AU2014101557A4 - Lock out device for mains water valves - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein are embodiments of lock out devices for use with water main valves of the type located in a service pit with an access opening having a peripheral rim. The lock out devices comprise a body and at least one support flange for supporting the body on the peripheral rim of the access opening. A plurality of locking flanges are provided at spaced apart locations around the body. The locking flanges are moveable between a retracted configuration for installation of the lock out device in the access opening and an extended configuration for engagement of the locking flanges with the peripheral rim to lock the lock out device in the access opening. 12, 14 12, 14 '20

Description

1 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 SYDNEY WATER CORPORATION COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Title: Lock out device for mains water valves The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us:- 2 Technical Field [0001] The present disclosure relates to lock out devices for mains water valves. The lock out devices have been developed to facilitate isolation of a section of water main undergoing maintenance to thereby reduce the risk of accidental engulfment, and to manage system integrity to ensure that the mains network operates as intended, for example to ensure that a valve is not closed when it is supposed to be open and vice versa. As such, the lock out devices will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that they are not limited to this particular application and may also be employed on other devices, such as other fluid flow control devices, or in other situations. Definitions [0002] Throughout this specification, the term "lock out" is to be understood as meaning the process of physically locking a piece of plant or equipment that has stored energy or power so that it cannot be operated. [0003] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or comprisingng, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. [0004] Throughout this document, the term "service pit" is to be understood as encompassing other similar terms used in the art, such as "valve chamber", "maintenance pit" and "access chamber". Background [0005] When maintenance is performed on a section of a water main network, it is standard practice to require at least dual isolation of all branches feeding the section undergoing maintenance to reduce the risk of engulfment and to ensure that there is a second point of isolation for safety and security purposes. In general, standard industry practice requires dual isolation prior to commencing work. For water main valves, conventionally this has required at least two upstream valves to be turned off for each branch feeding into a section of water main undergoing maintenance. In cases where multiple branches feed the section undergoing 3 maintenance, which is often the case, this can mean that many upstream valves need to be turned off to provide dual isolation. The upstream valves can be at disparate locations, which often means that significant time is required to access and turn off the necessary valves to isolate the section undergoing maintenance. [0006] Another problem experienced by managers of water mains assets is maintaining system integrity, such as ensuring that valves that are supposed to be closed are not open and vice versa. [0007] Accordingly, there exists a need for a simple and efficient system to facilitate dual isolation of all branches feeding a section of water main undergoing maintenance to improve safety and for maintaining system integrity. In developing the presently disclosed lock out devices, the applicant sought to address one or more of: e saving costs by reducing the time required to achieve a double isolation in the field, thereby reducing overall maintenance time; e improving customer service by saving costs and minimising the length of time the system was out of service for maintenance; e improving safety by providing a practical and simple instrument that could be installed at a single location in the field to provide dual isolation, thereby reducing the risk of engulfment for workers on pressurised mains; e improving system integrity by reducing the risk of vandalism or other unauthorised tampering with system components and facilitating prompt return of the system to efficient service and/or its proper design configuration (by the opening of the isolated valves) after maintenance; e encouraging compliance with safety procedures and accountability by operators; e reducing the incidence of lock out devices being left in the field; and * facilitating tracking of lock out devices and/or their association with a particular operator.

