Abstract: A system for restricting fluid flow through a conduit comprises a tapping saddle configured to couple to the conduit adjacent to an opening in the conduit, a valve coupled to the tapping saddle to allow selective access through the tapping saddle and the opening to an interior of the conduit, a tube insertable into the conduit through the opening, and an inflatable plug coupled to the tube and insertable into the conduit with the tube. The inflatable plug is inflatable within the conduit to restrict fluid flow. The inflatable plug includes a first plate positioned on an exterior surface of the inflatable plug, a second plate positioned on an interior surface of the inflatable plug, and at least one fluid port extending through the first plate and the second plate to facilitate inflation and deflation of the inflatable plug.

Abstract: A plugging device (1) includes a bladder (2) which is adapted to expand or contract upon the ingress or egress of a fluid, such as air or other type of gas or liquid. Bladder (2) can be provided in a variety of sizes to suit a diameter or cross-sectional shape of pipe (20) to be repaired. The ingress or egress of air to/from bladder (2) is facilitated by adaptor (6). This allows a pump (40) to force air along adaptor (6) for ingress of air into bladder (2). At least part of adaptor (6) is made from a substantially heat resistant material able to withstand relatively high temperatures encountered during repair of pipe (20). Connector (5) and/or adaptor end connector (7) may be made of a heat insulating material.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device for expanding tubular members to a controlled diameter and its method of fabrication. The device includes an expandable bladder held in a convoluted form. After the device is inserted into a cylindrical tube to be evenly expanded, the bladder is expanded by hydraulic pressure to a controlled maximum diameter. It is then deflated so the device can then be moved to another location and reused. The bladder is formed from a flexible impervious material having integral reinforcing fibers. It is initially formed in a fully expanded configuration over a convoluted mandrel and a removable cylindrical shell. When the shell is removed vacuum or external pressure draws the bladder against the mandrel. The bladder is overmolded with a resilient cover to hold it in reduced form until pressurized. The bladder cover prevents the bladder from kinking during the expansion.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly terminating of the flow of any fluid or particulate material through a conduit responsive to predefined dangerous conditions. A particular application will terminate fuel flow through a large fuel supply conduit in a racing vehicle responsive to a fire or accident or other dangerous condition. The apparatus includes a gas supply source that is opened responsive to actuation of the apparatus such that gas passes into a cylinder which moves to force a liquid to hydraulically expand an inflatable member which is operative to expand within the flow conduit to instantaneously terminate material flow therethrough.

Abstract: A pipe plug includes two or more pivotally connected plugging heads that work in combination to double block and bleed a pipe. At least one of the plugging heads has an expandable sealing element that is in communication with an inflation source. The sealing element may be an inflatable sealing element or a compression packer sealing element. A passageway-sections of which may pass through the pivotal connection and into the plugging head-carries the inflation medium from the source to the sealing element. A bleed port passageway is also provided that passes through the plugging head. The leading plugging head may include a cleaning element for sweeping away debris ahead of the plug. The plugging heads may also include a skid plate that slideably engages the interior surface of the pipe to properly orient the plugging heads within the pipe.

Abstract: There is a need for people who handle hazardous materials to be able to effectively and efficiently block cesspits and/or pipes of various drainage systems in circumstances of for example, a chemical or liquid spill or a gas leak so as to prevent or limit flow of the same into for example, the water table. This problem is solved through the use of a man made fluid inlet or outlet passage, blocking assembly having an inflatable bladder operatively linked to a fluid communication element, one aspect of the element being adapted to receive a pressurised fluid supply wherein, when a pressurised fluid passes through the fluid communication element, the bladder is adapted to inflate to block the passage in a fluid type manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for emptying and filling a fluid container. A flow-actuated valve inside a fill tube regulates the flow through the fill tube. A cap containing the valve and a vent tube can be installed on a modified bottle used to supply water dispensers, thus enabling a user to continuously replenish the bottle from a remote supply. Alternatively, a cap containing the valve, a vent tube, and two fluid level sensors can be installed on a conventional bottle. A user is thus relieved of the burden of repetitive bottle changing, and is able to treat the water to his own specifications.

