GB2577296A

GB2577296A - Flow control manifold

Info

Publication number: GB2577296A
Application number: GB1815366.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Renshaw James; Wainwright Richard
Original assignee: BiFold Fluidpower Ltd
Current assignee: BiFold Fluidpower Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-20
Filing date: 2018-09-20
Publication date: 2020-03-25
Also published as: GB201815366D0

Abstract

A modular fluid flow control apparatus 10 is provided. The apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of interchangeable flow control modules 12-20. Each module 12-20 comprises a housing and a flow control component. The housing comprises at least a first surface and a second surface, and at least one through bore extending from a first end on the first surface to a second end on the second surface, thus defining a fluid flow-path through the module. Each module 12-20 is sealingly connectable to any other module, such that when connected, the fluid flow-path is continuous between adjacent modules. At least one flow control component is a valve 17 capable of selectively opening and closing the fluid flow-path. The through-bore of each module 12-20 comprises at least a portion extending along a first axis; and wherein the length of the portion extending along the first axis is a multiple of a pre-defined minimum length. Adjacent modules 12 - 20 may be sealingly connectable by a sealing sleeve 30. A fluid flow control kit comprising first and second modules is also disclosed.

Description

FLOW CONTROL MANIFOLD

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to modular fluid flow control apparatuses and kits. Specifically, the present invention relates to modular hydraulic flow control manifolds which are fully customisable.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Conventionally, instrumentation manifolds are supplied as a complete unit which meets the specific hydraulic flow control requirements of a customer. Each constituent part of the manifold is arranged in line with the schematic, and housings are bespokely designed and manufactured around these parts to make one complete unit. Constituent parts typically include ball and needle valves, check valves, and filters. Each unit is therefore completely customised for each particular schematic. Since all housings are individually designed and manufactured, building a complete manifold from scratch each time is very time consuming and costly.

It is therefore an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a flow control apparatus which overcomes one or more of the above identified 20 problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a modular fluid flow control apparatus comprising: a plurality of interchangeable flow control modules, each module comprising a housing and a flow control component; the housing comprising at least a first surface and a second surface, and at least one through bore extending from a first end on the first surface to a second end on the second surface, thus defining a fluid flowpath through the module; each module being sealingly connectable to any other module, such that when connected, the fluid flowpath is continuous between adjacent modules; wherein at least one flow control component is a valve capable of selectively opening and closing the fluid flowpath; and, wherein the through bore comprises at least a portion extending along a first axis; and wherein the length of the portion extending along said first axis is a multiple of a pre-defined minimum length.

The present invention relates to modular hydraulic flow control manifolds which are fully customisable whilst maintaining a working pressure of up to 10,000 psi (around 68.9 x 103 kPa).

The length of the through bore along the first axis may be defined as either: i) between the first surface and the second surface, in embodiments where the first surface and the second surface are directly opposite each other, such that the through bore extends completely along a single, first, axis; or, ii) between the first or second surface, whichever surface is perpendicular to the portion extending along the first axis, and the centreline of the through bore along a second axis, in embodiments where the first surface and second surface are not directly opposite each other, such that the through bore comprises a bend.

At least a length of the housing may also be a multiple of a or the pre-defined minimum length. Case i) above defines a scenario where the length of the through bore along the single, first, axis is equal to the length of the housing along said first axis. The width and/or the depth of each housing, along a second and/or third axis, may also be a multiple of a or the pre-defined minimum length.

Advantageously, implementing a standardised through bore/flowpath length allows the flow control apparatus to be modular and fully interchangeable (the modules can be arranged in any order). Furthermore, a standardised through bore length along at least a first axis, and also a standardised module/housing size, which are both multiples of a pre-defined standard length, helps to reduce the amount of time spent on designing and manufacturing customised manifolds. Each module comprises a single component, such as a valve, spacer or port, with a respective through bore, which have all been specifically designed to fit within a standardised module housing of the present invention. The manifolds of the present invention can be built from a series of these standardised modules/component parts, in any combination/order, to achieve the required flow control capabilities.

Conventionally, each housing in the manifold had to be specifically designed, depending on the required purpose. As such, the engineering design and manufacture time required was very long, and also very expensive. By standardising each of the components in accordance with aspects of the present invention, such bespoke housings are no longer required, and instead the manifold can be designed much more efficiently (and quicker) by selecting pre-designed and pre-manufactured standardised components (comprising standardised lengths of flowpaths), whilst meeting the same flow control requirements and safety standards. Furthermore, modular manifolds, whereby each module comprises a standardised through bore and/or housing length, can be reconfigured quickly, and specific modules or the entire manifold can be replaced/disassembled or maintained much more easily compared to conventionally designed manifolds.

