Pressurized Fluid Line Servicing Tool Adaptor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas company personnel servicing natural gas service tee connections face exposure to natural gas due to the lack of suitable tools for safely accessing and modifying pressurized fluid lines without releasing the gas into the atmosphere.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized fluid line servicing tool assembly comprising a tool insertion adaptor, cap removal tool, and plug setting tool, which allows for safe insertion and removal of tools from pressurized fluid lines by maintaining a fluid-tight seal, enabling the use of cap removal wrenches and torque-settable plugs without releasing the gas, and accommodating various fitting styles through adaptable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional servicing methods are used on pressurized fluid lines, then personnel can access and modify connections, but natural gas is released to the atmosphere creating exposure hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (servicing tool with adaptor) that mediates between the personnel and the pressurized fluid line. The adaptor connects to the service tee and provides a sealed interface, allowing tools to be inserted and removed without directly exposing personnel to the natural gas. This intermediary system enables servicing operations while maintaining containment of the pressurized fluid.
2Device complexity
If service tee connections are serviced without specialized tools, then simpler procedures can be used, but the fluid line must be depressurized releasing gas to atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The servicing system is segmented into distinct components: an adaptor that attaches to the service tee, a sealed housing that contains the tool insertion chamber, and removable tools. This segmentation allows the servicing operation to be performed in stages while maintaining pressure containment throughout. The adaptor and housing create isolated chambers that prevent gas release during tool changes or adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If tools are inserted into pressurized fluid lines without containment, then direct access is achieved, but pressurized fluids are released to the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible sealing elements including an O-ring seal that creates a fluid-tight barrier between the tool insertion chamber and the pressurized fluid line. This flexible seal allows for insertion and removal of tools while maintaining pressure containment. The seal compensates for minor misalignments and maintains integrity during dynamic operations.
4Productivity
If conventional servicing equipment is used, then standard procedures can be followed, but safety hazards exist due to lack of containment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor and servicing tool assembly are designed with universal applicability to work on various service tee configurations and connection types. The system can accommodate different tool sizes and shapes while maintaining pressure containment, eliminating the need for multiple specialized containment devices. This multi-functional design maintains servicing efficiency while ensuring safety across different application scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressurized fluid line servicing tool assembly consists of a tool insertion adaptor, a cap removal tool and a plug setting tool. The tool insertion adaptor connects to a pipe of a pressurized fluid line and enables tools to be inserted and removed without releasing pressurized fluids, such as natural gas, to atmosphere. It has a tool insertion chamber which is divided into an upstream portion and a downstream portion by a valve. The cap removal tool connects to the tool insertion adaptor to enable service personnel to pass a cap removal wrench through the valve to remove a cap from an end of the pipe of the pressurized fluid line. The plug setting tool connects to the tool insertion adaptor to enable service personnel to pass a torque settable plug through the valve to set a plug into the end of the pipe.