Directional Stop Bypass Device for Continuous Gas Meter Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for exchanging natural gas meters in residential and commercial settings require interrupting gas service, which is inconvenient for consumers and costly for utilities, and existing inflatable stoppers do not ensure directional insertion to maintain flow during repairs.
Innovation Solution
A low-pressure directional stop bypass apparatus with a saddle fitting, axially extending tubular connection, valve assembly, and launch tube assembly that includes a flexible inflatable bag with guidance features to ensure upstream insertion and maintain continuous gas flow during meter replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional meter exchange methods are used, then the meter can be replaced, but gas service must be interrupted causing consumer inconvenience and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the gas flow path into two separate channels: a main line through the meter and a bypass line around the meter. This segmentation allows independent control of each path, enabling meter replacement while maintaining service through the bypass channel.
Solution Approach 2:
An inflatable bag acts as an intermediary flow control device. When inflated, it redirects gas flow from the meter to the bypass line. When deflated, it allows normal flow through the meter. This intermediary mechanism enables seamless transition between metered and bypass flow.
2Ease of operation
If inflatable stoppers are used to interrupt gas flow, then flow can be stopped for repairs, but the stoppers lack directional control causing insertion failures
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bag and launch tube assembly incorporate asymmetric features including a non-circular cross-section and directional fins that prevent insertion in the wrong orientation. This asymmetry ensures the bag can only be inserted upstream, eliminating the directional control problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The launch tube is pre-positioned in the bypass line before the inflatable bag is inserted. This preliminary placement creates a guided pathway that directs the bag into the correct position and orientation in the main line, ensuring proper upstream insertion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the removal and replacement of gas meters and other equipment without interrupting gas service, ensuring the inflatable bag is always inserted in the correct direction to maintain flow, reducing consumer inconvenience and utility costs.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible inflatable bag with guidance features to ensure upstream insertion and maintain continuous gas flow during meter replacement
Data Source
AI summary
A low pressure directional stop bypass device including a saddle fitting having an axially extending tubular connection element having a connection element wall forming a lateral bypass port, a valve assembly connected with the axially extending tubular connection element having a first valve port in fluid communication with the lateral bypass port and having a second valve port, and a stuffing box connected with the second valve port. A launch tube assembly is inserted through the stuffing box and the valve assembly into the axially extending tubular connection element. The launch tube element includes an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member disposed within the outer tubular member, and a stopper supply tube having a leading end and a trailing end and disposed within the inner tubular member. A flexible inflatable stopper plug connected with the leading end of the stopper supply tube. Connected with the outlet end of the outer tubular member is at least one guidance pin which ensures insertion of the flexible inflatable stopper plug into a pipe fitted with the saddle fitting in a predetermined direction.