Furthermore, it may be an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that each flow control module can be manufactured in much greater volumes, thus reducing the cost of manufacturing a specific flow control manifold.

Each module may comprise a different flow control component, such as, but not limited to, a valve, a port, a spacer or a filter. Each module may house a single flow control component. The valve may be one of a ball valve, a needle valve and a check valve. The apparatus may comprise more than one valve. The apparatus may comprise a combination of ball valves, needle valves and check valves, depending on the flow control requirements, each contained within a separate module.

At least one flow control component may be a first port capable of providing an inlet or an outlet to the fluid flowpath. The module housing the first port may be sealingly connectable to any of the plurality of flow control modules. The first port may be interchangeable with a second port. The second port may be different to the first port, such that the second port may provide a different inlet or outlet to the fluid flowpath.

Each module may comprise a through bore taking the shape of one of: a straight bore, a 90-degree corner (an elbow junction), a T-junction, and a cross-junction. The through bore may extend along one or more of a first, a second and a third axis of the module. The through bore may extend along one or more of a first, a second and a third centreline of the module, such that the first and second ends of each through bore are located in the centre of the first and second surfaces respectively. Advantageously, this allows the through bores of adjacent modules to align in use, to provide a continuous flowpath.

Different modules may be sealingly connected together in use to create a variety of continuous flow path shapes. The plurality of modules may be sealingly connectable in any order to create a fully customisable and continuous flowpath, selectively openable and closable by at least one valve.

The continuous flowpath may define a main flowpath. The continuous flowpath may define at least one branching flowpath extending away from the main flowpath. The at least one branching flowpath may rejoin the main flowpath. The ability to have one or more branching flowpaths which can re-join the main flowpath is only enabled due to the length of each through bore/housing conforming to a series of standard lengths, which are multiples of a pre-defined minimum length.

Adjacent modules may be sealingly connectable by a sealing sleeve, such as a spigot. The sealing sleeve may be cylindrical in shape, and comprise a through bore. The sealing sleeve may also comprise at least one circumferential groove on an outer surface. The at least one circumferential groove may receive a seal, such as an 0-ring seal, in use.

Each through bore may comprise a portion with a first diameter and a portion with a second diameter. The second diameter may be greater than the first diameter. The first end and/or second end of the through bore may comprise a portion having a second diameter, thus defining a recess in the first and second surfaces of each module respectively. Each recess may be located in the centre of the first or second surfaces. The sealing sleeve may be receivable within adjacent recesses of adjacent modules. The sealing sleeve through bore may be co-axial in use with the through bores of any two adjacent modules, thus defining in use a continuous flow path between the through bores of the adjacent modules and the sealing sleeve. The sealing sleeve and seal may together create a fluid seal between the sealing sleeve and each recess in use, thus preventing fluid leaking from the flowpath.

Each module also comprises at least one fixing bore extending at least partially though the module, for example along a first axis. The at least one fixing bore may align in use with corresponding fixing bore(s) of adjacent modules. Fixing means may be receivable within each fixing bore to secure adjacent modules together. In addition, the fixing means may help to secure (and compress) the sealing sleeve and 0-ring between adjacent modules, thus helping to provide a tight seal along the length of the flowpath. An advantage of embodiments of the present invention, is that the sealing sleeve, 0-rings and fixing means together allow the manifold to operate at a pressure of 10,000psi. The fixing bores and fixing means may be unthreaded, partially threaded or fully threaded. The fixing means may include screws, studs, and/or bolts. The fixing means may also comprise a length, such as shank length and/or threaded length, which is a multiple of the or a standard pre-defined length.

Each module may comprise more than one fixing bore arranged radially and equidistantly around at least a portion of the through bore of each module. Each module may comprise at least four parallel fixing bores. In embodiments, some modules may comprise a first set containing at least one fixing bore extending at least partially through the module in a first direction, and a second set containing at least one fixing bore extending at least partially though the module in a second direction. The first and second directions may be perpendicular, or may be anti parallel.

Adjacent modules may be rotatable relative to each other around an axis parallel to at least a portion of the through bore, such as around a first axis.

Modules may be rotatable through 90 degree intervals, whilst remaining sealingly connectable to adjacent modules due to the fixing bores being arranged radially and equidistantly around at least a portion of the through bore along one axis.

