Pipe Isolation Tool for Small Bore High Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for isolating small bore pipes face challenges due to the limitations of scaling down mechanical tooling and restricted access, making it difficult to achieve effective isolation, especially under high pressure conditions, and existing solutions are often unsuitable for high-pressure applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and tool that involves forming diametrically opposed holes in the pipe to accommodate a clamp and spigot system, allowing for bi-directional sealing and resistance to fluid pressure forces, enabling isolation and pressure testing in small bore pipework without end access, using a hot tap cutting tool with an extended pilot drill for support and a compliant seal for effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical tooling for large bore pipe is scaled down for small bore pipe, then isolation capability is improved, but the tooling becomes difficult to install due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation tool is divided into multiple components: a clamp that attaches to the external pipe surface, a spigot that inserts through access holes into the pipe bore, and a seal element. This segmentation allows the external clamp to be installed on the pipe exterior while the spigot extends through small access holes, overcoming restricted installation access while maintaining effective isolation capability within the pipe bore.
Solution Approach 2:
The spigot acts as an intermediary element that connects the external clamp structure to the internal pipe bore environment. It transmits the clamping force from the external mechanism into the pipe interior and positions the seal element against the bore wall, enabling the external tool to perform internal isolation functions through limited access holes.
2Ease of operation
If gel products and freeze plugs are used for small bore pipe isolation, then installation simplicity is improved, but pressure resistance capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is designed to change its physical parameters under pressure. It transitions from a compressed state during installation to an expanded state when fluid pressure is applied, allowing it to maintain simple installation while achieving high pressure resistance. The seal element can be compressed radially during insertion and then expands to contact the pipe bore wall under pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation system transitions from a static seal to a dynamic response where the seal element actively expands in response to fluid pressure. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain simplicity during installation while automatically adapting to high pressure conditions, with the seal element expanding to ensure tight sealing when pressure is applied.
3Reliability
If welded fittings with cutting tools are used for small bore pipe, then isolation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and access requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting function is extracted from the isolation mechanism itself. Instead of integrating a cutting tool within the isolation device, the system uses separately created access holes through which the spigot is inserted. This separates the hole creation process from the isolation process, allowing the isolation tool to be simpler and only responsible for sealing, while hole creation can be performed using standard drilling or hot tap equipment beforehand.
Solution Approach 2:
The access holes are created in advance before the isolation tool is deployed. This preliminary action of creating holes through the pipe wall allows the subsequent isolation tool installation to be simpler and more effective, as the tool only needs to insert through pre-existing openings rather than creating its own access paths, reducing overall device complexity.
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
Facilitates isolation in small bore pipework under high pressure conditions, allowing for temporary or permanent isolation, and enables pressure testing, addressing the limitations of existing solutions by providing a robust and effective sealing mechanism that resists fluid pressure forces.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient plug is positioned within the pipeline such that it extends between the holes and is selectively expanded in a radial direction to create a seal with the inner surface of the pipe
Implementation Method 2
A cutting tool which cuts through the pipe, the cutting tool having a rubber lined stem which blocks the pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
An isolation tool (10) for isolating small bore pipe (P) has a spigot (12) having a proximal section (14) with diameter (D1) and a distal section (16) with smaller diameter (D2). A seal (18) is provided on the tool (10) around the smaller diameter section (16). In some embodiments, the isolation tool (10) is located through a hole (H1) in the wall of the pipe (P) and through a second hole (H2) in the opposite wall of the pipe (P), the tool (10) arranged so that when the tool is located through the second hole (H2) the seal (18) fills the bore (B) of the pipe (P) and isolates a section of the pipe (P). In other embodiments, the tool (10) may be located between severed pipe sections.