A pipe tee structure for testing HVAC water systems

Abstract

This utility model relates to a pipe tee structure for detecting HVAC water system parameters, comprising: a tee assembly with intersecting first, second, and third channels; a temperature sensor with its detection end integrated inside a temperature-measuring blind tube; a pressure sensor; a first control valve, the inlet of which is radially connected to the existing HVAC water system pipe, and the outlet of which is connected to the third channel of the tee assembly; and a second control valve, the inlet of which is connected to the second channel of the tee assembly, and the outlet of which is connected to the detection end of the pressure sensor. This utility model enables the pressure-controlled installation, detection, and maintenance of key parameters such as water temperature and pressure within the pipes without shutting down or draining the existing HVAC water system, solving the problem of difficult sensor installation during energy-saving retrofits of in-service building HVAC systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of HVAC piping system technology, and in particular to a pipe tee structure for testing HVAC water systems. Background Technology

[0002] With the current trend of the construction industry moving towards green and energy-saving development, intelligent and refined energy-saving retrofitting of high-energy-consuming central air conditioning water systems in existing buildings has become an important task. The key to such retrofitting lies in achieving automated control of the system, and the foundation of automated control is the accurate sensing of the system's operating status. This typically requires installing a series of sensors on key pipelines such as the water supply and return lines of the water system to monitor and collect core operating parameters such as temperature and pressure of the water in the pipelines in real time.

[0003] However, a significant construction challenge arises when undertaking such renovations to existing buildings, especially public or commercial facilities requiring continuous operation (such as hospitals, hotels, and data centers). These buildings' HVAC water systems are already in operation, and any prolonged downtime will severely impact their normal function, potentially causing significant operational disruptions and economic losses. Therefore, traditional sensor installation methods—which involve first shutting down the entire or partial water system, draining the large amount of process water from the pipes, then performing pipework cutting and welding, installing the sensors, and finally refilling, venting, and debugging—are often extremely inconvenient in practice. Not only is the process cumbersome and time-consuming, but the resulting operational disruptions are unacceptable to many owners. On the other hand, in existing technologies, when simultaneously monitoring temperature and pressure—two related but physically different parameters—it is typically necessary to create two independent installation access points on the same section of pipe, one for temperature sensors and the other for pressure sensors. This approach not only doubles the complexity and workload of on-site construction, but more importantly, adding multiple openings to existing pipelines significantly increases the potential leakage risk points of the system, posing a threat to the long-term operational safety of the pipeline system.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for an innovative technical solution that can simultaneously install and test multiple key parameters such as temperature and pressure at a single pipe connection point without affecting the normal operation of the HVAC system, thus solving a key technical bottleneck in the energy-saving retrofit of existing building HVAC systems. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the technical problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides a pipe tee structure for detecting HVAC water systems. This pipe tee structure helps to enable pressurized installation, detection, and maintenance of key parameters such as water temperature and pressure in the pipes without shutting down or draining the existing HVAC water system, thus solving the technical problem of difficult sensor installation in energy-saving retrofitting of HVAC systems in in-service buildings.

[0006] This utility model discloses a pipe tee structure for testing HVAC water systems, comprising:

[0007] A three-way assembly, wherein the three-way assembly is provided with a first channel, a second channel and a third channel that intersect each other;

[0008] A temperature sensor, wherein the detection end of the temperature sensor is integrated inside a temperature sensing blind tube;

[0009] Pressure sensor;

[0010] The first control valve has an inlet that is radially connected to the original pipe of the HVAC water system, and an outlet that is connected to the third channel of the three-way assembly.

[0011] The second control valve has its inlet connected to the second channel of the three-way assembly, and its outlet connected to the detection end of the pressure sensor.

[0012] The temperature-sensing blind tube is inserted into the three-way assembly through the first channel and then passes through the third channel and the first control valve in sequence to reach the original pipe of the HVAC water system. The temperature-sensing blind tube is sealed at the junction of the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel inside the three-way assembly, so that the water flowing from the first control valve into the third channel can only enter the second channel.

