Sleeve signalling system

Abstract

A sleeve signalling system enables robust, mechanical and highly visible binary signalling. The system comprises an elongated signalling element comprising a signal marking, and a sleeve disposed over the signalling element. The sleeve is slidable along the elongated signalling element between a first position that covers the signal marking and a second position that uncovers the signal marking.

Description

TITLESLEEVE SIGNALLING SYSTEMFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to communication signalling systems that indicate a simple binary status of a machine, and in particular but not exclusively to a signalling system for indicating a status of a piping network, including for example a high-point vent system.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Binary signalling systems for machines are commonplace and are often used to indicate, for example, the running state (such as on or off), quality (high or low), safety (safe or unsafe), or other operating states of a machine or system.

[0003] Historically, manual flags could be raised, such as on a machine on a factory floor, to indicate that a failure had occurred and that the machine required attention. Today, electronic sensors and solid state communication devices are often used to monitor an operating state of a machine and communicate a status to an operator.

[0004] However, the added complexity, cost and power requirements of electronic sensors means that in some circumstances manual signalling systems can be superior and preferred to electronic alternatives. Examples of the need for such manual signalling systems are numerous, and one example concerns the activation of venting systems concerning Coal Seam Gas (CSG) gathering systems.

[0005] CSG gathering systems commonly use high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe for gas and water flow lines. Gas and water is typically extracted from multiple wells where gas and water is separated either “down hole” or at the surface through a separator system. The gas and water are then distributedthrough a gathering network, which is generally a complex infrastructure of polyethylene (PE) pipelines, valves, fabricated risers and manifolds. Finally, the network delivers gas to a gas compression station and water to a water pond or treatment plant.

[0006] Gathering networks can often have problems with plugging, where gas and / or water cannot pass through the network’s pipes. Efforts to avoid such problems include the installation of low point drains (LPD’s) and high-point vents (HPV’s), which are intended to remove, respectively, water plugs at low points on gas lines, and gas pockets at high points on water lines.

[0007] The CSG industry often sources “off the shelf” steel vents from the water industry for use as high-point vents, which steel vents suffer from several disadvantages. First, coal fines, clay deposits and construction debris (e.g., swarf) can cause blockages on smaller bore piping of conventional vents, leading to loss of containment and the flow of water out of the vent. Second, water associated with CSG applications is generally highly saline, leading to significant corrosion problems on steel components.

[0008] Further, the highly saline water associated with CSG applications is generally considered to be an environmental pollutant relative to neighbouring properties, such as farmland, and thus the leakage of such water onto neighbouring properties can be problematic. In particular, the failure of high point vents of the prior art, due for example to clogging or corrosion, can often lead to failed seals in the vents and the leakage of saline water into the surrounding environment.

[0009] Accordingly, improved high-point vent systems have been developed that allow gas to be freely vented from the high-point vent, while redundant sealing features ensure that saline water or other liquid pollutants cannot escape from the high-point vent. An example of such a system is described in the present Applicant’s international patent application publication WO 2022 / 099368 A1 , titled “High Point Vent System”.

[0010] However, when fail safe systems of such high-point vents are triggered by the entry of saline water into the vent, it can be important that a system operator be able to identify that it has triggered with a highly visible indicator to enable efficient remedial action, such as cleaning or reverse flushing of the high-point vent system.

[0011] There is therefore a need for an improved signalling system.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to overcome and / or alleviate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide the consumer with a useful alternative.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In one form, although not necessarily the broadest form, the invention resides in a sleeve signalling system, comprising: an elongated signalling element comprising a signal marking; and a sleeve disposed over the signalling element; wherein the sleeve is slidable along the elongated signalling element between a first position that covers the signal marking and a second position that uncovers the signal marking.

[0014] Preferably, the system includes a release mechanism connected to the sleeve, wherein a fluid flow through a pipe section triggers the release mechanism, causing the sleeve to slide along the pipe section and uncover the signal marking.

