANDESTINE HYDROCARBON OUTLETS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector (2) comprises an external torque section (1A) for screwing the same to the internal thread of the clandestine outlet valve by means of an external threaded section (2B), wherein the external torque section (1A) is hexagonal.

7. DOUBLE SEALING OBLIQUE FOR CLANDESTINE HYDROCARBON OUTLETS, according to claim 1, characterized by the anti-spark handle (10) being coupled to the first end (1A) of the pin (1) by means of the profiled pin section (6). Petition 870250013838, dated 20 / 02 / 2025, page 17 / 28