Pipe cleaning assembly and method of cleaning a pipe system using the assembly

Abstract

The pipe cleaning assembly has a connection fixture having a body defining a cavity. A first bore, an opposite second bore coaxially aligned with the first bore, a first auxiliary bore, and an opposite second auxiliary bore coaxially aligned with the first auxiliary bore are in fluid communication with the cavity. A first connection flange extends from and around the first bore, and a second connection flange extends from and around the second bore. A rotatable valve cover is inserted through the second auxiliary bore and includes a cylindrical wall having a first end with an opening, an end wall at a second end, and a plurality of openings through the wall. An actuator is mounted to the valve cover with an actuator shaft extending through an opening in the end wall. A valve plug is secured to the actuator shaft and positioned within the valve cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the cleaning of piping systems, and in particular to piping cleaning components for cleaning piping systems. Background Technology

[0002] Before commissioning a new plant, the plant's piping systems need to be cleaned. Manufacturers of large rotating equipment such as turbines and compressors typically define the required level of cleanliness because incomplete cleaning of the piping systems can lead to serious damage and / or premature wear of turbines, compressors, pumps, or other large equipment. The cleaning process is usually designed and implemented by an EPC contractor or a company specializing in cleaning services. Typically, temporary pipes, valves, and hoses are installed to clean the piping system. The piping system is then pressurized, and once the specified pressure is reached, the system is ventilated. This process is repeated until the piping system reaches the required level of cleanliness.

[0003] Typically, cleaning contractors will need to weld pipe fittings to the piping system to create temporary piping. After the cleaning process is complete, these fittings will be removed, and the piping system will be repaired. However, this process is time-consuming and expensive, and any work done on the system after the cleaning process can potentially re-contaminate the piping system.

[0004] Furthermore, control valves typically require noise-reducing internals to meet specified noise limits. This is achieved by using internal components with numerous small channels to divide the flow into many small jets. These small channels are prone to clogging if any particles are present in the flow stream. Additionally, debris trapped within these control valves can damage them when the valve plug is moved to close the valve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an exemplary aspect of the invention, a pipe cleaning assembly includes a connecting fastener comprising a body defining a cavity. A first bore, an opposing second bore coaxially aligned with the first bore, a first auxiliary bore, and an opposing second auxiliary bore coaxially aligned with the first auxiliary bore are in fluid communication with the cavity. A first connecting flange extends from and surrounds the first bore, and a second connecting flange extends from and surrounds the second bore. A rotatable valve cover is inserted through the second auxiliary bore, positioned within the cavity of the body, and is accessible from the outside of the connecting fastener. The valve cover includes a generally cylindrical wall having an open first end and a second end, an end wall at the second end of the cylindrical wall, and a plurality of openings formed through the cylindrical wall to guide fluid flow through the connecting fastener. An actuator is mounted to the valve cover and has an actuator shaft extending through an opening in the end wall of the valve cover. The valve plug is fixed to the actuator shaft and positioned within the valve cover so that the valve plug can move within the valve cover between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the valve plug allows fluid flow through the valve cover, and in the second position, the valve blocks fluid flow through the valve cover.

[0006] Furthermore, according to any one or more of the exemplary aspects described above, the pipe cleaning assembly may also include any one or more of the following preferred forms in any combination.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the valve cover is rotatable between multiple positions to create multiple different flow paths, including: a first flow path in which the valve cover allows fluid flow between a first orifice and a second orifice; a second flow path in which the valve cover allows fluid flow between the first orifice and a first auxiliary orifice and prevents fluid flow to the second orifice; and a third flow path in which the valve cover allows fluid flow between the second orifice and the first auxiliary orifice and prevents fluid flow to the first orifice.

[0008] In another preferred embodiment, the plurality of openings includes only a first opening having a first axis, a second opening having a second axis coaxially aligned with the first axis of the first opening, and a third opening having a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.

[0009] In another preferred embodiment, the pipe cleaning assembly includes a plate fixed above a first auxiliary hole to a connecting fastener to prevent fluid flow through the first auxiliary hole, and a valve cover positioned to guide fluid between the first and second holes and prevent fluid flow through the second auxiliary hole.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the valve cover is positioned to guide fluid between the first orifice, the second orifice, and the first auxiliary orifice, and to prevent fluid flow through the second auxiliary orifice.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the valve cover is positioned to guide fluid between the first orifice and the first auxiliary orifice, and to prevent fluid flow through the second orifice and the second auxiliary orifice.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the valve cover is positioned to guide fluid between the second orifice and the first auxiliary orifice, and to prevent fluid flow through the first orifice and the second auxiliary orifice.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the valve cover is rotatable within the connecting fastener to select a flow path without removing the valve cover from the connecting fastener.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the end wall of the valve cover is configured to receive a tool for rotating the valve cover.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the end wall includes a protrusion having opposing, parallel, planar sides for receiving a tool.

