GB2455444A - A plumbing pipe component - Google Patents

Abstract

A plumbing pipe component is disclosed as having a substantially tubular body having connections on each end suitable for connection to a gas supply pipe and a test point suitable for connection to a pressure sensor or pressure measurement device, wherein the test point is formed integrally with the substantially tubular body such that they are formed in one piece. A method of providing a pressure test point in a gas supply pipe to a boiler is also disclosed.

Description

"Plumbinc oi�e com�onent" The present invention relates to a plumbing pipe component and more particularly relates to a plumbing pipe component comprising a test point that can be included in a domestic or industrial gas pipe system in close proximity to a gas boiler to enable a plumber to couple a pressure sensor or pressure measurement device to the plumbing pipe component.

Conventionally, for each domestic or commercial gas boiler a plumber (particularly a CORGI TM Registered Plumber) installs, he is required to ensure that there is a minimum gas pressure in the gas supply pipe at a location immediately prior to the gas boiler. This is currently provided by using a plumbing pipe component called a Female Centre Tee that comprises a female connector at each of a short straight conduit and a female end branch provided at the centre to provide a T shaped component. The female end branch is therefore provided at 90 degrees to the longitudinal conduit and comprises for example a � inch internally screw threaded female end into which a further plumbing pipe component known as a Reducing Bush (which could comprise for example a 3/4 inch OD external thread and a 3/8 inch ID internal thread) is screwed. The reducing bush is used to simply reduce the diameter to an internal diameter (such as 3/8 inch) suitable for a further plumbing pipe component known as a Pressure Test Point Fitting comprising for example a 1/8 inch nipple. The Pressure Test Point Fitting comprises a first end having a male screw thread (such as a 3/8 inch OD) formed on its outer diameter adapted for screw threaded connection with the similarly sized internal thread of the Reducing Bush. The Pressure Test Point Fitting further comprises a removable tap S (screw threaded on its external diameter) and which is screw threaded into the other end and a throughbore that is substantially restricted such that there is only a small internal diameter in the order of approximately 1 mm.

The Pressure Test Point Fitting is arranged such that the tap will normally remain in place such that the Pressure Test Point Fitting is gas tight. However, if the plumber is required to conduct a pressure measurement test, he can remove the tap (simply by unscrewing it) and a Pressure sensor (typically in the form of a water filled or electronic manometer) can be screwed into the end open instead of the tap.

This conventional arrangement suffers from the disadvantage that the Female Centre Tee, the Reducing Bush and the Pressure Test Point Fitting are manufactured as three separate components which require to be assembled by the plumber prior to their fitment which results in additional installation time and therefore cost. Furthermore, the Female Centre Tee, the Reducing Bush and the Pressure Test Point Fitting must be screwed together with gas PTFE rated tape around the screwthreads which again adds to the installation time but more importantly, it is difficult to wrap gas PTFE rated tape around the Pressure Test Point Fitting because of its relatively small outer diameter which makes it difficult to screw into the Reducing Bush.

It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to overcome these disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a plumbing pipe component comprising:-a substantially tubular body having connections on each end suitable for connection to a gas Supply pipe; a test point suitable for connection to a pressure sensor or pressure measurement device; wherein the test point is formed integrally with the substantially tubular body.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method of providing a pressure test point in a gas supply pipe to a boiler comprising fitting a plumbing pipe component according to the first aspect of the invention into the gas supply pipe.

Preferably the throughbore of the substantially tubular body is substantially unrestricted. More preferably, the substantially tubular body comprises a throughbore having a longitudinal axis. Most preferably, the throughbore of the substantially tubular body comprises a linear or straight longitudinal axis.

Typically, the test point comprises a substantially tubular conduit which preferably projects laterally outwardly from the main substantially tubular body in the form of a branch. Preferably, the substantially tubular conduit of the test point projects radially outwardly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body such that the substantially tubular conduit of the test point projects at an angle of 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body.

Preferably, the substantially tubular conduit of the test point comprises a throughbore which is substantially narrower than the throughbore of the main tubular body and more preferably, the throughbore of the substantially tubular conduit of the test point is substantially restricted at at least one location or portion to have an internal diameter in order to substantially restrict the flow of gas therethrough when the plumbing pipe component is included in a gas pipe supply to a gas boiler.

Preferably, the test point comprises a connection means to permit a tap or other form of plug to be secured to its outer end to seal the test point when a pressure test is not required. Typically, the tap is selectively connected to the test point such that it can be removed to enable the pressure measurement device to be attached such that the interior of the pressure measurement device is in fluid communication with the throughbore of the test point.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. 1 is an external side view of a plumbing pipe component in accordance with the present invention; Fig.2 is an external plan view of the plumbing pipe component of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an external perspective view of the plumbing pipe component of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a cross sectional side view of the plumbing pipe component of Fig. 1; and Fig. 5 is an end view of an end nut of the plumbing pipe component of Fig. 1.

