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TDW Pub No. 00-3795-0046

Revised January 1982

T.D. Williamson, Inc.

Installation of WEDGE-LOCK Pipe Plugs
assembly threads, clean and lubricate with
light motor oil.

1.0 Purpose
To provide information on Wedge-Lock Pipe Plugs,
their use, installation and specifications.

C. Loosen expander nut completely, slide sealing

element away from plate, and slide shoe segments back on expander as far as possible.

2.0 Description
Wedge-Lock Pipe Plugs may be used for plugging
pipe ends temporarily during testing of piping and
vessels, and propelling pigs. Fig. 1 shows the components of a Wedge-Lock Pipe Plug.

Fig. 2. Pipe Plug Installed

Fig. 1 WEDGE-LOCK Plug Components

1. Sealing Element

5. Backup Plate

2. Expander

6. Expander Nut

3. Shoes (Segments)

7. Pipe Plug

4. Shoe Retainer Spring

Special clamps are also available to support the

pipe and pipe plug in higher pressure operations.
Fig. 2 through Fig. 4 shows various pipe plug configurations.
CAUTION: Do not use where temperature and/or
pressure fluctuate widely. The WedgeLock Pipe Plug is designed for use in
lines where both are constant.

Fig. 3. Pipe Plug Installed for Pressure Testing

D. Insert plug in pipe to the point where the backup plate is flush with pipe facing, ensuring
plug is parallel with pipe, and tighten expander
nut firmly.

3.0 Installation of Pipe Plug

A. Remove scale, wipe dirt out of pipe, and remove any burrs that would damage sealing
element or prevent installation of plug.

E. Install pipe plug or other fitting as required in

bypass connection.

B. Inspect pipe plug sealing element for damage,

cuts, nicks, etc. Inspect shoe segments and replace if teeth are broken or dull. Inspect body

NOTE: As pressure is increased behind plug, further tightening of the expander nut may be re-

quired. This is because of seal compression,

and does not mean a loss of gripping power.

4.0 Installation of Support Clamp

Use of the support clamp is necessary with pressure/temperature combinations set forth in Table 1.
A. Clean OD of pipe so that clamp fully engages
the area over the locking wedges.
B. Place both halves of the clamp around pipe,
insert bolts and tighten evenly. Apply enough
bolt torque so there is no light gap between
pipe and clamp.
C. Test clamp for rotation and slippage. If one or
both occurs, do not exceed pressures listed in
Table 1 under headings "Without Support
Clamp". Fig. 4 shows the special support
clamp installed.

Fig. 4. Clamp Installed

Table 1
Operating Pressure and Temperatures
50 to 180 F
Size

Min. ID

Max. ID

180 to 250 F

WITH
WITHOUT
WITH
WITHOUT
Support Clamp Support Clamp Support Clamp Support Clamp
2"
1.94
2.07
2500 psi
2000 psi
2410 psi
1910 psi
3"
2.88
3.09
2500 psi
2000 psi
2410 psi
1910 psi
3.09
3.25
1500 psi
1000 psi
1440 psi
940 psi
3-1/2"
3.38
3.50
2500 psi
2000 psi
2410 psi
1910 psi
3.50
3.75
1500 psi
1000 psi
1440 psi
940 psi
4"
3.88
4.06
2500 psi
2000 psi
2410 psi
1910 psi
4.06
4.25
1500 psi
1000 psi
1440 psi
940 psi
6"
5.75
6.07
2500 psi
2000 psi
2410 psi
1910 psi
6.07
6.25
1500 psi
1000 psi
1440 psi
940 psi
8"
7.75
8.00
2500 psi
2000 psi
2410 psi
1910 psi
8.00
8.25
1200 psi
800 psi
1460 psi
770 psi
10"
9.75
10.02
2000 psi
1500 psi
1910 psi
1410 psi
10.02
10.25
1200 psi
800 psi
1160 psi
770 psi
12"
11.75
12.00
1700 psi
1200 psi
1640 psi
1140 psi
12.00
12.25
1200 psi
800 psi
1160 psi
770 psi
14"
13.00
13.13
1500 psi
1000 psi
1440 psi
940 psi
13.13
13.50
1200 psi
800 psi
1160 psi
770 psi
NOTE: Above specifications are based on the following:
1. GrB pipe or better (35,000 psi or 241 MPa minimum yield strength).
2. Pipe in round condition (within pipe tolerance) and without internal damage, corrosion, etc.
3. Any deviations from the above require reduced operating pressures.

T.D.Williamson, Inc. is ISO 9001 Certified

Visit TDW's web site at www.tdwilliamson.com.

is a trademark of T.D. Williamson, Inc. in the U.S. and in foreign countries.
is a registered trademark of T.D. Williamson, Inc. in the U.S. and in foreign countries.
TDW Pub. No. 00-3795-0046

January 1982

Printed in USA

Copyright 1982
All Rights Reserved
T. D. Williamson, Inc.