US3890693A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for controlled pressurization of a pipeline during construction thereof
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-10-26
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Granted: 1975-06-24
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Expires: 1992-10-26
Abstract
Abstract A method for maintaining a positive internal pressure in a pipeline while the pipeline is being constructed which comprises initially positioning a pair of releasable sealing devices in spaced relationship within the pipeline and in a releasable pressure tight engagement with the inner periphery thereof, introducing a pressure fluid into the interior of the pipeline between the devices and behind the first of said devices, depressurizing the interior of the pipeline between the devices; moving the second of said devices within the pipeline to a position in the proximity of the open end of the pipeline wherein construction is taking place and engaging the second device in a pressure tight position with the inner periphery of the pipeline; admitting a pressure fluid into the pipeline between the two devices for equalizing the pressure on the opposite sides of the first device; moving the first device in a direction toward the second device to a position immediately behind the second device and re-engaging the first device in a pressure tight arrangement with the inner periphery of the pipeline; and repeating the process as required during the construction of the pipeline.
Inventors
- 👤 Harold N Eagleton
- 👤 Jerome D Lormand
- 👤 Joe S Herring
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 22:16
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L1/00; F16L1/12; F16L1/16; F16L1/163; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49826; Y10T29/49828
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
In the construction of a pipeline, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline which comprises providing a selectively sealed chamber within the pipeline, directing a pressure fluid into the chamber for providing a preselected pressure therein, enlarging the chamber within the pipeline during the construction thereof, maintaining the pressure within the chamber at said predetermined level during the enlarging thereof throughout the pipeline construction operation, and utilizing said pressure for applying axial tension to the pipeline.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
78 words
In the construction of a pipeline, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline which comprises providing a selectively sealed chamber within the pipeline, directing a pressure fluid into the chamber for providing a preselected pressure therein, enlarging the chamber within the pipeline during the construction thereof, maintaining the pressure within the chamber at said predetermined level during the enlarging thereof throughout the pipeline construction operation, and utilizing said pressure for applying axial tension to the pipeline.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
142 words
In the construction of a pipeline, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline which comprises providing a selectively sealed chamber within the pipeline, directing a pressure fluid into the chamber for providing a preselected pressure therein, enlarging the chamber within the pipeline during the construction thereof, and maintaining the pressure within the chamber at a predetermined level during the enlarging thereof throughout the pipeline construction operation, said enlarging of the chamber including the step of providing a second selectively sealed chamber within the pipeline, directing a pressure fluid into the second chamber for equalizing the pressure therein with respect to the pressure in the first chamber, releasing the seal of the first mentioned sealed chamber, incorporating at least a portion of the second chamber into the first chamber for enlarging of the first chamber, and resealing said enlarged first chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
142 words
In the construction of a pipeline, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline which comprises providing a selectively sealed chamber within the pipeline, directing a pressure fluid into the chamber for providing a preselected pressure therein, enlarging the chamber within the pipeline during the construction thereof, and maintaining the pressure within the chamber at a predetermined level during the enlarging thereof throughout the pipeline construction operation, said enlarging of the chamber including the step of providing a second selectively sealed chamber within the pipeline, directing a pressure fluid into the second chamber for equalizing the pressure therein with respect to the pressure in the first chamber, releasing the seal of the first mentioned sealed chamber, incorporating at least a portion of the second chamber into the first chamber for enlarging of the first chamber, and resealing said enlarged first chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
149 words
In the construction of a pipeline, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline which comprises providing a first releasable pressure seal within the pipeline for selectively sealing a first chamber in the pipeline, providing a sedond releasable pressure seal within the pipeline spaced from the first seal for releasable sealing a second chamber in the pipeline, introducinG a pressure fluid into the first chamber to provide a preselected pressure therein, directing a pressure fluid into the second chamber for providing a pressure therein equal to the pressure within the first chamber, releasing the first pressure seal, incorporating at least a portion of the second chamber with the first chamber for selectively enlarging the first chamber upon lengthening of the pipeline during construction thereof, sealing the enlarged first chamber for maintaining a predetermined pressure therein, and repeating the enlarging of the first chamber throughout the pipeline construction operation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
149 words
