Pressure-temperature port connection for heat transfer apparatus

Abstract

A kit for bonding a fluid conduit to a fluid-based heat transfer apparatus includes a hose and a port body having: a port body hose end having a port body hose opening; a port body connector end having a port body connector opening and a port body bore extending between the port body hose opening and the port body connector opening. The port aperture is in fluid communication with the port body aperture through the outer wall. A port body hose opening seal is non-rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first hose end. The first connector nut is rotatably non-removably coupled to the port body connector opening. The second connector nut is rotatably non-removably coupled to the second hose end. The upstream tail piece and the downstream tail piece each have a conduit end sealingly connectable to the respective upstream fluid conduit and the downstream fluid conduit, and each have a connector end removably and selectively connectable to the first connector nut and the second connector nut. A system and method are also disclosed.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 464,838, filed May 8, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to heat transfer systems, and can more particularly relate to heat transfer systems including multiple heat transfer devices. Heat transfer devices can be used to provide heat to or remove heat from a space by transferring heat to or from the atmosphere in the space via a heated or cooled liquid or other fluid. Examples of such heat transfer devices are shown in the Figure 1 BACKGROUND

[0003] Heat transfer systems can generally include two or more heat transfer devices that are serviced by a common source of heat transfer fluid, which is in the form of a heated or cooled fluid, most commonly a source of heated or cooled fluid that includes liquid water. Such heat transfer systems can be balanced to regulate the flow rate of heat transfer fluid provided to each heat transfer device in the system. The balancing process, which is referred to as hydraulic balancing, employs one or more balancing valves to regulate the relative flow resistance between different heat transfer devices in the system, thus regulating the relative flow rate of heat transfer fluid through different heat transfer devices in the system.

[0004] To monitor the balancing process, and to facilitate various functions in the operation of such heat transfer devices, one or more ports are provided for accessing the heat transfer fluid within the system or within its fluid pathways. These ports are sometimes referred to as pressure-temperature ports or “PT ports,” as one or more pressure probes or temperature probes are typically inserted into the ports to measure the pressure or temperature of the heat transfer fluid during balancing or other servicing of the heat transfer devices. The ports also have other uses, including the use of purging air from the system. These ports are typically installed in the vicinity of the heat transfer devices, adjacent to connecting hoses or pipes that lead from the heat transfer fluid source to the heat transfer devices, or to return devices for the heat transfer fluid. The return devices can be reservoirs, piping systems, pipe loops, or other downstream configurations capable of receiving a flow of fluid that are connected to systems for heating and / or cooling the heat transfer fluid.

[0005] During installation of the hose and one or more ports in a building or other facility, the heat transfer device is connected to a source of heat transfer fluid at the inlet and to a return at the outlet. Such installation often occurs after other building structures or systems have been installed in the same space in the building or facility, and it is desirable to have a hose-based connection to provide flexibility in positioning and routing the connection to avoid structures or systems already present in the space.

[0006] For example, to make the necessary connections on the upstream side of the heat transfer device, a hose can be connected to extend between the source of heat transfer fluid and the inlet of the heat transfer device. In the intended use, the inlet of the heat transfer device can be connected to the downstream end of the hose. To connect the inlet to the downstream end of the hose, the inlet of the heat transfer device can have a first tailpiece secured thereto. The first tailpiece can engage a fitting at the downstream end of the hose (e.g., a female fitting secured to the downstream end of the hose by crimping, barbs, or other means and compatible with the first tailpiece) either directly or via one or more intervening adapters or other fittings. Here, a "fixed" fitting is one that is not independently rotatable relative to the object to which the fitting is attached. The opposite, upstream end of the hose also carries a fitting (which can include a male fitting) that requires an intervening fitting to engage a port body that provides a female thread for connection. The port body can be a separate object or can be integrally formed as part of the body of a valve; in either case, the upstream end of the hose connects to the female fitting of the port body, typically to a female thread of the port body. The upstream end of the port body (or valve body integral with the port body) typically engages a second tailpiece having a female connector that connects to the source. The upstream end of the port body or valve body connects to an adapter, and the adapter in turn connects to the second tailpiece. The first and second tailpieces typically differ in the type of male or female fixed connector available for connection.

[0007] Installation in the field often involves some experimentation by the installer to determine the proper location for the end of the hose that carries the port body's port, which is suitably located at a higher elevation than the opposite end of the hose, for example, to serve as an effective vent for the system to bleed off gas. If the installer in the field needs to reverse the orientation of the hose in order to, for example, reposition the port body and its port, the reversal process is cumbersome because the installer must use fittings and adapters to form a compatible connection between the first tailpiece and the port body or valve body at the second end of the hose, and to form a compatible connection between the second tailpiece and the first end of the hose. The reversal process is generally cumbersome because the first and second tailpieces are typically different and they are compatible with different male and female connectors. Thus, either the installer removes and replaces the first and second tailpieces, or the installer must establish a compatible connection between the first tailpiece and the port body or valve body at the second end of the hose, and a compatible connection between the second tailpiece and the first end of the hose, using adapters to form a transition between otherwise incompatible connectors. The adapters that form a transition between otherwise incompatible connectors take up additional space, which can cause installation problems in cramped spaces. Moreover, reversing the orientation of the installation requires additional parts that must either be kept in inventory at added cost or otherwise procured, which can result in delayed receipt of ordered parts. Even if the necessary components are available, reversing requires the installer to either remove and replace the tailpieces or establish compatible connections at each end of the hose with considerable effort and time. The use of additional fittings and adapters increases flow resistance, which in turn reduces efficiency. Moreover, the combination of additional fittings and adapters increases the number of joints and, thus, the number of potential leak locations.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to kits, systems, and methods for connecting one or more of a hose and a PT port to an upstream fluid conduit, to an upstream fluid conduit that is in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device, and to a downstream fluid conduit. The present disclosure also relates to kits, systems, and methods for connecting a balance valve in a fluid-based heat transfer system. SUMMARY

[0009] In short, in some embodiments, the system is configured to connect an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device. The system includes a hose, comprising a first hose end, a second hose end, and a hose orifice. The system also includes a port body having: an outer wall; a port body hose end having a port body hose opening; a port body connector end having a port body connector opening; a port body orifice extending between the port body hose opening and the port body connector opening; and a port orifice through the outer wall and in fluid communication with the port body orifice, wherein the port body hose opening is sealingly, non-rotatably, and non-removably coupled to the first hose end, and wherein the port body orifice is in fluid communication with the hose orifice. The system further includes: a first connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to a port body connector opening; a second connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to a second hose end; an upstream tailpiece having a conduit end sealingly connected to an upstream fluid conduit and a connector end removably connected to the first connector nut; and a downstream tailpiece having a conduit end sealingly connected to a downstream fluid conduit and a connector end removably connected to the second connector nut. The upstream tailpiece is configured to be removably connected to the second connector nut, and the downstream tailpiece is configured to be removably connected to the first connector nut.

[0010] In another example, the system is configured to connect to upstream and downstream fluid conduits in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device. The system includes a hose having a first hose end and a second hose end, and a hose orifice. The system also includes a first port body having: a first outer wall; a first port body hose opening; a first port body connector opening; a first port body bore extending between the first port body hose opening and the first port body connector opening; and a first port hole passing through the first outer wall and in fluid communication with the first port body bore, wherein the first port body hose opening is sealingly, non-rotatably, and non-removably coupled to the first hose end, wherein the first port body bore is in fluid communication with the hose orifice; and a first connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the port body connector opening. The system also includes a second port body having: a second outer wall; a second port body hose opening; a second port body connector opening; a second port body bore extending between the second port body hose opening and the second port body connector opening; and a second port hole passing through the second outer wall and in fluid communication with the second port body bore, wherein the second port body hose opening is sealingly, non-rotatably, and non-removably coupled to a second hose end, and wherein the second port body bore is in fluid communication with the hose hole. The system also includes a second connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second port body connector opening; an upstream tailpiece having a conduit end and a connector end, the conduit end being sealingly connected to an upstream fluid conduit and the connector end being removably connectable to a first connector nut; and a downstream tailpiece having a conduit end and a connector end, the conduit end being sealingly connected to a downstream fluid conduit and the connector end being removably connectable to a second connector nut. The upstream tailpiece is configured to be removably connectable to the second connector nut, and the downstream tailpiece is configured to be removably connectable to the first connector nut.

