Pivoting Double Block Pipe Plug With Integrated Bleed Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current double block and bleed pipe plug solutions are expensive, heavy, and require extensive equipment for installation, and do not allow for easy bypassing of pipeline product without additional fittings.
Innovation Solution
A pipe plug design featuring pivotally connected sealing elements with yokes and stabilization pads, along with guide and pivot wheels, that can be easily installed and positioned within a pipe to create a double block and bleed configuration without the need for large, heavy components or additional fittings, allowing for effective containment of leakage through a bleed port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single metal-to-metal plugging seal or two independent pluggers are used to achieve double block and bleed, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity, weight, and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two plugging heads with sealing elements into a single integrated pipe plug assembly. The first plugging head and second plugging head are connected through a carrier and yoke mechanism, allowing both sealing elements to be installed simultaneously through one access point rather than requiring two separate pluggers. This merging approach maintains double block and bleed functionality while reducing overall device complexity and installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the second plugging head is positioned within or alongside the first plugging head, both contained within the same carrier assembly. The yoke mechanism allows the second plugging head to be deployed from the same access connection as the first, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces the number of external components and simplifies installation compared to two independent pluggers.
2Reliability
If metal-to-metal plugging seal is used to achieve double block and bleed, then sealing reliability is improved, but weight and size of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible sealing elements that can deform to conform to the pipe interior surface, replacing rigid metal-to-metal seals. These flexible sealing elements maintain reliable sealing through elastic deformation and contact pressure distribution, while significantly reducing the weight and size of the plugging heads compared to traditional metal-to-metal seal designs.
3Reliability
If metal-to-metal plugging seal is used, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates due to requiring large equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pipe plug into multiple modular segments including a carrier, first plugging head, second plugging head, and yoke mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be compact and manageable, enabling installation through a limited pipe access connection without requiring large heavy equipment. The modular segments can be assembled and deployed through a small opening while maintaining the reliability of metal-to-metal or flexible sealing contacts.
4Adaptability or versatility
If bypass is required with metal-to-metal plugging seal, then product flow can be maintained, but additional fittings must be installed upstream increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the pipe plug assembly with multi-functional capabilities including primary sealing, bypass flow control, and positioning functions within a single integrated device. The assembly can maintain product flow through bypass paths while the sealing elements are in place, eliminating the need for separate upstream fittings for bypass functionality. This universal design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability for different operational requirements.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, lightweight, and easier-to-install pipe plug that effectively achieves double block and bleed functionality, ensuring safety and efficiency in sealing high or low pressure, temperature, and hazardous fluids within pipelines.
Implementation Method 1
the first sealing element prevents flow of product in the pipe and the second sealing element captures any leakage past the first sealing element
Implementation Method 2
Each wheel in the set of wheels impinges a portion of the pipe at some point during positioning of the pipe plug within the pipe, thereby causing the sealing elements to rotate into their final sealing position
Implementation Method 3
A stabilization pad, connected to a flange on a nosepiece of each plugging head, prevents deformation of the sealing elements
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipe plug comprised of two, pivotally connected plugging heads, each plugging head having a sealing element, which work in combination to double block and bleed a pipe. The first sealing element prevents flow of product in the pipe and the second sealing element captures any leakage past the first sealing element and forces that leakage out through a fitting. A stabilization pad, connected to a flange on a nosepiece of each plugging head, prevents deformation of the sealing elements. A spring-loaded pivot arm connected to the second plugging head allows the yoke that connects the two plugging heads to rotate freely. An outward-facing raised taper projection on the pivot arm, along with a guide wheel connected to the first plugging head, prevent the yokes and plugging heads from becoming entrapped during their installation in or removal from the pipe.