[0016] According to another exemplary aspect of the invention, a pipe cleaning assembly includes a connecting fastener comprising a body defining a cavity. A first bore, an opposing second bore coaxially aligned with the first bore, a first auxiliary bore, and an opposing second auxiliary bore coaxially aligned with the first auxiliary bore are in fluid communication with the cavity. A first connecting flange extends from and surrounds the first bore, and a second connecting flange extends from and surrounds the second bore. A rotatable valve cover is inserted through the second auxiliary bore, positioned within the cavity of the body, and accessible from the outside of the connecting fastener. The valve cover includes a generally cylindrical wall having an open first end and a second end, an end wall at the second end of the cylindrical wall, and a plurality of openings formed through the cylindrical wall to guide fluid flow through the connecting fastener. A filter assembly is positioned within the valve cover.

[0017] Furthermore, according to any one or more of the foregoing exemplary aspects of the present invention, the pipe cleaning assembly may be further included in any combination of any one or more of the following preferred forms.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the plurality of openings includes only a first opening having a first axis, a second opening having a second axis coaxially aligned with the first axis of the first opening, and a third opening having a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the plate is fixed above the first auxiliary hole to a connecting fastener to prevent fluid flow through the first auxiliary hole, and the valve cover is positioned to guide fluid between the first hole and the second hole and to prevent fluid flow through the second auxiliary hole.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the filter assembly includes a cylindrical top plate, a cylindrical bottom plate, a first wall extending between the top and bottom plates and having a plane through which a first plurality of holes are formed, and a second wall extending between the top and bottom plates and having a plane through which a second plurality of holes are formed. The longitudinal edges of the first wall coincide with the longitudinal edges of the second wall, and the second wall extends away from the first wall at an angle such that fluid flow between the first and second holes passes through either the first or second wall.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the first wall is hollow and forms a first cavity, the second wall is hollow and forms a second cavity, and the cylindrical top plate has a first groove aligned with the first cavity and a second groove aligned with the second cavity.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the first filter screen is removably positioned in a first cavity of the first wall and has a plurality of pores smaller than the first plurality of pores of the first wall. Furthermore, the second filter screen is removably positioned in a second cavity of the second wall and has a plurality of pores smaller than the second plurality of pores of the second wall.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, a first filter can be inserted into and removed from the first cavity through a first slot, and a second filter can be inserted into and removed from the second cavity through a second slot.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the filter assembly includes a valve stem that extends from the top plate and passes through a hole in the end wall of the valve cover.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the plate is positioned on the valve stem and adjacent to the valve cover, and a nut is threaded onto the valve stem to retain the filter assembly in the valve cover.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the valve cover is rotatable within the connecting fastener to select a flow path without removing the valve cover from the connecting fastener. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a side sectional view of an example connecting fastener;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The connecting fasteners are configured for hydrostatic testing;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an example valve cover, which can be used with... Figure 1 Used together with the connecting fasteners in the middle;

[0030] Figure 4 For including Figure 1 Connection fasteners and Figure 3 A side sectional view of the first example pipe cleaning assembly with a valve cover;

[0031] Figure 5 For including Figure 1 Connection fasteners and Figure 3 A side sectional view of a second example pipe cleaning assembly for the valve cover;

[0032] Figure 6 For including Figure 1 Connection fasteners and Figure 3 A side sectional view of the third example pipe cleaning assembly of the valve cover;

[0033] Figure 7 For including Figure 1 Connection fasteners and Figure 3 The fourth example of a pipe cleaning assembly with a valve cover;

[0034] Figure 8A and Figure 8B for Figure 3 The valve cover and can be connected with Figure 1 A perspective view of a filter assembly used together with connecting fasteners;

[0035] Figure 9 for Figure 8A and Figure 8B The valve cover and filter assembly along Figure 8A The sectional view of line 9-9 in the diagram;

[0036] Figure 10 for Figure 8A and Figure 8B A perspective view of the filter components;

[0037] Figure 11 For including Figure 1 Connection fasteners and Figure 8A and Figure 8B A side sectional view of the fifth example pipe cleaning assembly, including the valve cover and filter assembly;

[0038] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Top sectional view of the pipe cleaning assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Protecting control valves and other sensitive equipment during hydrostatic testing and cleaning of piping systems is crucial for successful plant operation. The example piping cleaning assemblies shown and described herein can be configured to allow for multiple cleaning modes, and in some examples, flow control functionality. They enable more thorough and cost-effective cleaning of newly manufactured piping systems, preventing damage to control valve internals, rotating equipment, and other sensitive equipment used in the process industry. The piping cleaning assemblies are the same size as the control valves or other equipment they replace in the piping system, and instead of welding, they are flanged to the piping system, preventing contamination of the piping system after cleaning when the assembly is removed and the control valves or other equipment are installed. Flow and noise reduction capabilities can also be adjusted to mimic the flow and noise reduction capabilities of the control valves or other equipment, providing a realistic view of the piping system before installation. The modular design allows the piping cleaning assemblies to use the same basic connection fasteners and to be quickly configured to allow selection of different cleaning modes without disassembly or reconstruction of the assembly, such as simply by rotating a valve cover within the assembly. This saves time and reduces manpower by providing a quick change in cleaning mode selection.