[0015] Preferably, the system further comprises a hollow tube connected between the pipe section and the release mechanism, wherein a pressure change in the pipe section changes a pressure in the hollow tube to trigger the release mechanism.

[0016] Preferably, the pipe section itself is the elongated signalling element.

[0017] Preferably, the release mechanism comprises: basket elements positioned adjacent to the elongated signalling element to define a basket; a tab connected to the sleeve and extending into the basket; a ball positioned in the basket and resting in a hole in the tab, thereby pinching the tab between the ball and the elongated signalling element to lock the sleeve in the first position; and a ball actuator; wherein movement of the ball actuator displaces the ball from the hole in the tab, thereby releasing the sleeve from the elongated signalling element, and causing the sleeve to slide to the second position.

[0018] Preferably, the ball actuator comprises a lever arm.

[0019] Preferably, gravity pulls the ball toward a bottom of the basket to lock the sleeve in the first position.

[0020] Preferably, the hollow tube is operatively connected to the lever arm, and a change in the pressure in the hollow tube moves the lever arm.

[0021] Preferably, the hollow tube is connected to a first side of an instrument isolation device, and a pin is positioned between a second side of the instrument isolation device and the lever arm.

[0022] Preferably, the system further comprises a housing that contains the basket elements, tab, ball and ball actuator.

[0023] Preferably, the signal marking is defined by at least one of the following: a colour; text; a symbol; or a pattern.

[0024] Preferably, the sleeve system is connected to a high-point vent system.

[0025] Preferably, a first end of the hollow tube is connected to a check valve subsystem of the high-point vent system, and a second end of the hollow tube is connected to the release mechanism, enabling the high-point vent system to automatically uncover the signal marking when liquid such as saline water enters the high-point vent system.

[0026] Preferably, gravity moves the sleeve along the elongated signalling element.

[0027] Preferably, the system further comprises a bias spring operatively connected to the lever arm, wherein a spring rate of the bias spring determines a value of the pressure in the hollow tube required to move the lever arm.

[0028] Preferably, the system further comprises a mass operatively connected to the lever arm, wherein the mass of the mass determines a value of the pressure in the hollow tube required to move the lever arm.

[0029] Preferably, the system further comprises a release mechanism connected to the sleeve, wherein the release mechanism translates movement of a triggering input into movement of a detent that releases the sleeve.

[0030] Preferably, movement of the triggering input or movement of the detent comprises translational or rotational movement.

[0031] Preferably, a magnitude of the movement of the triggering input is less than a magnitude of the movement of the detent, enabling a more secure retention of the sleeve disposed over the signalling element in a non-triggered state.

[0032] Preferably, the triggering input is actuated by a pressure pulse on a diaphragm.

[0033] Further forms and / or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

[0035] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a high-point vent system including a sleeve signalling system, shown in locked position, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the high-point vent system of FIG. 1 , where the sleeve signalling system is shown in an unlocked position, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 3 is a detailed isometric section view of the sleeve signalling system of FIG. 1 , shown in a locked position;

[0038] FIG. 4 is a detailed isometric section view of the sleeve signalling system of FIG. 1 , shown in an un-locked position, and where the sleeve has not yet dropped to uncover the signal marking;

[0039] FIG. 5 is a detailed isometric section view of the sleeve signalling system of FIG. 1 , shown in an un-locked position immediately following the state shown in FIG. 4, and where the sleeve has now dropped under the force of gravity to uncover the signal marking.

[0040] Skilled addressees will appreciate that the drawings may be schematic and that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The present invention relates to a sleeve signalling system. Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understand the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to provide excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

[0042] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, top and bottom, up and down, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiringor implying any actual such relationship or order. Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are intended to define a non-exclusive inclusion, such that the system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a system or apparatus.

[0043] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a sleeve signalling system, comprising: an elongated signalling element comprising a signal marking; and a sleeve disposed over the signalling element; wherein the sleeve is slidable along the elongated signalling element between a first position that covers the signal marking and a second position that uncovers the signal marking.

