Venturi-driven pressure differential systems and methods

Abstract

Venturi-driven pressure differential systems and methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a fluid constrictor positioned along a pipe, a tap line fluidly coupled between the fluid constrictor and a first location of the pipe, the first location upstream relative to the fluid constrictor, and a drive device positioned along the tap line, a differential pressure between the fluid constrictor and the first location to drive operation of the drive device, the operation of the drive device to draw bleed gas from a bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the pipe.

Description

VENTURI-DRIVEN PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEMS ANDMETHODSRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 614,297, titled ■‘Venturi-Driven Pressure Differential Systems and Methods,” filed December 22, 2023. U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 614,297 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to gas pipelines and, more particularly, to Venturi-driven pressure differential systems and methods.BACKGROUND

[0003] In a natural gas pipeline, gas in a pipe can include methane and / or one or more other constituent gases. In some instances, gas-operated equipment can be implemented on the pipe to utilize pressurized gas from the pipe. The gas is often vented to the atmosphere, which is wasteful and harmful to the environment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an example gas recovery system constructed in accordance with teachings of this disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a first example drive system that can be used to implement the example gas recovery system of FIG. 1.

[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a second example drive system that can be used to implement the example gas recovery system of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates a third example drive system that can be used to implement the example gas recovery system of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 5 is a flowchart representative of an example method to produce the first example drive system of FIG. 2.

[0009] FIG. 6 is a flowchart representative of an example method to produce the second example drive system of FIG. 3.

[0010] FIG. 7 is a flowchart representative of an example method to produce the third example drive system of FIG. 4.

[0011] In general, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Instead, the thickness of the layers or regions may be enlarged in the drawings. Although the figures show layers and regions with clean lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and / or boundaries may be idealized. In reality, the boundaries and / or lines may be unobservable, blended, and / or irregular.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Buildings, plants, factories, and other facilities commonly use natural gas for various purposes such as heating, power generation, transportation, etc. In some cases, natural gas is transported between two or more locations using gas pipelines. Some pipelines include one or more gas-operated devices implemented thereon. Some such devices utilize gas pressure from the pipeline to operate, then release the gas (e.g., bleed gas) to the atmosphere. For example, the devices can include bleed devices, which can be flow control devices pow ered by the pressurized gas to automatically maintain a process condition such as a flow rate, a pressure, a temperature, etc. of the gas in the pipeline. In some cases, the bleed devices are intermittent bleed devices (e.g., intermittent bleed pneumatic devices) that may intermittently release (e.g., vent, discharge) a portion or all of the gas supplied thereto. Alternatively, some bleed devices continuously vent the supply gas to the atmosphere. Natural gas is composed of methane and / or one or more other constituent gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, water vapor, ethane, propane, etc.) that, when vented to the atmosphere, can be harmful to the environment and may pose a safety concern due to a risk of accidental combustion.

[0013] In recent years, to reduce release of bleed gas to the environment, some gas- powered devices have been replaced with electrically-actuated counterparts. However, electrically -actuated devices are often more expensive than gas-powered devices, and electrical power is often not available at many locations along the pipeline. Alternatively, pneumatically- actuated devices can be used instead of gas-operated devices to reduce and / or eliminate the emission of bleed gas. However, a supply of compressed air is not commonly available along the pipeline, and installation of an air compressor may be costly and / or may require electrical power.

[0014] Examples disclosed herein implement an example gas recovery system that is used to capture bleed gas emitted from a gas source (e.g., one or more gas-operated devices) and return the captured gas to a pipeline. In examples disclosed herein, the gas recovery system includes an example Venturi (e.g., a fluid constrictor, a constricted pipe section, a choke)positioned along an example pipe, and an example tap line fluidly coupled between the Venturi and a location of the pipe upstream of the Venturi. As used herein, a Venturi refers to a constricted pipe section (e.g., a choke) that increases a speed of fluid flow by constricting the fluid in a funnel or cone-shaped tube. In some examples, the constriction causes the fluid to increase in velocity, reduce in pressure, and produce a partial vacuum. In some examples, a differential pressure between the Venturi and the location of the pipe produces a flow of gas through the tap line. In examples disclosed herein, an example drive device is implemented along the tap line, and the flow of gas through the tap line is used to drive operation of the drive device. In some examples, the drive device includes an example diaphragm actuator fluidly coupled to the tap line and operatively coupled to an example piston, where gas flow to the diaphragm actuator is used to drive reciprocal motion of the piston within a cylinder. In some examples, the drive device includes one or more second example Venturis (e.g., second fluid constrictors) implemented along the tap line and / or along one or more second example tap lines fluidly coupled between the pipe and the gas source. Additionally or alternatively, the drive device may include an example turbine operatively coupled between the tap line and an example bleed line fluidly coupled between the gas source and the pipe. In some examples, operation of the drive device can draw bleed gas from the gas source and provide the bleed gas to the pipe to mix with fluid therein.

[0015] By capturing and returning bleed gas to a pipeline, examples disclosed herein may reduce an amount of the bleed gas vented and / or released to the atmosphere, which reduces risk of harm to the environment and / or reducing waste. Additionally, by utilizing pressure differential between two or more locations of a pipeline to drive the gas recovery' system, examples disclosed herein reduce a need for additional pneumatic and / or electrical systems to be installed on a pipeline. In particular, examples disclosed herein can be implemented (e.g., retrofitted) on top of existing gas-operated devices and / or pipeline infrastructure, thus avoiding costs associated with installation of air compressors and / or outfitting of the pipeline with electrical power.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an example gas recovery system (e.g., a differential pressure- driven gas recovery system) 100 constructed in accordance with teachings of this disclosure. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the gas recovery' system 100 is fluidly coupled between a first example pipe (e.g., a high-pressure line) 102 and a second example pipe (e.g., a low -pressure line) 104. In this example, the first pipe 102 is pressurized to a first example pressure (e.g.. between 900 pounds per square inch (psi) and 1500 psi), and the second pipe 104 is pressurizedto a second example pressure (e.g., between 100 psi and 700 psi), where the second pressure is less than the first pressure.

[0017] In this example, the gas recovery system 100 is fluidly and / or operatively coupled to an example gas source (e.g., a bleed gas source) 106. In some examples, the gas source 106 corresponds to one or more gas-operated devices that utilize gas pressure from at least one of the first pipe 102 or the second pipe 104 to operate. For example, the gas-operated device(s) can include valves, actuators, and / or other flow control devices that can be operated using the pressurized gas. In some examples, the gas utilized to operate the gas-operated device(s) is then released (e.g., continuously and / or periodically) as bleed gas to the atmosphere. The release of such bleed gas to the atmosphere can be wasteful and harmful to the environment and / or may pose a safety concern due to a risk of accidental combustion.

