Abstract: The present invention is a method of plugging a pipeline having an exterior surface including the steps of affixing to the exterior of the pipeline first and second spaced apart collars, welding each collar to the pipeline so that an operating space is provided between the collars, positioning a seal with each collar, affixing a containment housing to the opposed collars providing a confined space around the pipeline and surrounding the operating space between the collars, the confined space being accessed by a passageway, cutting and removing a length of pipeline between the collars providing opposed pipeline exterior end surfaces, positioning first and second seal cups between the collars, each seal cup having a forwardly extending circumferential lip of internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the pipeline, and applying force to move the seal cups away from each other, the circumferential lips of the seal cups engaging with the opposed seals to compress them into sealing engagement with the

Abstract: A method according to this invention employs a set of valves, a series of pressure checks, and a physical stop for verifying the closing of a locking system of a cylindrical passageway. The method may also employ an equalization piping. The valves isolate a tapping machine, a pipeline, and the equalization piping from one another so that product cannot flow from one to the other. The valves are then opened as a series of pressure checks are performed. A completion plug is then lowered into the passageway until the plug comes to rest within the passageway and is oriented so that a locking ring of the plug is in a filly expanded position. The expanded position is then confirmed by raising the plug until its upward travel is restricted. The plug is then released and pressure above the plug is reduced to 0 psi gauge.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of plugging a pipeline having an exterior surface including the steps of affixing to the exterior of the pipeline first and second spaced apart collars, welding each collar to the pipeline so that an operating space is provided between the collars, positioning a seal with each collar, affixing a containment housing to the opposed collars providing a confined space around the pipeline and surrounding the operating space between the collars, the confined space being accessed by a passageway, cutting and removing a length of pipeline between the collars providing opposed pipeline exterior end surfaces, positioning first and second seal cups between the collars, each seal cup having a forwardly extending circumferential lip of internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the pipeline, and applying force to move the seal cups away from each other, the circumferential lips of the seal cups engaging with the opposed seals to compress them into sealing engagement with the

Abstract: A plugging device for double blocking a section of pipeline or piping and method for its use includes a first and second sealing element and at least one cylinder that is extendable along an axial direction of the pipe between a retracted first position and an extended second position. A means for actuating the cylinder, such as a fluid power source, is provided. When the cylinder is in the extended second position, the sealing element sealably engages an opposing cut end of the pipe. The sealing element is an elastomeric sealing element and may be cup-shaped, convex-shaped, or cork-shaped.

Abstract: A plugging device for double blocking a section of pipeline or piping and method for its use includes a first and second sealing element and at least one cylinder that is extendable along an axial direction of the pipe between a retracted first position and an extended second position. A means for actuating the cylinder, such as a fluid power source, is provided. When the cylinder is in the extended second position, the sealing element sealably engages an opposing cut end of the pipe. The sealing element is an elastomeric sealing element and may be cup-shaped, convex-shaped, or cork-shaped.

Abstract: A method according to this invention employs a set of valves, a series of pressure checks, and a physical stop for verifying the closing of a locking system of a cylindrical passageway. The method may also employ an equalization piping. The valves isolate a tapping machine, a pipeline, and the equalization piping from one another so that product cannot flow from one to the other. The valves are then opened as a series of pressure checks are performed. A completion plug is then lowered into the passageway until the plug comes to rest within the passageway and is oriented so that a locking ring of the plug is in a filly expanded position. The expanded position is then confirmed by raising the plug until its upward travel is restricted. The plug is then released and pressure above the plug is reduced to 0 psi gauge.

Abstract: A plug for closing an opening in the sidewall of a pipe, including a base member having a radial flange portion, a tubular portion and an annular elastomeric seal member slideably received on the base member tubular portion and in engagement with the flange portion. A rigid compression member is slideably received on the base member tubular portion and in contact with the elastomeric member and has a frusto-conical circumferential surface. A plurality of rigid segmented slips are received on the compression member and have teeth for biting into the cylindrical sidewall when displaced on the frusto-conical surface. An actuation member is received on the base member tubular portion providing a surface in engagement with the segmented slips. A tightening nut can be tightened to cause the segmented slips to lock the plug in position and to sealably close the pipe cylindrical sidewall.

Abstract: A mechanical weldable fitting for use in tapping a pipe includes a first and second metal collar, each formed of attachable upper and lower semi-toroidal portions that when assembled on the pipe providing spaced-apart external cylindrical surfaces. Each collar having at least one internal circumferential sealing groove therein that receives a gasket formed about the pipe. A lower semi-tubular metal containment member is positioned on the external cylindrical surfaces of the collars. An upper semi-tubular metal containment member is positioned on the external cylindrical surfaces of the collars. The upper containment member having an integral upwardly extending tubular access portion affording passage for tapping the pipe. The upper and lower containment members are welded to each other and to the collars to fully encompass a portion of the pipe.

Abstract: A method of providing access to the interior of a cross-line that intersects with a primary pipeline of equal or greater diameter, including the steps of attaching a branch fitting to the exterior of the primary pipeline on the side thereof opposite the point of intersection of the cross-line, affixing a full opening valve to the branch fitting, securing a hot tap machine to the valve, by use of the hot tap machine, cutting an opening in the primary pipeline diametrically opposite of the cross-line and of a diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of the cross-line, and removing the hot tap machine leaving an access through the valve and diametrically through the primary pipeline into the interior of the cross-line.

Abstract: A method of plugging a pipeline includes the steps of welding onto the exterior of the pipeline (10) first (12) and second (14) spaced apart collars, each having a sealing face (26,26A) in a plane perpendicular the pipeline (10) axis. A containment housing (34,36) is affixed by welding to the collars (12,14) to fully encompass a section of the pipeline (10) between the collars (12,14). A tapping (60) machine is then removably attached to an open top of the containment housing (34). Using the tapping machine (60) a short length of the pipeline (10) is cut and removed from between the collars (12,14) leaving two open exposed pipe ends (78,80). First and second seal elements (92,94) are positioned between the collars (12,14), Each having a forward sealing face. The seal elements (92,94) are forced apart from each other into sealing engagement with the collar sealing faces thereby closing the open, exposed ends (78,80) of the pipe (10).

Abstract: A mechanical weldable fitting for use in tapping a pipe includes a first and second metal collar, each formed of attachable upper and lower semi-toroidal portions that when assembled on the pipe providing spaced-apart external cylindrical surfaces. Each collar having at least one internal circumferential sealing groove therein that receives a gasket formed about the pipe. A lower semi-tubular metal containment member is positioned on the external cylindrical surfaces of the collars. An upper semi-tubular metal containment member is positioned on the external cylindrical surfaces of the collars. The upper containment member having an integral upwardly extending tubular access portion affording passage for tapping the pipe. The upper and lower containment members are welded to each other and to the collars to fully encompass a portion of the pipe.