U.S. patent application number 10/443305 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-20 for differential pressure fitting.
This patent application is currently assigned to E-Z Flo Injection Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gilmore, Dan.
Application Number | 20030214132 10/443305 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25100431 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030214132 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gilmore, Dan |
November 20, 2003 |
Differential pressure fitting
Abstract
A pipe connection fitting having at one end a tapered edge (1)
which communicates at its base with tightening nut (2) which
communicates with male pipe threads (3) which communicates with
extension member (4) having an angle cut (6) with a flow port (5)
through the center of the fitting. Positive differential pressure
is created by installing a differential pressure fitting facing
into the fluid stream of a flow line. Negative differential
pressure is created by installing a differential pressure fitting
facing away from the fluid stream of a flow line. Tubing connects
the fittings to a pressure tank containing the fluid to be injected
in the flow line. Fluid flow past the fittings in the flow line
motivates flow from the flow line to the pressure tank and from the
pressure tank back to the flow line. The fitting being made of
rigid plastic or metal.
Inventors: |
Gilmore, Dan; (Roseville,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG, P.C.
77 WEST WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO
IL
60601-1732
US
|
Assignee: |
E-Z Flo Injection Systems,
Inc.
Wexford
PA
|
Family ID: |
25100431 |
Appl. No.: |
10/443305 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10443305 |
May 22, 2003 |
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09774162 |
Jan 29, 2001 |
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6609733 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
285/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F 25/3131 20220101;
B01F 25/316 20220101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/239 |
International
Class: |
F16L 033/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1) An injection system for use in connection with a flow line,
comprising: an injection tank; a hose connection adapted to mate
with the flow line having first and second, separate and
identically constructed differential pressure fittings defining a
flow passage intermediate a first opening and a second opening
wherein the first opening is in fluid communication with the hose
connection; and first and second flexible tubes removeably matable
with a respective one of the differential pressure fittings over
the second opening to connect the injection tank between the first
and second differential pressure fittings.
2) The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a flow
restrictor formed within the hose connection intermediate the first
opening of the first differential pressure fitting and first
opening of the second differential pressure fitting.
3) The system as recited in claim 2, wherein the first and second
differential pressure fittings each include an extension portion,
having the first opening, that extends into the hose connection and
wherein the first opening of the extension portion of the first
differential pressure fitting faces in a direction that is
generally opposite from the direction in which the first opening of
the extension portion of the second differential pressure
faces.
4) The system as recited in claim 3, wherein an end of the
extension portion of each of the first and second differential
pressure fittings is provided with an angled cut to create the
first opening.
5) The system as recited in claim 4, wherein each of the first and
second differential pressure fittings comprises a barbed portion in
which the second opening is formed.
6) The system as recited in claim 5, wherein the first and second
differential pressure fittings are generally cylindrical in
shape.
7) The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second
differential pressure fittings are in welded engagement with the
hose connection.
8) The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second
differential pressure fittings are in threaded engagement with the
hose connection.
9) The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the flow line includes
a hose bib and the hose connector is adapted to mate with the hose
bib.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] This invention relates to pipe fitting connections,
specifically as it relates to fluid injection equipment
connections.
BACKGROUND
[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0005] It has been common practice to connect injection equipment
to a flow line by installing a tee or saddle in the flow line with
piping attached to the injection device. If the injection device is
mechanically powered, it would generate enough pressure to overcome
the pressure in the flow line and inject the fluid into the flow
line.
[0006] If the injection device were not mechanical, it would
commonly rely on the fluid from the flow line to create injection
into the flow line. This would be done by either creating a venturi
in the flow line or by diverting fluid in and out of the injection
device. A venturi creates enough suction to pull fluid from a
vessel into the flow line. When fluid is diverted in and out of the
injection device, the injection device is pressurized to the same
pressure as the flow line. To accomplish injection back into the
flow line, a pressure differential is accomplished by creating a
flow restriction between the outlet connection in the flow line and
the inlet connection in the flow line. This is commonly done by
installing a valve between the two connections or by inserting a
type of deflection member or some other type of flow restriction in
the flow line.
