How to Determine Pipeline forces on an Inflatable Pipe Plug
Pipe plugs are used for un-isolatable pressure in pipelines. When plugging a pipe, there are multiple factors that you need to be aware of in order to isolate a pipeline safely and effectively. One of the most important factors to measure and consider is the force from pressure or pressure differential.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the forces that affect a pipe plug and how to verify if safe to isolate with the pipe plug of choice.
What force is created by pressure?
When it comes to isolating pipelines, force refers to the load created by liquid or gas that acts upon the surface area pipe plug. It is the pressure force that the plug must hold back in order to isolate pressure pipe. Line pressure is important to consider when choosing the right pipe plug, because if the pressure force exceeds the force holding strength of the pipe plug, a safe isolation will not be possible.
How to calculate pipeline forces
An inflatable pipe plug is designed to have a seal surface area that creates a frictional holding force. The pipe plugs (standard, high pressure or custom designed) have a specific pressure rating that is less than the maximum holding force of the design. This is the safety factor. The manufacturer of the pipe plug provides the maximum allowed operating pressure rating for each pipe plug. This holding force, when a pressure differential is created by venting or bleeding off the area downstream of the isolation, is greater than the force acting upon the upstream side of the pipe plug.
Once you calculate the force of your pipeline, you can compare that number to the pressure rating or manufacturer provided holding force on the pipe plug to ensure the pipe plug is safe to isolate the pressure. You can also use this Force Pressure Calculator to determine what you need for your application.
Application Engineering and Technical Support
If unsure or uncertain of the application for pressure isolation in a pipeline, Petersen Products offers application engineering and technical support to review pipeline existing operating conditions to recommend standard pipe plugs or design a pipe plug to sustain the existing condition of the pipeline. This reduces the guess work and enhances the probability of success and safety when isolating a pipeline.
Petersen can help
When the path to a pipeline isolation hits uncertainty, call Petersen products. The breadth and depth of engineering and technical expertise will review existing conditions to provide the engineered solution to provide the safe and effective workable pipeline isolation.