In the construction of a pipeline, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline which comprises providing a first releasable pressure seal within the pipeline for selectively sealing a first chamber in the pipeline, providing a sedond releasable pressure seal within the pipeline spaced from the first seal for releasable sealing a second chamber in the pipeline, introducinG a pressure fluid into the first chamber to provide a preselected pressure therein, directing a pressure fluid into the second chamber for providing a pressure therein equal to the pressure within the first chamber, releasing the first pressure seal, incorporating at least a portion of the second chamber with the first chamber for selectively enlarging the first chamber upon lengthening of the pipeline during construction thereof, sealing the enlarged first chamber for maintaining a predetermined pressure therein, and repeating the enlarging of the first chamber throughout the pipeline construction operation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
In the construction of a pipeline, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline as set forth in claim 3 wherein the first releasable pressure seal is moved in a direction toward the second pressure seal upon release of the first pressure seal for incorporating said portion of said second chamber with the first chamber for enlargement thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
163 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one open end and one sealable end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline which comprises providing a first releasable pressure seal within the pipeline for selectively sealing a first chamber in the proximity of the sealable end, providing a second releasable seal within the pipeline spaced from the first pressure seal for selectively sealing a second chamber in the pipeline, directing a pressure fluid into the first chamber to provide a predetermined pressure therein, providing a predetermined pressure within the second chamber equal to the pressure in the first chamber, releasing the first seal to provide communication between the first and second chambers, incorporating a portion of the second chamber with the first chamber for enlarging of the first chamber upon lengthening of the pipeline during the construction thereof, sealing the enlarged first chamber for maintaining a predetermined pressure therein, and repeating the enlarging of the first chamber during the pipeline construction operation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
163 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one open end and one sealable end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline which comprises providing a first releasable pressure seal within the pipeline for selectively sealing a first chamber in the proximity of the sealable end, providing a second releasable seal within the pipeline spaced from the first pressure seal for selectively sealing a second chamber in the pipeline, directing a pressure fluid into the first chamber to provide a predetermined pressure therein, providing a predetermined pressure within the second chamber equal to the pressure in the first chamber, releasing the first seal to provide communication between the first and second chambers, incorporating a portion of the second chamber with the first chamber for enlarging of the first chamber upon lengthening of the pipeline during the construction thereof, sealing the enlarged first chamber for maintaining a predetermined pressure therein, and repeating the enlarging of the first chamber during the pipeline construction operation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
161 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one closed end and one open end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline which comprises providing a first releasable pressure seal within the pipeline for sealing a first chamber in the proximity of the closed end, providing a second releasable seal within the pipeline spaced slightly from the first pressure seal for sealing a second chamber in the pipeline, directing a pressure fluid into said chambers to provide a predetermined pressure within said first chamber, withdrawing the pressure fluid from the second chamber, releasing the second pressure seal, moving the second pressure seal within the pipeline in a direction away from the first seal, re-engaging the second pressure seal with the pipeline for sealing and enlarging the said second chamber, directing a pressure fluid into said enlarged chamber for providing a predetermined pressure within said pipeline, and repeating the steps of enlarging the second chamber during the construction of the pipeline.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
161 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one closed end and one open end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline which comprises providing a first releasable pressure seal within the pipeline for sealing a first chamber in the proximity of the closed end, providing a second releasable seal within the pipeline spaced slightly from the first pressure seal for sealing a second chamber in the pipeline, directing a pressure fluid into said chambers to provide a predetermined pressure within said first chamber, withdrawing the pressure fluid from the second chamber, releasing the second pressure seal, moving the second pressure seal within the pipeline in a direction away from the first seal, re-engaging the second pressure seal with the pipeline for sealing and enlarging the said second chamber, directing a pressure fluid into said enlarged chamber for providing a predetermined pressure within said pipeline, and repeating the steps of enlarging the second chamber during the construction of the pipeline.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
54 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one closed end and one open end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline as set forth in claim 6 wherein the second pressure seal is moved to a position in the proximity of the open end during each enlargement of the said second chamber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
49 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one closed end and one open end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline as set forth in claim 6 wherein the movement and actuation of either or both the first and second pressure seals is accomplished by remote control.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
39 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one closed end and one open end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline as set forth in claim 6 wherein the first and second releasable pressure seals are interconnected.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
