Abstract: A method of testing for leaks within substantially the entirety of a piping system of a building or a section thereof. The method comprises isolation of a main of the piping system and removal of the building fixtures. Optionally, a line trace and/or a dye test may be implemented. The method further comprises purging the piping system to at least partially reduce or eliminate entrapped air. The method further comprises sealing the plumbing outlets of the piping system and filling the piping system up to a predetermined elevation above a highest fitting connection or up to the highest serviceable point of the system. The method further comprises inspecting the piping system for leaks after a predetermined period of time, which may be anywhere from immediately after filling the piping system to about twenty minutes thereafter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-crosslinked natural rubber latex composition for an inflatable stopper comprising a homogeneous mixture of: a) natural rubber latex; b) a surfactant; c) an amine based chemical antiozonant; d) possibly ammonia and preferably e) single or double wall electrically conductive nanotubes. The invention furthermore relates to an ozone resistant inflatable stopper comprising non-crosslinked natural rubber latex and fiber reinforcement, the rubber having an ozone resistance according to ISO 1431/1 at 50 pphm concentration ozone at 23±2° C., for the time frame of 48 hours, atmospheric humidity of 55% and strain static exposure of 20% and preferably a surface resistivity lower than 100 G? according to DIN EN 60079-32-2 and DVGW G 5621-3 (VP) measured at 1000 V and a maximum relative humidity of 30%.

Abstract: A seal system for sealing a hole in a conduit. The seal system includes an expandable seal that transitions from a contracted state to an expanded state. In the expanded state the expandable seal contacts an interior surface of the conduit around a hole. An expander is inserted into the expandable seal to transition the expandable seal from the contracted state to the expanded state. A sensor emits a first signal indicative of the hole in the conduit. A controller couples to the sensor and detects a location of the hole in response to the first signal emitted by the sensor.

Abstract: A system for stopping flow in a pipe with a plug positioned in the pipe to allow for repairs of the pipe. The plug comprises a body with an inflatable or compressible member, and a cap and connector valve on the body. An inflation line with a coupling connects to the valve for blocking off and sealing a damaged area of the pipe. An inflation line is used to deposit and retrieve the plug within the pipe before and after a repair is made.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shutting off or stopping fluid flow through a pipe are provided. An inflatable bag stopper assembly is inserted through an opening into the pipe. The assembly includes one or more inflatable bags with each inflatable bag having a check valve positioned at an inlet. In inflatable bag stopper assemblies of two or more inflatable bags, the inflatable bags are connected in series. The inflatable bag stopper assembly is inflated such that the inflatable bag or bags act or serve to obstruct, block, close, or otherwise effectively foreclose passage of the fluid through the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid control device (500) for treating a well, said device comprising: a piston (550) translatably mounted in said chamber (320) and releasable immobilization means (900) capable of rupturing, on which, in an initial state, one end (552) of the piston (550) comes into abutment and which, in an initial position, close the pipe associated with the annular space (350), the immobilization means (900) being releasable under the influence of the fluid pressure in the chamber (320) which is equal to the fluid pressure in the liner (100), a closure member (514) translatably mounted in said chamber (320), configured to open or close the communication pipe (316) with the inside of the casing (200), said closure member being, in the initial state, in contact with another end (554) of the piston (550) which holds it in the open position.

Abstract: A leak-sealing device for sealing a leak in a container, a tank and/or a pipe includes a housing-type carrier unit, at least one expandable sealing member provided on an end region of the carrier unit, which does not expand, or only a little, in the storage position thereof, and at least one fluid connection and/or at least one fluid-release unit which is coupled to the carrier unit in such a way that, during the supply of fluid, the leak-sealing member is at least partially filled and expanded with the fluid in the sealing position thereof by means of a fluid supply. A method for sealing a leak using the leak-sealing device and to a system including the leak-sealing device and a fluid-supply device utilizes a release unit for fluid release.

