Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
FLUID SYSTEM COUPLING
BACKGROUND
Technological Field
[001] The present invention relates generally to fluid system components. More
particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a fluid system
component
configured to utilize the line pressure of the fluid system, wherein the fluid
system
component is employed, in a way that substantially prevents takedown of the
fluid system
component until the fluid system line pressure, or relative pressure
differential, changes to a
safe level.
Related Technology
[0021 In recent years, environmental concerns have been receiving
significantly more
attention, and various governmental agencies have responded by implementing
stringent
regulations to reduce or prevent pollution. Many of these regulations and
concerns are
directed towards those industries that transport fluids. For example, it is
very difficult to
transport a fluid without spilling or leaking some of the fluid into the
environment. Thus,
some environmental regulations require that minimal leaking occur during
handling,
processing, or transportation of the fluid.
[0031 These environmental concerns become especially clear when considering
the
magnitude of the industries that handle hazardous fluids that, if allowed to
escape even in
relatively small quantities, can cause significant damage. There is a concern,
therefore, to
protect both the public and the environment from these types of fluids. While
some fluids
that are transported, such as water and milk, may not pollute the environment
when they are
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CA 02431324 2003-06-06
leaked or spilled, the loss of fluid into the environment is nevertheless
viewed as a general
waste of resources. More generally, the loss of fluid into the environment is
not desirable
even if the fluid does not contribute to pollution.
[004] Within the transportation industry, a variety of different devices are
used to transport
a fluid from a source to a destination. These devices often use valve
assemblies and
conduits of various types to both connect the source to the destination as
well as to manage
fluid flow through the conduit. Typically, the conduit is pressurized to
direct fluid toward
the desired destination. With each transfer of fluid, there is a risk that
leakage will occur
due to human error, equipment malfunctions, or the like.
[005] A common source of fluid leaks and fluid spills are the valves and other
components
and devices employed in fluid systems. By way of example, some valves may have
leaks
that permit flow through the valve even when the valve is secured in the
closed position. In
other instances, one or more joints defined by constituent elements of the
valve, such as in
the case of valves designed to be taken down. in two or more pieces, and/or
one or more
joints at least partially defined by the valve, such as a valve-to-flange
connection, may be
defective, resulting in leakage of some or all of the system fluid.
Unfortunately, problems
such as these often do not manifest themselves until after flow has been
established through
the valve, component, or device.
[006] Thus, in many instances, the system operator is limited in terms of the
affirmative
steps that can be taken to prevent a spill that may result from one or more
defective joints,
and oftentimes can only correct the spill when it occurs. This is true in the
case of joints that
are defectively assembled, or are otherwise defective upon assembly, as well
as in the case
of joints that become defective over a period of time due to operating, or
other, conditions.
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[007] Other problems exist as well. For example, various types of valves have
been
designed to stop, or "check," fluid flow through the valve when the valve is
taken down into
two or more constituent parts or assemblies. One known device for checking
fluid flow is a
ball check valve. A ball check valve is essentially a ball which rests against
a ball seat to
form a valve. An operator may use the ball check valve to initiate or
terminate the fluid
flow. Despite the check feature of the ball check valve, a problem exists in
the integrity of
the fluid transfer system when the valve or conduit undergoes stress.
[008] When the conduit and the valve are subjected to forces such as
stretching, pulling,
twisting, and the like, the fluid being transferred through the conduit and
the valve may leak
or spill into the environment. More particularly, the conduit, rather than the
ball check
valve, is likely to rupture or otherwise malfunction in the presence of these
forces. Thus,
while the ball check valve is appropriate for checking fluid flow, it does not
prevent spillage
or leakage when subjected to external stress. Because the conduit is likely to
rupture, or
otherwise malfunction, in these types of situations, the spillage or leakage
of fluid into the
environment can be significant because the fluid flow can no longer be
checked.
[009] For example, when a fuel transport vehicle is delivering liquid through
a hose into a
fuel tank, one end of the hose is attached to the fuel transport vehicle, and
the other end of
the hose is attached to a fuel tank. A valve such as a ball check valve may be
disposed at the
vehicle end of the hose such that fluid communication through the hose may be
established
or checked.
[010] In the event the fuel transport vehicle drives away with the hose still
connected, the
connection will likely break or rupture. Because the hose is typically the
weakest part of the
connection, the break usually occurs somewhere in the hose and fluid escapes
into the
environment. In this example, the ball check valve typically does not
disassemble because it
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CA 02431324 2003-06-06
is much stronger than the hose. Even if the ball check valve were to break
instead of the
hose, fluid would still leak from the system. Such problems are particularly
acute in the
context of automated environments and operations where few, or no, humans may
be
present, and a leak may go unnoticed for a relatively long period of time.
[0111 Another concern relates to the coupling and uncoupling of caps, valves,
and other
fluid system components, that are employed, for example, in fuel, chemical,
sewage, or
other fluid transfer or processing systems. In particular, typical quick
coupling devices are
configured so that an operator can uncouple the mating halves of the quick
coupling device,
even in the presence of line pressure. Such an arrangement is problematic for
a variety of
reasons.
[0121 By way of example, in the event the line wherein the quick coupling
device is
located is charged with hazardous materials such as chemicals, sewage, fuels,
or gases such
as chlorine and methane, the operator performing the uncoupling operation
could be
seriously injured or killed when such materials escape from the line.
Moreover, such
hazardous materials are pollutants and significant time and cost is often
involved in the
cleanup of such materials.
[0131 A related problem with typical quick coupling devices concerns the
pressure exerted
by the material in the line wherein the quick coupling device is located. In
particular, such
pressure may cause the halves of the quick coupling device to rapidly come
apart in an
uncontrolled and dangerous manner, thereby injuring the operator and/or
damaging nearby
equipment. The forces resulting from such pressure can often be significant,
even where the
line pressure is relatively low. Thus, in a six inch diameter (nominal) pipe
for example,
even a relatively low pressure of 10 lbs./in.2 ("psi") would exert a force of
about one
thousand (1000) pounds on a pipe cap attached to the end of the pipe.
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[0141 Not only are such pressures dangerous, but operators may not have any
way to
verify, in advance of performing the uncoupling operation, whether or not the
line is
pressurized. Further, even if an operator is aware that pressure is present,
the operator may,
through inattentiveness, negligence, or for other reasons, nevertheless
attempt to uncouple
the quick coupling device.
[0151 In view of the foregoing, what is needed is a fluid system component
having features
directed to addressing the foregoing exemplary considerations, as well as
other
considerations not disclosed herein. More particularly, an. exemplary fluid
system
component includes features directed to facilitating the secure engagement,
and ready
disengagement, of the mating halves of the fluid system component, while at
the same time
preventing intentional or accidental disengagement of the mating halves when a
predetermined pressure is present in the line.
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
BRIEF SUMMARY OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[016] In general, embodiments of the invention are concerned with a fluid
system
component that, among other things, facilitates the secure engagement, and
ready
disengagement, of mating halves of the fluid system component, while at the
same time
preventing intentional or accidental disengagement of the mating halves when a
predetermined pressure is present in the line. Generally, engagement of the
two halves is
achieved by means of one or more receiving members (e.g. grooves) on one half
(or element
thereof) and one or more engagement members (e.g. pins or rollers) on the
other (or element
thereof), positioned in mating relationship.
[017] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a fluid system component
is
provided that includes mating male and female halves. The male half of the
fluid system
component includes a wall having an outer surface wherein a plurality of
grooves are
defined. The grooves are generally configured so that each of a plurality of
rollers present
on the outer surface of a wall of the female half of the fluid system
component enters, and
travels along, a corresponding groove as the male and female halves are
rotatably engaged
together.
[018] Further, the grooves defined in the male half of the fluid system
component are
configured to define an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the
fluid system
component, so that the male and female halves advance toward each other as
they are
rotatably engaged. Each of the grooves also includes a terminal segment that
is connected
with, but offset from, the intermediate and entry segments of the groove.
[019] In operation, the male and female portions are brought together until
each roller of
the female portion has engaged a corresponding groove of the male portion. The
two halves
are then rotated in opposite directions, causing the rollers to advance along
their
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corresponding grooves and thereby move the male and female halves toward each
other.
The two halves continue to rotate until each roller enters the terminal
segment of its
corresponding groove, at which point engagement is completed. Thus engaged,
the male and
female halves cooperate to define a fluid passageway.
[020] The introduction of a pressurized fluid into the fluid passageway acts
on the fluid
system component in such a way that a force is exerted that resists movement
of the rollers out
of the terminal segment and back into the intermediate or entry segments of
the groove. Thus,
the groove geometry affords the fluid system component the capability to use
the line pressure
in such a way as to prevent disengagement of the fluid system component halves
until the line
is suitably depressurized.
