APPARATUS FOR SEALING AND ISOLATING PIPELINES
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for sealing and
isolating pipelines. More particularly, the present invention relates to vanous embodiments of a
pipeline sealing and isolation tool that permits sealing of an annular area within a pipeline using a
swellable component, and temporary sealmg of a flowbore through the tool usmg a temporar)
internal seal. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to methods of sealing and isolaung
a pipehne to perform maintenance, seal leaks, or install permanent devices within the pipeline
BACKGROUND
[0005] Conventional pipeline maintenance and repair methods comprise first discontinuing
normal pipeline operations, then isolating the section of pipeline to be repaired or maintained by
closing a vaive or providing some other type of sea! in the pipeline, and then draining liquids or
blowing down gases within the isolated section of pipeline Once the product is removed from the
isolated section of pipehne, repair and/or maintenance operations may then be performed These
operations may include cutting and replacmg a leaking section of pipeline and/'oi installing
permanent devices m the pipeline, such as a valve When making such permanent installations in
the pipeline, a structural integrity test, such as a hydrostatic test, may be performed thereafter, in
which case the water used in the test must be drained, and in some ciiscs, the pipehne is also dried dependmg upon the pipeline service. Fmally, the pipeline can be re-commissioned with product and normal operations resumed.
[0006] These conventional methods are both time-consummg and expensive due to the discontinued pipeline operations, the loss of product that ma> be incurred due to draining or blowing down, and the time and expense associated with cutting mto the pipehne to make the actual repair and/or perform the maintenance operation, such as replacmg a leaking section of pipeline or mstalling a permanent device
[0007] To address some of these inefficiencies, a pipeline isolation pig has been developed that may be used to isolate a section of pipeline so that mamtenance and repair operations may then be performed. The pipeline isolation pig is a remote-controlled device that may be positioned at any desired location within the pipeline to isolate a section of pipeline so as to mmimize the amount of product to drain or blow down before performmg the work. It may be launched mto a pipeline and pushed along by the pa^oduct while being tracked to its intended dcstmation Then the pipeline isolation pig may be locked into position to completely seal across the pipehne. Drawbacks to the pipeline isolation pig is that it does not act as a permanent repair device, and it does not permit product flow therethrough. Instead it seals the pipeline in such a way that the seal is only removable by removing the pipeline isolation pig entirely from the pipeline. Hence, after the repair and/or mamtenance operations are complete, the pipeline isolation pig must be removed from the pipeline to permit normal pipeline operations to resume
[0008] Therefore, a need exists for a more efficient, less costly, and optionally permanent repair apparatus, and methods of performing pipeline mamtenance, leak repair, and installation of permanent devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Disclosed herein is a pipelme tool for use within a pipeline comprising a tool body with an internal flow bore, a swellable component disposed about the tool body, and a temporary seal disposed internally of the flow bore. In various embodiments, the tool body may furthei comprise a flared portion; or the too! body may be flexible, corrugated, or both; or the tool body may comprise a metal alloy. The pipeline tool may flirther comprise a tracking device attached to the tool body, and the tracking device may comprise a mechamcal fixture, or an emitter that ermts a signal that can be tracked. In an embodiment, the emitter comprises a magnet, a radioactive isotope, an electronic transmitter, an acoustic transmitter, an ultrasonic transmitter, or a combination thereof [0010] The pipeline tool may further comprise a plurality of gmde cups attached to the tool body that engage the pipeline when the tool is disposed therem. The swellable component disposed about the tool body may compnse a material that expands when exposed to a fluid within the pipelme In an embodiment, the swellable component comprises a core portion, and the core portion may conmprse an elastic polymer selected from the group consistmg of EPDM. styrene-butadiene rubber. natural rubber, ethylene-propylene monomer rubber, ethylene-vinyJ acetate rubber, hydrogenaied acrylonitrile-butadiene mbber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber and polynorbomene. In another embodiment, the core portion comprises a mbber mechanically mixed with a polymer selected from the group consistmg of polyvinylchloride, methyl methacrylaie, acrytonitrile, and ethylacetate. In still another embodiment, the core portion comprises a hydrogen dichromat mixed into a compound of glycerol, diethylene glycol, and polyciylamide The swellable component may flirther compnse a membrane portion suirounding the core portion, and the fluid may peimeate the membrane portion more slowly than the core portion The membrane portion may comprise a rubber selected from the group consistmg of acrylonitnle hydrogenaied nitrile,
chloroprene, ethylene vinylacetate rubber, silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer, butyl, chlorosulphonatcd polyethylene, polyurethane, ACM, and BIMS The swellable component may further comprise a reinforcement to the membrane portion.
