Abstract: An anchored hole cover for a bore hole cored from a paved surface that includes a cover plate configured to cover the bore hole and support vehicular traffic. An anchoring mechanism is attached to the cover plate and extends down into the bore hole. The anchoring mechanism is configured to be actuated by a user torque input that is transmitted through a linkage system to cause an anchoring mechanism to selectively engage or disengage the wall of the bore hole. When the anchoring mechanism is engaged with the wall the anchoring mechanism is biased into contact with the hole, and is prevented from unintentional extraction. The anchored hole cover effectively provides a temporary cover for a bore hole in a road, parking lot, or other paved surfaces that supports vehicular traffic, that prevents extraction due to vibrations of passing traffic, thus preventing damage to cars and their occupants.

Abstract: A pipe stopper includes an expandable stopper body defining a stopper cavity and configurable in an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration; a pressure assembly comprising a pressure housing and a piston, the piston slidably engaged with a housing cavity of the pressure housing, the piston operatively connected to the expandable stopper body; and a locking assembly comprising a locking ring movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein the locking ring is configured to engage the expandable stopper body in the locked configuration to prohibit contraction of the expandable stopper body and to secure the pipe stopper in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A method of using a pipe stopper to stop fluid flow through a pipeline includes providing the pipe stopper, the pipe stopper comprising an expandable stopper body and a pressure assembly, the expandable stopper body configurable in an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration, the pressure assembly configurable in an open configuration and a closed configuration and comprising a housing cavity; lowering the expandable stopper body of the pipe stopper into a pipe channel of the pipeline in the contracted configuration; orienting the pressure assembly in the open configuration, wherein an upper portion of the housing cavity is in fluid communication with an atmosphere external to the pipeline and a lower portion of the housing cavity is in fluid communication with the pipe channel; and biasing the expandable stopper body to the expanded configuration to block fluid flow through the pipe channel.

Abstract: A pipe stopper includes an expandable stopper body defining a stopper cavity and configurable in an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration; a pressure assembly comprising a pressure housing and a piston, the piston slidably engaged with a housing cavity of the pressure housing, the piston operatively connected to the expandable stopper body; and a locking assembly comprising a locking rod and a locking device, a lower end of the locking rod disposed within the housing cavity, the locking rod further comprising a rod engagement mechanism, the locking device comprising a locking engagement mechanism; wherein the locking device is configurable in a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, and wherein, in the locked configuration, the locking engagement mechanism engages the rod engagement mechanism to lock the expandable stopper body in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A flow stopping tool for pipelines is disclosed, wherein the flow stopping tool comprises an inflatable balloon-like element that is in connection to a pressure rod. A hose is used for inflating the balloon-like element with a gas or a fluid, such that the balloon-like element can block a flow in a pipeline. A first end of the hose is in connection to the pressure rod and a second end of the hose is in connection to the balloon-like element. A part connecting the hose with the inflatable balloon-like element, but outside said balloon-like element, comprises a shock absorber for securing the hose-balloon connection.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plugging machine and a rigid tube provided with a stationary disc integral with the bottom of the tube and oriented almost orthogonal to the tube, with a movable disc paired with the stationary disc. A sealing ring of a resilient material is located between the discs and compressed when the movable disc is pressed against the stationary disc to adhere to an inner surface of the pipeline. The sealing ring is coaxial with respect to the pipeline. The movement of the movable disc is determined by raising or lowering a control rod within the tube by means of sloping sliders made in the lower portion of the rod which engage in respective grooves, likewise sloping, made in an axial shank associated with the movable disc and sliding inside an axial opening of the stationary disc. A component of a force is generated which is parallel to the axis of the discs. The axis is raised or lowered by rotation of a threaded ring engaging in a threading mate at the top of the rod.

Abstract: A shear blade 10 for a downhole apparatus 50 comprises a body portion 12 and a first cutting edge 21 provided at a cutting end of the shear blade 10, the first cutting edge 21 comprising a sharp edge 22 located at or near a central region of the first cutting edge 21 and at least one blunt edge 23 located at or near at least one outer portion of the first cutting edge 21. In an embodiment, the shear blade 10 has a recess or slot 40 which is provided at or near a central region of a shear face 30 and which extends partially between a first side 27 and a second side 28 and which is generally aligned with the sharp edge 22 of the first cutting edge 21 in a plane substantially parallel to an axis of the throughbore and perpendicular to the first cutting edge 21.