[020a] In summary, a first aspect provides for a component suitable for use in
a fluid
system, comprising:
(a) a first element defining at least one groove, said groove defining at
least first and
second segments that are arranged so as to comprise first and second sides,
respectively, of a
vertex, wherein at least a portion of said first segment extends at least
partially about a
circumference of said first element; and
(b) a second element configured to removably engage said first element and
including at least one engagement member configured and arranged to be
received in said at
least one groove and to travel along said first segment, past said vertex to a
point located on said
second segment when engaged with said first element, wherein said first
segment of said at least
one groove is configured and arranged to advance said second element toward
said first element
by and while rotating said second element relative to said first element;
wherein when said first and second elements are engaged with each other they
at least
partially define a fluid passageway and said engagement member is positioned
within said at
least one groove, said engagement member configured to be acted upon, at least
indirectly, by
a force resulting from a presence of fluid pressure in said fluid passageway,
said force resisting
movement of said engagement member from a position on said second segment to a
position
on said first segment when said fluid pressure reaches a predetermined value.
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[020b] A second aspect provides for a dry break valve assembly, comprising:
(a) a first housing portion;
(b) a first flow control assembly substantially disposed within said first
housing
portion;
(c) a collar attached to said first housing portion and including at least one
engagement member;
(d) a second housing portion configured to removably engage said collar, said
second
housing portion defining at least one groove extending at least partially
about a circumference
of said second housing portion and defining at least first and second segments
that are arranged
so as to comprise first and second sides, respectively, of a vertex, said at
least one groove being
configured and arranged to receive said at least one engagement member,
whereby when said
first and second housing portions are engaged with each other said engagement
member travels
along said first segment, past said vertex to a point located on said second
segment and said first
and second housing portions at least partially define a fluid passageway, said
engagement
member configured to be acted upon, at least indirectly, by a force resulting
from a presence of
fluid pressure in said fluid passageway, said force resisting movement of said
engagement
member from a position on said second segment to a position on said first
segment when said
fluid pressure reaches said predetermined value;
(e) a second flow control assembly substantially disposed within said second
housing portion; and
(f) an actuating mechanism operably connected with at least said first flow
control
assembly, and said actuating mechanism substantially disposed within said
fluid passageway.
[020c] A third aspect provides for a cap assembly suitable for use in
conjunction with a fluid
conduit, comprising:
(a) a sleeve defining at least one groove extending at least partially about a
circumference of said sleeve and defining at least first and second segments
that are arranged
so as to comprise first and second sides, respectively, of a vertex, and said
sleeve defining a
socket configured to receive a portion of the fluid conduit;
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(b) a cap configured to mate with said sleeve and said cap cooperating with
the fluid
conduit to define a fluid passageway when said sleeve has received the fluid
conduit and said
cap is mated with said sleeve; and
(c) a collar configured to co-operate with said cap and removably engage said
sleeve so as to retain said cap in position on said sleeve, said collar
including at least one
engagement member configured and arranged to be received in said at least one
groove and
travel along said first segment, past said vertex to a point located on said
second segment, when
said collar has engaged said sleeve, said engagement member configured to be
acted upon, at
least indirectly, by a force resulting from a presence of fluid pressure in
said fluid passageway,
said force resisting movement of said engagement member from a position on
said second
segment to a position on said first segment when said fluid pressure reaches a
predetermined
value.
[020d] A further aspect provides for a fluid system component, comprising:
(a) a first element;
(b) a second element; and
(c) means for releasable engagement of said first and second elements in
mating
relationship, said releasable engagement means comprising at least one
receiving member
associated with said first element and at least one engagement member
associated with said
second element, wherein said at least one receiving member is configured such
that mere
rotation of said second element relative to said first element advances said
at least one
engagement member along a length of said at least one receiving member and
advances said
second element into closer engagement with said first element, wherein said
first and second
elements cooperate to define a fluid passageway when so engaged, and said
means for releasable
engagement being configured for cooperating with fluid pressure in said fluid
passageway to
cause a force to be exerted on said engagement member sufficient to prevent
disengagement of
said first and second elements so long as said fluid p ressure meets or
exceeds a first
predetermined value.
[021] These and other aspects of embodiments of the present invention will
become
more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0221 A more particular description of various aspects of the embodiments of
the invention
illustrated in the appended drawings will now be rendered. Understanding that
such
drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention, and are not
therefore to be
considered limiting of the scope of the invention in any way, various features
of such
exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional
specificity and
detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0231 Figure 1 depicts an exemplary operating environment for at least some
embodiments
of the present invention;
[0241 Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the dry break valve
assembly
which includes a source housing and a destination housing that can be
releasably connected
to each other using a sleeve;
10251 Figure 3 depicts an embodiment of a sleeve which. releasably seals and
connects a
source housing with a destination housing;
[0261 Figure 4 is a perspective view indicating various details of a breakable
link assembly
that is an integral portion of a collar;
10271 Figure 5 is a perspective cutaway view of an embodiment of the present
invention,
illustrating various features of an actuating mechanism;
[0281 Figure 6 is a cross section view of an exemplary sealing interface
within an
embodiment of a dry break valve assembly;
[0291 Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating various features of an
exemplary
embodiment of an actuating mechanism disposed within an embodiment of a dry
break
valve assembly;
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[030] Figure 7A is a side view illustrating various features of an embodiment
of an
actuating mechanism positioned so as to allow fluid flow through the dry break
valve
assembly;
[031] Figure 7B is a side view illustrating various features of an embodiment
of an
actuating mechanism positioned so as to substantially prevent fluid flow
through the dry
break valve assembly;
[032] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a dry
break valve
assembly depicting various features of an exemplary embodiment of a groove
arrangement
that includes three grooves each of which include a terminal segment;
[033] Figure 8A is a section view illustrating various aspects of the
exemplary embodiment
of the grooves depicted in Figure 8;
[034] Figure 9 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of a dry break
valve
assembly that illustrates aspects of the relation between the fluid pressure
in the fluid
passageway and the engagement of the first and second housing portions;
[035] Figure 10 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid system
component,
specifically, a cap assembly, that includes elements configured to be
releasably engaged
with each other;
[036] Figure I OA is a section view taken from the top view of Figure 10;
[037] Figure 10B is a side view illustrating aspects of an exemplary groove
arrangement
for the cap assembly;
[038] Figure 11A is a top view of the exemplary cap assembly illustrated in
Figures 10
through IOB, showing the position of various components prior to engagement of
the sleeve
and collar;
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10391 Figure I lB is a top view of the exemplary cap assembly illustrated in
Figures 10
through IOB, showing the position of various components after engagement of
the sleeve
and collar; and
[0401 Figure 12 is a side view illustrating various aspects of an exemplary
groove
configuration and arrangement that includes multiple overlapping grooves each
having a
plurality of intermediate segments.
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0411 Reference will now be made to figures wherein like structures will be
provided with
like reference designations. It is to be understood that the drawings are
diagrammatic and
schematic representations of various embodiments of the invention, and are not
to be
construed as limiting the present invention, nor are the drawings necessarily
drawn to scale.
[042J With reference first to Figure 1, one embodiment of a fluid transfer
system is
indicated generally at 100. Note that, as contemplated herein, "fluid"
includes liquids,
gases, liquid-gas combinations, slurries, liquid-solid combinations, gas-solid
combinations,
and liquid-solid-gas combinations. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in
Figure 1, fluid
transfer system 100 includes a fluid source 102 configured for fluid
communication with a
dry break valve assembly 200. Dry break valve assembly 200, in turn, is
configured for
selective fluid communication with a fluid destination 104, by way of a fluid
conduit 106.
[0431 As discussed elsewhere herein, it will be appreciated that dry break
valve assembly
200 may be located, in its entirety, at fluid source 102, or alternatively at
fluid destination
104. In one embodiment, discussed in detail below, dry break valve assembly
200
comprises at least two discrete portions, one of which may be located at fluid
source 102,
and the other of which may be located at fluid conduit 106, or vice versa in a
fluid loading
situation.
[0441 As contemplated herein, the term "conduit" is meant to include any
structure or
device adapted to facilitate transportation of a fluid, wherein such
structures and devices
include, but are not limited to, pipes, hoses, tubes, or the like. Fluid
conduit 106 may be
constructed of a variety of materials, or combinations thereof, including, but
not limited to,
metal, plastic, rubber, and the like.
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[045] With continuing reference to Figure 1, the fluid source 102 is
illustrated as a fluid
transport vehicle, and the fluid destination 104 is illustrated as an
underground tank.
However it will be appreciated that fluid source 102 and/or fluid destination
104, may
comprise any of a variety of different static or mobile structures and
vehicles. Such
structures and vehicles include, but are not limited to, air, water, or land
vehicles, such as,
but not limited to, trucks, boats, automobiles, motorcycles, ships, railcars,
aircraft, and the
like, as well as structures such as tanks, reservoirs, and the like.