Abstract: A valve replacement device is disclosed. An example valve replacement device includes a body configured to thread onto a valve, and an insertion tube movable through the body. A seal is provided between the insertion tube and the body. The seal enables the insertion tube to be moved through the body while at least partially retaining a fluid within a portion of the body. A balloon is provided on the insertion tube. The balloon is configured to be inflated and deflated through the insertion tube. The balloon is inflated to retain a fluid within the tank while the existing valve is removed from the tank and replaced. The balloon is deflated and removed after replacement of the existing valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-crosslinked natural rubber latex composition for an inflatable stopper comprising a homogeneous mixture of: a) natural rubber latex; b) a surfactant; c) an amine based chemical antiozonant; d) possibly ammonia and preferably e) single or double wall electrically conductive nanotubes. The invention furthermore relates to an ozone resistant inflatable stopper comprising non-crosslinked natural rubber latex and fiber reinforcement, the rubber having an ozone resistance according to ISO 1431/1 at 50 pphm concentration ozone at 23±2° C., for the time frame of 48 hours, atmospheric humidity of 55% and strain static exposure of 20% and preferably a surface resistivity lower than 100 G? according to DIN EN 60079-32-2 and DVGW G 5621-3 (VP) measured at 1000 V and a maximum relative humidity of 30%.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating the interior surface and exterior wall conditions of a pipeline while also dynamically installing a repair coating in a pipeline, such as an underground water pipeline. The system is towed into the pipeline and drawn back therethrough. As the system is drawn back, one module in the system evaluates the surface condition of the interior of the pipe and another module evaluates the structural condition of the wall of the pipe. Based on the evaluation data obtained from the two modules an epoxy material is applied to the interior surface of the pipe using a spin cast machine that is drawn behind the two modules. Preferably, a layer of epoxy is applied to the interior surface of the host pipe to the appropriate thickness based on the pipe condition as determined by the two modules.

Abstract: An in situ launch system for an underground gas main stop-off station includes: an outer launch tube having a distal lower end and a proximal upper end; a transition fitting having a proximal end fitted to the distal end of the outer launch tube with a gas tight seal, and a distal end; the distal end of the transition fitting having external threads having a first nominal dimension, and internal threads having a second nominal dimension; and a completion plug threaded into the internal threads of the transition fitting.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a system and a method for sealing at least one opening of a wellbore equipment arranged in a wellbore of a subterranean formation in order to improve the recovery of formation fluids and/or gases. The method includes the steps of positioning a metal patch between the wellbore equipment and a shock wave generation device. The metal patch faces the at least one opening to be sealed and the method further including generating, using a shock wave generation device, at least one electrical discharge into said wellbore in order to propagate toward said metal patch at least one shock wave adapted to deform and fix the metal patch onto the wellbore equipment, sealing therefore the at least one opening.

Abstract: A pipe pulling technique where an adaptor is attached to the end of the pipe prior to the pipe being pulled underground, for example through a drilled hole. Attaching the adaptor to the pipe end prior to the pipe being pulled underground is faster and reduces danger to workers compared to the conventional process of attaching the adaptor to the end of the pipe after the pipe has been pulled underground.

Abstract: An isolation tool for providing a sealing barrier extending transversely across the bore for isolating a section of the bore during replacement of a pipe section includes: front and back plates and a central annular ring for securing front and back seal elements in position, preventing them from dislodging into the internal tool cavity; moveable gripper inserts which are tightened against the inner surface of various diameters of pipe to hold the tool stationary during operation; and support leg assemblies which assist tool installation, centering, and removal. The back plate defines multiple port connections. Engraved, brightly painted indicia corresponding to a torque and tightening sequence improve visibility in darkness. The tool is electronically monitored by a separate enhanced monitoring unit.

Abstract: An isolation tool for positioning in a pipe bore and providing a sealing barrier extending transversely across the pipe bore for isolating a section of the bore during replacement of a pipe section includes: a pair of identical inflatable seals positioned in the tool mid-section by an annular subassembly which secures the seals in position, preventing them from dislodging into the internal tool cavity. Having inflatable seals allows flexibility since the tool can be used within a greater range of pipe diameters. The tool “self-centers” within the pipe in its proper position as gas is pumped into both seals simultaneously through a single gas inlet of a shared plumbing assembly, thereby enabling quick installation and removal. Moveable gripper inserts are tightened against the inner pipe surface to hold the tool stationary. Support leg assemblies assist tool installation and removal. The back plate defines multiple port connections. The tool is electronically monitored by a separate enhanced monitoring unit.