[0040] refer to Figure 1 An example connection fastener 100 is shown, which can be used to replace linear valves such as ball valves or other sensitive components during hydrostatic testing and cleaning of piping systems to avoid damage to the valve / sensitive component and eliminate the need for temporary pipe connections or access points for pipe cleaning purposes. The connection fastener 100 can be manufactured using 3D sandblasting, which reduces costs and allows for custom manufacturing of the connection fastener 100 for each order. The connection fastener 100 has a body defining a cavity 110 and first and second opposing holes 115, 145 formed through the body 105 and in fluid communication with the cavity 110. In the example shown, since the connection fastener 100 is configured to replace a linear valve, the first hole 115 has a shaft 120 coaxially aligned with the shaft 150 of the second hole 145. The first and second connecting flanges 125 and 155 extend from and surround the first and second holes 115 and 145, respectively, thereby allowing the connecting fastener 100 to be removably secured to the first and second pipe sections 15 and 25 (see...). Figure 2 This eliminates the need for any welding or cutting of the piping system, which would create additional contaminants during installation and removal. The first and second connecting flanges 125, 155 mate with the flange ends of the control valve, allowing the fastener 100 to be installed in place of the control valve within the piping system. This enables the piping system to be precisely manufactured and subsequently subjected to static pressure testing while the control valve remains safely stored. Figure 2As shown, the first connecting flange 125 can be secured to the flange 20 of the first pipe section 15 using threaded components 35 such as bolts and nuts, and the second connecting flange 155 can be secured to the flange 30 of the second pipe section 25 using threaded components 35. A first auxiliary hole 130 and an opposing second auxiliary hole 160 are also formed to pass through the body 105 and are in fluid communication with the cavity 110. The first auxiliary hole 130 has a shaft 135 that is coaxially aligned with the shaft 165 of the second auxiliary hole 160.

[0041] The fastener 100 also supports a wide variety of optional components, as discussed in more detail below. This allows the piping system to be statically tested and cleaned economically in a variety of different ways, and allows piping system manufacturers to develop better cleaning strategies tailored to specific piping systems.

[0042] refer to Figure 2 The connecting fastener 100 can be fixed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25 of the piping system, and the first auxiliary hole 130 and the second auxiliary hole 160 can be equipped with blind flanges for hydrostatic testing of the piping system. A first plate 175 (blind flange) can be positioned above the first auxiliary hole 130 and fixed to the body 105, for example, with a threaded component 35, to prevent fluid flow through the first auxiliary hole 130. A second plate 180 (blind flange) can also be positioned above the second auxiliary hole 160 and fixed to the body 105, for example, with a threaded component 35, to prevent fluid flow through the second auxiliary hole 160. Configured in this way, the connecting fastener 100 allows for completely sealed unrestricted flow in any direction and can be used for hydrostatic testing of the piping system.

[0043] In this configuration, the fastener 100 can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25 of the piping system, replacing a control valve or other sensitive component during the construction of the piping assembly. Alternatively, if a control valve is installed during construction, it can be removed from the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25, and the fastener 100 can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25 in place of the control valve. Once the fastener 100 is installed and the first and second plates 175, 180 are secured above the first and second auxiliary holes 130, 160, pressurized fluid can flow through the piping system for hydrostatic testing and / or cleaning. Once the testing and / or cleaning is complete, the fastener 100 can be removed, and the control valve can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25. This process allows the piping system to be cleaned during the cleaning process without risking wear or damage to the control valve.

[0044] Cleaning of piping systems can be carried out using various methods as described in Appendix A of ASME B31.3, such as water flushing, steam purging, or air purging. Depending on the cleaning method used, the connection fastener 100 can be configured to remove debris from the piping system by removing the first and / or second plates 175, 180 from the body 105 to allow fluid and debris to be blown out through one or both of the first and / or second auxiliary orifices 130, 160 when the piping system is pressurized. This is particularly advantageous for closed piping systems without existing venting locations. Because the connection fastener 100 has a larger capacity than the control valve it replaces, higher pipe flow velocities can be achieved, resulting in a cleaner piping system. Used in this manner, the connection fastener 100 allows any debris within the piping system to flow through it. If desired, the flow coefficient (C00) of the connection fastener 100 can be adjusted. v It can be adjusted to meet the needs of cleaning program designers.