[0007] Several types of pressure differential connections have been
designed to accomplish flow out of a flow line, into an injection
device and back into the flow line. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,214,
Fluid Additive Injector by Thomas F. Strong integrates the outlet
and inlet injection connections into the injector unit. The unit is
then suspended from the flow line. The disadvantages to this type
of connection is that the weight of the tank puts stress on the
flow line which limits the size of the unit that can be installed
and may require flow line piping be changed to accommodate the
unit. This increases the time it takes to install the unit as well
as the cost of installation. It also requires a unit that matches
the pipe size and type in which it is being installed. This
increases manufacturing costs and complicates installation. The
installer needs to know the size and type of pipe in which the unit
is to be installed prior to making the installation. The installer
has to insure the flow line piping will support the weight of the
injector unit. The injector tank has to be at the flow line
connection point, which can make it difficult to conceal or
secure.
[0008] The U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,487, Molded Tapping Fitting For
Connecting A Branch Line To A Pipeline by Alfred Thalmann is
designed to aid in tapping a branch line connection into a flow
line. It does not have a protrusion into the flow line so it would
not provide a consistent flow through the branch line at all levels
of flow and pressure.
[0009] The U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,195, Fluid Injector by Robert S.
Dirksing; Estel R. Todd is designed to mix two or more fluids. It
does not create flow from a flow line to a tank and back into the
flow line.
[0010] The U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,152, Fluid Injector by William T.
Decker creates suction in the flow line to draw fluid into the flow
line from a vessel. This design does not draw fluid from the flow
line to pressurize a tank and then return fluid from the tank to
the flow line. Since the tank is not pressurized to the same level
as the flow line, a higher suction is required to accomplish
injection. This requires higher flow rates and higher pressure in
the flow line before injection will begin. It will not inject in
low pressure and low flow applications, limiting the applications
in which it can be used.
[0011] The U.S. Pat. No. 4,339,332, Pressurized Chemical Dispenser
by Harold C. Jasperson relies on a differential pressure created
between the outlet and inlet connection in the flow line by a
filter that is installed between the two connections. The
connections to the flow line do not create a consistent flow out of
the flow line, into the vessel and back into the flow line without
the presence of the filter between the connections. This limits the
applications the connection can be used in and complicates the
installation process.
[0012] The U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,912, Water Treating Device, or
Similar Article by Richard D. Riding utilizes a member extending
into the supply line with an angled cut facing into the flow for
outlet flow to the vessel and away from the flow for inlet from the
vessel. The members are an integral part of the unit. The unit is
then suspended from the flow line. The disadvantages to this type
of connection is that the weight of the tank puts stress on the
flow line which limits the size of the unit that can be installed
and may require the flow line piping be changed to accommodate the
unit. This increases the time it takes to install the unit as well
as the cost of installation. It also requires a unit that matches
the pipe size in which it is being installed. This increases
manufacturing costs and complicates installation. The installer
needs to know the size and type of pipe in which the unit is to be
installed prior to making the installation. The installer also
needs to insure the flow line piping can support the weight of the
injector tank. The tank must be at the connection point making it
hard to conceal and secure.
[0013] The U.S. Pat. No. 3,052,525, Apparatus For Introducing
Controlled Quantities of Liquids And Solutes Into A Fluid Medium by
E. Vogelmann ET AL relies on a baffle plate between the outlet and
inlet connection to create flow from the flow line to the vessel
and from the vessel back into the flow line. This reduces flow line
volume and pressure which is not desired in most applications.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0014] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention
are:
[0015] (a) Installs in steel, copper, plastic or virtually any type
of piping system eliminating the need to know the type of pipe
prior to installation.
[0016] (b) Extension member length can be adjusted so it can be
installed in any size pipe without knowing the pipe size prior to
installation.
[0017] (c) Taps directly into the flow line eliminating cutting and
subsequent repair of a cut flow line or into any style or type of
pipe fitting or connection.
