The Pipe Line Development Company

Gregory D Schroeder

William B Smith

Edward B Smith

Joseph B Smith

Christopher S Arthur

Kerrigan Mendicino

Vincent E Beasley

A method and apparatus for stopping or otherwise altering fluid flow in a pipeline at a desired location, originally without provisions to do so, and particularly suited for use with heavy wall pipes. The method and apparatus includes use of chip forming cutting tools that are carried in a circumferential orbit around the pipe within a housing assembled around the pipe. The cutting tools are progressively advanced into the wall of the pipe to cut two axially spaced circumferential grooves in the pipe wall. Thereafter, a shear plate with cutting edges coinciding with the grooves can be forced through the pipe to sever a coupon from it and thereby gain access and control over flow through it.

Method and apparatus for cutting, sealing and opening pipe

A collet-type pipe coupling of simplified construction includes three main flange parts and a grip structure. The main flange parts are machined or otherwise formed with plain shapes. One flange is welded to an associated length of pipe or other body and all of the flanges are assembled over a separate length of pipe. A first set of bolts is tightened to compress a packing carried in the welded flange with an intermediate flange. A second set of bolts draws a flange collar towards the intermediate flange to constrict the grip structure radially into locking engagement with the separate length of pipe to complete a coupling installation.

Riser fitting

Apparatus for altering flow in an existing pipeline, including a shear and first actuator means for cutting transversely through the pipe wall and independent second actuator means for moving a surface associated with the shear into engagement with a sealing surface surrounding the pipe. The shear operates through a rotary valve element, mounted directly in a body of a housing surrounding the pipe. Channels encircling the shear sealing surfaces and rotary valve element distribute sealant between the respective mating surfaces to assure a fluidtight assembly. Fluid circulates through a chamber carried on the housing to isolate the first shear actuator means from the pipeline fluid. In a variant of the invention, a flapper plate valve replaces the rotary valve element where the pipe size is relatively large.

Growing community of inventors

Berea, OH, United States of America

Gregory D Schroeder