[0018] In examples disclosed herein, the gas recovery system 100 utilizes a pressure differential between the first pipe 102 and the second pipe 104 to capture and / or compress bleed gas from the gas source 106 and provide the gas to another location (e.g., the first pipe 102 and / or the second pipe 104). In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the gas recovery system 100 includes an example drive device 108 fluidly coupled between the first pipe 102 and the second pipe 104. In particular, a third example pipe 110 fluidly couples the drive device 108 to the first pipe 102, and a fourth example pipe 112 fluidly couples the drive device 108 to the second pipe 104. Further, an example bleed line 114 fluidly couples the gas source 106 to the drive device 108. In this example, an example sensor (e.g.. a sensor device) 116 is operatively coupled between the drive device 108 and the gas source 106.

[0019] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the sensor 116 measures and / or detects bleed gas output from the gas source 106. In this example, in response to the sensor 116 detecting the presence of bleed gas from the gas source 106, the sensor 1 16 provides an example control signal 118 to the drive device 108 to turn on and / or shut off the drive device 108 and / or otherwise control flow of gas to the drive device 108. In some examples, based on the control signal 118, the drive device 108 operates to draw bleed gas away from the gas source 106 via the bleed line 114. The drive device 108 can compress the bleed gas and / or provide the bleed gas to the second pipe 104. In some examples, different devices and / or configurations can be used to implement the functionality of the gas recovery system 100 of FIG. 1. In examples disclosed herein, the drive device 108 may be implemented using one or more fluid constrictors (e.g., Venturis). Additionally or alternatively, the drive device 108 may be implemented using one or more valves and / or pistons, one or more diaphragms, one or more turbines, one or more pumps, and / or any other suitable device(s).

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a first example drive system 200 that can be used to implement the example gas recovery system 100 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the first drive system 200 includes an example fluid constrictor (e.g., a Venturi feature, a choke) 202 implemented along the first pipe 102. For example, the fluid constrictor 202 includes an example pipe section 204 coupled between example nozzles 206, 208, where a first diameter (e.g., a first cross-sectional dimension) of the pipe section 204 is less than a second diameter (e.g., a second cross-sectional dimension) of the first pipe 102. In the example of FIG. 2, as fluid flows through the pipe section 204, the reduction in diameter from the first pipe 102 to the pipe section 204 causes the fluid to reduce in pressure and / or increase in velocity7. As a result, the fluid in the pipe section 204 is at a first pressure (e.g., 1300 psi, 1350 psi. 1400 psi. etc.) less than a second pressure (e.g., 1450 psi. 1500 psi. 1550 psi. etc.) in the first pipe 102. In some examples, the pressure differential between the first pipe 102 and the pipe section 204 can be used to drive reciprocal motion of an example piston 210 positioned in and / or slidable within an example cylinder 212. In this example, the cylinder 212 is implemented and / or positioned along an example bleed line 214 fluidly coupled between the gas source 106 and the first pipe 102.

[0021] In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the first drive system 200 includes an example diaphragm actuator (e.g., a double-acting diaphragm actuator) 216 operatively coupled to the piston 210. In particular, the diaphragm actuator 216 is a double-acting diaphragm actuator which uses fluid pressure to drive motion both in a first direction (e.g.. the first direction 234) and in a second direction (e.g., the second direction 236). In this example, the diaphragm actuator 216 includes an example diaphragm 218 defining first and second example chambers 220, 222 in the diaphragm actuator 216. In this example, the diaphragm 218 is operatively coupled to the piston 210 via an example rod 224, such that deflection of the diaphragm 218 results in corresponding movement of the piston 210 in the cylinder 212. A first example fluid line 226 fluidly couples the pipe section 204 to the first chamber 220 of the diaphragm actuator 216, and a second example fluid line 228 fluidly couples the first chamber 220 to the first pipe 102. Additionally, a third example fluid line 230 fluidly couples the second chamber 222 of the diaphragm actuator 216 to the first pipe 104. In this example, an example valve (e.g.. a flow valve) 232 is implemented along the first fluid line 226 to control the flow of fluid between the pipe section 204 and the diaphragm actuator 216. For example, the valve 232 can move between an open position in which the valve 232 enables fluid flow between the pipe section 204 and the diaphragm actuator 216 and a closed position in which the valve 232 restricts fluid flow between the pipe section 204 and the diaphragm actuator 216. In the example of FIG. 2, the bleed line 214 is fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102 on a first side (e.g., adownstream side) of the fluid constrictor 202 and the diaphragm actuator 216 is fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102 on a second side (e.g.. an upstream side) of the fluid constrictor 202 opposite the first side.

[0022] In some examples, the diaphragm 218 can deflect (e.g., from a starting position of the diaphragm 218 shown in FIG. 2) based on a pressure differential between the first and second chambers 220, 222. For example, the diaphragm 218 deflects in a first direction 234 (e.g., toward the cylinder 212, upward in FIG. 2) when a first pressure in the first chamber 220 is greater than a second pressure in the second chamber 222. Conversely, the diaphragm 218 deflects in a second direction 236 (e.g., away from the cylinder 212, downward in FIG. 2) when the first pressure in the first chamber 220 is less than the second pressure in the second chamber 222. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, repeatedly opening and closing the valve 232 can be used to vary a pressure in the first chamber 220 of the diaphragm actuator 21 , thus causing the diaphragm 218 to deflect in the first and second directions 234, 236 in an alternating manner.

[0023] In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the deflection of the diaphragm 218 in the first and second directions 234, 236 results in corresponding motion (e.g., reciprocal motion) of the piston 210 within the cylinder 212. In some examples, the reciprocal motion of the piston 210 is used to drive recover}' of bleed gas from the gas source 106. For example, bleed gas from the gas source 106 is drawn (e g., pulled) into the cylinder 212 when the piston 210 moves in the second direction 236, and the bleed gas is expelled (e.g., pushed) from the cylinder 212 into the first pipe 102 via the bleed line 214 when the piston 210 moves in the first direction 234. In this example, check valves 238, 240 are implemented along the bleed line 214 to restrict backflow from the first pipe 102 to the cylinder 212 and / or from the cylinder 212 to the gas source 106.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a second example drive system 300 that can be used to implement the example gas recovery system 100 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the second drive system 300 includes a first example fluid constrictor (e.g., a first Venturi) 302, a second example fluid constrictor (e.g., a second Venturi) 304, and a third example fluid constrictor (e.g., a third Venturi) 306 fluidly and / or operatively coupled between the first pipe 102 and the gas source 106, where the fluid constrictors 302, 304, 306 can be used to draw bleed gas from the gas source 106 and provide the bleed gas to the first pipe 102.

