Plug removal tool and methods thereof

A method for removing a filter in a fluid conduit, comprising:

• utilizing a plug removal tool that comprises a first mount for attaching the plug removal tool to a structure, a second mount for removably attaching the plug removal tool to a plug in an opening of a fluid conduit, the plug secured by a plug nut that comprises a hand-wheel for rotation of the plug nut with respect to threads of the fluid conduit, a first rigid arm rotatable about the first mount and a second rigid arm disposed at a fixed angle and translatable with respect to the first rigid arm, and at least one bearing, defining a bearing axis that traverses the first rigid arm, configured to allow a sliding movement of the second rigid arm with respect to the first rigid arm, wherein the first and second rigid arms extend between the first mount and the second mount, wherein a mounting bracket of the second mount extends from the second rigid arm above and downwardly in front of the hand-wheel and wherein the first and second rigid arms are responsive to a force applied to the hand-wheel, transitioning the plug removal tool between an operation position aligned with the opening of the fluid conduit and a non-operation position for access to the opening of the fluid conduit, removing the plug nut from the opening of the fluid conduit;
• supporting the plug nut with the plug removal tool, thereby defining a limited movement of the plug nut while removed from the opening;
• and
• removing the filter through the opening of the fluid conduit.

A system, comprising:

• a modular skid having a fluid conduit, wherein the fluid conduit has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet;
• and
• at least one plug removal tool removably attached to the modular skid, wherein the plug removal tool comprises:
• a first mounting bracket that comprises a first swivel joint;
• a first arm extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the first swivel joint;
• a second arm slidably attached to the first arm between the first end and the second end and disposed at a fixed angle with respect to the first arm;
• at least one bearing, defining a bearing axis that traverses the first arm, configured to allow a sliding movement of the second arm with respect to the first arm;
• a second swivel joint connected to a distal end of the second arm;
• and
• a second mounting bracket for removably attaching the plug removal tool to a plug, attached to the second swivel joint,
• wherein the plug removal tool is configured to remove or insert the plug nut from an opening of the fluid conduit via a plug nut that comprises a hand-wheel for rotation of the plug nut with respect to threads of the fluid conduit, and wherein the second mounting bracket extends from the second arm above and downwardly in front of the hand-wheel for attachment of the plug removal tool to the plug.