142 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one closed end and one open end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline aS set forth in claim 9 wherein the repeating of the enlarging of the second chamber is continued until the limit of the connection between the first and second pressure seals is reached, assuring an equalization of pressures acting on the first pressure seal, releasing said first pressure seal, moving said first pressure seal within the pipeline in a direction toward the second pressure seal, re-engaging the said first pressure seal with the pipeline in the proximity of the said second pressure seal for enlarging said first chamber, directing pressure fluid to the enlarged first chamber to provide a predetermined pressure therein, and repeating the steps of enlarging the second and first chambers during the construction of the pipeline.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
93 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one closed end and one open end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline which comprises releasably sealing a first chamber within the pipeline in the proximity of the closed end, releasably sealing a second chamber within the pipeline between the first chamber and the open end, directing a pressure fluid into said chambers for providing a predetermined pressure within the pipeline and selectively depressurizing and enlarging and repressurizing the second chamber during the construction of the pipeline for maintaining said predetermined pressure therein.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
93 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one closed end and one open end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline which comprises releasably sealing a first chamber within the pipeline in the proximity of the closed end, releasably sealing a second chamber within the pipeline between the first chamber and the open end, directing a pressure fluid into said chambers for providing a predetermined pressure within the pipeline and selectively depressurizing and enlarging and repressurizing the second chamber during the construction of the pipeline for maintaining said predetermined pressure therein.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
46 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one closed end and one open end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline as set forth in claim 11 and including the step of selectively enlarging the said first chamber during the construction of the pipeline.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
216 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one closed end and one open end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline which comprises initially inserting a pair of interconnected plugging devices within the pipeline, setting the first of said plugging devices in the proximity of the closed end, pressure sealing the first plugging device for sealing of a first chamber in the pipeline in the proximity of the closed end, setting the second of said plugging devices spaced slightly from the first plugging device, pressure sealing the second plugging device for sealing of a second chamber in the pipeline between the two plugging devices, directing a pressure fluid through the plugging devices until the pressure in the first chamber reaches a predetermined level, releasing the pressure from the second chamber, releasing the pressure seal of the second plugging device, moving the second plugging device in the pipeline in a direction away from the first plugging device and to a position in the proximity of the open end for enlarging the second chamber, pressure sealing the second device for sealing the enlarged chamber, directing a pressure fluid into the enlarged second chamber for maintaining a predetermined pressure within the pipeline, and selectively repeating the step of enlarging the second chamber during construction of the pipeline.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
216 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one closed end and one open end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline which comprises initially inserting a pair of interconnected plugging devices within the pipeline, setting the first of said plugging devices in the proximity of the closed end, pressure sealing the first plugging device for sealing of a first chamber in the pipeline in the proximity of the closed end, setting the second of said plugging devices spaced slightly from the first plugging device, pressure sealing the second plugging device for sealing of a second chamber in the pipeline between the two plugging devices, directing a pressure fluid through the plugging devices until the pressure in the first chamber reaches a predetermined level, releasing the pressure from the second chamber, releasing the pressure seal of the second plugging device, moving the second plugging device in the pipeline in a direction away from the first plugging device and to a position in the proximity of the open end for enlarging the second chamber, pressure sealing the second device for sealing the enlarged chamber, directing a pressure fluid into the enlarged second chamber for maintaining a predetermined pressure within the pipeline, and selectively repeating the step of enlarging the second chamber during construction of the pipeline.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
130 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one closed end and one open end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline as set forth in claim 13 and including the steps of releasing the pressure engagement of the first plugging device when the limit of the interconnection between the first and second plugging devices is reached, moving the first plugging device in the pipeline in a direction toward the second plugging device, pressure sealing the first plugging device in the proximity of the second plugging device for enlarging the first chamber, directing a pressure fluid through the plugging devices until the predetermined pressure level is provided in the enlarged first chamber, and repeating the selective enlargement of the first and second chambers during the construction of the pipeline.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
41 words
In the construction of a pipeline having one closed end and one open end, a method for pressurizing the interior of the pipeline as set forth in claim 13 wherein the actuation of the plugging devices is accompliShed by remote control.
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) | 1978-06-23 | 1978-12-23 | 1979-06-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-23 | 1982-12-23 | 1983-06-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-23 | 1986-12-23 | 1987-06-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |