Calibration measurement tool for checking pressure on installed inert system according to NFPA

Abstract

A calibration measurement tool for checking the pressure on an installed inert system according to the NFPA. A method of checking pressure of a reagent cylinder includes coupling a measurement assembly to an outlet of a measurement tool, the measurement assembly having a pressure gauge and an exhaust valve movable between an open position and a closed position. The method further includes moving the exhaust valve to a closed position; attaching a fill adapter defining an inlet for the measurement tool to a valve port of the agent cylinder; and actuating a drive member of the measurement tool in a first direction to move a valve member of the measurement tool from a first position toward a second position to facilitate fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet of the measurement tool.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application patent application with the application date of September 17, 2019, the application number of 201980041315.1 (the international application number of PCT / US2019 / 051381), and the invention name of “Calibration measurement tool for checking pressure on installed inert systems according to NFPA”. BACKGROUND

[0002] Fire protection systems can be provided with containers that contain pressurized fire suppression agents. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards require that the pressure of the containers be checked at predetermined intervals, such as once every six months. Current methods of checking the pressure of the containers can require intentional leakage of pressurized gas through a sealing member, which can temporarily stretch or displace the sealing member, causing wear and eventual replacement of the sealing member. SUMMARY

[0003] A measurement tool is disclosed that includes a valve body, a valve member, and a drive member. The valve body extends along a first axis between a first valve body end and a second valve body end. The valve body defines a valve seat, an inlet extending through the valve seat along the first axis, and an outlet extending along a second axis arranged transverse to the first axis. The valve member is movably arranged within the valve body. The valve member extends along the first axis between a first valve member end and a second valve member end. The drive member is connected to the second valve member end. In response to actuation of the drive member relative to the first axis, the valve member is movable relative to the valve seat between a first position that blocks fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet and a second position that facilitates fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the valve member includes a protrusion extending from the first valve member end and into the inlet.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the inlet is arranged to be connected to a valve port of an agent cylinder.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the measurement assembly is connected to the outlet, the measurement assembly is arranged to check a pressure of the agent cylinder while the drive member is in the second position, and the protrusion is engaged with a check valve in the valve port of the agent cylinder.

[0007] A measurement tool is also disclosed that includes a valve body that extends along a first axis between a first valve body end and a second valve body end. The valve body defines an inlet extending through a valve seat arranged proximate the first valve body end. The valve body also defines a chamber arranged proximate the second valve body end, a cavity extending between the inlet and the chamber, and an outlet extending into the chamber along a second axis.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the valve member extends along the first axis between a first valve member end and a second valve member end, which extends into the chamber, the valve member end having a protrusion that extends into the inlet.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the drive member is connected to the second valve member end and extends into the chamber.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, an end plate is disposed on the second valve body end and defines an opening through which the drive member extends.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the valve body defines a fill adapter that is arranged to connect to a valve port of a syringe having a check valve.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the valve member moves between a first position, in which the first valve member end is spaced apart from the check valve of the syringe and fluid flow from the syringe is prevented from flowing between the inlet and the outlet, and a second position, in which the first valve member end engages the check valve of the syringe and fluid flow from the syringe is permitted to flow between the inlet and the outlet, in response to rotation of the drive member about the first axis.

[0013] Further disclosed is a method of checking a pressure of a syringe, the method including coupling a measurement assembly to an outlet of a measurement tool, the measurement assembly having a pressure gauge and an exhaust valve movable between an open position and a closed position. The method further includes moving the exhaust valve toward the closed position; attaching a fill adapter defining an inlet of the measurement tool to a valve port of the syringe; and actuating a drive member of the measurement tool in a first direction to move a valve member of the measurement tool from a first position to a second position to facilitate fluid flow between the inlet and an outlet of the measurement tool.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet of the measurement tool is facilitated upon engagement of the protrusion of the valve member with the check valve in the valve port of the syringe.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the pressure of the syringe is measured via the pressure gauge.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the drive member of the measurement tool is actuated in the second direction to move the valve member of the measurement tool from the second position toward the first position to block fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet of the measurement tool.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet of the measurement tool is blocked when the protrusion of the valve member is spaced apart from the check valve in the valve port of the dose cylinder.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the exhaust valve is moved from the closed position toward the open position; and the measurement tool is vented through the exhaust valve.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, the fill adapter is removed from the valve port of the dose cylinder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The following description should not be viewed as limiting. Referring to the drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a measurement tool coupled to a measurement assembly;

[0022] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the measurement tool coupled to the measurement assembly with the measurement tool in a first position;

[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the measurement tool coupled to the measurement assembly with the measurement tool in a second position; and

[0024] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the measurement tool coupled to the measurement assembly with the measurement tool returned to the first position and the measurement assembly in a venting position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method, presented by way of example and not limitation, is made with reference to the attached drawings.

[0026] Referring to Figures 2-4 , a fire protection system can be provided with a container, such as a dose cylinder 1 containing a pressurized fire suppression agent or a pressurized inerting agent. The dose cylinder 1 can be provided with a valve port or cylinder valve 2 that includes a check valve 3 that facilitates testing or inspection of the internal pressure of the dose cylinder 2 in accordance with NFPA standards.

[0027] Referring to Figure 1The measuring tool 10 can be provided to interface with the valve port or cylinder valve 2 of the dosing cylinder 1 to facilitate checking the internal pressure of the dosing cylinder 1. The measuring tool 10 can interface with a measuring assembly 12 arranged to check the pressure of the dosing cylinder 1. The measuring assembly 12 includes a pressure gauge or calibrated gauge 14 and a vent valve 16. The calibrated gauge 14 of the measuring assembly 12 provides a pressure reading of the internal pressure of the dosing cylinder 1. The vent valve 16 is movable between a closed position and a venting / open position to enable the measuring tool 10 and the measuring assembly 12 to vent to atmosphere. A connector 18, such as a tee connector, is fluidly connected to the calibrated gauge 14 and the vent valve 16 and enables the measuring assembly 12 to be connected to the measuring tool 10.

[0028] Referring to Figures 1-4 The measuring tool 10 includes a valve body 20, a valve member 22, a drive member 24, and an end plate 26.

[0029] Referring to Figures 2-4 The valve body 20 extends along a first axis 30 between a first valve body end 32 and a second valve body end 34. The valve body 20 defines a fill adapter 40, an inlet 42, an outlet 44, a cavity 46, and a chamber 48.

[0030] The fill adapter 40 is arranged at the first valve body end 32. The fill adapter 40 is arranged to interface with and connect to the valve port or cylinder valve 2 of the dosing cylinder 1. The inlet 42 is defined by a portion 50 of the valve body 20 that extends into or is arranged within the fill adapter 40. The inlet 42 extends through a valve seat 52 defined by the portion 50 of the valve body 20 along the first axis 30. The valve seat 52 is arranged proximate the first valve body end 32. The inlet 42 is arranged to selectively receive a fluid flow from the dosing cylinder 1 and direct the fluid flow toward the measuring assembly 12 that is connectable to the outlet 44.

[0031] The outlet 44 extends along a second axis 60 that is arranged transverse to the first axis 30. The outlet 44 extends into the cavity 46 that extends along the first axis 30 between the chamber 48 and the inlet 42. The outlet 44 includes a port 62 that extends toward the cavity 46. The port 62 has a cross-sectional shape that is smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the outlet 44 and the cavity 46.

[0032] The cavity 46 and the port 62 fluidly connect the inlet 42 and the outlet 44 based on the position of the valve member 22. The fluid connection between the inlet 42 and the outlet 44 enables a fluid flow from the dosing cylinder 1 to flow through the outlet 44 and into the measuring assembly 12 to enable the calibrated gauge 14 to provide a pressure reading of the dosing cylinder 1.

[0033] Chamber 48 is disposed proximate second valve body end 34 and between cavity 46 and second valve body end 34. Cavity 46 can have a first cross-sectional shape and chamber 48 can have a second cross-sectional shape. The first cross-sectional shape of cavity 46 can be smaller than the second cross-sectional shape of chamber 48.

[0034] Valve member 22 is movably disposed within valve body 20 along first axis 30. Valve member 22 extends between first valve member end 70 and second valve member end 72 along first axis 30. First valve member end 70 is disposed to move relative to valve seat 52 in response to movement of valve member 22 along first axis 30. Second valve member end 72 extends into chamber 48. Second valve member end 72 can be disposed as an enlarged head that defines a pocket 74, a first shoulder 76, and a second shoulder 78. Pocket 74 extends along first axis 30 toward first valve member end 70. First shoulder 76 extends around the enlarged head of valve member 22. Second shoulder 78 is axially spaced from first shoulder 76 along first axis 30 and extends around the enlarged head of valve member 22. Second shoulder 78 is disposed to selectively engage an end face 80 of a feature 82 of valve body 20 that extends into chamber 48 in response to movement of valve member 22 along first axis 30. Second shoulder 78 is disposed generally parallel to first shoulder 76.

