Small Bore Pipe Isolation Tool Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for isolating and intervening in small bore pipes, particularly in gas supply and distribution, face challenges such as complexity, requirement for specialist contractors, risk of gas escape, and failure to maintain pressure integrity, leading to safety and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A tool assembly comprising a clamp, cutting tool, and isolation tool with a seal element, designed to securely engage and isolate small bore pipes, allowing for safe cutting and intervention while maintaining pressure integrity, using a split sleeve clamp and lock arrangement to prevent gas escape and facilitate compact, reusable operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional isolation and intervention equipment is used, then isolation and intervention operations can be performed, but the equipment is complex and requires specialist contractors to install and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: a clamp for securing to the pipe, a cutting tool for severing the pipe, and an isolation tool with seal element for isolating the pipe section. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to be operated step-by-step without requiring complex integrated equipment or specialist contractors.
2Reliability
If conventional isolation and intervention equipment is used, then isolation operations can be performed, but gas escape to atmosphere occurs posing significant risk to personnel and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is inserted and positioned within the isolation tool before the pipe cutting operation commences. The clamp is secured to the pipe and the seal element is prepared in advance, ensuring that when the pipe is severed, the isolation mechanism is already in place to prevent gas escape. This preliminary preparation eliminates the risk of gas release during the cutting operation.
3Reliability
If equipment for low pressure water applications is used, then isolation operations can be performed, but sufficient pressure integrity is not provided for gas supply and distribution applications
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation tool and seal element are specifically designed and engineered to withstand high pressure conditions associated with gas supply and distribution systems. The seal element geometry, material properties, and clamping mechanism are optimized to maintain pressure integrity in gas applications, distinguishing it from equipment designed for low pressure water applications.
4Reliability
If isolation equipment is maintained in-situ after intervention operations, then isolation function is preserved, but safety codes for gas or other hydrocarbon systems are not complied with
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp and isolation tool are designed as temporary, removable fixtures rather than permanent in-situ equipment. After the intervention operation is completed and the pipe section is isolated and replaced, the clamp and isolation tool can be safely removed from the pipe. This dynamic, temporary nature of the equipment ensures compliance with safety codes that prohibit leaving isolation equipment in place in gas systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool assembly configured for location on a section of a pipe is operable to both isolate a section of the pipe and perform an intervention into the pipe while maintaining pressure integrity. The tool assembly includes a clamp, a cutting tool and an isolation tool. In use, the clamp sealingly secures the tool assembly to the pipe, the cutting tool performs an intervention operation on the pipe, and the isolation tool isolates the section of pipe in order that repair or replacement of equipment can be effected.