[0011] In an embodiment, the temporary seal oi" the pipelme tool is selectively discngagable. and this temporary seal may comprise a rupture disc in another embodiment, the temporary- seal is selectively eingaged or disengaged, and this temporary seal may compnse an electromechanical valve The temporary seal may be selectively engaged or disengaged via temperature, a magnetic signal, a pressure signal, an electronic signal, an electromagnetic signal, a timer, an acoustic signtil, an ultrasonic signal or a combination thereof In an embodiment, the pipelme tool further comprises a permanent device disposed internally of the flow bore, and the permanent device may compnse a valve or a pump.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a more detailed description of the present mvention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherem.
[0013] Figure 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of one representative pipelme sealing and isolation tool;
[0014] Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of one representative swellable component;
[0015] Figures 3 A to 3D depict one embodiment of a pipeline leak repair operation wherein the embodiment of the tool depicted m Figure 1 may be utilized,
[0016] Figures 4A to 4D depict one embodiment of a pipelme mamtenaiice operation wherein the embodimait of the tool depicted m Figure 1 may be utilized; and

[0017] Figures 5 A to 5C depict one embodiment of a pipeline operation wherem a permanent device may be installed using the embodiment of the tool depicted in Figure 1
NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE
[0018] Certam terms are used throughout the followmg description and claims to refer lo particular assembly components. This document does not mtend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used m an open-ended fashion, and thas should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to ..
[0019) As used herdn, the term "pipeline" includes any line or condmt m which fluid is moved, including but not limited to any onshore or offshore flow system, such as mamlme systems, risers, flow lines used to transport untreated fluid between a wellhead and a processing facility, and flow lines used to transport treated fluids.
[0020] In the drawings, the cross-sectional views of the pipeline sealing and isolation tool should be viewed from left to right, v.dth the upstream end of the pipelme at the left end of the drawing and the downstream end of the pipeline at the right end of the drawing Stated alternatively, the pipeline sealing and isolation tool is traveling firom left to right m the drawings However, this should in no way infer that the tool is unidirectional, and proper tool design will allow for bidirectional positiomng of the tool within the pipeline
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Various embodiments of a pipelme sealmg and isolation tool operable to provide a seal within a pipelme for various purposes, includmg pipelme maintenance, leak repair, and installing permanent devices within the pipelme, wall now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used for like features throughout the several views
There are shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments of the pipeline tool with the understanding that this disclosure is representative only and is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments illustrated and described herein. The embodiments of the pipeline tool and metiiods disclosed herein may be used m an> type of application, operauon, or process where it is desired to perform maintenance, repair, and/or installation of permanent devices in a pipeline. It is to be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments disclosed herein may be employed separately or m any suitable combination to produce desired results [0022] Figure 1 depicts one representative pipeline sealing and isolation tool 100 being propelled through a pipeline 190 by a fluid 115 The fluid 115 may be a gas or hquid. and may comprise natural gas, a hydrocarbon fluid, water, brine or other aqueous solution As depicted, the tool 100 comprises a body 140 with an optional flared tail 150 and an internal flow cavity 160, a plurality of front guide discs 170 and a plurality of rear guide discs J10 disposed about the body 140, a temporary seal 130 positioned within the flow cavity 160. a swellable component 120 surrounding the body 140 and disposed between the sets of guide discs 110, 170, and a tracicmg device 125 secured to the exterior surface of the body 140
[0023] Tlie body 140 of the pipeline tool 100 is operable to transport the swellable component 120 and the temporar> seal 130 to a desired position along the pipeline 190 to form a seal across the pipeline 190 when the swellable component 120 expands mto engagement with the interna! pipe-wall 180. The body 140 also functions as a secondary pressure banner agamst the pressure oi the fluid 115, with the primar)' pressure barrier bemg the temporary- seal 130. In order for the body 140 to have sufficient structural strength to perform these functions, the body 140. mcludmg the optional flared tail 150, may be constructed of a metal alloy, such as a steel or ferrous alloy, for example Moreover, although the body 140 depicted in Figure 1 has a solid, smooth-wall configurauon in
another embodiment, the body 140 may be long, thin, flexible and/or corrugated to manipulate turns and comers along the pipeline 190. The flared tail 150 of the body 140 is an optional feature of the pipeline tool 100. When present, the flared tail 150 facilitates transit of a pipelme pig through the internal flow cavity 160 after the pipeline device 100 is positioned along the pipeline 190 and the swellable component 120 is set against the internal pipe wall 180 The flared tail 150 also minimizes the accumulation of debns near the pipeline tool 100 and reduces the effects of flow restrictions that may result due to the reduction in the flowpath caused by the presence of the pipelme tool 100. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the angle of the flared tail 150 may vary, even be optimized, to maximize its effectiveness in reducing debris accumulation and flow restrictions.