[0025] In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the first fluid constrictor 302 is implemented along the first pipe 102, and includes a first example pipe section 308 coupled between first example nozzles 310, 312. In particular, the first nozzles 310, 312 are tapered from the first pipe 102 to the first pipe section 308. such that a first diameter of the first pipe section 308 is less than a second diameter (e g., between 16 inches and 48 inches, less than 16 inches, etc.) of thefirst pipe 102. In the example of FIG. 3, as fluid (e.g., gas) flows from the first pipe 102 into and through the first pipe section 308 (e.g., in an example direction 314 of FIG. 3), the reduction in diameter from the first pipe 102 to the first pipe section 308 causes the fluid to reduce in pressure and increase in velocity in the first pipe section 308. As a result, the fluid in the first pipe section 308 is at a first pressure (e.g., 1300 psi, 1350 psi, 1400 psi. etc.) less than a second pressure (e.g., 1450 psi, 1500 psi, 1550 psi, etc.) of the first pipe 102.

[0026] In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, a first example tap line (e.g., a first bypass line) 316 is fluidly coupled between the first pipe section 308 and a first location 317 of the first pipe 102, where the first location 317 is upstream relative to the first fluid constrictor 302. In this example, the first tap line 316 has a third example diameter less than the first diameter of the first pipe section 308 and / or less than the second diameter of the first pipe 102. In this example, the second fluid constrictor 304 is implemented along the first tap line 316, and includes a second example pipe section 318 coupled between second example nozzles 320, 322. In this example, the second nozzles 320, 322 are tapered from the first tap line 316 to the second pipe section 318, such that a fourth diameter of the second pipe section 318 is less than the third diameter of the first tap line 316.

[0027] In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, a second example tap line (e.g., a second bypass line) 324 is fluidly coupled between the second pipe section 318 and a second location 325 of the first tap line 316, where the second location 325 is upstream relative to the second fluid constrictor 304. In this example, the second tap line 324 has a fifth example diameter less than the fourth diameter of the second pipe section 318 and / or less than the third diameter of the first tap line 316. In this example, the third fluid constrictor 306 is implemented along the second tap line 324, and includes a third example pipe section 326 coupled between third example nozzles 328, 330. In this example, the third nozzles 328. 330 are tapered from the second tap line 324 to the third pipe section 326, such that a sixth diameter of the third pipe section 326 is less than the fifth diameter of the second tap line 324. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the gas source 106 is fluidly coupled to the third pipe section 326 via the example bleed line 114. In this example, a seventh diameter of the bleed line 114 is less than or equal to the sixth diameter of the third pipe section 326.

[0028] In operation, flow of gas through the first pipe 102 results in suction of bleed gas from the gas source 106 and into the first pipe 102. For example, a first flow of gas through the first pipe 102 and / or the first fluid constrictor 302 (e.g., in the direction 314) produces a first pressure differential between the first pipe section 308 and the first location 317 of the first pipe 102. In turn, the first differential pressure produces a second flow of gas (e.g., causes suction ofthe gas) from the first location 317 to the first pipe section 308 through the first tap line 316 and the second fluid constrictor 304. In such examples, the second flow through the first tap line 316 and / or the second fluid constrictor 304 is at a reduced pressure and / or reduced flow rate compared to the first flow through the first pipe 102 and / or the first fluid constrictor 302. Further, the flow of gas through the first tap line 316 and / or the second fluid constrictor 304 produces a second pressure differential between the second pipe section 318 of the second fluid constrictor 304 and the second location 325 of the first tap line 316. In turn, the second differential pressure produces a third flow of gas (e.g., causes suction of the gas) from the second location 325 to the second pipe section 318 through the second tap line 324 and / or the third fluid constrictor 306. In such examples, the third flow through the second tap line 316 and / or the third fluid constrictor 306 is at a reduced pressure and / or reduced flow rate compared to the first flow through the first pipe 102 and / or the second flow through the first tap line 316.

[0029] In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the third flow of gas through the second tap line 316 and the third fluid constrictor produces a negative pressure differential between the third pipe section 326 of the third fluid constrictor 306 and the gas source 106. In some examples, the negative pressure differential is between 0.5 psi and 1 psi less than an output pressure from the gas source 106. In some examples, the negative pressure differential can be different (e.g., greater than 1 psi, less than 0.5 psi, etc.). In some examples, the negative pressure differential causes suction of bleed gas from the gas source 106 and into the third pipe section 326. The bleed gas can further flow into the second pipe section 318 via the second tap line 324. and into the first pipe section 308 via the first tap line 316. As such, the bleed gas can be provided and / or returned to the first pipe 102 instead of vented and / or released to the atmosphere.

[0030] In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the first tap line 316 and the second fluid constrictor 304 correspond to a first example differential pressure circuit, and the second tap line 324 and the third fluid constrictor 306 correspond to a second example differential pressure circuit. Stated differently, three fluid constrictors (e.g., the first, second, and third fluid constrictors 302, 304, 306) are plumbed in parallel in this example. In some examples, a different number (e.g.. 1. 2, 4 or more, etc.) of the fluid constrictors may be used instead. For example, the second drive system 300 of FIG. 3 can include a different number of the differential pressure circuits coupled between the gas source 106 and the first pipe 102. For example, one or more additional differential pressure circuits can be coupled between the gas source 106 and the first pipe 102 to adjust a pressure differential therebetween. In some examples, the first differential pressure circuit (e g., the first tap line 31 and the second fluidconstrictor 304) and / or the second differential pressure circuit (e.g.. the second tap line 324 and the third fluid constrictor 306) may be omitted, such that the bleed line 114 is coupled (e.g., directly coupled) to the second fluid constrictor 304 and / or the first fluid constrictor 302.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a third example drive system 400 that can be used to implement the example gas recovery system 100 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, the third drive system 400 includes an example fluid constrictor (e.g., a Venturi) 402 implemented along the first pipe 102. In this example, the fluid constrictor 402 includes an example pipe section 404 coupled between example nozzles 406, 408. In particular, the nozzles 406, 408 are tapered from the first pipe 102 to the pipe section 404, such that a first diameter of the pipe section 404 is less than a second diameter of the first pipe 102. In the example of FIG. 4, as fluid (e.g., gas) flows from the first pipe 102 into and through the pipe section 404 (e.g., in an example direction 410 of FIG. 4), the reduction in diameter from the first pipe 102 to the pipe section 404 causes the fluid to reduce in pressure and increase in velocity in the pipe section 404. As a result, the fluid in the pipe section 404 is at a first pressure (e.g., 1300 psi, 1350 psi, 1400 psi, etc.) less than a second pressure (e.g., 1450 psi, 1500 psi, 1550 psi. etc.) of the first pipe 102.