[0045] refer to Figure 3An example valve cover 300 is shown, which can also be used with the connecting fastener 100. The valve cover 300 has a generally cylindrical wall 305 with an open first end 310 and a closed second end 320, which is closed by an end wall 330. The outer diameter of the wall 305 of the valve cover 300 closely matches the inner diameter of the second auxiliary hole 160 of the connecting fastener 100. This minimum clearance provides a sufficient seal against debris between the body 105 of the connecting fastener 100 and the valve cover 300. A radially extending flange 325 extends from and surrounds the second end 320 and can be used to seat the valve cover 300 in the second auxiliary hole 160. A plurality of openings are formed through the wall 305, near the first end 310, to guide fluid flow through the connecting fastener 100. In the illustrated example, the plurality of openings includes a first opening 340 having a first axis 342, an opposing second opening 345 having a second axis 347 coaxially aligned with the first axis 342 of the first opening 340 on the opposite side of the wall 305, and a third opening 350 located between the first opening 340 and the second opening 345, the third opening 350 having a third axis 352 substantially perpendicular to the first axis 342 and the second axis 347. A protrusion 355 extends from the outer surface of the end wall 330 and has one or more flat surfaces 360 configured to engage a tool that allows the valve cover 300 to rotate within the connecting fastener 100. Preferably, by rotating the valve cover 300 within the connecting fastener 100 in 90-degree increments, a flow path can be selected without removing the valve cover 300 from the connecting fastener 100, providing a faster, easier, and more economical cleaning mode selection. For example, the protrusion 355 may have opposing, parallel, flat sides configured to receive tools, such as wrenches. The valve cover 300 can rotate between different positions to create different flow paths, as described below. The opening 335 is formed through the end wall 330 and the protrusion 355 to receive the actuator shaft of the actuator, as described in more detail below. The valve cover 300 may also have one or more external indicators 365, for example on the outer surface of the end wall 330, which allow for clear external identification of the positions of the first, second, and third openings 340, 345, 350, thus allowing selection of cleaning modes without moving the valve cover 300 from the connecting fastener 100. In addition to, or in place of, the external indicator 365, the valve cover 300 may include a stop or locking mechanism to assist in the accurate positioning of the valve cover 300 within the connecting fastener 100, thereby ensuring that the first, second, and third openings 340, 345, and 350 are correctly aligned with the corresponding holes in the connecting fastener 100.

[0046] The valve cover 300 can be manufactured as a separate component or attached to other components. Alternatively, it can be manufactured as a single, integral, or monolithic component using additive manufacturing techniques (such as direct metal powder laser sintering, full-melting powder bed fusion, etc.). Using additive manufacturing processes, the three-dimensional design of the desired structure is divided into multiple layers, for example, layers approximately 20-50 micrometers thick. A first powder bed (such as metal powder) representing the design is then placed, and the first layer of the design is sintered together using a laser or electron beam. Subsequently, a second powder bed representing the second layer of the design is placed on top of the first sintered layer, and the second layer is sintered together. This process continues layer by layer to form the complete structure.

[0047] In addition to guiding the flow path, it may also be desirable to limit the flow rate through the connecting fastener 100. Besides selecting the cleaning mode, the valve cover 300 can rotate within the connecting fastener 100 to adjust the maximum C. v The offset of the first, second, and third openings 340, 345, and 350 from the orifice creates a constraint between the valve cover 300 and the connecting fastener 100.

[0048] refer to Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a first example of a pipe cleaning assembly 10A, which uses a connecting fastener 100 and a valve cover assembly 400, and can be used to clean pipe systems and allow unrestricted flow in the positive direction of the control valve. The valve cover assembly 400 includes a valve cover 300, an actuator 405, and a valve plug 415, which provides throttling control of fluid flow through the connecting fastener 100 in all cleaning modes and provides rapid opening in all cleaning modes, thereby temporarily creating high pressure and high speed to improve cleaning. The actuator 405 is mounted on the valve cover 300, for example, to a protrusion 355, and has an actuator shaft 410 extending through an opening 335 in an end wall 330 and a protrusion 355 of the valve cover 300. The actuator 405 can be any type of manual or automatic actuator that can linearly move the actuator shaft 410 along its longitudinal axis. A valve plug 415 is fixed to one end of the actuator shaft 410 and positioned within the valve cover 300 such that the valve plug 415 is movable within the valve cover 300 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the valve plug 415 allows fluid flow through the valve cover 300, and in the second position, the valve plug 415 blocks fluid flow through the valve cover 300. In addition to the first (open) and second (closed) positions, the valve plug 415 can also be positioned in any number of intermediate positions between the first and second positions to limit the flow rate through the connecting fastener 100.

[0049] In the pipe cleaning assembly 10A, the valve cover 300 of the valve cover assembly 400 is inserted through a second auxiliary hole 160 through the connecting fastener 100, located in the cavity 110 of the body 105, and fixed in place by an annular plate 370 connected to the body 105, and fixing a flange 325 between the body 105 and the annular plate 370 so that the valve cover 300 can be accessed from the outside of the connecting fastener 100. The valve cover 300 can be positioned in a first position such that the second opening 345 is substantially aligned with the first hole 115, the first opening 340 is substantially aligned with the second hole 145, the third opening 350 is blocked by the body 105, and the first end 310 of the opening is substantially aligned with the first auxiliary hole 130. Alternatively, the valve cover 300 can be positioned in a fourth position such that the first opening 340 is substantially aligned with the first hole 115, the second opening 345 is substantially aligned with the second hole 145, the third opening 350 is blocked by the body 105, and the first end 310 of the opening is substantially aligned with the first auxiliary hole 130. Positioning the valve cover 300 in the first or fourth position creates a first flow path that allows fluid flow between the first hole 115 and the second hole 145 and prevents fluid flow through the second auxiliary hole 160. The first plate 175 is also secured to the connecting fastener 100 above the first auxiliary hole 130 to prevent fluid flow through the first auxiliary hole 130.

