Abstract: A pipeline isolation tool [10] and method of its use includes a plugging head [20] having a seal [30] to sealably engage a pipe wall; a fluid-activated cylinder [64] located on one side of the seal and moveable in an axial direction; metal support segments [40] located on another side of the seal and moveable in a transverse direction radially outward and inward; the metal segments including a concave portion [45], a portion [35] of the seal residing within the concave portion when unset and set. When in a seal unset position a portion [33] of the seal is covered by adjacent metal support segments of the plurality. When in a seal set position the portion of the seal is exposed between the adjacent metal support segments. The seal is self-energizing, its actuating force being in a same direction as a force from isolation pressure.

Abstract: A pipeline isolation tool [10] and method of its use includes a plugging head [20] having a seal [30] to sealably engage a pipe wall; a fluid-activated cylinder [64] located on one side of the seal and moveable in an axial direction; metal support segments [40] located on another side of the seal and moveable in a transverse direction radially outward and inward; the metal segments including a concave portion [45], a portion [35] of the seal residing within the concave portion when unset and set. When in a seal unset position a portion [33] of the seal is covered by adjacent metal support segments of the plurality. When in a seal set position the portion of the seal is exposed between the adjacent metal support segments. The seal is self-energizing, its actuating force being in a same direction as a force from isolation pressure.

Abstract: Pipeline isolation tool for sealing extrusion gaps of up to about 20% or greater includes a pair of fenced barriers (60, 160) having overlapping segments (68/70, 168/170) for restraining a seal (40). The segments expand to a pipe wall before the seal to prevent transition of seal medium over the segments and form a support wall for the seal. The support wall may include a protection ring (200). Springs (80, 180) surround each fenced barrier for returning the support system to a relaxed position. Inner rings (90. 190) are provided on sealing element facing surfaces (64, 164) of the fenced barrier for supporting the segments. The inner rings define a smooth inner guiding surface (92, 192) for the seal. The guiding surface is tilted inwardly towards the seal for resisting the sealing element during expansion and for preventing an inside diameter of the seal from expanding outwardly when compressed.

Abstract: A pipeline isolation tool (10) with a circumferential seal (30) having a T-shaped cross section. The seal has a radially oriented lower seal profile (36) and an axially oriented upper seal profile (38). Pressure heads (40, 50) are located on either side (32, 34) of the lower profile. Overlapping structural elements (60, 80) are located on either side (32, 34) of the upper profile and include a concave area (70, 90) for receiving a portion of the upper seal profile. The inner face (64, 84) of the structural elements contact the outer surfaces (42, 52) of the pressure heads. Angle plates (100, 110) define an inner face (102, 112) that contacts an outer face (66, 86) of each of the structural elements. The tool may be configured as an intrusive tool or as a non-intrusive tool.

Abstract: A pipeline isolation tool [10] and method of its use includes a plugging head [20] having a seal [30] to sealably engage a pipe wall; a fluid-activated cylinder [64] located on one side of the seal and moveable in an axial direction; metal support segments [40] located on another side of the seal and moveable in a transverse direction radially outward and inward; the metal segments including a concave portion [45], a portion [35] of the seal residing within the concave portion when unset and set. When in a seal unset position a portion [33] of the seal is covered by adjacent metal support segments of the plurality. When in a seal set position the portion of the seal is exposed between the adjacent metal support segments. The seal is self-energizing, its actuating force being in a same direction as a force from isolation pressure.

Abstract: A pipeline isolation tool [10] and method of its use includes a plugging head [20] having a seal [30] to sealably engage a pipe wall; a fluid-activated cylinder [64] located on one side of the seal and moveable in an axial direction; metal support segments [40] located on another side of the seal and moveable in a transverse direction radially outward and inward; the metal segments including a concave portion [45], a portion [35] of the seal residing within the concave portion when unset and set. When in a seal unset position a portion [33] of the seal is covered by adjacent metal support segments of the plurality. When in a seal set position the portion of the seal is exposed between the adjacent metal support segments. The seal is self-energizing, its actuating force being in a same direction as a force from isolation pressure.

Abstract: A pipeline isolation tool [10] and method of its use includes a plugging head [20] having a seal [30] to sealably engage a pipe wall; a fluid-activated cylinder [64] located on one side of the seal and moveable in an axial direction; metal support segments [40] located on another side of the seal and moveable in a transverse direction radially outward and inward; the metal segments including a concave portion [45], a portion [35] of the seal residing within the concave portion when unset and set. When in a seal unset position a portion [33] of the seal is covered by adjacent metal support segments of the plurality. When in a seal set position the portion of the seal is exposed between the adjacent metal support segments. The seal is self-energizing, its actuating force being in a same direction as a force from isolation pressure.