[0032] In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, an example tap line (e.g., a bypass line) 412 is fluidly coupled between the pipe section 404 and a first location 414 of the first pipe 102, where the first location 414 is upstream relative to the fluid constrictor 402. Further, the example bleed line 114 is fluidly coupled between the gas source 106 and the first pipe 102, where the bleed line 114 is coupled to a location of the first pipe 102 between the fluid constrictor 402 and the first location 414. In the example of FIG. 4, and example turbine 416 is operatively coupled between the tap line 412 and the bleed line 114. In particular, the turbine 416 includes first example turbine blades 418 positioned in the tap line 412, second example turbine blades 420 positioned in the bleed line 114, and an example shaft 422 operatively coupled between the first and second turbine blades 418, 420. In some examples, the shaft 422 translates rotational motion between the first and second turbine blades 418, 420, such that the first and second turbine blades 418, 420 rotate together.

[0033] In operation, flow of gas through the first pipe 102 results in suction of bleed gas from the gas source 106 and into the first pipe 102. For example, a first flow of gas through the first pipe 102 and / or the fluid constrictor 402 (e.g., in the direction 410) produces a first pressure differential betw een the pipe section 404 and the first location 414 of the first pipe 102. In turn, the first differential pressure produces a second flow of gas (e.g., causes suction of the gas) from the first location 414 to the pipe section 404 through the tap line 412. In some examples, the second flow of gas through the tap line 412 drives rotation of the first turbine blades 418. Therotation of the first turbine blades 418 drives corresponding rotation of the second turbine blades 420 in the bleed line 114. In such examples, the second turbine blades 420 draw and compress bleed gas from the gas source 106, and provide the compressed bleed gas into the pipe section 404 to mix with the gas therein. In some examples, the second turbine blades 420 compress the bleed gas to a third example pressure (e.g., 1500 psi or above) greater than the first pressure in the pipe section 404 and / or the second pressure in the first pipe 102.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a flowchart representative of an example method 500 to produce the first example drive system 200 of FIG. 2. Although the example method is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 5, many other methods may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and / or some of the blocks described may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated, and / or implemented in any other way. Further, in some examples, additional processing operations can be performed before, between, and / or after any of the blocks represented in the illustrated example.

[0035] The example method 500 of FIG. 5 begins at block 502, at which the example fluid constrictor 202 of FIG. 2 is positioned along an example pipe (e.g., the first example pipe 102 of FIG. 1). For example, example nozzles 206, 208 are coupled to the first pipe 102, and an example pipe section 204 is coupled between the nozzles 206, 208 to produce the fluid constrictor 202 of FIG. 2. In some examples, as fluid in the pipe 102 flows through the fluid constrictor 202, the fluid constrictor 202 causes a pressure of the fluid to drop and / or causes a velocity of the fluid to increase. As a result, the fluid in the pipe section 204 of the fluid constrictor 202 is at a first pressure less than a second pressure of the fluid in the pipe 102.

[0036] At block 504, the example cylinder 212 is fluidly coupled between the example gas source 106 and the first pipe 102. For example, the cylinder 212 is implemented along the example bleed line 214 fluidly coupled between the gas source 106 and afirst portion of the first pipe 102 on a first side of the fluid constrictor 202. In some examples, bleed gas from the gas source 106 can flow to the cylinder 212 and / or the bleed gas can flow from the cylinder 212 to the first pipe 102.

[0037] At block 506. the example piston 210 of FIG. 2 is positioned in the example cylinder 212. For example, the piston 210 is positioned in and / or slidable within the cylinder 212 along the first and second directions 234, 236 of FIG. 2. In some examples, reciprocal motion of the piston 210 within the cylinder 212 can be used to draw bleed gas from the gas source 106 into the cylinder 212 and pump the bleed gas from the cylinder 212 into the first pipe 102.

[0038] At block 508. the example diaphragm actuator 216 of FIG. 2 is fluidly coupled between the fluid constrictor 202 and the first pipe 102. For example, the first chamber 220 ofthe diaphragm actuator 216 is fluidly coupled to the pipe section 204 of the fluid constrictor 202 and is further fluidly coupled to a second portion of the first pipe 102 on a second side of the fluid constrictor 202 (e.g., opposite the first side). Further, the second chamber 222 of the diaphragm actuator 216 is fluidly coupled to the second portion of the first pipe 102. In some examples, the first chamber 220 is fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102 at a first location, and the second chamber 222 is fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102 at a second location upstream relative to the first location.

[0039] At block 510, the example valve 232 of FIG. 2 is fluidly coupled between the fluid constrictor 202 and the diaphragm actuator 216. For example, valve 232 is implemented along the first fluid line 226 between the first chamber 220 of the diaphragm actuator 216 and the pipe section 204 of the fluid constrictor 202. In some examples, by repeatedly opening and closing the valve 232, a relative pressure between the first and second chambers 220, 222 of the diaphragm actuator 216 can be adjusted to cause deflection of the diaphragm 218 (e.g., along the first and second directions 234, 236 of FIG. 2).

[0040] At block 512. the example diaphragm actuator 216 is operatively coupled to the example piston 210. For example, the example rod 224 of FIG. 2 operatively couples the diaphragm 218 of the diaphragm actuator 216 to the piston 210, such that deflection of the diaphragm 218 results in corresponding movement (e.g., reciprocal motion) of the piston 210 within the cylinder 212, and. thus, causes bleed gas to be drawn from the gas source 106 and provided to the first pipe 102.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a flowchart representative of an example method 600 to produce the second example drive system 300 of FIG. 3. Although the example method is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6, many other methods may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and / or some of the blocks described may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated, and / or implemented in any other way. Further, in some examples, additional processing operations can be performed before, between, and / or after any of the blocks represented in the illustrated example.

