Abstract: The method comprises the steps of: digging out a continuous groove (13) in the wall of the tubing at the location of the tapping point to be made, said groove being slightly shallower than the thickness of the wall, thereby leaving a membrane (14) of metal at the bottom of the groove between the inside of the tubing and the outside atmosphere; placing a sealed isolation unit on the tubing, said unit covering a wide area which is at least equal to the area delimited by the groove; breaking the metal membrane so as to make an opening in the wall of the tubing; removing the cut out portion of the wall; welding on a blind tail pipe; and removing the sealed isolation unit. The invention also provides a groove-digging device, and a membrane-breaking punch device (600).

Abstract: A conduit closure apparatus, e.g.

Abstract: A valve which can be inserted in an existing pipe or similar line without disconnection of the line. The valve is separable into two halves which are clamped around the line. The valve handle is then rotated to drive a cutter through the line, and to position an expandable seal across the line bore. Flow through the pipe is thus terminated to enable downstream repairs or installation of new equipment. Retraction of the seal and cutter opens the valve to reinitiate fluid flow, and the valve can thereafter be used as a conventional shutoff valve, as well as providing an auxiliary "T" connection to the line if desired.

Abstract: A safety valve adapted to be mounted on a submerged section of oil well pipe for sealing the pipe if an oil leak occurs in the pipe above the valve location. The valve includes a collar rotatably mounted on the pipe and is located between a pair of positioning blocks attached to the pipe. The collar forms a liquid tight chamber extending on diametrical opposite sides of the pipe. A circular cutting blade is slidably rotatably mounted in one side of the chamber and has an operating shaft which extends outwardly through an end wall opening formed in the collar. The blade is rotated by external means applied to the end of the operating shaft and cuts a hole in the wall of the pipe. A plug is slidably rotatably mounted in the opposite side of the chamber from the cutting blade and has a shaft which extends outwardly through another end wall opening formed in the collar. The collar is rotated 180.degree.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a shut-off device 9 laterally into a pipe via a branch 48 which is inclined at an obtuse angle to the pipe, comprises a housing 1 for connection at one end to the branch and containing a first carriage 6 which is movable relative to the housing to a forward position projecting from the housing into the pipe and includes a receptacle for the shut-off device and a guide member 8 for guiding the shut-off device out of the receptacle, a second carriage 10 which is movable relative to the first carriage and is connected to the shut-off device by an insertion jack 13, and displacement means for first moving the first carriage to its forward position, the second carriage moving with the first carriage, and for then moving the second carriage relative to the first carriage to move the shut-off device out of its receptacle further into the pipe, the insertion jack finally being operated to move the shut-off device into position in the pipe.

Abstract: An improved plug mechanism for use with a wellhead tool for removing and replacing valves on an operating wellhead under pressure including an elongated housing with a fluid coupling on one end for connecting to the outlet end of a wellhead valve and a plug mechanism extending from the housing through the valve into the wellhead where it seals fluid flow to the valve. The plug mechanism includes an expandable sealing element and an improved latch mechanism including a plurality of ball bearings which are extendable and retractable from the plug mechanism to secure it solidly within the bore of the wellhead upstream of the valve to be removed. The housing is equipped with an operating mechanism to expand and retract the sealing member and to engage and release the ball bearings. The plug mechanism further includes an improved self-alignment feature to ease attachment of the operating mechanism to the plug mechanism once the plug mechanism has been secured within the bore of the wellhead.

Abstract: A header or other pipe under pressure which is blanked at its terminal end by a closure plate is extended without the need of a shutdown or the construction of bypass piping. In a series of steps in the method disclosed, alternate bolts in the ring of bolts holding the closure plate to the annular flange of the existing pipe are variously repositioned or replaced to accomodate the construction of the extension while maintaining an adequate seal to prevent the escape of the pressurized fluid in the pipe. A structure which is installed as a product of this method and an apparatus used in this installation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orifice meter including a carrier, which is movable between two parallel body walls while maintaining sealing engagement therewith. In one position it seals around the pipeline flow passage, and in a second position it seals around an orifice disc service opening in one of the body plates. A small, axially movable valve plug in the body plate adjacent the service opening is operative in one position to equalize the pressure in the space within the carrier seals with the rest of the valve body and in a second position to vent that space to atmosphere. Interengaging means on the valve plug and a rotatable closure for the service opening prevent removal of the closure unless the valve plug is in its venting position. The valve plug has two annular grooves, each carrying an O-ring to seal against inner surfaces of axially aligned inner equalizing passage and outer vent passage. A transfer duct opens from between the two passages to the space within the service opening.