[0011] In another example, the kit is configured to connect an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device. The kit includes a hose having a first hose end and a second hose end, and a hose orifice. The kit also includes a port body having: an outer wall; a port body hose end having a port body hose opening; a port body connector end having a port body connector opening; a port body orifice extending between the port body hose opening and the port body connector opening; and a port orifice through the outer wall and in fluid communication with the port body orifice, wherein the port body hose opening is sealed, non-rotatable, and non-removablely coupled to the first hose end, and wherein the port body orifice is in fluid communication with the hose orifice. The kit also includes a first connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to a port body connector opening; a second connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to a second hose end; an upstream tailpiece having a conduit end and a connector end configured to be sealingly connected to an upstream fluid conduit, the connector end being removably connected to the first connector nut; and a downstream tailpiece having a conduit end and a connector end configured to be sealingly connected to a downstream fluid conduit, the connector end being removably connected to the second connector nut. The upstream tailpiece is configured to be removably connected to the second connector nut, and the downstream tailpiece is configured to be removably connected to the first connector nut.

[0012] In another example, the kit is configured to connect to upstream and downstream fluid conduits in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device. The kit includes a hose with a first hose end and a second hose end, and a hose orifice. The kit also includes a first port body having: a first outer wall; a first port body hose opening; a first port body connector opening; a first port body bore extending between the first port body hose opening and the first port body connector opening; and a first port hole passing through the first outer wall and in fluid communication with the first port body bore, wherein the first port body hose opening is sealingly, non-rotatably, and non-removably coupled to the first hose end, and wherein the first port body bore is in fluid communication with the hose orifice. The kit also includes: a first connector nut rotatably and nonremovably coupled to a port body connector opening; a second port body having: a second outer wall, a second port body hose opening, and a second port body connector opening; a second port body bore extending between the second port body hose opening and the second port body connector opening; and a second port hole passing through the second outer wall and in fluid communication with the second port body bore, wherein the second port body hose opening is sealingly, nonremovably, and nonremovably coupled to a second hose end, wherein the second port body bore is in fluid communication with the hose hole; a second connector nut rotatably and nonremovably coupled to the second port body connector opening; an upstream tailpiece having a conduit end and a connector end configured to be sealingly connectable to an upstream fluid conduit, the connector end being removably connectable to the first connector nut; and a downstream tailpiece having a conduit end and a connector end configured to be sealingly connectable to a downstream fluid conduit, the connector end being removably connectable to the second connector nut. The upstream tailpiece is configured to be removably connected to the second connector nut, and the downstream tailpiece is configured to be removably connected to the first connector nut.

[0013] An example of a method for connecting an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device is provided. The method includes: sealingly connecting an upstream tailpiece to an upstream fluid conduit at its conduit end, the upstream tailpiece having a connector end removably connectable to a first connector nut; and sealingly connecting a downstream tailpiece to a downstream fluid conduit at its conduit end, the downstream conduit having a connector end removably connectable to a second connector nut; such that a connecting device engages with the connector ends of the upstream tailpiece and the downstream tailpiece. The connecting device includes a hose including a first hose end and a second hose end, and a hose orifice. The connecting device also includes a port body having: an outer wall; a port body hose end having a port body hose opening; a port body connector end having a port body connector opening; a port body orifice extending between the port body hose opening and the port body connector opening; and a port orifice through the outer wall and in fluid communication with the port body orifice, wherein the port body hose opening is sealingly, non-rotatably, and non-removably engaged to the first hose end, and wherein the port body orifice is in fluid communication with the hose orifice. The connecting device further includes: a first connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to a port body connector opening, and a second connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to a second hose end. An upstream tailpiece is configured to be removably connected to the second connector nut, and a downstream tailpiece is configured to be removably connected to the first connector nut. Engaging the connecting device with the connector end of the upstream tailpiece and with the connector end of the downstream tailpiece includes: tightening the first connector nut relative to the upstream tailpiece; and tightening the second connector nut relative to the downstream tailpiece.

[0014] An example of a method for connecting an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device is provided. The method includes: sealingly connecting an upstream tailpiece to an upstream fluid conduit at its conduit end, the upstream tailpiece having a connector end removably connectable to a first connector nut; sealingly connecting a downstream tailpiece to a downstream fluid conduit at its conduit end, the downstream tailpiece having a connector end removably connectable to a second connector nut; and engaging a connecting device with the connector ends of the upstream tailpiece and the downstream tailpiece. The connecting device includes a hose including a first hose end and a second hose end, and a hose orifice. The connecting device also includes a first port body having: a first outer wall; a first port body hose opening; a first port body connector opening; a first port body bore extending between the first port body hose opening and the first port body connector opening; and a first port hole passing through the first outer wall and in fluid communication with the first port body bore, wherein the first port body hose opening is sealingly, non-rotatably, and non-removably engaged to the first hose end, and wherein the first port body bore is in fluid communication with the hose orifice. The connecting device further includes a first connector nut rotatably and nonremovably coupled to a port body connector opening. The connecting device also includes a second port body having: a second outer wall; a second port body hose opening; a second port body connector opening; a second port body bore extending between the second port body hose opening and the second port body connector opening; and a second port hole passing through the second outer wall and in fluid communication with the second port body bore, wherein the second port body hose opening is sealingly, non-rotatably, and nonremovably coupled to a second hose end, and wherein the second port body bore is in fluid communication with the hose hole. The connecting device also includes a second connector nut rotatably and nonremovably coupled to a second hose end. Engaging the connecting device with the connector end of an upstream tailpiece and with the connector end of a downstream tailpiece includes: tightening the first connector nut relative to the upstream tailpiece; and tightening the second connector nut relative to the downstream tailpiece.

[0015] In any system, kit, or device disclosed herein, the first connector nut may have a first state and a second state, in which the first connector nut is rotatable relative to the port body, and in a second state, the first connector nut is fixed relative to the port body, the second state providing fixation of the orientation of the port body. In any system, kit, or device disclosed herein, the outer wall, the first outer wall, or the second outer wall (or any element carrying the connector nut) may have a protrusion that projects outwardly from it and surrounds the port body connector opening, and the protrusion may be configured to capture the first connector nut or the second connector nut (or another connector nut) to limit its axial movement. In any system, kit, or device disclosed herein, the connector nut or the first connector nut and the port body or the first port body may be configured to engage with the connector end of the upstream tailpiece or the connector end of the downstream tailpiece to prevent rotation of the port body or the first port body, and the second connector nut and the second port body may be configured to engage with the connector end of the upstream tailpiece or the connector end of the downstream tailpiece to prevent rotation of the second port body. In any system, kit, or device disclosed herein, any connector nut and any port body may be configured to engage with the connector end of the upstream tailpiece or the connector end of the downstream tailpiece to prevent rotation of the port body. In any system, kit, or device disclosed herein, any port orifice may be surrounded by a port orifice wall, and the port orifice wall may protrude from the outer wall of the corresponding port body. Any system, kit, or device disclosed herein may further include a valve having: a valve body having a first valve body end and a second valve body end, the first valve body end having a first valve body opening and the second valve body end having a second valve body opening; a third connector nut rotatably and nonremovably coupled to the first valve body end; and wherein at least one of the upstream tailpiece or the downstream tailpiece is removably connectable to the third connector nut, such that the valve may be coupled to at least one of the upstream tailpiece (142) or the downstream tailpiece (182) via the third connector nut. Any system, kit, or device disclosed herein may further include: a valve having a valve inlet and a valve outlet; a third connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the valve inlet; and a fourth connector nut rotatably and non-removably coupled to the valve outlet; wherein at least one of an upstream or downstream tailpiece is fluidly connected to the third tailpiece, and the third tailpiece has a connector end removably connectable to both the third and fourth connector nuts, such that one of the valve inlet or valve outlet may be selectively connected to the third tailpiece.

[0016] In any of the methods disclosed herein, the connecting device may include elements of any system, kit, or device disclosed herein, including desired and optional elements in any combination thereof. After completing the steps of the methods disclosed herein, any of the methods disclosed herein may further include the following additional steps: disengaging a first connector nut from an upstream tailpiece; disengaging a second connector nut from a downstream tailpiece; reorienting the connecting device and re-engaging it to the connector ends of the upstream and downstream tailpieces. Reorienting the connecting device and re-engaging it to the connector ends of the upstream and downstream tailpieces may include: tightening the first connector nut relative to the downstream tailpiece; and tightening the second connector nut relative to the upstream tailpiece. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The following description of this disclosure will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and means shown. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic view of a heat transfer device based on the contents of this disclosure; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top-view schematic view of the outlet component of the heat transfer equipment; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic side elevation view of the export component; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the side elevation of the export component; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified close-up view of the leftmost part of the view; Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic detailed top-view cross-section of the leftmost part of the outlet component; Figure 7 yes Figure 4 The detailed view of the rightmost part of the view in the middle; Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A top schematic view of the inlet assembly of the heat transfer equipment; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A side elevation view of the entrance component; Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A side view of the cross-sectional elevation of the entrance component; Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The detailed view of the leftmost part of the view in the image; and Figure 12 yes Figure 8 A schematic detailed top-view cross-section of the leftmost part of the entrance component; Figure 13 yes Figure 10 The rightmost part of the view is a detailed view; and Figure 14 Is with Figures 1 to 13 An exploded view of a pressure-temperature probe used in heat transfer equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The use of certain terms in the following description is for convenience only and is not restrictive. The terms “right,” “left,” “lower,” and “upper” refer to directions of reference in the accompanying drawings. The terms “inner” and “outer” refer to directions toward and away from the geometric center of the object and its designated component, respectively. Unless otherwise specifically stated herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “described” are not limited to a single element but should be understood as “at least one.” “At least one” may occasionally be used for clarity or readability, but such use does not alter the interpretation of “a,” “an,” and “described.” Furthermore, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular includes the plural, and vice versa. As used herein, “including” means “including, but not limited to.” The word “or” is inclusive, such that “A or B” covers A and B, only A, and only B. The terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” “substantially,” and similar terms used herein when referring to the size or feature of a component indicate that the described size / feature is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations in its functional similarity. At least, such references including numerical parameters will include variations using mathematical principles and industrial practices accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.) that do not alter their least significant digits. As discussed in more detail below, references to “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the position of an upstream or downstream fluid conduit relative to a hose to which one or more port bodies or connector nuts are attached; “upstream” and “downstream” do not refer to the position of an element relative to heat transfer device 101. “Tailpiece” is used herein to refer to a fluid connector capable of being connected to a connector nut; a tailpiece is most commonly adapted to secure to a conduit at a first and a second end of the conduit (by means of a seat connection or threaded connection), including male straight or tapered threads, compression connectors, or slotted connectors. The terms stated in this paragraph include the foregoing words, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings.

[0019] Refer to the accompanying drawings for details, in which the same reference numerals always indicate the same elements. Figure 1This is a perspective view of an example of a heat transfer system 100 including a fluid-based heat transfer device 101 (generally referred to as "heat transfer device 101"). The heat transfer device 101 includes a housing 104 through which fluid conduits 106 forming a plurality of heat transfer coils 108 pass. The housing 104 is operatively attached to a fan 110. The fan 110 drives air (or other atmospheric fluid) into an air inlet or atmospheric inlet (not shown) of the housing 104. The driven air or other fluid exits the housing 104 through an air outlet 114, which in this example is covered by a grille 116. Figure 1 The heat transfer device 101 is one example of many possibilities known in the art; other examples include fan coil units, variable air vents, radiant ceilings, radiant walls, radiant floors, and cooling beams.

[0020] The heat transfer device 101 receives a heat transfer fluid (as described above) for providing or receiving heat through an inlet conduit 119 in the form of an inlet pipe 120. The heat transfer fluid passes through a plurality of heat transfer coils 108 and exits the housing 104 of the heat transfer device 101 through an outlet conduit 117 in the form of an outlet pipe 118.

[0021] An electronically controlled valve 126 with a control cable 127 may be provided to control the flow of heat transfer fluid through the heat transfer device 101. The electronically controlled valve 126 may receive signals via the control cable 127 to control the flow of heat transfer fluid in a thermostat manner and / or based on other factors. The electronically controlled valve 126 is connected to adjacent components via fittings (e.g., via the valve body 128 of the control valve 126). The electronically controlled valve 126 is a standard component in the art.

[0022] In some heat transfer systems, more than one heat transfer device 101 and / or other heat transfer devices are typically installed in combination. For example, multiple heat transfer devices 101 can be installed in parallel, receiving heat transfer fluid from a common source, which can take the form of a fluid flow device. (Reference) Figures 1 to 14 In a system employing multiple heat transfer devices 101, each heat transfer device 101 may be equipped with a balancing valve 500. An isolation valve 600 may be operatively disposed in a fluid path (e.g., a pipe or conduit between a heat transfer fluid source (not shown) and heat transfer device 101 or other heat transfer devices). Valve 600 may incorporate a return device 603 and a port 800. The balancing valve 500 may be used to control the relative resistance to flow through operatively connected heat transfer devices, thereby controlling the relative flow of the heat transfer fluid, and consequently controlling the relative heat transfer through each such heat transfer device. The balancing valve may take the form of any known type of valve for controlling fluid flow, including but not limited to the balancing valve 500. Regardless of the type of balancing valve used, embodiments of devices for incorporating balancing valves into heat transfer device 101 or other fluid-based heat transfer devices are disclosed herein.

[0023] The heat transfer device 101 has two main fluid connections: device 300, which connects the upstream fluid conduit 102 to the heat transfer fluid ( Figure 1 ) is fluidly connected to inlet conduit 119 (inlet pipe 120), such as Figure 1 and Figures 8 to 13 As shown; and with catheter 103 ( Figure 1 A device 200 is connected to the water tank in the form of a reflux device, an outlet, a reservoir, or the like, for a heat transfer fluid in fluid communication with an outlet conduit (e.g., outlet conduit 117 (outlet pipe 118)). Figures 2 to 7 As shown.

[0024] Now for reference Figure 1 and Figures 8 to 14 In one embodiment, a kit including device 300 is disclosed for connecting an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device 101. Regarding device 300, the upstream fluid conduit 102 may include a heat transfer fluid source and may include an upstream tail (e.g., tail 142) connected to the heat transfer device 101. The downstream fluid conduit may include a downstream tail, such as tail 122 and / or an inlet conduit 119 in the form of an inlet pipe 120. As stated above, "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the position of the upstream or downstream fluid conduit relative to device 300; "upstream" and "downstream" do not refer to the position of an element relative to the heat transfer device 101. Therefore, device 300 includes a hose 302 as shown on the inlet (lower) side of the heat transfer device 101 and connects to both the upstream and downstream fluid conduits, the upstream fluid conduit including a valve 600 and tail 142, and the downstream fluid conduit including a port body 220 and an inlet conduit 119 in the form of an inlet pipe 120. Similarly, device 200, including hose 202, is shown on the outlet (upper) side of heat transfer device 101 and is connected to both upstream and downstream fluid conduits. The upstream fluid conduit includes outlet conduit 117 in the form of outlet pipe 18, and the downstream fluid conduit includes downstream tail 162 in fluid communication with conduit 103 or a return device. Intervention elements (e.g., valve body 128, valve 500, fittings of another downstream tail 172) are connected between tail 162 and conduit 103.

[0025] A kit can be assembled to form system 100 or a portion thereof, which includes the components disclosed herein and connects an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device. The kit or its components can also be used to practice a method for connecting an upstream fluid conduit to a downstream fluid conduit in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device by assembling the kit components described below and / or by performing the further steps described below.

[0026] refer to Figures 1 to 7 and Figure 14 An example of such a kit or system includes device 200, which includes a hose 202, which can be formed from any suitable material—for example, corrugated rubber covered with braided stainless steel or other braided material. Generally, it is desirable for the hose 202 to be flexible in order to allow some relative torques between system components and to help reduce the transmission of vibrations from one system component to another. The hose 202 can alternatively be formed from other metals or other materials suitable for applications known in the art. The hose 202 includes a first hose end 204, a second hose end 206, and a hose orifice 208 (…). Figures 4 to 7 The device 200 further includes a first port body 220 having: a first outer wall 222 having a protrusion 260 projecting outward therefrom; a first port body hose end 224 having a first port body hose opening 228; a first port body connector end 226 having a first port body connector opening 230; a first port body bore 232 extending between the first port body hose opening 228 and the first port body connector opening 230; and a first port hole 238 passing through the first outer wall 222 and in fluid communication with the first port body bore 232, wherein the first port body hose opening 228 is sealed, non-rotatable, and non-removablely coupled to the first hose end 204, and wherein the first port body bore 232 is in fluid communication with the hose hole 208. The illustrated embodiment includes a protrusion 260 surrounding the first port body connector opening 230. The protrusion 260 is configured to capture a first connector nut 250 (discussed below) such that the first connector nut is held in place around the hose bore 208, but can rotate freely around the hose bore 208.

[0027] The first port body hose end 224 is secured to the first hose end 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the first port body hose end 224 and the hose 202 are secured using a collar 205, which is welded to and thus integral with the first port body 220's first port body hose end 224 and first hose end 204. In any embodiment disclosed herein, the same general-purpose collar as collar 205 can be used for any sealed, non-rotatable, and / or non-removable connection. Alternatively, the connection can be achieved by interlocking intervention elements to form a connection that is not intended to be removed during normal use.

[0028] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6A first connector nut 250 is secured to a first port body connector end 226. The first connector nut 250 has a rotatable body 252 with a central rotatable body hole 254 passing through it. The rotatable body 252 has a first rotatable body end 256 and a second rotatable body end 258. The first rotatable body end 256 is secured to the first port body connector end 226 and configured to form a sealing connection between the first rotatable body end 256, the central rotatable body hole 254, and the first port body connector end 226.

[0029] The upstream tailpiece 182 has a conduit end 183 configured to be sealably connectable to an upstream fluid conduit in the form of an outlet conduit 117 or an outlet pipe 118. The upstream tailpiece 182 has a connector end 184; the connector end 184 is removably and directly connectable to a first connector nut 250.

[0030] The first connector nut 250 may include or be used with a sealing element to help form a sealed connection. For example, a sealing ring 251 may be disposed on the port body connector end 226, radially inwardly positioned from the rotatable body 252, to form a seal between the first port body connector end 226 and the upstream tail piece 182 during use. Optionally, it may have a stepped outer surface or an L-shaped cross-section. Figure 12 The isolation collar 253 can be disposed between the protrusion 260 and the first rotating body end 256 for electrical isolation.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the embodiments, the kit, system, or method may further include a second port body 1220 in the device 200, which may be sealed, non-rotatable, and / or non-removably coupled to a second hose end 206 in fluid communication with the hose port 208. Thus, the device 200 may have port bodies disposed at each of its ends, each port body being secured in a similar manner. The first port body 220 (which may be simply referred to as the "port body" when the second port body is not mentioned) and the second port body 1220 may be substantially identical, thereby forming (together with the hose 202) a device 200 having a port body and a connector nut at each end of the device 200.

[0032] In the disclosed kits, devices, and methods, the second port body 1220 may have the same or similar elements as the first port body 220 and may be connected in the same manner as the first port body 220. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second port body 1220 has: a second outer wall 1222; a second port body hose opening 1230; a second port body connector opening 1232; a second port body hole 1234 extending between the second port body hose opening 1230 and the second port body connector opening 1232; and a second port hole 1238 passing through the second outer wall 1222 and in fluid communication with the second port body hole 1234, wherein the second port body hose opening 1230 is sealed, non-rotatably, and non-removably coupled to the second hose end 206, and wherein the second port body hole 1234 is in fluid communication with the hose hole 208.

[0033] The second connector nut 1250 is engaged with the second port body 1220 at the second port body end 1228 and can be directly engaged with the second port body 1220. The second connector nut 1250 has a second rotatable body 1252 with a second rotatable body center hole 1254 passing through it. The second rotatable body 1252 has a first second rotatable body end 1256 and a second second rotatable body end 1258. The first second rotatable body end 1256 of the second rotatable body 1252 is rotatably coupled to the second port body end 1228 and configured to form a sealing connection between the first second rotatable body end 1256, the second rotatable body center hole 1254, and the second second rotatable body end 1258. The second second rotatable body end 1258 of the second rotatable body 1252 is configured to engage with a second fluid connector (e.g., downstream tailpiece 162).

[0034] In the kit according to the illustrated embodiment, the downstream tailpiece 162 has a conduit end 163 that is hermetically connected to the downstream fluid conduit 103 via intervention elements (valve body 128, downstream tailpiece 162, balancing valve 500, and additional downstream tailpiece 172 as described above); alternatively, the connection to the downstream fluid conduit can be direct, as in device 300 (discussed below). The downstream tailpiece 162 has a connector end 163 that is removably and directly connectable to a second connector nut 1250. The second connector nut 1250 is connectable to the downstream tailpiece 162. The downstream tailpiece 162 has a conduit end 164 configured to hermetically and directly connect to the downstream fluid conduit, which, in the illustrated embodiment, includes the valve 500, tailpiece 162, and conduit 103 connected thereto. A sealed connection can be facilitated by a sealing ring 251 and / or a sealing collar 253, as described above with respect to the first connector nut 250.

[0035] Each second port hole 1238 and / or each second port hole wall 1240 may include threads or other mechanisms for connection with a pressure-temperature port (e.g., pressure-temperature port 800). Figure 14 (See details below) ), drain valve 900, or another device that needs to access the heat transfer fluid flowing through the system or access its flow path is sealed together.

[0036] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, the second rotatable body 1252 may have a first state and a second state, in which the second rotatable body 1252 is rotatable relative to the second outer wall 1222, and in the second state, the second rotatable body 1252 is fixed relative to the second outer wall 1222.

[0037] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, the second outer wall 1222 may have a second protrusion 1260 projecting outward therefrom, and the second protrusion 1260 may be configured to engage with the second rotatable body 1252 to restrict its axial movement.

[0038] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, the second protrusion 1260 and the second rotatable body 1252 may be configured to engage such that the second rotatable body 1252 is locked to prevent rotation relative to the second outer wall 1222.

[0039] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, the second port hole 1238 may be surrounded by a second port hole wall 1240, and the second port hole wall 1240 may protrude from the second outer wall 1222.

[0040] refer toFigure 4 and Figure 7 The downstream tail piece 162 has a conduit end 163 configured to be sealably connectable to a downstream fluid conduit in the form of a conduit 103, and the downstream tail piece 162 has a connector end 164 that is removably and directly connectable to a second connector nut 5250.

[0041] In the kits, systems, and methods disclosed herein, the upstream tail piece 182 is configured to be removably and directly connected to the second connector nut 1250 and the first connector nut 250, and the downstream tail piece 162 is configured to be removably and directly connected to the first connector nut 250 and the second connector nut 1250. Therefore, after assembling the device 200 into the above configuration, the first connector nut 250 and the second connector nut 1250 can be loosened, and the orientation of the upstream and downstream ends of the device 200 can be reversed. The reversal of orientation can be achieved by the following steps: disengaging the first connector nut 250 from the upstream tail piece 182 and disengaging the second connector nut 5250 from the downstream tail piece 162; reorienting the connection device 200; and re-engaging the connection device 200 with the connector end 184 of the upstream tail piece 182 and the connector end 164 of the downstream tail piece 162 by tightening the first connector nut 250 relative to the downstream tail piece 162 (opposite to the original connection to the upstream tail piece 182) and tightening the second connector nut 5250 relative to the upstream tail piece 182 (opposite to the downstream tail piece 162).

[0042] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, system, or method, the rotatable body 252 (and consequently the first connector nut 250) may have two states corresponding to an open state and a tightened / locked state. For example, the rotatable body 252 may have a first state in which the rotatable body 252 is rotatable relative to the outer wall 222 of the port body 220, and a second state in which the rotatable body 252 is fixed relative to the outer wall 222 of the port body 220. The second state may provide fixation of the orientation of the outer wall 222 relative to the tail piece (e.g., the downstream tail piece 122) for connection to the fluid-based heat transfer device 101. The first and second states may be the result of loosening and tightening, respectively, the threaded connection 259 (shown as an overlap between adjacent elements) directly between the rotatable body 252 and the tail piece 122, and axially pulling the rotatable body 252 to achieve a frictional locking effect between the rotatable body 252 and the outer wall 222. In use, the port body 220 can be rotated to the desired orientation before locking the port body 220 in place by tightening the first connector nut 250 relative to the tail piece 122. The process of locking the port body 220 in the desired orientation is simpler and more convenient than using multiple conventional fittings to orient the holes for the port. The port body 220 offers the advantage that the port can be positioned adjacent to the heat transfer device 101 rather than on the valve end of the hose 202 or hose 302, thus facilitating control of the port orientation.

[0043] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, a frictional locking effect between the rotatable body 252 of the first connector nut 250 and the tail piece 122 can be facilitated by the outer wall 222 having a protrusion 260 projecting outward therefrom. The protrusion 260 can be configured to capture the rotatable body 252. In some embodiments, the tail piece (e.g., tail piece 122) can have external fittings (e.g., hexagonal fittings that engage with a wrench or other drive mechanism) and the connector nut (e.g., the first connector nut 250), and in particular, its rotatable body 252 can also have external fittings (e.g., hexagonal fittings that engage with a wrench or other drive mechanism or retaining mechanism), such that the tail piece and the connector nut can be fastened together using a wrench, power wrench, or other suitable tool to engage with the external fittings of each of them.

[0044] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, the protrusion 260 and the rotatable body 252 may be configured (e.g., via a threaded connection 259 or other known connection) to engage such that the rotatable body 252 of the connector nut is locked to prevent rotation relative to the outer wall 222. Tightening the threaded connection 259 can force the rotatable body 252 into contact with the protrusion 260, such that friction between the rotatable body 252 and the protrusion 260 prevents relative movement between them.

[0045] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, a first port hole 238 may be surrounded by a port hole wall 240, and the port hole wall 240 may protrude from the outer wall 222. In some embodiments including the illustrated embodiments, the outer wall 222 may include one, two, three, or more port holes 238. Each port hole 238 may be surrounded by a port hole wall 240 extending radially from the outer wall 222. One or more port holes and / or one or more port hole walls 240 may include threads or other mechanisms for use with a pressure-temperature port (e.g., pressure-temperature port 800 in...). Figure 14 (See details below) ), drain valve 900, or another device that needs to access the heat transfer fluid flowing through the system or its fluid path is sealed together (including with sealing tape, sealant or other components).

[0046] In any embodiment of the disclosed kit, device, or method, particularly with reference to Figure 7A valve (e.g., a balancing valve 500) may be provided for coupling to a fluid connector (e.g., tail piece 162 or tail piece 142 in device 200) or to one of the other tail pieces disclosed herein. In the drawings, the balancing valve 500 includes a valve body 502 having a first valve body end 504, a second valve body end 506, a first valve body opening 508, and a second valve body opening 510 in fluid communication with the first valve body opening 508. A flow control element 520 may be any valve element (e.g., a ball, flap, or other closing mechanism known in the valve industry) for regulating fluid flow, configured to selectively control the flow between the first valve body opening 508 and the second valve body opening 510. A flow control selector 522 in the form of a handle is operably connected to the flow control element 520. A third connector nut 5250 is coupled to and can be directly coupled to the first valve body end 504. The connector nut 5250 has a rotatable body 5252 through which a central bore 5254 passes. The rotatable body 5252 has a first rotatable body end 5256 and a second rotatable body end 5258. The first rotatable body end 5256 is rotatably coupled to the first valve body end 504 and is configured to form a sealing connection between the first rotatable body end 5256, the central bore 5254, and the second rotatable body end 5258. The second rotatable body end 5258 is configured to engage with a fluid connector (e.g., a downstream tailpiece 172); in the illustrated embodiment, the tailpiece 172 is a downstream tailpiece when the valve 500 is considered part of the device 200 in question.

[0047] In any embodiment of the valve disclosed herein, such as valve 500, the valve may include a fourth connector nut 5250 that is rotatably and non-removably coupled to a second valve body end 506.

[0048] In any embodiment of the valve as disclosed herein, any rotatable body 5252 may have a first state and a second state, in which the rotatable body 5252 is rotatable relative to the valve body 502, and in the second state, the rotatable body 5252 is fixed relative to the valve body 502.

[0049] In any embodiment of the valve as disclosed herein, the valve body 502 may have a protrusion 512 (or a second such protrusion) projecting outward therefrom, and the protrusion 512 may be configured to engage with the rotatable body 5252 to restrict its axial movement.

[0050] In any embodiment of the valve as disclosed herein, the protrusion 512 and the rotatable body 5252 may be configured to engage such that the rotatable body 5252 is locked to prevent rotation relative to the valve body 502.

[0051] Therefore, the balancing valve 500 may be provided with a connector nut 5250 connected thereto and / or directly connected thereto for connection to the conduit 103 via a downstream tailpiece 172. The downstream tailpiece 172 may include external fittings (e.g., hexagonal fittings compatible with wrenches (e.g., power wrenches or impact wrenches)). Furthermore, the downstream tailpiece 172 may allow tightening via an impact wrench or other power tool. The downstream tailpiece 172 may facilitate quick installation of the balancing valve 500, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for additional fittings to connect the balancing valve 500 to the conduit 103 of the heat transfer system 100.

[0052] The first port hole 238 and the second port hole 1238, along with the associated port hole wall 240 and the second port hole wall 1240, provide for attaching devices to access the heat transfer fluid and its fluid path (e.g., pressure-temperature port 800). Figure 14 (See details of the mechanism, drain valve 900, plug 920, or other equipment that requires access to the heat transfer fluid flowing through the system.) Reference Figure 6 and Figure 14 The pressure-temperature port 800 (“PT port”) includes a PT body 802 configured to be hermetically connected to a first port bore 238 and a second port bore 1238. The PT body 802 has an external fitting 804, which may be a hexagonal fitting or other fitting compatible with one or more wrenches, sockets, or the like. The PT body 802 has a bore 806 extending axially from a proximal end 803 through the PT body 802 to a distal end 805. The distal end 805 includes a threaded portion 818 (thread not shown separately) for hermetically engaging with the first port bore 238, the second port bore 1238, a port bore wall 240, or the second port bore wall 1240. A PT cap 808 seals the bore 806 and may include an O-ring seal 810. A PT tether 812 is attached to the PT cap 808 to prevent the PT cap 808 from falling off or being lost when removed from the PT body 802. The PT body 802 includes a PT seal 814, which is typically cylindrical and includes a PT probe hole 816 for allowing a probe (e.g., a pressure probe or a temperature probe) to extend through it to access the heat transfer fluid or its path through the PT body 802. A retaining ring 820 is fitted into the hole 806 under compression (e.g., force fit) to hold the PT seal 814 in place.

[0053] Alternatively, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 7A drain valve 900 may be provided for releasing fluid (typically a gaseous fluid, such as air) from the heat transfer device 101, and the drain valve 900 may be configured to be hermetically connected to a first port port 238 and a second port port 1238. The drain valve 900 has a drain body 902 and an external fitting 904, which may be a hexagonal fitting or other fitting compatible with one or more wrenches, sockets, etc. The drain valve 900 has a port 906 that extends axially from the proximal end 903 of the drain body 902 through the drain body 902 to the distal end 905 of the drain body 902. A threaded rod 908 seals and releases the port and may include additional sealing elements (not shown).

[0054] In use, device 200 allows each port body (first port body 220 or second port body 1220) to be oriented as needed without the constraints imposed by using fixed threads or other fixed-orientation connectors. Choosing an orientation can facilitate easy access to the pressure-temperature port 800, which may need to be angled to avoid clutter in the surrounding building space, or facilitate providing an upward position or orientation for the drain valve 900, allowing air or other trapped gases to be released from the heat transfer system 100. If port body 220 includes one or more port holes 238 not occupied by the pressure-temperature port 800 or drain valve 900, then each unoccupied port hole 238 can be sealed with a plug 920, such as, for example... Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 5 As shown.

[0055] Now for reference Figures 8 to 13 In contrast to device 200, which includes both port body 220 and port body 1220, device 300 includes a single port body 220 connected to hose 302 by collar 205. Figure 12 The components and related connections of the port body 220 can be connected to Figure 5 The components (discussed above) are basically the same.

[0056] For details, please refer to the following: Figure 12 The hose 302 can be formed in substantially the same manner as the hose 202 described above. The hose 302 includes a first hose end 304, a second hose end 306, and a hose hole 308. Figures 10 to 13 The device 300 further includes a port body 220 as described above, and is referred to as "first port body 220" in the above discussion.

[0057] A first connector nut 250 attached to port body 220 is configured as described above. The first connector nut 250 has a rotatable body 252 with a central rotatable body hole 254 passing through it. The rotatable body 252 has a first rotatable body end 256 and a second rotatable body end 258. The first rotatable body end 256 is rotatably coupled to the first port body connector end 226 and configured to form a sealing connection between the first rotatable body end 256, the central rotatable body hole 254, and the first port body connector end 226.

[0058] refer to Figure 13 At the right end of the hose 302, as shown in the figure, rather than at the second port housing, the device 300 includes a second connector nut 250, which is rotatably and nonremovably coupled to the hose 302 via a collar fitting 305 rather than to the port body. The collar fitting 305 may include one or more components that are fluid-tightly secured to the hose 302 by welding or other methods known in the art. The second connector nut 250 shares the configuration of other connector nuts 250 described herein, but engages with the collar fitting 305 rather than with the port body or valve body. In the illustrated embodiment, the collar fitting 305 includes a protrusion 360 surrounding the first hose end 306. The protrusion 360 is configured to capture the second connector nut 250.

[0059] As disclosed in this article and as Figures 8 to 13 In the kits, systems, or methods shown, the downstream tailpiece 122 has a conduit end 123 configured to be hermetically connectable to an upstream fluid conduit in the form of an inlet conduit 119 or an inlet pipe 120. The tailpiece 122 has a connector end 124 removably and directly connectable to a first connector nut 250 of the port body 220. In embodiments omitting valve 600, the upstream tailpiece 142 may have a connector end 144 and a conduit end 143 configured to directly engage with the upstream fluid conduit 102. Figure 1The second connector nut 250 of the hose 302 directly engages with the upstream tail piece 142. Alternatively, a valve 600 may be included and may have a valve body 602 having a first valve body end 604 and a second valve body end 606. The first valve body end 604 has a first valve body opening 608, and the second valve body end 606 has a second valve body opening 610. A flow control element (not shown) may be any valve element for regulating fluid flow (e.g., a ball, flap, or other closing mechanism known in the valve field), configured to selectively control the flow between the first valve body opening 608 and the second valve body opening 610. A flow control selector 522 in the form of a handle is operably connected to the flow control element. The connector nut 250 of the hose 302 is coupled via an upstream tailpiece, either in the form of a retaining fitting 622 of the valve 600 or an upstream tailpiece 142, and can be directly coupled to the first valve body end 604. In the absence of the valve 600, the upstream tailpiece 142 can directly engage with the connector nut 250. The upstream tailpiece has a conduit end 143 configured to engage with the upstream fluid conduit 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining fitting 622 is the upstream tailpiece when the valve 500 is considered part of the device 300 in question.

[0060] An example of a method for connecting an upstream fluid conduit 102 to a downstream fluid conduit, the downstream fluid conduit taking the form of an inlet conduit 119 or inlet pipe 120 in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device 101, is provided. The method includes sealingly connecting an upstream tailpiece 142 or retaining fitting 622 to the upstream fluid conduit 102 at its conduit end 143, the upstream tailpiece 142 or retaining fitting 622 having a connector end 143 removably and directly connectable to a first connector nut 250. The method also includes sealingly connecting a downstream tailpiece 122 to the downstream fluid conduit at its conduit end 123, the downstream fluid conduit taking the form of an inlet conduit 119 or inlet pipe 120. The downstream tailpiece 122 also has a connector end 124 removably and directly connectable to a second connector nut 250. The method includes engaging a connection device 300 with the connector end 143 of the upstream tailpiece 142 and the connector end 124 of the downstream tailpiece 122. The connecting device 300 includes: a hose 302, which includes a first hose end 304 and a second hose end 306, and a hose orifice 308. The connecting device 300 also includes a port body 220 having: an outer wall 222; a port body hose end 224 having a port body hose opening 228; a port body connector end 226 having a port body connector opening 230; a port body bore 232 extending between the port body hose opening 228 and the port body connector opening 230; and a port orifice 238 passing through the outer wall 222 and in fluid communication with the port body bore 232, wherein the port body hose opening 228 is sealed, non-rotatable, and non-removablely coupled to the first hose end 304, and wherein the port body bore 232 is in fluid communication with the hose orifice 308. The connecting device 300 also includes a first connector nut 250 rotatably and nonremovably coupled to a port body connector opening 230, and a second connector nut 250 rotatably and nonremovably coupled to a second hose end 306. An upstream tailpiece 142 or retaining fitting 622 is configured to be removably and directly coupled to the second connector nut 250, and a downstream tailpiece 122 is configured to be removably and directly coupled to the first connector nut 250. Engaging the connecting device with the connector end 144 of the upstream tailpiece 142 or retaining fitting 622 and with the connector end 164 of the downstream tailpiece 162 includes: tightening the first connector nut 250 relative to the upstream tailpiece 142 or retaining fitting 622; and tightening the second connector nut 250 relative to the downstream tailpiece 162.The method may include: after completing the aforementioned method steps, disengaging the first connector nut 250 from the upstream tail piece 142 or the fixing accessory 622; disengaging the second connector nut 250 from the downstream tail piece 122; reorienting the connecting device 300 and re-engaging the connecting device 300 to the connector end 144 of the upstream tail piece 142 or the downstream tail piece 162, and re-engaging the connector end 164 of the downstream tail piece 162 by the following steps: tightening the first connector nut 250 relative to the downstream tail piece 162; and tightening the second connector nut 250 relative to the upstream tail piece 142 or the fixing accessory 622.