[0024] The swellable component 120 may be a chemically activated material that expands over tune into sealing engagement with the inner pipe wall 180 by absorbing the fluid 115 m the pipelme 190. The expanded swellable component 120 thus seals across the annul us 135 formed between the pipeline tool 100 and the inner pipe wall 180 of the pipeline 190 Referrmg now to Figure 2. m one embodiment, the swellable component 120 compnses a core 230 surrounded by an external membrane 210 that is permeable to the fluid 115 and may mclude an inner remforcemeni layer 320 In another embodiment, the swellable component 120 only compnses the core 230. The external membrane 210 shown in Figure 2 is designed to surround and protect the core 230. but also allows migration of fluid 115 to the core 230. The membrane 210 is also permeable to the fluid 115. but the fluid 115 permeates the membrane 210 more slowly than the core 230 Thus, the membrane 210 may control the rate of swelling of the core 230 such that the tool 100 maj' be positioned in the pipeline 190 and engaged with the mner pipe wall 180 in a controlled manner. Upon exposure to the fluid 115, the core 230 swells at a known-rate due to absorpnon of the fluid 115 and the swellable
component 120 expands into engagement with the inner pipe wall 180. eventually formmg a seal that prevents fluid 115 flow through the annulus 135 between the pipeline tool 100 and the pipeline 190
[0025] The choice of material for the core 230 may depend upon the type of fluid 115 The rate at which the core 230 swells upon exposure to the fluid 115 may depend primarily the materia! composition of the core and the viscosity of the fluid, but may also depend upon the construction of the core and/or process parameters such as fluid 115 temperature and pressure For example, the core may have a layered construction, where different layers and/or matenals are used in die core having different diffusion or swelhng properties. In hydrocarbons, including natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons, the core 230 may be manufactured from an elastic polymer, such as a rubber or rubber-like material selected from the group comprising EPDM. styrene-butadiene mbber, natural rubber, ethylene-propylene monomer rubber, ethylene-vmyl acetate rubber, hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber or polynorbomene. Otiier matenals may be dissolved m mechanical mixture such as cellulose fibies Other options for core 230 materials compose rubber m mechanical mixture with polyvinyl chlonde, methyl methacrylate. acrylonitrile, ethylacetate or other polymers. Where the flmd 115 is an aqueous fluid, such as water or brine, the core 230 may be formed using matenal manufactured from hydrogen dichroraate dissolved m water and mixed into a compound of glycerol, diethylene glycol. and polycrylamide.
[0026] Depending upon the flmd 115, the core 230 must be chosen such that the swellable component 120 will expand sufficiently when exposed to the fluid 115 to form a seal across the annulus 135 between the pipeline tool 100 and the mner pipe wall 180 of the pipehne 190 The degree of swelhng required depends upon a number of factors, including the width of the axuiulus

135. Material selection and thickness of the membrane 210, on the other hand, depends upon the distance the swellable component 120 must travel to its mtended destination while bemg exposed to the fluid 115. If the {Mpeline tool 100 mu5t travel a significant distance, the membrane 210 materia! and thickness may be chosen such that the swellable component 120 will not complete us expansion process until after the pipeline tool 100 reaches its final destination In that scenario, the membrane 210 matenal selected may have a low rate of fluid 115 permeabilit>' and the membrane 210 thickness may be significant, thereby slowing exposure of the core 230 to the fluid 115 and increasmg the amount of time for the core 230 to fiilly expand so that the pipeline tool 100 will reach its final destinalicMi before the core 230 has expanded fully. In hydrocarbons, the membrane 210 may comprise a rubber, for example acrylonitrile, hydrogenated mtrile. chloroprene, ethylene vmylacetate rubber, silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer, butyl, chlorosulphonated polyethylene, polyureAane. ACM, BIMS or other types of rubber having less expansion or slowei diffusion than the core 230. Typically, the swellable component 120 may require one to four days to fully expand. The presence of a thick membrane 210 with a lev, rate of permeability to the fluid 115 may, when needed, slow the core 230 expansion such thai the swellable component 120 may require a longer time to fiilly expand. Such a slow expansion rate may be requiied when the pipeline tool 100 has a significant distance to travel before reaching its intended destmation [0027) The front guide discs 170 and the rear gmde discs 110 permit the pipeline tool 100 to be pushed along the pipeline 190 by the flmd ] 15. These discs 110, 170 form a sufficieait seal with the inner pipe wall 180 of the pipeline 190 to prevent the fluid 115 from bypassing the pipeline tool 100 Instead, the fluid 115 contacts the guide discs 110, 170 and the temporar>' seal 130 and pushes the pipeline tool 100 along the pipeline 190
[0028] The temporar)' seal 130 performs multiple functions. In its closed position, fluid 115 contacts the temporary seal 130, as well as the guide discs 110. 170, and pushes the pipehne tool ! 00 along the pipeline 190, as described above. Once the pipeline tool 100 is positional at its intended location and the swellable component 120 has expanded agamst the inner pipe wall 180 to anchor the pipeline tool 100 in place, the temporary seal 130 permits isolation of a section of pipeline 190. upstream or downstream of the temporary' seal 130 from the remamder of the pipeline 190 The isolated section of pipeline 190 may then be depressurized allowing for maintenance, leak repair, or installation of permanent devices, such as a valve. Once such operations are complete, the temporary seal 130 may be selectively opened to permit the fluid 115 flow to resume through the pipelme 190.
