Patent ID: 10578239

Abstract:
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.