[0013] It is understood that, based on the above-described structural scheme of this utility model, in the initial stage of installation, the inlet end of the first control valve can be fixed (e.g., by welding or threaded connection) to the outer wall of the original pipe of the HVAC water system to be tested. Subsequently, with the first control valve in the open state, a special equipment commonly used in existing technologies for hot tapping operations is used to radially drill a hole in the wall of the original pipe of the HVAC water system through the valve. The special equipment drill bit used here is the drill bit that is matched with the mature hot tapping machine in existing technology. Its core feature is that it is usually equipped with a center positioning drill and a material block grabbing mechanism, which can capture the cut circular pipe wall material block (also known in the industry as "saddle" or "material head") after drilling and bring it out of the valve intact, thereby avoiding metal fragments falling into the pipe and causing damage to subsequent pumps, valves and other equipment. After the tapping operation is completed, the drill bit with the material block is retrieved and the first control valve is immediately closed. At this point, the newly opened hole in the original pipeline has been reliably sealed by the first control valve, effectively isolating the water flow inside the pipeline and creating pressure-free and leak-free conditions for the safe installation of subsequent components. Based on this, the third channel of the tee assembly is then connected to the outlet of the first control valve, and the pressure sensor is connected to the second channel of the tee assembly via the second control valve.

[0014] After completing the above connections, insert the temperature sensor with the temperature-sensing blind tube into the first channel. When the body of the temperature-sensing blind tube enters the tee assembly and reaches the junction of the channels, the tube effectively blocks the entrance of the first channel, isolating it from the second and third channels. After this blockage is formed, the previously closed first control valve can be safely opened. At this time, the water flow in the original pipe will enter the tee assembly through the third channel, but because the first channel has been blocked by the temperature-sensing blind tube, the water flow cannot leak through this path. Subsequently, the temperature-sensing blind tube can be pushed forward, passing through the opened first control valve, until the head of the temperature-sensing blind tube reaches the main fluid area inside the original pipe of the HVAC water system, thereby achieving accurate measurement of the water temperature. At the same time, since the body of the temperature-sensing blind tube does not block the connection between the third and second channels, the water flow and its pressure introduced from the original pipe of the HVAC water system can smoothly enter the second channel. When pressure measurement is required, the second control valve is opened, and the pressure can be transmitted to the pressure sensor, achieving reliable measurement of the system pressure.

[0015] Specifically, the three-way assembly has an internal converging channel;

[0016] The first channel and the third channel are connected to the opposite ends of the converging channel and their inner diameters are both larger than the converging channel;

[0017] The temperature measuring blind tube passes sequentially through the first channel, the confluence channel, and the third channel, and is sealed to the confluence channel.

[0018] The inner end of the second channel is radially connected to the third channel and has a certain gap with the outer wall of the temperature measuring blind tube.

[0019] Specifically, a sealing ring is coaxially fixed inside the confluence channel;

[0020] The temperature measuring blind tube is sealed and fitted inside the sealing ring.

[0021] Specifically, the inner wall of the confluence channel is provided with an annular groove, and the sealing ring is fitted into the annular groove.

[0022] Specifically, it also includes a mounting base;

[0023] One end of the fixed pipe is used to be welded and fixed to the side wall of the original pipe of the HVAC water system and radially connected to the inside of the original pipe.

[0024] The other end of the fixed tube is connected to the first control valve.

[0025] Specifically, the third channel has an external thread formed on its exterior;

[0026] The fixed tube has internal threads inside;

[0027] Wherein, one end of the first control valve is fitted into the inside of the fixed tube and is threadedly connected to its internal thread; the other end of the first control valve is fitted into the outside of the third channel and is threadedly connected to its external thread.

[0028] Specifically, the second channel has an external thread formed on its exterior;

[0029] The pressure sensor has an external thread formed on the outside of its detection end;

[0030] One end of the second control valve is fitted onto the outside of the second channel and is threadedly connected to its external thread; the other end of the second control valve is fitted onto the outside of the detection end of the pressure sensor and is threadedly connected to its external thread.

[0031] Specifically, the temperature sensor has an external threaded connector integrally provided at a position close to the first channel;

[0032] The inner wall of the first channel has internal threads;

[0033] When the temperature measuring blind tube is inserted into the three-way assembly, the external threaded connector is fitted into the inside of the first channel and is threadedly connected to its internal thread.

[0034] Specifically, the three-way assembly, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, first control valve, and second control valve are all integrally provided with at least one hexagonal head on their exteriors.

