Apparatuses, systems, and methods for isolating a nozzle of a vessel

An isolation system for a nozzle of a vessel, the system comprising:

• a vessel comprising a nozzle, the nozzle comprising an outer end extending externally from the vessel and an inner end opening into the interior of the vessel;
• and
• an apparatus for isolating a nozzle comprising
• a housing comprising a nozzle-contacting portion, a non-nozzle-contacting portion, and a central opening, wherein the nozzle-contacting portion is configured to fasten to the outer end of the nozzle, the central opening extends from the non-nozzle-contacting portion to the nozzle-contacting portion, the central opening is sized to accept a rod of the apparatus, and the opening comprises a sealing element positioned on the non-nozzle-contacting portion,
• the rod comprising proximal and distal ends, wherein the rod is positioned within the central opening and has the proximal portion of the rod positioned past the non-nozzle-contacting portion,
• an umbrella comprising an end member and a canopy, wherein the umbrella is coupled to the distal end of the rod, the canopy is in contact with the end member, and the canopy extends from the sealing cap at a first angle to the rod,
• an actuation portion configured to actuate the umbrella between a retracted position comprising the first angle and a protracted position comprising a second angle, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle and the umbrella is capable of being translated through the nozzle at the first angle and is not capable of the same at the second angle,
• an engagement surface defined on a leading edge of the canopy, the engagement surface configured to form a seal against an interior wall of the vessel when the umbrella is in the protracted position,
• an inlet flow line fluidly connected to the central opening, and
• an outlet flow line fluidly connected to the central opening.

A method of isolating a nozzle having an outer end extending externally from a vessel and an inner end opening into the interior of the vessel, the method comprising:

• providing an apparatus comprising
• a housing comprising a nozzle-contacting portion, a non-nozzle-contacting portion, and a central opening, wherein the nozzle-contacting portion is configured to fasten to the outer end of the nozzle, the central opening extends from the non-nozzle-contacting portion to the nozzle-contacting portion, the central opening is sized to accept a rod of the apparatus, and the opening comprises a sealing element positioned on the non-nozzle-contacting portion,
• the rod comprising proximal and distal ends, wherein the rod is positioned within the central opening and has the proximal portion of the rod positioned past the non-nozzle-contacting portion,
• an umbrella comprising an end member and a canopy, wherein the umbrella is coupled to the distal end of the rod, the canopy is in contact with the end member, and the canopy extends from the sealing cap at a first angle to the rod,
• an actuation portion configured to actuate the umbrella between a retracted position comprising the first angle and a protracted position comprising a second angle, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle and the umbrella is capable of being translated through the nozzle at the first angle and is not capable of the same at the second angle,
• an engagement surface defined on a leading edge of the canopy, the engagement surface configured to form a seal against an interior wall of the vessel when the umbrella is in the protracted position,
• an inlet flow line fluidly connected to the central opening, and
• an outlet flow line fluidly connected to the central opening;
• fastening the apparatus to the outer end of the nozzle;
• inserting the umbrella through the inner end of the nozzle;
• actuating the umbrella to the protracted position through the actuation portion;
• and
• sealing the engagement surface against the interior wall of the vessel.