EP3914851B1 - Servicesattel - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP3914851B1
EP3914851B1 EP20702179.1A EP20702179A EP3914851B1 EP 3914851 B1 EP3914851 B1 EP 3914851B1 EP 20702179 A EP20702179 A EP 20702179A EP 3914851 B1 EP3914851 B1 EP 3914851B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sensor
pipe
housing
valve
interior
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP20702179.1A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3914851A1 (de
EP3914851C0 (de
Inventor
Oscar Toetenel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pipelife Nederland BV
Original Assignee
Pipelife Nederland BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from NL2022456A external-priority patent/NL2022456B1/en
Priority claimed from NL2023383A external-priority patent/NL2023383B1/en
Application filed by Pipelife Nederland BV filed Critical Pipelife Nederland BV
Publication of EP3914851A1 publication Critical patent/EP3914851A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3914851B1 publication Critical patent/EP3914851B1/de
Publication of EP3914851C0 publication Critical patent/EP3914851C0/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17D—PIPE-LINE SYSTEMS; PIPE-LINES
    • F17D3/00—Arrangements for supervising or controlling working operations
    • F17D3/18—Arrangements for supervising or controlling working operations for measuring the quantity of conveyed product
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17D—PIPE-LINE SYSTEMS; PIPE-LINES
    • F17D3/00—Arrangements for supervising or controlling working operations
    • F17D3/01—Arrangements for supervising or controlling working operations for controlling, signalling, or supervising the conveyance of a product
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/03—Orientation
    • F17C2201/032—Orientation with substantially vertical main axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0646—Aluminium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0311—Closure means
    • F17C2205/032—Closure means pierceable
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/013—Carbone dioxide
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/07—Applications for household use
    • F17C2270/0736—Capsules, e.g. CO2

Definitions

  • a utility company provides water and/or gas to clients through a network of pipes as part of an overall distribution system. In order to do so, the utility company requires information about the water and/or gas flowing through the pipes. This implies a continuous supervision of the system to maintain normal operation, and at the same time, to indicate warning status or alarm conditions.
  • the pipes have theretofore been coupled to a sensor. Due to the location of the pipes, which are commonly buried underground, the sensor is typically permanently installed.
  • US patent application US 2014/0278246 A1 An example of a system for measuring properties of water in a water distribution system is disclosed in US patent application US 2014/0278246 A1 .
  • This system comprises a plurality of water sensors configured to measure a property of water and a computer server configured to communicate with the plurality of water sensors via a network and receive water measurement data from the plurality of water sensors.
  • a device comprises a saddle mountable on an outer circumferential surface of a pipe, a sensor valve connected to the saddle, a flushing valve vertically connected to the sensor valve and connected to the saddle, and an operating assembly connected to the sensor valve and the flushing valve, wherein the operating assembly is configured to open and close the valves independently.
  • a device provides or denies access to the pipe by opening or closing the sensor and flushing valves, respectively.
  • This configuration can allow for conveniently and easily providing various sensors or other devices when needed in a compact package, as well as accessing and easily removing the sensors or devices (e.g., for maintenance, replacement) from the ground.
  • This can also allow for drilling a hole in the pipe under pressure as the flushing valve can allow for the fluid under pressure to exit the assembly without flooding the housing interior.
  • the device further comprises a housing extending longitudinally and connected to the saddle.
  • the housing provides a channel with which to access a pipe buried beneath a ground surface and further provides protection to the enclosed component parts.
  • the vertically extending housing has a compact cross-section, but still allows for easy access to the pipe and other components within the assembly.
  • an interior of the housing is open to an interior of the pipe when the sensor valve is open. This allows the interior of the housing to be in communication with the interior of the pipe.
  • the height of the housing is adjustable.
  • An adjustable housing provides access to a pipe buried at any level beneath the ground surface by forming a channel extending from the ground surface to the pipe.
  • the housing is telescopic such that the height of the housing is adjustable.
