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: The tool comprises a front plate for closing the open end of a pipe. A pair of clamping devices are positioned around the pipe and frictionally engage its outer surface. Nut and bolt assemblies connect the front plate with the clamps. These assemblies pull the front plate tight against the pipe end face. A back plate is positioned transversely within the bore of the pipe. The plate has a stem that slidably projects forwardly through a central aperture in the front plate. The back plate carries an O-ring. A nut is threaded onto the stem and functions to draw the back plate forward so that the O-ring seals the interface of the front plate and pipe end face.

Abstract: A tool is provided for closing and sealing the open end of a pipe in connection with hydraulic pressure testing. The tool is inserted into the pipe lumen and can be operated from outside. It comprises inner and outer, opposed circumferential clamps; a front plate braced against the pipe end face; a movable back plate internal of the pipe lumen; and an O-ring, carried by the back plate, which can be squeezed by pressing the back plate against the inner clamp. Ports extend through the back plate to the upper and lower ends of its peripheral surface, for bottom filling and top venting of the pipe lumen.

Abstract: The isolation tool works at depth in the bore of a pipe whose upper end is to be severed and replaced. The tool isolates the lower pipe bore from the upper bore so that flammable downhole fluid is prevented from reaching a welding site along the pipe wall. The tool incorporates: means for establishing a pair of axially spaced apart annular seals engaging the pipe inner surface; means for venting downhole fluid to ground surface; and means for monitoring for seal leakage. The tool is primarily mechanical in nature. It finds use in connection with off-shore platform riser renewal operations.

Abstract: The isolation tool works at depth in the bore of a pipe whose upper end is to be severed and replaced. The tool isolates the lower pipe bore from the upper bore so that flammable downhole fluid is prevented from reaching a welding site along the pipe wall. The tool incorporates: means for establishing a pair of axially spaced apart annular seals engaging the pipe inner surface; means for venting downhole fluid to ground surface; and means for monitoring for seal leakage. The tool is primarily mechanical in nature. It finds use in connection with off-shore platform riser renewal operations.

Abstract: The isolation tool works at depth in the bore of a pipe whose upper end is to be severed and replaced. The tool isolates the lower pipe bore from the upper bore so that flammable downhole fluid is prevented from reaching a welding site along the pipe wall. The tool incorporates: means for establishing a pair of axially spaced apart annular seals engaging the pipe inner surface; means for venting downhole fluid to ground surface; and means for monitoring for seal leakage. The tool is primarily mechanical in nature. It finds use in connection with off-shore platform riser renewal operations.

Abstract: The tool comprises a front plate for closing the open end of a pipe. A pair of clamping devices are positioned around the pipe and frictionally engage its outer surface. Nut and bolt assemblies connect the front plate with the clamps. These assemblies pull the front plate tight against the pipe end face. A back plate is positioned transversely within the bore of the pipe. The plate has a stem that slidably projects forwardly through a central aperture in the front plate. The back plate carries an O-ring. A nut is threaded onto the stem and functions to draw the back plate forward so that the O-ring seals the interface of the front plate and pipe end face.

Abstract: The isolation tool works at depth in the bore of a pipe whose upper end is to be severed and replaced. The tool isolates the lower pipe bore from the upper bore so that flammable downhole fluid is prevented from reaching a welding site along the pipe wall. The tool incorporates: means for establishing a pair of axially spaced apart annular seals engaging the pipe inner surface; means for venting downhole fluid to ground surface; and means for monitoring for seal leakage. The tool is primarily mechanical in nature. It finds use in connection with off-shore platform riser renewal operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing an open end of a pipe includes a sealing means for forming a circumferential seal between the apparatus and the inner surface of the pipe and first and second “gripping” means for frictionally engaging the inner and outer surfaces of the pipe, respectively, to prevent relative axial movement between the apparatus and the pipe. The invention also provides a method of sealing an open end of a pipe. The apparatus and method are also adapted to pressurize the interior of the pipe for conducting an integrity test of the pipe or welds on the pipe.

Abstract: The isolation tool works at depth in the bore of a pipe whose upper end is to be severed and replaced. The tool isolates the lower pipe bore from the upper bore so that flammable downhole fluid is prevented from reaching a welding site along the pipe wall. The tool incorporates: means for establishing a pair of axially spaced apart annular seals engaging the pipe inner surface; means for venting downhole fluid to ground surface. The tool is primarily mechanical in nature. It finds use in connection with off-shore platform riser renewal operations.

Abstract: The invention provides an assembly for hydrostatic testing of welds between components, such as but not limited to welds which connect components such as nozzles (2) or patches (40) to a pressure vessel (1). A sealing body (8) is secured against one of the components to define a sealed space (25) adjacent to the weld (5) to be tested. The body is secured by at least one tie rod (9), positioned to pull the body against the component by tightening of a nut (12). Pressure testing can then be carried out by introducing pressurized fluid into the sealed space and applying appropriate monitoring techniques to check for leakage.

Abstract: A test plug assembly which tests the integrity of a segment of pipe having an internal diameter. The assembly comprises an annular body with opposite annular faces and defining on its outer perimeter, an annular recess, a pair of bosses, a pair of resilient annular members adapted to be respectively juxtaposed between an adjacent boss and annular face, means for urging the bosses respectively against the adjacent resilient annular member so as to urge the same frictionally engage and to seal against the internal diameter of the selected pipe segment and, means communicating through the assembly to that plenum now defined by said recess, the resilient annular members and the internal diameter of the pipe whereby the integrity of that pipe segment may be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus which tests the internal integrity of, or isolates, a segment of pipe having an internal diameter. The apparatus comprises an annular body with opposite annular faces and defining on its outer perimeter, an annular recess, a pair of bosses, a pair of resilient annular members adapted to be respectively juxtaposed between an adjacent boss and annular face; means for urging the bosses respectively against the adjacent resilient annular member so as to urge the same in frictionally engage and to seal against the internal diameter of the selected pipe segment and, means communicating through the apparatus to that plenum now defined by said recess, the resilient annular members and the internal diameter of the pipe whereby the integrity of that pipe segment may be determined. The apparatus further includes a vent or passage through which the contents of the pipe upstream of the apparatus are allowed to pass.