[0061] Another example of a method is provided for connecting an upstream fluid conduit in the form of an outlet conduit 117 or an outlet pipe 118 to a downstream fluid conduit 103 in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device 101. The method includes sealingly connecting an upstream tail 182 at its conduit end 183 to the upstream fluid conduit in the form of an outlet conduit 117 or an outlet pipe 118, the upstream tail 182 having a connector end 184 removably and directly connectable to a first connector nut 250. The method also includes sealingly connecting a downstream tail 162 at its conduit end 163 to the downstream fluid conduit 103, the downstream tail 162 having a connector end 164 removably and directly connectable to a second connector nut 5250. The method includes engaging a connecting device 200 with the connector end 184 of the upstream tail 182, and engaging the connecting device 200 with the connector end 164 of the downstream tail 162 or the connector end 174 of the downstream tail 172 (where valve body 128 and valve 500 are omitted). The connecting device 200 includes a hose 202, which includes a first hose end 204, a second hose end 206, and a hose orifice 208. The connecting device 200 also includes a first port body 220 having: a first outer wall 222; a first port body hose opening 228; a first port body connector opening 230; a first port body bore 232 extending between the first port body hose opening 228 and the first port body connector opening 230; and a first port hole 238 passing through the first outer wall 222 and in fluid communication with the first port body bore 232, wherein the first port body hose opening 228 is sealingly, non-rotatably, and non-removably coupled to the first hose end 204, and the first port body bore 232 is in fluid communication with the hose orifice 208. The connecting device 200 also includes a first connector nut 250, which is rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first port body connector opening 230. The connecting device 200 further includes: a second port body 1220 having a second outer wall 1222; a second port body hose opening 1230; a second port body connector opening 1232; a second port body bore 1234 extending between the second port body hose opening 1230 and the second port body connector opening 1232; and a second port bore 1238 passing through the second outer wall 1222 and in fluid communication with the second port body bore 1234, wherein the second port body hose opening 1230 is sealed, non-rotatably, and non-removably coupled to the second hose end 206, and wherein the second port body bore 1234 is in fluid communication with the hose bore 208. The connecting device 200 also includes a second connector nut 1250 rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second hose end 206.Engaging the connecting device 200 with the connector end 184 of the upstream tail piece 182 and with the connector end 164 of the downstream tail piece 162 or the connector end 174 of the downstream tail piece 172 includes: tightening a first connector nut 250 relative to the upstream tail piece 182; and tightening a second connector nut 1250 relative to the downstream tail piece 162 or the downstream tail piece 172.

[0062] While specific and different embodiments have been shown in the accompanying drawings, various individual elements or combinations of elements from different embodiments may be combined with each other while remaining consistent with the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, a single feature described herein with respect to only one embodiment should not be construed as incompatible with other embodiments described herein.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the above disclosure without departing from its broad inventive concept. Some of these modifications and alterations have already been discussed above, while others will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for connecting an upstream fluid conduit (102) to a downstream fluid conduit (119) in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device (101), the system comprising: a hose (302) including a first hose end (304) and a second hose end (306) and a hose bore (308); and a port body (220) having an outer wall (222), a port body hose end (224) having a port body hose opening (228), a port body connector end (226) having a port body connector opening (230), a port body bore (232) extending between the port body hose opening (228) and the port body connector opening (230), and a port bore (238) through the outer wall (222) and in fluid communication with the port body bore (232), wherein the port body hose opening (228) is sealingly, non-rotatably, and non-removably joined to the first hose end (304), wherein the port body bore (232) is in fluid communication with the hose bore (308); a first connector nut (250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the port body connector opening (230); a second connector nut (250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second hose end (306); an upstream tailpiece (142) having a conduit end (143) configured to sealingly connect to the upstream fluid conduit (102) and having a connector end (144) removably connectable to the first connector nut (250); a downstream tailpiece (122) having a conduit end (123) configured to sealingly connect to the downstream fluid conduit (119) and having a connector end (124) removably connectable to the second connector nut (250); wherein the upstream tailpiece (142) is configured to be removably connectable to the second connector nut (250) and the downstream tailpiece (122) is configured to be removably connectable to the first connector nut (250).

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first connector nut (250) has a first state in which the first connector nut (250) is rotatable relative to the port body (220) and a second state in which the first connector nut (250) is fixed relative to the port body (220), the second state providing a fixation of an orientation of the port body (220).

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer wall (222) has a protrusion (260) that protrudes outward from the outer wall (222) and encircles the port body connector opening (230), and the protrusion (260) is configured to capture the first connector nut (250) to limit axial movement of the first connector nut (250).

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first connector nut (250) and the port body (220) are configured to engage with the connector end (144) of the upstream tailpiece (142) or the connector end (124) of the downstream tailpiece (122) to prevent rotation of the port body (220).

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the port bore (238) is surrounded by a port bore wall (240), and the port bore wall (240) protrudes from an outer wall (222) of the port body (220).

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a valve (600) having a valve body (602) having a first valve body end (604) having a first valve body opening and a second valve body end (606) having a second valve body opening; a third connector nut (5250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first valve body end (604); wherein at least one of the upstream tailpiece (142) or the downstream tailpiece (122) is removably connectable to the third connector nut (5250) such that the valve (600) can be joined to at least one of the upstream tailpiece (142) or the downstream tailpiece (122) through the third connector nut (5250).

7. A system for connecting an upstream fluid conduit (117) to a downstream fluid conduit (103) that is in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device (101), the system comprising: a hose (202) including a first hose end (204) and a second hose end (206) and a hose bore (208); and a first port body (220) having a first outer wall (222), a first port body hose opening (228), a first port body connector opening (230), a first port body bore (232) extending between the first port body hose opening (228) and the first port body connector opening (230), and a first port bore (238) through the first outer wall (222) and in fluid communication with the first port body bore (232), wherein the first port body hose opening (228) is sealingly, non-rotatably, and non-removably joined to the first hose end (204) and the first port body bore (232) is in fluid communication with the hose bore (208); a first connector nut (250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first port body connector opening (230); a second port body (1220) having a second outer wall (1222), a second port body hose opening (1230), a second port body connector opening (1232), a second port body bore (1234) extending between the second port body hose opening (1230) and the second port body connector opening (1232), and a second port bore (1238) through the second outer wall (1222) and in fluid communication with the second port body bore (1234), wherein the second port body hose opening (1230) is sealingly, non-rotatably, and non-removably joined to the second hose end (206), wherein the second port body bore (1234) is in fluid communication with the hose bore (208); a second connector nut (1250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second port body connector opening (1232); an upstream tailpiece (182) having a conduit end (183) sealingly connected to the upstream fluid conduit (117) and having a connector end (184) removably connectable to the first connector nut (250); a downstream tailpiece (172) having a conduit end (173) sealingly connected to the downstream fluid conduit (103) and having a connector end (174) removably connectable to the second connector nut (1250); wherein the upstream tailpiece (182) is configured to be removably connectable to the second connector nut (1250) and the downstream tailpiece (172) is configured to be removably connectable to the first connector nut (250). ​ 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first connector nut (250) has a first state in which the first connector nut (250) is rotatable relative to the first port body (220) and a second state in which the first connector nut (250) is fixed relative to the first port body (220), the second state providing a fixation of an orientation of the first port body (220).