A plumbing pipe component 10 in accordance with the present invention is best shown in Fig.4 as comprising a generally cylindrical or tubular body 12 formed from a suitable material such as brass, stainless steel or the like. The tubular body 12 further comprises a male thread 14U, 14L formed on its external surface at each end, wherein a nut 1 6U, 1 6L is screwthreaded to each respective screw threaded end 14U, 14L and the nuts 16U, 1 6L entrap a respective olive 1 8U, 1 8L in order to securely connect the tubular body 12 to the free end of a respective pipe (1 7U, 1 7L) in close or immediate proximity of a boiler (not shown).

The tubular body 12 comprises a substantially unrestricted throughbore typically having an internal diameter in the region of 22 mm for use with 22mm internal diameter gas pipe (1 7U, 1 7L).

A test point 20 is formed integrally with the tubular body 12 such that the test point 20 and the tubular body 12 are formed in one piece in a unit using conventional manufacturing techniques such that they are inseparable from oneanother. The test point comprises a cylindrical or substantially tubular conduit 20 that projects laterally outwardly from the main tubular body 12 in the form of a branch and preferably projects radially outwardly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body 12 such that the test point tubular conduit projects at an angle of 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body 12. However, the test point 20 has a throughbore 24 which is substantially narrower than the throughbore 22 of the main tubular body 12 and more particularly, the throughbore 24 is substantially restricted at the location or portion 26 to have an internal diameter in the region of 1 mm or so in order to substantially restrict the flow of gas therethrough when the component 10 is included in a gas pipe 1 7U, 1 7L supply to a gas boiler (not shown). The outer end of the test point 20 is provided with a screw thread 30 formed on the internal surface thereof in order to provide a coupling for a screw threaded removable screw threaded tap 28.

The plumbing pipe component 10 is connected in place of a section of the gas supply pipe 1 7U, 1 7L leading into a gas boiler, with the tap 28 secured in place as s shown in the Figs. However, if the plumber is required to conduct a pressure measurement test, he can remove the tap 28 (simply by unscrewing it) and attach a pressure sensor (typically in the form of a mercury filled manometer) to the test point either by screwing the manometer to the thread 30 or by pushing the lead tube of the manometer over the outer end of the test point 20 such that there is a close fit therebetween. The test point 20 thus allows a pilot or minimal flow of gas into the manometer in an amount sufficient for the manometer to be in fluid connection with the throughbore 22 but insufficient for there to be a serious gas leak through the restricted throughbore 24 due to the restricted throughbore portion 26.

Modifications and improvements may be made to the embodiments hereinbefore described without departing from the scope of the invention. "Plumbinc oi�e com�onent" The present invention relates to a plumbing pipe component and more particularly relates to a plumbing pipe component comprising a test point that can be included in a domestic or industrial gas pipe system in close proximity to a gas boiler to enable a plumber to couple a pressure sensor or pressure measurement device to the plumbing pipe component.

Conventionally, for each domestic or commercial gas boiler a plumber (particularly a CORGI TM Registered Plumber) installs, he is required to ensure that there is a minimum gas pressure in the gas supply pipe at a location immediately prior to the gas boiler. This is currently provided by using a plumbing pipe component called a Female Centre Tee that comprises a female connector at each of a short straight conduit and a female end branch provided at the centre to provide a T shaped component. The female end branch is therefore provided at 90 degrees to the longitudinal conduit and comprises for example a � inch internally screw threaded female end into which a further plumbing pipe component known as a Reducing Bush (which could comprise for example a 3/4 inch OD external thread and a 3/8 inch ID internal thread) is screwed. The reducing bush is used to simply reduce the diameter to an internal diameter (such as 3/8 inch) suitable for a further plumbing pipe component known as a Pressure Test Point Fitting comprising for example a 1/8 inch nipple. The Pressure Test Point Fitting comprises a first end having a male screw thread (such as a 3/8 inch OD) formed on its outer diameter adapted for screw threaded connection with the similarly sized internal thread of the Reducing Bush. The Pressure Test Point Fitting further comprises a removable tap S (screw threaded on its external diameter) and which is screw threaded into the other end and a throughbore that is substantially restricted such that there is only a small internal diameter in the order of approximately 1 mm.

The Pressure Test Point Fitting is arranged such that the tap will normally remain in place such that the Pressure Test Point Fitting is gas tight. However, if the plumber is required to conduct a pressure measurement test, he can remove the tap (simply by unscrewing it) and a Pressure sensor (typically in the form of a water filled or electronic manometer) can be screwed into the end open instead of the tap.