Abstract: An inflatable test plug for insertion into a two way clean out during hydrostatic testing of a building's interior sewer pipes. The test plug includes a hollow cylindrical body portion having a closed top, and a closed bottom portion. The test plug is adapted to receive and hold air under pressure during an inflation phase and to release the air under pressure during a deflation phase. The cylindrical body portion and the closed bottom portion of the test plug body are adapted to expand during inflation. The closed bottom portion is adapted to expand prior to the cylindrical body portion during the inflation phase, and adapted to deflate prior to the cylindrical body portion during the deflation phase. The closed bottom portion has opposing locking indentations in its outer surface adapted to receive opposing inwardly extending projections located in the mid-portion of the two way clean out.

Abstract: A system for restricting fluid flow through a conduit comprises a tapping saddle configured to couple to the conduit adjacent to an opening in the conduit, a valve coupled to the tapping saddle to allow selective access through the tapping saddle and the opening to an interior of the conduit, a tube insertable into the conduit through the opening, and an inflatable plug coupled to the tube and insertable into the conduit with the tube. The inflatable plug is inflatable within the conduit to restrict fluid flow. The inflatable plug includes a first plate positioned on an exterior surface of the inflatable plug, a second plate positioned on an interior surface of the inflatable plug, and at least one fluid port extending through the first plate and the second plate to facilitate inflation and deflation of the inflatable plug.

Abstract: A sealing rib is disposed within a pipeline, such that an interior of the pipeline is divided uniformly into plural flow paths along a peripheral direction. A flexible-film body to whose interior a fluid for inflation can be supplied, is disposed in each divisional flow path. Each of the plural flexible-film bodies within the pipeline is inflated by the fluid so as to block-up the pipeline. Therefore, a height of the flexible-film body which is in an inflated state can be made to be low. Further, because little tension is applied to the flexible-film body, it suffices for a durable strength required of the flexible-film body to be small. In accordance with this structure, it is possible to obtain a flexible-film expandable gate which does not use a highly-rigid film body, and which can reliably exhibit a water stopping ability even in a pipeline of a large diameter.

Abstract: The invention provides a unique, compact tool to be used in conjunction with preexisting hoses of any type, construction, size or style whatsoever and inflating said hose or hoses in a safe universal manor with universal gas delivery devices using an appropriate adaptive valve and a safety pressure relief mechanism that also serves as a method to deflate the said hose or hoses after the need for a flotation device is no longer present in any situation whatsoever and by any amateur or professional applicant or user who may or may not be of any occupation whatsoever.

Abstract: An inflatable plug insertable into a conduit and inflatable therein to restrict fluid flow comprises a bladder having an interior surface and an exterior surface and at least one fabric layer covering at least a portion of the exterior surface of the bladder. The inflatable plug also comprises a first plate, a second plate, and at least one fluid port. The first plate is positioned inside the bladder and adjacent to the interior surface of the bladder. The second plate is positioned outside the bladder and adjacent to the at least one fabric layer. The second plate is coupled to the first plate such that the first plate and the second plate clamp a portion of the at least one fabric layer and a portion of the bladder therebetween. The at least one fluid port extends through the first plate and the second plate and facilitates inflation and deflation of the bladder.

Abstract: A pipeline tool for use within a pipeline comprises a tool body with an internal flow bore, a swellable component disposed about the tool body, and a temporary seal disposed internally of the flow bore. The pipeline tool may further comprise a tracking device attached to the tool body, wherein the tracking device comprises a mechanical fixture, or an emitter that emits a signal that can be tracked.

Abstract: An in-line swivel having a through bore for fluid flow therethrough. In one embodiment, the swivel comprises an inlet member having a first longitudinal axis and an outlet member having a second longitudinal axis. The outlet member is configured to rotate relative to the inlet member. The swivel also comprises a bearing having a third longitudinal axis. The bearing extends through at least a portion of at least one of the inlet member and the outlet member and includes a fluid passage such that the inlet member and the outlet member are in fluid communication through the bearing, and the first axis and the second axis are substantially perpendicular to the third axis.

Abstract: An inflatable plug insertable into a conduit and inflatable therein to restrict fluid flow comprises a bladder having an interior surface and an exterior surface and at least one fabric layer covering at least a portion of the exterior surface of the bladder. The inflatable plug also comprises a first plate, a second plate, and at least one fluid port. The first plate is positioned inside the bladder and adjacent to the interior surface of the bladder. The second plate is positioned outside the bladder and adjacent to the at least one fabric layer. The second plate is coupled to the first plate such that the first plate and the second plate clamp a portion of the at least one fabric layer and a portion of the bladder therebetween. The at least one fluid port extends through the first plate and the second plate and facilitates inflation and deflation of the bladder.