[046] In operation, a pressure differential is established between fluid
source 102 and fluid
destination 104 so as to cause flow of the fluid through fluid conduit 106 in
the desired
direction. It will be appreciated that the pressure differential may be
established in such a
way as to cause flow to proceed in the opposite direction as well. The
pressure differential
may result from the force of gravity, or may alternatively be established by
various types of
equipment and devices including, but not limited to, pumps and the like.
[047) In general, dry break valve assembly 200 facilitates management and
control of fluid
flow between fluid source 102 and fluid destination 104. In particular, valve
assembly 200
allows for selective establishment and termination of fluid communication
between fluid
source 102 and fluid destination 104. Additionally, dry break valve assembly
200 facilitates
releasable engagement of two different fluid system components, for example,
fluid conduit
106 and fluid source 102. Finally, dry break valve assembly 200 includes
various features
which substantially prevent fluid leakage should the discrete portions of dry
break valve
assembly 200 be separated for any reason.
[048] With reference now to Figure 2, dry break valve assembly 200 includes a
first
housing portion 202 and second housing portion 204. As used herein, the
portion of the
valve assembly closest to the fluid source is referred to as the source
housing while the other
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CA 02431324 2003-06-06
housing portion is referred to as the destination portion. Either portion of
the dry break
valve assembly can be the source housing or the destination housing. Coupling
500 serves
to removably secure first housing portion 202 and second housing portion 204
in a
substantially leakproof engagement.
[049] Substantially disposed within first housing portion 202 and second
housing portion
204, respectively, are flow control assemblies 300A and 300B. In general, flow
control
assemblies 300A and 300B facilitate management of fluid flow through conduits,
or the like,
connected to first housing portion 202 and second housing portion 204,
respectively. Also
disposed within first housing portion 202, and discussed in greater detail
below, is an
actuating mechanism (not shown in Figure 2), which serves to manipulate the
position of
flow control assemblies 300A and 300B in response to input provided by way of
actuating
lever 402. Thus, the position of the flow control assemblies 300A and 300B may
vary
between fully open and fully closed.
[050] First housing portion 202 includes a conduit connector 202A. Conduit
connector
202A is configured to attach to fluid conduit 106 (shown in Figure 1), wherein
such
attachment may be accomplished in a variety of ways including, but not limited
to, welding,
brazing, soldering, and the like. Alternatively, conduit connector 202A may
comprise a
compression fitting, threaded fitting, or the like for attaching to fluid
conduit 106.
[051] In similar fashion, second housing portion 204 has a conduit connector
204A.
Conduit connector 204A is configured to attach to fluid conduit 106, wherein
such
attachment may be accomplished in a variety of ways including, but not limited
to, welding,
brazing, soldering, and the like. Alternatively, conduit connector 204A may
comprise a
compression fitting, threaded fitting, or the like for attaching to fluid
conduit 106. It will be
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appreciated that conduit connector 202A and/or conduit connector 204A may,
alternatively,
be connected directly to fluid source 102 or fluid destination 106.
[0521 Directing attention now to Figure 3, and with continuing attention to
Figure 2,
additional details regarding coupling 500 are provided. As indicated in Figure
3, coupling
500 includes a first engaging portion 500A and a second engaging portion 500B
joined
together by collar 502 which serves to substantially prevent relative motion
between first
engaging portion 500A and a second engaging portion 500B. Preferably, first
engaging
portion 500A and a second engaging portion 500B each comprise an outward
extending
annular ridge or the like which, when brought into a confronting relation with
each other, are
collectively configured to mate with corresponding structure defined by collar
502, as
suggested in Figure 3. It will be appreciated however, that coupling 500 and
collar 502,
either individually or collectively, may be configured in any number of
alternate ways that
would facilitate achievement of the functionality disclosed herein. In
addition the
connecting portions of the engaging portions 500A and 500B may be ridged to
ensure that
relative motion between the portions does not occur.
[0531 In one embodiment, first engaging portion 500A and a second engaging
portion
500B each further includes a plurality of pins 504 that mate with
corresponding grooves
202B and 204B, defined by first housing portion 202 and second housing portion
204,
respectively. Thus, a rotary motion imparted to coupling 500 by way of handles
506
releasably joins first engaging portion 500A and a second engaging portion
500B to first
housing portion 202 and second housing portion 204, respectively, by causing
pins 504 to
travel to the respective ends of grooves 202B and 204B. Preferably, grooves
202B and
204B are of such a length that a rotary motion of about 90 degrees is adequate
to releasably
couple first housing portion 202 to second housing portion 204. It will be
appreciated that a
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rotary motion of about 120 degrees in the opposite direction will be effective
to disengage
coupling 500 and thus release first housing portion 202 from second housing
portion 204.
[0541 It will be appreciated that the arrangement of coupling 500 with respect
to first
housing portion 202 and second housing portion 204 may be varied in a number
of ways.
For example, in one embodiment, first engaging portion 500A is integral with
first housing
portion 202, so that only second engaging portion 500B comprises pins 504.
Correspondingly, only grooves 204B are present and grooves 202B are not
required. In this
embodiment, a rotation, preferably about 120 degrees, imparted to coupling 500
by way of
handles 506 causes rotating pins 504, or bearings in another embodiment, to
travel the
length of grooves 204B so that coupling 500 thereby releasably joins first
housing portion
202 to second housing portion 204.
[0551 Yet another embodiment employs essentially a reverse configuration of
that just
discussed. In particular, in this embodiment, second engaging portion 500B is
integral with
second housing portion 204, and only first engaging portion 500A includes pins
504.
Correspondingly, only grooves 202B are present and grooves 204B are not
required. In this
embodiment, a rotation, preferably about 90 degrees, imparted to coupling 500
by way of
handles 506 causes pins 504 to travel the length of grooves 202B so that
coupling 500
thereby releasably joins first housing portion 202 to second housing portion
204.
[0561 Finally, it will be appreciated that other types of structure and
devices may be
usefully employed to achieve the functionality collectively provided by pins
504 and
grooves 202B and 204B. Accordingly, other structures and devices that provide
such
functionality are contemplated as being within the scope of the present
invention, wherein
such other structures and devices include, but are not limited to, threaded
connections,
spring-biased connections, and the like.
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
[057] Directing attention now to Figure 4, and with continuing attention to
Figure 3,
additional details regarding collar 502 of coupling 500 are provided. In
particular, collar
502 further includes a breakable link assembly 600. Generally, breakable link
assembly 600
serves two primary purposes. First, breakable link assembly 600 serves to
retain collar 502
securely in place about first engaging portion 500A and second engaging
portion 500B of
collar 502. Further, breakable link assembly 600 includes a sacrificial
element that is
designed to break, thereby allowing first engaging portion 500A and second
engaging
portion 500B to separate from each other, when a force, or forces, of
predetermined
magnitude are applied to particular elements of fluid transfer system 100,
such as to valve
assembly 200, or to fluid conduit 106.
[058] In effect, when the sacrificial element breaks, then the coupling 500 is
no longer
capable of joining the first and second housings of the valve assembly and the
valve
assembly disassembles into two separate components. As previously described,
fluid flow
from each separate housing may be checked and when the valve assembly
separates in this
manner, fluid flow is checked and fluid spillage or leakage is thereby
minimized.
[059] As suggested in Figure 4, collar 502 is essentially C-shaped, having an
opening
between its two ends. Breakable link assembly 600 is disposed across the
opening thus
defined and includes a threaded member 602, such as a bolt or the like,
defining a bore (not
shown) near one end. Preferably, the bore thus defined is substantially
perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of threaded member 602. A shear pin 604 is slidably disposed
in the bore
and the opposing ends of shear pin 604 are received in collar 502 as
indicated. Preferably,
shear pin 604 is prevented from exiting the bore by way of cotter pins 606, or
the like,
disposed at either end of shear pin 604. It will be appreciated that shear pin
604 may
16
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
alternatively be glued, welded, brazed, or otherwise bonded to collar 502 so
as to prevent it
from exiting the bore in threaded member 602.
[060] Breakable link assembly 600 further includes a nut 608, or the like,
engaged for
advancement along threaded member 602. In operation, nut 608 is rotated so as
to advance
along threaded member 602 and thus draw the opposing ends of collar 502
securely
together.
[061] The operation of breakable link assembly 600 proceeds generally as
follows. In the
event a force, or forces, of predetermined magnitude in either a tensile or
axial load are
applied to valve assembly 200 and/or to fluid conduit 106, shear pin 604 will
fracture and
the valve assembly will disassemble. It will be appreciated that the materials
and/or
geometry of shear pin 604 may desirably be varied to adjust the point at which
fracture will
occur. It will further be appreciated that sacrificial elements other than
shear pin 604 may
usefully be employed. In general, any sacrificial element and/or breakable
link assembly
that provides the functionality, disclosed herein, of shear pin 604 and/or
breakable link
assembly 600 is contemplated as being within the scope of the present
invention.