The features of the modular fluid flow control apparatus of the first aspect of the invention may be combined with the features of the second, third, and fourth aspects of the invention.

Accordingly, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a modular fluid flow control apparatus comprising: a plurality of flow control modules, each module comprising a housing and a flow control component; the housing comprising at least a first surface and a second surface, and at least one through bore extending from a first end on the first surface to a second end on the second surface, thus defining a fluid flowpath through the module; wherein at least one flow control component is a first port providing an inlet or an outlet to the fluid flowpath; the first port being sealingly connectable to any of the plurality of flow control modules; and, wherein the first port is interchangeable with a second port, the second port different to the first port, and the second port providing a different inlet or outlet to the fluid flowpath.

The inlet or outlet port may be threaded. Each different port may have a different thread pitch and/or diameter. A first port with a first diameter, may be interchangeable with a second port with a second diameter. The first diameter may be smaller or larger than the second diameter. The diameter of the ports helps to control the rate of fluid flow into and out of the manifold.

Each different port may be sealingly connectable in the same way to any of the plurality of flow control modules. Adjacent modules may be sealingly connectable by a sealing sleeve and fixing bores/fixing means as described above.

The features of the modular fluid flow control apparatus of the second aspect of the invention may be combined with the features of the first, third and/or fourth aspects of the invention.

Accordingly, in a third aspect, the present invention provides a modular fluid flow control apparatus comprising, a first and a second module; the first module comprising a through bore, the through bore having a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second, greater, diameter, the second portion defining a recess on a first surface, and at least one fixing bore extending at least partially through the first module; the second module comprising a through bore, the through bore having a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second, greater, diameter, the second portion defining a recess on a second surface, and at least one fixing bore extending at least partially through the second module; a sealing sleeve comprising a through bore and at least one circumferential groove on an outer surface configured to receive a seal; wherein the sealing sleeve is receivable within the recess of the first module and within the recess of the second module, such that the at least one circumferential groove is locatable within either recess, wherein the through bore of the sealing sleeve is co-axial with the through bores of the first and second modules, thus defining a continuous flow path between the through bores of the first module, the second module and the sealing sleeve; and wherein fixing means are receivable within each fixing bore to secure the first and second modules together.

The outer diameter of the sealing sleeve may be slightly smaller than the diameter of second portion of through bore, such that there is a tight sealing fit between the sealing sleeve and the recess. The diameter of the through bore of the sealing sleeve may be equal to, greater than, or smaller than the first diameter of the through bore through the first and/or second modules.

The features of the modular fluid flow control apparatus of the third aspect of the invention may be combined with the features of the first, second and/or fourth aspects of the invention.

Accordingly, in a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising: a first module comprising a through bore, the through bore having a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second, greater, diameter, the second portion defining a recess on a first surface, and at least one fixing bore extending at least partially through the first module; a second module comprising a through bore, the through bore having a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second, greater, diameter, the second portion defining a recess on a second surface, and at least one fixing bore extending at least partially through the second module; each through bore defining a flowpath through the first and second modules respectively, the length of the flowpath along at least a first axis being a multiple of a pre-defined minimum length; a sealing sleeve comprising a through bore and at least one circumferential groove on an outer surface configured to receive a seal, the sealing sleeve receivable within the recess on the first surface and the recess on the second surface, to form in use a continuous flowpath between the through bores of the first and second modules and the through bore of the sealing sleeve; and, fixing means receivable within each fixing bore to secure the first and second modules to gether.

The through bore of the sealing sleeve may be co-axial with the through bores of the first and second modules. The first module may comprise a length being a multiple of the or a pre-defined minimum length. The second module may comprise a length being a multiple of the or a pre-defined minimum length. The fixing means may comprise a length being a multiple of the or a pre-defined minimum length.

The features of the modular fluid flow control apparatus of the fourth aspect of the invention may be combined with the features of the first, second and/or third aspects of the invention.

Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination set out above, or in the following description or drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figs. la and lb show a side and a sectional view (along section A-A) respectively of a modular fluid flow control apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; Figs. 2a and 2b show a side and a sectional view (along section B-B) respectively of the Fig. la modular fluid flow control apparatus; Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c show a bottom, side and top view respectively of a modular fluid flow control apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; Figs. 3d and 3e show a perspective view of the Fig. 3a-3c manifold, and a corresponding circuit diagram respectively; Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c show a top, side and bottom view respectively of a modular fluid flow control apparatus in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention; and Figs. 4d and 4e show a perspective view of the Fig. 4a-4c manifold, and a corresponding circuit diagram respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig. la shows a side view of a modular fluid flow control apparatus 10, and Fig. lb shows a view through section A-A. The apparatus 10 is specifically designed for hydraulic fluid flow with a working pressure of 10,000psi (around 68.9 x 103 kPa).