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the first outer wall (222) has a protrusion (260) that protrudes outward from the first outer wall (222) and encircles the first port body connector opening (230), and the protrusion (260) is configured to capture the first connector nut (250) to limit axial movement of the first connector nut (250); and wherein the second outer wall (1222) has a protrusion (1260) that protrudes outward from the second outer wall (1222) and encircles the second port body connector opening (1232), and the protrusion (1260) is configured to capture the second connector nut (1250) to limit axial movement of the second connector nut (1250).

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first connector nut (250) and the first port body (220) are configured to engage with the connector end (184) of the upstream tailpiece (182) or the connector end (174) of the downstream tailpiece (172) to prevent rotation of the first port body (220), and the second connector nut (1250) and the second port body (1220) are configured to engage with the connector end (184) of the upstream tailpiece (182) or the connector end (1240) of the downstream tailpiece (172) to prevent rotation of the second port body (1220).

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the first port hole (238) is surrounded by a port hole wall (240), and the port hole wall (240) protrudes from a second outer wall (1222) of the second port body (1220).

12. The system of claim 7, further comprising: a valve (600) having a first valve body end (604) having a first valve body opening and a second valve body end (606) having a second valve body opening; a third connector nut (5250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first valve body end (604); and a fourth connector nut (6250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second valve body end (606). wherein at least one of the upstream tailpiece (182) or the downstream tailpiece (172) is removably connectable to the third connector nut (5250) such that the valve (600) can be joined to at least one of the upstream tailpiece (182) or the downstream tailpiece (172) through the third connector nut (5250).

13. A method for connecting an upstream fluid conduit (102) to a downstream fluid conduit (119) that is in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device (101), the method comprising: sealingly connecting an upstream tailpiece (142) to the upstream fluid conduit (102) at a conduit end (143) of the upstream tailpiece (142), the upstream tailpiece (142) having a connector end (144) that is removably connectable to a first connector nut (250); sealingly connecting a downstream tailpiece (122) to the downstream fluid conduit (119) at a conduit end (123) of the downstream tailpiece (122), the downstream tailpiece (122) having a connector end (124) that is removably connectable to a second connector nut (250); engaging a connection device (300) with the connector end (144) of the upstream tailpiece (142) and the connector end (124) of the downstream tailpiece (122), the connection device (300) comprising: a hose (302) including a first hose end (304) and a second hose end (306) and a hose bore (308); and a port body (220) having an outer wall (222), a port body hose end (224) having a port body hose opening (228), a port body connector end (226) having a port body connector opening (230), a port body bore (232) extending between the port body hose opening (228) and the port body connector opening (230), and a port bore (238) through the outer wall (222) and in fluid communication with the port body bore (232), wherein the port body hose opening (228) is sealingly, non-rotatably, and non-removably joined to the first hose end (304), wherein the port body bore (232) is in fluid communication with the hose bore (308); a first connector nut (250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the port body connector opening (230); a second connector nut (250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second hose end (306); and wherein the upstream tailpiece (142) is configured to be removably connectable to the second connector nut (250) and the downstream tailpiece (122) is configured to be removably connectable to the first connector nut (250); wherein engaging the connection device (300) with the connector end (144) of the upstream tailpiece (142) and with the connector end (124) of the downstream tailpiece (122) comprises: tightening the first connector nut (250) relative to the upstream tailpiece (142); and tightening the second connector nut (250) relative to the downstream tailpiece (122).

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising, after completing the method of claim 13: disengaging the first connector nut (250) from the upstream tailpiece (142); disengaging the second connector nut (250) from the downstream tailpiece (122); reorienting the connection device (300) and engaging the connection device (300) with the connector end (144) of the upstream tailpiece (142) and the connector end (124) of the downstream tailpiece (122) by: tightening the first connector nut (250) relative to the downstream tailpiece (122); and tightening the second connector nut (250) relative to the upstream tailpiece (142).

15. A method for connecting an upstream fluid conduit (117) to a downstream fluid conduit (103) that is in fluid communication with a fluid-based heat transfer device (101), the method comprising: sealingly connecting an upstream tailpiece (182) to the upstream fluid conduit (117) at a conduit end (183) of the upstream tailpiece (182), the upstream tailpiece (182) having a connector end (184) that is removably connectable to a first connector nut (250); sealingly connecting a downstream tailpiece (172) to the downstream fluid conduit (103) at a conduit end (173) of the downstream tailpiece (172), the downstream tailpiece (172) having a connector end (174) that is removably connectable to a second connector nut (1250); engaging a connection device (200) with the connector end (184) of the upstream tailpiece (182) and the connector end (174) of the downstream tailpiece (172), the connection device (200) comprising: a hose (202) including a first hose end (204) and a second hose end (206) and a hose bore (208); and a connector (201) including a first connector end (203) and a second connector end (205), the first connector end (203) being removably connectable to the first connector nut (250) and the second connector end (205) being removably connectable to the second connector nut (1250). a first port body (220) having: a first outer wall (222); a first port body hose opening (228); a first port body connector opening (230); a first port body bore (232) extending between the first port body hose opening (228) and the first port body connector opening (230); and a first port bore (238) through the first outer wall (222) and in fluid communication with the first port body bore (232), wherein the first port body hose opening (228) is sealingly, non-rotatably, and non-removably joined to the first hose end (204), the first port body bore (232) is in fluid communication with the hose bore (208); a first connector nut (250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the first port body connector opening (230); a second port body (1220) having: a second outer wall (1222); a second port body hose opening (1230); a second port body connector opening (1232); a second port body bore (1234) extending between the second port body hose opening (1230) and the second port body connector opening (1232); and a second port bore (1238) through the second outer wall (1222) and in fluid communication with the second port body bore (1234), wherein the second port body hose opening (1230) is sealingly, non-rotatably, and non-removably joined to the second hose end (206), wherein the second port body bore (1234) is in fluid communication with the hose bore (208); a second connector nut (1250) rotatably and non-removably coupled to the second port body connector opening (1232); wherein the upstream tailpiece (182) is configured to be removably connectable to the second connector nut (1250), and the downstream tailpiece (172) is configured to be removably connectable to the first connector nut (250); wherein the engagement of the connection device (200) with the connector end (184) of the upstream tailpiece (182) and with the connector end (174) of the downstream tailpiece (172) comprises: tightening the first connector nut (250) relative to the upstream tailpiece (182); and tightening the second connector nut (1250) relative to the downstream tailpiece (172).

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising, after the method of claim 15 is completed: disengaging the first connector nut (250) from the upstream tailpiece (182); to disengage the second connector nut (1250) from the downstream tailpiece (172); to re-orient the connection apparatus (200) and engage the connection apparatus (200) with the connector end (184) of the upstream tailpiece (182) and re-engage the connection apparatus (200) with the connector end (174) of the downstream tailpiece (172) by: tightening the first connector nut (250) relative to the downstream tailpiece (172); and tightening the second connector nut (1250) relative to the upstream tailpiece (182).

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