Abstract: An inflatable flow control apparatus and method for controlling the flow of a fluid through a drain passage are provided. The apparatus includes an inflatable bladder with first and second opposite sides and an outer surface extending between the sides. A plurality of tubular passages extend through the bladder between the first and second sides. The bladder is configured to be inflated in the drain passage so that the outer surface is disposed against the drain passage and the fluid in the drain passage is directed through the tubular passages. The flow of the fluid through the tubular passages can be selectively controlled, e.g., by opening and closing valves connected to the passages.

Abstract: A system for testing plumbing includes a flexible plug for sealing or unsealing the plumbing, an outer container for connecting to an access line to the plumbing system; a flexible air line connected to the flexible plug. The testing system is sealed when the flexible plug seals the plumbing and when the flexible plug is not sealing the plumbing.

Abstract: A rupture disc assembly for pneumatic plugs constructed and arranged to cooperate with an aperture in an end casting of the plug to expel excess air from the plug interior when a predetermined internal plug pressure is reached. The rupture disc assembly utilizes a rupturable member in a flanged holder structure positioned in communication with the end casting aperture.

Abstract: A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprises positioning a swellable component about at a desired location within a pipeline, exposing the swellable component to a swelling agent within the pipeline, expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline, thereby forming a seal across the pipeline, and opening a fluid pathway through the pipeline without removing the swellable component. Another method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprises inserting into the pipeline a pipeline tool comprising an externally mounted swellable component, propelling the pipeline tool through the pipeline to about a desired location via a flow of fluid, expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline at about the desired location, and opening a flow path through the pipeline tool.

Abstract: A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprises positioning a swellable component about at a desired location within a pipeline, exposing the swellable component to a swelling agent within the pipeline, expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline, thereby forming a seal across the pipeline, and opening a fluid pathway through the pipeline without removing the swellable component. Another method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprises inserting into the pipeline a pipeline tool comprising an externally mounted swellable component, propelling the pipeline tool through the pipeline to about a desired location via a flow of fluid, expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline at about the desired location, and opening a flow path through the pipeline tool.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing a drain having a drain conduit with a drain trap therein and an improved floor drain for use in the method of sanitizing. The method comprises the steps of (a) temporarily blocking the drain conduit at a position downstream of the trap and (b) at least partially back-filling the drain upstream of the blocked position with a sanitizing fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for isolating the end of a segment of pipe, which includes a substantially cylindrical body, having first and second ends, and a circumference slightly less than the inner diameter of the pipe segment; a pair of spaced apart inflatable seals positioned around the wall of the body; means for introducing a fluid into the inflatable seals through separate lines under sufficient pressure so that the inflatable seals are inflated against the wall of the pipe segment defining an annular space between the inflated inflatable seals; a line for introducing a fluid into the annular space under pressure to test the integrity of the seal between the inflatable seals and the pipe wall, and having a dual function to capture fluid which may have entered the annular space as a result of a inflatable seal failure; a line through the body for allowing fluid to flow through the line at predetermined times and pressures; and a plurality of bolts on the first end of the body which would engage the inner wa

Abstract: A pipe plug apparatus configured for insertion into a section of pipe and adapted to radially expand so as to engage the inner surface of the pipe and form a positive seal therewith. The pipe plug is preferably configurable from a non-sealing configuration wherein radially expandable seals are relaxed by application of pressure from a compressed fluid, to a spring biased sealing configuration automatically upon release of the pressure. A positive seal is automatically formed and maintained by spring biased axial compression.

Abstract: An installation assembly (20) for installing a liner (L) in a pipeline (P) comprises a double bladder assembly (22) including an inner bladder (26) having an installation end (26b) and a retrieval end (26c). An outer bladder (28) surrounds the inner bladder. The ends of the inner and outer bladders are coupled together adjacent the installation end via an inversion element (30). The inner bladder is coupled to an air source at its retrieval end and the outer bladder adjacent the retrieval end is free. Following installation and curing of the liner, the bladder assembly is retrieved by pulling on the retrieval end of the inner bladder, and upon retrieval, the outer bladder is inverted.