[062] Upon fracture of shear pin 604, threaded member separates from collar
502, thus
permitting the ends of collar 502 to move apart and thereby allow separation
of first housing
portion 202 and second housing portion 204. The functionality provided by
breakable link
assembly 600 thus ensures that in the event a predetermined level of force is
applied to dry
break valve assembly 200, or to components to which it is connected, dry break
valve
assembly 200 will break dry, and thus substantially prevent any material
leakage of fluid.
Further, breakable link assembly 600 substantially ensures that in the event
such forces are
applied, no material damage occurs to the components of fluid transfer system
100 (see
17
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
Figure 1). Thus, in addition to minimizing the fluid loss that would otherwise
occur, the
conduit 106 is preserved and damage is not done to the fluid source or the
fluid. destination.
[063] Note that a variety of means may be profitably employed to perform the
functions
enumerated herein, of sealingly engaging first housing 204 with second housing
206 using
coupler 500. Coupler 500 is an example of means for sealingly engaging first
housing
portion 202 and second housing portion 204. Accordingly, the structure
disclosed herein
simply represents one embodiment of structure capable of performing this
function. It
should be understood that this structure is presented solely by way of example
and should
not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way.
[064] The valve assembly 200 and its various parts may be made of a range of
materials
depending on the type of fluid being transferred. Preferably, a material is
chosen that can
withstand corrosion and high temperature thermal cycling, such as carbon steel
or stainless
steel. Generally, valve assembly 200 may be constructed from Austenitic steel.
[065] Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of various features of the
flow control
assemblies of valve assembly 200. The following description of the housing
configuration
and flow control assemblies is by illustration only and not by way of
limitation. Generally,
flow control assembly 300A may comprise a flow control member 302A, a guide
322A, a
resilient member 344A, a fitting member 348, and a snap ring 364A. Similarly,
flow control
assembly 300B may comprise a flow control member 302B, a guide 322B, a
resilient
member 344B, a sealing member 350, and a snap ring 364B.
[066] Flow control assemblies 300A and 300B have a flow control member 302A
and
302B, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, flow control members 302A and 302B
have a
round disc-like valve gate 304A and 304B, respectively. Valve gate 304A
contains a bore
320 substantially in the center of the valve gate so as to allow a
substantially cylindrical
18
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
piece to pass through the bore. It will be understood that bore 320 may be any
geometrical
shape (e.g., square, rectangular, polygonal, etc.) that will allow passage of
a corresponding
geometrical-shaped piece to pass through the bore.
10671 Attached to valve gate 304A is a hollow driver shaft 316. Driver shaft
316 is placed
in transverse relation to valve gate 304B. Preferably, driver shaft 316 is
substantially
concentric with bore 320 and contains substantially the same geometric shape
as bore 320.
Attached to valve gate 304B is a member 318, which may be solid or hollow.
Driver shaft
316 and member 318 may be attached to valve gate 304A and 304B by any means
known in
the art, such as, but not limited to, welding, adhesive bonding, or may be
formed integrally
with valve gates 304A and 304B.
[0681 Figure 5 further illustrates guides 322A and 322B. Guides 322A and 322B
essentially add structural support to flow control assemblies 300A and 300B.
Guides 322A
and 322B contain bores 326A and 326B whose inner diameters correspond
respectively with
the outer diameters of driver shaft 316 and member 318. In practice, driver
shaft 316
slidably passes through bore 326A, and, similarly, member 318 slidably passes
through bore
326B. Preferably, guides 322A and 322B are essentially hollow except for three
support
bars generally designated as 340A and 340B. The hollow structure allows for
structural
members to pass through guides 322A and 322B and to be movably connected to
valve gates
304A and 304B, which will be discussed in further detail later in this
specification.
However, it will be appreciated that guides 322A and 322B may be constructed
having a
partially solid configuration as long as the requisite area is present to
allow for movement of
parts.
[0691 Figure 5 shows resilient member 344A and 344B which are placed onto
driver shaft
316 and solid member 318, respectively. Resilient members 344A and 344B are
shown in
19
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
Figure 5 to be springs. However, one skilled in the art will understand that
resilient
members 344A and 344B may be any structure which maintains a bias such as, but
not
limited to, a rubber material, an elastic material, polished metal, and the
like.
[070] Figure 5 further depicts fitting member 348 and corresponding sealing
member 350.
The configuration of fitting member 348 and sealing member 350 will be
discussed in more
detail later in this specification. However, in general terms, fitting member
348 is tapered
on one side to provide a valve seat for valve gate 302A. Similarly, sealing
member 350 is
tapered on one side to provide a valve seat for valve gate 302B. Preferably,
valve gates
302A and 302B have corresponding tapers to allow for better sealing
engagement.
[071] As shown in Figure 2, first housing portion 202 and second housing
portion 204 are
configured to allow for placement of flow control assemblies 300A and 300B to
be disposed
substantially within each housing. Figure 5 shows ridge 360 placed on the
interior surface
of first housing portion 202. Ridge 360 acts as structural support for flow
control assembly
300A. During assembly, guide 322A rests on ridge 360. Resilient member 344A is
slid
onto driver shaft 316, after which flow control member 302A is placed into
first housing
portion 202 with driver shaft 316 passing through bore 326A. Finally, fitting
member 348 is
placed into first housing portion 202 to complete the flow control assembly
300A. It will be
understood from the drawings and foregoing discussion that flow control
assembly 300B
may be assembled in a manner similar to that for flow control assembly 300A.
[072] It will be noted from Figure 5, that second housing portion 204 has a
ledge 362 to
provide a similar structural function as ridge 360. It will be appreciated
that first housing
portion 202 and second housing portion 204 may have structural ridges and
grooves on the
interior surface of the housing to provide for better structural engagement of
corresponding
parts of flow control assemblies 300A and 300B.
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
[073] In one embodiment, snap rings 364A and 364B are provided for a better
sealing
engagement when flow control assembly 300A and 300B are assembled and for
easier
disassembly during maintenance of the valve assembly. In another embodiment,
valve gate
304A and 304B may have an O-ring placed along the taper to provide for better
sealing
engagement.
[074] Figure 6 is a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of the dry break
valve
assembly, illustrating the sealing engagement between first housing portion
202 and second
housing portion 204. First housing portion 202 and second housing portion 204
are joined
in sealing engagement preferably in at least two ways - at their outer rims
and between
fitting member 348 and sealing member 350.
[075] Figure 6 shows the outer rims of first housing portion 202 and second
housing
portion 204 in sealing engagement. During assembly of dry break valve assembly
200,
coupler 500 acts to join the outer rims of first housing portion 202 and
second housing
portion 204 to join them in sealing engagement. Tightening of the coupler 500
further acts
to seal valve assembly 200. Preferably, L-shaped grooves 204B are configured
such that
sealing engagement occurs when pins 504 are engaged with L-shaped grooves
204B.
[076] Preferably, a sealing feature is also provided between fitting member
348 and sealing
member 350. As shown in Figure 6, fitting member 348 is provided with a
tapered ridge
368 running circumferentially around fitting member 348. Similarly, sealing
member 350 is
provided with a corresponding tapered channel 370 running circumferentially
around sealing
member 350. The terms "peripheral" and "circumferential" are adopted herewith
to describe
tapered ridge 368 and tapered channel 370 since tapered ridge 368 is disposed
around the
perimeter of an interior cavity formed within fitting member 348. Thus,
peripheral tapered
ridge 368 peripherally defines the opening of a cavity formed through fitting
member 350.
21
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
By providing ridge 368 and channel 370 with tapered surfaces, greater surface
area is
provided which allows an improved sealing engagement without increasing the
diameter of
the embodiment as is required, for example, to increase the sealing surface
area when using
a common flange joint.
[0771 Coupler 500 is provided with compressing edge 372 which biases
compensating
washer(s) 374 against abutting edge 376 of fitting member 348. Coupler 500
attaches to the
external surface of sealing member 350 by the twist coupling method discussed
previously
and described in more detail hereinafter. Compensating washer(s) 374, shown
best in Figure
6, serves a dual purpose. Compensating washer(s) 374 provides compensation due
to
"creeping" (degradation of the seal due to thermal contraction) which occurs
at low
temperatures. Compensating washer(s) 374 also serves to bias coupler 500 in a
direction
which will hold pins 504 in the L-shaped grooves 204B and thus provides the
tension
necessary for proper operation of the twist coupling. In this regard, when
pins 504 are
seated in the L-shaped grooves 204B, compensating washer(s) 374 biases fitting
member
348 towards sealing member 350, and thus assists in forming a proper seal.
[0781 As can be seen best in Figure 6, fitting member 348 is provided with an
abutting
edge 376 while coupler 500 is provided with a compressing edge 372. One pin
504 and L-
shaped groove 204B can be seen in the lower portion of Figure 6. Compensating
washer(s)
374 is positioned so that compressing edge 372 and abutting edge 376 are urged
apart. Pins
504, grooves 204B, and compensating washer(s) 374, are arranged such that
sealing contact
between tapered ridge 368 and tapered channel 370 occurs when pins 504 are
situated in
grooves 204B. This arrangement provides that when pins 504 are received in the
grooves
204B, compensating washer(s) 374 is partially or fully compressed.