[0029) One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the iemporar>' seal 130 may be any device that when closed allows the pipeline tool i 00 to be pushed along the pipeline 190 by the fluid 115, and when open permits fluid 115 to flow through the internal flow cavity 160 of the pipeline tool 100. The temporary seal 130 is capable of selective actuation such that it will open when desired to permit fluid 115 flow through the mternal cavity 160 of the pipeline tool 100 [0030] In one embodiment, the temporar>' seal 130 is only actuatablc to open once and can not be closed. In such an embodiment, the temporary seal 130 may comprise a rupture disc, which is a pressure-contanung disc formed of a frangible material designed to burst open and relieve an overpressure at a predetermined differential pressure In various embodiments, the disc ma> be formed of a metal or other materials, such as impervious graphite, which is a high-purit}' form of carbon impregnated with phenolic resin, for example Instead of a rupture disc, vanous other types of rranovable temporary seals 130 may also be used Removal or opening of the temporarj' seal 130 may be accomplished by a variety of different methods, including mechanically, hydrauhcally.
chermcally, electrically, explosively, combu.stively. or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the temporary seal 130 comprises a matenal that degrades over tmie due to exposure to the fluid 115, for example In another embodiment, one or more components of the isolation tool 100 for example body 140. is made from an acid dissolvable material such as aluminum [0031] In other embodiments, the temporarv' seal 130 is designed not only to be selectively opened, but also to be selectively closed and re-opened as desired to perform additional maintenance or repair on the pxpelme 190 In such embodiments the temporar>' seal 130 may comprise an electromechanical valve, for example, or another type of open/close device Actuation of such a temporary seal 130 may be achieved by a variety of different methods, including mechanically hydraulically, elecOrically, or a combination thereof In various embodiments, the temporary seal 130 is actuated using a pressure pulse, a pressure differential, a temperature increase or decrease, a magnetic signal, an electronic signal, an electromagnetic signal, a limer, an acoustic signal, an ultrasonic signal, or other through-wall communication
[0032] The trackmg device 125 permits monitoring of the pipelme tool 100 as it traverses the pipeline 190 In an embodiment, the trackmg device 125 is a mechamcai fixture attached to the extenor surface of the body 140. which is operable to engage a similar mechanical stop 185 extending mto the pipeline 190 at or near the final destination of the pipeline tool 100 The mechamcai stop 185 may be installed using a hot tap fixture 195, for example. In this embodiment, when the tracking device 125 on the pipeline tool 100 contacts the mechanical stop 185 extending mto the pipelme 190, such contact indicates that the pipeline tool 100 has reached its intended dcstmation, and the mechamcai interaction also stops the pipeline tool 100 at the location In another embodiment, the tracking device 125 ma\ be connected to the exterior of the swellabie component 120 such that as swelling occurs, the tracking device 125 will engage the inner pipe wall
180 fust, and such engagement may stop the pipeline too! 100 at or near that location Then the swellable cortiponent 120 contmues swellmg around the tracking device 125 until it forms a seal with the inner pipe wall 180 of the pipeline 190 Alternatively, in other embodiments, the tracking device 125 may comprise a device that emits a tracking signal, such as a magnet, a radioactive isotope, an electronic transmitter, an acoustic transmitter, and an ultra-some device for example thus revealing the position of the pipeline tool 100 mside the pipeline 190
[0033] The pipeline sealing and isolation tool 100 may be used operationally for a variety of different purposes Figures 3A through 3D schematically depict one embodiment of a pipeline operation wherein the pipelme sealing and isolation tool 100 illustrated in Figure 1 may be used to seal an external leak 300 m a pipeline 190. Refemng to Figure 3 A, upon discovery and location of a pipelme leak 300, the pipelme tool 100 may be inserted into the pipeline 190 via a pipeline pig launcher or another means, including placing the pipeline tool 100 into an open-ended area of the pipeline 190 The pipeline tool 100 is then propelled along the pipeline 190 by the fluid 115 towards the leak 300 location, while the position of the pipeline tool 100 is momtorcd using fiie tracking device 125
