Split Tee Plug Sealing With Grease Injection and Pressure Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot tapping and line stopping operations in pipeline networks face challenges in achieving leak-proof seals and efficient seal testing without depressurizing the network, particularly in the oil and gas industry.
Innovation Solution
A hot tap assembly system with a sleeve, housing, plug, O-ring, grease injection port, pressure test port, and interlocking mechanism, which allows for leak-proof sealing and seal testing through grease injection and pressure testing, ensuring effective sealing and maintenance of pipeline integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug is installed in a hot tap connection to create a leak-proof seal, then sealing reliability is improved, but it becomes difficult to verify whether the seal is proper without complex testing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
A test fluid passage is provided that allows test fluid to be introduced into the housing to verify the seal. This intermediary testing mechanism enables easy verification of seal integrity by observing whether test fluid leaks past the plug, resolving the contradiction between ensuring reliable sealing and making seal testing easy to perform
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows operators to perform seal testing themselves using the provided test fluid passage and observable leak points, without requiring complex external testing equipment or procedures. The plug and housing design inherently provides the means for self-verification of seal integrity
2Measurement precision
If conventional seal testing methods are used for plugs in hot tap connections, then seal verification is possible, but the testing process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The test fluid passage serves as a simplified intermediary testing system that replaces complex conventional seal testing methods. By introducing test fluid through this dedicated passage and observing for leaks at specific points, operators can quickly verify seal integrity without time-consuming complex procedures, thus reducing testing time while maintaining verification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The test fluid passage is pre-configured into the housing design, allowing seal testing to be performed immediately after plug installation without requiring setup of complex external testing apparatus. This preliminary preparation of the testing pathway significantly reduces the time required for seal verification
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 system provides leak-proof sealing and efficient seal testing, enabling reliable hot tapping and line stopping operations without depressurizing the pipeline, facilitating repairs and expansions while maintaining pipeline integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an O-ring in an annular groove formed around a side of the plug
Implementation Method 2
a pressure test port fluidly connecting the exterior of the housing to the interior of the housing
Implementation Method 3
a grease injection port extending at least partially through a wall of the housing and fluidly connected between an exterior of the housing and the annular groove for sealant injection
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for intervention in a pipe in a pipeline network. The system includes a hot tap assembly. The hot tap assembly includes a sleeve positioned around the pipe, a housing coupled to a flange connection, and a neck connecting the sleeve to the housing. The hot tap assembly further includes a plug in an interior of the housing, an O-ring in an annular groove formed around a side of the plug, and a grease injection port extending at least partially through a wall of the housing and fluidly connected between an exterior of the housing and the annular groove for sealant injection. The hot tap assembly further includes a pressure test port fluidly connecting the exterior of the housing to the interior of the housing, a valve fluidly connected to the pressure test port, and an interlocking mechanism extending between and interlocking the plug and the housing.