Temporary valve and system including valve

Abstract

A temporary valve system and valved tapping sleeve is provided. The temporary valve system includes: a body, defining a channel through which fluid may flow; a lateral opening, extending through the side of the body, through which a temporary valve gate may be received, to temporarily block the channel; and a rotary valve, provided in association with the lateral opening, the rotary valve configurable by rotation between an open position, where the temporary valve gate may travel through the valve and into the channel, and a closed position, where the opening is shut.

Description

TEMPORARY VALVE AND SYSTEM INCLUDING VALVETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to valves and systems including valves. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to valves and systems for use in water distribution lines, such as municipal drinking water supply lines.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Water mains are commonly used to transport drinking water from water supplies to residential and commercial premises. These water mains typically comprise large, underground pipes that are joined to create a network that supplies water under pressure.

[0003] As an area is developed, it is often necessary to modify water mains, e.g. to include new branches from existing pipes. Similarly, as water mains age, components, such as hydrants, need to be replaced.

[0004] Inline valves are provided in water mains, to enable sections thereof to be isolated. For example, when a hydrant is replaced, the entire section of the water mains that includes the hydrant is typically isolated using the inline valves. The hydrant is then replaced, while the section is isolated, after which the valves are reopened. A similar procedure is used for other types of repairs, upgrades and modifications.

[0005] A problem with such isolation is that water supply is an essential service, and isolation of sections of water mains causes disruption to this water supply. Furthermore, isolation valves are generally complex and expensive, and are thus placed sporadically, resulting in large sections needing to be isolated.

[0006] As such, there is clearly a need for improved valves and systems.

[0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to valves and systems, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a temporary valve system, including:a body defining a channel through which fluid may flow;a lateral opening, extending through the side of the body, through which a temporary valve gate may be received, to temporarily block the channel; anda rotary valve, provided in association with the lateral opening, the rotary valve configurable by rotation between an open position, where the temporary valve gate may travel through the valve and into the channel, and a closed position, in which the opening is shut.

[0010] Advantageously, the temporary valve system enables the channel to be selectively closed using a temporary valve gate, without requiring the temporary valve gate to be integrated into the system. This in turn reduces the number of valve gates needed, as they may be moved between valve systems. Furthermore, the size of the temporary valve system is reduced when the temporary valve gate is removed.

[0011] Preferably, the temporary valve system comprises an industrial valve.

[0012] Preferably, the temporary valve system comprises a water valve. The temporary valve system may comprise a water distribution valve (mains water valve).

[0013] The channel may be between about 70mm and 400mm in diameter. The channel may be at least 100mm in diameter.

[0014] Preferably, the rotary valve comprises a rotatable valve member, and a valve body, wherein the rotatable valve member is rotatable relative to the valve body to open and close the rotary valve.

[0015] The rotatable valve member may be elongate. The rotatable valve member may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The valve body may comprise a cylindrical bore.

[0016] The rotatable valve member may include an opening through which the temporary valve gate may extend in the open position. The opening may be elongate. The opening may extend from one side of the rotatable valve member to an opposing side of the rotatable valve member. The opening may comprise a slot.

[0017] The opening of the rotatable valve member may be aligned with the lateral opening of the body in the open position.

[0018] The rotatable valve member may be coupled to an external interface, to enableselective rotation of the rotatable valve member.

[0019] The external interface may comprise a keyed interface, with which a tool may be coupled (e.g. an Allen key).

[0020] The rotatable valve member may be formed of metal. The rotatable valve member may be formed of steel. The rotatable valve member may include a coating, to facilitate sealing with the bore. The coating may comprise a synthetic rubber-like coating, such as EPDM rubber. NBR or polyurethane.

[0021] In the open configuration, the lateral opening and rotatable valve member may define a planar slot that extends from an outside of the body to the channel.

[0022] The temporary valve gate may be associated with a bonnet. The bonnet may be couplable to the lateral opening. The lateral opening may include a coupling interface. The coupling interface may enable the bonnet to be bolted to the lateral opening.