[0034] In alternative embodiments, the pipelme tool 100 ma} be moved tlirough the pipelme 190 via a force or transport means other than fluid flow For example, the pipelme tool 100 may comprise a propulsion system and may thereby be self propelled The propulsion system may be any suitable means for propulsion such as motorized propulsion, lor example a motor coupled to a propeller, wheel, tracks, crawler/creeper arms, and the like Alternatively, the pipeline tool 100 may be conveyed to a desired location in pipelme 190 via another tool such as a pig For example, tlie pipeline tool 100 may be pushed or pulled along the pipeline \'ia a low unit, and the tow unit ma> be powered by fluid flow or other conveyance means, including self propulsion
[0035] As the pipeline tool 100 approaches its intended destination within the pipehne 190, in this case the location of the leak 300, the flow of fluid 115 may be slowed or disconunued Without fluid 115 to push the pipeline tool 100 via contact with the guide discs 110, 170 and the closed temporarj' seal 130. the pipeline tool 100 will cease to traverse the pipeline 190 Then tiie position of the pipeline tool 100 may be determined relative to its intended destination If the pipeline tool 100 has stopped upstream of its intended destination, fluid 115 flow may be resumed bnefly to push the pipeline tool 100 closer to that position If on the other hand, the pipeline tool 100 has traveled beyond its intended destination, fluid 115 flow may be injected in the opposite direction lo push the pipehne tool 100 upstream to the desired position The guide discs 110, 170 are bidirectional such that tliey are designed to permit the pipelme tool 100 to traverse the pipeline 190 m either direcuon [0036) During the time that the pipelme tool 100 is travehng, and upon arrival at the leak 300 location, as shown m Figure 3B. the sweUable component 120 is absorbing the fluid 115 and expandmg across the annulus 135, towards the inner pipe wall 180 of the pipeline 190 and the leak 300 As shown m Figure 3C, once the sv/ellable component 120 fully expands, it forms a permanent, fluid-tight seal across the annulus 135 and against the inner pipe wall 180 of the pipeline 190 such that the leak 300 is also sealed
[0037] Once the sweUable component 120 is set. the temporary internal seal 130 may be opened as described above using some method of actuation In an embodiment, the temporary seal 130 is opened by pressuring up the fluid 115 withm the pipeline 190 In .<;uch an erabodimfint the seal formed by the sweUable component 120 agamst the inner pipe wall 180 of the pipehne 190 us designed to withstand the higher pressure of the fluid 115 operable to open the temporarv' internal seal 130 When the temporary internal seal 130 is opened, fluid 115 flovv can resume inside the pipelme 190. as shown in Figure 3D Although fluid 115 flow is reestablished, the pipeline tool 100

remains firmly m position and the leak 300 is sealed due to the expanded sweliable component 120 The pipeline tool 100 may comprise a permanent leak repair, or may remain m position for an extended penod of tune until this section of the pipeline 190 may be cut out and replaced [0038] The pipeline sealmg and isolauon tool 100 may also be used to seal and isolate one section of pipelme 190 to perform maintenance operations on the pipeline 190. Figures 4A through 4D schematically depict one embodiment of a sequence for isolatmg an upstream section 192 ol pipehne 190 from a downstream section 194 using the pipeline sealing and isolation tool 100 illustrated in Figure 1 so
that maintenance operations may be performed on the isolated secuon 192 of pipeline 190 In an embodiment, the pipeline tool 100 used to perform maintenance operations on the pipelme 190 comprises dual temporary internal seals 130 to ensure fluid-tight isolation between the upstream section 192 and the downstream section 194
[0039] The pipehne tool 100 is inserted into the pipeline 190 and propelled along the pipelme 190 by the fluid 115. The position of the pipehne tool 100 mside the pipeline 190 may be monitored using the trackmg device 125 As sho\wi in Figure 4A, when the pipclme tool 100 reaches its intended destination, it is stopped by discontinuing fluid 115 flow through the pipelme 190 Dunng the time that the pipeline tool 100 is travelmg, and upon amval at the intended location, the sweliable component 120 ts absorbing the fluid 115 and expanding across the annulus 135, towards the inner pipe wall 180 of the pipelme 190 As shown m Figure 4B, once the sweliable component 120 fully expands it forms a permanent fluid-ught seal across the annulus 135 and against the inner pipe wall 180 of the pipelme 190 Determming when the sweliable component 120 has fully expanded and is set in the pipeline 190 may be accomplished m a number of ways In one embodiment, laboratory testing of the core 230 material and the membrane 210 may be perfoimed to estimate the rate of expansion for the given fluid 115 Then, the amount of time needed to fully
