Pipeline Isolation Seal Module for Single-Opening Leak-Tight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lip seal arrangements used in the oil and gas industry for pipeline isolation are inadequate, as they fail to meet current isolation standards, require additional planning and setup time, and are not effective against isolated pressure.
Innovation Solution
A self-energized isolation tool with a seal unit that reconfigures from an axially extended to an axially retracted configuration, using primary and secondary activation arrangements to maintain isolation, even in low differential pressure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lip seal arrangements are used for pipeline isolation, then the sealing mechanism is simple, but the isolation reliability is insufficient and does not meet current isolation standards
Solution Approach 1:
The seal unit is divided into multiple seal elements (first seal element and second seal element) arranged in series, each providing independent sealing barriers. This segmentation creates multiple redundant sealing points, ensuring that if one seal fails, the other maintains isolation, thereby significantly improving isolation reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The seal elements are pre-loaded with initial compression force through the activation arrangement to ensure they are ready to seal before pressure differential is applied. This pre-compression ensures immediate sealing capability upon deployment, preventing leakage from the outset and maintaining reliable isolation without requiring complex active control systems
2Productivity
If traditional lip seal arrangements are used, then the sealing mechanism is straightforward, but additional planning and setup time is required for multiple openings and barriers
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple seal elements and activation mechanisms are integrated into a single unified seal unit that can be deployed through one opening. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate barrier installations and reduces planning complexity, allowing the entire isolation system to be installed and activated through a single hot tap connection, thereby improving operational efficiency without sacrificing sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The seal unit is designed as a multi-functional device that provides both primary and secondary sealing barriers, activation mechanisms, and testing capabilities within a single assembly. This universal design allows the same device to perform multiple isolation functions simultaneously, reducing the need for separate tools and procedures for each function, thus reducing overall setup and operation time
3Reliability
If self-energized seal arrangement is used, then the seal unit can maintain isolation without continuous activation force, but the mechanism for self-energization adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The seal elements are designed to automatically increase their sealing force in response to applied pressure differential. The pressure difference between upstream and downstream sides of the seal unit acts directly on the seal elements to enhance their compression against the pipe wall, creating a self-reinforcing sealing mechanism. This self-service capability ensures reliable isolation maintenance without requiring continuous external activation force or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure differential that could potentially cause leakage is converted into a beneficial force that enhances sealing. The same pressure difference that drives fluid flow through the pipe is harnessed to press the seal elements more firmly against the sealing surface, transforming the harmful effect of pressure into a beneficial self-sealing mechanism, thereby maintaining reliable isolation with simpler activation arrangements
4Measurement precision
If dual direction compression seals are used to allow annulus pressure above pipeline pressure, then independent leak testing of both seals is enabled, but the seal unit structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The seal elements are configured to seal in both axial directions (upstream and downstream), creating a dual-directional sealing capability. This bidirectional sealing arrangement allows the annulus between the seals to be pressurized independently from the pipeline pressure, enabling separate leak testing of each seal element by pressurizing the annulus space. The dimensional extension of sealing capability in both directions enables independent verification of each seal's integrity without compromising structural efficiency
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 isolation tool provides reliable, leak-tight sealing and maintains isolation even if primary activation is lost, reducing operational costs and meeting current isolation standards.
Implementation Method 1
the seal arrangement is self-energized by the isolated pressure differential across the seal unit
Implementation Method 2
a secondary activation arrangement is configured to apply a force on an activating member of the primary activation arrangement to maintain the seal unit in the second, retracted, configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An isolation tool assembly for isolating a section of pipe includes a launcher, an adapter arrangement and an isolation tool. The launcher is configured to deploy and/or retrieve the isolation tool through a single opening in a wall of the pipe. The adapter arrangement is configured to couple a housing of the launcher to the pipe and a piston and a yoke of the launcher to the isolation tool via a linkage arrangement. The isolation tool includes a seal unit in the form of a seal module including annular primary and secondary seal elements. The seal module reconfigurable from a first configuration to a second, axially retracted, configuration, and movement of the seal module to the second, axially retracted, configuration urges the seal elements towards the wall of the pipe to isolate the section of pipe. The isolation tool includes a secondary activation arrangement configured to apply a force on an activating member of the primary activation arrangement to maintain the seal unit in the second configuration and maintain the isolation.