Keyhole Squeeze-Off Tool to Enable Repair of Large (4" and 6") Polyethylene Gas Pipes

70281 The aging and expanding natural gas transmission and distribution network in the United States, based on the material polyethylene (PE), has a critical need for economical and ecologically sound ¿keyhole¿ repair techniques. The important first step in any gas line repair is to stop the flow of natural gas. Typically, this involves squeeze-off procedures. However, there are no current tools available that allow an operator to squeeze-off gas flow from small ¿keyhole,¿ openings in larger 4¿ and 6¿ PE pipes. This project will develop, demonstrate, and manufacture an innovative ¿squeeze-off¿ tool that can safely squeeze-off large (4¿ and 6¿) diameter polyethylene pipe in keyhole access situations. In Phase I, a test ¿squeeze-off¿ tool will be designed, fabricated and tested for large (4¿ and 6¿) diameter polyethylene natural gas pipe. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: With the potential for thousands of large pipe squeeze-off operations annually, there is a significant commercial potential for the ¿squeeze-off¿ tool. This tool should provide a safe, convenient, and quick shut-off for the repair of natural gas lines, saving many hours and dollars and eliminating the need for dangerous, costly and lengthy excavations.