expand or set the swellable component 120 ma)' be calculated as a function of the rate of expansion of the core 230 and membrane 210 materials in the given configuration In another embodiment, a field test may be performed In particular, when it is estimated that enough time has elapsed for the swellable component 120 to set, the flov. of fl^uid 115 may be resumed to pressure up the pipeline 190 upstream of the pipeime tool 100, and if the pipeline tool HX) moves m response to thai pressure, the swellable component 120 is not set, In another emboaimeni, strain gauges may be atfjxed to the body 140 of the pipeline tool 100, and strain levels in the body 140 of the pipehnc tool 100 may then be moratored As the swellable component 120 sets, strain levels m the body 140 will increase, and strain measurement behavior will indicate when the swellable component 120 is set |0040] Once the swellable component 120 is set as shown in Figure 4B, the upstream section 192 of the pipeime 190 is thereby isolated from the downstream section 194 of the pipeline 190 by virtue of the fully-expanded swellable component 120 sealing with the pipeline 190 and the closed dual temporary seals 130 In one embodmient, the isolated upstreann section 192 of the pipeline 190 may then be depressurized to allow for maintenance ope^atlon'^ to be performed The downstream section 194 of the pipeline 190 may remain pressurized because the swellable component 120 and the dual temporary seals 130 ensure isolation between the depressurized and pressurized sections of the pipeime 190 As shown m Figure 4C, upon completion of maintenance operations, the isolated section 192 of the pipeline 190 may be re-pressurized Finalh. as shown in Figure 4D. the temporarj' internal seals 130 may be opened, as descnbed above, allowing the flow of fluid 115 to resunie inside the pipeline 190 Although the flow of fluid 115 is reestablished, the pipeime tool 100 remains firmly in position due to the expanded swellable component 120 The pipeline tool 100 may remain m position indcfimtely to allow for similar subsequent maintenance operations wherein the dual
seals 130 may be re-actuated to close, and thereby isolate the upstream section 192 of the pipeline 190 from the downstream section 194
[0041] In an alternative embodiment, two our more pipeline tools 100 may be used to Lsolate a section of pipeline 190 between the tools For example, first and second pipeline tools 100 may be positioned on either side of a leak 300 and set, thereby isolating the section ol pipe between the tools 100, which thereafter may be deprebsurized and repaired .accordingly in altemaiively embodiments, more than one pipelme tool 100 may be used one or both sides of a portion of pipelmc to be isolated For example, a first pair of pipelme tools 100 may be positioned on the downstream side of a leak and a second pair of pipeline tools 100 may be positioned on the upstream side of the leak, thereby isolating the section of pipeline contairung the leak upon setting of the tools Placement and positioning of a plurality of pipeline tools 100 can be carried out using the methods descnbed herein For example, a first pipeline tool 100 may be placed in the pipeline 190 followed by a sufficient flow of fluid to space the first pipeline tool 100 a desired distance in front of a second pipeline tool 100 that is subsequently placed m the pipeline Additional fluid may be used to convey both tools to a desired location, which may be located as described herem
[0042] The pipeline sealing and isolation tool 100 may also be used to install permanent devices, such as a vaive, for example, at a particular location withm the pipeline 190 Figures 5A through 5C schematically depict a sequence wherein the pipeline sealing and isolation tool 100 illustrated in Figure 1 may be used to install a permanent device 500 positioned internally of the flow cavity 160 m the body 140 In an embodiment, the permanent device 500 is a ball valve that may be actuated by through-wall commumcation In another embodiment the permanent de\'icc 500 is a check valve In anothei embodiment, the permanent device is a submersible pump, for example an electrical submersible pump (ESP) In an embodiment, an ESP is pumped into a
production riser, for example an offshore production riser The ESP may be placed m the production riser, for example, near the base of a deep water production riser, where the pump may be used to boost production by removing ail or a portion of the hydrostatic head back pressure from the well head located on the sea floor
[0043] As shown in Figure 5A through 5C, the closed permanent device 500 proviaes a seal to replace the temporary seal 130 in previous embodiments The pipeline tool 100 with the permanent device 500 therein is inserted into the pipeline 190 and propelled along the pipeline 1% by the fluid 115 The fwsition of the pipeline tool 100 mside the pipeline 190 may be momtored using the trackmg device 125 As shown m Figure 5A, when the pipeline tool 100 reaches its intended destination, it is stopped by discontmuing fluid 115 flow through the pipeline 190 During the time that the pipeline tool 100 is traveling, and upon arrival at the mtended location, as shown in Figure 5A, the swellable component 120 is absorbing the fluid 115 and expandmg across the annulus 135. towards the umer pipe wall 180 of the pipelme 190 As shown in Figure 5B, once the swellable component 120 fiilly expands, it forms a permanent fluid-ttght seal across