Apparatus for sealing a pipeline

Claim 2

A pipeline pressure sealing and separation system, said system comprising: a pipeline, having at least two sections, adapted for the transport of a fluid thereby and being substantially impediment free; a first integral annular member adapted to be positioned between the first and second sections of the pipeline, said annular member having an inner protruding portion with a lip surface; a spherical member adapted for substantial longitudinal movement by pressure-induction along the interior of the pipeline and capable of contacting said lip surface, said lip surface being curved at a radius of curvature substantially the same as the radius of curvature of said spherical member so that upon engagement of said spherical member with said lip surface, a pressure-tight seal separates the first and second sections of the pipeline; pump means for pressurizing one section of said pipeline once said spherical member engages said lip surface to enable a verification of the pressure integrity of said one section; and pump means for introducing a pressure differential across said seal to disengage said spherical member from said lip surface and permit the retrieval of said spherical member from said pipeline.

Claim 3

The system according to claim 1 wherein said spherical member is substantially neutrally buoyant with reference to said fluid so that said spherical member advances at approximately the center of the pipeline.

Claim 4

The system according to claim 1 wherein the ratio of the specific gravity of said spherical member to the specific gravity of the fluid passing through the pipeline is between about 0.70 and 3.00.

Claim 5

The system according to claim 3 wherein said ratio is between about 0.75 and 2.00.

Claim 6

The system according to claim 4 wherein said ratio is between about 0.85 and 1.50.

Claim 7

The system according to claim 5 wherein said ratio is approximately 1.0.

Claim 8

The system according to claim 1 wherein the inside diameter of said inner portion of said annular member is 80% to 95% of the diameter of said spherical member.

Claim 9

The system according to claim 7 wherein the inside diameter of said inner portion is 90% to 95% of the diameter of said spherical member.

Claim 10

The system according to claim 1 wherein said system further comprises: said pipeline having a third section; a second integral annular member adapted to be positioned between the second and third sections of the pipeline, said second annular member having an inner protruding portion with a lip surface; and a second spherical member adapted for substantial longitudinal movement by pressure-induction along the interior of the pipeline and capable of passing by said first annular member and contacting said lip surface of said second annular member, said lip surface of said second annular member being curved at a radius of curvature substantially the same as the radius of curvature of said second spherical member so that upon engagement of said second spherical member with said lip surface, a pressure-tight seal separates the first and second sections from the third section, wherein said first pump means for pressurizing permits the verification of the pressure integrity of the first and second sections once said second spherical member engages said lip surface of said second annular member.

Claim 11

The system according to claim 1 wherein said spherical member includes a polymeric coating to enhance the pressure-tight seal between said spherical member and said lip surface.

Claim 12

The system according to claim 10 wherein said polymeric coating is made of polyurethane.

Claim 13

The system according to claim 10 wherein said polymeric coating is made of neoprene.

Claim 14

The system according to claim 1 wherein said spherical member includes a hollow inner chamber.

Claim 15

The system according to claim 13 wherein said inner chamber is filled with a filler material to strengthen said spherical member.

Claim 16

A pipeline pressure sealing and separation system, said system comprising: a substantially horizontal pipeline, having at least two sections, adapted for the transport of a fluid thereby and being substantially impediment free; an annular member adapted to be positioned between the first and second sections of the pipeline, said annular member having an inner protruding portion with a lip surface; a spherical member adapted for substantial longitudinal movement along the interior of the pipeline and capable of being pumped along the pipeline and contacting said lip surface, the ratio of the specific gravity of said spherical member to the specific gravity of the fluid passing through the pipeline is between about 0.70 and 3.00, said lip surface being curved at a radius of curvature substantially the same as the radius of curvature of said spherical member so that upon engagement of said spherical member with said lip surface, a pressure-tight seal separates the first and second sections of the pipeline; pump means for pressurizing one section of said pipeline once said spherical member engages said lip surface to enable a verification of the pressure integrity of said one section; and pump means for introducing a pressure differential across said seal to disengage said spherical member from said lip surface and permit the retrieval of said spherical member from said pipeline.

Claim 17

A pipeline pressure sealing and separation system, said system comprising: a substantially horizontal pipeline, having at least two sections, adapted for the transport of a fluid thereby and being substantially impediment free; an annular member adapted to be positioned between the first and second sections of the pipeline, said annular member having an inner protruding portion with a lip surface; a spherical member adapted for substantial longitudinal movement along the interior of the pipeline and capable of being pumped along the pipeline and contacting said lip surface, the ratio of the specific gravity of said spherical member to the specific gravity of the fluid passing through the pipeline is between about 0.70 and 3.00, said lip surface being curved at a radius of curvature substantially the same as the radius of curvature of said spherical member so that upon engagement of said spherical member with said lip surface, a pressure-tight seal separates the first and second sections of the pipeline; pump means for pressurizing one section of said pipeline once said spherical member engages said lip surface to enable a verification of the pressure integrity of said one section; and pump means for introducing a pressure differential across said seal to disengage said spherical member from said lip surface and permit the retrieval of said spherical member from said pipeline.