[0050] Because the connecting fastener 100 has a larger capacity than its replacement control valve, a higher pipe flow rate can be achieved, resulting in a cleaner piping system. The pipe cleaning assembly 10A allows any debris within the piping system to flow through the connecting fastener 100. Ideally, the flow coefficient (C0) of the pipe cleaning assembly 10A should be [value missing]. v It can also be adjusted to meet the needs of the cleaning program designer, for example, by controlling the position of C through the rotating valve cover 300 as described above or by the position of the valve plug 415 controlled by the actuator 405. v If desired, the pipe cleaning assembly 10A can also flow in the opposite direction (e.g., from the second hole 145 to the first hole 115).

[0051] In this configuration, in place of a control valve or other sensitive component during piping assembly construction, the connecting fastener 100 can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25 of the piping system. Alternatively, if a control valve is installed during construction, it can be removed from the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25, and the connecting fastener 100 can replace the control valve installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25. A valve plug 415 is mounted within a valve cover 300 such that it is movable within the valve cover 300, as described above. An actuator 405 is mounted to the valve cover 300 such that an actuator shaft 410 extends through an opening 335, and the actuator shaft 410 is fixed to the valve plug 415 to move the valve plug 415 within the valve cover 300. The valve cover 300 is installed through the second auxiliary hole 160 and into the cavity 110 of the body 105, and positioned in a first or fourth position such that the valve cover 300 guides fluid between the first hole 115 and the second hole 145 and blocks fluid flow to the second auxiliary hole 160. A first plate 175 is positioned above the first auxiliary hole 130 and connected to the body 105 to seal the first auxiliary hole 130. An annular plate 370 is connected to the body 105 to secure the valve cover 300 within the connecting fastener 100. If already installed, the threaded part 35 can be loosened without removing the annular plate 370, and then the valve cover 300 can be rotated to the first or fourth position within the connecting fastener 100 without removing the valve cover 300 from the connecting fastener 100. The threaded part 35 can then be tightened to secure the annular plate 370 and position the valve cover 300 in the first or fourth position. Valve plug 415 can be moved to the second (closed) position until the pressure within the piping system reaches a predetermined pressure, and once the predetermined pressure has been reached, valve plug 415 can be moved to the first (open) position to allow pressurized fluid to flow through the piping system for cleaning. Once cleaning is complete, connection fastener 100 can be removed, and the control valve can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25. This process allows the piping system to be cleaned during the cleaning process without risking wear or damage to the control valve.

[0052] In addition to allowing fluid flow through the connecting fastener 100, it may also be desirable to use the connecting fastener 100 to remove debris from the piping system, for example, by blowing debris out through the first auxiliary hole 130.

[0053] refer to Figure 5The diagram illustrates a second example of a pipe cleaning assembly 10B, which utilizes a connecting fastener 100 and a valve cover assembly 400 and can be used to clean a piping system. In the pipe cleaning assembly 10B, the valve cover 300 of the valve cover assembly 400 is inserted through a second auxiliary hole 160 of the connecting fastener 100, positioned within a cavity 110 of the body 105, and secured in place by an annular plate 370, as described above. The valve cover 300 can be positioned in a first or fourth position, as described above, and the first auxiliary hole 130 may be uncovered. When the piping system is pressurized, this configuration allows fluid flow and debris to be blown out of the piping system through the first auxiliary hole 130, which is highly advantageous for closed piping systems without existing discharge points. However, this cleaning method requires a large amount of steady-state flow that is not normally available. In these cases, the valve plug 415 can be moved to a second (closed) position to block fluid flow through the connecting fastener 100 and allow the pressure within the piping system to increase. Once the target pressure is reached, valve plug 415 can be rapidly moved to the first (open) position via actuator 405 to depressurize the piping system and allow fluid and debris to be blown out of the piping system at high velocity through the first auxiliary orifice 130. This technique allows for pressurization of the piping system using a relatively small compressor, while achieving high flow rates.

[0054] In this configuration, in place of a control valve or other sensitive component during piping assembly construction, the connecting fastener 100 can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25 of the piping system. Alternatively, if a control valve is installed during construction, it can be removed from the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25, and the connecting fastener 100 can replace the control valve installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25. A valve plug 415 is mounted within a valve cover 300 such that it is movable within the valve cover 300, as described above. An actuator 405 is mounted to the valve cover 300 such that an actuator shaft 410 extends through an opening 335, and the actuator shaft 410 is fixed to the valve plug 415 to move the valve plug 415 within the valve cover 300. The valve cover 300 is installed through the second auxiliary hole 160 and into the cavity 110 of the body 105, and positioned in a first or fourth position such that the valve cover 300 guides fluid between the first hole 115, the second hole 145, and the first auxiliary hole 130, and blocks fluid flow to the second auxiliary hole 160. An annular plate 370 is connected to the body 105 to secure the valve cover 300 within the connecting fastener 100. If already installed, the threaded part 35 can be loosened without removing the annular plate 370, and then the valve cover 300 can be rotated to the first or fourth position within the connecting fastener 100 without removing it from the connecting fastener 100. The threaded part 35 is then tightened to secure the annular plate 370 and position the valve cover 300 in that first or fourth position. The valve plug 415 can be moved to a second (closed) position until the pressure within the piping system reaches a predetermined pressure. Once the predetermined pressure has been reached, valve plug 415 can be moved to the first (open) position to allow pressurized fluid to flow through the piping system to clean it. Once cleaning is complete, connection fastener 100 can be removed, and the control valve can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25. This process allows the piping system to be cleaned during the cleaning process without risking wear or damage to the control valve.