the annulus 135 and against the inner pipe wall 180 of the pipelme 190 Determining when the swellable component 120 is fully expanded and set may be accomphshed by methods discussed above, including laborator> testmg of the core 230 material and membrane 210 material, pressuring up the pipeline 190 to see if the pipeline tool 100 moves in response to the pressure, or monitoring strain levels in the body 140 of the pipehne tool 100 As shown in Figure 5C. once the swellable component 120 is set the permanent device 500 may be opened using an electronic signal, another type of through-wall communication, or another method, such as a pressuie pulse foi example Once the pennancnt device 500 IS opened, the flow of fluid 115 ma\' resume inside the pipehne 190 .Although the flow of fluid lis is reestablished, the pipeline tool 100 remams firmly in position due to the expanded
swellable component 120 and may remam so for an indefinite period of time As a result, the permanent device 500 will also remain fixed in this position and may be actuated to control fluid 115 flow through the pipeline 190 at tins location
[0044] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of pipeline sealing and isolation tools and methods of utilizing such tools to perform maintenance, leak repair, and installation operations on pipehnes have been presented for purposes of illustration and description and are not mtended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many other modifications and variations of these embodunents are possible In particular, maintenance, repair and mstailation operations may vary For example, these methods disclose stoppmg the pipeline device at its intended destination by discontmmng fluid flow m the pipeline Other methods of stopping the pipeline device may be utilized, such as openmg the temporary sealmg devices 130 01 permanent devices 500 while maintaimng the flow of fluid 115 Moreover, design of the pipeline tool body 140 may vary. Instead of the smooth-walled, solid structure disclosed, tte body ma>' comprise a corrugated, flexible housmg to permit maneuvermg through pipelmes with numicrous turns and comers Further, the taper of the flared tail 150 may be optimized to minimize the effects of debns accumulation near the pipeline too! 100 and flow restnctions due to the presence of the pipeline tool 100 in the fluid 115 flowpath The material comprising the swellable component 120 may vary depending on tlie type of fluid 115 inside the pipeline 190, whether a hydrocarbon, water, brine or other aqueous solution
[0045] While various embodiments of pipeline sealing and isolation tools and methods of utilizing those tools to perform mamtenance, leak repair and installanon operations on pipelines have been shown and described herein, modifications maj be made b) one skilled in the art witliout departing fi'om the spint and the teachmgs of the invention The embodiments described arc
representative only, and are not intended to be limiting Many vanations, combinations, and modifications of the applications disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Accordmgly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is defined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject mattei of the claims.

We Claims :-
1. A pipeline tool for use within a pipeline comprising:
a tool body with an internal flow bore;
a swellable component disposed about the tool body; and
a temporary seal disposed internally of the flow bore.
2. The pipeline tool of claim 1 wherein the tool body further comprises a flared portion.
3. The pipeline tool of claim 1 wherein the tool body is flexible, corrugated, or both.
4. The pipeline tool of claim 1 wherein the tool body comprises a metal alloy.
5. The pipeline tool of claim 1 further comprising a tracking device attached to the tool body.
6. The pipeline tool of claim 5 wherein the tracking device comprises a mechanical fixture.
7. The pipeline tool of claim 5 wherein the tracking device comprises an emitter thai emits a signal that can be tracked.
8. The pipeline tool of claim 7 wherein the emitter comprises a magnet, a radioactive isotope, an electronic transmitter, an acoustic transmitter, an ultrasonic transmitter, or a combination thereof
9. The pipeline tool of claim 1 further comprising a plurality' of guide cups attached to the tool body that engage the pipeline when the tool is disposed therein.
10. The pipeline tool of claim I wherein the swellable component comprises a materia! that expands when exposed to a fluid within the pipeline.
11. The pipeline tool of claim 10 wherein the swellable component comprises a core portion.
12. The pipeline tool of claim 11 wherein the core portion comprises an ela,stic polymer.
13. The pipeline tool of claim 12 wherein the elastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of EPDM, styrene-buladiene rubber, natural rubber, ethylene-propylene monomer rubber,
ethylene-vinyl acetate rubber, hydrogenated acryionitrile-butadiene rubber, acryionitrile-butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber and polynorbomene.
