US3693408A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pipeline testing plug
Assignee: Halliburton Co
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Filing: 1970-11-20
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Granted: 1972-09-26
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Expires: 1990-11-20
Abstract
Abstract A pipeline testing plug with a cylindrical body has scraper cups attached to it, resilient packer ring positioned on the body, a pair of wedges positioned one on each side of the packer ring and a pair of mandrels and jackknife linkage within the body. The mandrels are hydrostatically operated, with the linkage arranged for blocking the first mandrel which is connected to one of the wedges, and the other mandrel being connected to the linkage in order to remove the linkage from blocking the first mandrel in response to applied hydrostatic pressure. The pipeline plug is inserted into the line and pushed down the line by low-pressure fluid flow. After the plug reaches the desired area, the pipeline is closed off at opposite ends and hydrostatic pressure is built up, activating the plug sealing means. Pressure at both ends of the line is then monitored to determine which section of the line contains the leak. Upon reduction of hydrostatic pressure the sealing means in the plug automatically releases, allowing the plug to be moved to a new position, thereby further narrowing the area in which the leak could be located.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter E Hyde
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:50
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/005; G01M3/02; G01M3/26; G01M3/28; G01M3/2807; G01M3/2823
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 29
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
A pipeline testing plug, which comprises: a. a cylindrical body having at least one set of annular, resilient, scraper cups positioned on said body; b. an annular resilient packer ring positioned on said body; c. a pair of annular wedges for radially expanding said packer ring, said wedges positioned on said body on either side of said ring; and d. means for moving one of said wedges toward the other of said wedges, said means disposed within said body and including, a first mandrel fixed to one of said wedges and adapted to be movably responsive to hydrostatic pressure, a jackknife operating linkage removably positioned adjacent said first mandrel said linkage blocking movement of said first mandrel, a second mandrel connected to said linkage and adapted to be movably responsive to hydrostatic pressure whereby said second mandrel removes said linkage from blocking said first mandrel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
A pipeline testing plug, which comprises: a. a cylindrical body having at least one set of annular, resilient, scraper cups positioned on said body; b. an annular resilient packer ring positioned on said body; c. a pair of annular wedges for radially expanding said packer ring, said wedges positioned on said body on either side of said ring; and d. means for moving one of said wedges toward the other of said wedges, said means disposed within said body and including, a first mandrel fixed to one of said wedges and adapted to be movably responsive to hydrostatic pressure, a jackknife operating linkage removably positioned adjacent said first mandrel said linkage blocking movement of said first mandrel, a second mandrel connected to said linkage and adapted to be movably responsive to hydrostatic pressure whereby said second mandrel removes said linkage from blocking said first mandrel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
127 words
A pipeline plug for use in testing pipelines and the like, which comprises: a. an elongated, cylindrical body having at least one resilient disc positioned thereon; b. a first annular wedge fixed on one end of said body; c. an elongated cylindrical shell telescopingly assembled with said body; d. a second annular wedge fixed on said shell; e. a resilient packer ring slidably positioned on said shell between said first and said second wedges; f. a jackknife operating linkage removably positioned between said body and said shell, said linkage blocking telescoping movement of said body and said shell; and g. a mandrel slidably positioned within said body and said shell, said mandrel adapted to remove said linkage from blocking telescoping movement of said body and said shell.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
127 words
A pipeline plug for use in testing pipelines and the like, which comprises: a. an elongated, cylindrical body having at least one resilient disc positioned thereon; b. a first annular wedge fixed on one end of said body; c. an elongated cylindrical shell telescopingly assembled with said body; d. a second annular wedge fixed on said shell; e. a resilient packer ring slidably positioned on said shell between said first and said second wedges; f. a jackknife operating linkage removably positioned between said body and said shell, said linkage blocking telescoping movement of said body and said shell; and g. a mandrel slidably positioned within said body and said shell, said mandrel adapted to remove said linkage from blocking telescoping movement of said body and said shell.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
303 words
A plug assembly adapted to be pumped through a pipeline for establishing a temporary seal therein, comprising: a. a horizontally elongated tubular body structure having a first cylindrical wedge positioned thereon and at least one annular, resilient, scraper disc positioned on one end thereof; b. a first mandrel defining a central passageway, said first mandrel movably assembled in telescoping relation to said body structure, said first mandrel movable in response to fluid pressure; c. at least one resilient packer cup positioned on one end of said first mandrel; d. a second cylindrical wedge positioned on said first mandrel; e. a resilient sealing ring slidably mounted on said first mandrel, said ring positioned between said first and said second wedges; f. a plurality of links pivotally attached to each of said body structure and said first mandrel, and to each other, said links operable to block telescoping movement of said assembled body structure and said first mandrel; g. a tubular housing positioned in said central passageway in said first mandrel, said housing fixed to said body structure; h. a second mandrel adapted to be movably responsive to fluid pressure, said second mandrel slidably mounted in said housing and pivotally attached to said plurality of links, said second mandrel operable to collapse said links permitting telescoping movement of said assembled body structure and said first mandrel, whereby said second wedge moves toward said first wedge deforming said resilient sealing ring into sealing engagement with the inTerior walls of the pipeline; i. spring means for retracting said first mandrel from said body structure to relieve deformation of said resilient sealing ring from sealing engagement with said interior walls; j. reservoir means carried by said assembled body structure and said first mandrel and said housing; and k. valve means for introducing compressed fluid into said reservoir means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
