The twin-tyred dual tool, which incorporates iNPIPE’S patented posi-seal tyre technology, was originally developed at the request of a major UK refinery to create a tool superior to the civil squeeze/compression plugs currently in use, and to enable a safer working environment while carrying out hot/welding work on hydrocarbon pipelines. Since its introduction, the dual tool has proved to be great success.
The two posi-seal tyres are independently inflated to a pressure of 15 bar/g creating a double isolation. The centre cavity is then filled with water and pressurised to 5 bar/g, to prove the integrity of the tyres. In addition the tool is supplied with a centre bypass facility allowing any gases present in the pipeline to be vented away safely. In the event of any build up of pressure in the line, the tool is capable and certified to hold a differential pressure of 5 bar. The tool has now been further developed by iNPIPE’S design team to enable hydrostatic testing of a new weld by utilising the centre cavity, up to Class 300 or 76.5 bar. In other words, two jobs with the one tool.
With the posi-seal tyre’s flexibility, the Dual Tool can handle both pipe ovality and excessive weld beads, and can be used to hydrostatically test welds up to Class 300. The tool is supplied complete with stainless steel braided hoses, gauges, and isolation valves. As an added bonus the dual tool can be used in a range of pipe schedules.
The dual tool has been so successful that it is now specified into the operating procedures at a number of UK and Dutch refineries. It is also being trialled at other refineries in the UK and Europe and recently an 8 inch dual tool was supplied to the USA.
Due to the flexibility of the seal and ease of use, iNPIPE considers this tool to be the best on the market in helping to create a safer welding environment, and reducing operational time by performing ‘two jobs with the one tool’.
The dual tool is just part of iNPIPE’s extensive hire fleet and is available with the posi-seal tyre seal at sizes ranging from 4 inches to 36 inches. Smaller versions of this tool (2 inches and 3 inches) are also available using an alternative type of seal. Larger sizes above 36 inches can be manufactured on request.