[0035] Specifically, the tee assembly is made of stainless steel and is manufactured as a single piece.

[0036] The technical advantages of this utility model for inspecting the structure of a pipe tee in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) water system include:

[0037] First, this structural design facilitates fully pressurized online installation and maintenance. By combining the first control valve with existing mature live-line tapping technology, the challenge of safely establishing access points on the main HVAC system pipeline is solved. Furthermore, the temperature-sensing blind pipe also functions as a sealant within the tee assembly, resolving leakage issues during subsequent sensor installation. This eliminates the need for system shutdown or drainage during the entire installation process, effectively reducing disruption to normal building operations and saving time and material costs. Second, it enables precise single-point, dual-parameter measurement. Through a single access point on the original pipeline, utilizing the tee assembly and the sealing solution within the tee assembly, both temperature and pressure measurement pathways can be simultaneously established. The temperature-sensing blind pipe can penetrate deep into the main fluid region of the original HVAC system pipeline, ensuring real-time and accurate temperature measurement; the pressure measurement pathway can also be directly connected to the main fluid, ensuring the accuracy and validity of pressure data. This integrated structural design, compared to drilling separate holes for each sensor, not only simplifies the installation process but also reduces structural damage to the original pipeline and lowers potential leakage risks. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0039] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is an overall structural diagram of the present invention (with the interior of the tee assembly cut open separately);

[0041] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the internal structure of the three-way component of this utility model.

[0042] Figure label:

[0043] 1. T-junction assembly; 11. First channel; 12. Second channel; 13. Third channel; 14. Converging channel; 15. Annular groove; 2. Temperature sensor; 21. Temperature measuring blind tube; 22. External threaded connector; 3. Pressure sensor; 4. First control valve; 5. Second control valve; 6. Fixing seat; 7. Hexagonal head. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in this embodiment, a pipe tee structure for detecting HVAC water systems has the core objective of enabling online, pressurized installation and accurate measurement of water temperature and pressure at a single connection point of the pipe without affecting the normal operation of the HVAC water system.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the overall structure of this pipe tee includes a tee assembly 1, a temperature sensor 2, a pressure sensor 3, a first control valve 4 for controlling the on / off state of the main pipeline, and a second control valve 5 for controlling the on / off state of the pressure measurement branch. In actual installation, a mounting base 6 is usually also included to establish the connection foundation with the existing piping of the HVAC system. To facilitate installation and disassembly using standard tools, at least one hexagonal head 7 is integrally provided on the outer housing of the tee assembly 1, temperature sensor 2, pressure sensor 3, first control valve 4, and second control valve 5, allowing construction personnel to tighten or loosen them using wrenches or other tools.

[0047] In addition, the three-way component 1 has three interconnected channels integrated inside, namely the first channel 11, the second channel 12 and the third channel 13. In this embodiment, the three-way component 1 is preferably made of corrosion-resistant metal materials such as 304 stainless steel and is integrally manufactured by CNC machining process to ensure that its internal channels are smooth and the structure is dense. The integral manufacturing method can avoid the leakage risk that may be caused by sand holes or loose structure of traditional castings, and improve the pressure resistance and reliability of the structure.

[0048] The first channel 11, the second channel 12, and the third channel 13 converge into a confluence channel 14 inside the tee assembly 1. Specifically, the first channel 11 and the third channel 13 are arranged opposite each other along the same axis and are respectively connected to the two ends of the confluence channel 14. The second channel 12 is radially connected to the side of the third channel 13 closest to the confluence channel 14. To achieve effective sealing of the subsequent temperature measurement blind tube, the inner diameters of the first channel 11 and the third channel 13 are both designed to be larger than the inner diameter of the confluence channel 14. An annular groove 15 is formed on the inner wall of the confluence channel 14, and a wear-resistant, elastic, and well-sealing sealing ring (e.g., an O-ring) is embedded in the annular groove 15. This sealing ring is one of the key components for achieving pressurized operation.