  • a telescopic arrangement provides easy adjustability of the housing, and is particularly convenient for adjusting to pipes at different levels in the ground.
  • the telescopic arrangement further prevents forces generated by heavy objects being placed on a top portion of the housing at or near a ground surface, such as a meter pit, from being transferred to the pipe.
  • the sensor valve and the flushing valve comprise a T-tube.
  • the T-tube provides access to the valves by the operating assembly.
  • the operating assembly comprises a tool.
  • the tool enables the operating assembly to open and close the valves.
  • the tool rotates around a fixed point connected to the saddle. This enables the tool to easily open and close the valves. Opening or closing the sensor valve thereby provides or denies access to the pipe.
  • the device further comprises one or more additional valves. Additional valves can also be vertically stacked and can provide seal reinforcement at the interface to helps to ensure that liquid or gas flow remains in the pipe when desired and does not enter the housing.
  • the flushing valve comprises a one-way valve.
  • the one-way valve relieves pressure and releases excess liquid or gas from housing.
  • the flushing valve can further comprise a hose for easily transporting the excess liquid or gas from the housing while keeping the water line clean (especially useful for drinking water lines), and protecting the line from sand and/or other contaminants.
  • the device further comprises a sensor. This allows the sensor to sense at least one property of liquid or gas within the interior of the pipe.
  • a sensor assembly comprises a sensor, a saddle mountable on an outer circumferential surface of a pipe, a housing extending longitudinally and connected to the saddle, a sensor valve connected to the saddle, a flushing valve vertically connected to the sensor valve and connected to the saddle.
  • a tool which is connectable to the sensor valve and the flushing valve can be used to open and close the valves from a ground level.
  • the tool facilitates alignment of the sensor with the hole in the pipe.
  • the tool further facilitates positioning of the sensor from a stationary position to a retracted and/or sensing position, and back.
  • the sensor is vertically moveable between a retracted position within an interior of the housing and a sensing position within an interior of the pipe.
  • Such an assembly enables the sensor to easily access the interior of the pipe. This can allow for conveniently and easily providing various sensors or other devices when needed, as well as easily removing the sensors or devices (e.g., for maintenance or replacement) from a ground level.
  • the housing can only be placed in one position thereby ensuring the sensor is placed in the correct position within the pipe relative to the flow direction of the liquid or gas.
  • the pipe is located below a ground surface.
  • a utility company such as a water utility company or a gas utility company.
  • the senor is configured to sense at least one property of liquid or gas within the interior of the pipe. This allows the sensor to provide an indication of normal operation, warning status or alarm conditions.
  • the assembly further comprises a communication device. This allows the sensor to sense at least one property of liquid or gas within the interior of the pipe and relay the data to the communication device, which may receive, process, store and further relay the data.
  • the communication device and the sensor are electrically coupled. This enables the relay of data between the communication device and the sensor.
  • the communication device is mounted on a top portion of the housing. This allows the communication device to be at or near the ground surface and further allows the communication device to relay data from the sensor to a server using a network.
  • a method of operating a sensor assembly comprises introducing a sensor into a housing, opening at least one valve, introducing the sensor at least partially through the at least one valve and into an interior of the pipe and sensing at least one property of liquid or gas within the interior of the pipe.
  • the method further comprises relaying data from the sensor to a communication device.
  • a communication device This allows the sensor to sense at least one property of liquid or gas within the interior of the pipe and relay the data to the communication device, which may receive, process, store and further relay the data.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a sensor assembly 100 mounted on an underground pipe 105.
  • the assembly 100 provides access to an interior 110 of the pipe 105 such that a sensor 115 can sense at least one property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105.
  • the assembly 100 comprises a saddle mountable on an outer circumferential surface of the pipe 105.
  • the saddle is connected to a sensor valve 120 and a flushing valve 125.
  • One or more of the valves 120, 125 comprise a T-tube 130.
  • the flushing valve 125 is connected to a T-tube 130.
