Device for sealing a leak in transport pipeline and / or on fluid tank
The sealing device addresses adaptability and durability issues by using a force applicator and distributor with active and inactive zones to uniformly distribute pressure, maintaining effective sealing against internal fluid pressure.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- RU · RU
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 3KH ENDZHINIRING
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing sealing devices for pipelines and tanks face issues with adaptability to varying diameters, excessive pressure leading to elastomer shearing, and inability to maintain long-term sealing due to pressure loss over time.
A sealing device comprising an elastomer plate, force applicator, and force distributor with an active and inactive zone, allowing for uniform pressure distribution and increased rigidity to withstand internal fluid pressure without elastomer failure.
The device adapts to a wide range of diameters, prevents elastomer shearing, and maintains long-term sealing by creating a proportional counterpressure that exceeds 80 bar, ensuring durability and effectiveness.
Smart Images
Figure 00000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Field of technology to which the invention relates
[0002] This invention relates to the technical field of devices for repairing pipes using rings, tapes or couplings pressed against the outer surface of the pipe, and, in particular, relates to a device for sealing a leak in a transport pipeline and / or on a fluid tank.
[0003] Technology Level
[0004] Pipelines transporting fluids, particularly pressurized fluids such as oil and gas, are susceptible to damage within their wall thickness, which can develop into cracks and create leaks. A method for repairing a leaking pipeline and / or tank involves applying an elastomer to the leak site, positioned within a coupling formed by two half couplings tightened around the pipeline. This sealing device has several drawbacks. On the one hand, the coupling's clamping pressure on the pipeline must be sufficient for the elastomer to create the necessary pressure to contain the leak. On the other hand, since the half couplings are tailored to a specific pipeline diameter, it is necessary to provide half couplings with the same number of diameters as the different pipeline diameters. Two-half coupling devices are not suitable for tank diameters, which can reach several meters.
[0005] Another method, described in document EP 1104532, involves applying an elastomer plate using a force applicator and force distributor to the crack and a tensioner mechanism positioned around the pipeline to apply force to the force applicator. The force applicator transmits forces to the elastomer plate at the crack location, causing the elastomer to deform to follow the shape of the crack, thus allowing the crack to be sealed. This device allows for the creation of a pressure at the elastomer-pipeline interface that counteracts the internal pressure of the fluid contained within the pipeline. This counteracting pressure is created by the mechanical tension of the tensioner mechanism positioned around the pipeline and the device.
[0006] The advantage of this sealing device is its adaptability to a wide range of pipeline diameters. However, this sealing device has several disadvantages.
[0007] On the one hand, significant and constant pressure on the elastomer plate compresses the plate and causes shearing of the elastomer at the edge of the hole due to the pressure difference between the hole edge and the interior of the hole. This constant, large-amplitude shearing can damage the elastomer and subsequently cause leakage.
[0008] On the other hand, when applying a maximum tightening torque of 40 Nm to the mechanism, the pressure exerted on the elastomer reaches a maximum value of approximately 80 bar at 20°C. This means that to achieve higher pressure, it is necessary to increase the tightening torque. However, at a tightening torque exceeding 40 Nm, the elastomer plate collapses and loses its effectiveness.
[0009] In addition, even with a maximum tightening torque of 40Nm, the counter pressure generated at the leak location rapidly decreases over time and can no longer sufficiently resist the internal fluid pressure, and the sealing device begins to leak within ten days after installation.
[0010] Disclosure of the essence of the invention
[0011] In connection with the above-mentioned objective of the invention, there is provided a device for sealing a leak in the wall of a pipeline or tank, which comprises an elastomer plate and means for applying pressure to this plate, making it possible to set a counteracting pressure at the elastomer-pipeline interface, sufficient for long-term sealing of the leak.
[0012] Technical solution
[0013] Thus, the object of the invention is a device for sealing a leak in the wall of a pipeline or tank having an opening, comprising an elastomer plate applied to the wall at the location of the opening, a force applicator and a force distributor applied to the elastomer plate, and means for applying a tightening torque to the force applicator. According to the main distinguishing features of the invention, the force distributor has an inner side intended for pressing against the elastomer plate, wherein the inner side has an active zone corresponding to the thickening, and an inactive zone located around the thickening in such a way that, when a tightening torque is applied to the force applicator, the active zone creates a pressure on the elastomer plate that exceeds the pressure that the inactive zone of the distributor acts on the elastomer plate.