[0055] In some cases, it may be beneficial to clean the upstream pipeline (e.g., the first segment 15) separately from the downstream pipeline (e.g., the second segment).

[0056] refer to Figure 6The diagram illustrates a third example of a pipe cleaning assembly 10C, which uses a connecting fastener 100 and a valve cover assembly 400 and can be used to clean the upstream pipes of a piping system. In the pipe cleaning assembly 10C, the valve cover 300 of the valve cover assembly 400 is inserted through a second auxiliary hole 160 of the connecting fastener 100, located within a cavity 110 of the body 105, and secured in place by an annular plate 370, as described above. The valve cover 300 is positioned in a second position such that a third opening 350 is substantially aligned with a first opening 115, the first opening 340 and the second opening 345 are blocked by the body 105, and the first end 310 of the opening is substantially aligned with a first auxiliary hole 130. Positioning the valve cover 300 in the second position creates a second flow path that allows fluid flow between the first opening 115 and the first auxiliary hole 130, and blocks fluid flow to the second opening 145 and the second auxiliary hole 160.

[0057] In this configuration, the connecting fastener 100 can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25 of the piping system, replacing a control valve or other sensitive component during the construction of the piping assembly. Alternatively, if a control valve is installed during construction, it can be removed from the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25, and the connecting fastener 100 can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25 in place of the control valve. A valve plug 415 is mounted within a valve cover 300 to allow movement within the valve cover 300, as described above. An actuator 405 is mounted to the valve cover 300 such that an actuator shaft 410 extends through an opening 335 and is fixed to the valve plug 415 to move the valve plug 415 within the valve cover 300. The valve cover 300 is installed through the second auxiliary hole 160 and into the cavity 110 of the body 105, and positioned in a second position such that the valve cover 300 guides fluid between the first hole 115 and the first auxiliary hole 130, and blocks fluid flow to the second hole 145 and the second auxiliary hole 160. An annular plate 370 is connected to the body 105 to secure the valve cover 300 within the connecting fastener 100. If already installed, the threaded part 35 can be loosened without removing the annular plate 370, and then the valve cover 300 can be rotated to the second position within the connecting fastener 100 without removing it from the connecting fastener 100. The threaded part 35 is then tightened to secure the annular plate 370 and position the valve cover 300 in the second position. The valve plug 415 can be moved to the second (closed) position until the pressure within the piping system reaches a predetermined pressure. Once the predetermined pressure has been reached, the valve plug 415 can be moved to the first (open) position to allow pressurized fluid to flow through the piping system for cleaning. Once cleaning is complete, the fastener 100 can be removed, and the control valve can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25. This process allows the piping system to be cleaned during the cleaning process without risking wear or damage to the control valve.

[0058] refer to Figure 7The diagram illustrates a fourth example of a pipe cleaning assembly 10D, which uses a connecting fastener 100 and a valve cover assembly 400 and can be used to clean downstream pipes of a piping system. In the pipe cleaning assembly 10D, the valve cover 300 of the valve cover assembly 400 is inserted through a second auxiliary hole 160 of the connecting fastener 100, positioned within a cavity 110 of the body 105, and secured in place by an annular plate 370, as described above. The valve cover 300 is positioned in a third position such that a third opening 350 is substantially aligned with a second hole 145, the first opening 340 and the second opening 345 are blocked by the body 105, and the first end 310 of the opening is substantially aligned with a first auxiliary hole 130. Positioning the valve cover 300 in the third position creates a third flow path that allows fluid flow between the second hole 145 and the first auxiliary hole 130, and blocks fluid flow to the first hole 115 and the second auxiliary hole 160.

[0059] In this configuration, the connecting fastener 100 can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25 of the piping system, replacing a control valve or other sensitive component during the construction of the piping assembly. Alternatively, if a control valve is installed during construction, it can be removed from the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25, and the connecting fastener 100 can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25 in place of the control valve. A valve plug 415 is mounted within a valve cover 300 to allow movement within the valve cover 300, as described above. An actuator 405 is mounted to the valve cover 300 such that an actuator shaft 410 extends through an opening 335, and the actuator shaft 410 is fixed to the valve plug 415 to move the valve plug 415 within the valve cover 300. The valve cover 300 is installed through the second auxiliary hole 160 and into the cavity 110 of the body 105, and positioned in a third position such that the valve cover 300 guides fluid between the second hole 145 and the first auxiliary hole 130, and blocks fluid flow to the first hole 115 and the second auxiliary hole 160. An annular plate 370 is connected to the body 105 to secure the valve cover 300 within the connecting fastener 100. If already installed, the threaded part 35 can be loosened without removing the annular plate 370, and then the valve cover 300 can be rotated to the third position within the connecting fastener 100 without removing it from the connecting fastener 100. The threaded part 35 is then tightened to secure the annular plate 370 and position the valve cover 300 in the third position. The valve plug 415 can be moved to a second (closed) position until the pressure within the piping system reaches a predetermined pressure. Once the predetermined pressure has been reached, valve plug 415 can be moved to the first (open) position to allow pressurized fluid to flow through the piping system to clean it. Once cleaning is complete, connection fastener 100 can be removed, and the control valve can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25. This process allows the piping system to be cleaned during the cleaning process without risking wear or damage to the control valve.