22
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
[079] It should be understood that compensating washer(s) 374 may be replaced
by
structures other than that shown and described in connection with Figure 6
above. For
example, if the embodiment is to be used only under moderate temperature and
pressure
conditions, compensating washer(s) 374 may be a washer of a resilient or
elastic material,
such as rubber. Depending upon the application, those skilled in the art will
be able to
determine what alternative structures and materials may be used for
compensating washer(s)
374. The washer(s) 374 is preferably compressible so as to allow pins 504 to
seat in grooves
204B while urging tapered ridge 368 into sealing engagement with tapered
channel 370.
This arrangement provides a coupling which is highly resistant to loosening
due to vibration.
[080] By the above-described arrangement, tapered ridge 368 is held in tight
sealing
arrangement with tapered channel 370. Note that a variety of means may be
profitably
employed to perform the functions enumerated herein, of providing a sealing
engagement
between first housing portion 202 and second housing portion 204. Fitting
member 348 and
sealing member 350 are examples of means for sealingly engaging first housing
portion 202
and second housing portion 204. Accordingly, the structure disclosed herein
simply
represents one embodiment of structure capable of performing these functions.
It should be
understood that this structure is presented solely by way of example and
should not be
construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way.
[081] In one embodiment, an actuating mechanism is used to operate the flow
control
assemblies 300A and 300B. Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of an
actuating
mechanism 501. Preferably, actuating mechanism 501 uses cam. action in
operation. Cam
action refers generally to a sliding piece in a mechanical linkage used
especially in
transforming rotary motion into linear motion or vice versa.
23
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
[082] As depicted in Figure 7, actuating mechanism 501 has a cam handle 503.
Cam
handle 503 provides three attachment sites, 512, 516A, and 516B. Attached to
site 512 is
cam arm 518, which in turn is connected to driver 505 at attachment site 514.
Driver 505
has a first end 526 and a second end 528. Driver 505 is shown in Figure 7 to
be essentially
cylindrical in shape. However, it will be understood that driver 505 may be
any geometric
shape which will correspond with driver shaft 316 and guide bore 326A. Driver
505 is
essentially a mechanical piece for imparting motion to components of the dry
break valve
assembly as will be discussed in further detail later in the specification.
Attached to sites
516A and 516B are displacement shafts 506A and 506B. Displacement shafts 506A
and
506B are shown in Figure 7 to be essentially rectangular in shape. However, it
will be
understood that displacement shafts 506A and 506B may be manufactured in any
geometric
shape, such as cylindrical, elliptical, square, and the like, without
departing from the scope
of the present invention.
[083] Preferably the connections of driver 505 and displacement shafts 506A
and 506B to
cam handle 503 at sites 512, 516A and 516B are pin connections such that the
parts may be
movably connected. However, it will be understood that such connections may be
done in a
variety of ways known to the art including, but not limited to a bolt, a
screw, pins, and the
like.
[084] As shown in Figure 2, cam handle 402, also referred to as an actuating
lever, is
connected to an actuating arm 510, which, in turn, is connected to an
actuating lever 508.
Actuating arm 510 is substantially disposed within first housing portion 202.
Actuating arm
510 is preferably placed such that it is substantially over the center of
actuating mechanism
501. Preferably actuating arm 510 and cam handle 503 are connected such that
cam handle
503 cannot move independently of actuating arm 510.
24
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
[085] Figure 7 also shows valve gates 304A and 304B in relation to actuating
mechanism
501. Valve gate 304A is shown operably connected to actuating mechanism 501
while
valve gate 304B is disposed in operative relation to the actuating mechanism.
Actuating
mechanism 501 effects motion in both valve gate 304A and 304B at substantially
the same
time.
[086] Valve gate 304A is shown with second end 528 of driver 505 disposed
through bore
320. Preferably, in the resting position, second end 528 is substantially
disposed within bore
320. However, it will be understood that second end 528 may be partly out of
bore 320
without departing from the scope of the present invention. The driver 505 is
sized to
slidably pass through bore 320 without substantial obstruction from bore 320.
[087] Displacement shafts 506A and 506B are shown to be connected to valve
gate 304A
at attachment sites 520A and 520B. Bore 320 and sites 520A and 520B are placed
in a
triangular configuration with sites 520A and 520B being placed substantially
equidistant
from bore 320. Sites 520A and 520B are also placed substantially equidistant
from
actuating arm 510 such that displacement shafts 506A and 506B are in
substantial alignment
with one another. Preferably the connections between displacement shafts 506A
and 506B
and connection sites 520A and 520B are pin connections such that the parts may
be movably
connected. However, it will be understood that the parts may be connected by
known means
in the art, such as, but not limited to, welding, bolting, and. the like,
without exceeding from
scope of the present invention.
[088] Referring now to Figures 7A and 7B, the operation of actuating mechanism
501 will
be discussed in detail. Figure 7A shows a side view of actuating mechanism 501
at rest.
Attachment site 512, cam arm 518, and attachment site 514 create a joint 530.
Generally,
actuating mechanism 501 operates as follows: the operator depresses the
actuating lever 402
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
(shown in Figure 2) and then the operator rotates actuating lever 402 which
transmits a
torque force (TF) through actuating arm 510 (not shown). The torque force (TF)
is shown in
Figure 7B in the direction of the arrows. Such torque force (TF) rotates cam
handle 503
which in turn rotates sites 512, 516A, and 516B (not shown). Thus, driver 505,
and
displacement shafts 506A and 506B (not shown) will be in motion at
substantially the same
time.
[089] As cam handle 503 rotates, site 512 rotates in a downward direction
forcing motion
through cam arm 518 and, in turn, forcing driver 505 in a downward direction.
Driver 505
passes through bore 320 such that second end 528 of the driver comes into
contact with
valve gate 304B. The downward motion of driver 505 pushes against valve gate
304B,
which displaces valve gate 304B. The displacement of valve gate 304B forces
resilient
member 344B in a biased position. In one embodiment, located substantially at
the center of
valve gate 304B is a groove 524. The shape of groove 524 corresponds with the
geometric
shape of the end face of driver 505 such that driver 505 engages groove 524.
[090] At substantially the same time as site 512 is in motion, sites 516A and
516B are
rotating in an upward direction, thus pulling displacement shafts 506A and
506B in an
upward direction. This upward motion pulls at attachment sites 520A and 520B
(not
shown), which in turn pulls valve gate 304A upward, displacing valve gate
304A. The
displacement of valve gate 304A forces resilient member 344A in a biased
position. Thus,
at substantially the same time, valve gates 304A and 304B are displaced or
opened to
establish fluid communication between the valve gates. Figure 7B shows a side
view of the
actuating mechanism in full operation (i.e., fully opened) with valve gates
304A and 304B
being displaced or opened. Thus, at least indirectly, actuating mechanism 501
acts to open
both valve gates 304A and 304B at substantially the same time.
26
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
[091] When actuating mechanism 501 is in fully open, with valve assembly 200
completely assembled, actuating mechanism 501 will lock into place
automatically. This
automatic locking feature is provided by the equilibrium of forces provided by
the torque
force (TF) and an equal and opposite retention force (RF) created by resilient
member 344B.
During actuation, cam arm 518 acts to shift attachment site 512 from
attachment site 514,
such that the sites are offset from one another as shown in Figure 7B.
[092] In other words, when actuating mechanism 501 is completely actuated,
joint 530 is in
an overextended position. When actuating mechanism 501 is fully actuated,
resilient
member 344B is depressed in a biased position. The retention force (RF)
created by biased
resilient member 344B acts upwardly through valve gate 304B to driver 505 to
keep joint
530 locked in an overextended position. Once the retention force (RF) is
applied, the torque
force (TF) is no longer required and actuating mechanism 501 will remain
locked until the
retention force (RF) is removed. Thus, the present invention provides for an
automatic
locking mechanism when the actuating mechanism 501 is fully opened and dry
break valve
assembly 200 is fully assembled.
[093] In one embodiment, dry break valve assembly 200 has an automatic check
valve
feature (i.e., fail closed feature). When the sealing engagement between first
housing
portion 202 and second housing portion 204 is broken, valve assembly 200
automatically
closes to prevent substantial leakage of fluid. As discussed above, valve
gates 304A and
304B are maintained in the open position by applying a torque force (TF)
and/or a retention
force (RF). When actuating mechanism 501 is fully activated, and the torque
force (TF) is
removed, actuating mechanism 501 remains locked due to the retention force
(RF) as
discussed above. Releasing the retention force (RF) will cause actuating
mechanism 501 to
automatically close. Essentially, if no torque force (TF) or retention force
(RF) is applied,
27
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
actuating mechanism 501 is predisposed to spring back into its original
position because
resilient members 344A and 344B are biased in the closed position, i.e., valve
gates 304A
and 304B close at substantially the same time. Release of the retention force
(RF) may
occur when first housing portion 202 is separated from sealing engagement with
second
housing portion 204. It will be understood that separation of first housing
portion 202 from
second housing portion 204 may occur manually or automatically. Thus, the
present
invention provides for automatic checking of fluid flow whenever the valve
assembly is
disassembled, whether automatically or manually.
