Abstract: This invention relates to a plugging machine and a rigid tube provided with a stationary disc integral with the bottom of the tube and oriented almost orthogonal to the tube, with a movable disc paired with the stationary disc. A sealing ring of a resilient material is located between the discs and compressed when the movable disc is pressed against the stationary disc to adhere to an inner surface of the pipeline. The sealing ring is coaxial with respect to the pipeline. The movement of the movable disc is determined by raising or lowering a control rod within the tube by means of sloping sliders made in the lower portion of the rod which engage in respective grooves, likewise sloping, made in an axial shank associated with the movable disc and sliding inside an axial opening of the stationary disc. A component of a force is generated which is parallel to the axis of the discs. The axis is raised or lowered by rotation of a threaded ring engaging in a threading mate at the top of the rod.

Abstract: A system and method for non-destructive, in situ, positive material identification of a pipe selects a plurality of test areas that are separated axially and circumferentially from one another and then polishes a portion of each test area. Within each polished area, a non-destructive test device is used to collect mechanical property data and another non-destructive test device is used to collect chemical property data. An overall mean for the mechanical property data, and for the chemical property data, is calculated using at least two data collection runs. The means are compared to a known material standard to determine, at a high level of confidence, ultimate yield strength and ultimate tensile strength within +/?10%, a carbon percentage within +/?25%, and a manganese percentage within +/?20% of a known material standard.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-diameter foam pig include a first set of radially spaced-apart, longitudinally extending, slots located toward a nose end of the pig and a second set of radially spaced-apart, longitudinally extending, slots located toward a tail end. Each set of slots ends at a band section of the pig so that, together, the two sets of slots do not traverse the entire length of the pig. A standard-length unit version of the foam pig includes only the first set of slots. A set of shorter, intermediate slots, offset in a circumferential direction from the first and second set of slots and partially overlapping those slots, may be included on the band section. Because of the slots, and because of open cell foam, the foam pig decreases or increases in diameter as it enters a different diameter run than the run just traveled.

Abstract: A method and system of high speed radio frequency communication between an outside of a metallic pipeline or vessel and an interior volume contained by the metallic pipeline or vessel includes passing a high speed radio frequency signal through a communication portal having a high speed radio frequency permittive material exposed to the interior volume of the metallic pipeline and to the outside. The high speed radio frequency signal may be transmitted from the interior volume to the outside or from the outside to the interior volume. The communication portal may be a cylindrical- or planar-shaped body connected to the metallic pipeline. A tool located within the interior volume may transmit, receive, or transmit and receive the high speed radio frequency signal. The high speed radio frequency signal may be configured according to a 2.45 GHz standard protocol.

Abstract: A large-gap-seal (“LGS”) assembly and methods for its assembly and use are described. The LGS assembly has an elastomer core surrounded by adjoining structural segments. Non-adjoining gap segments are located on the sidewall surfaces of the elastomer core, with each gap segment approximately centered beneath the edges of two adjoining structural segments. The gap segments are exposed by the spaces that form between the structural segments when the LGS assembly is activated. Exposing the gap segments rather than the elastomer core protects the elastomer core from damage and preserves the integrity of the seal between the isolation tool and the inner wall of the pipeline.

Abstract: A pig launcher/receiver includes a fluid distribution grid arranged above a floor of the pig launcher/receiver's barrel to define a fluid chamber between the floor and the fluid distribution grid. The distribution grid has a plurality of ports arranged to form jets that discharge at least a portion of the fluid which enters the fluid chamber. A predetermined number of the ports are inclined relative to vertical and in a direction opposite a closure door of the barrel. The fluid distribution grid, which is preferably semi-circular shaped, can be a permanent weldment, bolted on, or removable. When used in launching a pig, the ports provide a differential pressure that lifts the pig and overcomes friction as the pig moves forward. Because a number of the ports are blocked by the sealing elements (cup or disc) of the pipeline pig, the number of pigs residing in the launcher/receiver can be determined.