[0060] refer to Figure 8A Figures 8B and 9 show another example valve cover assembly 400A, which includes a valve cover 300 and a filter assembly 420 positioned within the valve cover 300, and can be used to filter fluid flow through the connecting fastener 100 to trap debris flowing through the piping system. The filter assembly 420 is irregularly constructed to withstand debris impact and pressure differential from fluid flow through the valve cover assembly 400A, and the height of the filter assembly 420 can be increased or decreased as desired to provide the required flow rate. (See Figures 8B and 9 for further details.) Figure 10As seen in the illustration, the filter assembly 420 generally comprises a top plate 425, a bottom plate 440 opposite to and generally parallel to the top plate 425, and first and second walls 445, 465 extending between the top plate 425 and the bottom plate 440. In the illustrated example, the top plate 425 and the bottom plate 440 are preferably cylindrical to fit within the valve cover 300, and the first and second walls 445, 465 are preferably planar. The longitudinal edge 450 of the first wall 445 is adjacent to and coincides with the longitudinal edge 470 of the second wall 465, and the second wall 465 extends away from the first wall 445 at an angle α to form a “V” shape, such that when aligned, fluid flow between the first orifice 115 and the second orifice 145 flows through the first wall 445 or the second wall 465, as described below.

[0061] The first wall 445 has a first hole 455 formed therethrough to allow fluid flow through the first wall 445 while capturing debris larger than the first hole 455, and the first wall 445 is hollow to form a first cavity 460. An optional first filter 485 may be positioned in the first cavity 460 and can be inserted into and removed from the first cavity 460 via a first slot 430 in the top plate 425 aligned with the first cavity 460. The first filter 485 has pores, which are preferably smaller than the first hole 455 in the first wall 445, to provide finer filtration of fluid flow through the first wall 455. Similarly, the second wall 465 has a second hole 475 formed therethrough to allow fluid flow through the second wall 465 while capturing debris larger than the second hole 475, and the second wall 465 is also hollow to form a second cavity 480. An optional second filter 495 may be positioned within the second cavity 480 and can be inserted into and removed from the second cavity 480 via a second slot 435 aligned with the second cavity 480 in the top plate 425. The second filter 495 has orifices 500, which are preferably smaller than the second orifices 475 in the second wall 465, to provide finer filtration of fluid flow through the second wall 465. By using the finer first and second filters 485, 495, the closed piping system can be progressively cleaned to a finer level, and the inspection of debris captured by the first and second filters 485, 495 allows the user to determine the cleanliness of the piping system.

[0062] As in Figure 9As best seen, the filter assembly 420 may also include a valve stem 505 extending from the top plate 425 and passing through an opening 335 in the end wall 330 and protrusion 355 of the valve cover 300. This allows the filter assembly 420 to be used with the valve cover 300 while providing a surface for clamping to engage and seal the opening 335. To hold the filter assembly 420 in the valve cover 300, a plate 510 is positioned on the valve stem 505 adjacent to the valve cover 300, and a nut 515 is threaded onto the valve stem 505. To properly rotate and position the filter assembly 420 within the valve cover 300, a pin 520 may be inserted into and extend from a hole 525 in the filter assembly 420 and adapt to a groove 375 formed in the valve cover 300. Aligning the filter assembly 420 in the valve cover 300 in this way ensures that all fluid flow through the valve cover 300 in the first or fourth position will pass through the filter assembly 420.

[0063] refer to Figure 11 and 12 The diagram illustrates a fifth example of a pipe cleaning assembly 10E, which uses a connecting fastener 100 and a valve cover assembly 400A, and can be used to clean a piping system and filter fluid flow through the piping system. In the pipe cleaning assembly 10E, the valve cover 300 of the valve cover assembly 400A is inserted through a second auxiliary hole 160 of the connecting fastener 100, positioned within a cavity 110 of the body 105, and secured in place by an annular plate 370, as described above. The valve cover 300 can be positioned in a first position such that a second opening 345 is substantially aligned with a first hole 115, the first opening 340 is substantially aligned with a second hole 145, a third opening 350 is blocked by the body 105, and a first end 310 of the opening is substantially aligned with a first auxiliary hole 130. This creates a first flow path that allows fluid flow between the first hole 115 and the second hole 145 and blocks fluid flow through the second auxiliary hole 160. The first plate 175 is also fixed to the connecting fastener 100 above the first auxiliary hole 130 to prevent fluid flow through the first auxiliary hole 130.

[0064] As described above, positioning the valve cover assembly 400A in the first position allows the filter assembly 420 to trap debris in the fluid flow within the first and second walls 445, 465 and within the first and second filter screens 485, 495 (if used). If desired, once the debris has been trapped, the valve cover assembly 400A can be removed from the connecting fastener 100 for cleaning, or the valve cover assembly 400A can be rotated 180 degrees, after which the fluid flow will flush the debris out of the filter assembly 420.

