Fusible completion plug
View Patent ↗A fusible completion plug and method for its use includes a cylindrical plug body having a lower portion that includes a fusible element in communication with an electric power supply. The completion plug also includes an elastomeric seal that provides for a temporary seal. A pressure balancing port and equalization valve are provided to relieve the differential pressure across the completion plug as the plug is positioned in place. The pressure equalization valve also includes a fusible element for fusing the valve within the port, thereby preventing a leak path through the plug body. A blind flange may be installed above the completion plug in case the plug fusion fails. The blind flange may be a traditional blind flange or may be a fusible blind flange.
1. A method for permanently closing an opening in a tubular member or vessel comprising the steps of:
lowering a completion plug into an interior portion of a fitting connected to the tubular member or vessel and having a longitudinal cylindrical passageway therethrough;
positioning the completion plug to a sealing position within the fitting;
relieving differential pressure across the completion plug during the positioning step;
creating by way of electrofusion a permanent seal between an external cylindrical surface portion of the completion plug and an opposing internal cylindrical surface of the fitting and (ii) between an external surface of a pressure equalization valve and an interior surface of a pressure balancing port located within the completion plug.
2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of installing a blind flange above the completion plug.
3. A method according to claim 2 further comprising the step of creating by way of electrofusion a permanent seal between an external surface portion of the blind flange and an external surface portion of the fitting.
4. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of temporarily sealing the completion plug within the fitting.