APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PLUGGING A HIGH TEMPERATURE PIPE

摘要

A method of plugging a pipeline includes the steps of welding onto the exterior of the pipeline ( 10 ) first ( 12 ) and second ( 14 ) spaced apart collars, each having a sealing face ( 26,26 A) in a plane perpendicular the pipeline ( 10 ) axis. A containment housing ( 34,36 ) is affixed by welding to the collars ( 12,14 ) to fully encompass a section of the pipeline ( 10 ) between the collars ( 12,14 ). A tapping ( 60 ) machine is then removably attached to an open top of the containment housing ( 34 ). Using the tapping machine ( 60 ) a short length of the pipeline ( 10 ) is cut and removed from between the collars ( 12,14 ) leaving two open exposed pipe ends ( 78,80 ). First and second seal elements ( 92,94 ) are positioned between the collars ( 12,14 ), Each having a forward sealing face. The seal elements ( 92,94 ) are forced apart from each other into sealing engagement with the collar sealing faces thereby closing the open, exposed ends ( 78,80 ) of the pipe ( 10 ).