Abstract: A system and method for non-destructive, in situ, positive material identification of a pipe selects a plurality of test areas that are separated axially and circumferentially from one another and then polishes a portion of each test area. Within each polished area, a non-destructive test device is used to collect mechanical property data and another non-destructive test device is used to collect chemical property data. An overall mean for the mechanical property data, and for the chemical property data, is calculated using at least two data collection runs. The means are compared to a known material standard to determine, at a high level of confidence, ultimate yield strength and ultimate tensile strength within +/?10%, a carbon percentage within +/?25%, and a manganese percentage within +/?20% of a known material standard.

Abstract: A pipeline pig that can traverse dual- or multiple-diameter pipes or pipelines has collapsible and expandable sealing elements that support the pig, provide a sliding (dynamic) seal with the pipe wall, and maintain the necessary pressure for driving or cleaning as the elements collapse and expand. The sealing elements each have an internal cavity sized to house a first volume of a fluid and a reservoir sized to house a second volume of the fluid. The cavity and reservoir are arranged so that a portion of the volumes of the fluid can move between each. An accumulator maintains a pressure of the first and second volumes of the fluid so that regardless of the sealing element's current size, or whether the element is transitioning between sizes, the element can maintain a sliding seal engagement with the pipe wall and perform the primary function of driving or cleaning (or both).

Abstract: This inventions relates to a plugging machine and a rigid tube provided with a stationary disc integral with the bottom of the tube and oriented almost orthogonal to the tube, with a movable disc paired with the stationary disc. A sealing ring of a resilient material is located between the discs and compressed when the movable disc is pressed against the stationary disc to adhere to an inner surface of the pipeline. The sealing ring is coaxial with respect to the pipeline. The movement of the movable disc is determined by raising or lowering a control rod within the tube by means of sloping sliders made in the lower portion of the rod which engage in respective grooves, likewise sloping, made in an axial shank associated with the movable disc and sliding inside an axial opening of the stationary disc. A component of a force is generated which is parallel to the axis of the discs. The axis is raised or lowered by rotation of a threaded ring engaging in a threading mate at the top of the rod.

Abstract: A metal seal fitting for use on a pipe or pipeline includes at least one metal seal ring having a C-profile which houses a spring and is arranged concentric to, and outside of, a tap diameter of the access connection. The seal ring is double-curved so that it conforms to a pipe-facing side of the fitting. A surface of the pipe is prepared to receive the seal and, as the fitting is being secured to the pipe, the seal is activated and spring-energized. In its final sealing state, the seal is not compressed passed its deformation point and maintains its spring-back capability. After the fitting is removed from the pipe, the seal may be re-used. The metal seal fitting is suited for applications requiring a high integrity seal and can be used in high pressure, high temperature, and highly corrosive environments which are not well-suited for elastomeric seals.

Abstract: A system and method for non-destructive, in situ, positive material identification of a pipe selects three test areas that are separated axially and circumferentially from one another and then polishes a portion of each test area. Within each polished area, a non-destructive test device is used to collect mechanical property data and another non-destructive test device is used to collect chemical property data. An overall mean for the mechanical property data, and for the chemical property data, is calculated using at least two data collection runs. The means are compared to a known material standard to determine, at a high level of confidence, ultimate yield strength and ultimate tensile strength within +/?10%, a carbon percentage within +/?25%, and a manganese percentage within +/?20% of a known material standard.

Abstract: This inventions relates to a plugging machine and a rigid tube provided with a stationary disc integral with the bottom of the tube and oriented almost orthogonal to the tube, with a movable disc paired with the stationary disc. A sealing ring of a resilient material is located between the discs and compressed when the movable disc is pressed against the stationary disc to adhere to an inner surface of the pipeline. The sealing ring is coaxial with respect to the pipeline. The movement of the movable disc is determined by raising or lowering a control rod within the tube by means of sloping sliders made in the lower portion of the rod which engage in respective grooves, likewise sloping, made in an axial shank associated with the movable disc and sliding inside an axial opening of the stationary disc. A component of a force is generated which is parallel to the axis of the discs. The axis is raised or lowered by rotation of a threaded ring engaging in a threading mate at the top of the rod.

Abstract: A flow assurance system and method includes procedures to query current valve states and determine the likely effect of new valve states on product flow when using an automated pig launcher. The system and method allows for modulating the mainline bypass valve, kicker valve, and isolation valve between fully opened and fully closed states; prevents flow blocking of the pipeline during this modulation; enables new and different, as well as a broader range of, pig launching options for an automatic pig launcher; and integrates with existing automatic pig launchers.