[094] While, in the case of some embodiments disclosed herein, it is useful to
provide a
fluid system component, such as a dry break valve assembly, having mating
halves, or
portions, that can be readily engaged and disengaged under a variety of
pressure conditions,
it is useful in other situations to be able to prevent disengagement of the
mating portions of
the dry break valve when the pressure in the line wherein the dry break valve
is employed
has exceeded, or dropped below, as applicable, a predetermined level. With the
foregoing in
view, attention is directed now to Figure 8 wherein various details are
provided regarding
aspects of an alternative embodiment of the dry break valve assembly,
generally denoted at
700. As the operational and structural aspects of the illustrated embodiment
are similar in
many regards to those of other embodiments disclosed herein, the following
discussion will
focus primarily on selected aspects of the illustrated embodiment.
[095] In particular, the dry break valve assembly 700 includes a first housing
portion 702
and second housing portion 704 removably joined together by a coupling 800.
While, in the
illustrated embodiment, coupling 800 is integral with first housing portion
702, coupling 800
comprises a component discrete from both first housing portion 702 and second
housing
28
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
portion 704 in some alternative embodiments. Note that, as discussed elsewhere
herein, the
use of coupling 800 is not limited to dry break valve assembly 700
[096] With continuing reference to aspects of the first and second housing
portions, the
first housing portion 702 and second housing portion 704 each include a
corresponding
conduit connector 702A and 704A, respectively, configured to attach to a fluid
conduit 106
(Figure 1) or other fluid system component, wherein such attachment may be
accomplished
in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, welding, brazing and
soldering. Other
exemplary types of conduit connectors 702A and 704A that may be employed
include
compression fittings and threaded fittings.
[097] As indicated in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the
first housing
portion 702 and second housing portion 704 each further include a
corresponding flow
control assembly 900A and 900B, respectively, that are operated by way of an
actuating
mechanism (see, e.g., Figure 7) and associated actuating lever 706, as
described elsewhere
herein. As discussed in further detail below, rotary motion for engaging and
disengaging
first housing portion 702 and second housing portion 704 is imparted by way of
handles 802
joined to coupling 800.
[098] Generally, engagement of the two portions is achieved by means of one or
more
receiving members (e.g. grooves) on one portion and one or more engagement
members
(e.g. pins or rollers) on the other, positioned in mating relationship.
Aspects of this are
illustrated by Figure 8 in which a first housing portion 702 and second
housing portion 704
are engaged by way of mating pins and grooves. More specifically, coupling 800
includes
three engagement members, such as pins 804, spaced about its circumference and
configured and arranged to engage second housing portion 704, as discussed
below. In an
alternative embodiment discussed herein, pins 804 are replaced with a
plurality of rollers
29
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
connected to coupling 800. The use of rollers in place of pins is useful, for
example, where
coupling 800 is relatively large, and significant frictional forces must
otherwise be overcome
to operate coupling 800 in the manner described below.
[099] In correspondence with pins 804, second housing portion 704 includes
three grooves
708, each traversing an are 0 of about one hundred twenty (120) degrees about
the
circumference of second housing portion 704. The width and depth of grooves
708
generally correspond to the diameter and length, respectively, of pins 804. In
the illustrated
embodiment, each groove 708 includes three connected portions, or segments.
Specifically,
each groove 708 includes an entry segment 708A, an intermediate segment 708B,
and a
terminal segment 708C. In some alternative embodiments, grooves 708 are
defined by a
structure that is discrete from, but attached or attachable to, second housing
portion 704. In
some embodiments, the terminal segment comprises a segment of a groove, other
than the
entry segment, that cooperates with a longitudinal axis such as axis AA (see,
for example,
Figure 8A) to define an oblique angle. In yet other embodiments, the terminal
segment may
be generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (see, for example, Figure
12). Moreover,
the number and arrangement of intermediate segments in a groove, or grooves,
may be
varied as/if desired (see, for example, Figures 8A and 12).
[0100] It should be noted that the foregoing configuration is exemplary only
and aspects
such as, but not limited to, the size, number, geometry, arrangement, offset
angle 0 and arc
length j3 (of grooves 708) and disposition of one or more of the embodiments
of the pins and
grooves disclosed herein, including pins 804 and grooves 708, may be modified
as necessary
to suit the requirements of a particular application. Consistent with the
foregoing, details
concerning various alternative embodiments of grooves are set forth elsewhere
herein (see
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
Figure 12). Moreover, at least one embodiment of the invention includes four
engagement
members, examples of which include pins 804 and rollers 1106A (Figure 10A).
[0101] In general, the engagement of first housing portion 702 and second
housing portion
704 is effected by positioning each pin 804 in a corresponding groove 708 and
causing pins
804 to travel along grooves 708, as suggested in Figure 8A. More particularly,
first housing
portion 702 and second housing portion 704 are brought together until each pin
804 of
coupling 800 is positioned in the entry segment 708A of a corresponding groove
708 of
second housing portion 704. Rotation of second housing portion 704 is then
initiated, by
way of handles 802. As a result of the angular orientation of entry segments
708A with
respect to a longitudinal axis AA defined by the dry break valve assembly 700,
the initial
rotation of first housing portion 702 causes second housing portion 704 to be
drawn toward
first housing portion 702.
[0102] Continued rotation of first housing portion 702 causes pins 804 to
complete their
traverse of corresponding entry segments 708A, and move into their respective
intermediate
segments 708B. In at least some cases, pins 804 travel to the respective ends
of intermediate
segments 708B. In any event, pins 804 remain in intermediate segments 708B
until such
time as a predetermined pressure level is attained in a fluid passageway 1000
(Figure 9)
collectively defined by first housing portion 702 and second housing portion
704.
[0103] With continuing reference to Figures 8 and 8A, and directing attention
now to Figure
9, details are provided concerning various operational aspects of an exemplary
embodiment
of dry break valve assembly 700. As suggested above, the engagement of first
housing
portion 702 and second housing portion 704 results in the definition of a
fluid passageway,
generally denoted at 1000 in Figure 9, and comprising portions I000A and
1000B.
31
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
[0104] Prior to commencement of a fluid transfer operation, fluid is
introduced into portion
1000A, for example, by way of a conduit 106 (Figure 1) connected to first
housing portion
702, thereby pressurizing portion 1000A. The pressure thus exerted, denoted at
P1 in Figure
10, acts on the back of valve gate 304A, which is in contact with sealing
member 348
attached to first housing portion 702. As a result of this arrangement of
valve gate 304A,
sealing member 348, and first housing portion 702, the exertion of P1 in this
way causes first
housing portion 702 to move slightly forward into closer engagement with
second housing
portion 704, thereby forcing pins 804 to lock up into corresponding terminal
segments 708C
of grooves 708, as suggested in Figure 8A.
[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the forward motion of first housing
portion 702 may,
depending on the position of pins 804 prior to pressurization of portion
1000A, be
accompanied by a rotary motion of first housing portion 702 as well, as pins
804 travel
along intermediate segment 708B and come to rest in terminal segment 708C of
groove 708.
Further, one or both of first housing portion 702 and second housing portion
704 may or
may not rotate, depending upon whether one or both such portions 702 and 704
are
otherwise restrained from rotational movement during the initial
pressurization of portion
1000A of fluid passageway 1000. In yet other embodiments, little or no
rotation of first
housing portion 702 or second housing portion 704 occurs.
[0106] As suggested in Figure 8A, rotary motion of first housing portion 702,
at least, is
facilitated, at least in part, by the geometric relation of intermediate
segment 708B with
terminal segment 708C, expressed as an offset angle 0. Specifically, as the
action of
pressure P1 on the back of valve gate 304A (Figure 9) causes first housing
portion 702 to
move forward into closer engagement with second housing portion 704, the
geometry that
32
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
defines offset angle 0 guides each pin 804 laterally, as well as forward, from
the
intermediate segment 708B into its corresponding terminal segment 708C.