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold plug includes a plug body defining a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The manifold includes at least one receiving hole configured to releasably receive at least one positioning key associated with a manifold press. The plug body includes an opening defined by the plug body. The opening is at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The plug body also includes an inner surface defined by the opening and having a concave shape. The plug body is configured to be positioned in a manifold port extending along the longitudinal axis by way of the at least one receiving hole receiving the at least one positioning key. The one positioning key aligns the plug body such that the transverse axis is substantially parallel to a lateral axis defined by a channel of the manifold that forms an angle with the manifold port.

Abstract: According to one embodiment a sealing plug is provided that includes an elastic body and a stem assembled coaxially with respect to one another. The elastic body is suitable for being expanded radially by pulling on the free end of the stem, which projects out of the elastic body, once it is inserted into the hole to be plugged, the elastic body applying a closing pressure against the hole. The sealing plug also comprises an empty space, arranged between the elastic body and the stem, which is communicated with the outside, such that the entrance of fluid into the elastic body is allowed so that the fluid applies pressure against the elastic body, thereby increasing the closing pressure applied by the elastic body against the hole.

Abstract: This inventions relates to a plugging machine and a rigid tube provided with a stationary disc integral with the bottom of the tube and oriented almost orthogonal to the tube, with a movable disc paired with the stationary disc. A sealing ring of a resilient material is located between the discs and compressed when the movable disc is pressed against the stationary disc to adhere to an inner surface of the pipeline. The sealing ring is coaxial with respect to the pipeline. The movement of the movable disc is determined by raising or lowering a control rod within the tube by means of sloping sliders made in the lower portion of the rod which engage in respective grooves, likewise sloping, made in an axial shank associated with the movable disc and sliding inside an axial opening of the stationary disc. A component of a force is generated which is parallel to the axis of the discs. The axis is raised or lowered by rotation of a threaded ring engaging in a threading mate at the top of the rod.

Abstract: This inventions relates to a plugging machine and a rigid tube provided with a stationary disc integral with the bottom of the tube and oriented almost orthogonal to the tube, with a movable disc paired with the stationary disc. A sealing ring of a resilient material is located between the discs and compressed when the movable disc is pressed against the stationary disc to adhere to an inner surface of the pipeline. The sealing ring is coaxial with respect to the pipeline. The movement of the movable disc is determined by raising or lowering a control rod within the tube by means of sloping sliders made in the lower portion of the rod which engage in respective grooves, likewise sloping, made in an axial shank associated with the movable disc and sliding inside an axial opening of the stationary disc. A component of a force is generated which is parallel to the axis of the discs. The axis is raised or lowered by rotation of a threaded ring engaging in a threading mate at the top of the rod.

Abstract: An insertion guide tube that is inserted into a sealing case and that houses a blockage bag in a reduced-size state can be moved inside the sealing case and inside a branch pipe portion along an axis of the branch pipe portion until the insertion guide tube is brought into an abutting position in which at least a part of a leading end portion of the insertion guide tube abuts against an outer surface-side peripheral edge portion of a branch port on an outer circumferential surface of a fluid pipe. In a state in which the blockage bag is located at a predetermined internal flow passage blocking position, an axis adjustment portion that can make sliding contact with an inner surface of the insertion guide tube is located in a portion corresponding to branch port in a radial direction of the fluid pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sampling underwater radioactive solution. The apparatus includes a main unit, a connecting rod inserted into the main unit, a connecting ring connected to one side of the connecting rod, a container unit connected to the opposite side of the connecting ring, a solution access channel, an air motor for changing air pressure in the container unit to draw or extract the radioactive solution in or out of the container unit, a holder for fixing the air motor on the main unit, a synchronizing connector for connecting the connecting rod to the air motor, so as to synchronize the back-and-forth movement of the connecting rod with the air pressure of the air motor, a control unit for controlling the operation of the air motor, a flexible pipe connecting the air motor to the control unit, and a depth-setting unit.

Abstract: An isolation tool assembly for use in isolating a section of a pipe has a seal unit in the form of spherical globe seal module and a lock arrangement. The seal module has a first body portion onto which are mounted two compression seal elements. In use, the seal elements engage the pipe to isolated the section of pipe and the lock arrangement prevents undesired deactivation of the seal elements where the pressure applied across the seal elements drops below a seal self-energization pressure.

