Pipe Isolation Bleed Passage Through a Double-Seal Control Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe isolation devices for maintenance require additional components and weldments for bleed systems, increasing time and expense during hot tapping procedures.
Innovation Solution
A pipe isolation system with a control bar and double seal mechanism that integrates a bleed passage, allowing for sealing engagement and pressure relief through a control bar actuator assembly, reducing the need for extra components and simplifying the bleed route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an integrated bleed passage through the control bar is used, then the device complexity is reduced and installation time is decreased, but the reliability of the bleed system may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the bleed passage directly into the control bar structure, combining two previously separate functions (control bar operation and bleed routing) into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate bleed system items coupled with the pipe, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control bar is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating mechanism for the isolation device and the routing pathway for the bleed system. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system while ensuring that the bleed function remains reliable through the unified control bar structure.
2Reliability
If additional weldments are required for conventional bleed systems, then the bleed function can be achieved, but the manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the bleed passage into the control bar as a unified component, the patent eliminates the need for separate bleed system items that would require additional weldments to the pipe. The control bar itself serves as the bleed routing pathway, reducing installation time and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the essential bleed function.
3Reliability
If extra items are coupled with the pipe for the bleed system, then the bleed route can be established, but the expense and additional weldments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control bar is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the actuating mechanism for the isolation device and as the routing pathway for the bleed system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for extra items coupled with the pipe, reducing manufacturing cost while ensuring the bleed route is properly established through the integrated control bar design.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is provided for isolating a pipe during maintenance or servicing of the pipe. The technique may utilize a control bar head having a coupling feature for coupling with a control bar. The control bar head also has a bleed passage extending therethrough to the coupling feature and thus to the control bar when engaged with the control bar. Additionally, the system may comprise a first sealing head slidably engaged with the control bar head. The first sealing head may comprise a first seal element and a first sealing head bleed passage extending therethrough to the control bar head. The system also may comprise a second sealing head slidably engaged with the first sealing head and having a second seal element. The first sealing head bleed passage may be arranged to extend to a region between the first sealing head and the second sealing head to facilitate bleeding of this region.