Non-interrupt Meter Changeout Bypass and Gasket Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for changing out meters in pipelines require interrupting the flow of fluid, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in ensuring the gasket remains with the meter during removal.
Innovation Solution
The NIMCO device employs a clamp assembly, inlet and outlet case assemblies with slide valves to create a bypass, and innovative collars to retain the gasket, allowing for meter changeout without interrupting fluid flow and ensuring the gasket stays with the meter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the flow of gas is shut off to allow meter changeout, then the meter can be removed and replaced, but the pilot lights downstream are extinguished and costly scheduling inefficiencies are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two parallel flow paths: the original meter path and a bypass path. The bypass path includes a bypass body with inlet and outlet ports that connect to the pipeline upstream and downstream of the meter, respectively. This segmentation allows the meter to be isolated and replaced without interrupting the main gas flow through the bypass path.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass body acts as an intermediary device that provides an alternate flow path for the gas. It includes a bypass valve that can be opened to redirect gas flow through the bypass path when the meter is being changed. This intermediary structure enables the meter replacement process without requiring system shutdown.
2Reliability
If a complex bypass tool is used to maintain fluid flow during meter changeout, then flow continuity is maintained, but the gasket retraction process becomes difficult and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is extracted from the blind retraction process and actively managed using a gasket retrieval tool. This tool includes a retrieval member with a hook or claw that engages the gasket, and a retrieval tool body with a handle. The retrieval tool allows the operator to visually locate and physically pull the gasket away from the meter and bypass components, ensuring reliable gasket removal without compromising flow continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback during the gasket removal process. The retrieval tool is designed to allow the operator to see the gasket as it is being pulled back, enabling confirmation that the gasket is properly engaged and removed. This visual feedback mechanism eliminates the blind retraction problem and ensures the gasket remains with the meter during removal.
3Device complexity
If the gasket retraction is performed blindly inside the tool, then the bypass structure is simple, but it is difficult to ensure the gasket remains with the meter during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket retrieval tool serves as an intermediary device between the operator and the gasket. It includes a retrieval member with a hook or claw that physically engages the gasket, and a retrieval tool body that transmits the pulling force. This intermediary tool allows the operator to reliably remove the gasket without needing to increase the complexity of the bypass structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass valve is opened in advance before the meter removal process begins, establishing the bypass flow path ahead of time. This preliminary action ensures that gas flow is already redirected through the bypass before the meter and gasket are removed, eliminating the risk of gas leakage during the gasket retrieval process.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a non-interrupt meter change out device including a clamp assembly, at least one case assembly, and at least one collar, the clamp assembly including a frame and a distance adjuster.