Abstract: A method of isolating a section of pipe includes the steps of locating a seal unit having two seal elements in a pipe via a penetration in the pipe, such as a branch or tee. The seal unit is then positioned in the pipe downstream of the penetration. The seal elements are activated using a primary activation mechanism to engage the pipe wall and then maintained in an activated condition using a secondary activation mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is a deployable culvert plug system having an elongated handle assembly with a hollow conduit, a distal end with a junction block in fluid communication with the conduit and a hinge assembly having a handle mounting plate, and a proximal end having a handle and a gas control valve for retaining a removable gas cylinder containing a pressurized gas. The gas control valve has valve trigger which selectively applies pressurized gas to the conduit. A bladder assembly having a bladder mounting plate is removably connected to the handle mounting plate, a bladder is attached to the bladder mounting plate, a check valve assembly allows pressurized gas to enter the bladder, and a hose selectively connects the check valve assembly to the junction block.

Abstract: A pipe testing fixture including a housing with a chamber, an aperture centrally disposed on the housing. A groove centrally disposed within the lower chamber. A pipe fluidly engages the chamber through the housing. A pipe closure body with a handle slidingly engages the aperture and chamber with a plate disposed on the handle. The plate slidingly engages the chamber, the lower end sealingly engaging the groove, configured to seal the lower chamber of the pipe. A plate face gasket continuously disposed on the front and rear sides of the plate. A locking pin is engagable through a pin hole upon positioning the pin hole outside the upper chamber. The engagement and alternate disengagement of the locking pin through the pin hole places the plate in an open locked position and an alternate closed position within the chamber. A separate carrier pipe segment engages the pipe portions.

Abstract: An inflatable plug assembly includes a first inflatable plug, a second inflatable plug, and a first mount coupled to the first inflatable plug. The first mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the first inflatable plug. The inflatable plug assembly also includes a second mount coupled to the second inflatable plug. The second mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the second inflatable plug. The second mount is secured to the first mount. The first inflatable plug and the second inflatable plug are independently inflatable.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluid flow control, including flow stoppage, in a pipe having a saddle fitting with an axially extending outer launch tube and a coaxially aligned inner launch tube longitudinally split into two inner launch tube halves disposed within the axially extending outer launch tube. At least one inflatable flow stopper bag is disposed within the inner launch tube for stopping flow of a fluid through the pipe with which the saddle fitting is connected. An inner launch tube control rod for manipulating each of the inner launch tube halves during the inflatable stopper insertion and removal processes is connected with each of the inner launch tube halves, and a flow stopper bag control rod for manipulating the inflatable flow stoppers is connected with each of the inflatable flow stopper bags.

Abstract: A leaking block valve isolation tool for insertion through a vent duct and blocking valve of a gas flow duct. The isolation tool includes an outer tube having proximal and distal ends, the outer tube having a diameter sized to extend through the vent duct and blocking valve. An inner tube having proximal and distal ends is arranged coaxially with and movable within the outer tube. An inflatable balloon is attached to the distal end of the inner tube, wherein the isolation tool outer tube is insertable through the vent duct to an opening in the gas flow duct. The inner tube is slidably insertable through the outer tube until the balloon is situated within a bore formed through the gas flow duct and is inflatable therein to block any gas leak through the gas flow duct.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods of use of a plug assembly are disclosed herein. The plug assembly includes an expandable plug for use with a pipe having an annular wall defining an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a sealing case including separate cases and enclosing a portion of an existing pipe, and a valve cover portion attached to a branch pipe portion protruding upwardly from the existing pipe; a gate valve body accommodated by the valve cover portion and the branch pipe portion to be intruded into the existing pipe to stop the flow of the fluid through the existing pipe; an operation valve body having an arc-shaped lateral cross section for opening/closing a branch hole formed in the branch pipe portion by rotating in the circumferential direction of the existing pipe; and a rotation mechanism for rotating the operation valve body, the rotation mechanism including: an operation portion; a driving gear unit which rotates; and a driven gear for rotating the operation valve body in the circumferential direction of the existing pipe following the rotation of the driving gear unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for sealing and severing a subsea pipe adapted to convey fluids, e.g., hydrocarbons, and systems and methods using such apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing adapted to attach to the pipe, a piercing tool for providing an opening in the pipe at a predetermined location and a mechanism for establishing fluid communication between a source of sealant material and space within the pipe adjacent the opening in the pipe, and a cutting mechanism for cutting the pipe. Methods disclosed include piercing the pipe to form an opening, injecting sealant material through the opening into the pipe to form a fluid-tight seal, and cutting the pipe through the seal to form sealed cut ends.