303 words
A plug assembly adapted to be pumped through a pipeline for establishing a temporary seal therein, comprising: a. a horizontally elongated tubular body structure having a first cylindrical wedge positioned thereon and at least one annular, resilient, scraper disc positioned on one end thereof; b. a first mandrel defining a central passageway, said first mandrel movably assembled in telescoping relation to said body structure, said first mandrel movable in response to fluid pressure; c. at least one resilient packer cup positioned on one end of said first mandrel; d. a second cylindrical wedge positioned on said first mandrel; e. a resilient sealing ring slidably mounted on said first mandrel, said ring positioned between said first and said second wedges; f. a plurality of links pivotally attached to each of said body structure and said first mandrel, and to each other, said links operable to block telescoping movement of said assembled body structure and said first mandrel; g. a tubular housing positioned in said central passageway in said first mandrel, said housing fixed to said body structure; h. a second mandrel adapted to be movably responsive to fluid pressure, said second mandrel slidably mounted in said housing and pivotally attached to said plurality of links, said second mandrel operable to collapse said links permitting telescoping movement of said assembled body structure and said first mandrel, whereby said second wedge moves toward said first wedge deforming said resilient sealing ring into sealing engagement with the inTerior walls of the pipeline; i. spring means for retracting said first mandrel from said body structure to relieve deformation of said resilient sealing ring from sealing engagement with said interior walls; j. reservoir means carried by said assembled body structure and said first mandrel and said housing; and k. valve means for introducing compressed fluid into said reservoir means.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of establishing a temporary seal in a pipeline containing fluid, which comprises the steps of: a. pumping a plug having an expandable packer ring thereon, into a portion of a pipeline having an opened valve at the opposite end; b. closing said valve; c. increasing hydraulic pressure in said pipeline by continued pumping; and d. expanding said packer ring into sealing engagement with said pipeline is response to said increased hydraulic pressure in said pipeline.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of establishing a temporary seal in a pipeline containing fluid, which comprises the steps of: a. pumping a plug having an expandable packer ring thereon, into a portion of a pipeline having an opened valve at the opposite end; b. closing said valve; c. increasing hydraulic pressure in said pipeline by continued pumping; and d. expanding said packer ring into sealing engagement with said pipeline is response to said increased hydraulic pressure in said pipeline.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 4 wherein said packer ring expansion occurs at a predetermined hydraulic pressure.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of establishing a seal in a fluid filled pipeline, which comprises the steps of: a. placing a plug having an expandable packer ring thereon into a pipeline, said pipeline having a pump at one end and a valve at the other end; b. opening said valve in said pipeline; c. pumping said plug partially down said pipeline; d. closing said valve; e. continuing pumping; and f. raising pipeline fluid pressure in response to said continued pumping. expanding said expandable packer ring in sealing relation with said pipeline in response to said raising pipeline fluid pressure.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of establishing a seal in a fluid filled pipeline, which comprises the steps of: a. placing a plug having an expandable packer ring thereon into a pipeline, said pipeline having a pump at one end and a valve at the other end; b. opening said valve in said pipeline; c. pumping said plug partially down said pipeline; d. closing said valve; e. continuing pumping; and f. raising pipeline fluid pressure in response to said continued pumping. expanding said expandable packer ring in sealing relation with said pipeline in response to said raising pipeline fluid pressure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 6 further characterized by the additional first step of introducing compressed fluid into the interior of a plug.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 6 wherein said packer ring expansion occurs at a predetermined pipeline fluid pressure.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
169 words
A plug for use in effecting a seal in a pipe, which comprises: a. first conduit means; b. second conduit means telescopingly assembled with said first conduit means, said second conduit means movable in response to hydraulic pressure; c. a resilient packer ring on said second conduit means; d. a pair of wedge means, each positioned on either side of said packer ring, one of said wedge means fixed to said first conduit means, the other of said wedge means fixed to said second conduit means; e. blocking means for blocking telescoping action of said second conduit means; f. release means, operable in response to hydraulic pressure, for removing said blocking means permitting telescoping action by second conduit means whereby said wedge means, approaching each other, radially expand said packer ring in sealing engagement with the pipe; g. first neutral positioning means for retracting said second conduit means and said release means; and h. second neutral positioning means for retracting said release means whereby said blocking means are restored.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
169 words
