Patent US4360290A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4360290A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Internal pipeline plug for deep subsea pipe-to-pipe pull-in connection operations
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
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Filing: 1980-12-17
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Granted: 1982-11-23
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Expires: 2000-12-17
Abstract
Abstract Pressure-tight pipeline plugs are used in subsea connection operations to achieve a lightweight pipe condition which facilitates alignment by easing handling problems. An internal plug is provided for this purpose which is particularly useful for connection operations using a pipe-to-pipe pull-in technique and is capable of sealing, remotely releasing and then being pumped through the line to a terminus.
Inventors
- 👤 John M. Ward
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 21:54
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/01; E21B43/0107; E21B43/013; E21B43/0135; F; F16; F16L; F16L55/00; F16L55/10; F16L55/12; F16L55/128; F16L55/136
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
An internal pipeline capable of sealing, releasing and being pumped out of a pipeline comprising, means for sealing a high pressure side of the plug from a low pressure side, means for gripping the pipe wall, pressure release means operable at a set pressure to permit fluid passage, fluid flow control means operable to permit controlled passage of fluid therethrough and, means operable to release the gripping means from the pipe wall when a set pressure relationship of the high pressure side to the low pressure side is attained.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
An internal pipeline capable of sealing, releasing and being pumped out of a pipeline comprising, means for sealing a high pressure side of the plug from a low pressure side, means for gripping the pipe wall, pressure release means operable at a set pressure to permit fluid passage, fluid flow control means operable to permit controlled passage of fluid therethrough and, means operable to release the gripping means from the pipe wall when a set pressure relationship of the high pressure side to the low pressure side is attained.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein the sealing means is an elastomeric cup seal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein the gripping means is colleted.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein the pressure release means is at least one rupture disk.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein the pressure release means is a relief valve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein the pressure release means is a propagating buckle tube.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The plug of claim 1 wherein the fluid flow control means is a spring loaded sleeve, axially movable to open flooding ports for the passage of fluid to relieve a high pressure imbalance, and upon achieving a lesser pressure imbalance, axially movable to release the gripping means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The plug of claim 5 including spring loaded locking pins for locking the fluid flow control means into a fixed position relative to the gripping means.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for laying a pipeline in an at least near neutral buoyancy condition comprising sealing a gas into at least part of a pipe string between a closure on one end of the pipe string and a pressure activatable plug within the pipe string, connecting the pipe string to another pipe end, activating the plug with fluid pressure to permit flooding the pipe string through the plug, removing the closure, and passing the plug through and out of the pipe string.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for laying a pipeline in an at least near neutral buoyancy condition comprising sealing a gas into at least part of a pipe string between a closure on one end of the pipe string and a pressure activatable plug within the pipe string, connecting the pipe string to another pipe end, activating the plug with fluid pressure to permit flooding the pipe string through the plug, removing the closure, and passing the plug through and out of the pipe string.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 9 when the plug grips the wall of the pipe string until a lesser pressure imbalance is achieved on both sides of the plug following activation of the plug.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the plug is ruptured by breaking a rupturable disk.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the plug is recovered and re-used.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3943982A
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US4077435A
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US4026329A
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US4011620A
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US3978678A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-11-22 | 1986-05-24 | 1986-11-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-11-22 | 1990-05-24 | 1990-11-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-11-22 | 1994-05-24 | 1994-11-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |