Abstract: An isolation tool for closing a pipeline including a packer module having a cylindrical body member and at least one ring of elastomeric material slidably received on the cylindrical body, the ring being radially outwardly compressible in response to axial force, and including a grip module having a central body with a plurality of at least three rails radially extending in spaced apart relationship from the central body, each rail having an edge inclined at an angle to a longitudinal axis, a grip shoe contoured to bite into the pipe interior wall surface slidably supported on each inclined edge and a hydraulic cylinder/piston member secured to translate the grip shoes on the rail edges, the grip module being linked to and serving to selectable anchor the packer module in the pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus for pipeline isolation comprising a pipeline isolation tool (1) having a cylindrical vessel with locking grips (21) and sealing member (19) encircling the cylindrical vessel. The locking grips (21) and sealing members (19) are operable by a hydraulic piston (10) contained within a core of the cylindrical vessel and a hydraulic pump for operating the piston (10). The piston (10) is a double rodded acting piston (10) comprising an elongated shaft and a head centrally located on the shaft so that the volume swept by the piston (10) is equal in both directions. A control module (32) is connected to the isolation tool (1) at one end and a gauging tool (33) is connected to the other end of the isolation tool (1).