  • a housing 135 is also connected to the valves 120, 125 extending longitudinally away from the valves 120, 125.
  • the housing 135 is connected to the valves 120, 125 by any suitable means.
  • the housing 135 can be connected to the valves 120, 125 by a quick connection (e.g., by a snap-on, twist-on or slide-on connection), mechanical connection (e.g., by fasteners, such as a brackets or screws), welding, etc.
  • a quick connection e.g., by a snap-on, twist-on or slide-on connection
  • mechanical connection e.g., by fasteners, such as a brackets or screws
  • welding etc.
  • the housing 135 and the valves 120, 125 can be formed integrally.
  • the sensor valve 120 When the sensor valve 120 is open, the interior 140, 165 of the housing 135, 155 is open to the interior 110 of the pipe 105 such that the sensor 115 is movable between a retracted position within the interior 140, 165 of the housing 135, 155 and a sensing position 145 within the interior 110 of the pipe 105.
  • the sensing position 145 the sensor valve 120 is open and the sensor 115 is at least partially within the interior 110 of the pipe 105 to sense a property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105.
  • liquid or gas within the pipe 105 is prevented from flowing out of the pipe 105 to the interior 140, 165 of the housing 135, 155.
  • the sensor 115 senses a property of liquid or gas within the interior 110 of the pipe 105 and relays the data to the communication device 150, which may receive, process, store and further relay the data.
  • the sensor 115 can sense any property of liquid or gas including, but not limited to, temperature, pressure, flow rate, density, conductivity, pH or viscosity.
  • the sensor 115 can also sense any property related to the pipe 105 including, but not limited to, stress or strain.
  • the sensor 115 is not moved into the interior 110 of the pipe 105 and the opening simply allows for flow from the pipe 105 to where the sensor 115 or other device is located near the opening. When the sensor valve 120 is closed, the sensor 115 is prevented from accessing the interior 110 of the pipe 105.
  • Fig. 1 also shows the sensor 115 comprising a sensor housing 155 extending longitudinally away from the valves 120, 125 and within the interior 140 of the housing 135.
  • the sensor housing 155 is connected to the valves 120, 125 by any suitable means.
  • the sensor housing 155 can be connected to the valves 120, 125 by a quick connection (e.g., by a snap-on, twist-on or slide-on connection), mechanical connection (e.g., by fasteners, such as a brackets or screws), welding, etc.
  • the sensor housing 155 and the valves 120, 125 can be formed integrally.
  • the sensor housing 155 can extend substantially the length of the housing 135 such that the sensor housing 155 is accessible at or near a ground surface 160, such as a road. Access to the interior 165 of the sensor housing 155 is provided by opening a cap.
  • the sensor 115 is positioned within the interior 165 of the sensor housing 155.
  • the sensor 115 is alignable with at least one hole of the pipe 105 such that when the sensor valve 120 is open, the sensor 115 is movable at least partially into the interior 110 of the pipe 105, as shown in Fig. 1 .
  • the assembly 100 further comprises a communication device 150.
  • the communication device 150 is electrically coupled to the sensor 115, for example, by wire or wireless means. In this manner, the communication device 150 can receive, process, store and further relay data from the sensor 115 regarding a property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105.
  • the communication device 150 is mounted on a top portion 175 of the housing 135 at or near the ground surface 160, such as a meter pit.
  • the top portion 175 of the housing 135 can also be flush with the ground surface 160.
  • the top portion 175 of the housing 135 can also be flush with the sensor housing 155.
  • the housing 135 itself can be adjusted telescopically to vary the overall height of the assembly 100 based on the depth of the pipe 105 beneath the ground surface 160.
  • the telescopic arrangement further prevents forces generated by heavy objects being placed on the top portion 175 of the housing 135 at or near the ground surface 160 from being transferred to the pipe 105.
  • Hot-tapping the saddle has to be done before the protection pipe is placed.
  • Such a configuration, with vertically stacked valves and a housing extending vertically allows for a flexible system which is accessible from the ground level.