Abstract: A purge dam for retaining a purge gas around a weld zone includes a purge dam structure configured to substantially obstruct an air passage leading to the weld zone. The purge dam includes a main blocking portion configured to substantially block the air passage. The purge dam structure further includes a wall portion configured to engage the air passage for attachment. Adhesive can be optionally provided on the wall portion to facilitate the air passage attachment. Some or all of the purge dam structure may be formed as a multi-layer structure that includes one or more layers of water degradable paper and one or more layers of water degradable polymer. If present, the optional adhesive may be applied to the water degradable polymer layer. The purge dam may be installed by placing the purge dam in the air passage and adhering the wall portion thereto.

Abstract: An externally engaging test barrier for use in testing hydrostatic pressure in a plumbing system having two abutting plumbing components. The test barrier includes a barrier body having a first face, a second face, and at least one peripheral engagement for engaging an external surface of at least one of the two abutting plumbing components to hold the barrier body in position across an end of at least one of the two abutting plumbing components. The peripheral engagement extends perpendicularly from the first face or the second face. A removable portion of the barrier body is defined by a frangible connection. The peripheral engagement of the barrier body is incapable of sealing the plumbing system during a hydrostatic pressure test, unless used in combination with a pipe coupling that forms an overlying sealing sleeve.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an insert for an orifice fitting in a pipeline. The insert includes a retaining member having an exteriorly facing surface dimensionally corresponding to cross-sectional interior dimensions of a carrier in the orifice fitting. Thus, the insert is positionally stabilized in a predetermined position within the pipeline and in substantial registry with the orifice fitting. A lug is affixed to the interiorly facing surface of the retaining member. The lug projects inwards towards a center of the retaining member and provides an interiorly facing mounting surface. A dielectric insulating layer is on the interiorly facing mounting surface of the lug, wherein the dielectric insulating layer includes a first element of a cooperating attachment member. The cooperating attachment member removably securely retains a corrosion coupon on the dielectric insulating layer upon engagement of the first element with a second element of the cooperating attachment member.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressure testing a plumbing system has a hollow body defining an interior cavity. At least one interior sealing surface is provided on the body within the interior cavity, encircling one of the pipe connections. A rigid plug is provided having at least one exterior sealing surface. The plug is lowered on a shaft into the interior cavity. A plug receiver receives the plug and positions the at least one exterior sealing surface of the plug into sealing engagement with the at least one interior sealing surface.

Abstract: An inflatable plug assembly includes a first inflatable plug, a second inflatable plug, and a first mount coupled to the first inflatable plug. The first mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the first inflatable plug. The inflatable plug assembly also includes a second mount coupled to the second inflatable plug. The second mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the second inflatable plug. The second mount is secured to the first mount. The first inflatable plug and the second inflatable plug are independently inflatable.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a system for locating and restoring service lines during pipeline restoration. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system for service line plug transport and dispensing includes at least one magazine tray including a plurality of service line plugs and a plug advancement mechanism for pushing at least one of the plurality of service line plugs off of the magazine tray and onto an applicator fitting. According to embodiments of the present invention, the applicator fitting includes a magnet configured to interact with a magnet inside the at least one of the plurality of service line plugs.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a T-pipe designed for transfer of high pressure fluids through the main run and where the branch run is left in a standby position for possible use in the future. The opening, or outlet, of the branch run is sealed by a material continuous with the main run. An opening and fluid flow in the branch run while the main run is in production and remains under full pressure, is to be provided. The sealing includes a metal membrane which is in contact with the fluid flowing in the main run. The metal membrane is thinner than the wall thickness of the T-pipe and is supported by a plug inserted in the branch run.

Abstract: To provide conditioned fluid flows, a base body has a main flow duct formed therein with a bypass duct that is branched off from and led back to the main flow duct. An exchangeable flow conditioning insert includes a flow resistance element and is adapted to be arranged in the main flow duct relative to the bypass duct in an axial installation position such that the flow resistance element generates a pressure difference between ports of the bypass duct at the main flow duct.