Abstract: A tubular patch expansion apparatus includes an elongated tubular bladder adapted to expand radially outwardly to expand an overlying tubular patch. A bladder setting assembly is secured to a first end of the bladder. The bladder setting assembly has a piston which divides an interior bore into a gas generator chamber and a liquid chamber. Once ignited, gas generating medium generates gas, which causes the piston to move along the interior bore injecting liquid from the liquid chamber into the bladder to inflate the bladder. A liquid pressure relief assembly is provided to relieve pressure within the bladder by releasing liquid from the bladder to allow the bladder to collapse, when the pressure in the bladder reaches predetermined levels.

Abstract: Arrangement at a plug for sealing liquid- or gas-carrying pipes, comprising several slips (15) arranged peripherally on the plug, so as to allow them to be pushed up along a conical force ring (25) by means of a hydraulic cylinder (5), where the slips (15) are provided with a possibly divided sliding surface (19, 19?) and at least one possibly divided sliding surface (20, 23) having an angle that differs from the angle of the sliding surface (19, 19?). The force ring (25) has sliding surfaces (27, 29, 29?, 31) that correspond to the sliding surfaces (19, 19?, 20, 23) of the slips. The first part of the sliding surfaces (20, 23, 27, 31) has a steep gradient and the second part of the sliding surfaces (21, 21?, 29, 29?) has a small gradient.

Abstract: A borehole closure includes a supply line made of plastic and having formed therein a longitudinal passage between a feed end for inlet of an impregnating fluid and a discharge end. The supply line is formed with transverse passages, each covered by a sealing ring. A non-return valve is provided to block a flow of impregnating fluid in the direction toward the feed end. The supply line is sealingly surrounded by an inflating tube to define an elongate annular chamber therebetween which is in communication with the transverse passages. A rupture assembly having a rupture disk is secured at an end surface of the discharge end of the supply line and constructed to burst when a pressure applied by the impregnating fluid exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: An inflatable pipe plug having an improved mold-formed gripping surface and a method of fabricating the pipe plug. The pipe plug has a cylindrical elastic body with ends that are connected to rigid end caps by a swaging ring, the outer surface of the expandable elastic body having a series of raised ribs and textured bands formed by expanding an uncured cylindrical rubber sleeve in a mold and curing the sleeve to form the plug body.

Abstract: An improved screw in test plug covering the opening of a test plug opening adapted to removably secure inflatable test balls thereto for inflation therein for water column pressure testing, and deflation for release of the water before removal of the test plug and test ball from the plumbing system.

Abstract: A paint conduit has a conduit wall enclosing an interior and a cleaning device that has a hose arranged in the interior and a pressurized fluid source connected to the hose. The hose is expandable at least in a radial direction of the hose and is inflated by the pressurized fluid source to displace the paint, present in the paint conduit, from the paint conduit when new paint is to be conveyed through the paint conduit.

Abstract: A plumbing pipe plug apparatus configured for insertion into a section of pipe and adapted to radially expand so as to engage the inner surface of the pipe and form a positive seal therewith is disclosed. The pipe plug is adapted with a conduit having a check valve that opens in response to fluid pressure to enable the injection into the plumbing system of a pressurized fluid, such as water, to pressurize the system downstream of the plug to allow for leak inspection and pressure testing.

Abstract: A method of controlling the fluid pressure of an inflatable stopping bag used to block the fluid flow through a fluid conduit comprises pressurising the bag using a pressure regulator which operates to regulate the pressure of the bag as a function of the instantaneous pressure in the pipe upstream of the stopping bag.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bladder system for use in conjunction with a conduit expansion process and system. In addition, the bladder system is in operative communication with an injection material handling system. The bladder system includes a bladder element with injection hardware positioned on one end and distal end hardware positioned on the other end. The injection hardware and the distal end hardware are integrally attached to the bladder element, and the bladder element is capable of expanding and contracting inside the liner conduit.

Abstract: A pipe plug apparatus configured for insertion into a section of pipe and adapted to radially expand so as to engage the inner surface of the pipe and form a positive seal therewith. The pipe plug is preferably configurable from a non-sealing configuration wherein radailly expandable seals are relaxed by application of pressure from a compressed fluid, to a spring biased sealing configuration automatically upon release of the pressure. A positive seal is automatically formed and maintained by spring biased axial compression.

