GB2306606A - Flow isolator for fluid systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The flow isolator comprises a closed inflatable bulb 1 of flexible material, a tube 2 connected to the bulb at a first end and incorporating a valve 3 at the second end, the bulb being so sized and shaped that it is adapted to be inserted when substantially uninflated into the mouth of an inlet/outlet of the fluid system, the arrangement being such that, after insertion the bulb may be inflated via the valve to form a substantially fluid-type seal around the inlet/outlet so as to isolate the fluid flow. The tube 2 may be flexible or comprises a plurality of connected sections. The valve 3 can be a pneumatic valve for connection to a bicycle pump. The isolator can used to block a water tank outlet to aid downstream pipe repair.

Description

Flow Isolator for Fluid Systems This invention relates to plumbing and heating systems incorporating pipes for the passage of fluid, usually water, through the system.

A constant, time consuming, problem in repairing pipe leaks, particularly in water storage systems, is the draining down of the tanks as a preliminary to the repair. In order to avoid draining down, it is preferable to provide a valve at the tank outlet, but in practice most systems do not include such valves, or, if fitted, often stick at least partially open after prolonged periods without being operated. It is also possible to localise the area to be repaired by freezing the fluid in the pipe upstream of the repair. However, this operation can also be time consuming, particularly if lagging needs to be removed and ref fixed and the time needed for the ice plug to melt after repair. Furthermore, in the case of a burst pipe, water continues to leak through the burst and hence the area upstream of the pipe cannot be frozen.

An object of the invention is to provide a flow isolator for such systems which is simple and quick to operate.

According to this invention, there is provided a flow isolator for a fluid system comprising a closed bulb of flexible material, a tube connected into the bulb at one end, and a valve, at the free end of the tube, the bulb being shaped to be insertable in the mouth of an inlet to a fluid system, the arrangement being such that, after insertion, the bulb is inflated via the valve to seal around the mouth and isolate flow.

Preferably, the valve is a pneumatic valve, which can be readily connected to a hand pump, e.g. a bicycle pump, for inflation.

In a preferred form, the bulb is somewhat tubular in shape, whereby its elongate wall can deform over a corresponding length of the inlet mouth to provide a particularly effective seal.

Conveniently, the tube, which can be provided as a single length, or as a plurality of connectable lengths, is made semiflexible to facilitate insertion of the bulb into position within the inlet mouth.

In order that the invention will be readily understood, and further features made apparent, one embodiment of fluid isolator for a water storage system, in accordance therewith, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a view of the isolator, and Figure 2 is a view showing the isolator in use.

Referring to Figure 1, the isolator comprises a flexible elongate bulb 1 of flexible material, e.g. rubber, or rubberlike plastics such as Neoprene (RTM), a semi-flexible tube 2, preferably of a suitable plastics, which can be provided as a single length or a plurality of connectable lengths, connected into the bulb 1 at one end. A pneumatic valve 3 is provided at the free end of the tube, preferably of the type used for bicycles, so that inflation of the bulb can be conveniently effected with a bicycle pump. Alternatively, the valve could be of a ball type, e.g. as used for blood pressure monitoring equipment.

Referring to Figure 2, a typical water storage system includes a tank 4 with a pipe 5 connected thereto which provides an inlet to the pipe system; the pipe may include a gate valve 6 and the level of water in the tank is controlled in the traditional manner by a ballcock 7. Normally, if the valve 6 is functioning properly, this could be turned off to isolate the pipe system from the tank to carry out a repair.

However, if faulty (i.e. not water-tight), it would be necessary to drain down the tank to a point beneath the repair zone. In accordance with the invention, it is a simple matter to introduce the bulb 1 into the outlet pipe 5, as shown, and inflate it to seal the mouth of the pipe 5.

Claims (6)

1. A flow isolator for a fluid system of the type in question comprising a closed inflatable bulb of flexible material, a tube connected to the bulb at a first end and incorporating a valve at the second end, the bulb being so sized and shaped that it is adapted to be inserted when substantially uninflated into the mouth of an inlet/outlet of the fluid system, the arrangement being such that, after insertion the bulb may be inflated via the valve to form a substantially fluid-type seal around the inlet/outlet so as to isolate the fluid flow.

2. A flow isolator as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the valve is a pneumatic valve which can be readily connected to a hand pump, e.g. a bicycle pump, for inflation.

3. A flow isolator as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the bulb is substantially tubular in shape and whereby the elongate wall of the tube can deform over a corresponding length of the inlet/outlet mouth to provide a particularly effective seal.

4. A flow isolator as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the tube comprises a plurality of interconnectable lengths of tubing.

5. A flow isolator as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the tube comprises semi-flexible material in order to enable the bulb to be fed into otherwise inaccessible inlets/outlets.

6. A flow isolator substantially as hereindescribed with reference to and as illustrated in any combination of the accompanying drawings.