[0042] The example method 600 of FIG. 6 begins at block 602, at which the first example fluid constrictor 302 of FIG. 3 is positioned along an example pipe (e.g., the first example pipe 102 of FIG. 1). For example, the first example nozzles 310, 312 are coupled to the first pipe 102, and the first example pipe section 308 is coupled between the first nozzles 310, 312 to produce the first fluid constrictor 302 of FIG. 3. In some examples, as gas from the first pipe 102 flows through the first fluid constrictor 302, a pressure of the gas drops and / or a velocity of the gas increases. As a result, the gas in the first pipe section 308 of the first fluidconstrictor 302 is at a first pressure (e.g., less than 900 psi, less than 1400 psi, etc.) less than a second pressure (e.g., between 900 psi and 1500 psi) of the gas in the first pipe 102.

[0043] At block 604, the first example tap line 316 of FIG. 3 is fluidly coupled between the first fluid constrictor 302 and the first pipe 102. For example, the first tap line 316 is fluidly coupled to the first pipe section 308 of the first fluid constrictor 302 and further fluidly coupled to the first location 317 of the first pipe 102. where the first location 317 is upstream relative to the first fluid constrictor 302. In some examples, a first pressure differential between the first pipe 102 and the first fluid constrictor 302 generates a second flow of gas through the first tap line 316 from the first location 317 to the first pipe section 308.

[0044] At block 606, the second example fluid constrictor 304 of FIG. 3 is positioned along the first tap line 316. For example, the second example nozzles 320, 322 are coupled to the first tap line 31 , and the second example pipe section 318 is coupled between the second nozzles 320, 322 to produce the second fluid constrictor 304 of FIG. 3. In some examples, a pressure of the second flow' of gas drops as the gas flows from the first tap line 316 through the second fluid constrictor 304. As a result, the gas in the second pipe section 318 of the second fluid constrictor 304 is at a third pressure less than a fourth pressure of the gas in the first tap line 316.

[0045] At block 608, the second example tap line 324 of FIG. 3 is fluidly coupled between the second fluid constrictor 304 and the first tap line 316. For example, the second tap line 324 is fluidly coupled to the second pipe section 318 of the second fluid constrictor 304 and further fluidly coupled to the second location 325 of the first tap line 316, where the second location 325 is upstream relative to the second fluid constrictor 304. In some examples, a second pressure differential between the first tap line 316 and the second fluid constrictor 304 generates a third flow of gas through the second tap line 324 from the second location 325 to the second pipe section 318.

[0046] At block 610, the third example fluid constrictor 306 of FIG. 3 is positioned along the second tap line 324. For example, the third example nozzles 328, 330 are coupled to the second tap line 324, and the third example pipe section 326 is coupled between the third nozzles 328, 330 to produce the third fluid constrictor 306 of FIG. 3. In some examples, a pressure of the third flow of gas drops as the gas flows from the second tap line 324 through the third fluid constrictor 306. As a result, the gas in the third pipe section 326 of the third fluid constrictor 306 is at a fifth pressure less than a sixth pressure of the gas in the second tap line 324.

[0047] At block 612, the third fluid constrictor 306 is fluidly coupled to the gas source 106. For example, the bleed line 114 fluidly couples the gas source 106 to the third pipe section 326 of the third fluid constrictor 306. In some examples, as a result of a negative pressure differential between the gas source 106 and the third fluid constrictor 306, bleed gas is drawn from the gas source 106 to the third fluid constrictor 306, and the bleed gas can further flow into the first pipe 102 via the first and second tap lines 316, 324. In some examples, the negative pressure differential is between 0.5 psi and 1 psi less than an output pressure from the gas source 106. In some examples, the negative pressure differential can be different (e.g., greater than 1 psi, less than 0.5 psi, etc.).

[0048] FIG. 7 is a flowchart representative of an example method 700 to produce the third example drive system 400 of FIG. 4. Although the example method is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7, many other methods may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and / or some of the blocks described may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated, and / or implemented in any other way. Further, in some examples, additional processing operations can be performed before, between, and / or after any of the blocks represented in the illustrated example.

[0049] The example method 700 of FIG. 7 begins at block 702, at which the example fluid constrictor 402 of FIG. 4 is positioned along an example pipe (e.g., the first example pipe 102 of FIG. 1). For example, the example nozzles 406, 408 are coupled to the first pipe 102, and the example pipe section 404 is coupled between the nozzles 406. 408 to produce the fluid constrictor 402 of FIG. 4. In some examples, as gas from the first pipe 102 flows through the fluid constrictor 402, a pressure of the gas drops and / or a velocity of the gas increases. As a result, the gas in the pipe section 404 of the fluid constrictor 402 is at a first pressure less than a second pressure of the gas in the first pipe 102.

[0050] At block 704, the example tap line 412 of FIG. 4 is fluidly coupled between the fluid constrictor 402 and the first pipe 102. For example, the tap line 412 is fluidly coupled to the pipe section 404 of the fluid constrictor 402 and further fluidly coupled to the first location 414 of the first pipe 102. where the first location 414 is upstream relative to the fluid constrictor 402. In some examples, a first pressure differential between the first pipe 102 and the fluid constrictor 402 generates a second flow of gas through the tap line 412 from the first location 414 to the pipe section 404.

[0051] At block 706, the example bleed line 114 is fluidly coupled between the first pipe 102 and the gas source 106. For example, the bleed line 114 is coupled to the gas source 106 and further fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102. In some examples, the bleed line 1 14 is fluidlycoupled to the first pipe 102 at a location between the fluid constrictor 402 and the first location 414.

[0052] At block 708, the example turbine 416 of FIG. 4 is operatively coupled between the tap line 412 and the bleed line 114. For example, the first example turbine blades 418 of the turbine 416 are positioned in the tap line 412, and the second example turbine blades 420 of the turbine 416 are positioned in the bleed line 114. In some examples, the second flow of gas through the tap line 412 drives rotation of the first turbine blades 418, and the rotation of the first turbine blades 418 is translated to the second turbine blades 420 via the example shaft 422 operatively coupled between the first and second turbine blades 418, 420. As a result, the rotation of the first turbine blades 418 drives rotation of the second turbine blades 420 within the bleed line 114. In some examples, the second turbine blades 420 draw and compress bleed gas from the gas source 106, and provide the compressed bleed gas into the pipe section 404 to mix with the gas therein.