[0018] (d) Provides broad flow rate adjustment by changing the
penetration depth of the extension member.
[0019] (e) Eliminates the need for flow restriction between the
inlet and outlet connections, to create flow to and from the
injector tank that eliminates pressure and flow volume loss.
[0020] (f) Creates a small differential pressure in the flow line
that creates a very accurate injection rate at all flow levels
because the flow to the injector adjusts automatically with the
flow and pressure changes in the flow line.
[0021] (g) Allows the injection tank to be placed away from the
connection point. This eliminates the stress of a heavy injector
tank mounted on the flow line, which provides the ability to attach
any size tank to the flow line. It also provides the ability to
place the tank in a secured area away from the installation
connection point.
[0022] (h) Creates a small differential pressure in the flow line
and equalizes pressure between the vessel and the flow line. This
enables injection to occur with a minimum amount of flow and
pressure making it adaptable to virtually all installation
applications.
[0023] (i) Directional indicator enables the fitting to be
installed with angle cut pointing in the correct direction.
[0024] (j) Installs without changing the flow line piping to
accommodate the unit.
[0025] (k) Installs easily in a very confined or hard to get to
area.
[0026] Further objects and advantages are that the fitting is more
economical to produce in that one fitting can be used in many sizes
and types of pipe, eliminating the need to manufacture the fitting
out of multiple materials and in multiple sizes. It can be molded
in plastic that is more economical than casting or cutting from
metal. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
SUMMARY
[0027] In accordance with the present invention a differential
pressure fitting comprises a connection means for connection to the
tank, an attachment means for attachment to the flow line,
extension member to penetrate flow line, an alignment indicator and
a flow port to allow fluid flow through the fitting.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the differential pressure
fitting.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the differential pressure
fitting with the directional indicator.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows the differential pressure fitting with
adjustable depth feature.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows the inlet and outlet differential pressure
fittings with adjustable depth feature installed in a flow
line.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows the inlet and outlet differential pressure
fittings combined in one fitting with the adjustable depth feature,
installed in a flow line.
[0033] FIG. 6 shows the inlet and outlet differential pressure
fittings installed in a flow line and attached to the tank.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows the inlet and outlet differential pressure
fittings installed in a hose connection fitting and attached to the
tank.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows the inlet and outlet differential pressure
fittings installed in a flow line with a flow restriction between
the inlet and outlet fittings.
[0036] FIG. 9 shows multiple inlet and outlet fittings combined in
one fitting with the adjustable depth feature, installed in a flow
line.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0037] 1 barbed tubing connection 2 tightening nut
[0038] 3 male pipe threads 4 extension member
[0039] 5 flow port 6 angle cut
[0040] 7 adjustment nut 8 alignment indicator
[0041] 9 outlet fitting 10 inlet fitting
[0042] 11 flow line 12 flow direction
[0043] 13 tightening nut 14 adjustment nut
[0044] 15 sprinkler supply line 16 sprinkler zone valve
[0045] 17 vacuum breaker 18 sprinkler flow line
[0046] 19 outlet tube to tank 20 inlet tube from tank
[0047] 21 tank 22 outlet tube connection to tank
[0048] 23 inlet tube connection to tank 24 flow direction
[0049] 25 flow direction 26 hose connection
[0050] 27 hose 28 hose bib
[0051] 29 flow restrictor
[0052] Description--FIGS. 1 and 2--Preferred Embodiment
[0053] A preferred embodiment of the differential pressure fitting
is shown in FIG. 1 (side view) and FIG. 2 (front view). The fitting
is molded from rigid nylon to prevent breaking when stressed. Nylon
is readily available from a number of manufacturers. It can be made
from any type of plastic or metal. A rigid and durable material is
preferred. The barbed tubing connection 1 has a tapered lead in
edge to accommodate sliding flexible tubing over it. The tightening
nut 2 is at the base of the barbed tubing connection 1. It is
octagonal in shape to accommodate a standard wrench. Male pipe
threads 3 begin immediately after the tightening nut 2 and go down
the extension member 4. The male pipe threads 3 extend far enough
down the extension member 4 to accommodate the connection they will
be connected to. Extension member 4 goes from the end of the male
pipe threads 3 to the end of the fitting. It has an angled cut 6 on
the end opposite the barbed tubing connection 1. The length of the
extension member 4 combined with the length of male pipe threads 3,
should be long enough to allow the extension member 4 to reach the
center point of the interior of the flow line when it is installed.