Abstract: A damper assembly for minimizing heat loss through an exhaust includes a housing mounted within the stack and a bladder received within the housing. The bladder is selectively movable between a first position in which the bladder is deflated and received within the housing, and second position in which the bladder is positioned outside the housing and inflated such that a peripheral surface of the bladder contacts an interior sidewall of the stack to create a gas seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intervention method for acting on the wall of a fluid pipeline by using a tool comprising a pipe segment and at least first means for creating sealing and second means for creating sealing, the method comprising a step of moving the tool inside the pipeline until the pipe segment is positioned facing a zone of the wall of said pipeline, the method further comprising a step of creating sealing upstream and downstream from said zone respectively by using the first and second means for creating sealing so as to seal off an outer portion of a segment of the pipeline around said zone, followed by a step of acting on said zone of the wall.

Abstract: A flow restriction device for restricting flow through a conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulation device for wells by controlled supply of the internal volume of an expandable sleeve placed on a casing, comprising a non-return valve placed in a passage which connects the internal volumes of the casing and of the sleeve and a three-way valve which switches a single time between an initial state in which a link connects the internal volumes of the casing and of the sleeve to expand the sleeve and a final state in which the link between the internal volumes of the casing and of the sleeve is interrupted, whereas a link is set up between the internal volume of the sleeve and an annular volume of the well, the three-way valve and the non-return valve forming, after switching, two non-return valves mounted in series and in opposite directions on the passage connecting the internal volumes of the casing and of the sleeve.

Abstract: An inflatable connector comprising a bladder having at least two pipe securing areas formed as at least two separate cylindrical voids, respectively, in said bladder, wherein said at least two separate cylindrical voids are completely separated by a portion of said bladder and are configured to at least partially encompass at least two pipe portions, respectively, wherein said bladder is configured, when deflated, to enable insertion of said at least two pipe portions into said at least two pipe securing areas, respectively, and wherein said bladder is configured, when inflated, to secure said at least two pipe portions in said at least two pipe securing areas, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for an upstream pipe plug that includes a first bulkhead, a second bulkhead, a vent pipe engaged to the second bulkhead, and an insertion pipe engaged to the second bulkhead.

Abstract: A liner assembly for a pipeline section having at least one junction with a lateral pipe, the liner assembly comprises an outer tubular liner having an opening therein generally coinciding in position with each junction when the liner assembly is positioned with the pipeline section and an inner malleable inflatable bladder assembly positioned longitudinally within the tubular liner, said bladder assembly being inhibited from over-expanding during positioning and inflation of the liner assembly within the pipeline section.

Abstract: A high altitude balloon including a payload, a balloon film with lifting gas disposed within the balloon film, a sealing ring operably coupled to the balloon film, a retention element configured to retain the payload in contact with the sealing ring, and a release element configured to cause the retention element to release the payload.

Abstract: Sewer gas sampling and analyzing devices include a dish-shaped manhole insert having a manhole insert interior and a manhole insert exterior outside the manhole insert interior; a manhole insert vent valve carried by the manhole insert, the manhole insert vent valve having a valve inlet disposed in fluid communication with the manhole insert exterior and a valve outlet and the manhole insert vent valve facilitates substantially unrestricted flow of gas from the valve inlet to the valve outlet; and a gas detector unit disposed in fluid communication with the valve outlet of the manhole insert vent valve. Sewer gas sampling and analyzing methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A varnishing plant comprising: a platform on which a plurality of work stations are defined, each of which is adapted to receive a vehicle, a spray booth movable on the platform and positionable on each of said work stations, and an air supply and extraction system associated with the spray booth, wherein said air supply and extraction system comprises a fresh air intake duct and a polluted air exhaust duct, stationary and communicating with an external environment, wherein the polluted air exhaust duct communicates with air suction volumes located below said platform, wherein said fresh air intake duct has a plurality of openings located at respective work stations, and wherein the spray booth comprises a fresh air suction mouth selectively connectable to the opening located at the work station on which the spray booth is located.

