Abstract: There is provided an expandable pipeline pig for a varying diameter pipeline having a pig body that carries two or more guides and one or more actuators. Each guide has a resilient body with a folding zone between an outer perimeter and a central area connected to the pig body, a series of support members spaced circumferentially about the resilient body within the folding zone, and a series of collapsing structures positioned between, and integrally formed with, adjacent support members. The actuators selectively release the guides from a reduced to an expanded mode. In the expanded mode the support members extend outward and the collapsing structures are expanded between the support members. In the reduced mode the support members are folded toward the pig body and the collapsing structures are collapsed to reduce a circumference of the resilient body outer perimeter. The support members are biased toward the expanded mode.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a sealing element, the method having the steps of providing a mold comprising a molding cavity in the shape of the sealing element, the mold having inner walls and outer walls, placing a ring-shaped separator concentrically in the mold, pouring a first elastomer having a first hardness into a center of the separator, and pouring a second elastomer having a second hardness that is different from the first hardness between the separator and the inner walls of the mold.

Abstract: There is provided an expandable pipeline pig for a varying diameter pipeline having a pig body that carries two or more guides and one or more actuators. Each guide has a resilient body with a folding zone between an outer perimeter and a central area connected to the pig body, a series of support members spaced circumferentially about the resilient body within the folding zone, and a series of collapsing structures positioned between, and integrally formed with, adjacent support members. The actuators selectively release the guides from a reduced to an expanded mode. In the expanded mode the support members extend outward and the collapsing structures are expanded between the support members. In the reduced mode the support members are folded toward the pig body and the collapsing structures are collapsed to reduce a circumference of the resilient body outer perimeter. The support members are biased toward the expanded mode.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a sealing element, the method having the steps of providing a mold comprising a molding cavity in the shape of the sealing element, the mold having inner walls and outer walls, placing a ring-shaped separator concentrically in the mold, pouring a first elastomer having a first hardness into a center of the separator, and pouring a second elastomer having a second hardness that is different from the first hardness between the separator and the inner walls of the mold.

Abstract: A device for handling well pipe includes a mandrel including an upper end, a lower end and a long axis extending between through the upper end and the lower end. The mandrel secures to a top drive of a drilling rig. A threaded collar is located on an outer surface of the mandrel to loosely engage threads of a well pipe. An annular force generating assembly is carried on the mandrel and positioned between the upper end and the threaded collar. The force generating assembly applies a load to an upper end of the well pipe along the long axis, enabling torque to be transmitted between the threaded collar and the well pipe. The force generating assembly may be cams or a hydraulic piston.

Abstract: A tubular gripping device includes a mandrel including an upper end, a lower end and a long axis extending between through the upper end and the lower end; a threaded interval on an outer surface of the mandrel; and an annular force generating assembly carried on the mandrel and positioned between the upper end and the threaded interval adjacent the threaded interval and driveable to apply a load along the long axis toward the threaded interval.

Abstract: A downstream plug is disclosed of a simplified structure where a dragging disc is used at a rear end to induce the expansion of locking elements engaging the pipeline. The locking results in an expansion cone being firmly held in place and forming a solid counterpart to the elastomeric seal expanded by the cone.

Abstract: An ice plug for defining a barrier in a pipeline section filled with water, comprises a hollow, cylindrical body enclosed at a front end and provided with guide means for sliding movement of the plug along and within the pipeline. The body has a diameter smaller than that of the pipeline to define with the latter an annular interspace enclosed at opposed axial ends of the plug. The thickness of the annular space is selected to allow free movement of the body through curves in a pipeline and to form a continuous, annular ice layer firmly engaging the inside wall of the pipeline and the outer surface of said body to thus form, together with the body, a temporary water impermeable barrier within the pipeline. A water supply system fills the interspace with process water.

Abstract: The assembly is designed to contain a leak arising from a damaged gasket positioned between the flanges of a pipe connection forming part of a pipeline carrying pressurized fluid. The assembly comprises a pair of steel half rings that are hinged together at one end so that they can be mounted to the connection in the form of a split ring. Each half ring contains an elongate seal element having an annular configuration. The ends of the half rings are lapped so that the split ring can be contracted with the ring ends overlapping. A chain and clamp assembly is tightened around the split ring to compress the seal elements into sealing engagement with the flanges. Shoulders formed by the half rings squeeze the abutting seal element ends together to effect a seal at the split ring breaks.