An in situ launch system for an underground gas main stop-off station includes: an outer launch tube having a distal lower end and a proximal upper end; a transition fitting having a proximal end fitted to the distal end of the outer launch tube with a gas tight seal, and a distal end; the distal end of the transition fitting having external threads having a first nominal dimension, and internal threads having a second nominal dimension; and a completion plug threaded into the internal threads of the transition fitting.

A flow restriction system for restricting fluid flow through a pipe includes an anchor and an inflatable plug. The anchor includes an alignment body, a shield body, and a first fluid passage defined in the alignment body and the shield body. The shield body extends from the alignment body and has an upstream face and a downstream face. The downstream face is opposite the upstream face. The shield body is configured to block at least a portion of the fluid flow through the pipe. The inflatable plug is coupled to the downstream face of the shield body. The inflatable plug includes an interior chamber that is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage.

A flow stopping tool for pipelines is disclosed, wherein the flow stopping tool comprises an inflatable balloon-like element that is in connection to a pressure rod. A hose is used for inflating the balloon-like element with a gas or a fluid, such that the balloon-like element can block a flow in a pipeline. A first end of the hose is in connection to the pressure rod and a second end of the hose is in connection to the balloon-like element. A part connecting the hose with the inflatable balloon-like element, but outside said balloon-like element, comprises a shock absorber for securing the hose-balloon connection.

A flow stopping tool for pipelines is disclosed, wherein the flow stopping tool comprises an inflatable balloon-like element that is in connection to a pressure rod. A hose is used for inflating the balloon-like element with a gas or a fluid, such that the balloon-like element can block a flow in a pipeline. A first end of the hose is in connection to the pressure rod and a second end of the hose is in connection to the balloon-like element. A part connecting the hose with the inflatable balloon-like element, but outside said balloon-like element, comprises a shock absorber for securing the hose-balloon connection.

A flow stopping tool for pipelines is disclosed, wherein the flow stopping tool comprises an inflatable balloon-like element that is in connection to a pressure rod, and a hinged coupling for securing the balloon-like element upon introduction into the pipeline, the hinged coupling comprising: a first element comprising a housing, a second element that is in connection to the balloon-like element; a buckling member connecting the first element to the second element, the buckling member being received in the housing of the first element. The buckling member comprises a cylinder that is configured to rotate around its longitudinal axis such that the second element can hinge with respect to the first element. The cylinder comprises at least one opening that facilitates measurement of the pressure of the flow in the pipeline, and the cylinder comprises at least one further opening that facilitates inflation of the balloon-like element.

An apparatus for temporarily blocking fluid flow through a pipe comprises a housing configured to enclose a portion of a pipe and a flow blockage device. The housing includes a first part defining a housing chamber for receiving the pipe, and a second part defining a stowage space adjacent the housing chamber. The flow blockage device is movable through an aperture formed in one side of the pipe to an installed position in the housing chamber. The flow blockage device includes an outer sealing part that is configurable between an unexpanded configuration allowing the flow blockage device to pass through the aperture and allowing fluid flow through the pipe and an expanded configuration configured to block fluid flow through pipe by substantially preventing passage of fluid between outer side surfaces of the flow blockage device and inner surfaces of the pipe.

An apparatus for temporarily blocking fluid flow through a pipe comprises a housing configured to enclose a portion of a pipe and a flow blockage device. The housing includes a first part defining a housing chamber for receiving the pipe, and a second part defining a stowage space adjacent the housing chamber. The flow blockage device is movable through an aperture formed in one side of the pipe to an installed position in the housing chamber. The flow blockage device includes an outer sealing part that is configurable between an unexpanded configuration allowing the flow blockage device to pass through the aperture and allowing fluid flow through the pipe and an expanded configuration configured to block fluid flow through pipe by substantially preventing passage of fluid between outer side surfaces of the flow blockage device and inner surfaces of the pipe.

There is disclosed a safety system for stoppers and bungs. In particular, there is disclosed a stopper safety system for stoppers (50) for pipes (60). The stopper safety system includes a housing (30) configured for attachment to a stopper. The housing is adapted to hold a pressure sensor and a transmitter. The transmitter is positioned in the housing such that the transmitter abuts a first end of the stopper. The stopper safety system also includes a receiver (20) and a monitor (10). The transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit a measured pressure from the pressure sensor to the receiver (20) and the monitor (10) and the monitor is configured to display the measured pressure.

There is disclosed a safety system for stoppers and bungs. In particular, there is disclosed a stopper safety system for stoppers (50) for pipes (60). The stopper safety system includes a housing (30) configured for attachment to a stopper. The housing is adapted to hold a pressure sensor and a transmitter. The transmitter is positioned in the housing such that the transmitter abuts a first end of the stopper. The stopper safety system also includes a receiver (20) and a monitor (10). The transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit a measured pressure from the pressure sensor to the receiver (20) and the monitor (10) and the monitor is configured to display the measured pressure.

A pneumatic test plug for clean-out tees and a method of testing a pipeline are disclosed. The pneumatic test plug includes a cap and a bladder. The cap has an inflation inlet and a testing fluid inlet. The testing fluid inlet provides a conduit for a testing fluid. The testing fluid may be a liquid or a gas. The bladder is in fluid connection with the inflation inlet. The bladder has an open end and a closed end. The open end receives air from the inflation inlet. The closed end is opposite the open end. The testing fluid inlet provides testing fluid through the cap and outside of the bladder. The inflation inlet provides a passageway to the bladder.