4 [0008] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. Summary [0009] Disclosed herein is a lock out device for a water main valve of the type located in a service pit with an access opening having a peripheral rim, the lock out device comprising: a body; at least one support flange extending from the body for supporting the body on the peripheral rim of the access opening; a plurality of locking flanges at spaced apart locations around the body, the locking flanges being moveable between: a retracted configuration for installation of the lock out device in the access opening, and an extended configuration for engagement of the locking flanges with the peripheral rim to lock the lock out device in the access opening. [0010] In the extended configuration, the locking flanges and the at least one support flange may be mutually opposed and define a space therebetween in which the peripheral rim of the access opening is engageable. [0011] The support flange(s) may define a plane and no components of the lock out device may extend through the plane when the locking flanges are in the extended configuration. [0012] The support flange(s) may be adjustable to configure the lock out device for use with differently sized access openings. [0013] In some embodiments, the locking flanges may be hingedly connected to the body and may hingedly move between the retracted and extended configurations. An arm may be fixedly connected relative to each locking flange and extend at an angle of between around 90 degrees and around 150 degrees thereto. The body may comprise a base that is recessed relative to the support flange(s). The arms may be located on one side of the base and the locking flanges may 5 be located on the other side of the base. An intermediate portion connecting the arms to the locking flanges may extend through an opening in the base. In the extended configuration, the arms may be substantially in register with one another to facilitate the arms being locked together to retain the lock out device in the extended configuration. The arms may include apertures which substantially align in the extended configuration, such that a fastener, such as a padlock, may be installed through the apertures. [0014] In other embodiments, the locking flanges may linearly move between the retracted and extended configurations. In such embodiments, the locking flanges may be slidably connected to the body. The support flanges may also be slidably connected to the body to allow the lock out device to be configured for use with differently sized access openings. Alternatively, the body may be formed from at least two parts that are slidably connected together, with a said locking flange and/or support flange being provided on each of the parts. [0015] The support flange(s) may be configured to engage a circular peripheral rim of the access opening. Alternatively, the support flange(s) may be configured to engage a rectangular peripheral rim of the access opening. [0016] A locking mechanism may be provided to lock the locking flanges in at least the extended configuration. The locking mechanism may comprise selectively alignable apertures in one or more components associated with the locking flanges, and a fastener, such as a padlock, for installation through the apertures. The fastener may be uniquely configured to safeguard against unauthorised removal. [0017] The lock out device may comprise a unique identifier to facilitate assigning a particular lock out device to a particular operator and/or site. The unique identifier may be associated with the fastener or the body of the lock out device. Brief Description of Drawings [0018] Embodiments of the presently disclosed lock out device will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an upper perspective view of a first embodiment of the presently disclosed lock out device in an extended configuration; 6 Fig. 2 is a top view of the lock out device of Fig. 1 in an extended configuration, shown with a padlock in place; Fig. 3 is a lower perspective view of the lock out device of Fig. 1 in an extended configuration; Fig. 4 is an upper perspective view of the lock out device of Fig. 1 in a retracted configuration; Fig. 5 is a lower perspective view of the lock out device of Fig. 1 in a retracted configuration; Fig. 6 is a schematic view of the lock out device of Fig. 1 being installed in the access opening of a service pit for a water main valve, with the lock out device shown in a retracted configuration; Fig. 7 is a schematic view of the lock out device of Fig. 1 installed in the access opening of a service pit for a water main valve, with the lock out device shown in an extended configuration; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the presently disclosed lock out device in a first extended configuration; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the lock out device of Fig. 8 in a second extended configuration; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the lock out device of Fig. 8 in a retracted configuration; and Fig. 11 is a schematic view of the lock out device of Fig. 8 installed in the access opening of a service pit for a water main valve, with the lock out device shown in an extended configuration. Description of Embodiments [0019] Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1-7, there is shown a first embodiment of a lock out device 10. This embodiment is for use with a water main stop valve of the type located in a service pit with an access opening 100 having a circular peripheral rim 102. The lock out device 10 comprises a body 12 having a base 14 and sidewalls 16 extending from the base terminating in a circular support flange 18 for supporting the body on the peripheral rim 102 of the access opening. A pair of locking flanges 20 are provided at diametrically opposite locations around the body 12. The locking flanges 20 are moveable between a retracted configuration, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, for installation of the lock out device in the access opening 100, as shown in Fig. 6, and an extended configuration, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, for engagement of the 7 locking flanges 20 with the peripheral rim 102 to lock the lock out device 10 in the access opening 100, as shown in Fig. 3. In the extended configuration of Figs. 1 and 2, the locking flanges 20 and support flange 18 are mutually opposed and define a space therebetween in which the peripheral rim 102 of the access opening is engageable. [0020] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-7, the locking flanges 20 are hingedly connected to the body 12 and hingedly move between the retracted and extended configurations. An arm 22 is fixedly connected relative to each locking flange 20, via an intermediate portion 24, and extends at an angle of 90 degrees thereto. The arms 22 are located on one side of the base 14 and the locking flanges 20 are located on the other side of the base 14. The intermediate portion 24 extends through a slot 26 in the base 14. In the extended configuration, as shown in Figs. 1-3 and 7, the arms 22 are substantially in register with one another to facilitate the arms being locked together to retain the lock out device 10 in the extended configuration. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the arms 22 include apertures 28 which substantially align in the extended configuration, such that a uniquely keyed padlock 30 can be installed through the apertures 28 to safeguard against unauthorised removal of the installed lock out device 10. [0021] As shown in Figs. 1 and 7, the support flange 18 defines a plane through which no components of the lock out device 10 extend when the locking flanges are in the extended configuration. Accordingly, components of the lock out device 10 are recessed below the upper surface of the access opening rim 102, such that a cover for the access opening can be closed with the lock out device 10 installed. [0022] A second embodiment of a lock out device 10' is shown in Figs. 8-11. This embodiment is for use with a water main stop or hydrant valve of the type located in a service pit with an access opening 100' having a square or oblong peripheral rim 102'. The lock out device 10' comprises a body 12' and four spaced apart support flanges 18' extending from the body in a rectangular arrangement for supporting the body on the peripheral rim 102' of the access opening. A pair of locking flanges 20' are provided at opposite ends of the body 12'. The locking flanges 20' are moveable between a retracted configuration, as shown in Fig. 10, for installation of the lock out device in the access opening 100', and an extended configuration, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, for engagement of the locking flanges 20' with the peripheral rim 102' to lock the lock out device 10' in the access opening 100', as shown in Fig. 11. In the extended configuration, the locking flanges 20' and support flanges 18' at each end of the device 10' are 8 mutually opposed and define a space therebetween in which the peripheral rim 102' of the access opening is engageable. [0023] The locking flanges 20' linearly move between the retracted configuration as shown in Fig. 10 for installation of the lock out device 10' in the access opening 100', a first extended configuration as shown in Fig. 8 for engagement of the lock out device 10' in larger access openings 100', and a second extended configuration as shown in Fig. 9 for engagement of the lock out device 10' in smaller access openings 100'. To facilitate this linear adjustment of the locking flanges 20', the body 12' is formed from two parts 12a', 12b' that are slidably connected together, with opposing locking flanges 20' and support flanges 18' being provided on a respective one of the parts. The two parts 12a', 12b' have apertures 28' therein that align when in the first and second extended configurations of Figs. 8 and 9. A uniquely keyed padlock can be installed through the apertures 28' to safeguard against unauthorised removal of the installed lock out device 10'. [0024] As with the first embodiment, the support flanges 18' define a plane through which no components of the lock out device 10' extend when the locking flanges 20' are in the extended configuration. Accordingly, components of the lock out device 10' are recessed below the upper surface of the access opening rim 102', such that a cover for the access opening 100' can be closed with the lock out device 10 installed. [0025] It will be appreciated that the illustrated lock out device embodiments provide significant advantages over the prior art in terms of both reducing the risk of engulfment and maintaining safety standards and system integrity. By turning off a water main valve and then installing a lock out device 10, 10' in the access opening 100, 100' serving the valve, dual isolation is provided without having to turn off one or more additional valves in the same branch of the water main. Also, lock out devices 10 and 10' can be installed quickly and easily, and without the need to screw fasteners into surrounding infrastructure. The lock out devices 10, 10' also reduce the time and cost associated with implementing dual isolation upstream of a section of water main requiring maintenance, which reduces overall maintenance time and allows a quicker return to service for customers and appropriate utilisation of the pipes in the system. The lock out devices 10, 10' also reduce inventory requirements for field workers. The relatively simple, quick and efficient process facilitated by use of the lock out devices 10, 10' may also improve compliance with safety protocols and recovery of items used in the field.