Apparatus or manifold 10 comprises a plurality of interchangeable flow control modules 12 -20, which includes various types of flow control components, such as valves, ports and other components with different through bores and flowpaths, to direct the fluid flow as required. The modules 12 -20 comprise housings or casings for each individual flow control component. Specifically, each module housing comprises one of: a 90 degree corner component or elbow junction 12 (to direct the flow through 90 degrees), a check valve 13 (to permit flow in only one direction), spacers 14a and 14b (providing a straight flow bore), a cross-junction 15 (comprising four input or output bores), inlet and outlet ports 16a, 16b, and 16c, isolation ball valves 17 (to block or permit fluid flow), venting needle valves 18 (to vent excess fluid from between isolation valves, when either the downstream isolation valve, or both isolation valves, are in the closed position), T-junction 19 (comprising three input and/or output bores), and isolation needle valves 20 (to block or permit fluid flow). The combination of a venting needle valve 18 between two isolation ball valves 17 may be referred to as a double-block-and-bleed valve arrangement.

These modules 12 -20 are arranged in the order and orientation shown in Fig. lb to satisfy particular fluid flow requirements. However, they can be arranged in any order and/or in any orientation. As will be described below, each module 12 -20 is compatible with any other module 12 -20, such that they can be connected in any order, and in any orientation to achieve a manifold with the required fluid flow characteristics.

As can be seen in Fig. lb, each module comprises a though bore extending from a first surface to a second surface, defining a fluid flowpath through that module. For example, the cross-junction 15 comprises surfaces 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d, with a through bore 15g connecting each surface 15a -15d. Fluid can flow from surface 15a to surface 15c, or surface 15b to surface 15c, for example. In use, fluid flow does not follow any pre-defined path. Instead fluid will flow from a point of high pressure, to a point of low pressure, taking any appropriate route through the individual modules and through the manifold as a whole.

Similarly, T-junction 19 comprises surfaces 19a, 19b and 19c, with a through bore 19f connecting each surface. Fluid can flow from surface 19a to surface 19b, or from surface 19c to surface 19b, for example. Again, the fluid will flow through the module from a point of high pressure to a point of low pressure.

Other modules, such as the elbow junction 12, or isolation ball valves 17, have a single route through the module, such as to/from surface 12a or 17a from/to surface 12b or 17b, respectively. Fluid will again flow through the module from a point of high pressure to a point of low pressure.

The through bore of each module 12 -20 comprises a component along a least a first axis. The length of the through bore along this first axis is a multiple of a pre-defined minimum length, which in some embodiments may be defined as 22.225 millimeters. That is, the length of the through bore along the first axis is a multiple of 22.225 mm.

In the example of the cross-junction 15, there are five different flowpaths along the through bore: i) to/from surface 15a from/to surface 15c; ii) to/from surface 15a from/to surface 15d; iii) to/from surface 15a from/to surface 15b; iv) to/from surface 15b from/to surface 15c; and, v) to/from surface 15b from/to surface 15d.

In the second, third and fourth cases, the through bore comprises two perpendicular axes. The first axis 15f is defined as lying parallel to the through bore from surface 15a to surface 15c, whereas the second axis 15e is defined as parallel to the through bore from surface 15b to 15d.

The length of the through bore x1 along the first axis 151 is between the surface 15a and the centreline of the through bore along axis 15e. Alternatively, the length of the through bore x2 along the first axis 15e is between the surface 15b and the centreline of the through bore along axis 15f. Alternatively, the definition of the axes may be reversed, such that the length of the through bore xi, x2 along the first axis is between the centreline of the through bore along axis 15e or 15f, and the surface 15c or 15d respectively.

In the first and fifth cases, the through bore extends along only one axis, therefore the length of the through bore 2x1, 2x2 along the first axis is between surface 15a or 15b and surface 15c or 15d respectively.

In each of these cases, the length of the through bore extending along the first axis is a multiple of a pre-defined minimum length, such as 22.225 mm.

In the example of the T-junction 19, there are three different flowpaths along the through bore: i) to/from surface 19a from/to surface 19b; ii) to/from surface 19a from/to 19c; and, ii) to/from surface 19c from/to surface 19b.

In the first case, the through bore extends along only one axis, therefore the length xj_ of the through bore along the first axis is between surface 19a and surface 19b.