[0014] Brief description of drawings
[0015] The objectives, objects and distinctive features of the invention will be more apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] Fig. 1 shows an applicator and a force distributor according to the first embodiment of the claimed sealing device, a perspective view from above;
[0017] Fig. 2 shows the applicator and force distributor depicted in Fig. 1, a perspective view from below;
[0018] Fig. 3 shows an applicator and a force distributor according to the second embodiment, a sectional view;
[0019] Fig. 4 shows the applicator and force distributor of the claimed sealing device, a longitudinal sectional view;
[0020] Fig. 5 shows the applicator and force distributor of the claimed sealing device, front view;
[0021] Fig. 6 shows a sealing device applied to a pipeline before tightening, sectional view;
[0022] Fig. 7 shows a sealing device applied to a pipeline after tightening, sectional view;
[0023] Fig. 8 shows the device shown in Fig. 6, with an alternative embodiment of the elastomer plate, a sectional view;
[0024] Fig. 9 shows the device shown in Fig. 7, with an alternative embodiment of the elastomer plate, a sectional view;
[0025] Fig. 10 shows the claimed sealing device with a separated applicator and force distributor;
[0026] Fig. 11 shows an applicator and a force distributor according to a third embodiment of the claimed sealing device, a perspective view;
[0027] Fig. 12 shows the applicator and force distributor shown in Fig. 11, bottom view;
[0028] Fig. 13 shows a sealing device according to a third embodiment installed on a pipeline;
[0029] Fig. 14 shows a sealing device according to a third embodiment of the invention, a sectional view.
[0030] Detailed description of the invention
[0031] The various components shown in the figures are not drawn to scale, and the claimed sealing device can be used on a pipeline or a tank; however, for simplicity, only the term "pipeline" will be used in the following description. The claimed sealing device 10 comprises a force applicator 12 designed to transmit the tension of a clamping means located around the pipeline and compressing the claimed sealing device. Thus, the force applicator 12 converts this tension into forces. According to the invention, the clamping means consists of at least one belt forming a clamping band. The clamping band in the form of a belt allows for compensating for pipeline unevenness due to its softness and flexibility, and can be adapted to a large diameter of a pipeline or tank of the order of several meters (4-5 meters in diameter and even 10 meters in diameter).
[0032] The force applicator 12 has slots in two directions on its outer side. It has a first row of slots 23 in planes perpendicular to the direction ZZ', wherein the axis ZZ' represents the longitudinal direction of the pipeline, and a second row of slots 21 in directions parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis ZZ'. The slots form a plurality of projections 22 of variable thickness in the radial direction. The slots make it possible to adapt the force applicator to different pipeline diameters. The projections 22 of the force applicator 12 have different thicknesses across the width of the distributor, wherein the length of the distributor is calculated along the axis ZZ', wherein the force applicator has a variable thickness, maximum in the plane of symmetry passing along the axis ZZ', and decreasing towards the lateral edges of the applicator. Due to the difference in the thickness of the projections 22, the forces transmitted by the tension band are uniformly distributed across the entire width of the applicator. This force applicator is very well adapted to very small pipeline diameters.
[0033] Thus, the force applicator 12 transmits the tension of the tensioning band, which is converted into a force on each of the projections, which, in turn, transmit the pressure forces to the distributor 20.
[0034] As shown in Fig. 2, the distributor 20 is located on the inner side of the force applicator 12 facing the pipeline and has a concave or flat shape. Since the force applicator 12 and the distributor 20 are flexible, they can unfold or close to adapt to a wide range of pipeline diameters. The distributor 20 includes a thickening 25, preferably of a round shape, located on the inner side 28 and preferably centered on this side. The thickening has a constant thickness and includes a fillet or rounding at the edges. The material used for the force applicators 12 and 14 and for the distributor 20 is preferably a rigid, but at the same time deformable plastic material, such as polyamide, polypropylene or polycarbonate.
[0035] According to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 3 in a section along a plane perpendicular to the axis ZZ', which is the longitudinal direction of the pipeline, the force applicator 14 contains on its outer side slits in two directions: a first row of slits 23 in planes perpendicular to the axis ZZ', and a second row of slits 21 in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis ZZ', wherein all the slits form a plurality of protrusions 22. The protrusions 22 have the same thickness, except for the protrusions that are on two sides of the applicator located parallel to the longitudinal axis ZZ', and the thickness of which decreases towards the longitudinal edges of the applicator in order to obtain less sharp edges on the sides to limit the wear of the belt forming the tie belt.