9 [0026] With a lock out device 10, 10' in place, it is also difficult for an unauthorised person to change the state of a locked out valve, thereby mitigating against user error and vandalism, to maintain safety and isolation of part of the system (if required). The use of uniquely keyed padlocks 30 also alleviates the problem of unauthorised persons removing an installed lock out device 10, 10'. The use of a uniquely keyed padlock 30 may also improve compliance with safety and other protocols by allowing installed devices 10, 10' to be associated with a particular operator. Improved compliance may also decrease the likelihood of devices 10, 10' being inadvertently left in the field and/or valves and pipes remaining isolated so that the system may not be able to work in the most efficient and/or cost effective manner. [0027] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Examples of possible variations and/or modifications include, but are not limited to: e the circular support flange 18 of the first embodiment could be discontinuous and may be formed from a plurality of tabs or other projections; e the padlock 30 may be substituted with another uniquely configured fastener, such as a nut and/or bolt with a uniquely profiled head; e the padlock 30 or other uniquely configured fastener, or indeed the body 12, 12' of the lock out device, may have a unique identifier, such as a barcode or RFID tag, to facilitate assigning a particular lock out device to a particular operator and/or site, which may reduce the likelihood of the devices 10, 10' being inadvertently left in the field and may improve compliance with safety and other protocols; e in the second embodiment, instead of forming the body 12' from two parts, the locking flanges 20' may be slidably connected to a one-piece body; e the support flanges 18 may be slidably connected to the body, or otherwise adjustable, to allow the lock out device 10 to be configured for use with differently sized access openings 100; and/or e the lock out devices 10, 10' can be used with an inventory control system to assist with improving compliance with safety and other procedures, including monitoring the placement of lock out devices, recording details of the operator to whom they have been assigned, reducing overall maintenance time and facilitating the time for returning 10 services to customers and/or restoring use of the pipeline so that the system may work in the most efficient and/or cost effective manner.