Abstract: A pipeline pig signal includes sealing means located within a lower end of the trigger cavity of the signal which prevents pipeline debris from entering the trigger cavity. The sealing means moves between a first sealing position and a second sealing position in response to the trigger moving between a non-triggered and triggered position. The sealing means may be a polymer boot, a filter arrangement, a sliding piston arrangement, or a sliding shelf arrangement.

Abstract: A pipeline debris shearing device includes a forwardly positioned, self sharpening, wear compensating, diameter conforming elastomeric member that forms a peeling edge having a negative rake angle to peel away debris from the internal wall of a pipeline. The peeling edge is formed at the point of meeting between a concave-shaped, curved forward face surface and a substantially straight outer peripheral surface. Radial slots may be provided to lessen the force being exerted on the peeling edge and provide for bypass flow to carry away debris removed by the peeling edge. Spaced-apart narrow stripper teeth may be added to help in removing harder deposits of debris. The peeling edge may be arranged substantially perpendicular the central longitudinal axis of the pipeline pig or arranged oblique to it. Further, the peeling edge may spiral about at least a portion of the pipeline pig.

Abstract: A pipeline pig signal includes sealing means located within a lower end of the trigger cavity of the signal which prevents pipeline debris from entering the trigger cavity. The sealing means moves between a first sealing position and a second sealing position in response to the trigger moving between a non-triggered and triggered position. The sealing means may be a polymer boot, a filter arrangement, a sliding piston arrangement, or a sliding shelf arrangement.

Abstract: An improved machine-actuated removable safety closure made according to this invention includes a latch and central hub combination which permits a plug holder to self-align with the drive holes of the closure's cam plate so that an operator can retrieve the closure without having to lean directly over it. A bypass valve interferes with the cam plate when the bypass is in its closed position. This interference prevents the cam plate from actuating the locking leaves. Anti-rotation slots located on the plug body and the flange of the tubular member interlock and prevent rotation of the plug body beyond a certain rotational window during the setting process and when the plug body is in its final sealing position. The latch, along with means to secure the plug holder to the boring bar, allows the holder to be retrieved from the set plug.

Abstract: A pipeline debris shearing device includes a forwardly positioned, self sharpening, wear compensating, diameter conforming elastomeric member that forms a peeling edge having a negative rake angle to peel away debris from the internal wall of a pipeline. The peeling edge is formed at the point of meeting between a concave-shaped, curved forward face surface and a substantially straight outer peripheral surface. Radial slots may be provided to lessen the force being exerted on the peeling edge and provide for bypass flow to carry away debris removed by the peeling edge. Spaced-apart narrow stripper teeth may be added to help in removing harder deposits of debris. The peeling edge may be arranged substantially perpendicular the central longitudinal axis of the pipeline pig or arranged oblique to it. Further, the peeling edge may spiral about at least a portion of the pipeline pig.

Abstract: A pipeline pig signal includes sealing means located within a lower end of the trigger cavity of the signal which prevents pipeline debris from entering the trigger cavity. The sealing means moves between a first sealing position and a second sealing position in response to the trigger moving between a non-triggered and triggered position. The sealing means may be a polymer boot, a filter arrangement, a sliding piston arrangement, or a sliding shelf arrangement.

Abstract: A pipeline inspection tool has an even number “n” of spiraled pole magnets spaced equidistant apart and spanning the length of the tool. Each pole magnet, which preferably has a conformable upper surface, is rotated or spiraled about the tool body so that a second end of each pole magnet is offset a predetermined amount “?” relative to a first end of that same pole magnet. The amount of rotation ? applied to each of the pole magnets produces a magnetic field oblique to the central longitudinal axis of the tool body (and therefore the pipe) and one that covers 360° of the internal wall surface of the pipe. A helical-shaped array of magnetic flux sensors may be arranged about the tool body and substantially equidistant between adjacent pairs of pole magnets. The tool detects axially oriented, circumferentially oriented, and volumetric anomalies and allows for single pass inspection.