[0049] The temperature sensor 2's sensing probe is encapsulated within a slender, closed-end temperature-sensing blind tube 21. The outer diameter of the temperature-sensing blind tube 21 precisely matches the inner diameter of the sealing ring embedded in the intersecting channel 14. An externally threaded connector 22 is integrally formed on the main body of the temperature sensor 2, near the inlet of the first channel 11. Correspondingly, internal threads are machined on the inner wall of the first channel 11. When the temperature-sensing blind tube 21 is inserted into place, its externally threaded connector 22 engages with the internal threads of the first channel 11, thereby firmly fixing the temperature sensor 2 to the tee assembly 1.

[0050] Pressure sensor 3 is connected to the second channel 12 of three-way assembly 1 via second control valve 5. Specifically, the external port of second channel 12 has an external thread, and one end of second control valve 5 has an internal thread to mate with it; the other end of second control valve 5 is connected to the detection end of pressure sensor 3 via a threaded connection. Similarly, the external port of third channel 13 also has an external thread for threaded connection with the outlet end of first control valve 4.

[0051] The inlet end of the first control valve 4 is connected to the original pipeline of the HVAC water system via a fixing seat 6. One end of the fixing seat 6 is firmly fixed to the side wall of the original pipeline by welding or other means, and the other end is provided with an internal thread, which is matched with the external thread of the inlet end of the first control valve 4. In this embodiment, the first control valve 4 and the second control valve 5 can be manually operated ball valves, which have a simple structure, quick opening and closing, and reliable sealing.

[0052] During installation, firstly, a suitable installation location is selected on the original pipeline to be inspected, and one end of the mounting base 6 is securely welded to the pipe wall at that location. Next, the first control valve 4 is tightened onto the mounting base 6, ensuring it is in the open position. Then, using a readily available, mature live drilling machine, its specialized drill bit is passed through the open first control valve 4 to drill a hole in the original pipeline wall. This specialized drill bit has the function of capturing and removing the cut material after drilling, thus preventing metal chips from falling into the pipeline. After drilling is complete, the drill bit is completely withdrawn from the first control valve 4, and the first control valve 4 is immediately closed. At this point, a reliable isolation is formed between the original pipeline and the outside environment, creating a safe and pressureless environment for subsequent installations.

[0053] Subsequently, the third channel 13 of the three-way assembly 1 is screwed tightly connected to the outlet of the first control valve 4. At the same time, the pressure measurement branch consisting of the second control valve 5 and the pressure sensor 3 is connected to the second channel 12 of the three-way assembly 1, and the second control valve 5 is ensured to be in the closed state.

[0054] The next crucial step is sensor installation. Align the temperature sensor 2 with its temperature-sensing blind tube 21 with the first channel 11 of the tee assembly 1 and begin insertion. As the tip of the temperature-sensing blind tube 21 passes through the first channel 11 and reaches the confluence channel 14, its smooth wall contacts the sealing ring in the annular groove 15, forming an interference fit. With continued insertion, a reliable dynamic seal is formed between the temperature-sensing blind tube 21 and the sealing ring. At this point, even before the external threaded connector 22 is tightened, the outlet of the first channel 11 is effectively blocked due to the sealing ring, thus isolating the first channel 11 from the second and third channels 12 and 13.

[0055] Once this seal is established, the first control valve 4 can be safely opened. The pressurized water in the original pipe then flows through the mounting base 6 and the first control valve 4 into the third channel 13 of the tee assembly 1. Since the first channel 11 is blocked by the temperature-sensing blind tube 21 and the sealing ring, water cannot leak through this path. At this point, the temperature-sensing blind tube 21 can be pushed forward, allowing it to smoothly pass through the confluence channel 14, the third channel 13, and the opened first control valve 4, ultimately extending the head of the temperature-sensing blind tube 21 into the main fluid area inside the original pipe of the HVAC water system. After reaching the predetermined depth, tighten the external threaded connector 22 of the temperature sensor 2 to complete the final fixation of the temperature sensor.

[0056] Finally, the second control valve 5 is opened. Because there is a sufficient gap between the tube body of the temperature sensing blind tube 21 and the inner wall of the third channel 13, and the opening of the second channel 12 is located within this gap, the water flow and its pressure entering from the third channel 13 can enter the second channel 12 without obstruction and be transmitted to the pressure sensor 3 through the opened second control valve 5. At this point, both the temperature sensor 2 and the pressure sensor 3 are installed and functioning normally, achieving accurate measurement of two key parameters at a single opening point.