Abstract: An inflatable sealing assembly integrated with a flow carrier which seals the inside of the flow carrier upon detection of a physical condition (e.g. fluid pressure). The inflatable sealing assembly includes a housing, a compartment in the interior of the housing for storing an inflatable sealing device, an inflating mechanism, and a sensor. Upon detection of the physical condition in the exterior and/or interior of the flow carrier, the sensor activates the inflating mechanism, preferably automatically, to inflate and deploy the inflatable sealing device which seals off the inside of the flow carrier. The inflatable sealing device may be an air bag.

Abstract: A flow-through inflatable plug assembly inflatable in a pipeline. The flow-through inflatable plug assembly includes a flow-through fluid conduit and a separate “donut-shaped” inflatable member having an aperture defined therein. For operation, the flow-through fluid conduit is inserted into the aperture of the inflatable member. When the flow-through inflatable plug assembly is inflated in a pipeline, the inflatable member fills the void between the inner diameter of the pipeline and the outer diameter of the flow-through fluid conduit. Thus, the flow-through fluid conduit is sealingly captured in the aperture such that fluid flow in the pipeline is limited to passage through the flow-through fluid conduit.

Abstract: A lining for sealing the junction region where a lateral pipe and a main pipe meet. It has a two-portion structure including a main portion for lining a portion of the main pipe and a lateral portion of resin absorbent material for lining a portion of the lateral pipe. The main portion is sized for application to the full circumference of a main pipe on both sides of the junction and has an aperture for alignment with the opening of the lateral pipe. The lateral portion is connected to the main portion where it defines said opening and is gathered on a first side of the main portion.

Abstract: A seal device is constituted of a plurality of seal tubes. After a connected-tube body having base members disposed at a fore end and a rear end is inserted into a fluid passage such as a tubular member, the seal tubes are expanded by injecting gaseous nitrogen into each of the seal tubes. The intermediate portions of the seal tubes along a longitudinal direction are press-fitted to the inner surface of the fluid passage over the entire circumference thereof, whereby the fluid passage is sealed. Since the connected-tube body is easily bent in the vicinity of a connecting base member between the tubes, the connected-tube body can be easily curved along the fluid passage, thus facilitating an operation for inserting the connected-tube body into the fluid passage and also enhancing a sealing property with respect to the fluid passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for stopping a high pressurized fluid from escaping a rupture in a pipeline including a support member having a first end, a second end, and an outer surface, an inner inflatable bladder, an outer material layer, and an inflation hose. The inner inflatable bladder sealingly engages the first end and the second end of the support member and substantially covers the outer surface of the support member. The inner inflatable bladder includes a material layer substantially impermeable to fluid. The outer material layer substantially encases the inner inflatable bladder and sealingly engages the first end and the second end of the support member. The outer layer is formed of a woven fabric material capable of withstanding high inflation pressures of approximately 100 psi. The inflation hose supplies pressurized fluid between the outer surface of the support member and the inner inflatable bladder.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing deposits from the interior surface of a conduit while being advanced through the conduit by virtue of pressurized upstream liquid includes front and rear assemblies interconnected in a manner to permit limited movement there between. The rear assembly contains a mechanism for receiving the upstream liquid and increasing its pressure. The liquid of increased pressure is fed to a rotating nozzle in the front assembly. High velocity water jets emergent from the nozzle strike the interior surface of the conduit to dislodge deposits. A resilient sidewall in one or both assemblies expands by virtue of the liquid of increased pressure to apply a controlled braking force against the interior surface of the conduit.

Abstract: A pneumatic pipe plug for the sealing of pipelines of various nominal diameters can be inserted through connections of relatively small diameters in a wall of a pipeline and is intended for high working and dynamic pressures in order to ascertain good sealing, whereat the plug is also conceived in a way to be resistant to mechanical damages that could occur when inserting the plug into or removing it from a connection in the wall, said connection being often sharp-edged. The pipe plug of the invention is conceived as a tube element (1) in the sense of an ellipsoid of revolution, whereat the thickness of a wall (8) of the element (1) becomes thinner towards the centre and the wall can also contain a gummed cord (9) running in several, preferably two layers so that, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the element (1), one cord (9) lies obliquely to one end and another cord (9) to another end for an angle a measured from the central line and amounting to 0-20° C.

Abstract: A plumbing tool and its method of use are disclosed wherein the plumbing tool includes a tube for insertion into a pipe beyond an area of such pipe that is to be soldered, such tube having an inflatable balloon structure at one end thereof. After the tube is inserted in the pipe and the balloon structure is positioned at the location where fluid stoppage is desired, the balloon structure is inflated to allow for soldering operations to be completed. A water bypass can be disposed within such tube for directing any fluid flow to the exterior of the pipe.

