Reinforced inflatable pipe plugs for pipeline testing, maintenance isolation and emergency shut-off in DN100–DN2000 pipes.
A pipe plug is a reinforced rubber bladder inflated by compressed air to seal a pipeline for pressure testing, bypass works or emergency isolation. Plugs are available for single-pipe sealing and for lateral or end-of-pipe applications.
Inflation pressure presses the bag wall against the pipe bore; friction between the rubber and the pipe wall resists the back pressure. Because the holding force depends on contact area and friction, the inflation pressure must be set for the actual pipe diameter and the expected head.