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: An orifice plate carrier for positioning an orifice plate within an orifice fitting to measure fluid flow rate through a conduit is disclosed. In some embodiments, the plate carrier has an opening therethrough and an inner surface surrounding the opening. A lip extends radially from the inner surface to support an orifice plate assembly with an orifice plate disposed therein. At least one flow port extends through the body. Each flow port is configured to allow fluid therethrough and to reduce a pressure differential between fluid up and downstream of the orifice plate during installation and extraction. At least two notches, each notch extending radially from the inner surface, engage the orifice plate and maintain the concentric position of the orifice plate within the fitting.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for valve insertion and linestopping. In one embodiment, the system comprises a sealing housing having a lower housing portion and an upper housing portion that are each dimensioned to partially surround an exterior surface of an existing pipe in an airtight state. In one embodiment, an integral valve assembly is disposed at least partially within an integral valve housing section of the upper housing portion. The integral valve assembly comprises a valve movable between an open position in which the valve provides an open pathway through an opening in the upper housing portion, and a closed position in which the valve provides a seal adjacent to the opening. The upper housing portion may be adapted to selectively receive each of an adapter plate for a cutting machine, a valve bonnet, and a blind flange.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securely fastening a pipe collar or a bracket to a riser pipe of a boiling water reactor (BWR) jet pump assembly. A pipe plug assembly includes an angled pipe plug that acts as a wedge to expand a bushing assembly as the pipe plug is drawn into the overall pipe plug assembly. Expansion of the bushing assembly allows a tight tolerance to exist between an outer diameter of the pipe plug and an inner diameter of the collar/bracket and riser pipe. Expansion of the bushing assembly allows a straight hole to be match drilled into the collar/bracket and riser pipe, thereby avoiding a more complicated tapered hole to be drilled into the collar/bracket and riser pipe. An ensuing tight fit between the pipe plug assembly, the collar/bracket and the riser pipe mitigates vibration of components and minimizes leakage to acceptable levels for use in the flooded environment of the annulus region where the jet pump assembly exists in the BWR.

Abstract: A closing device for a vacuum user system or vacuum toilet system of an aircraft that makes it possible to quickly open and close a pipe connection piece in a vacuum user system or in a vacuum toilet system of an aircraft. The closing device comprises a cover; a closing element that can be inserted into the pipe connection piece and is connected to the cover by a spacer and is designed such that it substantially fully covers a cross section of the pipe connection piece; a sealing bellows located between the cover and the closing element and that at least partly encloses the spacer, wherein the sealing bellows comprises a sealing face; and an element that is movable in relation to the cover, which element is movable from a first position to a second position, wherein the movable element engages the sealing bellows such that the sealing face of the sealing bellows in the second position has a greater extension in a plane across the spacer than it does in the first position.

Abstract: A plug assembly 10 includes a housing 14 and one or more covers 16 coupled to the housing. The plug assembly 10 includes at least one mounting plate 12a, 12b positioned between the housing 14 and the cover 16 for movement relative thereto between an extended position and a retracted position. The plug assembly 10 includes an actuator 17 engageble with the mounting plates 12a, 12b for moving the mounting plates between the extended position and the retracted position in response to a command issued from a controller 62. During operation, the plug assembly 10 is positioned in a conduit 18 and the mounting plates 12a, 12b are moved to the extended position thereby releasably securing the plug assembly at a desired location in the conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure testing a plumbing system, includes a resilient body having a body diameter. The resilient body is adapted to elastically deform by when passing through a service opening that is smaller than the body diameter and then resiliently return to the body diameter. A sealing surface is carried by the resilient body. A rigid coupling is positioned on the resilient body. The rigid coupling is adapted for coupling the resilient body to a shaft, such that the shaft is able to manipulate movement of the resilient body. The resilient body is inserted into a service opening of a plumbing system to be pressure tested. The resilient body flexes while being inserted and then resiliently returns to the body diameter with the sealing surface performing a sealing function.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods for stopping the flow of media within a pipeline. The pipeline generally includes one or more pipes connected end-to-end, where each of the pipes has a longitudinal axis with an annular wall. The annular wall has an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, where the inner wall surface defines an inner pipe diameter. In various embodiments, a hole is formed in the pipeline substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the annular wall and extending through the opposing pipe wall. A resilient plug is positioned within the pipeline such that it extends between the holes and is selectively expanded in a radial direction to create a seal with the inner surface of the pipe and holes to prevent flow of the media within the pipe.