In the second and third cases, the through bore comprises two perpendicular axes. The first axis 19e is defined as lying parallel to the through bore from surface 19a to surface 19b, whereas the second axis 19d is perpendicular to axis 19e.

The length of the through bore x2 along the first axis 19e is between surface 19a and the centreline of the through bore along axis 19d. Alternatively, the length of the through bore x2 along the first axis 19e is between the centreline of the through bore along axis 19d and surface 19b. Alternatively, the definition of the axes may be reversed, such that the length of the through bore xi_ along the first axis is between the centre line of the through bore along axis 19e and the surface 19c.

In both of these cases, the length of the through bore along the first axis is a multiple of a pre-defined minimum length, such as 22.225 mm.

The length, width and depth of each module, and not just the flowpaths, are also standardised, such that they are all multiples of the same pre-defined minimum length, 22.225 mm.

Where the through bore extends from a first surface to a directly opposite second surface, such as from surface 17a to surface 17b of isolation ball valve 17, the length of the module will naturally also be the same length as the through bore.

However, where the through bore comprises a bend, such as elbow junction 12 or T-junction 19, the length and width of these modules are also standardised, and are multiples of 22.225 mm.

Different modules 12 -20 comprising different through bores can be sealingly connected together in use to create a variety of flowpaths, thus allowing the fluid to naturally flow from a point of high pressure to a point of low pressure.

As can be seen in Fig. lb, each module 12 -20 is connected together in such a way that the through bores of adjacent modules are continuous with each other, thus forming an unbroken flow path, which is selectively opened and closed by any of the isolation valves 17 and 20.

Adjacent modules, for example 12 and 14a, are sealed together via a sealing sleeve or spigot 30 comprising two 0-ring seals 31b.

In some embodiments, the spigot 30 is cylindrical in shape and comprises a through bore 32. The spigot 30 also comprises two circumferential grooves 31a located on the outer surface of the spigot 30. The two grooves 31a are located adjacent to opposite ends of the spigot 30. 0-rings 31b are located within each groove 31a.

Each module 12 -20 comprises a through bore, such as through bores 15g and 19f, having a first diameter and a second diameter. For example, recess 46 of module 20 is formed by the through bore comprising a portion 46a with a first diameter, and a portion 46b with a second greater diameter. The first portion 46a extends through the centre of the module 20, whereas the second portion 46b extends from the first portion 46a to a surface of the module, thus forming an opening on the surface. The shoulder formed between first and second portions 46a, 46b, results in the second portion 46b appearing to form a recess 46 in the surface of the module.

Each module 12 -20 comprises at least one recess, for example recess 40 on module 18 and recess 41 on adjacent module 20.

The first portion of each through bore extends from the base of the recess, towards the centre of the module. For example, the through bore 18a extending within module 18 has a second portion defining recess 40, and a first portion extending from the base of recess 40 towards the centre of the module 18; also the through bore 20a extending within module 20 has a second portion defining recess 41, and a first portion extending from the base of recess 41 towards the centre of the module 20.

In use, the spigot 30 engages with (such as slots into) recesses 40 and 41, such that one 0-ring is located within recess 40 and one 0-ring is located within recess 41. The through bore 32 of spigot 30 is co-axial with the through bores 18a and 20a within modules 18 and 20. The external diameter of the sleeve 30 is slightly smaller than the diameter of recesses 40 and 41, which allows the spigot 30 and 0-rings to fit snuggly within recesses 40 and 41, and provide a tight seal.

The internal diameter of the spigot through bore 32 has a slightly larger diameter than the first portion of the through bore 20a, but has the same diameter as the first portion of the through bore 18a. A continuous flowpath is therefore created between modules 18 and 20 and spigot 30. The flowpath is sealed by 0-rings 31b, thus preventing fluid escaping from the flowpath in use (particularly where the spigot through bore does not have the same diameter as the first portion of a co-axial adjacent through bore).

A similar sealing mechanism is used between each module making up the manifold in Fig. lb. Some adjacent modules may require a different form of spigot. For example, engagement between a module housing an isolation ball valve, such as 17, and an adjacent upstream module, such as 18 or 19, requires a specific threaded spigot 130.

A portion of the spigot 130 between 0-ring grooves 131a is threaded. Furthermore, at least part of recess 42 of module 17 is also threaded. The threaded part of spigot 130 engages with the threaded part of recess 42. The thread allows the spigot 130 to be adjusted into the ball valve module 17 to ensure the stack height of the two seats and ball valve member is correct, and will provide enough compression in use. The other end of spigot 130 engages with recess 43 of module 19 (such as by slotting the spigot 130 into recess 43). The through bore alignment, and fluid seal are the same as described above.