[0036] Like the applicator 12, the applicator 14 is combined with a force distributor 20, which contains a thickening 25 on its inner side 28. Thus, the force applicator 14 transmits the tension of the tightening tape, which is converted into a force on each of the projections, which, in turn, transmit these pressure forces to the distributor 20. According to the invention, regardless of the embodiment, the tightening means is a part separate from the force applicator and from the force distributor.
[0037] In Fig. 4, the applicator 12 or 14 and the distributor 20 are shown in a section along a plane passing through the axis ZZ' and dividing the applicator and distributor into two equal parts. This section is a longitudinal section. As can be seen in the figure, the width of the slots 23 is sufficient to allow the projections 22 to move relative to each other in the case of a pipeline surface containing bulges associated, for example, with unevenness. The depth of the slots 23 located opposite the thickening 25 is maximum and more significant than the depth of the other slots. The difference in depth is from 10 to 20 percent of the maximum depth. This is clearly shown in the section in Fig. 4. This feature makes it possible to obtain constant flexibility over the entire surface of the distributor. The inner side 28 has a rim 26 along its entire periphery, visible in Fig.4 only on the longitudinal edge, since the side 28 is curved, but this curvature is not a limitation of the claimed device 10. Fig. 5 shows a front view of the distributor 20.
[0038] The 25-mm round thickening is centered on the inner side 28 of the distributor. At its thickest point, the height of the thickening depends on its diameter, and its diameter is calculated based on the size of the device. More precisely, the maximum height of the thickening is equal to its diameter squared, ensuring its rigidity remains constant regardless of its size. The edge of the thickening is replaced by a fillet or rounding with a thickness of 0.5 mm to 2 mm.
[0039] The inner side 28 of the distributor 20 consists of an active zone, which corresponds to the surface of the thickening 25, and an inactive zone, located on the inner side 28 around the thickening 25 and also including the flanges 26. The area of the active zone is from 25% to 40% of the area of the inactive zone. This greater distribution in favor of the inactive zone is due to the fact that when the sealing device is installed on the wall of the pipeline, the active zone is opposite the hole, and the inactive zone covers the entire surface corresponding to the periphery of the hole. Thanks to the applicator and the distributor, the forces transmitted by the clamping band are uniformly distributed over the entire surface of the distributor, which is to come into contact with the pipeline, wherein this surface includes the active zone and the inactive zone.
[0040] In Fig. 6-9, the sealing device 10 is shown in section and installed opposite the leak on the pipeline wall, wherein the plane of the section passes through the ZZ' axis. The curvature of the surface that comes into contact with the pipeline is not shown, as in Fig. 4. In Fig. 6 and 8, the claimed sealing device 10 is shown installed before tightening, while in Fig. 7 and 9, the claimed sealing device 10 is shown pressed against the pipeline at the leak location.
[0041] As shown in Fig. 6, the elastomer plate 40 is mounted on the wall 70 of the pipeline in such a way as to close the opening 80, which is the cause of the leakage of the contents of the pipeline. The elastomer plate 40 contains one or more materials. According to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 6 and 7, the elastomer plate 40 is monolithic and consists of a homogeneous material. The elastomer plate 40 is covered by a distributor 20 and a force applicator 12. When these three parts, which form the claimed sealing device, are pressed against the pipeline 70 at the location of the leak 80 by means of a tightening means consisting of at least one belt forming a tightening band, the distributor increases the pressure that the applicator acts on through the ratio of the contact surfaces through which the forces are transmitted to the elastomer.The contact surface of the thickening, that is, the active zone, is smaller than the area of application, corresponding to the combination of the active zone and the inactive zone; therefore, the pressure exerted by the active zone on the elastomer exceeds the pressure created by the applicator.
[0042] The claimed sealing device 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 7 when it is pressed against the pipeline using a tightening means not shown in the figure, such as a tightening band based on one or more belts. The tightening band is tightened with a maximum tightening moment equal to 40 N m. The force distributor 12 applies a tightening pressure to the elastomer plate, which, due to its elasticity, is deformed and adheres to the wall of the pipeline 70. As partially shown in Fig. 7, the elastomer in contact with the active zone is deformed to a greater extent than the elastomer in contact with the inactive zone, since it is subject to the action of greater stresses. The portion of the elastomer plate 40 that comes into contact with the active zone of the distributor is deformed in such a way that part of the material penetrates into the opening 80.The entire elastomeric plate 40 is subjected to pressure forces associated with existing elastic displacements.