[0053] In some examples, means for constricting can be implemented by the fluid constrictor 202 of FIG. 2, the first fluid constrictor 302 of FIG. 3. the second fluid constrictor 304 of FIG. 3, the third fluid constrictor 306 of FIG. 3, and / or fluid constrictor 402 of FIG. 4. In some examples, means for enabling fluid flow can be implemented by the pipe 102 of FIGS. 1, 2, and / or 3, the bleed line 114 of FIGS. 1, 3, and / or 4, the first fluid line 226 of FIG. 2, the second fluid line 228 of FIG. 2, the bleed line 214 of FIG. 2, the third fluid line 230 of FIG. 2, the first tap line 316 of FIG. 3. the second tap line 324 of FIG. 3, and / or the tap line 412 of FIG. 4. In some examples, means for driving can be implemented by the diaphragm actuator 216 of FIG. 2, the second fluid constrictor 304 of FIG. 3, the third fluid constrictor 306 of FIG. 3, and / or the turbine 416 of FIG. 4. In some examples, means for receiving fluid can be implemented by the cylinder 212 of FIG. 2, the first chamber 220 of FIG. 2, and / or the second chamber 222 of FIG. 2. In some examples, means for expelling fluid can be implemented by the piston 210 of FIG. 2.

[0054] “Including’" and “comprising” (and all forms and tenses thereol) are used herein to be open ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim employs any form of “include” or “comprise” (e.g.. comprises, includes, comprising, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within a claim recitation of any kind, it is to be understood that additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without falling outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase “at least” is used as the transition term in, for example, a preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” and “including” are open ended. The term “and / or” when used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and / or C refers to anycombination or subset of A, B. C such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) B with C, or (7) A with B and with C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and / or things, the phrase '‘at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and / or things, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0055] As used herein, singular references (e.g.. “a”, “an”, “first”, “second”, etc.) do not exclude a plurality. The term “a” or “an” object, as used herein, refers to one or more of that object. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more”, and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements, or actions maybe implemented by, e.g., the same entity or object. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may possibly be combined, and the inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous.

[0056] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term “above” describes the relationship of two parts relative to Earth. A first part is above a second part, if the second part has at least one part between Earth and the first part. Likewise, as used herein, a first part is “below” a second part when the first part is closer to the Earth than the second part. As noted above, a first part can be above or below a second part with one or more of: other parts therebetween, without other parts therebetween, with the first and second parts touching, or without the first and second parts being in direct contact with one another.

[0057] As used in this patent, stating that any part (e.g., a layer, film, area, region, or plate) is in any way on (e.g., positioned on, located on, disposed on, or formed on, etc.) another part, indicates that the referenced part is either in contact with the other part, or that the referenced part is above the other part with one or more intermediate part(s) located therebetween.

[0058] As used herein, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) may include intermediate members between the elements referenced by the connection reference and / or relative movement between those elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and / or in fixed relation to each other. As used herein, stating that any part is in “contact"’ with another part is defined to mean that there is no intermediate part between the two parts.

[0059] Unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptors such as "‘first,” "second,” “third,” etc., are used herein without imputing or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or ordering in any way, but are merely used as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as “second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used merely for identifying those elements distinctly within the context of the discussion (e.g., within a claim) in which the elements might, for example, otherwise share a same name.

[0060] As used herein, “approximately” and “about” modify their subjects / values to recognize the potential presence of variations that occur in real w orld applications. For example, “approximately” and “about"’ may modify dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other real world imperfections as will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “approximately” and “about” may indicate such dimensions may be within a tolerance range of + / - 10% unless otherwise specified herein.

[0061] As used herein “substantially real time” refers to occurrence in a near instantaneous manner recognizing there may be real world delays for computing time, transmission, etc. Thus, unless otherwise specified, “substantially real time” refers to real time + 1 second.

[0062] As used herein, the phrase “in communication,” including variations thereof, encompasses direct communication and / or indirect communication through one or more intermediary components, and does not require direct physical (e.g., wired) communication and / or constant communication, but rather additionally includes selective communication at periodic intervals, scheduled intervals, aperiodic intervals, and / or one-time events.

[0063] As used herein, “programmable circuitry ” is defined to include (i) one or more special purpose electrical circuits (e.g., an application specific circuit (ASIC)) structured to perform specific operation(s) and including one or more semiconductor-based logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors), and / or (ii) one or moregeneral purpose semiconductor-based electrical circuits programmable with instructions to perform specific functions(s) and / or operation(s) and including one or more semiconductorbased logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors). Examples of programmable circuitry include programmable microprocessors such as Central Processor Units (CPUs) that may execute first instructions to perform one or more operations and / or functions. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that may be programmed with second instructions to cause configuration and / or structuring of the FPGAs to instantiate one or more operations and / or functions corresponding to the first instructions, Graphics Processor Units (GPUs) that may execute first instructions to perform one or more operations and / or functions, Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) that may execute first instructions to perform one or more operations and / or functions, XPUs, Network Processing Units (NPUs) one or more microcontrollers that may execute first instructions to perform one or more operations and / or functions and / or integrated circuits such as Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). For example, an XPU may be implemented by a heterogeneous computing system including multiple types of programmable circuitry (e.g., one or more FPGAs, one or more CPUs, one or more GPUs, one or more NPUs, one or more DSPs, etc., and / or any combination(s) thereof), and orchestration technology (e.g., application programming interface(s) (API(s)) that may assign computing task(s) to whichever one(s) of the multiple types of programmable circuitry is / are suited and available to perform the computing task(s).

[0064] As used herein integrated circuit / circuitry is defined as one or more semiconductor packages containing one or more circuit elements such as transistors, capacitors, inductors, resistors, current paths, diodes, etc. For example an integrated circuit may be implemented as one or more of an ASIC, an FPGA, a chip, a microchip, programmable circuitry, a semiconductor substrate coupling multiple circuit elements, a system on chip (SoC), etc.

[0065] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that example systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods have been disclosed that capture bleed gas from a gas source (e.g., one or more gas-operated devices) and return the captured bleed gas to a pipeline. Examples disclosed herein implement an example fluid constrictor along an example pipe, and an example tap line fluidly coupled between the fluid constrictor and the pipe. In examples disclosed herein, an example drive device is implemented along the tap line, where the drive device includes one or more second example fluid constrictors, an example turbine, and / or an example diaphragm actuator operatively coupled to an example piston. In some examples, a differential pressure between the fluid constrictor and the pipe produces gas flow in the tap lineto drive operation of the drive device. In such examples, operation of the drive device draws bleed gas from the gas source and directs the bleed gas to the pipe. Advantageously, the disclosed systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture reduce emission of bleed gas into the atmosphere, which reduces environmental harm, economic waste, and / or risk of accidental combustion compared to venting of the bleed gas.

