Locking Pipe Plug for Cross-Line Pigging Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing and inspecting cross-lines, which are shorter pipelines intersecting with main pipelines of equal or greater diameter, is challenging due to the difficulty and expense of installing pig launching and receiving facilities, especially in buried or underwater environments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving attaching a side outlet fitting to the main pipeline opposite the cross-line intersection, using a hot tapping system to create an opening, and inserting inspection pigs or performing repairs without disrupting the main pipeline flow by employing locking pipe plugs and flow-through pig guides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If pig launching and receiving facilities are installed to inspect cross-lines, then inspection capability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the inspection function from the main pipeline flow by using a TEE fitting that allows pigs to be launched and received in a separate branch line. This eliminates the need for complex pig launching and receiving facilities on the main pipeline, reducing installation complexity while maintaining inspection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The TEE fitting acts as an intermediary device that connects the main pipeline to a separate inspection line. Pigs can be launched through the TEE fitting into the cross-line for inspection, then retrieved without disrupting main pipeline operations, thus simplifying the overall system while enabling inspection.
2Ease of repair
If the main pipeline flow is stopped to perform repairs on cross-lines, then repair accessibility is improved, but productivity and energy loss worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pipeline system into a main pipeline and a separate cross-line connected via a TEE fitting. This allows repairs to be performed on the cross-line independently without stopping flow in the main pipeline, maintaining productivity while improving repair accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The TEE fitting configuration enables continuous fluid flow through the main pipeline while allowing the cross-line to be isolated, pressurized, and repaired separately. This maintains the continuity of useful action in the main pipeline while enabling necessary maintenance on the cross-line.
3Productivity
If pigs are launched through the main pipeline to access cross-lines, then inspection efficiency is improved, but pig guidance and control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The TEE fitting serves as an intermediary that directs pigs from the main pipeline into the cross-line. The geometry of the TEE fitting naturally guides pigs into the branch, simplifying pig control and guidance while maintaining inspection efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug for closing an opening in the sidewall of a pipe, including a base member having a radial flange portion, a tubular portion and an annular elastomeric seal member slideably received on the base member tubular portion and in engagement with the flange portion. A rigid compression member is slideably received on the base member tubular portion and in contact with the elastomeric member and has a frusto-conical circumferential surface. A plurality of rigid segmented slips are received on the compression member and have teeth for biting into the cylindrical sidewall when displaced on the frusto-conical surface. An actuation member is received on the base member tubular portion providing a surface in engagement with the segmented slips. A tightening nut can be tightened to cause the segmented slips to lock the plug in position and to sealably close the pipe cylindrical sidewall.