Drip Riser Quick-Connect Coupler Flood Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing natural gas distribution systems face issues with water buildup in conduits, leading to interrupted gas flow and potential liquid spills during inspections, especially in flooded areas, where inspections are delayed due to safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A drip riser system equipped with quick-connect couplers and a riser attachment device that allows for safe access and inspection while minimizing liquid spillage, featuring a trap to capture water and a valve to control gas flow, enabling inspection even in submerged conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional threaded plug access fitting is used to check for water in the conduit, then service personnel can inspect the drip riser, but gas pressure may force water out causing a gas release or liquid spill

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection capabilityVSAvoidgas release and liquid spill risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a drip riser assembly as an intermediary device between the conduit and the inspection point. This assembly includes a trap that captures water, a riser pipe that extends above the flood level, and a valve that controls gas flow. The intermediary structure allows inspection without directly opening the conduit, thereby preventing gas releases and liquid spills while enabling service personnel to check for water accumulation safely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If inspections are delayed until flood water recedes, then safety risks are reduced, but water collects within the conduit and gas delivery is interrupted for an undesired period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety risk reductionVSAvoidgas delivery interruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the riser pipe into the vertical dimension, positioning it above the expected flood water level. This dimensional change allows the access point to remain accessible during flooding conditions when horizontal access points would be submerged. Service personnel can inspect the drip riser even when flood waters are present, eliminating the need to delay inspections until water recedes and preventing gas delivery interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the access fitting is positioned at conduit level, then it is easily accessible, but it may be submerged during flooding making inspection impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidflood condition adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The riser pipe extends vertically upward from the conduit, positioning the access fitting above the expected flood water level. This vertical extension maintains accessibility during normal conditions while providing adaptability during flooding, as the elevated access point remains above submerged horizontal surfaces. The design thus achieves both ease of operation and flood condition adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If a trap is added to capture water, then water buildup is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater capture capabilityVSAvoiddrip riser structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the drip riser system into distinct functional components: a trap portion for water capture, a riser pipe for elevation and access, and a valve for flow control. Each segment performs a specific function, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable. The segmentation allows the water capture capability to be added without creating a monolithic complex structure, as each component can be independently inspected and serviced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 safe and efficient inspection of drip risers without liquid spills, allowing for prompt resolution of gas delivery issues and reduced downtime in flooded areas by containing and removing water without releasing gas into the environment.

Implementation Method 1

since the gas being transferred through the conduit contains moisture, water may build up within the conduit, such as through condensation with the walls of the conduit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

the water within the conduit may build up over time and collect, such as at low points in the conduit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

The second quick-connect coupler is configured to removably couple with the first quick-connect coupler. The first quick-connect coupler and second quick-connect coupler cooperate to fluidly couple the open end to the interior portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical coupling: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10465855B2Drip riser and method of operation
Publication Date: 2019.11.05 CONSOLIDATED EDISON CO OF NEW YORK INC
  • US10465855B2 patent drawing
  • US10465855B2 patent drawing
  • US10465855B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for accessing a gas main is provided. The system including a drip riser having an interior portion and a first quick-connect coupler, the first quick-connect coupler being fluidly coupled to the interior portion. A riser attachment device is provided having a second quick-connect coupler, an open end, and a valve disposed between the second quick-connect coupler and the open end. The second quick-connect coupler is configured to removably couple with the first quick-connect coupler. The first quick-connect coupler and second quick-connect coupler cooperate to fluidly couple the open end to the interior portion when the riser attachment device is coupled to the drip riser and the valve is opened.