This conventional arrangement suffers from the disadvantage that the Female Centre Tee, the Reducing Bush and the Pressure Test Point Fitting are manufactured as three separate components which require to be assembled by the plumber prior to their fitment which results in additional installation time and therefore cost. Furthermore, the Female Centre Tee, the Reducing Bush and the Pressure Test Point Fitting must be screwed together with gas PTFE rated tape around the screwthreads which again adds to the installation time but more importantly, it is difficult to wrap gas PTFE rated tape around the Pressure Test Point Fitting because of its relatively small outer diameter which makes it difficult to screw into the Reducing Bush.

It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to overcome these disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a plumbing pipe component comprising:-a substantially tubular body having connections on each end suitable for connection to a gas Supply pipe; a test point suitable for connection to a pressure sensor or pressure measurement device; wherein the test point is formed integrally with the substantially tubular body.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method of providing a pressure test point in a gas supply pipe to a boiler comprising fitting a plumbing pipe component according to the first aspect of the invention into the gas supply pipe.

Preferably the throughbore of the substantially tubular body is substantially unrestricted. More preferably, the substantially tubular body comprises a throughbore having a longitudinal axis. Most preferably, the throughbore of the substantially tubular body comprises a linear or straight longitudinal axis.

Typically, the test point comprises a substantially tubular conduit which preferably projects laterally outwardly from the main substantially tubular body in the form of a branch. Preferably, the substantially tubular conduit of the test point projects radially outwardly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body such that the substantially tubular conduit of the test point projects at an angle of 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body.

Preferably, the substantially tubular conduit of the test point comprises a throughbore which is substantially narrower than the throughbore of the main tubular body and more preferably, the throughbore of the substantially tubular conduit of the test point is substantially restricted at at least one location or portion to have an internal diameter in order to substantially restrict the flow of gas therethrough when the plumbing pipe component is included in a gas pipe supply to a gas boiler.

Preferably, the test point comprises a connection means to permit a tap or other form of plug to be secured to its outer end to seal the test point when a pressure test is not required. Typically, the tap is selectively connected to the test point such that it can be removed to enable the pressure measurement device to be attached such that the interior of the pressure measurement device is in fluid communication with the throughbore of the test point.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. 1 is an external side view of a plumbing pipe component in accordance with the present invention; Fig.2 is an external plan view of the plumbing pipe component of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an external perspective view of the plumbing pipe component of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a cross sectional side view of the plumbing pipe component of Fig. 1; and Fig. 5 is an end view of an end nut of the plumbing pipe component of Fig. 1.

A plumbing pipe component 10 in accordance with the present invention is best shown in Fig.4 as comprising a generally cylindrical or tubular body 12 formed from a suitable material such as brass, stainless steel or the like. The tubular body 12 further comprises a male thread 14U, 14L formed on its external surface at each end, wherein a nut 1 6U, 1 6L is screwthreaded to each respective screw threaded end 14U, 14L and the nuts 16U, 1 6L entrap a respective olive 1 8U, 1 8L in order to securely connect the tubular body 12 to the free end of a respective pipe (1 7U, 1 7L) in close or immediate proximity of a boiler (not shown).

The tubular body 12 comprises a substantially unrestricted throughbore typically having an internal diameter in the region of 22 mm for use with 22mm internal diameter gas pipe (1 7U, 1 7L).

A test point 20 is formed integrally with the tubular body 12 such that the test point 20 and the tubular body 12 are formed in one piece in a unit using conventional manufacturing techniques such that they are inseparable from oneanother. The test point comprises a cylindrical or substantially tubular conduit 20 that projects laterally outwardly from the main tubular body 12 in the form of a branch and preferably projects radially outwardly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body 12 such that the test point tubular conduit projects at an angle of 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body 12. However, the test point 20 has a throughbore 24 which is substantially narrower than the throughbore 22 of the main tubular body 12 and more particularly, the throughbore 24 is substantially restricted at the location or portion 26 to have an internal diameter in the region of 1 mm or so in order to substantially restrict the flow of gas therethrough when the component 10 is included in a gas pipe 1 7U, 1 7L supply to a gas boiler (not shown). The outer end of the test point 20 is provided with a screw thread 30 formed on the internal surface thereof in order to provide a coupling for a screw threaded removable screw threaded tap 28.

