The present invention relates to an expandable plug structure for use in high pressure applications. The expandable plugs, such as pneumatic plugs, are preferably constructed of a multi-layered, reinforced elastomeric cylindrical body, i.e., of reinforced natural rubber, and having an inflator member at one end. The multi-layers include various rubber layers, rubber coated aramid, which subsequent to vulcanization provides a unitary plug with shoulders that resist delamination. The cylindrical body may incorporate metal end plates as well as end plate weldment structures which cooperate with a high pressure flow-through conduit which allows the completed high pressure test plug to simultaneously seal a pipeline and to direct fluid therethrough. The high pressure plug obtains its strength in part based upon high frictional resistance forces generated by the external rubber layer(s), and further by the manner in which the external rubber layer8s) are molded into the metallic structures in the plug.

A method for isolating a water valve for repair or replacement includes closing the valve and thereafter replacing an outlet pipe with an adapter pipe. An expandable plug is used to seal the adapter pipe, after which the valve is opened and an air tube having a bladder on an end thereof is inserted through the valve and expanded to seal the inlet pipe. Thereafter, the stem assembly of the valve or the entire valve itself may be removed for simple replacement of the sealing washer or total replacement of the valve. The apparatus for practicing the method, and including the expandable plug, inflatable bladder, and necessary tubing, plug actuator, and air valve are presented.

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.

Techniques for implementing and/or operating a pipe handling system that includes an inboard bore plug assembly and an outboard bore plug assembly, which facilitate plugging a pipe bore in a flexible pipe. The inboard bore plug assembly includes a first inflatable plug having a first inflatable bladder that defines a first fluid cavity and a first inflation port opening and a first inflation fluid port secured within the first inflation port opening. The outboard bore plug assembly includes a second inflatable plug having a second inflatable bladder that defines a second fluid cavity, a second inflation port opening, and a bore port opening, a second inflation fluid port secured within the second inflation port opening, and a bore fluid port secured in the bore port opening to enable the pipe bore in the flexible pipe to be pressurized to an elevated fluid pressure.

Techniques for implementing and/or operating a pipe handling system that includes an inboard bore plug assembly and an outboard bore plug assembly, which facilitate plugging a pipe bore in a flexible pipe. The inboard bore plug assembly includes a first inflatable plug having a first inflatable bladder that defines a first fluid cavity and a first inflation port opening and a first inflation fluid port secured within the first inflation port opening. The outboard bore plug assembly includes a second inflatable plug having a second inflatable bladder that defines a second fluid cavity, a second inflation port opening, and a bore port opening, a second inflation fluid port secured within the second inflation port opening, and a bore fluid port secured in the bore port opening to enable the pipe bore in the flexible pipe to be pressurized to an elevated fluid pressure.

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.

Techniques for implementing and/or operating a pipe handling system that includes an inboard bore plug assembly and an outboard bore plug assembly, which facilitate plugging a pipe bore in a flexible pipe. The inboard bore plug assembly includes a first inflatable plug having a first inflatable bladder that defines a first fluid cavity and a first inflation port opening and a first inflation fluid port secured within the first inflation port opening. The outboard bore plug assembly includes a second inflatable plug having a second inflatable bladder that defines a second fluid cavity, a second inflation port opening, and a bore port opening, a second inflation fluid port secured within the second inflation port opening, and a bore fluid port secured in the bore port opening to enable the pipe bore in the flexible pipe to be pressurized to an elevated fluid pressure.

Techniques for implementing and/or operating a pipe handling system that includes an inboard bore plug assembly and an outboard bore plug assembly, which facilitate plugging a pipe bore in a flexible pipe. The inboard bore plug assembly includes a first inflatable plug having a first inflatable bladder that defines a first fluid cavity and a first inflation port opening and a first inflation fluid port secured within the first inflation port opening. The outboard bore plug assembly includes a second inflatable plug having a second inflatable bladder that defines a second fluid cavity, a second inflation port opening, and a bore port opening, a second inflation fluid port secured within the second inflation port opening, and a bore fluid port secured in the bore port opening to enable the pipe bore in the flexible pipe to be pressurized to an elevated fluid pressure.

A system for stopping flow in a pipe with a plug positioned in the pipe to allow for repairs of the pipe. The plug comprises a body with an inflatable or compressible member, and a cap and connector valve on the body. An inflation line with a coupling connects to the valve for blocking off and sealing a damaged area of the pipe. An inflation line is used to deposit and retrieve the plug within the pipe before and after a repair is made.