CAM-ASSISTED WEDGE ACTUATED, METAL-TO-METAL SEAL, BLOCK AND BLEED PLUGGING TOOL

摘要

A method of plugging a pipe including sealably securing onto its exterior first and second spaced apart collars, (12,14) the collars having sealing faces (18, 20) each in a plane perpendicular the pipe, (42, 44) cutting and removing a length of pipe from between the collars (12, 14) leaving two open pipe ends (42, 44), positioning first and second seal cups (66, 68) between the collars, the seal cups having forwardly extending circumferential lips (102, 104) of internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the pipe, seal cups (66, 68) having top and bottom cam followers (72, 74, 78, 80), moving cam surfaces (82, 84, 86, 88) against the cam followers to guide the seal cups (66, 68) into sealing engagement with the sealing faces (18, 20) of the collars (12, 14), and forcing a wedge (48, 50) between rearward surfaces of the seal cups (66, 68).