[0043] At the level of the pipeline opening, the elastomer is subjected to the action of the pressure of the internal fluid medium and the flattening of the active zone corresponding to the thickening 25 of the distributor 20. At the periphery of the pipeline opening, the elastomer is subjected to flattening between the inactive zone of the distributor 20 and the wall of the pipeline 70. Opposite the opening, the elastomer is subjected to the action of stresses and strains that exceed the stresses and strains acting on the part of the elastomer located at the periphery of the opening.
[0044] The active zone of distributor 20, corresponding to thickening 25, acts on the elastomer plate with a pressure exceeding the pressure generated by the inactive zone of distributor 20. Both zones of the force distributor create a pressure distribution that generates significant backpressure proportional to the level of internal fluid pressure at the leak site and creates a smaller, but precisely necessary and sufficient, pressure at the leak periphery to prevent damage to the elastomer and ensure long-term sealing of the claimed sealing device. The proper selection of the geometric shapes of the applicator, distributor, and elastomer properties allows the claimed device to achieve stresses capable of withstanding the internal fluid pressure without reaching stress values that would cause elastomer failure. To achieve this, the active zone, corresponding to thickening 25 of distributor 20, has a constant rigidity, regardless of its size.Depending on the material used for the force distributor, this stiffness ranges from 500 N / m to 5000 N / m, and in particular, from 1400 N / m to 1700 N / m if the force distributor is made of polyamide. The internal pressure of the fluid contained in the pipeline can reach 80 bar.
[0045] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the elastomer plate 40 consists of at least two different materials, that is, a first material 41, which forms the upper part and the edges of the elastomer plate 40, and a second material 42, which forms the central and lower part of the elastomer plate. The second material 42 is surrounded at its upper part and at its lateral edges by the first material 41, wherein the lower sides of the different materials are in the same plane, forming the lower side of the elastomer plate 40, intended to come into contact with the wall of the pipeline 70 at the location of the opening 80, wherein the second material is intended to be pressed against the opening 80 in order to close this opening. The second material is an elastomer, the hardness of which exceeds the hardness of the elastomer forming the first material.For example, the elastomer of the first material 41 has a hardness of less than 70 Shore A, while the elastomer of the second material 42 has a hardness greater than 70 Shore A. The elastomer plate is formed by overmolding the first material onto the second material or by double injection molding. The force distributor 20 is positioned on the elastomer plate such that its inner side follows the radius of curvature of the pipeline wall 70 and so that the thickening 25 is centered on the second portion 42 of the elastomer plate 40.
[0046] In Fig. 9, the claimed sealing device 10 is shown when it is pressed against the pipeline using a tightening means, not shown in the figure, such as a belt forming a tightening band. The tightening band is tightened with a tightening moment not exceeding 40 N m. The force distributor 20 acts with a tightening pressure on the elastomer plate, which, due to its elasticity, is deformed and adheres to the wall of the pipeline 70. The second part of the material 42 is deformed in such a way that part of the material penetrates into the opening 80. Opposite the opening, the elastomer of the second part of the material 42 is subjected to stresses and strains that exceed the stresses and strains acting on the elastomer of the first part of the material 41, located on the periphery of the opening.
[0047] The active zone, corresponding to the thickening 25, creates a pressure on the elastomer plate that exceeds the pressure created by the inactive zone of the distributor 20. Both zones of the force distributor provide a pressure distribution that sets a significant and proportional counterpressure with the level of the internal pressure of the fluid at the leak site and creates a pressure that is less, but just necessary and sufficient at the periphery of the leak so as not to damage the elastomer and to ensure the long-term tightness of the declared sealing device. With a tightening torque of 40 N m, the pressure with which the declared sealing device acts exceeds 80 bar at 20 ° C, thanks to the thickening 25, while it barely reaches 80 bar without the thickening. Thus, the effective pressure is increased due to the thickening 25 in the form of a piston, located in the center of the elastomer plate 40 and on the vertical of the hole 80.During compression, the second portion 42 of the elastomer plate 40 deforms to a greater extent than the first and is subject to significant shear stresses at the edges of the opening 80. The second material 42, formed from a harder material, exhibits good durability over time and degrades less rapidly than the elastomer of the first material's lower hardness. The first material 41, significantly less susceptible to shear than the second material, is softer and more hermetic. If a sealing issue arises at the level of the second material 42, the first material acts as a second barrier and ensures a seal, further extending the service life of the sealing device.
