Patent ID: 9169956
Filing Date: 2015-10-27
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A method for isolating a section of a pipe, the method comprising the steps of: locating a first plug module of an isolation tool in a pipe in a first mode using a sealing pigging array with no or minimal bypass; configuring the first plug module in a second mode to permit fluid bypass of the sealing pigging array and the first plug module; securing the first plug module against the pipe; configuring the first plug module in a third mode to isolate a section of the piep, retaining pressure on one side of the isolation tool while allowing an other side to be fully vented; locating a second plug module in the pipe while the first plug module is in the second mode and urging the second plug module towards the first plug module such that fluid displaced by location of the second plug module bypasses the first plug module; securing the second plug module and the first plug module to the pipe to isolate the pipe section between the first plug module and the second plug module; and configuring the first plug module in the first mode to prevent fluid bypass of the sealing pigging array for pigging both the first plug and the second plug modules to one end of the pipe for removal.