[0066] Example Venturi-driven pressure differential systems and methods are disclosed herein. Further examples and combinations thereof include the following:

[0067] Example 1 includes an apparatus comprising a fluid constrictor positioned along a pipe, a tap line fluidly coupled between the fluid constrictor and a first location of the pipe, the first location upstream relative to the fluid constrictor, and a drive device positioned along the tap line, a differential pressure between the fluid constrictor and the first location to drive operation of the drive device, the operation of the drive device to draw bleed gas from a bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the pipe.

[0068] Example 2 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the pipe has a first diameter, the fluid constrictor including a pipe section coupled between a first nozzle and a second nozzle, the pipe section having a second diameter less than the first diameter, the drive device coupled to the pipe section.

[0069] Example 3 includes the apparatus of example 1, further including a bleed line fluidly coupled between the bleed gas source and a second location of the pipe, the second location downstream relative to the fluid constrictor, a cylinder positioned along the bleed line, and a piston positioned in and movable within the cylinder, the piston operatively coupled to the drive device, the operation of the drive device to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder, the reciprocal motion of the piston to draw the bleed gas from the bleed gas source to the cylinder and expel the bleed gas from the cylinder to the second location of the pipe.

[0070] Example 4 includes the apparatus of example 3, wherein the drive device includes a first chamber fluidly coupled to the tap line, a second chamber fluidly coupled to the first location of the pipe, and a diaphragm positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber, the diaphragm coupled to the piston via a rod. the diaphragm to deflect based on a difference between a first pressure in the first chamber and a second pressure in the second chamber, the deflection of the diaphragm to drive the reciprocal motion of the piston.

[0071] Example 5 includes the apparatus of example 4, further including a valve positioned along the tap line between the fluid constrictor and the first chamber, the valve to repeatedly open and close to vary the first pressure in the first chamber.

[0072] Example 6 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the fluid constrictor is a first fluid constrictor, the drive device including a second fluid constrictor fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source.

[0073] Example 7 includes the apparatus of example 6, wherein the tap line is a first tap line, further including a second tap line fluidly coupled between the second fluid constrictor and a third location of the first tap line, the third location upstream of the second fluid constrictor, and a third fluid constrictor positioned along the second tap line and fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source.

[0074] Example 8 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the drive device includes a turbine, the turbine including first turbine blades positioned in the tap line, the differential pressure to drive rotation of the first turbine blades, second turbine blades positioned in a bleed line fluidly coupled between the bleed gas source and the first location, and a shaft operatively coupled between the first turbine blades and the second turbine blades, the rotation of the first turbine blades to drive rotation of the second turbine blades via the shaft, the rotation of the second turbine blades to cause the bleed gas to flow from the bleed gas source to the pipe via the bleed line.

[0075] Example 9 includes a method comprising positioning a fluid constrictor along a pipe, fluidly coupling a tap line between the fluid constrictor and a first location of the pipe, the first location upstream relative to the fluid constrictor, and positioning a drive device along the tap line, a differential pressure between the fluid constrictor and the first location to drive operation of the drive device, the operation of the drive device to draw bleed gas from a bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the pipe.

[0076] Example 10 includes the method of example 9, wherein the pipe has a first diameter, the fluid constrictor including a pipe section coupled between a first nozzle and a second nozzle, the pipe section having a second diameter less than the first diameter, the drive device coupled to the pipe section.

[0077] Example 11 includes the method of example 9, further including fluidly coupling a bleed line between the bleed gas source and a second location of the pipe, the second location downstream relative to the fluid constrictor, positioning a cylinder along the bleed line, positioning a piston in the cylinder, and operatively coupling the piston to the drive device, the operation of the drive device to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder, the reciprocal motion of the piston to draw the bleed gas from the bleed gas source to the cylinder and expel the bleed gas from the cylinder to the second location of the pipe.

[0078] Example 12 includes the method of example 11, further including positioning a diaphragm in the drive device to define a first chamber and a second chamber of the drive device, fluidly coupling the first chamber to the tap line, fluidly coupling the second chamber to the first location of the pipe, and coupling the diaphragm to the piston via a rod, the diaphragm to deflect based on a difference between a first pressure in the first chamber and a second pressure in the second chamber, the deflection of the diaphragm to drive the reciprocal motion of the piston.

[0079] Example 13 includes the method of example 12, further including positioning a valve along the tap line between the fluid constrictor and the first chamber, the valve to repeatedly open and close to vary the first pressure in the first chamber.

[0080] Example 14 includes the method of example 9, wherein the fluid constrictor is a first fluid constrictor, the drive device including a second fluid constrictor fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source.

[0081] Example 15 includes the method of example 14, wherein the tap line is a first tap line, further including fluidly coupling a second tap line between the second fluid constrictor and a third location of the first tap line, the third location upstream of the second fluid constrictor, positioning a third fluid constrictor along the second tap line, and fluidly coupling the third fluid constrictor to the bleed gas source.

[0082] Example 16 includes the method of example 9, wherein the drive device includes a turbine, the turbine including first turbine blades operatively coupled to second turbine blades via a shaft, further including positioning the first turbine blades in the tap line, the differential pressure to drive rotation of the first turbine blades, and positioning the second turbine blades in a bleed line fluidly coupled between the bleed gas source and the first location, the rotation of the first turbine blades to drive rotation of the second turbine blades via the shaft, the rotation of the second turbine blades to cause the bleed gas to flow from the bleed gas source to the pipe via the bleed line.

[0083] Example 17 includes an apparatus comprising means for constricting positioned along first means for enabling fluid flow, second means for enabling fluid flow fluidly coupled between the means for constricting and a first location of the first means for enabling fluid flow, the first location upstream relative to the means for constricting, and means for driving positioned along the second means for enabling fluid flow, a differential pressure between the means for constricting and the first location to drive operation of the means for driving, the operation of the means for driving to draw bleed gas from a bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the first means for enabling fluid flow.

[0084] Example 18 includes the apparatus of example 17, further including third means for enabling fluid flow fluidly coupled between the bleed gas source and a second location of the first means for enabling fluid flow, the second location downstream relative to the means for constricting, means for receiving fluid positioned along the third means for enabling fluid flow, and means for expelling fluid positioned in and movable within the means for receiving fluid, the means for expelling fluid operatively coupled to the means for driving, the operation of the means for driving to drive reciprocal motion of the means for expelling fluid in the means for receiving fluid, the reciprocal motion of the means for expelling fluid to draw the bleed gas from the bleed gas source to the means for receiving fluid and expel the bleed gas from the means for receiving fluid to the second location of the first means for enabling fluid flow.

