Fluid handling – Processes – Cleaning – repairing – or assembling
Patent
1994-03-31
1995-10-31
Walton, George L.
Fluid handling
Processes
Cleaning, repairing, or assembling
137318, 138 93, 138 94, 138 97, 405154, 405282, F16K 4300, F16L 55124
Patent
active
054620775
ABSTRACT:
An apparatus and method for shutting off fluid flow in a pipe main while repairs are being made requires only exposure of the top surface of a buried main and utilizes an anchor system installed in or above the excavation which supports an elongate tubular seal tube against the exposed surface of the main to extend radially therefrom. A jack mechanism compresses the lower end of the seal tube containing a seal member against the exterior surface of the main. A tubular cutting tool installed inside the seal tube is rotated by an air motor to cut a hole in the side wall of the main. A tubular sealant application tool installed inside the seal tube has a nozzle at its bottom end that sprays liquid sealant material onto the interior surface of the main and is then removed. A tubular bladder deployment tool installed inside the seal tube carries a pair of deflated bladders. The bladders are deployed from the deployment tool in opposed direction into the interior of the main along the longitudinal axis of the main and are then inflated to expand and form a seal to shut off fluid flow in the main. After repairs have been made, the bladders are deflated and retracted and the bladder deployment tool is removed. A tubular thread tapping and plugging tool is installed inside the seal tube and rotated to form threads in the cut hole and then removed and then installed again to secure a threaded plug into the hole. After the hole has been plugged, the seal tube is removed.
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Clifton Terry P.
Cohen John H.
Leitko Curtis E.
Pittard Gerard T.
Rockower Gerald
Brooklyn Union Gas Co.
Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
Roddy Kenneth A.
Walton George L.
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