[0044] Other embodiments include a release mechanism connected to the signalling element, wherein a fluid flow through a pipe section triggers the release mechanism, causing the signalling element to slide along the pipe and uncover the signal marking.

[0045] And according to some embodiments, the release mechanism comprises: basket elements positioned adjacent to the elongated signalling element to define a basket; a tab connected to the sleeve and extending into the basket; a ball positioned in the basket and resting in a hole in the tab, thereby pinching the tab between the ball and the elongated signalling element to lock the sleeve in the first position; and a ball actuator; wherein movement of the ball actuator displaces the ball from the hole in the tab, thereby releasing the sleeve from the elongated signalling element, and causing the sleeve to slide to the second position.

[0046] Advantages of various embodiments of the present invention include a very robust binary signally system, which requires no electrical orelectronic sensors or communications, and which is highly visible from all sides of the system.

[0047] Various embodiments of the present invention also include the ability to use the existing pipes of a pipe network to create a highly visible signal, and where the signal is easily resettable from a second state back to a first state.

[0048] Still other advantages of some embodiments of the present invention include enabling a relatively minor pressure pulse to be transformed into a robust mechanical actuator response.

[0049] It will be appreciated that not all embodiments of the present invention necessarily include all of the above-mentioned advantages.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a high-point vent system 100 including a sleeve signalling system 105, shown in a locked position, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Excluding the sleeve signalling system 105, other features of the high-point vent system 100 are similar to the features of the high-point vent system described in the present Applicant’s international patent application publication WO 2022 / 099368 A1 , titled “High Point Vent System”, which document is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0051] The system 100 extends above a ground level 1 10, and includes a cylindrical filter 115 in the form of a longitudinal basket that is fixed in a central cavity 120. The filter 115 enables filtering and removal of debris, sludge, swarf or other waste from any fluid flowing through the central cavity 120.

[0052] In operation, undesirable gas is able to flow freely from a main pipeline underground and escape through a top of a vent pipe 125. However, if liquid such as saline water rises from the pipeline and enters the central cavity 120, a float 130 will be buoyed upward by the water and force closure of a manifold 135. Further, if for some reason the float 130 fails to function properly and liquid escapes through a top of the manifold 135, then a check valve subsystem 140 functions as a redundant “back up” sealing mechanism and prevents the liquid from escaping out the top of the vent pipe 125.

[0053] When the check valve subsystem 140 is activated, prompt servicing of the high-point vent system 100 is generally required. For example, such servicing may include a reverse flushing of the system 100. However, numerous systems 100 can be located in a single CSG gathering system, thus it sometimes can be difficult or inconvenient for site operators to detect when any given high-point vent system 100 requires servicing.

[0054] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sleeve signalling system 105 provides a robust and effective solution to the above problem. The system 105 is activated by a pressure tube 145 connected to the manifold 135 and to the sleeve signalling system 105.

[0055] Entry of water or other liquid into the manifold 135 sends a pressure pulse into the tube 145. As described in detail below, the sleeve signalling system 105 then provides a clear signal to system operators by sliding a sleeve 150 downward along the vent pipe 125, and uncovering a highly visible signal marking, such as a red coloured band that extends around the vent pipe 125.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the high-point vent system 100, where the sleeve signalling system 105 is in an unlocked position, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown, in the unlocked position the sleeve 150 has slid downward along the vent pipe 125 relative to the position shown in FIG. 1.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a detailed isometric section view of the sleeve signalling system 105, shown in a locked position. An elongated signalling element, in the form of a section of the vent pipe 125, extends above the ground vertically. The vent pipe 125 includes a signal marking (not shown) displayed on the external wall of the vent pipe 125. The signal marking can include, for example, a colour, text, a symbol, or a pattern printed on the pipe section. Specifically, the signal marking may be, for example, a bright red band that is wrapped around the entire circumference of the vent pipe 125 such that it is clearly visible from all sides of the system 100.

[0058] In the locked position as shown, the sleeve 150 is disposed over and entirely covers the signal marking on the vent pipe 125. The sleeve 150 is in the form of another pipe section having an inner diameter that is larger thanthe outer diameter of the vent pipe 125. Thus, when triggered, the sleeve 150 slides downward under the force of gravity along the vent pipe 125 to uncover and display the signal marking.