[0035] Valve member 22 includes a valve member body 84 that extends between first valve member end 70 and the enlarged head of second valve member end 72 along first axis 30. Valve member body 84 extends through cavity 46. Valve member body 84 includes perturbations or wings 86 that extend radially or circumferentially around an outer surface 88 of valve member body 84, and an O-ring seal and seal 90 that extends from outer surface 88 toward first axis 30. O-ring seal and seal 90 fluidly isolates cavity 46 from chamber 48 so that chamber 48 is not pressurized when cavity 46 is pressurized.

[0036] Valve member 22 includes a protrusion 94 that extends from first valve member end 70 into inlet 42. Protrusion 94 engages check valve 3 in valve port or cylinder valve 2 of cylinder 1 to allow pressurization of cavity 46 of measuring tool, calibration table 14, and vent valve 16 via port 62 and connection 18.

[0037] Valve member 22 is movable along first axis 30 between a first position and a second position in response to actuation of drive member 24. The first position of valve member is a position in which protrusion 94 is fully retracted and not engaged with check valve 3 in cylinder valve 2, as shown in FIG. 1. The second position of valve member is a position in which protrusion 94 is extended and engaged with check valve 3 in cylinder valve 2, as shown in FIG. 2. Figure 2 and Figure 4as shown in FIG. 1. When the valve member 22 is in the first position, fluid flow from the dosing cylinder 1 is prevented from flowing between the inlet 42 and the outlet 44. The second position of the valve member 22 is a position in which the protrusion 94 extends through the inlet 42 and engages the check valve 3 in the cylinder valve 2, as shown in FIG. 2. When the valve member 22 is in the second position, fluid flow from the dosing cylinder 1 is facilitated or enabled to flow through the bore defined within the valve seat 52 and into the cavity 46, then between the inlet 42 and the outlet 44, and into the measuring assembly 12. Figure 3

[0038] The drive member 24 is connected to the second valve member end 72 by a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes a coupling 102 and a fastener 104. The coupling 102 is disposed within the chamber 48. The coupling 102 is disposed around a portion of the second valve member end 72 and engages the first shoulder 76 of the enlarged head. The fastener 104 includes a fastener head 106 that is received within the pocket 74 of the valve member 22. The fastener 104 includes a fastener stem or fastener body 108 that extends from the fastener head 106 and into the drive member 24 to couple the drive member 24 to the valve member 22.

[0039] The drive member 24 extends through an opening 120 of an end plate 26 that is connected to the second valve body end 34. The drive member 24 extends into the chamber 48 of the valve body 20 along the first axis 30. The drive member 24 extends along the first axis 30 between a first drive member end 130 and a second drive member end 132. The drive member 24 defines an adapter 134 that extends from the first drive member end 130 toward the second valve member end 72. The adapter 134 extends into the coupling 102, and the fastener body 108 of the fastener 104 of the coupling assembly extends into the adapter 134.

[0040] The drive member 24 is arranged to be actuated to move the valve member 22 between the first position and the second position. The drive member 24 can be actuated by rotation of the drive member 24 about the first axis 30, by pivoting of the drive member 24 relative to the first axis 30, or otherwise can be translated along the first axis 30 to move the valve member 22 between the first position and the second position.

[0041] The pressure of the dosing cylinder 1 can be checked using the following procedure or method. The connector 18 of the measuring assembly 12 can be inserted, connected, or coupled to the outlet 44 of the valve body 20 of the measuring tool 10. The vent valve 16 of the measuring assembly 12, which can be moved between an open / vent position and a closed position, is moved toward the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1. If the valve member 22 is not in the first position, the valve member 22 can be moved toward the first position. Figure 2

[0042] ​​The fill adapter 40 of the measurement tool 10 can be connected to the valve port or cylinder valve 2 of the dose cylinder 1. In response to actuation of the drive member 24 in a first direction relative to the first axis 30, the valve member 22 moves from the first position toward the second position to facilitate fluid flow from the dose cylinder 1 between the inlet 42 and the outlet 44 of the measurement tool 10, as shown in Figure 3 The fluid flow through the outlet 44 of the measurement tool enters the connection 18 of the measurement assembly 12 to enable measurement of the pressure of the dose cylinder 1 by the calibration table 14. The pressure of the dose cylinder 1 can be read by an operator or provided to a data logging system. The drive member 24 can be actuated in a second direction opposite the first direction to cause the valve member 22 to move from the second position toward the first position such that the protrusion 94 disengages from the check valve 3 in the valve port or cylinder valve 2 to prevent fluid flow from the dose cylinder 1 between the inlet 42 and the outlet 44 of the measurement tool 10, as shown in Figure 4

[0043] The vent valve 16 of the measurement assembly 12 can be moved from a closed position to an open or venting position, as shown in Figure 4 The cavity 46 of the measurement tool 10 and the measurement assembly 12 can be vented to atmosphere through the vent valve 16. After the measurement tool 10 and the measurement assembly 12 are vented, the fill adapter 40 can be removed from the valve port or cylinder valve 2 of the dose cylinder 1.