[0048] According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the elastomer plate 40 comprises a third material included in the second material 42 in the same way as the second material 42 is included in the first material 41, but of a smaller size. The third material is surrounded at its upper portion and at its lateral edges by the second material 42, wherein the lower sides of the three materials are in the same plane, forming the lower side of the elastomer plate 40, intended to come into contact with the wall of the pipeline 70 at the location of the opening 80, wherein the third material is intended to be pressed against the opening 80 in order to close it. The third material is an elastomer with a hardness exceeding the hardness of the elastomer forming the second material.
[0049] Fig. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the sealing device, in which the applicator and the force distributor are separated from each other and are two different parts. The sealing device according to this alternative is characterized by the same technical effects as the sealing device presented above, in which the applicator and the distributor are a single part of the device. This alternative differs only in its manufacturing method. Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the sealing device 10 along a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ZZ'. On its outer side, the force applicator 16 contains slots in two directions: a first row of slots 23 in planes perpendicular to the axis ZZ', and a second row of slots 21 in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis ZZ', wherein all the slots form a plurality of protrusions 22.The projections 22 of force applicator 16 have a thickness difference across the distributor's width, with the distributor's length measured along the ZZ' axis. The force applicator has a variable thickness, maximal in the plane of symmetry passing through the ZZ' axis and decreasing toward the applicator's lateral edges. Like force applicators 12 and 14, force applicator 16 is designed to distribute the tightening forces of the tension band.
[0050] On its inner side 28 and in its center, the force distributor 20 is equipped with a thickening 25. The thickening 25 is round or elliptical in shape and has a constant thickness or a maximum thickness in its center, decreasing towards its edges. The distributor 20 is intended to be placed between the force applicator 16 and the elastomer plate 40. The use of the force distributor separately from the applicator is intended for use on pipelines containing a low-pressure fluid that does not require a pressure of 80 bar on the elastomer plate. The material used for the applicator 16 and for the force distributor 20 is preferably a rigid but deformable plastic material, such as polyamide, polypropylene or polycarbonate.
[0051] According to the third embodiment shown in Figs. 11-14, the sealing device 100 is intended for a pipeline with a diameter greater than or equal to 1.50 m. The sealing device 100 comprises a solid force applicator 50, in which preferably three fastening holes 53 are drilled along the ZZ' axis, opening onto the transverse walls of the applicator 50. On its inner side, the force applicator 50 has a distributor 20, located on its inner side facing the pipeline. The distributor 20 comprises a thickening 25 of a round or elliptical shape, located on its inner side 28 and preferably centered on this inner side. The thickening has a constant thickness or a maximum thickness in its center, decreasing towards its edges.
[0052] As in the case of the sealing device 10 of other embodiments, the distributor 20 of the sealing device 100 consists of an active zone, which corresponds to the surface of the thickening 25, and an inactive zone, located on the inner side 28 outside the thickening 25 and also containing flanges 26. The features and effects of the distributor 20 described above for the first and second embodiments are also valid for the third embodiment. The alternative embodiments described above, relating to the elastomeric plate and relating to the applicator and distributor separate from each other, are also compatible with this embodiment.
[0053] In addition to the force applicator 50 and the force distributor 20, the sealing device 100 comprises a belt-based clamping band holder 60. This belt-based clamping band holder consists of two fastening flanges 52 and of means, such as connecting screws 56, for holding these fastening flanges pressed against the transverse walls of the force applicator 50. Both flanges 52 are also connected by two tension rods 58 in the form of cylinders, which can rotate freely around their respective longitudinal axis. The tension band in the form of a belt 60 is adapted to be placed on the applicator 50 between the two flanges 52 and under the tension rods 58 before tightening around the pipeline 70. The free rotation of the tension rods 58 facilitates the positioning of the sealing device 100 on the opening before tightening.
[0054] As shown in Fig. 14, the tension rods 58 are located at a distance from the longitudinal walls of the applicator such that the tensioning band in the form of a belt forms an angle alpha with them, which is from 10 to 20 degrees. This angle is large enough to avoid blocking the belt, and small enough to reduce the frictional forces of the belt along the pipeline and concentrate the tightening forces on the applicator 50. This also prevents the absorption of part of the tightening force by frictional forces.
[0055] The advantage of the declared device is the ability to adapt to weakened pipelines, since it concentrates efforts on the leak without creating useless stress on the pipeline.