[0065] In the above configuration, during the construction of the piping assembly, a connecting fastener 100 can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25 of the piping system, replacing a control valve or other sensitive components. Alternatively, if a control valve is installed during construction, it can be removed from the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25, and the connecting fastener 100 can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25 in place of the control valve. If desired, a first filter screen 485 can be positioned in a first cavity 460 of the first wall 445 via a first groove 430, and a second filter screen 495 can be positioned in a second cavity 480 of the second wall 465 via a second groove 435. A filter assembly 420 is mounted within a valve cover 300 such that a pin 520 extends from the filter assembly 420 and enters a groove 375 in the valve cover 300 to align the filter assembly 420, and a valve stem 505 of the filter assembly 420 extends through an opening 335 in the valve cover 300, as described above. The valve cover 300 is installed through the second auxiliary hole 160 and into the cavity 110 of the body 105, and positioned in a first position such that the valve cover 300 guides fluid between the first hole 115 and the second hole 145 and blocks fluid flow to the second auxiliary hole 160. A first plate 175 is located above the first auxiliary hole 130 and is connected to the body 105 to seal the first auxiliary hole 130. An annular plate 370 is connected to the body 105 to secure the valve cover 300 within the connecting fastener 100. If already installed, the threaded part 35 can be loosened without removing the annular plate 370, and then the valve cover 300 can be rotated to the first position within the connecting fastener 100 without removing it from the connecting fastener 100. The threaded part 35 is then tightened to secure the annular plate 370 and position the valve cover 300 in the first position. Once cleaning is complete, the connecting fastener 100 can be removed, and the control valve can be installed between the first pipe section 15 and the second pipe section 25. This process allows the piping system to be cleaned during the cleaning process without risking wear or damage to the control valves.

[0066] Although various embodiments have been described above, this disclosure is not intended to be limited thereto. Modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pipe cleaning assembly, comprising: A connecting fastener includes a body, a first hole, a first connecting flange, an opposing second hole, a second connecting flange, a first auxiliary hole, and an opposing second auxiliary hole. The body defines a cavity. The first hole is in fluid communication with the cavity. The first connecting flange extends from and surrounds the first hole. The opposing second hole is in fluid communication with the cavity and is coaxially aligned with the first hole. The second connecting flange extends from and surrounds the second hole. The first auxiliary hole is in fluid communication with the cavity, and the opposing second auxiliary hole is in fluid communication with the cavity and is coaxially aligned with the first auxiliary hole. A rotatable valve cover is inserted through the second auxiliary hole, positioned within the cavity of the body, and accessible from the outside of the connecting fastener. The valve cover includes a generally cylindrical wall, an end wall, and a plurality of openings. The generally cylindrical wall has a first end and a second end of the opening. The end wall is located at the second end of the cylindrical wall. The plurality of openings are formed through the cylindrical wall to guide fluid flowing through the connecting fastener. An actuator, the actuator being mounted to the valve cover and having an actuator shaft extending through an opening in the end wall of the valve cover; as well as A valve plug, fixed to the actuator shaft and positioned within the valve cover, is movable within the valve cover between a first position and a second position, in which the valve plug allows fluid flow through the valve cover, and in the second position, the valve plug impedes fluid flow through the valve cover. The valve cover is rotatable between multiple positions to create multiple different flow paths, the flow paths including: A first flow path, in which the valve cover allows fluid flow between the first orifice and the second orifice; A second flow path, in which the valve cover allows fluid flow between the first orifice and the first auxiliary orifice, and blocks fluid flow to the second orifice; and A third flow path in which the valve cover allows fluid flow between the second orifice and the first auxiliary orifice, and prevents fluid flow to the first orifice.

2. The pipe cleaning assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of openings includes only a first opening, an opposing second opening, and a third opening, wherein the first opening has a first axis, the opposing second opening has a second axis coaxially aligned with the first axis of the first opening, and the third opening has a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.

3. The pipe cleaning assembly according to claim 1, comprising: A plate is fixed to the connecting fastener above the first auxiliary hole to prevent fluid flow through the first auxiliary hole, wherein the valve cover is positioned to guide fluid between the first hole and the second hole and to prevent fluid flow through the second auxiliary hole.

4. The pipe cleaning assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The valve cover is positioned to guide fluid between the first hole, the second hole, and the first auxiliary hole, and to prevent fluid flow through the second auxiliary hole.

5. The pipe cleaning assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The valve cover is positioned to guide fluid between the first orifice and the first auxiliary orifice, and to prevent fluid flow through the second orifice and the second auxiliary orifice.

6. The pipe cleaning assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The valve cover is positioned to guide fluid between the second orifice and the first auxiliary orifice, and to prevent fluid flow through the first orifice and the second auxiliary orifice.

7. The pipe cleaning assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The valve cover is rotatable within the connecting fastener to select a flow path without removing the valve cover from the connecting fastener.

8. The pipe cleaning assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The end wall of the valve cover is configured to receive a tool for rotating the valve cover.

9. The pipe cleaning assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The end wall includes a protrusion having opposing, parallel, planar sides for receiving the tool.

Images