Methods for sealing and isolating pipelines

A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprising:

• inserting into the pipeline a pipeline tool comprising an externally mounted swellable component;
• propelling the pipeline tool through the pipeline to about a desired location via a flow of fluid;
• expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline, thereby forming a seal across the pipeline, at about the desired location;
• and
• opening a flow path through the pipeline tool.

A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprising:

• inserting into the pipeline a pipeline tool comprising an externally mounted swellable component;
• propelling the pipeline tool through the pipeline to about a desired location via a flow of fluid;
• expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline at about the desired location,
• opening a flow path through the pipeline tool;
• and
• running a pipeline pig through the pipeline tool.

A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprising:

• inserting into the pipeline a pipeline tool comprising an externally mounted swellable component;
• propelling the pipeline tool through the pipeline to about a desired location via a flow of fluid;
• expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline at about the desired location;
• and
• opening a flow path through the pipeline tool;
• wherein inserting the pipeline tool comprises launching the pipeline tool from a pig launcher.

A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprising:

• inserting into the pipeline a pipeline tool comprising an externally mounted swellable component;
• propelling the pipeline tool through the pipeline to about a desired location via a flow of expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline at about the desired location;
• and
• opening a flow path through the pipeline tool;
• wherein opening a flow path through the pipeline tool comprises disengaging a temporary seal.

A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprising:

• inserting into the pipeline a pipeline tool comprising an externally mounted swellable component;
• propelling the pipeline tool through the pipeline to about a desired location via a flow of fluid;
• expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline at about the desired location;
• and
• opening a flow path through the pipeline tool;
• wherein expanding comprises sealing a leak in a wall of the pipeline.

A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprising:

• inserting into the pipeline a pipeline tool comprising an externally mounted swellable component;
• propelling the pipeline tool through the pipeline to about a desired location via a flow of fluid;
• expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline at about the desired location;
• opening a flow path through the pipeline tool;
• and
• closing the flow path through the pipeline tool.

A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprising:

• inserting into the pipeline a pipeline tool comprising an externally mounted swellable component;
• propelling the pipeline tool through the pipeline to about a desired location via a flow of fluid;
• expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline at about the desired location;
• opening a flow path through the pipeline tool;
• and
• disposing a permanent device within the pipeline tool.