[0107] Once pins 804 are seated thus, the continuing exertion of pressure P,
on the back of
valve gate 304A aids in the retention of pins 804 in their corresponding
terminal segments
708C (Figure 8A) and resists motion of pins 804 in the opposite direction,
that is, out of
their corresponding terminal segments 708C. As a result, first housing portion
702 and
second housing portion 704 of dry break valve assembly 700 cannot be
disengaged from
each other until the fluid pressure in portion 1000A of fluid passageway 1000
has been
reduced to a predetermined level or differential, or until the pressure in
portions 1000A and
1000B has been equalized. Thus, the pins 804 and grooves 708 cooperate with
each other,
and advantageously employ the line pressure, to ensure a secure connection
between first
housing portion 702 and second housing portion 704 of dry break valve assembly
700 under
a variety of pressure conditions. Note that the arrangement and configuration
of pins 804
and grooves 708 in this exemplary embodiment, and others disclosed herein, may
be varied
to function in concert with either positive or negative (vacuum) pressures in
fluid
passageway 1000.
[0108] Note further that a variety of means may be profitably employed to
perform the
functions, disclosed herein, of pins 804 and grooves 708, and rollers 1106A
and grooves
1102C discussed below. Examples of such functions include, but are not limited
to,
releasably engaging first and second elements of a fluid system component,
maintaining
engagement of such first and second elements so long as the line fluid
pressure meets or
exceeds a first predetermined value, and facilitating disengagement of such
first and second
elements when the line fluid pressure has reached a second predetermined
value. Such first
and second elements of a fluid system include, but are not limited to, first
housing portion
33
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
702 and second housing portion 704 of dry break valve assembly 700, and sleeve
1102 and
collar 1106 of cap assembly 1100. Thus, pins 804 and grooves 708, and rollers
1106A and
grooves 1102C, respectively, comprise exemplary structures that function as a
means for
releasable engagement. It should be understood that such structures are
presented solely by
way of example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
present invention in
any way.
[0109] While, in the foregoing discussion, various operational aspects of an
exemplary
embodiment of dry break valve assembly 700 are considered in the situation
wherein a fluid
processing operation is initiated by pressurization of portion 1000A of fluid
passageway
1000, yet other fluid processing operations are commenced by initially
pressurizing portion
1000E of fluid passageway 1000. As discussed below however, pins 804 and
grooves 708
provide comparable functionality regardless of which portion of fluid
passageway 1000 is
initially pressurized.
[0110] In particular, fluid introduced into portion I000B of fluid passageway
1000 prior to
commencement of a fluid transfer operation serves to pressurized portion
1000B. The
pressure thus exerted, denoted at P2 in Figure 9, acts on the back of valve
gate 304B, which
is in contact with sealing member 350 attached to second housing portion 704.
As a result
of this arrangement of valve gate 304B, sealing member 350, and second housing
portion
704, the exertion of P2 in this way causes second housing portion 704 to move
slightly
forward into closer engagement with first housing portion 702, thereby forcing
terminal
segments 708C of grooves 708 into engagement with corresponding pins 804, as
suggested
in Figure 8A.
[0111] Similar to the case where portion I000A is initially pressurized, the
pressurization of
portion 1000B may, depending on the position of pins 804 and terminal segments
708C
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CA 02431324 2003-06-06
prior to such pressurization, be accompanied by a rotary motion of second
housing portion
704 as well, as terminal segments 708C of groove 708 travel into a position
where they can
engage corresponding pins 804. Of course, one or both of first housing portion
702 and
second housing portion 704 may or may not rotate, depending upon whether one
or both
such portions 702 and 704 are otherwise restrained from rotational movement
during the
initial pressurization of portion 1000B of fluid passageway 1000. In any
event, initial
pressurization of portion 1000B will operate, in substantially the same
fashion as initial
pressurization of portion 1000A, with respect to the engagement of first
housing portion 702
with second housing portion 704.
[0112] While the immediately preceding discussion is concerned with a specific
type of
fluid system component, that is, a dry break valve, embodiments of the
invention are
directed, more generally, to any fluid system component having portions, or
elements, which
are desired to be releasably engaged. One exemplary embodiment of such a fluid
system
component is considered below.
[0113] Directing attention now to Figures 10 through 10B, details are provided
concerning
an exemplary embodiment of a cap assembly, generally denoted at 1100. In the
illustrated
embodiment, cap assembly 1100 generally includes a sleeve 1102, configured to
receive the
end of a fluid conduit 1200, a cap 1104 configured to be positioned on the end
of fluid
conduit 1200 and cooperating with fluid conduit 1200 to at least partially
define a fluid
passageway 1300 when so positioned, and a collar 1106 generally configured to
retain cap
1104 in position.
[0114] More particularly, sleeve 1102 defines a socket 1102A having an inside
diameter of
dimension ID compatible with the outside diameter dimension OD of fluid
conduit 1200. It
is desirable in some cases to construct sleeve 1102 in such a way that a gap
is introduced
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
between the inside of socket 1102A and fluid conduit 1200 so as to
accommodate, for
example, any differences in the thermal expansion rates of sleeve 1102 and
fluid conduit
1200. The sleeve 1102 may be attached to fluid conduit 1200 in. any suitable
manner, such
as by methods including, but not limited to, welding, brazing and soldering.
In at least one
embodiment, sleeve 1102 and fluid conduit 1200 each include mating threads so
that sleeve
1102 can be removably attached to fluid conduit 1200.
[0115] Generally, sleeve 1102 comprises a metallic material that, in at least
some instances,
is chemically and thermally compatible with fluid conduit 1200. Exemplary
materials for
sleeve 1102 include, but are not limited to, copper and its alloys, steels,
iron, aluminum and
its alloys, and titanium and its alloys. Moreover, sleeve 102 may be machined
or cast.
Other suitable construction methods may alternatively be employed.
[0116] With continuing reference to its various geometric features, sleeve
1102 further
includes a substantially annular chamfer 1102B that defines an opening wherein
a portion of
cap 1104 is received, as indicated in Figure 10A. Generally, the geometry of
chamfer
1102B is configured to correspond to the structure of cap 1104 with which it
interfaces.
Geometric aspects of chamfer 1102B such as, but not limited to, the wall
thickness and
chamfer angle may be adjusted as necessary to suit the requirements of a
particular
application.
[0117] As further indicated in Figure 1 OA, sleeve 1102 defines a plurality of
grooves 11020
that are configured and arranged to engage corresponding structure of coupling
1106,
discussed in further detail below. In particular, and directing attention now
to Figure 10B as
well, each groove 1102C includes three connected segments, an entry segment
1102D, an
intermediate segment 1102E, and a terminal segment 1102F. Such grooves may be
machined, or otherwise formed, in the outer surface of sleeve 1102 and, in one
embodiment,
36
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
each describes an arc 1 of about one hundred twenty (120) degrees about the
circumference
of sleeve 1102. In the case of other exemplary embodiments, such as that
illustrated in
Figure 12 for example, arc 0 described by each groove may be such that the
grooves overlap
each other. Similar to other exemplary embodiments of grooves disclosed
herein,
intermediate segment 11 02E and terminal segment 1102F cooperate to define an
offset angle
8 that aids in the engagement of collar 1106 with sleeve 1102 generally in the
manner
described elsewhere herein.
[01181 It should be noted that the embodiment of grooves 1 t02C illustrated in
Figure I OB is
exemplary only and aspects of grooves 1102C such as, but not limited to, the
size, number,
geometry, arrangement, are length P, offset angle 8, and disposition of one or
more of
grooves 1102C may be varied in accordance with the requirements of a
particular
application. Accordingly, such exemplary embodiment should not be construed to
limit the
scope of the invention in any way.
[01191 In correspondence with the grooves 1102C defined by sleeve 1102, collar
1106
includes a plurality of rollers 1106A, each of which is configured and
arranged to be
received within a corresponding groove 11 02C and to travel therealong, as
suggested by the
exemplary roller travel paths illustrated in Figure IOB. To that end, each
roller 1106A has a
diameter and thickness that generally correspond with the width and depth,
respectively, of a
corresponding groove 1102C. As indicated in Figure 1OA, the rollers 1106A are
disposed
within the interior of collar 1106 and are each attached to a corresponding
fastener 1106B
that passes through collar 1106. Each of the fasteners 1106B is secured in
position by a
corresponding nut 1106C, and the extent to which rollers 11 06A protrude into
the interior of
collar 1106 may be changed by adjusting the positioning of nuts 1106C
accordingly. In
37
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
some embodiments of the invention, bearings or similar structures or devices
are provided to
facilitate ready and reliable rotation of the rollers 1106A.
[0120] With continuing attention to Figure 10A, further details are provided
concerning
aspects of collar 1106. In particular, collar 1106 defines a sealing surface
1106D that
cooperates with O-ring 1108 to substantially prevent fluid leakage from the
joint
cooperatively defined by cap 1104 and collar 1106, as well as from the joint
cooperatively
defined by cap 1104 and sleeve 1102. As suggested by the foregoing, and as
illustrated in
Figure 10A, the exemplary embodiment of collar 1106 is substantially hollow
and is
configured to receive cap 1104 in such a way as to substantially prevent
material axial or
radial movement of cap 1104 when collar 1106 has fully engaged sleeve 1102, as
shown in
Figure 10A.
