Abstract: A method for isolating a horizontal tie-in pipeline of an inactive hydrocarbon-producing well from a main pipeline to prevent flow of hydrocarbons into the tie-in pipeline includes the steps of: identifying a location of a junction of the tie-in pipeline and the main pipeline and cleaning the tie-in pipeline by deploying a locating and cleaning assembly into the tie-in pipeline, withdrawing the locating and cleaning assembly, deploying a plug device having a longitudinally extending forward probe and a sealing element to the location of the junction, and remotely actuating the sealing element. The locating and cleaning device includes a pipeline junction sensing element longitudinally extending from a forward end of the locating and cleaning device. The sensing element is connected to a valve which, when open, relieves pressure in the locating and cleaning assembly as an indicator of the location of the junction.

Abstract: A method for isolating a horizontal tie-in pipeline of an inactive hydrocarbon-producing well from a main pipeline to prevent flow of hydrocarbons into the tie-in pipeline is described. The method includes the steps of: identifying a location of a junction of the tie-in pipeline and the main pipeline and cleaning the tie-in pipeline by deploying a locating and cleaning assembly into the tie-in pipeline, withdrawing the locating and cleaning assembly, deploying a plug device having a longitudinally extending forward probe and a sealing element to the location of the junction, and remotely actuating the sealing element. The locating and cleaning device includes a pipeline junction sensing element longitudinally extending from a forward end of the locating and cleaning device. The sensing element is connected to a valve which, when open, relieves pressure in the locating and cleaning assembly as an indicator of the location of the junction.

Abstract: A method for isolating a tie-in pipeline of an inactive hydrocarbon-producing well from a main pipeline to prevent flow of hydrocarbons into the tie-in pipeline. The method includes the steps of: deploying coil tubing into the tie-in line to transport a retrievable plug to the junction where the tie-in line joins the main pipeline, wherein the plug is provided with a remotely actuated sealing element; remotely activating the sealing element to prevent the flow of hydrocarbons between the tie-in line and the main pipeline; detaching the plug from the coil tubing; and withdrawing the coil tubing from the tie-in line.