The plumbing pipe component 10 is connected in place of a section of the gas supply pipe 1 7U, 1 7L leading into a gas boiler, with the tap 28 secured in place as s shown in the Figs. However, if the plumber is required to conduct a pressure measurement test, he can remove the tap 28 (simply by unscrewing it) and attach a pressure sensor (typically in the form of a mercury filled manometer) to the test point either by screwing the manometer to the thread 30 or by pushing the lead tube of the manometer over the outer end of the test point 20 such that there is a close fit therebetween. The test point 20 thus allows a pilot or minimal flow of gas into the manometer in an amount sufficient for the manometer to be in fluid connection with the throughbore 22 but insufficient for there to be a serious gas leak through the restricted throughbore 24 due to the restricted throughbore portion 26.

Modifications and improvements may be made to the embodiments hereinbefore described without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (12)

1. A plumbing pipe component comprising:-a substantially tubular body having connections on each end suitable for connection to a gas supply pipe; a test point suitable for connection to a pressure sensor or pressure measurement device; wherein the test point is formed integrally with the substantially tubular body.

2. A plumbing pipe component according to claim 1, wherein the throughbore of the substantially tubular body is substantially unrestricted.

3. A plumbing pipe component according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the substantially tubular body comprises a throughbore having a longitudinal axis.

4. A plumbing pipe component according to any preceding claim, wherein the throughbore of the substantially tubular body comprises a linear or straight longitudinal axis.

5. A plumbing pipe component according to any preceding claim, wherein the test point comprises a substantially tubular conduit which projects laterally outwardly from the main substantially tubular body in the form of a branch.

6. A plumbing pipe component according to claim 5, wherein the substantially tubular conduit of the test point projects radially outwardly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body such that the substantially tubular conduit of the test point projects at an angle s of 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body.

7. A plumbing pipe component according to either of claims 5 or 6, wherein the substantially tubular conduit of the test point comprises a throughbore which is substantially narrower than the throughbore of the main tubular body.

8. A plumbing pipe component according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the throughbore of the substantially tubular conduit of the test point is substantially restricted at at least one location or portion to have an internal diameter in order to substantially restrict the flow of gas therethrough when the plumbing pipe component is included in a gas pipe supply to a gas boiler.

9. A plumbing pipe component according to any preceding claim, wherein the test point comprises a connection means to permit a tap or other form of plug to be secured to its outer end to seal the test point when a pressure test is not required.

10. A plumbing pipe component according to any preceding claim, wherein the tap is selectively connected to the test point such that it can be removed to enable the pressure measurement device to be attached such that the interior of the pressure measurement device is in fluid communication with the throughbore of the test point.

11. A plumbing pipe component according to any preceding claim, wherein the test point and the main substantially tubular body are formed in one piece.

12. A method of providing a pressure test point in a gas supply pipe to a boiler S comprising fitting a plumbing pipe component according to any of claims 1 to 11 into the gas supply pipe.

12. A method of providing a pressure test point in a gas supply pipe to a boiler S comprising fitting a plumbing pipe component according to any of claims 1 to 11 into the gas supply pipe.

1. A plumbing pipe component comprising:-a substantially tubular body having connections on each end suitable for connection to a gas supply pipe; a test point suitable for connection to a pressure sensor or pressure measurement device; wherein the test point is formed integrally with the substantially tubular body.

2. A plumbing pipe component according to claim 1, wherein the throughbore of the substantially tubular body is substantially unrestricted.

3. A plumbing pipe component according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the substantially tubular body comprises a throughbore having a longitudinal axis.

4. A plumbing pipe component according to any preceding claim, wherein the throughbore of the substantially tubular body comprises a linear or straight longitudinal axis.

5. A plumbing pipe component according to any preceding claim, wherein the test point comprises a substantially tubular conduit which projects laterally outwardly from the main substantially tubular body in the form of a branch.

6. A plumbing pipe component according to claim 5, wherein the substantially tubular conduit of the test point projects radially outwardly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body such that the substantially tubular conduit of the test point projects at an angle s of 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body.

7. A plumbing pipe component according to either of claims 5 or 6, wherein the substantially tubular conduit of the test point comprises a throughbore which is substantially narrower than the throughbore of the main tubular body.

8. A plumbing pipe component according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the throughbore of the substantially tubular conduit of the test point is substantially restricted at at least one location or portion to have an internal diameter in order to substantially restrict the flow of gas therethrough when the plumbing pipe component is included in a gas pipe supply to a gas boiler.

9. A plumbing pipe component according to any preceding claim, wherein the test point comprises a connection means to permit a tap or other form of plug to be secured to its outer end to seal the test point when a pressure test is not required.

10. A plumbing pipe component according to any preceding claim, wherein the tap is selectively connected to the test point such that it can be removed to enable the pressure measurement device to be attached such that the interior of the pressure measurement device is in fluid communication with the throughbore of the test point.

11. A plumbing pipe component according to any preceding claim, wherein the test point and the main substantially tubular body are formed in one piece.