[0023] The temporary valve gate may be movable relative to the bonnet. The temporary valve gate may be coupled to a threaded stem, which engages with the bonnet. Rotation of the threaded stem may cause the temporary valve gate to move inwardly or outwardly relative to the bonnet.

[0024] A handle may be associated with the threaded stem, to facilitate rotation thereof.

[0025] The temporary valve gate may be substantially planar.

[0026] The channel may be substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0027] The temporary valve gate may be substantially circular in shape.

[0028] The temporary valve gate may include an O-ring on an outer edge thereof, to seal against inner walls of the channel.

[0029] The bonnet may form a sealed housing, housing the temporary valve gate, when installed on the lateral opening.

[0030] The bonnet may include a valve on an upper side thereon, to enable verification that the channel is isolated.

[0031] The body may include a flange at an end thereof. The flange may include apertures for receiving bolts. The flange may enable coupling of a pipe, hydrant, or similar thereto.

[0032] The body may include flanges at opposing ends thereof. In such case, the temporary valve system may define an inline valve.

[0033] In other embodiments, the valve system may include a sleeve, for coupling to an existing pipe, to create a branch thereof. In such case, the channel may comprise a branch from the pipe. The system may be for tapping into the existing pipe. The system may be adapted to enable tapping into the existing pipe while under pressure.

[0034] The sleeve may be defined by an upper sleeve portion, and a lower sleeve portion. The upper and lower sleeve portions may be adapted to clamp to the pipe using one or more fasteners to form a fluid connection into said pipe. The fasteners may comprise bolts.

[0035] The channel may extend through the upper sleeve portion. The channel may be adapted to align with an aperture of the pipe.

[0036] The upper and lower sleeve portions may comprise half shells. Inner surfaces of the half shells may correspond to a shape of the pipe.

[0037] The channel may be substantially perpendicular to the pipe.

[0038] The channel may include an upper flange on an opposing end to the sleeve.

[0039] The upper flange may be configured to enable connection of an under-pressure tapping machine, to tap the pipe. The under-pressure tapping machine may include a bit that is configured to extend through the channel to the pipe, to enable drilling of an aperture into the Pipe.

[0040] The bit may comprise a hole saw bit.

[0041] The upper flange may be configured to enable connection to a hydrant or another pipe, for example.

[0042] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a valved tapping sleeve, including:a sleeve, for attaching to a pipe;a body, defining a channel extending outwardly from the sleeve, through which fluid from the pipe may flow to form a branch from the pipe;a lateral opening, extending through the side of the body, through which a temporary valve gate may be received, to temporarily block the channel; anda rotary valve, provided in association with the lateral opening, the rotary valve configurable by rotation between an open position, where the temporary valve gate may travelthrough the valve and into the channel, and a closed position, in which the opening is shut.

[0043] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0044] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a valved tapping sleeve, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a temporary isolator, configured to be used with the valved tapping sleeve of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the valved tapping sleeve of Figure 1.

[0049] Figure 4 illustrates an outer perspective view of a lower portion of the valved tapping sleeve of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 5 illustrates an outer perspective view of an upper portion of the valved tapping sleeve of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective cut-away view of a rotary valve of the valved tapping sleeve of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the valved tapping sleeve of Figure 1 in a first configuration.

[0053] Figure 8 illustrates a side cut-away view of the valved tapping sleeve of Figure 1 in a second configuration.

[0054] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective cut-away view of the valved tapping sleeve of Figure 1 in a third configuration.

[0055] Figure 10 illustrates an enlarged perspective cut-away view of the valved tappingsleeve of Figure 1 in a fourth configuration.

[0056] Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of the valved tapping sleeve of Figure 1 in a fifth configuration.

[0057] Figure 12 illustrates an enlarged perspective cut-away view of the valved tapping sleeve of Figure 1 in a sixth configuration.

[0058] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective cut-away view of the valved tapping sleeve of Figure 1 in a seventh configuration.

[0059] Figure 14 illustrates a perspective cut-away view of the valved tapping sleeve of Figure 1 in an eighth configuration.

[0060] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective cut-away view of the valved tapping sleeve of Figure 1 in a ninth configuration.

[0061] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of the valved tapping sleeve of Figure 1 in a tenth configuration.

[0062] Figure 17 illustrates a side view of a valved inline connector, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 18 illustrates a side view of the valved inline connector of Figure 17 in an installed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0065] Embodiments of valves and junction assemblies are described below that relate to mains water. The skilled addressee will, however, readily appreciate that the systems and methods may be adapted for use in a range of other scenarios, including gas supplies, without deviating from the scope of the invention.

[0066] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a valved tapping sleeve 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a temporary isolator 200, configured to be used with the valved tapping sleeve 100, to temporarily isolate ajunction of the valved tapping sleeve 100. Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the valved tapping sleeve 100.

[0067] The valved tapping sleeve 100 is illustrated in Figure 1 installed on a pipe 105 of a mains water supply. The valved tapping sleeve 100 is configured to be installed onto such pipe 105, while under pressure. As such, the pipe 105 need not be isolated, thereby avoiding disruption of the mains water supply.

[0068] The valved tapping sleeve 100 comprises an upper portion 110, and a lower portion 115, which are connected by a plurality of bolts 120.

[0069] Figure 4 illustrates an outer perspective view of the lower portion 115, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 illustrates an outer perspective view of the upper portion 110, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] The upper portion 110 includes an upper sleeve portion 125, which together with the lower portion 115 define a sleeve, configured to be mounted to the pipe 105. In particular, the upper sleeve portion 125 and the lower portion 115 each comprise half shells which correspond to the shape of the pipe 105, and the bolts 120 function to clamp the upper sleeve portion 125 and the lower portion 115 to the pipe 105. While not illustrated, a thin gasket may be used in the sleeve.

[0071] Each of the upper sleeve portion 125 and the lower portion 115 comprise a plurality of apertures 130 extending along edges thereof, which are aligned to facilitate installation of the bolts 120 therethrough.

[0072] The upper portion 110 further includes a branch portion 135, that extends outwardly from an upper edge of the upper sleeve portion 125, to define a branch fluidly extending from the pipe 105, and capable of transmitting water therefrom. The branch portion 135 comprises a metal body, including a channel extending therethrough, through which water may flow.

[0073] The branch portion includes a flanged outlet 140 at an upper end thereof, to facilitate connection of a hydrant, a flanged pipe, or the like thereto.

[0074] A rotary valve 145 is provided on the branch portion 135, intermediary to the upper sleeve portion 125 and the flanged outlet 140, to enable isolation of the flanged outlet 140 from the pipe using the temporary isolator 200.

[0075] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective cut-away view of the rotary valve 145, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] The rotary valve comprises a rotatable valve member 150, and a valve body 155, wherein the rotatable valve member 150 is rotatable relative to the valve body 155 to open and close the rotary valve 145.

[0077] The rotatable valve member 150 is cylindrical in shape, and the valve body 155 comprises a corresponding cylindrical bore with ports to a lateral opening 160.

[0078] The rotatable valve member 150 includes a slotted opening 165 through which the temporary valve gate may extend when in the open position. The slotted opening extends from one side of the rotatable valve member 150 to an opposing side of the rotatable valve member 150.

[0079] In Figure 6, the rotatable valve member 150 is illustrated in a closed configuration. In such case, the slotted opening 165 abuts the bore (valve body 155), and the lateral opening 160 is blocked by the rotatable valve member 150.

[0080] In the open configuration, the slotted opening 165 aligns with the lateral opening 160, to define a planar slot that extends from an outside of the body to the channel.

[0081] As best illustrated in Figure 1, the rotatable valve member 150 is coupled to a keyed interface 170, to enable the rotatable valve member 150 to be rotated by a tool, such as an Allen (hex) key.

[0082] The rotatable valve member 150 is formed of steel coated with EPDM rubber, to facilitate sealing against the bore (valve body 155).

[0083] Now turning to Figure 2, the temporary isolator 200 includes a temporary valve gate 205, configured to close the channel. The temporary valve gate 205 is substantially planar, and substantially circular in shape. The channel is substantially cylindrical in shape, and as such, the temporary valve gate 205 may close off the channel entirely. Furthermore, the temporary valve gate 205 includes an O-ring on an outer edge thereof, to seal against inner walls of the channel.

[0084] The temporary isolator 200 further includes a bonnet 210, which is couplable to a coupling interface associated with the rotary valve 145, and in particular, the lateral opening 160. The bonnet 210 is bolted to the lateral opening 160. The bonnet forms a sealed housing, housing the temporary valve gate, when installed on the lateral opening 160.

[0085] The temporary valve gate 205 is movable relative to the bonnet 210, to engage and disengage the valve gate 205. In particular, the temporary valve gate 205 is coupled to athreaded stem 215, which engages with the bonnet, such that rotation of the threaded stem causes the temporary valve gate 205 to move inwardly and outwardly relative to the bonnet 210.

[0086] A handle 220 is associated with the threaded stem 215, to facilitate rotation thereof.

[0087] The bonnet 210 includes a valve on an upper side thereof, to enable verification that the channel is isolated. In short, the valve (e.g. a ball valve) may be opened to vent pressure and to ensure that flow from the pipe does not come through when the temporary valve gate 205 is in place.

[0088] In use, the pipe is excavated and cleaned and prepared, e.g. using a grinder, wire brush or similar.

[0089] The upper portion 110 and lower portion 115 are placed around the pipe in a desired location, and bolts are used to tighten and clamp the sleeve against the pipe 105.

[0090] The temporary isolator 200 is then bolted to the lateral opening 160, as illustrated in Figure 7.

[0091] An under-pressure tapping machine 800 is then coupled to the flanged outlet 140, as shown in Figure 8.

[0092] The under-pressure tapping machine 800 is then used to drill an aperture in the pipe 105. In short, a bit (e.g. a hole saw bit) extends down through the channel and into the pipe 105, as illustrated in Figure 9.

[0093] The under-pressure tapping machine 800 is then retracted, leaving the aperture 1000, as illustrated in Figure 10.

[0094] The rotary valve 145 is then opened using a tool, such as an Allen (hex) key 1100, as illustrated in Figure 11.

[0095] This causes the slotted opening 165 to align with the lateral opening 160, to define a planar slot that extends from an outside of the opening 165 and body to the channel, as illustrated in Figure 12.

[0096] The temporary valve gate 205 is then moved into the channel by rotating the handle 220, to seal the channel, as illustrated in Figure 13. At this stage, the under-pressure tapping machine 800 is isolated from the pipe.

[0097] The under-pressure tapping machine 800 may then be removed, as illustrated inFigure 14.

[0098] A hydrant 1500 is then installed on the flanged outlet 140. The temporary valve gate 205 is then retracted from the channel by rotating the handle 220, and the rotary valve 145 is then closed, as illustrated in Figure 15.

[0099] Finally, the temporary isolator 200 is removed, as illustrated in Figure 16, completing the process.

[0100] If the hydrant 1500 ever needs to be replaced, this may be done by re-attaching the temporary isolator 200 to isolate the hydrant 1500, upon which it may be simply replaced by unbolting the old hydrant 1500 and installing the new hydrant.

[0101] While the above example illustrates a valved tapping sleeve 100, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the valve arrangement described above may be used in any other configuration, including in connectors or the like.

[0102] Figure 17 illustrates a side view of a valved inline connector 1700, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] The valved inline connector 1700 is identical to the valved tapping sleeve 100, but instead of the sleeve at the bottom, includes a lower flange. Such arrangement is useful when joining pipes, or for installation adjacent to hydrants or the like where no branch is needed.

[0104] Figure 18 illustrates a side view of the valved inline connector 1700, in an example configuration, coupled to a pipe branch 1800 and a hydrant 1500, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Advantageously, the temporary valve system enables the channel to be selectively closed using a temporary valve gate, without requiring the temporary valve gate to be integrated into the system. This in turn reduces the number of valve gates needed, as they may be moved between valve systems. Furthermore, the size of the temporary valve system is reduced when the temporary valve gate is removed.

[0106] Furthermore, the systems are easy to install and use.

[0107] Finally, if the valve gate becomes worn, it may be replaced without replacing the valve.

[0108] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does notexclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0109] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0110] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A temporary valve system, including:a body, defining a channel through which fluid may flow;a lateral opening, extending through the side of the body, through which a temporary valve gate may be received, to temporarily block the channel; anda rotary valve, provided in association with the lateral opening, the rotary valve configurable by rotation between an open position, where the temporary valve gate may travel through the valve and into the channel, and a closed position, where the opening is shut.

2. The temporary valve system of claim 1, wherein the temporary valve system comprises an industrial water valve.

3. The temporary valve system of claim 1, wherein the channel is between about 70mm and 400mm in diameter.

4. The temporary valve system of claim 1, wherein the rotary valve comprises a rotatable valve member, and a valve body, wherein the rotatable valve member is rotatable relative to the valve body to open and close the rotary valve.

5. The temporary valve system of claim 4, wherein the rotatable valve member is elongate.

6. The temporary valve system of claim 4, wherein the rotatable valve member is substantially cylindrical in shape, and wherein the valve body comprises a cylindrical bore.

7. The temporary valve system of claim 4, wherein the rotatable valve member includes an opening through which the temporary valve gate may extend in the open position.

8. The temporary valve system of claim 7, wherein the opening is elongate and extends from one side of the rotatable valve member to an opposing side of the rotatable valve member.

9. The temporary valve system of claim 4, wherein the opening of the rotatable valve member is aligned with the lateral opening of the body in the open position.

10. The temporary valve system of claim 4, wherein the rotatable valve member is coupled to an external interface, to enable selective rotation of the rotatable valve member.

11. The temporary valve system of claim 10, wherein the external interface comprises a keyed interface, with which a tool may be coupled.

12. The temporary valve system of claim 4, wherein the rotatable valve member is formed of metal, and includes a coating, to facilitate sealing with the bore.

13. The temporary valve system of claim 4, wherein in the open position, the lateral opening and rotatable valve member define a planar slot that extends from an outside of the body to the channel.

14. The temporary valve system of claim 1 , wherein the temporary valve gate is associated with a bonnet, coupled to the lateral opening.

15. The temporary valve system of claim 14, wherein the temporary valve gate is movable relative to the bonnet.

16. The temporary valve system of claim 1 , wherein the temporary valve gate is substantially planar, and substantially circular in shape.

17. The temporary valve system of claim 1 , wherein the temporary valve gate includes an O-ring on an outer edge thereof, to seal against inner walls of the channel.

18. The temporary valve system of claim 1, wherein the body includes a flange at an end thereof, to enable coupling of a pipe, hydrant, or similar thereto.

19. The temporary valve system of claim 1, including a sleeve, for coupling to an existing Pipe.

20. The temporary valve system of claim 19, wherein the sleeve is defined by an upper sleeve portion, and a lower sleeve portion, the upper and lower sleeve portions are adapted to clamp to the pipe.

21. The temporary valve system of claim 20, wherein the upper sleeve portion includes an upper flange configured to enable connection of an under-pressure tapping machine, to tap the pipe, the under-pressure tapping machine including a bitthat is configured to extend through the channel to the pipe, to enable drilling of an aperture into the pipe.

22. A valved tapping sleeve, including:a sleeve, for attaching to a pipe;a body, defining a channel extending outwardly from the sleeve, through which fluid from the pipe may flow to form a branch from the pipe;a lateral opening, extending through the side of the body, through which a temporaryvalve gate may be received, to temporarily block the channel; anda rotary valve, provided in association with the lateral opening, the rotary valve configurable by rotation between an open position, where the temporary valve gate may travel through the valve and into the channel, and a closed position, where the lateral opening is shut.

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