  • the assembly can be accessed through top portion 175, and a tool can be used for performing any operations needed: tapping the pipe, inserting or removing a sensor, flushing the system, and/or simply checking various components.
  • the vertically stackable system allows for the ability to easily access and change or provide maintenance to the sensor(s) from the ground level.
  • the separately operable flushing valve 125 also allows for the separate connection of a flushing hose which can keep the inside of the housing dry during a flushing operation, thereby reducing any bacteria growth.
  • the flushing valve and hose transports excess liquid or gas from the housing while keeping the water line clean and protected from sand and/or other contaminants.
  • the flushing valve with hose also makes it possible to drain the flushing water down a separate discharge or drainage point.
  • a plurality of sensor assemblies can be installed in various locations as part of a distribution system.
  • the sensor 115 senses a property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105 and relays the data to the communication device 150.
  • the data provides an indication of normal operation, warning status and/or alarm conditions.
  • the communication device 150 is a transceiver comprising a receiver and a transmitter.
  • Such a device can receive data from the sensor 115 and relay the data to a server using a network, such as a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) or any other suitable network.
  • the server can periodically or continuously receive data.
  • the server can also request data on demand.
  • the server is associated with a data management company (e.g., a water or gas utility company) that manages sensor data and makes the data available to its clients as desired, such as via a web site or other remote device.
  • a data management company e.g., a water or gas utility company
  • the communication device 150 also comprises a battery, which can easily be changed by opening the communication device 150 and swapping an empty battery with a new one.
  • the sensor 115 can be any suitable type of sensor for sensing various properties of liquid or gas.
  • the sensor 115 can be a pressure sensor for measuring the water pressure at a particular location in a water distribution system, a flow rate sensor for measuring the rate in which water is flowing through a particular location in a water distribution system or a combination thereof.
  • the sensor 115 is a self-contained, removable sensing unit that can access the interior of the pipe 105 to sense a property of liquid or gas within the pipe.
  • Fig. 1 also shows a single assembly 100. However, a plurality of assemblies can be installed in various locations as part of a distribution system.
  • the assembly 100 may additionally comprise any number of suitable connectors (e.g., fasteners) to facilitate a secure connection between the component parts.
  • the assembly 100 can facilitate access to the pipe 105 and/or flow for other devices or tools as well, for example, tools for use with the pipe 105 or assembly 100, etc.
  • tools for use with the pipe 105 or assembly 100 may be required for maintenance, repair, testing, etc.
  • Power generation or power management systems may be also required.
  • Assembly 100 allows for easy access for any of these from a ground level, while minimizing the overall footprint required for assembly with sensors.
  • the assembly 100 shown in Figs. 1-4 allows for sensors 115 to be conveniently and easily installed and removed from a ground level with a compact housing requiring little (cross-sectional) space for the overall assembly 100.
  • the use of the housings 135, 155 allows for access to the interior 110 of the pipe 105 and/or the liquid or gas flowing within the pipe 105. This can be helpful for inspection, removal of a blocking object, a single sensor reading or any number of tasks.
  • the sensor valve 120 allows for resealable access to the interior 110 of the pipe 105 and/or the liquid or gas flowing within the pipe 105.
  • the valves 120, 125 minimize the amount of backflow entering the interiors 140, 165 of the housings 135, 155 by sealing access to the pipe 105. This ensures the housings 135, 155 and other component parts remain substantially free from the liquid or gas within the pipe 105 thereby preventing their deterioration, contamination, etc. and minimizing any bacterial growth. This further ensures the accuracy of measurements taken within the pipe 105. Additional valves can allow for additional seal reinforcement.
  • the flushing valve 125 provides a means for maintaining the environment within the component parts by relieving pressure and/or releasing liquid or gas back into the ground and/or pipe 105 outside of the assembly 100.
  • One or more tools also provide manual adjustment of the component parts, however, in some embodiments, automatic adjustment may be desired.