[0059] Before being triggered, the sleeve 150 is held in the locked position by a detent or release mechanism 310, which includes basket elements positioned adjacent to the elongated signalling element to define a basket 315. The basket elements include an angled plate 320, a tab 325 of the sleeve 150, and a sidewall portion 330 of a housing 335. A hole 340 in the tab 325 receives a spherical steel ball 345.

[0060] The angled plate 320 and the force of gravity on the ball 345 hold the ball 345 in the hole 340, and consequently pinch the sleeve 150 against the vent pipe 125, which prevents the sleeve 150 from sliding downward.

[0061] A bottom portion of the ball 345 rests on a first distal end 350 of a ball actuator in the form of a lever arm 355. A second distal end of the lever arm 355 includes a lever pin 365 connected to the housing 335. In the locked position of FIG. 3, the lever arm 355 is at rest and does not disturb the ball 345.

[0062] Attached to a bottom plate of the housing 335 is an instrument isolation device 370 including a diaphragm 375. Examples of the isolation device 370 can be sourced commercially, and they are commonly used in the prior art to isolate pressure gauges or other instruments from a reactive fluid. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the instrument isolation device 370 enables contaminants from the manifold 135, such as saline water, to be contained with the pressure tube 145 and a lower half of the device 370. Further, according to some embodiments, using a robust casing, such as steel, for an instrument isolation device can make the overall high point vent system 100 less susceptible to damage from bush fires, while allowing other elements of a detent or release mechanism to be readily replaceable and manufactured from more cost effective materials such as plastics.

[0063] A bottom side of the diaphragm 375 is connected to a pressure tube hole 380, and a top side of the diaphragm 375 is connected to a pin 385 that also presses against an underside of the lever arm 355.

[0064] The pressure tube hole 380 is connected to the pressure tube 145. When no pressure is applied to the pressure tube 145, such as when the check valve subsystem 140 is operating normally, and no water has escaped into the manifold 135, then the diaphragm 375 and pin 385 are in a lowered position as shown. Accordingly, the pin 385 has not lifted the lever arm 365, enabling the ball 345 to remain locked against the sleeve 150 in the hole 340.

[0065] A bias spring 390 is positioned at a lower end of the pin 385, and a spring rate of the bias spring 390 can determine a value of the pressure in the pressure tube 145 that is required to move the lever arm 365. For example, according to some embodiments, 10kPa is an appropriate pressure at which to trigger the release mechanism 310. According to other embodiments, the spring rate of the bias spring 390 is adjustable to enable tuning of the release mechanism 310 for various, circumstances. Alternatively, a mass may be used to apply a bias force, where the mass is placed above the pin 385 or along the arm 355 to achieve a variable bias force.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a detailed isometric section view of the sleeve signalling system 105, shown in an un-locked position, and where the sleeve 150 has not yet dropped to uncover the signal marking. As shown, a pressure in the pressure tube 145 has increased and pushed the diaphragm 375 upward, which in turn lifts the pin 385 and the lever arm 355.

[0067] Due to the position of the pin 385, a small displacement of the pin 385, such as for example only 1 ,5mm according to some embodiments, results in a significant lifting of the first distal end 350 of the lever arm 355, such that the ball 345 is fully displaced from the hole 340.

[0068] FIG. 5 is an isometric section view of the sleeve signalling system 105, shown in an un-locked position immediately following the state shown in FIG. 4, and where the sleeve 150 has now dropped under the force of gravityto uncover the signal marking on the vent pipe 125. The signal marking can be printed or coloured anywhere on a cylindrical region 500 on the external surface of the vent pipe 125.