[0057] In summary, this embodiment, through its ingenious structural design and reasonable installation steps, particularly by utilizing the temperature-sensing blind tube 21 itself as a sealing element and cooperating with two-stage valve control, successfully solves the technical challenge of installing sensors under pressure in in-service HVAC water systems. It not only ensures the safety of the construction process and avoids losses caused by system downtime, but also ensures the accuracy of measurement data by inserting the temperature-sensing blind tube deep into the main fluid, demonstrating extremely high practical value and economic benefits.

[0058] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A pipe tee structure for inspecting HVAC water systems, characterized in that, include: The three-way component (1) is provided with a first channel (11), a second channel (12) and a third channel (13) that intersect each other. Temperature sensor (2), the detection end of which is integrated inside a temperature measuring blind tube (21); Pressure sensor (3); The first control valve (4) has an inlet for radially connecting to the original pipe of the HVAC water system, and an outlet for connecting to the third channel (13) of the three-way assembly (1). The second control valve (5) has its inlet connected to the second channel (12) of the three-way assembly (1) and its outlet connected to the detection end of the pressure sensor (3). The temperature measuring blind tube (21) is inserted into the three-way assembly (1) through the first channel (11) and passes through the third channel (13) and the first control valve (4) in sequence before reaching the original pipe of the HVAC water system. The temperature measuring blind tube (21) is sealed inside the three-way assembly (1) at the junction between the first channel (11) and the second channel (12) and the third channel (13), so that the water flowing from the first control valve (4) into the third channel (13) can only enter the second channel (12).

2. The pipe tee structure for detecting HVAC water systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three-way component (1) has a junction channel (14) inside. The first channel (11) and the third channel (13) are connected to the opposite ends of the confluence channel (14) and their inner diameters are both larger than the confluence channel (14). The temperature measuring blind tube (21) passes through the first channel (11), the confluence channel (14) and the third channel (13) in sequence and is sealed to each other with the confluence channel (14); The inner end of the second channel (12) is radially connected to the third channel (13) and has a certain gap with the outer wall of the temperature measuring blind tube (21).

3. The pipe tee structure for detecting HVAC water systems according to claim 2, characterized in that, A sealing ring is coaxially fixed inside the confluence channel (14); The temperature measuring blind tube (21) is sealed and fitted inside the sealing ring.

4. The pipe tee structure for detecting HVAC water systems according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner wall of the confluence channel (14) is provided with an annular groove (15), and the sealing ring is fitted into the annular groove (15).

5. The pipe tee structure for detecting HVAC water systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting base (6); One end of the fixing seat (6) is used to be welded and fixed to the side wall of the original pipe of the HVAC water system and radially connected to the inside of the original pipe; The other end of the fixed seat (6) is connected to the first control valve (4).

6. The pipe tee structure for detecting HVAC water systems according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third channel (13) has an external thread formed on its exterior; The fixing seat (6) has an internal thread inside; One end of the first control valve (4) is fitted inside the fixed seat (6) and threadedly connected to its internal thread; the other end of the first control valve (4) is fitted outside the third channel (13) and threadedly connected to its external thread.

7. The pipe tee structure for detecting HVAC water systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second channel (12) has an external thread formed on its exterior; The pressure sensor (3) has an external thread formed on the outside of its detection end; One end of the second control valve (5) is fitted onto the outside of the second channel (12) and is threadedly connected to its external thread; the other end of the second control valve (5) is fitted onto the outside of the detection end of the pressure sensor (3) and is threadedly connected to its external thread.

8. The pipe tee structure for detecting HVAC water systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensor (2) has an external threaded connector (22) integrally provided at a position close to the first channel (11). The inner wall of the first channel (11) is formed with internal threads; When the temperature measuring blind tube (21) is inserted into the three-way assembly (1), the external threaded connector (22) is fitted into the inside of the first channel (11) and is threadedly connected to its internal thread.

9. The pipe tee structure for detecting HVAC water systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three-way assembly (1), temperature sensor (2), pressure sensor (3), first control valve (4) and second control valve (5) are all integrally provided with at least one hexagonal head (7).

10. The pipe tee structure for detecting HVAC water systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tee assembly (1) is made of 304 stainless steel and is manufactured as a single piece.

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