Gas Meter Shut-Off Valve Isolation for High-Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas shut-off systems for residential and commercial meters face challenges in handling higher gas pressures due to limited torque from motors, which can ignite the gas if more energy is used, and existing motors are not suitable for higher pressure environments without risking explosions.
Innovation Solution
A gas meter design with a physical separation between the motor and the gas stream, using a shaft with an O-ring seal to isolate high-energy components from the gas, allowing for the use of higher powered motors while maintaining safety by preventing sparks from igniting the gas, and enabling remote operation through smart meter technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a motor with higher energy and torque is used to shut-off higher pressure gas, then the shut-off capability is improved, but the risk of spark ignition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas meter is divided into two separate portions: a first portion containing the motor and high-energy components, and a second portion containing the gas stream path. A physical barrier separates these portions, allowing the motor to be positioned where it cannot ignite the gas while still providing sufficient torque for high-pressure shut-off.
Solution Approach 2:
A physical barrier with a sealed shaft connection acts as an intermediary between the motor portion and the gas stream portion. This barrier allows mechanical force transmission while preventing direct contact between the motor and gas, eliminating the ignition risk while maintaining shut-off capability.
2Loss of time
If a motor is positioned within the gas stream area, then the shut-off response time is improved, but the safety risk from potential sparks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas meter is segmented into a motor portion and a gas stream portion separated by a physical barrier. The motor is located in the first portion away from the gas stream, eliminating explosion risk while the shaft connection maintains rapid response capability for shut-off operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If limited energy motors are used to prevent ignition, then safety is improved, but the torque capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the gas meter into separate motor and gas stream portions with a physical barrier, the invention allows use of high-torque motors without ignition risk. The motor operates in a safe environment while providing sufficient power for high-pressure gas shut-off through the sealed shaft connection.
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 shut-off of gas pressures greater than 25 PSI without risking explosions, providing more flexibility in motor selection and reducing safety concerns, while allowing for remote operation and regulation of gas flow.
Implementation Method 1
The physical barrier may include an o-ring positioned around the shaft between the first and second portions of the gas meter
Data Source
AI summary
Gas meters including a first portion and a second portion are provided. The first portion is separate and distinct from the second portion and a physical barrier is positioned between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion includes at least a motor associated with a shut-off valve for the gas meter and the second portion includes at least an area for a gas stream to flow through. Related gas regulating devices are also provided herein.