Fusible Completion Plug with Pressure Equalization Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing completion plugs for tubular members or vessels fail to provide both a temporary and permanent seal, necessitating a blind flange for final sealing after repairs, which is not always reliable.
Innovation Solution
A completion plug with a cylindrical body featuring a circumferential fusible element and a pressure balancing port with a pressure equalization valve, allowing for temporary sealing with an elastomeric seal and permanent sealing through electrofusion, and optionally a fusible blind flange for redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threaded or non-threaded completion plug is inserted as a temporary seal, then the equipment may be reclaimed, but an adequate permanent seal is not provided and a blind flange must be installed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the temporary sealing function (elastomeric seal) and permanent sealing function (fusible element) into a single completion plug device. The elastomeric seal provides immediate sealing upon insertion, while the fusible element creates a permanent bond when heated, eliminating the need for a separate blind flange installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The completion plug is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides temporary sealing through the elastomeric seal, enables equipment reclamation, and creates a permanent seal through the fusible element. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate temporary and permanent sealing devices.
2Reliability
If a blind flange is installed as the final permanent seal, then a reliable seal is achieved, but the device complexity and additional installation steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the completion plug and blind flange functions into a single device. The completion plug itself contains both the temporary sealing mechanism and the permanent sealing mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate blind flange and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The completion plug is designed as a universal sealing device that can provide both temporary and permanent sealing capabilities, replacing the need for multiple specialized components (temporary plug + blind flange) and simplifying the overall sealing system.
3Reliability
If electrofusion is used to create a permanent seal, then a reliable bond is formed, but the process requires precise positioning and pressure equalization
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric seal is designed to engage the internal surface of the tubular member before the electrofusion process begins, creating a preliminary seal that establishes proper positioning and pressure equalization. This preliminary action ensures the plug is correctly positioned before the permanent bond is formed.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric seal acts as an intermediary between the completion plug and the tubular member, providing initial contact and positioning. This intermediary element facilitates the subsequent electrofusion process by ensuring proper alignment and pressure distribution before the permanent bond is created.
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 a reliable permanent seal without the need for a blind flange, ensuring no leak path and maintaining the integrity of the tubular member or vessel, while allowing for temporary sealing during equipment removal.
Implementation Method 1
creating a permanent seal between an external cylindrical surface portion of the completion plug and an opposing internal cylindrical surface of the fitting by way of electrofusion
Implementation Method 2
relieving the differential pressure across the completion plug during the positioning step
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A fusible completion plug and method for its use includes a cylindrical plug body having a lower portion that includes a fusible element in communication with an electric power supply. The completion plug also includes an elastomeric seal that provides for a temporary seal. A pressure balancing port and equalization valve are provided to relieve the differential pressure across the completion plug as the plug is positioned in place. The pressure equalization valve also includes a fusible element for fusing the valve within the port, thereby preventing a leak path through the plug body. A blind flange may be installed above the completion plug in case the plug fusion fails. The blind flange may be a traditional blind flange or may be a fusible blind flange.