[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, cap 1104 and collar 1106 comprise
discrete structures.
However, in an alternative embodiment, cap 1104 and collar 1106 are integral
with each
other, or otherwise permanently joined to each other, and an O-ring or other
sealing device
is interposed between cap 1104 and sleeve 1102. The foregoing arrangements are
exemplary only however, and are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention.
[0122] With continuing reference to Figures 10 through 10B, and directing
attention now to
Figures 11A through 11 C, cap assembly 1100 further includes one or more
handles 1110
that permit a user to impart a rotary motion so as to engage (Figure 11 B), or
disengage
(Figure 11A), collar 1106 and sleeve 1102. The handles 1106E, may comprise
steel bar
stock or any other suitable materials and/or configurations. In at least one
embodiment,
aspects of which are illustrated in Figure 11C, each of hand] es 1110 are
rotatably attached,
by way of pins 1112, to corresponding blocks 1114 joined to collar 1106 so
that handles
1110 can be rotated, as indicated, from a use position upward into a storage
position when
38
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
not needed, and vice versa. Moreover, some embodiments include one or more
stops 1115
which serve to prevent over-rotation of collar 1106. In the embodiment
illustrated in Figure
1OA, stops 1115 comprise bolts that pass through collar 1106. However, any
other suitable
arrangement or structure providing similar functionality may alternatively be
employed.
[0123] As further indicated in Figures 10A, 11A and IIB, cap assembly 1100
further
includes an alignment tab 1116, which is attached to sleeve 1102 and/or fluid
conduit 1200,
or otherwise suitably located. In the illustrated embodiment, alignment tab
1116 defines an
opening 1116A positioned to be aligned with a corresponding opening 1106B 1
defined by
one of the fasteners 1106. At such time as an opening 11 06B 1 is
substantially aligned with
opening 11 16A in a way that corresponds to a desired position of handles
1110, a tamper-
evident device 1118 comprising, for example, a thin wire 1118A that can be
threaded
through the aligned holes and securely fastened with a lead seal 111 8B so
that an observer
can readily determine if the position of handles 1110 has been changed
subsequent to
placement of the tamper-evident device 1118.
[0124] Moreover, and as suggested above, alignment tab 1116 is positioned so
as to provide
feedback to the operator as to whether or not collar 1106 and sleeve 1102 are
fully engaged
with each other. In particular, and as indicated in Figure 11A, collar 1106 is
initially
positioned so that a fastener 1106 is disposed on either side thereof. As
collar 1106 is
rotated to the fully engaged position, illustrated in Figure 11 B, the hole
1116A of alignment
tab 1116 is aligned with a corresponding hole I106B1 of a fastener 1106B.
Consequently,
an operator can readily make a visual determination as to whether or not
collar 1106 and
sleeve 1102 are fully engaged with each other.
[0125] In some embodiments, cap assembly 1100 additionally includes a safety
restraint
1120 comprising a cable 1120A and cable crimps 1120B. In an exemplary
embodiment,
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CA 02431324 2003-06-06
cable 1120A comprises a one eighth (0.125) inch diameter steel cable looped
through at
least one handle 1110 and around fluid conduit 1200, and retained in place by
cable crimps
1120B, as shown in Figure 10A. Generally, safety restraint 1120 operates as a
redundant
safety system that serves to prevent, or reduce, damage to personnel or
surrounding
equipment and systems in the event collar 1106 becomes disconnected, in an
uncontrolled
manner, from sleeve 1102.
[0126] With attention now to Figures 10 through 11C, details are provided
concerning
various operational aspects of the illustrated embodiment. As such operational
aspects are
similar in many regard to those discussed elsewhere herein with respect to
various
alternative embodiments, the following discussion will focus primarily on
selected
operational aspects of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10 through 11 C.
[0127] In operation, the engagement of collar 1106 and sleeve 1102 is effected
by
positioning each roller 1106A in. a corresponding groove 1102C and causing
rollers 1106A
to travel along grooves 11020 according to the path denoted in Figure 10B.
More
particularly, collar 1106 and sleeve 1102 are brought together until each
roller 1106A of
collar 1106 is positioned in the entry segment 1102D of a corresponding groove
1102C of
sleeve 1102. Rotation of collar 1106 is then initiated by way of handles 1110.
As a result of
the angular orientation of entry segments 1102D with respect to a longitudinal
axis BB
defined by the cap assembly 1100, the initial rotation of collar 1106 causes
collar 1106 to be
drawn toward sleeve 1102, confining cap 1104 therebetween.
[0128] Continued rotation of collar 1106 causes rollers 1106A to complete
their traverse of
corresponding entry segments 1102D, and move into their respective
intermediate segments
1102E. In at least some cases, rollers 1106A travel to the respective ends of
terminal
intermediate 1102E. In any event, rollers 1106A remain in intermediate
segments 1102E
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
until such time as a predetermined pressure level is attained in a fluid
passageway 1300
(Figure 10A) collectively defined by cap 1104 and fluid conduit 1200.
[0129] Subsequently, fluid is introduced into fluid passageway 1300, by way of
fluid
conduit 1200 (Figure IOA) connected with cap assembly 1100, thereby
pressurizing portion
fluid passageway 1300. The pressure thus exerted, denoted at P3 in Figure 1OA,
transmits a
force to cap 1104 which, in turn, transmits the force to collar 1106.
Consequently, the
exertion of P3 in this way forces rollers 1106A, attached to collar 1106, to
lock up into
corresponding terminal segments 1102F of grooves 1102C and remain therein, as
indicated
in Figure 10A.
[0130] In the illustrated embodiment, the forward motion of collar 1106 may,
depending on
the position of rollers 1106A at the time of pressurization of fluid
passageway 1300, be
accompanied by a rotary motion of collar 1106 as well, as rollers 1106A travel
along
intermediate segments 1102E and come to rest in terminal segment 1102F of
groove 11020.
Generally, such rotary motion of collar 1106 is achieved in the substantially
the same way as
the rotary motion of first housing portion 702, discussed above.
[0131] Once rollers 1106A are seated in their corresponding terminal segments
1102F of
grooves 1102C, the continuing presence of pressure P3 exerts a force on cap
1104 that resists
motion of rollers 1106A in the opposite direction, that is, out of their
corresponding terminal
segments 1102F, and thereby aids in the retention of rollers 1106A in such
terminal
segments. As a result, collar 1106 and sleeve 1102 of cap assembly 1100 cannot
be
disengaged from each other until the fluid pressure in fluid passageway 1300
has been
reduced to a predetermined level or differential.
[0132] Thus, the rollers 1106A and grooves 1102C cooperate with each other,
and
advantageously employ the line pressure, to ensure a secure connection between
collar 1106
41
CA 02431324 2003-06-06
and sleeve 1102 of cap assembly 1100 subsequent to pressurization of fluid
passageway
1300. Thus, the likelihood of inadvertent, or intentional, removal of cap 1104
while a
potentially dangerous level of pressure exists in fluid passageway 1300, is
materially
reduced.
[01331 Directing attention now to Figure 12, details are provided concerning
an alternative
embodiment of a groove arrangement including a plurality of grooves generally
denoted at
1400. Note that in the interest of clarity, the generally cylindrical
structural element wherein
the grooves 1400 are formed is shown flat, rather than in a perspective view.
Similar to
other embodiments of grooves disclosed herein, groove 1400 includes a
plurality of
segments, including an entry segment 1400A. In contrast with such other
embodiments
however, groove 1400 further includes four intermediate segments denoted,
respectively,
1400B, 1400C, 1400D and 1400E as well as a terminal segment 1400F. Moreover,
in
embodiments of the invention employing configurations such as grooves 1400,
the final
resting position of the associated rollers (not shown), that is, after the
associated fluid
passageway has been pressurized, is in terminal segment 1400F, rather than in
one of the
intermediate segments 1400B and 1400C.
[01341 Although in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 12, grooves
1400 are
illustrated that include four intermediate segments, one or more aspects of
grooves 1400
may be varied as necessary to suit a particular application. For example,
intermediate
segments 1400B, 1400D and 1400F are, in some embodiments, generally parallel
to each
other. In yet other embodiments, such intermediate segments are disposed in a
non-parallel
arrangement. The same is likewise true with respect to segments 1400A, 1400C
and 1400E.
Moreover, other features such as, but not limited to, the length, width and
depth of one or
more grooves 1400 may be modified as required/desired.
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CA 02431324 2003-06-06
[0135] It should thus be noted that the foregoing, and other, arrangements of
grooves, as
well as the type and arrangement of their associated engagement members,
disclosed herein
are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
By way of
example, in another exemplary embodiment (not shown), one or more of such
grooves
substantially describes a "J" shape, such that line pressure causes the
corresponding
engagement member to lock into a location proximate the end of the "hook"
portion of the
"J" shaped groove.
[0136] The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as
exemplary
and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by
the appended
claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within
the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their
scope.
43