  • the valves 120, 125 can be configured to automatically seal access to the pipe 105 if warning status or alarm conditions are present to prevent further worsening of the condition.
  • the sensor valve 120 can also be configured to automatically provide access to the pipe 105 once the sensor 115 is ready to sense a property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105.
  • the assembly 100 allows for data to be relayed from the sensor 115 to the communication device 150 automatically or on-demand in order to monitor the conditions within (or around) the pipe 105. This allows the data to be accessible to interested parties, such as a water or gas utility company or their clients.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a sensor assembly 100 mounted on an underground pipe 105 with a sensor 115 in a retracted position 200.
  • the sensor valve 120 In the retracted position 200, the sensor valve 120 is closed and the sensor 115 is prevented from accessing the interior 110 of the pipe 105 and sensing a property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105.
  • Fig. 2 shows a tool 205 connected to the sensor 115.
  • the tool 205 is configured to introduce the sensor 115 into the interior 110 of the pipe 105.
  • the tool 205 is a threaded connector such that the tool 205 can be connected to and disconnected from the sensor 115 and/or the sensor housing 155 by rotation in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction.
  • Other connections can also be used, for example, quick connections (e.g., snap-on or slide-on connections), mechanical connections (e.g., fasteners such as brackets or screws), etc.
  • the tool 205 can also comprise a stopper, which allows the bottom of the sensor 115 to be positioned flush with the interior 110 of the pipe 105 and therefore compensate for varying pipe thicknesses ( i.e., due to pressure classes, materials).
  • the stopper can be located on a top portion of the tool 205.
  • the sensor valve 120 In the retracted position 200, the sensor valve 120 is open and the sensor 115 is movable into the interior 110 of the pipe 105 to sense a property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105.
  • the flushing valve 125 can include one or more one-way valves, to relieve pressure and/or release excess liquid or gas, if needed.
  • the flushing valve 125 can also comprise a hose 210 to transport excess liquid or gas out of the assembly 100.
  • Fig. 2 also shows an operating assembly 215 connected to the valves 120, 125 to open and close the valves 120, 125. In this manner, the sensor 115 can move between a retracted position 200 and a sensing position 145 (as shown in Fig. 1 ).
  • Fig. 2 shows a tool 220 connected to the operating assembly 215.
  • the tool 220 is configured to operate the operating assembly 215 such that the operating assembly 215 can open and close the valves 120, 125.
  • the tool 220 is a threaded connector such that the tool 220 can be connected to and disconnected from operating assembly 215 by rotation in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction.
  • Other connections can also be used, for example, quick connections (e.g., snap-on or slide-on connections), mechanical connections (e.g., fasteners such as brackets or screws), etc.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 further illustrate the operating assembly 215 connected to the sensor valve 120 and the flushing valve 125.
  • the operating assembly 215 can be rotated in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction to facilitate opening and closing of the valves 120, 125.
  • Fig. 4 shows a flushing valve connection 405, which can be rotated in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction to facilitate opening and closing of the flushing valve 125.
  • the operating assembly 215 can rotate around a fixed point in the housing and/or a fixed point connected to the saddle 300.
  • the operating assembly 215 can also open and close the valves 120, 125 via, for example, a pushing or pulling mechanism.
  • sensor valve connection 400 which can use a pushing or pulling mechanism to facilitate rotational movement to open and close the sensor valve 120.
  • the operating assembly 215 can include a chain to facilitate opening and closing of the valves 120, 125.
  • the operating assembly 215 allows the valves 120, 125 to be opened or closed from a distance.
  • sensor valve connection could include just one bar (instead of the two shown in Fig. 4 ) which could be pushed or pulled for operating one or more of the valves.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of a sensor assembly 100.
  • the sensor can be connected to the valves via a bayonet fixation 500.
  • the bayonet fixation 500 facilitates orientation and positioning of the sensor and prevents the sensor from unwanted movement in an upwards direction from, for example, liquid or gas pressure.