Another example is the spigot 230 between the check valve 13 and adjacent spacer module 14a. Recess 44 of check valve module 13 is much deeper compared to other modules. Spigot 230 comprises a nose portion 232, which extends into recess 44. The nose portion helps to prevent the 0-ring 231b closest to the check valve potentially sliding off during assembly. Spigot 230 still comprises two 0-ring grooves 231a and 0-rings 231b as above, and engages with adjacent modules, such as by slotting it into the appropriate recess 44, 45.

Furthermore, where the manifold requires a blind connection between modules, as will be described below, a specific spigot 330 is required to seal this connection.

Other types of spigots or sleeves may be used, depending on the specific function of adjacent modules, and their sealing requirements.

In use, the combination of modules 12 -20 and spigots 30, 130, 230 and 330 define a flowpath through the apparatus 10. Other modules not specifically mentioned or described herein may also be used. Cross-junction 15 causes the flowpath to branch, or split, into different flowpaths, depending on the pressures within the manifold. One flowpath is deemed to be the main flowpath, with the other flowpaths being branching flowpaths. Such branching is only made possible due to the length of the flowpaths along a first axis, as described above, conforming to a series of standard lengths, which are multiples of a pre-defined minimum length, such as 22.225 mm.

The rate of fluid flow within the manifold may be at least partly controlled by the size of ports 16a, 16b, and 16c. As shown in Fig. lb, ports 16b and 16c have substantially the same port diameter, but port 16a has a smaller port diameter. In use, there may be a series of interchangeable ports all providing different threads and/or inlet/outlet diameters, thus helping to control the flow rate into and out of the manifold.

Turning now to Figs. 2a and 2b, whereby Fig. 2a shows a top view of modular fluid flow control apparatus 10, and Fig. 2b shows a view through section B-B. Fig. 2b illustrates how each module 12 -20 is secured together after the modules are sealed together by spigots 30, 130, 230, 330.

Each module 12 -20 comprises at least one set of four fixing holes, of a type described below. Some modules, such as the cross-junction 15, may comprise two or three sets of four fixing holes. The fixing holes of adjacent modules align, such that in use, screws, bolts, or studs, can be received into the fixing holes, to secure the modules together.

Each module 12 -20 comprises either: fixing holes 60 which extend all the way through the module, and are not threaded; fixing holes 64 which extend partially through the module and are fully threaded; and fixing holes 66 which extend all the way through the module, and are fully threaded.

Some modules can be "stacked" and secured together by screws 50. Such screws 50 comprise a head, a long shank (unthreaded portion), a tip, and a threaded portion extending from the tip a short way along the length of the screw towards the head. Modules which comprise fixing holes 60 can be stacked along the shank and/or threaded portions of the screws 50. As shown in Fig. 2b, such a stack comprises port 16a, two isolation needle valves 20 and venting needle valve 18, which all comprise fixing holes 60, and sit along screws 50. The stack is completed with cross-junction 15 comprising fixing holes 64, which engage with the threaded portion of the screws 50.

Cross-junction 15 also comprises a set of four fixing holes 60, which are perpendicular to fixing holes 64, and which allow the cross-junction 15 to support a "stack" 70 in a perpendicular direction (which may define a main flowpath), beginning with spacer 14b being attached to cross-junction 15 via screws 51.

A further stack is created and secured together by studs 52 and nuts. Studs 52 are used when a length of more than 200 mm is required, and so screws are not suitable. Such studs 52 are threaded along their entire length. The port 16c, T-junction 19, and the double-block-and-bleed arrangement 17, 18 comprise fixing holes 60, and are thus stacked along the studs (the fixing holes 60 do not engage with the threads on studs 52). The stack is completed with spacer 14b comprising fixing holes 66, which is already secured to cross-junction 15 by screws 51. The studs 52 are engaged with the spacer 14b at one end, and are secured by nuts at the other end, to secure the stack 70 together.

If stack 70 defines a main flowpath, then stack 71 defines a branching flowpath. Branching flowpath 71 begins with elbow junction 12, comprising fixing holes 60 and screws 54 (which have a much shorter shank than screws 50) extending through holes 60, and engaging with fixing holes 64 in cross-junction 15.

Similarly, the other elbow junction 12 is attached to T-junction 19 in the same manner at the appropriate time during assembly.