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: 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: The present invention provides a test plug for use with a clean-out that extends at an angle from a pipe section of a pipe system. In general, the test plug includes a sealing assembly that is actuated by an actuating member extending at an angle from the sealing assembly. The sealing assembly includes a first plate, a second plate, a valve that is configured to draw the first and second plates together, and a ring-shaped sealing member located between the first and second plates. In various embodiments, the actuating member is configured to move the valve between an open position, in which test media may be communicated through at least one opening in the first plate and through at least one opening in the second plate, and a closed position, in which the valve seals the opening of the first plate and in which the sealing member extends outwardly to seal against an internal surface of the pipe section.

Abstract: A tool for supporting and centering a flat circular orifice plate flow meter between two pipe flanges that have circumferentially spaced apart circular flange bolt holes that lie on a bolt circle and receive circular flange bolts for interconnecting the flanges, comprising a flat plate having a first edge which includes at least two points that lie on a line of curvature having a radius equal to the radius of the circular orifice plate, and at least one set of at least two tool holes sized to receive two of the bolts that interconnect the flanges.

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 low pressure directional stop bypass device including a saddle fitting having an axially extending tubular connection element having a connection element wall forming a lateral bypass port, a valve assembly connected with the axially extending tubular connection element having a first valve port in fluid communication with the lateral bypass port and having a second valve port, and a stuffing box connected with the second valve port. A launch tube assembly is inserted through the stuffing box and the valve assembly into the axially extending tubular connection element. The launch tube element includes an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member disposed within the outer tubular member, and a stopper supply tube having a leading end and a trailing end and disposed within the inner tubular member. A flexible inflatable stopper plug connected with the leading end of the stopper supply tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for operating a dual chamber orifice fitting. The dual chamber orifice fitting comprises a body having a lower chamber and a top having an upper chamber. An aperture connects the upper chamber to the lower chamber. A closure member is pivotally mounted to the fitting and pivots about a first axis between a first position and a second position. A pivot arm is rotatably mounted to the body and engages the closure member so that rotation of the pivot arm about a second axis pivots said closure member about the first axis between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An isolation tool for use in a pipe comprises a seal unit, the seal unit being mounted to a launching assembly. The seal unit is adapted for location in a section of pipe, the seal unit adapted to be inserted into the pipe via a single opening in the pipe wall. The seal unit comprises seal elements for engaging the pipe wall to isolate a section of pipe. The seal elements are initially retained in a retracted configuration. Hydraulic pressure is applied to a cylinder, a piston located in the cylinder being translated into the seal unit, causing compression of the seal elements.

Abstract: A double plug head for plugging a pipe. The double plug head includes a primary rubber packing, a roller support, a tube support and a rubber tube. The primary rubber packing is provided on a mounting plate of a plugging machine. The roller support is provided with a plurality of rollers. The tube support is provided between the primary rubber packing and the roller support. A tube seating depression is formed around the circumferential surface of the tube support. A fluid feed path is formed in the tube support. The rubber tube is seated into the tube seating depression and has a nipple connected to an outlet of the fluid feed path. Communication holes which communicate with the fluid feed path are respectively formed in the primary rubber packing and the mounting plate. A fluid hose is connected to the communication hole of the mounting plate.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods for stopping the flow of media within a pipeline. The pipeline generally includes one or more pipes connected end-to-end, where each of the pipes has a longitudinal axis with an annular wall. The annular wall has an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, where the inner wall surface defines an inner pipe diameter. In various embodiments, a hole is formed in the pipeline substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the annular wall and extending through the opposing pipe wall. A resilient plug is positioned within the pipeline such that it extends between the holes and is selectively expanded in a radial direction to create a seal with the inner surface of the pipe and holes to prevent flow of the media within the pipe.

Abstract: A conduit apparatus includes a slide plate between faces of flanges connecting a first and second conduit portions. Upper and lower fasteners extend through bolt holes in the flanges above and below the slide plate. Right aid left fasteners extend through bolt holes in the flanges and through bolt holes in the slide plate. The slide plate can be located in a first position where the right and left fasteners extend through a first set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where a first portion of the slide plate is between the faces of the flanges, and in a second position where the right and left fasteners extend through a second set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where a second portion of the slide plate is between the faces of the flanges. The slide plate can be configured to allow or block or restrict flow.