  • the bayonet fixation 500 also provides feedback to the user regarding an end-stop position of the sensor.
  • the sensor When the sensor is connected to the valves, the sensor can be moved vertically. As mentioned in relation to Figs. 3 and 4 , the operating assembly 215 can be rotated to open and close the valves. When the sensor valve is open, the sensor can access the interior of the pipe. When the sensor valve is closed, the sensor cannot access the interior of the pipe.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a housing 135 connected to a saddle 300.
  • the housing 135 extends longitudinally away from the saddle 300 and can be connected to the saddle 300 by any suitable means.
  • the housing 135 can be connected to saddle 300 by a quick connection (e.g., by a snap-on, twist-on or slide-on connection), mechanical connection (e.g., by fasteners, such as a brackets or screws), welding, etc.
  • the housing 135 and the saddle 300 can be formed integrally.
  • the housing 135 itself can be adjusted telescopically to vary the overall height of the assembly 100 based on the depth of the pipe 105 beneath the ground surface.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a saddle 300 mounted on an underground pipe 105 with a drill 700.
  • the drill 700 can be connected to the valves 120, 125 extending longitudinally away from the valves 120, 125.
  • Fig. 7 shows that in order to drill or cut a hole in the pipe 810, a drill 700 is introduced into the interior of the housing until the drill 700 contacts the outer surface of the pipe 105.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of a drill 700 drilling a bore in an underground pipe 105.
  • the drill 700 is configured to drill or cut a hole in the pipe 105 by applying a downward force and rotating the drill 700 in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction.
  • Other mechanisms can also be used to facilitate drilling or cutting the hole in the pipe 105, such as a clamp 800 to hold the drill 700 in place.
  • a clamp 800 can allow the drill 700 to rest on an uncut pipe 105. Fastening the clamp 800 ensures stability of the drill 700 independent of the force applied.
  • liquid or gas from the interior 110 of the pipe 105 can enter the interior of the housing and/or valves 120, 125.
  • the flushing valve 125 can comprise one or more one-way valves to relieve pressure and/or release excess liquid or gas.
  • the debris generated by the drill 700 while drilling or cutting a hole in the pipe 105 is forced out of the pipe 105 due to the pressure in the pipe 105.
  • the drill 700 drills or cuts a hole in the pipe 105
  • the drill 700 is removed from the interior 110 of the pipe 105 into a retracted position.
  • liquid or gas from the interior 110 of the pipe 105 can enter the interior of the housing and/or valves 120, 125 and the flushing valve 125 can continue to relieve pressure and/or release excess liquid or gas.
  • the sensor assembly can then be mounted, as shown in Fig. 1 .
  • Saddles shown are illustrated examples only, and can greatly vary in size, configuration, materials, etc. depending on the application and requirements of pipe, liquid or gas pressure in pipe, etc.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Vorrichtung mit:
    einem Sattel (300), der auf einer Außenumfangsfläche eines Rohrs (105) montierbar ist;
    einem Sensorventil (120), das mit dem Sattel verbunden ist;
    einem Spülventil (125), das vertikal mit dem Sensorventil verbunden ist und mit dem Sattel verbunden ist; und
    einer Betätigungsbaugruppe (215), die mit dem Sensorventil (120) und dem Spülventil (125) verbunden ist, wobei die Betätigungsbaugruppe (215) so aufgebaut ist, dass sie die Ventile unabhängig öffnet und schließt.
  2. Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 1, die des Weiteren ein Gehäuse (135, 155) aufweist, das sich vertikal um die Ventile (120, 125) und die Betätigungsbaugruppe (215) erstreckt und mit dem Sattel (300) verbunden ist.
  3. Vorrichtung gemäß einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei, wenn der Sattel (300) auf der Außenumfangsfläche des Rohrs (105) montiert ist, ein Inneres des Gehäuses zu einem Inneren des Rohrs ist offen, wenn das Sensorventil (120) offen ist.