Abstract: An end cap particularly adapted for capping an arch conduit is provided. The end cap is comprised of an arch body including opposed arcuate side walls integrally joined together at an apex area. Opposed arcuate end walls are integrally joined at the terminal ends of the side walls and the apex area. A plurality of protruding ribs are disposed circumferentially of the end cap and are interrupted at the apex area to provide a relatively smooth, non-ribbed area. The ribs taper towards the apex area and towards rounded base areas of the side walls.

Abstract: A closure plug assembly for the pressure testing of liquid drain and vent plumbing systems including a T or Y test section with a test opening comprises a cap sub-assembly, sealing means for releasably securing the cap sub-assembly across the test opening, and a plug such as an inflatable bulb or plate removably insertable in the plumbing system adjacent the test opening for test-damming the flow of liquid upstream therefrom. Link means is connected to the plug for removing the same at the conclusion of the test operation. A valved port in the cap is used for filling the plumbing system with test liquid under pressure during a testing operation.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve system for sealing off the flow of a liquid at the intersection of two pipes, one of the pipes being vertically disposed with respect to the other pipe. A sensing probe senses liquid at a pre-established height in the vertically disposed height which signals a control system to activate the pneumatic valve system. An expandable, inflatable bladder is positioned from the vertically disposed pipe into the second pipe and is inflated, thereby sealing off the flow of liquid past the bladder. When normal fluid flow is to return, the bladder is deflated and positioned back into its original position within the vertically disposed pipe.

Abstract: A combination reheater isolation device and chemical connector is provided which is particularly adapted for use on lines leading to and from the reheater in a boiler-turbine plant system wherein the device can be used under normal system working conditions as a normal T-type fitting, wherein it can be modified to accept a chemical connector attachment for use in chemical cleaning and flushing and wherein the device also serves as an isolation device for hydrotest purposes. The device of the present invention employs relatively few parts and these are rugged and easy to assemble and disassemble.

Abstract: The wall of a pipe is prepared for a subsequent cutting operation by a double-edged shear plate, by cutting axially spaced circumferential notches in such wall with a flexible strand cutter capable of operating in the limited confines of a housing designed in the rectangular pattern of the shear plate. The flexible strand cutter advantageously employs roller cutters on a power transmission type chain which is tensioned against and moved circumferentially over the wall of the pipeline.

Abstract: A hollow tubular body is welded to a distribution pipeline in surrounding relation with a cut-out portion of the pipeline. A plug assembly is inserted through an opened gate valve attached to the tubular body and into engagement with the tubular body. The gate valve is removed and an operator device is attached to the plug assembly. The plug assembly includes an expandable portion and an insert portion. The expandable portion includes an enlarged first chamber and a reduced second chamber. A plug assembly guide is positioned between the expandable portion and the insert portion. A nonrising actuating stem is rotated to nonrotatably move the plug assembly guide to advance the expandable portion through the tubular body and the cut-out portion to a position abutting the bottom of the pipeline for expansion of the expandable portion.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted to be retrofitted on an existing live pipeline to plug off and isolate a section of the pipe while maintaining flow through an associated bypass circuit. The disclosed apparatus includes a housing to be secured around the pipe and elements operable in the housing to cut into the pipe and establish a closed flow path between one section of the pipe and the exterior of the housing while isolating such flow from a work chamber within the housing and remaining sections of the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for plugging a pressure piping system includes one or more segments that may be positioned in the system to hold a plug therein. Each segment is held in position by a holding assembly including a plunger slideably mounted within the apparatus and actuable to move the segments to a position for engaging and locking the plug in place. A pin or similar member may be employed to affix the segment to the plunger, and an actuator is threadably mounted within the apparatus and used to adjust the position of the plunger. In the preferred embodiment, the actuator is coupled to the plunger by a threaded stud, with the threads of the actuator and of the stud being cut in opposite directions. The stud threadably engages the plunger such that rotation of the actuator activates the plunger toward and away from the segment.

Abstract: A temporary pipeline capping unit wherein the unit is permanently attached over an opening in a pipeline and includes a capped branch line nipple and an internal element isolating the branch line nipple from the pipeline opening whereby a branch line can be connected to the pipeline by uncapping the branch line nipple and attaching the branch line to this nipple. The internal element is forced by the fluid pressure in the pipeline to a position communicating the subsequently installed branch line with the pipeline opening.