Since fixing holes 60 extend all the way through both elbow junctions 12, it is not possible to have fixing holes which extend all the way through both elbow junctions but in a perpendicular direction, to complete stack 71 between the two elbow junctions 12. Therefore, a blind connection 22 is required (as mentioned above). To complete the branching flowpath 71, a first part of the blind connection 22a having fixing holes 60, is attached to fixing holes 64 of elbow junction 12 (to the left of Fig. 2b), using bolts 56.

Check valve 13, spacer 14a, and the second part of the blind connection 22b, all have fixing holes 60, and are stacked onto bolts 58 (which are similar to bolts 56, but with a much longer shank). Bolts 58 are then attached to fixing holes 64 of second elbow 12 (to the right of Fig. 2b).

At this point, spigot 330 engages with, such as by slotting into, the first part of the blind connection 22a. The second part of the blind connection 22b (which is now assembled in a stack) engages with, such as by slotting into, the other end of spigot 330. The right hand elbow junction 12 is then attached to T-junction 19, to complete the branching flowpath. Once the branching flowpath has been assembled, it is not possible to remove bolts 56 or 58, without first removing screws 54 from either elbow junction 12.

Each screw, bolt or stud/nut 50, 51, 52, 54, 56 and 58 also has a length which is a multiple of a pre-defined minimum length, such as 22.225 mm.

Standardisation of the module sizes, and not just the flowpath lengths within each module, is necessary to allow the screw/bolt/stud lengths to be standardised as well. This helps to make the designing and manufacturing process for each manifold much more efficient and cost-effective, compared to having non-standardised module sizes and fixing means (where it would be necessary to custom make the modules/fixing means for each different manifold).

The four fixing holes in each set are arranged radially and equidistantly around an axis of the through bore of that module. This can be seen, for example, in Fig. 3d, which shows a perspective view of the Fig. 1 and 2 manifold. The through bore extending through port 16b into cross-junction 15, is flanked by four screws 51 portioned radially and equidistantly around the through bore.

Such an arrangement allows each module to be re-oriented in 90 degree intervals around an axis parallel to the respective fixing holes. For example, the isolating ball valves 17 can be rotated through 90 degrees around the axis of the through bore, such that the control handles, shown in Fig. 3d, are located on the side of the manifold, and not on the top as shown. This provides a level of customisability, such that each module can be connected to any other module in any 90 degree orientation, as dictated by the flow control requirements of the manifold.

The combination of spigots, 0-rings, fixing holes, and screws, as defined above, permit the resulting fluid flow manifold to operate safely at a working pressure of up to 10,000 psi (around 68.9 x 103 kPa).

Figs. 3a -3c show various different views of the resulting manifold described in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 3d shows a perspective view of the same manifold. Fig. 3e shows a circuit diagram of the flow path through apparatus 10, which clearly shows the flowpath branch passing through check valve 13.

Figs. 4a -4c show a further embodiment of apparatus 110. Apparatus 110 comprises the same modules 12 -20 as apparatus 10, but they are arranged in a different order, and some modules have a different orientation. The manifold represented by apparatus 110 also comprises a branching flowpath, however the branching flowpath does not re-join the main flowpath. The manifold has four ports 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, which may act as inlet or outlet ports depending on the direction of the fluid flow. As an example, port 16a may act as an inlet. The flowpath can be split in module 19 (a T-junction), whereby a portion of the flow exits through port 16b (acting as an outlet), and a portion of the flow continues to the next T-junction 19. At the next T-junction 19, the flow splits again, whereby a portion of the flow exits through port 16d (acting as an outlet), and a portion of the flow exits through port 16c (acting as an outlet).

Fig. 4d shows a perspective view of apparatus 110, whereas Fig. 4e shows a circuit diagram of the flowpath through the apparatus 110.