Abstract: A system for flushing a toilet having a pump in fluid communication with a floatable, adjustably buoyant container by being connected with a tube to such floatable, adjustably buoyant container. The floatable, adjustably buoyant container is located inside the water tank of a toilet having a flapper covering the discharge hole in the tank of the toilet and is attached to such flapper. The pump provides a fluid less dense than water to the floatable, adjustably buoyant container and thereby raise the flapper and allow water to proceed through the discharge hole. When the fluid is allowed to leave the floatable, adjustably buoyant container, the flapper is lowered and again seals the discharge hole. An optional embodiment withdraws fluid from a normally inflated resilient container seated within the discharge hole to diminish the size of such normally inflated resilient container and thereby permit water to flow through the discharge hole.

Abstract: A medical system for the treatment of morbid obesity comprising an inflatable balloon implanted in a gastric cavity, a percutaneous fillant delivery tube and a control module connected to the tube for regulating the inflation and deflation of the balloon. The balloon may be individually contoured and inflated to occupy a large volume of the gastric cavity to provide a feeling of satiety. The balloon may also be deflated to give the gastric cavity lining a rest during less critical time.

Abstract: A pipe coupling has an outer shell with a flexible inner liner therein. The liner is secured to the shell by a clamping arrangement, which uses inner rings at the ends of the shell and an inner ring intermediate of the ends. The inner rings are hydraulically expanded out to the shell to form a seal between the shell and the liner at the ends and to retain the liner to the shell at the intermediate ring. In use, compressed fluid is provided to cavities between the liner and the shell to force the liner to seal against a pipe joint. The intermediate inner ring prevents the intermediate portion of the liner from expanding into the pipe joint. A protective handle is provided.

Abstract: A system for sealing a leak within a pipeline for transporting fluid includes a sealing device that is deployable to seal the leak. The sealing device includes a flexible wall formed into a substantially tubular shape defining an opening, and an internal frame coupled to the flexible wall and configured to control a movement of the flexible wall by applying a force to the flexible wall, wherein the movement of the flexible wall moves the sealing device through the pipeline. The system also includes a sensor assembly configured to monitor a pipeline condition and send a signal representing the pipeline condition, and a control module configured to receive the signal and control the force applied by the internal frame based on the signal.

Abstract: The subject matter relates a catheter having a helical or spiral tip defining an aspiration port for removing obstructions from blood vessels.

Abstract: There is disclosed a deployable plug system having an elongated handle assembly with a hollow conduit, a distal end with a conduit connector in fluid communication with the conduit and a hinge assembly having a handle mounting body, and a proximal end. A gas control valve is affixed to the handle assembly at the proximal end, is configured to receive pressurized gas from a source of pressurized gas, and has a valve trigger which selectively applies pressurized gas from the source of pressurized gas to the conduit. The deployable plug system also has a bladder assembly having a bladder mounting body removably connectable to the handle mounting body, a bladder attached to the bladder mounting body, a check valve assembly for allowing pressurized gas from the conduit to enter the bladder, and a check valve assembly connector that selectively connects the check valve assembly to the conduit connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing element (10) to be mounted on a plugging head (76). The plugging head (76) is introduced into an access opening in the pipeline (70) or pipe (70). The pressurizable sealing element (10) delimits at least one pressurizable cavity (22, 92) with an inner surface (78), and seals an inner wall (74) of the pipeline (70) or pipe (70) with a generated surface (16, 40, 46, 48) when a pressure pi is applied to the cavity (22, 92).