Abstract: An emergency pipeline shut-off apparatus for interpositioning within a fluid transmitting pipe circuit in which a resilient plug stopper is capable of alternative placement between an open and closed position to allow or block passage of the fluid respectively. Remote stopper activation elements cooperate with control members and locking features to position the stopper in the desired open or closed configuration followed by the automatic locking of the stopper in that particular position. The remote stopper control device can be expressly reactivated to be withdrawn from its locked position.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for restricting fluid flow in a pipeline by inflation of an expandable flexible sleeve which is attached to a plug having a through hole for the inflation fluid. Several embodiments of flow restrictor cartridges are disclosed including cartridges having retainer arms which pivot outwardly against the interior wall of the pipeline restricting the axial expansion of the flexible sleeve upon inflation, thereby providing higher pressurization of the flexible sleeve for use in pipelines of pressures up to about 100 psi. The flow restrictor cartridges may be used in combination with an insertion assembly and by placement of a boring tip on the flow restrictor cartridge may be used with a disclosed cartridge insertion tool providing reduced loss of pipeline contents upon boring a hole in the pipeline followed by insertion and inflation of the flexible sleeve for restricting fluid flow in the pipe.

Abstract: The device includes a main flow control valve and associated packings designed for effective operation under extreme conditions associated with the pumping of high viscosity asphaltic crude wherein the formation includes toxic gases, and where the formation is produced using steam flooding techniques. The main valve seat and the associated valve closure, consisting of a reciprocating ram and packing plug, are coaxial with the pump polished rod. The valve seat includes tapered walls defining a shoulder which partially confronts the ram plug; and the ram plug is formed of a compressible material formed to the shape of the valve seat. The packing plug is retained on the end of the ram by axial tie rods and a retaining ring, which ring may engage the valve seat shoulder to effect axial compression of the packing plug between the retaining ring and ram face, and consequent radial expansion into sealing engagement.

Abstract: A plug for obturating the lift hole of poured concrete drain pipes or conduits. The plug, preferably made of a plastic molding, comprises a generally thin head in the form of a plate and a shank projecting from the lower surface of the plate. The shank has at least two substantially thin fins extending radially from a common centerline, each having a lateral edge engageable with the rim of the hole obturated by the plug. Preferably, the shank is cruciform and is provided with three or more fins.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pressure plug for sealing a service valve fitting aperture in a fully pressurized fluid transmission pipeline to enable service valve fittings to be replaced without interrupting the flow of fluid in the transmission pipeline.The plug, which is located below an elongated main shaft, is comprised of spaced apart cap members having a compressible or resilient material there-between and an inner shaft extending longitudinally through the central axis of the plug so that when a nut associated with the inner shaft and plug is tightened it expands the plug making it larger in diameter than the service valve fitting aperture in the pressurized pipeline. The fluid pressure forces it against the inner wall of the pipeline, thus sealing the aperture.

Abstract: A connection valve for connecting together and disconnecting a tank and a hose without wastage or spillage. A first housing part has a duct containing a slidable piston and communicating with at least one connection socket. A second part has a throughbore, a socket coaxial with the duct, a plug for sealing said socket, and a locking device for locking the plug in a sealing position. An axial drawing means is provided for pressing a surface of rotation of the plug against a mating surface of the piston.

Abstract: An apparatus for plugging a pipeline through a side opening and arranged such that the sealing portion may be removed and a rotary brush substituted to effect initial cleaning of pipeline should that be desired. The apparatus includes a bell-type housing which is arranged for mounting over the side opening in a pipeline to form a fluid tight chamber therewith so that the cleaning and plugging operation can be carried out while fluid pressure is present in the pipeline. The apparatus includes a drive stem which extends into the chamber through a ball and socket coupling provided in the upper part of the housing which permits articulation of the drive stem. The drive stem has supported on the lower end thereof a plug assembly which is adapted for insertion into the pipeline for effecting the seal. The plug assembly includes an annular cup-shaped seal having an annular lip which is sized for easy insertion into the pipeline at a point axially adjacent to the side opening.

Abstract: An orifice fitting mechanism for pipeline flow measurement systems includes a fabricated body structure that is so fabricated that internal and external body plate connection welds may be effectively utilized in order that the body structure will have sufficient structural integrity to withstand the forces of high pressure service. Internal and external welding of the body plates is enhanced through the provision of internal hub rings that define portions of the internal through conduit structure of the body and also define a properly oriented transverse opening that effectively receives an orifice plate carrier assembly in sealed relation therein. The hub rings also provide for close positioning of pressure tap passages as desired for accurate flow measurement. A replaceable valve support mechanism is employed allowing the slide valve system of the orifice fitting to be field replaceable without requiring replacement of either of the upper or lower body sections.