Claims (18)

1. A lock out device for a water main valve of the type located in a service pit with an access opening having a peripheral rim, the lock out device comprising: a body; 5 at least one support flange extending from the body for supporting the body on the peripheral rim of the access opening; a plurality of locking flanges at spaced apart locations around the body, the locking flanges being moveable between: a retracted configuration for installation of the lock out device in the access 10 opening, and an extended configuration for engagement of the locking flanges with the peripheral rim to lock the lock out device in the access opening.

2. A lock out device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support flange defines a plane and no components of the lock out device extend through the plane when the locking 15 flanges are in the extended configuration.

3. A lock out device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one support flange is adjustable to configure the lock out device for use with differently sized access openings.

4. A lock out device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking flanges are 20 hingedly connected to the body and hingedly move between the retracted and extended configurations.

5. A lock out device according to claim 4, wherein an arm is fixedly connected relative to each locking flange and extends at an angle of between around 90 degrees and around 150 degrees thereto. 25

6. A lock out device according to claim 5, wherein, in the extended configuration, the arms are substantially in register with one another to facilitate the arms being locked together to retain the lock out device in the extended configuration. 12

7. A lock out device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises a base that is recessed relative to the at least one support flange.

8. A lock out device according to claim 7 when dependent upon claim 5, wherein the arms are located on one side of the base and the locking flanges are located on the other side of the 5 base and an intermediate portion connecting the arms to the locking flanges extends through an opening in the base.

9. A lock out device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking flanges are linearly moveable between the retracted and extended configurations.

10. A lock out device according to claim 9, wherein the locking flanges are slidably 10 connected to the body.

11. A lock out device according to claim 9, wherein the body is formed from at least two parts that are slidably connected together, with a said locking flange being provided on each of the parts.

12. A lock out device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a locking 15 mechanism to lock the locking flanges in at least the extended configuration.

13. A lock out device according to claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism comprises selectively alignable openings in one or more components associated with the locking flanges, and a fastener for installation through the apertures.

14. A lock out device according to claim 13, wherein the fastener is uniquely configured to 20 safeguard against unauthorised removal.

15. A lock out device according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the fastener comprises a padlock.

16. A lock out device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a unique identifier to facilitate assigning a particular lock out device to a particular operator and/or site. 25

17. A lock out device according to claim 16 when dependent upon any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the unique identifier is associated with the fastener. 13

18. A lock out device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the extended configuration, the locking flanges and the at least one support flange are mutually opposed and define a space therebetween in which the peripheral rim of the access opening is engageable. 5