[0085] Example 19 includes the apparatus of example 17. wherein the means for constricting corresponds to first means for constricting, the means for driving including second means for constricting fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source.

[0086] Example 20 includes the apparatus of example 19, further including third means for enabling fluid flow fluidly coupled between the second means for constricting and a third location of the second means for enabling fluid flow; the third location upstream of the second means for constricting, and third means for constricting positioned along the third means for enabling fluid flow and fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source.

[0087] The following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference. Although certain example systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. An apparatus comprising: a fluid constrictor positioned along a pipe; a tap line fluidly coupled between the fluid constrictor and a first location of the pipe, the first location upstream relative to the fluid constrictor; and a drive device positioned along the tap line, a differential pressure between the fluid constrictor and the first location to drive operation of the drive device, the operation of the drive device to draw bleed gas from a bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the pipe.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pipe has a first diameter, the fluid constrictor including a pipe section coupled between a first nozzle and a second nozzle, the pipe section having a second diameter less than the first diameter, the drive device coupled to the pipe section.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: a bleed line fluidly coupled between the bleed gas source and a second location of the pipe, the second location downstream relative to the fluid constrictor; a cylinder positioned along the bleed line; and a piston positioned in and movable within the cylinder, the piston operatively coupled to the drive device, the operation of the drive device to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder, the reciprocal motion of the piston to draw the bleed gas from the bleed gas source to the cylinder and expel the bleed gas from the cylinder to the second location of the pipe.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the drive device includes: a first chamber fluidly coupled to the tap line; a second chamber fluidly coupled to the first location of the pipe; and a diaphragm positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber, the diaphragm coupled to the piston via a rod, the diaphragm to deflect based on a difference between a first pressure in the first chamber and a second pressure in the second chamber, the deflection of the diaphragm to drive the reciprocal motion of the piston.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further including a valve positioned along the tap line between the fluid constrictor and the first chamber, the valve to repeatedly open and close to vary the first pressure in the first chamber.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid constrictor is a first fluid constrictor, the drive device including a second fluid constrictor fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the tap line is a first tap line, further including:a second tap line fluidly coupled between the second fluid constrictor and a third location of the first tap line, the third location upstream of the second fluid constrictor; and a third fluid constrictor positioned along the second tap line and fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drive device includes a turbine, the turbine including: first turbine blades positioned in the tap line, the differential pressure to drive rotation of the first turbine blades; second turbine blades positioned in a bleed line fluidly coupled between the bleed gas source and the first location; and a shaft operatively coupled between the first turbine blades and the second turbine blades, the rotation of the first turbine blades to drive rotation of the second turbine blades via the shaft, the rotation of the second turbine blades to cause the bleed gas to flow from the bleed gas source to the pipe via the bleed line.

9. A method comprising: positioning a fluid constrictor along a pipe; fluidly coupling a tap line between the fluid constrictor and a first location of the pipe, the first location upstream relative to the fluid constrictor; and positioning a drive device along the tap line, a differential pressure between the fluid constrictor and the first location to drive operation of the drive device, the operation of the drive device to draw bleed gas from a bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the pipe.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the pipe has a first diameter, the fluid constrictor including a pipe section coupled between a first nozzle and a second nozzle, the pipe section having a second diameter less than the first diameter, the drive device coupled to the pipe section.

11. The method of claim 9, further including: fluidly coupling a bleed line between the bleed gas source and a second location of the pipe, the second location downstream relative to the fluid constrictor; positioning a cylinder along the bleed line; positioning a piston in the cylinder; and operatively coupling the piston to the drive device, the operation of the drive device to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder, the reciprocal motion of the piston to draw the bleed gas from the bleed gas source to the cylinder and expel the bleed gas from the cylinder to the second location of the pipe.

12. The method of claim 11, further including: positioning a diaphragm in the drive device to define a first chamber and a second chamber of the drive device; fluidly coupling the first chamber to the tap line; fluidly coupling the second chamber to the first location of the pipe; and coupling the diaphragm to the piston via a rod, the diaphragm to deflect based on a difference between a first pressure in the first chamber and a second pressure in the second chamber, the deflection of the diaphragm to drive the reciprocal motion of the piston.

13. The method of claim 12, further including positioning a valve along the tap line between the fluid constrictor and the first chamber, the valve to repeatedly open and close to vary the first pressure in the first chamber.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the fluid constrictor is a first fluid constrictor, the drive device including a second fluid constrictor fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the tap line is a first tap line, further including: fluidly coupling a second tap line between the second fluid constrictor and a third location of the first tap line, the third location upstream of the second fluid constrictor; positioning a third fluid constrictor along the second tap line; and fluidly coupling the third fluid constrictor to the bleed gas source.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the drive device includes a turbine, the turbine including first turbine blades operatively coupled to second turbine blades via a shaft, further including: positioning the first turbine blades in the tap line, the differential pressure to drive rotation of the first turbine blades; and positioning the second turbine blades in a bleed line fluidly coupled between the bleed gas source and the first location, the rotation of the first turbine blades to drive rotation of the second turbine blades via the shaft, the rotation of the second turbine blades to cause the bleed gas to flow from the bleed gas source to the pipe via the bleed line.

17. An apparatus comprising: means for constricting positioned along first means for enabling fluid flow; second means for enabling fluid flow fluidly coupled between the means for constricting and a first location of the first means for enabling fluid flow, the first location upstream relative to the means for constricting; and means for driving positioned along the second means for enabling fluid flow, a differential pressure between the means for constricting and the first location to drive operationof the means for driving, the operation of the means for driving to draw bleed gas from a bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the first means for enabling fluid flow.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further including: third means for enabling fluid flow fluidly coupled between the bleed gas source and a second location of the first means for enabling fluid flow, the second location downstream relative to the means for constricting; means for receiving fluid positioned along the third means for enabling fluid flow; and means for expelling fluid positioned in and movable within the means for receiving fluid, the means for expelling fluid operatively coupled to the means for driving, the operation of the means for driving to drive reciprocal motion of the means for expelling fluid in the means for receiving fluid, the reciprocal motion of the means for expelling fluid to draw the bleed gas from the bleed gas source to the means for receiving fluid and expel the bleed gas from the means for receiving fluid to the second location of the first means for enabling fluid flow.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the means for constricting corresponds to first means for constricting, the means for driving including second means for constricting fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, further including: third means for enabling fluid flow fluidly coupled between the second means for constricting and a third location of the second means for enabling fluid flow, the third location upstream of the second means for constricting; and third means for constricting positioned along the third means for enabling fluid flow and fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source.

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