14. The pipeline tool of claim 11 wherein the core portion comprises a rubber mechanically mixed with a polymer selected from the group consisting of poly vinylchloride, methyl methacrvlate, acrylonitrile, and ethylacetate.
15. The pipeline tool of claim 11 wherein the core portion comprises hydrogen dichromai mixed into a compound of glycerol, diethylene glycol, and polycrj'lamide.
16. The pipeline tool of claim 10 wherein the swellable component further comprises a membrane portion suirounding the core portion.
17. The pipelir«; tool of claim 16 wherein the fluid permeates the membrane portion more slowly than the core portion.
18. The pipeline tool of claim 16 wherein the membrane portion comprises a rubber.
19. The pipeline tool of claim 18 wherein the rubber is selected from the group consisting of acn,'lonitrile, hydrogenated nitriie, chloroprene, ethylene vinylacetaie rubber, silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer, butyl, chlorosulphonated polyethylene, polyuiethane, ACM, and BIMS.
20. The pipeline tool of claim 16 wherein the swellable component further comprises a reinforcement to the membrane portion.
21. The pipeline tool of claim 1 wherein the temporary seal is selectively disengagable.
22. The pipeline tool of claim 21 wherein tlie temporary .seal comprises a rupture disc
23. The pipeline tool of claim 1 wherein the temporary seal may be selectively engaged or disengaged.
24. The pipeline tool of claim 23 wherem the temporary seal comprises an electromechanical valve.
25. The pipeline tool of claim 23 wherein the temporary seal may be selectively engaged or disengaged via temperature, a magnetic signal, a pressure signal, an electronic signal, an electromagnetic signal, a timer, an acoustic signal, an ultrasonic signal or a combination thereof.
26. The pipeline tool of claim 1 further comprising a permanent device disposed internally of the flow bore.
27. The pipeline tool of claim 26 wherein the permanent device comprises a valve or a pump.
28. A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprising:
positioning a swellable component about at a desired location within a pipeline;
exposing the swellable component to a swelling agent within the pipeline;
expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline, thereby forming a seal across the pipeline; and
opening a fluid pathway through the pipeline without removing the swellable component.
29. The method of claim 29 wherein the servicing operation comprises repairing a leak in the
pipeline wall.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein the servicing operation comprises positioning a
permanent device within the pipeline.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein opening the fluid pathway comprises opening the permanent device.
32. The method of claim 29 wherein opening the fluid pathway comprises disengaging a temporary seal connected to the swellable component.
33. The method of claim 29 further comprising closing the pathway through the pipeline and performing another service operation.
34. The method of claim 29 wherein positioning comprises inserting the swellabie component into the pipeline and propelling the swellabie component to about the desired location via a flow of fluid.
35. The method of claim 33 further comprising tracking the swellabie component as it is propelled to the location.
36. The method of claim .34 wherein the fluid is the swelling agent.
37. The method of claim 29 wherein the swelling agent comprises natural gas, a hydrocarbon fluid, water, brine, or another aqueous solution.
38. A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprising:
inserting into the pipeline a pipeline tool comprising an externally mounted swellabie component;
propelling the pipeline tool through the pipeline to about a desired location via a flow of fluid;
expanding the swellabie component into sealing engagement with the pipeline at about the desired location; and
opening a flow path through the pipeline tool.
39. The method of claim 38 further comprising tracking the pipeline tool during the propelling.
40. The method of claim 38 further comprising running a pipeline pig through the pipeline tool.
41. The method of claim 38 wherein inserting the pipeline tool comprises launching the
pipeline tool from a pig launcher.

42. The method of claim 38 wherein expanding the swellable component comprises absorbing
the fluid.
43. The method of claim 38 wherein opening a flow path through the pipeline tool comprises disengaging a temporary seal.
44. The method of claim 38 wherein expanding comprises sealing a leak, in a wall of the pipeline.
45. The method of claim 38 further comprising closing the flow path through the pipeline tool.
46. The method of claim 45 further comprising depressurizing a .section of the pipeline upstream or downstream of the pipeline tool; and performing the servicing operation on the depressurized pipeline section.
47. The method of claim 46 further comprising:
re-pressurizing the depressurized pipeline section; reopening the flow path through the pipeline tool; and resuming fluid flow through the flow path.
48. The method of claim 38 further comprising disposing a peimanent device within the pipeline tool,
49. The method of claim 48 wherein opening the flow path comprises actuating the permanent device.
50. A pipeline tool for use within a pipeline and a method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.