[0044] The measurement tool 10 is arranged to overcome conventional testing methods that can result in wear or replacement of a sealing member, such as the O-ring 140 disposed on the portion 50 of the valve body 20, as shown in Figures 2-4 The measurement tool 10 is arranged to be pressurized and depressurized without suddenly exceeding the pressure within the dose cylinder 1 beyond the sealing member to extend the O-ring life on the portion 50 of the valve body 20. Additionally, by avoiding the pop sound associated with conventional testing methods, the measurement tool 10 enables the dose cylinder 1 to be tested or pressure checked at a substantially reduced noise level.

[0045] The term“about” is intended to encompass a degree of error with respect to a particular number based on the specific number of devices available at the time of submission.

[0046] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms“a,”“an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and / or“comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0047] ​While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its central scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a dose cylinder comprising a valve port and a check valve in the valve port; and a measuring tool having an inlet arranged to be removably connected to the valve port of the dose cylinder, the measuring tool comprising: a valve body extending along a first axis between a first valve body end and a second valve body end, the valve body defining a valve seat disposed in the first valve body end, an inlet extending through the valve seat along the first axis, and an outlet extending along a second axis arranged transverse to the first axis, the outlet disposed in the second valve body end, the valve body further comprising a portion configured to abut against the valve port; a fill adapter disposed on the first valve body end, the fill adapter concentric with the portion of the valve body, and wherein the portion of the valve body is disposed within the fill adapter, an outer surface of the portion of the valve body spaced apart from an inner surface of the fill adapter; a sealing member, the sealing member an O-ring disposed on the outer surface of the portion of the valve body and interposed between the portion of the valve body and the inner surface of the fill adapter, wherein the sealing member is spaced apart from the inner surface of the fill adapter; a valve member movably arranged within the valve body, the valve member extending along the first axis between a first valve member end and a second valve member end, wherein the valve member comprises a protrusion extending from the first valve member end and into the inlet of the valve body; and a drive member connected to the second valve member end, the valve member movable relative to the valve seat between a first position that blocks fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet and a second position that facilitates the fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet in response to actuation of the drive member relative to the first axis; wherein the fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet of the measuring tool is facilitated when the protrusion of the valve member is engaged with the check valve in the valve port of the dose cylinder; and wherein the fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet of the measuring tool is blocked when the protrusion of the valve member is spaced apart from the check valve in the valve port of the dose cylinder.

2. The system of claim 1, comprising a measurement assembly connected to an outlet of the measurement tool, wherein, the measuring assembly arranged to check the pressure of the dose cylinder when the drive member of the measuring tool is in the second position and the protrusion engages the check valve in the valve port of the dose cylinder.

3. A measuring tool comprising: a valve body extending along a first axis between a first valve body end and a second valve body end, the valve body defining an inlet extending through a valve seat disposed adjacent the first valve body end; a chamber disposed adjacent the second valve body end; a lumen extending between the inlet and the chamber; an outlet extending into the chamber along a second axis; the valve body further comprising a portion configured to abut against a valve port; a valve member extending along the first axis between a first valve member end and a second valve member end, the valve member extending into the chamber, the valve member ends having a protrusion extending into the inlet; and a drive member connected to the second valve member end, the valve member movable relative to the valve seat between a first position that blocks fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet and a second position that facilitates the fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet in response to actuation of the drive member relative to the first axis. a drive member connected to the second valve member end and extending into the chamber; and a fill adapter disposed on the first valve body end, the fill adapter being concentric with the portion of the valve body, and wherein the portion of the valve body is disposed within the fill adapter, an outer surface of the portion of the valve body being spaced apart from an inner surface of the fill adapter; a seal member disposed on an outer surface of the portion of the valve body and between the portion of the valve body and the inner surface of the fill adapter, wherein the seal member is an O-ring and is spaced apart from the inner surface of the fill adapter, and in response to rotation of the drive member about the first axis, the valve member moves between a first position in which the first valve member end is spaced apart from the check valve of the syringe and fluid flow from the syringe is prevented from flowing between the inlet and the outlet, and a second position in which the first valve member end engages the check valve of the syringe and fluid flow from the syringe flows between the inlet and the outlet.

4. The measurement tool of claim 3, further comprising: an end plate disposed on the second valve body end and defining an opening through which the drive member extends.

Images