Abstract: A tool for removing and replacing wing valves or master valves on an operating wellhead under pressure includes an elongated housing with a fluid coupling on one end for connecting to the outlet end of a wellhead valve and a packing assembly extending from the housing through the valve into the wellhead where it seals fluid flow to the valve. A latch on the packing assembly is used to secure it in the wellhead. The housing is equipped with a manipulator to expand and retract the packing and to engage and release the latch. An auxiliary reaming tool is provided for mounting with the manipulator and inserting through the valve to smooth the bore of a wellhead conduit if necessary prior to inserting the packing assembly into the conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus for altering flow in an existing pipeline, including a shear and first actuator means for cutting transversely through the pipe wall and independent second actuator means for moving a surface associated with the shear into engagement with a sealing surface surrounding the pipe. The shear operates through a rotary valve element, mounted directly in a body of a housing surrounding the pipe. Channels encircling the shear sealing surfaces and rotary valve element distribute sealant between the respective mating surfaces to assure a fluidtight assembly. Fluid circulates through a chamber carried on the housing to isolate the first shear actuator means from the pipeline fluid. In a variant of the invention, a flapper plate valve replaces the rotary valve element where the pipe size is relatively large.

Abstract: The invention incorporates a combination tubular member seal enclosing and enclosure releasing apparatus having an elastomeric sealing means with interior and exterior edges. The exterior edge is disposed around one end of the tubular member for sealing across the interior of the tubular member. First and second flange members define a housing for securement of the interior edge of the sealing means and are circumferentially extendible within the tubular member. First and second seal extending means have an end secured to a respective flange member. Piston means which are telescopically operational include a piston housing having a port therein and a piston element slidably disposed with respect to the housing. One of the seal extending means has another end thereof which is engaged with one of the piston housing and the piston element while the other of the seal extending means has another end thereof engaged with the other of the piston housing and the piston element.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to move a fitting relative to a hole provided through the wall of a water main or the like. The apparatus includes a housing provided with an internal chamber communicating with the atmosphere through two openings. The housing is mounted on the water main such that a marginal portion of the housing about the first opening surrounds a fitting positioned in such hole. A pivotal member is sealingly mounted in the second housing opening for pivotal movement relative to the housing. A rod slidably penetrates a throughbore provided through the pivotal member, and has one end arranged to move toward and away from the hole. This rod end carries an adapter which may be engaged with a fitting. Thereafter, the rod may be selectively manipulated to move the fitting relative to the hole.

Abstract: A sacrificial top tap T and the method of using such a T to tap into a main supply pipe in such a manner that the T may ultimately be plugged and the greater portion thereof removed from the main supply pipe in such a manner as to protect the remaining T portion and the main supply pipe itself from potential damage. The Service T has an axial through bore and a lateral outlet with means near one end of the T for connecting the T to a main and means near the lateral outlet for connecting the T to a service line. Remote from the one end which connects to the service line may be located a sealing element and threads are provided inside the bore near the end which attaches to the main supply pipe for receiving an element for sealing that bore when the service line is to be disconnected. When disconnecting the service line, the Service T interior is sealed against the passage of material from the main and at a point close to the main.

Abstract: In one exemplar embodiment, a combination closure conduit and closure plug are provided for closing a side opening into a pipeline. The closure stub or conduit is attached to the pipeline around the side opening and has an interior annular shoulder. A closure plug adapted for insertion into the conduit has a projecting peripheral shoulder and provides a first sealing means. A peripheral sealing means disposed on the plug ahead of the peripheral shoulder provides a second means of sealing the plug to the conduit. Locking screws engage a peripheral surface on the top of the plug to lock the plug in place. A by-pass valve is carried by the plug to allow fluid communication through the plug during insertion of the plug.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pressure/vacuum system apparatus; one part of such apparatus being an economical fitting, another part being operating mechanism, another part being a means to join such fitting to such operating mechanism in a substantially fluid-tight manner, all operable to perform certain functions together without shutting down the pressure/vacuum system they are attached to. Some installations require many fittings. In many instances an operating mechanism may be attached to an operated fitting for only short periods of time and then disconnected therefrom, leaving the operated fitting in (a) a dormant condition in relation to its functions to the pressure/vacuum system, or (b) in a functional condition in relation to the pressure/vacuum system. Thus, in many cases a single operating mechanism may be used for operating each of a number of different fittings from time to time as required.