Claims
1. A device (10, 100) for sealing a leak in the wall of a pipeline or tank (70) having an opening (80) comprising an elastomeric plate (40) applied to said wall at the location of the opening, a force applicator (12, 14, 16, 50) and a force distributor (20) applied to the elastomeric plate, and means for applying a tightening moment to said force applicator, such as a belt forming a tightening band, characterized in that the force distributor (20) has an inner side (28) intended for pressing against the elastomer plate (40), wherein said inner side has an active zone corresponding to the thickening (25) and an inactive zone located around said thickening so that when the clamping moment forces are applied to the applicator, the active zone creates a pressure on the elastomer plate that exceeds the pressure exerted by the inactive zone of the distributor (20) on the elastomer plate.
2. The device (10) for sealing according to claim 1, in which the force applicator (12, 14, 16) contains on its outer side slots in two directions: a first row of slots (23) in planes perpendicular to the direction ZZ', wherein the axis ZZ' represents the longitudinal direction of the pipeline, and a second row of slots (21) in directions parallel relative to the longitudinal axis ZZ', wherein said slots form a plurality of protrusions (22).
3. The device (10) for sealing according to item 2, in which the projections (22) of the force applicator (12, 16) have different thicknesses along the width of the distributor, wherein the length of the distributor is calculated along the ZZ' axis, wherein the force applicator has a variable thickness, maximum in the plane of symmetry passing along the ZZ' axis, and decreasing towards the lateral edges of said applicator.
4. The sealing device (10) according to item 2 or 3, in which the slots (21) of the force applicator (12), located opposite the thickening (25), are deeper than the other slots.
5. The device (10) for sealing according to item 2, in which the projections (22) of the force applicator (14) have the same thickness, with the exception of the projections located on the two sides of the applicator, located parallel to the longitudinal axis ZZ', the thickness of which decreases towards the longitudinal edges of the applicator.
6. The device (10) for sealing according to claim 1, in which the force applicator (50) is solid and penetrated through along the axis ZZ' by three fastening holes (53) opening onto its transverse walls, wherein said device comprises two fastening flanges (52) and means, such as connecting screws (56), for holding these fastening flanges pressed against the transverse walls of the force applicator (50), wherein both flanges (52) are also connected by two tension rods (58) in the form of a cylinder, which can rotate freely around their respective longitudinal axis, wherein the tension band in the form of a belt (60) is designed with the possibility of being placed on the applicator (50) between the two flanges (52) and under the tension rods (58) until tightened around the pipeline (70), wherein the tension rods (58) are located at a distance from the longitudinal walls of the applicator (50) so that the said tightening tape in the form of a belt forms an angle alpha with them, amounting to from 10 to 20 degrees.
7. A device (10, 100) for sealing according to one of paragraphs 1-6, in which the thickening (25) is round and centered on the inner side (28) of the distributor, and its rigidity is constant, regardless of its size.
8. The device (10, 100) for sealing according to item 7, in which the thickening (25) of the force distributor (20) has a rigidity of from 500 N / m to 5000 N / m.
9. A sealing device (10, 100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the elastomeric plate (40) consists of at least two materials: a first material (41) which forms the upper part and the edges of said plate, and a second material (42) which forms the central and lower part of said plate, wherein said second material is surrounded on its upper part and on its lateral edges by said first material, wherein said second material is an elastomer with a hardness greater than the hardness of the elastomer forming said first material, wherein the lower sides of the different materials are in the same plane forming the lower side of said plate, intended to come into contact with the wall of the pipeline (70) at the location of the opening (80), wherein said second material is intended to be pressed against said opening.
10. The sealing device (10, 100) according to claim 9, in which the elastomer plate (40) comprises a third material included in the second material (42), wherein said third material is surrounded at its top and at its side edges by said second material, wherein the lower sides of the three materials are in the same plane forming the lower side of the elastomer plate (40) intended to come into contact with the wall of the pipeline (70) at the location of the opening (80), wherein the third material is intended to be pressed against the opening (80) for the purpose of closing it, wherein said third material is an elastomer with a hardness exceeding the hardness of the elastomer forming said second material.
11. A device (10, 100) for sealing according to one of paragraphs 1-10, in which the force applicator (12, 14, 16, 50) and the force distributor (20) are two different parts.
12. The device (10, 100) for sealing according to one of claims 1-11, in which the material used for the manufacture of the force applicator (12, 14, 16, 50) and for the force distributor (20) is selected from rigid plastic materials such as polyamide, polypropylene or polycarbonate.
13. The device (10, 100) for sealing according to item 12, in which the thickening (25) of the force distributor (20) made of polyamide has a rigidity of from 1400 N / m to 1700 N / m.