Abstract: A method of isolating a section of pipe includes the steps of locating a seal unit having two seal elements in a pipe via a penetration in the pipe, such as a branch or tee. The seal unit is then positioned in the pipe downstream of the penetration. The seal elements are activated using a primary activation mechanism to engage the pipe wall and then maintained in an activated condition using a secondary activation mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is a deployable culvert plug system having an elongated handle assembly with a hollow conduit, a distal end with a junction block in fluid communication with the conduit and a hinge assembly having a handle mounting plate, and a proximal end having a handle and a gas control valve for retaining a removable gas cylinder containing a pressurized gas. The gas control valve has valve trigger which selectively applies pressurized gas to the conduit. A bladder assembly having a bladder mounting plate is removably connected to the handle mounting plate, a bladder is attached to the bladder mounting plate, a check valve assembly allows pressurized gas to enter the bladder, and a hose selectively connects the check valve assembly to the junction block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing device designed for sealing a fuel inlet opening of an aircraft engine and to an aircraft engine provided with such a sealing device. The invention further relates to a method for sealing a fuel inlet opening of an aircraft engine.

Abstract: An inflatable plug assembly includes a first inflatable plug, a second inflatable plug, and a first mount coupled to the first inflatable plug. The first mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the first inflatable plug. The inflatable plug assembly also includes a second mount coupled to the second inflatable plug. The second mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the second inflatable plug. The second mount is secured to the first mount. The first inflatable plug and the second inflatable plug are independently inflatable.

Abstract: The invention herein presented involves two (2) alternative equipment and methods which could be used independently or together, depending on the application and means available to have them implemented, for plugging or stopping active flow of fluid from a damaged or broken pipeline, said pipeline possibly being located at depths of thousands of feet in ocean water.

Abstract: A bladder assembly including a body, a bladder received in the body, the bladder defining an internal volume and including an annular sealing bead, the sealing bead defining an opening into the internal volume, and a sealing member including a shaft having a first end and a second end, and an engagement portion connected proximate the second end, the sealing member being partially received within the internal volume and being moveable between at least a first position, wherein the engagement portion is spaced from the sealing bead, and a second position, wherein the sealing bead is compressed between the engagement portion and the body.

Abstract: A valve isolation tool for insertion through a vent duct and vent duct valve of a gas flow duct. The isolation tool includes an outer tube having proximal and distal ends, the outer tube having a diameter sized to extend through the vent duct and blocking valve. An inner tube having proximal and distal ends is arranged coaxially with and movable within the outer tube. An inflatable balloon is attached to the distal end of the inner tube, wherein the isolation tool outer tube is insertable through the vent duct to an opening in the gas flow duct. The inner tube is slidably insertable through the outer tube until the balloon is situated within a bore formed through the gas flow duct and is inflatable therein to block any gas leak through the gas flow duct.

Abstract: An inflatable device for blocking a chimney flue or other duct is in the form of a plastics bag 1 having an inflation tube 2 that opens through the wall of the bag 1 into a flexible, tubular sleeve 4 that is sealed circumferentially to the bag-wall at each of its opposite ends 5,6 within the bag 1. The sleeve 4 is vented into the bag 1 via diametrically-opposed apertures 7 mid-way between its ends 5,6 so that on inflation of the bag 1 the sleeve 4 limits distention of the bag 1 longitudinally of the sleeve 4 to a flatish form. The bag 1 is constructed of two plastics sheets 8,9 that are sealed together in a peripheral rim 10 with the two ends 5,6 of the sleeve 4 sealed centrally to the two sheets 8,9 respectively, and with an open end of the inflation tube 2 sealed through the bag-wall centrally within one end 5 of the sleeve 4. The rim 10 of the bag 1 is bowed inwardly to allow for limited ventilation of the otherwise-blocked chimney flue or duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluid flow control, including flow stoppage, in a pipe having a saddle fitting with an axially extending outer launch tube and a coaxially aligned inner launch tube longitudinally split into two inner launch tube halves disposed within the axially extending outer launch tube. At least one inflatable flow stopper bag is disposed within the inner launch tube for stopping flow of a fluid through the pipe with which the saddle fitting is connected. An inner launch tube control rod for manipulating each of the inner launch tube halves during the inflatable stopper insertion and removal processes is connected with each of the inner launch tube halves, and a flow stopper bag control rod for manipulating the inflatable flow stoppers is connected with each of the inflatable flow stopper bags.