Abstract: An outlet fitting construction for thin-walled, flexible plastic tubing for fluid distribution systems. The outlet fitting includes first and second outlet members that in the preferred embodiment are threadedly engaged and have aligned axial passageways. One outlet member is provided with an annular rim with a riding surface that facilitates insertion of the outlet fitting into an aperture in the flexible surface irrigation tubing. In an alternative embodiment a tube piercing member is provided that is engaged with the outlet members so that the outlet fitting may be inserted into a tube which does not have pre-existing apertures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sealing the opening in the sidewall of a fluid carrying main during replacement of a service tee or the like comprising a gate valve, means on end of said gate valve for engaging the end of a service tee remote from the main, a plug wrench having an elongate stem adapted to pass through said gate valve in the open position, closure means on the other end of said gate valve having a passage adapted to sealingly and slidably pass said stem through the gate valve to remove a screw plug in the end of the service tee remote from the main and to receive the screw plug and wrench above the gate valve while the gate valve is closed, a stopper rod interchangeable with the elongate stem of the plug wrench in the passage in the closure means, said stopper rod having an axial passage, a resilient elongate member abutting one end of said stopper rod, an intermediate hollow shaft threaded in the hollow passage of the stopper rod and extending through the resilient member to expand th

Abstract: The closure plug assembly is used for pressure testing of fluid drain and vent systems. The assembly comprises an inflatable body portion or bulb connected to a rigid holder portion. The rigid holder portion includes a stem section and a plug section. The stem section is hollow and opens at one end into the inflatable body portion and at the other end receives a valve for pumping fluid pressure into the bulb. A gauge is disposed over the valve end of the rigid stem member to provide a continuous monitoring of the pressure within the bulb.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting into and stopping the flow of fluid in a plastic pipe including a cutting blade that is forced downwardly into a pipe by a hydraulic force. The blade is slightly larger than the internal diameter of the pipe and thus when located within the pipe stops the flow of fluid in the pipe. The apparatus is constructed so that the cutting, flow stopping and the consequential withdrawal of the blade operation is carried out without loss of fluid from the pipe. Part of the apparatus is left on the pipe and encapsulated to complete the operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a tapered pipeline seal includes a means for enabling a line to be sealed with a rotatable tapered sealing plug or apparatus.

Abstract: An invention relating to a device adapted to connect a branch line to a main pipeline without interrupting flow of fluid through the mainline. The device includes a pair of tubular, cutter-containing portions and a branch line connection. The device further includes the means to pressure test the branch line prior to the actual cutting or tapping into the mainline.

Abstract: The stopper includes a tubular cylindrical housing which seats on a gas main portion provided with a tap hole. A slidable tubular rod extends into the housing through the other end of the latter, and has connected to its lower end by a pivotal link, a stopper body in contracted condition for introduction into the gas main through the tap hole and being expansible within the main to stop the flow of gas therethrough. A packing gland assembly is provided on the other end of the cylindrical housing and is constructed to form a gas-tight closure for such housing, a gas tight slide guide for the tubular rod, and vent holes for the escape of gas from within the housing and into a venting pipe when the stopper additionally functions as a vent pipe. Normally however, the vent holes are closed by gas-tight plugs.

Abstract: A drain pipe sealing device wherein a sealing head is supported at the end of a support arm whereby the sealing head can be orientated so as to facilitate entry of the sealing head by way of a vertical riser and then re-orientated to assist in sealing.

Abstract: An assembly for closing a side opening in a pipe and including a fitting attached to the pipe and having a tubular portion aligned with the opening and a completion plug inserted into the tubular portion to seal the opening from the exterior of the pipe. The completion plug is provided with circumferentially spaced lugs lying in a plane normal to the axis of the plug, the lugs being arranged to fit into a groove in the tubular portion of the fitting, there being spaced arcuate cutouts in the tubular portion whereby the arrangement is a bayonet-type of fastening. Stop means are provided to limit rotation of the plug in a closing direction and further stop means are provided for preventing inadvertent removal of the plug from the fitting. A third stop means is provided for stopping the plug when being rotated to a position for removal, the third stop means aligning the lugs of the plug with the cutouts in the fitting so that the plug can be retracted from the fitting.