Abstract: An expandable plug device and a method for manufacturing the expandable plug. The expandable plug device has a sacrificial core which is used as an interior mold in the manufacturing process and which remains in the plug body after completion and during use. The expandable plug device is a multi-size plug having elastomeric and reinforcing layers and which may have an internal fluid flow-through conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for sealing a portion of a fluid vessel. The apparatus includes an inflatable and collapsible enclosed structure constructed and arranged to transition between an inflated configuration and a collapsed configuration when pressurized fluid is received therein and released therefrom, respectively. The apparatus includes at least one annular seal member protruding from an outer surface of the enclosed structure, wherein the annular seal member is constructed and arranged to engage an inner surface of the fluid vessel to form a fluid tight seal between the inner surface and the outer surface of the enclosed structure when the enclosed structure is disposed therein and pressurized to substantially the inflated configuration.

Abstract: A reusable pipe fitting plug for temporarily sealing the open hub on a non-threaded female pipe fitting. The pipe fitting plug has a retainer with piercing edges, expandable pins or grit type particles designed to engage the inner portion of a pipe fitting hub in order to anchor the pipe fitting plug. The pipe fitting plug further has an expandable rubber seal or expandable rubber bladder designed to provide a watertight seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for stopping a high pressurized fluid from escaping a rupture in a pipeline including a support member having a first end, a second end, and an outer surface, an inner inflatable bladder, an outer material layer, and an inflation hose. The inner inflatable bladder sealingly engages the first end and the second end of the support member and substantially covers the outer surface of the support member. The inner inflatable bladder includes a material layer substantially impermeable to fluid. The outer material layer substantially encases the inner inflatable bladder and sealingly engages the first end and the second end of the support member. The outer layer is formed of a woven fabric material capable of withstanding high inflation pressures of approximately 100 psi. The inflation hose supplies pressurized fluid between the outer surface of the support member and the inner inflatable bladder.

Abstract: An auxiliary device (100) is provided for repairing a pipeline and sealing small damages (5) in a wall (4) of a pipeline. A working space (8) is created between the interior of the pipeline (93) and the outer circumference of the base element (22) when the auxiliary device (100) for repairing a pipeline is pushed into a pipeline. The working space (8) can be sealed in the axial direction of the pipeline (3) and in a jointing manner by way of the expanding sealing collars (24,25). The auxiliary device (100) is provided with a transport module (40) that is articulated to the sealing module (20). The device can be transported through the fluid flow by means of the transport module (40).

Abstract: To obviate the need for hydraulic lines, from the surface, external water pressure is used to compress a seal member and form a seal with a surrounding pip. Valve is opened at depth to allow water to act on a piston, moving it within a chamber so as to compress the seal member. A second valve may be opened so that water acts on the opposite end of the piston to release the seal member.

Abstract: A flow-through inflatable plug assembly inflatable in a pipeline. The flow-through inflatable plug assembly includes a flow-through fluid conduit and a separate “donut-shaped” inflatable member having an aperture defined therein. For operation, the flow-through fluid conduit is inserted into the aperture of the inflatable member. When the flow-through inflatable plug assembly is inflated in a pipeline, the inflatable member fills the void between the inner diameter of the pipeline and the outer diameter of the flow-through fluid conduit. Thus, the flow-through fluid conduit is sealingly captured in the aperture such that fluid flow in the pipeline is limited to passage through the flow-through fluid conduit.

Abstract: A method of sealing a pipe and a device for sealing the pipe which prevents gas leakage out of a pipe stub plugged by a stopper disposed in a tee fitting, to allow a permanent cap to be welded onto the pipe. The device comprises an expandable plug comprising a pair of plates with a sealing member disposed between the plates. The plates can be squeezed together, for example by tightening nuts onto bolts extending through the plates to compress the sealing member and cause the periphery of the sealing member to expand against the inner wall of the pipe. Stabilizing means, for example a nut having a reverse thread and a complimentary tool, is provided for stabilizing the expandable plug radially within the pipe as the plates are squeezed together. The expandable plug is inserted into the pipe stub after the bypassed section of pipe has been removed, and lodged in the pipe by squeezing the plates together to expand the sealing member against the inner wall of the pipe stub.