Abstract: A leaking block valve isolation tool for insertion through a vent duct and blocking valve of a gas flow duct. The isolation tool includes an outer tube having proximal and distal ends, the outer tube having a diameter sized to extend through the vent duct and blocking valve. An inner tube having proximal and distal ends is arranged coaxially with and movable within the outer tube. An inflatable balloon is attached to the distal end of the inner tube, wherein the isolation tool outer tube is insertable through the vent duct to an opening in the gas flow duct. The inner tube is slidably insertable through the outer tube until the balloon is situated within a bore formed through the gas flow duct and is inflatable therein to block any gas leak through the gas flow duct.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods of use of a plug assembly are disclosed herein. The plug assembly includes an expandable plug for use with a pipe having an annular wall defining an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface.

Abstract: An inflatable plug assembly includes a first inflatable plug, a second inflatable plug, and a first mount coupled to the first inflatable plug. The first mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the first inflatable plug. The inflatable plug assembly also includes a second mount coupled to the second inflatable plug. The second mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the second inflatable plug. The second mount is secured to the first mount. The first inflatable plug and the second inflatable plug are independently inflatable.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein disclose a system and a method for regulating a flow of fluid stream in fluid storage and dispensing systems. The system comprising a valve arrangement including a compressed air unit bloated by a connecting air inlet tube, a frame and a valve elevating means to mount the valve arrangement on the frame, several sensors to detect one crisis factor, a communication unit, a data logger and processing unit, a remote management system and several actuators to regulate the operation of the valve arrangement. The valve arrangement shuts down the outflow of fluid stream on receiving a valve shutdown signal from one of the sensors and data processing unit in case of a crisis detection. The data processing unit informs the remote management system to take adequate safety measures through the communication unit.

Abstract: A tubular assembly to engage a leaking pipe under water includes an insert, a triangular shaped front guide, an outer annular sleeve, and a fluid supply assembly. The insert is hallow, tubular in shape and construction, and includes a first end, second end and an exterior surface containing a plurality of inflatable bladders and flanges. The front guide attaches to the first end of the insert, and includes a retarder tube to collect fluid from the leaking pipe. The outer annular sleeve is sized to surround both the insert and the leaking pipe, and includes retaining bolts capable of engaging the leaking pipe. The fluid supply assembly fills each inflatable bladder and includes a supply line, a distribution tube, a plurality of feed lines that communicates with each inflatable bladder via an injector, and check valves placed between each inflatable bladder and each feed line.

Abstract: An expandable cap system includes a guide line having a pump at one end and an expandable cap device at the other end. The guide line acts to supply a material capable of creating a plug at one end of the damaged pipe thereby preventing oil or other line contents from entering the pipe at the source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating a section of sewer line. In one embodiment, a chamber is provided that extends into the ground and intersects a sewer pipe. Thereafter, the fluid in the sewer pipe is exposed to an interior of the chamber and a dam is placed in the chamber to isolate an upstream portion of the chamber from a downstream portion. As fluid collects in the upstream side of the chamber, at least one pump is used to control the fluid level in the upstream portion by transferring the fluid from the chamber to a predetermined, remote location.

Abstract: An inflatable plug assembly includes a first inflatable plug, a second inflatable plug, and a first mount coupled to the first inflatable plug. The first mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the first inflatable plug. The inflatable plug assembly also includes a second mount coupled to the second inflatable plug. The second mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the second inflatable plug. The second mount is secured to the first mount. The first inflatable plug and the second inflatable plug are independently inflatable.

Abstract: A bladder system and method for reinforcing at least a portion of a structural member, including a flexible barrier member for dividing at least a portion of the structural member being reinforced into one or more sections; and a reinforcement material for filling one or more sections bounded by the flexible barrier member. The reinforcement material filling one or more sections of the structural member can be a pumpable polymeric material, and the flexible barrier member can be a polymeric material.