Double Isolation Head Unit With Radial Seal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional line-stopping systems fail to meet double-block and bleed (DBB) and double isolation and bleed (DIB) criteria, often requiring pipeline pressure to engage seals, leading to potential leakage and alignment issues, and feature large installations with complex removal processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of an isolation tool with a head unit featuring grooves and circumferential seal elements that expand radially via curvature, allowing independent activation and monitoring of seals, and a locking mechanism for secure engagement and bleed control, enabling effective sealing regardless of pipeline pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional line-stopping systems use pipeline pressure to engage seals, then seal engagement is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential leakage and alignment issues when pressure is absent or low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the seals in grooves with curvature that automatically directs radial expansion force to the sealing surface. The groove geometry is designed in advance to convert axial or tangential forces into radial seal engagement, ensuring seals are properly positioned and engaged before pressure is applied, eliminating alignment issues under varying pressure conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and behavior of the seal elements by using materials or mechanisms that can change their expansion characteristics. The circumferential seal elements are designed to expand radially when force is applied at the groove's first end, with the curvature transforming this force into reliable sealing contact. This parameter change allows the seals to adapt to different pressure conditions while maintaining reliable engagement
2Reliability
If conventional systems use large installation footprints for DBB/DIB compliance, then safety standards are met, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to complex removal processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated head unit. The head unit combines circumferential seal elements, grooves with curvature for automatic alignment, and locking mechanisms all in one component. This consolidation maintains DBB/DIB safety compliance through multiple seals while simplifying the overall device structure and making both installation and removal more straightforward by reducing the number of separate components that must be managed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the isolation function into distinct, independently controllable seal elements within the head unit. Each circumferential seal element can be activated or monitored independently through the groove mechanisms, allowing for modular operation and simplified maintenance while still achieving the double-block safety requirement
3Device complexity
If conventional systems lack independent seal activation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the groove design that allows monitoring of seal engagement. The curvature and geometry of the grooves provide mechanical feedback about seal position and engagement status. This enables precise monitoring of each seal element's state while maintaining relatively simple activation mechanisms through the head unit's integrated design
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tool provides reliable, safe, and flexible isolation with improved seal engagement and reduced operational complexity, meeting DBB and DIB standards, and allowing for continuous monitoring and bleed control.
Implementation Method 1
a circumferential seal element disposed within each of the at least one grooves and spanning at least a portion of the curvature; wherein the circumferential seal element is configured within the groove such that a force at or near the first end of the groove imparts radial expansion of the circumferential seal element at the second end of the groove via the curvature in the groove
Data Source
AI summary
An isolation tool is described herein. In particular, a double isolation and bleed (DIB) isolation tool for use in line-stopping operations. The isolation tool may include a head unit, at least one groove around a circumference of the head unit, and a circumferential seal element disposed within each of the at least one grooves.