A plug for use in effecting a seal in a pipe, which comprises: a. first conduit means; b. second conduit means telescopingly assembled with said first conduit means, said second conduit means movable in response to hydraulic pressure; c. a resilient packer ring on said second conduit means; d. a pair of wedge means, each positioned on either side of said packer ring, one of said wedge means fixed to said first conduit means, the other of said wedge means fixed to said second conduit means; e. blocking means for blocking telescoping action of said second conduit means; f. release means, operable in response to hydraulic pressure, for removing said blocking means permitting telescoping action by second conduit means whereby said wedge means, approaching each other, radially expand said packer ring in sealing engagement with the pipe; g. first neutral positioning means for retracting said second conduit means and said release means; and h. second neutral positioning means for retracting said release means whereby said blocking means are restored.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
40 words
The plug of claim 9 wherein: a. at least one resilient packer disc is positioned on one end of said first conduit means; and b. at least one packer cup is positioned on one end of said second conduit means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The plug of claim 10 wherein said at least one packer cup is resilient.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
The plug of claim 9 wherein said blocking means includes a plurality of links pivotally attached to said first and second conduit means and to said release means and to each other.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
42 words
The plug of claim 9 wherein: a. said second conduit means include a central bore; and b. a housing positioned in said central bore, said housing defining an internal passageway including restrictive means therein, said passageway adapted to receive said release means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The plug of claim 9 wherein said release means include a mandrel having an upset thereon.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The plug of claim 14 wherein said mandrel includes: a. a plurality of passages therein; and b. means for adjusting said second neutral positioning Means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The plug of claim 9 wherein said first and second conduit means define an interior chamber.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The plug of claim 16 wherein said second conduit means include valve means for introducing compressed fluid into said interior chamber.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of establishing two or more temporary seals in a fluid filled pipe, which comprises the steps of: a. placing a plurality of plugs in spaced relation in a pipe, said pipe having a valve at one end and a pump at another end, said plugs having expandable packer rings thereon; b. opening said valve in said pipe; c. pumping said plugs in spaced relation, down said pipe; d. closing said valve; e. continuing pumping; and f. raising pipe fluid pressure in response to said continued pumping, expanding said expandable packer rings in sealing engagement with said pipe in response to said raising pipe fluid pressure.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of establishing two or more temporary seals in a fluid filled pipe, which comprises the steps of: a. placing a plurality of plugs in spaced relation in a pipe, said pipe having a valve at one end and a pump at another end, said plugs having expandable packer rings thereon; b. opening said valve in said pipe; c. pumping said plugs in spaced relation, down said pipe; d. closing said valve; e. continuing pumping; and f. raising pipe fluid pressure in response to said continued pumping, expanding said expandable packer rings in sealing engagement with said pipe in response to said raising pipe fluid pressure.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for locating leaks in a pipeline comprising: a. placing one or more expandable plugs in the pipeline; b. flowing fluid into said pipeline to move the plugs along the pipeline into spaced relationship whereby the section of pipeline to be tested is divided by the plugs into two or more lengths; c. filling the pipeline completely with fluid; d. closing off the opposite ends of the pipeline to be tested; e. applying pressure to the fluid in the pipeline at either or both ends of the line so that the pressure throughout the entire pipeline is substantially even, thereby actuating said plugs into sealing arrangement with said pipeline; f. measuring the pressure in each individual length of the section of pipeline to be tested over a sufficient period of time to determine which length contains the leak; and g. repeating said process until the location of the leak is narrowed down sufficiently to repair the leak.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for locating leaks in a pipeline comprising: a. placing one or more expandable plugs in the pipeline; b. flowing fluid into said pipeline to move the plugs along the pipeline into spaced relationship whereby the section of pipeline to be tested is divided by the plugs into two or more lengths; c. filling the pipeline completely with fluid; d. closing off the opposite ends of the pipeline to be tested; e. applying pressure to the fluid in the pipeline at either or both ends of the line so that the pressure throughout the entire pipeline is substantially even, thereby actuating said plugs into sealing arrangement with said pipeline; f. measuring the pressure in each individual length of the section of pipeline to be tested over a sufficient period of time to determine which length contains the leak; and g. repeating said process until the location of the leak is narrowed down sufficiently to repair the leak.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of locating leaks in a pipeline as in claim 19 wherein said one or more plugs are placed into the pipeline in a spaced relationship so as to divide said pipe section into two or more substantially identical lengths.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of locating leaks in a pipeline as in claim 20 wherein the number of plugs used is one and the plug is placed substantially halfway down the length of pipeline to be tested.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-26 | 1976-03-27 | 1976-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-26 | 1980-03-27 | 1980-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-26 | 1984-03-27 | 1984-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |