Swivel-Nut Gas Riser with Crimped Collar for Meter Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas riser configurations, particularly the L-shape with a rigid metallic section and flexible conduit, complicate the threaded connection to gas meters due to cumbersome attachment methods and require complex swivel fittings, making the process difficult and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An improved gas riser design featuring a swivel-nut with an annular collar for swaged/crimped attachment, incorporating a nipple fitting with a rubber seal and metallic ferrule for secure connections, allowing for easier assembly and integration with both rigid and flexible metallic conduit sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional swivel fittings are screwed onto or attached to the end of the riser, then the threaded connection to gas meters can be facilitated, but the attachment methods become cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the swivel mechanism directly into the riser body, merging two previously separate components (riser and swivel fitting) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate attachment operations and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to facilitate threaded connections to gas meters.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel mechanism is pre-integrated into the riser during manufacturing, performing the function of attachment preparation in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field assembly operations when installing the riser to gas meters, thereby improving ease of operation during installation.
2Ease of operation
If the entire riser is rotated about the gas supply tube to complete the connection, then the threaded connection can be achieved, but the L-shape configuration makes the process difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the riser into functional segments, with the swivel mechanism located at the above-ground end. This segmentation allows only the necessary portion (the swivel section) to rotate for connection purposes, rather than requiring rotation of the entire L-shaped riser, thereby reducing time loss during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic swivel mechanism at the above-ground end of the riser, enabling selective rotation of only the connection portion. This dynamic capability allows the connection area to rotate independently to achieve proper alignment for threaded connections, eliminating the need to rotate the entire rigid L-shaped structure and significantly reducing installation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex swivel fittings are attached directly to the upper end of the riser, then swiveling capability is achieved, but the attachment methods become undesirably complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the swivel fitting functionality directly into the riser body structure, creating an integrated unit. This consolidation maintains the necessary swiveling capability for adaptable connections while eliminating the complexity of separate attachment methods, as the swivel mechanism becomes an inherent part of the riser rather than an add-on component.
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
Facilitates a secure, efficient, and simplified above-ground threaded connection to gas meters by providing a swivel-nut system that can be easily attached to the riser, reducing complexity and enhancing the overall installation process.
Implementation Method 1
a rubber seal configured for providing a seal between the swivel-nut and the gas supply tube
Implementation Method 2
through application of radially inward directed pressure on the above-ground end of the rigid riser pipe
Implementation Method 3
an improved gas riser having an integral swivel at the above-ground end thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A gas riser apparatus, and methods for making and using a gas riser apparatus, utilize a swivel-nut having an annular collar section thereof which includes a radially outwardly opening annular groove therein adapted for swaged/crimped attachment to the remainder of the riser, at an above-ground end of the riser. For risers including a rigid metallic pipe section, the above-ground end of the pipe may be configured for swaged/crimped attachment to the annular collar of the swivel-nut through application of radially inwardly directed pressure on the above-ground end of the rigid riser pipe. For risers not having a rigid metallic section, a swage/crimp collar may be utilized for forming a connection between a flexible metal conduit and the swivel-nut, through application of radially inwardly directed pressure applied to the swage/crimp collar while the collar is disposed about the above-ground end of the flexible metal conduit.