  4. Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 2 oder 3, wobei eine Höhe des Gehäuses (135, 155) einstellbar ist.
  5. Vorrichtung gemäß einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei das Sensorventil (120) ein T-Rohr (130) aufweist.
  6. Vorrichtung gemäß einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei das Spülventil (125) ein T-Rohr (130) und/oder ein Einwegventil ist.
  7. Vorrichtung gemäß einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die Betätigungsbaugruppe (215) ein Werkzeug (220) aufweist.
  8. Vorrichtung gemäß einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die Vorrichtung des Weiteren ein oder mehrere zusätzliche Ventile aufweist.
  9. Vorrichtung gemäß einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei das Spülventil (125) des Weiteren einen Schlauch (210) aufweist zum Transportieren einer Flüssigkeit oder eines Gases, während ein trockenes Inneres des Gehäuses beibehalten bleibt.
  10. Eine Sensorbaugruppe (100), die die Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 1 aufweist und des Weiteren Folgendes aufweist:
    einen Sensor (115); und
    ein Gehäuse (135, 155), das sich in Längsrichtung erstreckt und mit dem Sattel (300) verbunden ist;
    wobei der Sensor (115) vertikal bewegbar ist zwischen einer zurückversetzten Position innerhalb eines Inneren des Gehäuses (155) und einer Abtastposition innerhalb eines Inneren des Rohrs (105), wenn das Sensorventil (120) offen ist.
  11. Baugruppe gemäß Anspruch 10, wobei das Rohr (105) unter einer Bodenfläche angeordnet ist.
  12. Baugruppe gemäß einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei der Sensor (115) so aufgebaut ist, dass er zumindest eine Eigenschaft einer Flüssigkeit oder eines Gases im Inneren des Rohrs (105) erfasst.
  13. Baugruppe gemäß einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 12, die des Weiteren eine Kommunikationsvorrichtung (150) aufweist, die an einem oberen Abschnitt des Gehäuses (135) montiert ist.
  14. Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Sensorbaugruppe mit:
    Einführen eines Sensors (115) in ein Gehäuse (135, 155) von einer Oberseite des Gehäuses;
    Öffnen zumindest eines Ventils (120) aus einer Vielzahl an vertikal gestapelten Ventilen (120, 125);
    Einführen des Sensors (115) zumindest abschnittsweise durch das zumindest eines Ventils und in ein Inneres eines Rohrs (105); und
    Erfassen zumindest eine Eigenschaft einer Flüssigkeit oder eines Gases im Inneren des Rohrs (105).
  15. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 14, das des Weiteren aufweist, Weitergeben von Daten von dem Sensor (115) zu einer Kommunikationsvorrichtung (150).
EP20702179.1A 2019-01-25 2020-01-21 Servicesattel Active EP3914851B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2022456A NL2022456B1 (en) 2019-01-25 2019-01-25 Service saddle
NL2023383A NL2023383B1 (en) 2019-06-26 2019-06-26 Flexible Flow Sensor
PCT/NL2020/050031 WO2020153840A1 (en) 2019-01-25 2020-01-21 Service saddle

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3914851A1 EP3914851A1 (de) 2021-12-01
EP3914851B1 true EP3914851B1 (de) 2023-09-06
EP3914851C0 EP3914851C0 (de) 2023-09-06

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Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5893686A (en) * 1997-08-27 1999-04-13 Weiler; Donald R. Pipe tapping drill attachment
GB2448375A (en) * 2007-04-10 2008-10-15 Alh Systems G clamp tapping fitting
US20080260466A1 (en) * 2007-04-19 2008-10-23 David Alan Stone Apparatus for permitting access to the interior of a subterranean fluid-carrying pipe by way of an excavation which has uncovered the wall of the pipe
CA3128758A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-25 Mueller International, Llc System for measuring properties of water in a water distribution system

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WO2020153840A1 (en) 2020-07-30
EP3914851C0 (de) 2023-09-06

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