Flow port 5 passes through the center of the fitting from the end
of the barbed tubing connection 1 to the end of the extension
member 4, providing a flow path through the fitting. The alignment
indicator FIGS. 2-8 is molded into the tightening nut 2 so that it
is directly in line with the shortest point of extension member 4
angle cut 6.
[0054] FIGS. 3-5--Additional Embodiments
[0055] Additional embodiments are shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. FIG. 3
shows the addition of adjustment nut 7, the lengthening of male
pipe threads 3 and the lengthening of extension member 4. FIG. 5
shows the combining of outlet fitting 9 and inlet fitting 10 into
one fitting which includes adjustment nut 14.
[0056] Operations--FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7
[0057] The method of using the differential pressure fitting is to
install it in a flow line or hose with the outlet fitting 9
installed so the directional indicator faces into the fluid flow
and inlet fitting 10 faces away from the fluid flow.
[0058] It is installed by drilling and tapping the flow line 11 or
hose connection 26 with a pipe tap that corresponds to the male
pipe threads 3 of the fitting. Once the flow line 11 is tapped, the
differential pressure fitting is screwed into the tapped hole until
the tightening nut 2 is tight against the outside wall of the flow
line 11. With the adjustable fittings in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
adjustment nut 7 and 14 are screwed onto the fitting so that when
they are installed in the flow line 11, they will allow extension
member 4 to reach the center point of the flow line.
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, flexible tubing is pressed over
the barbed tubing connection of outlet fitting 9 and inlet fitting
10. The flexible tubing connected to outlet fitting 9 is then
attached to the outlet tube connection to tank 22 and the inlet
fitting 10 is then attached to the inlet tube connection to tank
23.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0060] Accordingly, the reader will see the differential pressure
fitting of my invention makes it much easier to install an
injection unit into a flow line since no pipe cutting and repair is
required and one fitting can be installed in all sizes and types of
pipe. Additionally, installations are made without rerouting pipe
to accommodate the injector unit and can be done in very confined
locations, saving time and money. It is more economical to
manufacture because one fitting replaces many fittings of various
sizes, manufactured from many different plastics and metals. It
eliminates the need to manufacture a number of different injector
units to fit various sizes and types of pipe. Also, it eliminates
stress on the flow line and allows the injector to be placed away
from the installation point in a secure or convenient area, which
also allows larger injector units to be installed more easily. It
provides a better flow range with higher injection accuracy without
creating any flow volume or pressure loss. Furthermore, the
differential pressure fitting has additional advantages in that
[0061] it can be incorporated into any type of pipe fitting;
[0062] it can have multiple inlet and outlet connections combined
in one fitting;
[0063] it can be installed in a flow line by tapping, gluing,
threading, welding or any other means of connection;
[0064] it can be connected to a tank tapping, gluing, threading,
welding or any other means of connection;
[0065] it can be manufactured in a fixed length or as an adjustable
length;
[0066] it can be made of plastic, metal or any rigid material;
[0067] Although the description above contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the
fitting may be made in other shapes to accommodate other means of
installation or connection such as threaded, glued, welded,
soldered or any other means of connection to the flow line or to
the tank. The fitting can be made larger or flow restriction could
be added between the outlet and inlet fitting to accommodate a
higher flow rate to and from the tank. The angle cut can be
adjusted to increase or decrease flow. The size of the flow port
can be increased, decreased or nozzles added to increase or
decrease flow, etc. Extension member depth adjustment can be
achieved by using an adjustment nut or spacers or other common
means of length adjustment.
[0068] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the
appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the
examples given.
* * * * *