[0069] As shown, the ball 345 has now dropped down and adjacent to the vent pipe 125. That enables the sleeve signalling system 105 to be easily reset to the locked position, after the pressure in the pressure tube 145 is released, simply by lifting the sleeve 150 upward until the ball 345 drops back into the hole 340.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of different release mechanisms can be used in conjunction with the present invention. For example, various release mechanism designs can translate a small movement of a triggering input (such as a 1 ,5mm movement of a fluid manifold) into larger movement of a detent that releases the sleeve. Such magnification of motion, whether translational or rotational, through for example gears, leaf springs, or simple levers, can be readily devised by those skilled in the art. A larger mechanical movement of a detent compared to the movement of an input trigger can help ensure that the sleeve is not inadvertently released, such as during high winds or vibration events.

[0071] According to other alternative embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that sleeve signalling systems of the present invention that are not oriented vertically also can be readily designed, where springs or other actuators can be used to slide a sleeve along a signalling element in order to cover or uncover a signal marking. Further, the sleeve and the signalling element can be of various shapes, including shapes having cross-sections that are round, rectangular, or triangular, etc.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements of the present invention can be manufactured from a wide range of materials, including for example polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipes and various metals and polymers.

[0073] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in therelated art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. Numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A sleeve signalling system, comprising: an elongated signalling element comprising a signal marking; and a sleeve disposed over the signalling element; wherein the sleeve is slidable along the elongated signalling element between a first position that covers the signal marking and a second position that uncovers the signal marking.

2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a release mechanism connected to the sleeve; wherein a fluid flow through a pipe section triggers the release mechanism, causing the sleeve to slide along the pipe section and uncover the signal marking.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a hollow tube connected between the pipe section and the release mechanism; wherein a pressure change in the pipe section changes a pressure in the hollow tube to trigger the release mechanism.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the pipe section is the elongated signalling element.

5. The system of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the release mechanism comprises: basket elements positioned adjacent to the elongated signalling element to define a basket; a tab connected to the sleeve and extending into the basket; a ball positioned in the basket and resting in a hole in the tab, thereby pinching the tab between the ball and the elongated signalling element to lock the sleeve in the first position; and a ball actuator;wherein movement of the ball actuator displaces the ball from the hole in the tab, thereby releasing the sleeve from the elongated signalling element, and causing the sleeve to slide to the second position.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the ball actuator comprises a lever arm.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein gravity pulls the ball toward a bottom of the basket to lock the sleeve in the first position.

8. The system of claim 6, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the hollow tube is operatively connected to the lever arm, and a change in the pressure in the hollow tube moves the lever arm.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the hollow tube is connected to a first side of an instrument isolation device, and a pin is positioned between a second side of the instrument isolation device and the lever arm.

10. The system of claim 5, further comprising a housing that contains the basket elements, tab, ball and ball actuator.11 . The system of any one of the above claims, wherein the signal marking is defined by at least one of the following: a colour; text; a symbol; or a pattern.

12. The system of any one of the above claims, wherein the sleeve system is connected to a high-point vent system.

13. The system of claim 12, when dependent on claim 3, wherein a first end of the hollow tube is connected to a check valve subsystem of the high- point vent system, and a second end of the hollow tube is connected to therelease mechanism, enabling the high-point vent system to automatically uncover the signal marking when liquid such as saline water enters the high- point vent system.

14. The system of any one of the above claims, wherein gravity moves the sleeve along the elongated signalling element.

15. The system of claim 8, further comprising a bias spring operatively connected to the lever arm, wherein a spring rate of the bias spring determines a value of the pressure in the hollow tube required to move the lever arm.

16. The system of claim 8, further comprising a mass operatively connected to the lever arm, wherein the mass of the mass determines a value of the pressure in the hollow tube required to move the lever arm.

17. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a release mechanism connected to the sleeve, wherein the release mechanism translates movement of a triggering input into movement of a detent that releases the sleeve.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein movement of the triggering input or movement of the detent comprises translational or rotational movement.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein a magnitude of the movement of the triggering input is less than a magnitude of the movement of the detent, enabling a more secure retention of the sleeve disposed over the signalling element in a non-triggered state.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the triggering input is actuated by a pressure pulse on a diaphragm.

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