초록 ▼

These objects and advantages are achieved by the inflatable gas pipeline stopper of the present invention, which is used to stop gas flowing through a pipeline when effecting repairs of the pipeline. The invention includes an attachment for attachment to a gas pipeline. A quick connect is provided t

These objects and advantages are achieved by the inflatable gas pipeline stopper of the present invention, which is used to stop gas flowing through a pipeline when effecting repairs of the pipeline. The invention includes an attachment for attachment to a gas pipeline. A quick connect is provided to form an airtight seal between the stopper and the attachment. A junction box is attached at the other end of the quick connect. The junction box has two receptacles on the upper end thereof for receiving two shafts therein. Each shaft has a port and a valve. At the top of each shaft is a quick connect for attachment of a stuffing box thereto for insertion of air lines therethrough. Within the two shafts, and attached to the air lines, extend two moveable bag inserting and retracting plunger assemblies attached to an air source at the tops thereof. After the device is attached to a Mueller machine or other similar type machine, or a tee, the moveable bag inserting and retracting plunger assemblies are pushed through the shafts and the junction box to extend into the gas pipeline. Air is then supplied to the moveable bag inserting and retracting plunger assemblies to inflate the air bags to stop the flow of gas through the gas pipeline. One bag may be deflated to allow gas to flow into the pipeline flow stopper and up one of the shafts to a port to which another pipe may be attached to re-route the flow of gas about a break on a pipline.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [15.] A method for re-routing gas flow through a first gas pipeline stopper apparatus around a break in a gas pipeline to allow for repairs to be made to the pipeline, comprising the steps of:attaching a first quick connect means to a valve attached to a pipeline;attaching a j

[ What is claimed is:] [15.] A method for re-routing gas flow through a first gas pipeline stopper apparatus around a break in a gas pipeline to allow for repairs to be made to the pipeline, comprising the steps of:attaching a first quick connect means to a valve attached to a pipeline;attaching a junction box to the first quick connect means;attaching first and second shafts to the junction box each of said shafts capable of receiving an air line with an air bag;attaching a re-routing pipe to one of the shafts;inserting an air line with an air bag through each of the shafts, and through the junction means, the first quick connect means and a valve and into a pipeline;inflating at least one of the air bags positioned within the pipeline and attached to the respective air line;retracting at least one of the air bags to a position within one of the shafts out of the flow of gas; andconnecting a second gas pipeline stopper apparatus, located on the other side of a break in a pipelines to the re-routing pipe for receiving re-routed gas flow from the first gas pipeline stopper apparatus.