Double Isolation Tool With Independent Seals for Line Stopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional line-stopping systems fail to meet the criteria for double-block and bleed (DBB) and double isolation and bleed (DIB) isolation systems, particularly in terms of seal engagement and pressure independence, leading to safety and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of an isolation tool with a head unit featuring grooves with circumferential seal elements that expand radially via a curvature, allowing for independent activation and monitoring of seals, and incorporating a locking mechanism for maintaining seal engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional line-stopping systems are used, then the isolation function is provided, but the systems fail to meet DBB and DIB isolation criteria, leading to safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation tool is divided into multiple independent seal elements (first circumferential seal element and second circumferential seal element) that can be independently activated and monitored. Each seal element has its own groove and activation mechanism, allowing separate control and status monitoring to ensure both seals are properly engaged before considering isolation complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates monitoring capabilities for each seal element's engagement status. The independent activation and monitoring of seals provides feedback on the isolation status, ensuring that both seals are properly engaged and the bleed valve is closed, thereby meeting DBB and DIB isolation criteria and improving overall isolation safety.
2Reliability
If seals are activated by pipeline pressure, then seal engagement is achieved, but the second downstream seal is not energized when the first seal is energized, failing double-block criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary activation of the first circumferential seal element before the second seal element is activated. This staged activation allows operators to verify the first seal is properly engaged and the bleed valve is closed before activating the second seal, ensuring double-block criteria are met without requiring simultaneous pressure-dependent activation of both seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal activation system is made dynamic and controllable, allowing operators to activate seals in a controlled sequence rather than relying on passive pressure-dependent activation. This enables the first seal to be activated and monitored before activating the second seal, ensuring proper double-block isolation effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If a single plug system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system does not meet DBB or DIB isolation system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The single plug system is segmented into multiple independent seal elements (first and second circumferential seal elements) with separate grooves and activation mechanisms. This segmentation allows the system to meet DBB and DIB isolation requirements by providing multiple independently controllable sealing points while maintaining a relatively simple overall tool structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation tool is designed with multi-functionality to satisfy both DBB and DIB isolation system requirements. By incorporating independently activatable and monitorable seal elements with a bleed valve, the single tool can provide double-block isolation, double-isolation isolation, and pressure-independent operation, making it universally applicable to various isolation requirements without needing multiple different tools.
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 solution provides enhanced safety and functionality by ensuring double-block and bleed isolation, independent seal activation, and pressure-independent operation, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of line-stopping operations.
Implementation Method 1
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
The present disclosure provides an isolation tool for isolating a section of pipe or a vessel and methods for isolating a section of a pipe or a vessel. In particular, the present disclosure provides a double isolation and bleed (DIB) isolation tool, for use in line-stopping operations and methods of line isolation employing the isolation tool.