While the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular fluid flow control apparatus comprising: a plurality of interchangeable flow control modules, each module comprising a housing and a flow control component; the housing comprising at least a first surface and a second surface, and at least one through bore extending from a first end on the first surface to a second end on the second surface, thus defining a fluid flowpath through the module; each module being sealingly connectable to any other module, such that when connected, the fluid flowpath is continuous between adjacent modules; wherein at least one flow control component is a valve capable of selectively opening and closing the fluid flowpath; and, wherein the through bore of each module comprises at least a portion extending along a first axis; and wherein the length of the portion extending along said first axis is a multiple of a pre-defined minimum length.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of the through bore along the first axis is defined as either: i) between the first surface and the second surface, in embodiments where the first surface and the second surface are directly opposite each other, such that the through bore extends completely along a single, first, axis; or, ii) between the first or second surface, whichever surface is perpendicular to the portion extending along the first axis, and the centreline of the through bore along a second axis, in embodiments where the first surface and second surface are not directly opposite each other, such that the through bore comprises a bend.
3. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least a length of the housing along at least a first axis is also a multiple of a or the pre-defined minimum length.
4. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the valve is one of a ball valve, a needle valve and a check valve.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one flow control component is a first port capable of providing an inlet or an outlet to the fluid flowpath.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first port is sealingly connectable to any of the plurality of flow control modules.
7. An apparatus as claimed in either claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the first port is interchangeable with a second port, the second port being different to the first port, and providing a different inlet or outlet to the fluid flowpath.
8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each module comprises a through bore having one of a: straight bore, a 90 degree corner (or elbow junction), a T-junction, and a cross-junction.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of modules are sealingly connectable in any order to create a fully customisable and continuous flowpath, optionally selectively openable and closable by at least one valve.
10. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each module is sealingly connectable to any other module by a sealing sleeve.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the sealing sleeve is cylindrical in shape, and comprises a through bore, and at least one circumferential groove on an outer surface.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein a seal is receivable in the at least one circumferential groove.
13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claim 10 to claim 12, wherein the plurality of modules and connecting sealing sleeves define a main flowpath, and at least one branching flowpath extending away from the main flowpath.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one branching flowpath is a closed loop, and re-joins the main flowpath.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim any preceding claim, wherein each through bore comprises a portion of a first diameter, and a portion of a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter, and wherein the portion of a second diameter defines a recess in the first and/or second surfaces of each module respectively.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein each recess is located in the centre of the first or second surfaces, and the sealing sleeve is receivable within adjacent recesses of adjacent modules.
17. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each module comprises at least one fixing bore extending at least partially though the module, the at least one fixing bore aligning in use with corresponding fixing bore(s) of adjacent modules.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein fixing means are receivable within each fixing bore to secure adjacent modules together.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the fixing means comprise a length being a multiple of the or a standard pre-defined length.
20. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claim 17 to claim 19, wherein each module comprises more than one fixing bore arranged radially and equidistantly around at least a portion of the through bore of each module.
21. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein adjacent modules are rotatable relative to each other around an axis parallel to at least a portion of the through bore of each module, such as rotatable through 90 degree intervals to allow each module to be sealingly connectable to adjacent modules in any fixed orientation.
22. A modular fluid flow control apparatus comprising: a plurality of flow control modules, each module comprising a housing and a flow control component; the housing comprising at least a first surface and a second surface, and at least one through bore extending from a first end on the first surface to a second end on the second surface, thus defining a fluid flowpath through the module; at least one flow control component is a first port capable of providing an inlet or an outlet to the fluid flowpath, the first port being sealingly connectable to any of the plurality of flow control modules; wherein the first port is interchangeable with a second port different to the first port, the second port providing a different inlet or outlet to the fluid flowpath.
23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the inlet or outlet port is threaded, and the first and second ports have a different thread pitch and/or diameter.
24. A modular fluid flow control apparatus comprising: a first and a second module; the first module comprising a through bore, the through bore having a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second, greater, diameter, the second portion defining a recess on a first surface, and at least one fixing bore extending at least partially through the first module; the second module comprising a through bore, the through bore having a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second, greater, diameter, the second portion defining a recess on a second surface, and at least one fixing bore extending at least partially through the second module; a sealing sleeve comprising a through bore and at least one circumferential groove on an outer surface configured to receive a seal; wherein the sealing sleeve is receivable within the recess of the first module and within the recess of the second module, such that the at least one circumferential groove is locatable within either recess, wherein the through bore of the sealing sleeve is co-axial with the through bores of the first and second modules, thus defining a continuous flow path between the through bores of the first module, the second module and the sealing sleeve; and wherein fixing means are receivable within each fixing bore to secure the first and second modules together.
25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein an outer diameter of the sealing sleeve is slightly smaller than the diameter of the recess.
26. A kit comprising: a first module comprising a through bore, the through bore having a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second, greater, diameter, the second portion defining a recess on a first surface, and at least one fixing bore extending at least partially through the first module; a second module comprising a through bore, the through bore having a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second, greater, diameter, the second portion defining a recess on a second surface, and at least one fixing bore extending at least partially through the second module; each through bore defining a flowpath through the first and second modules respectively, the length of the flowpath along at least a first axis being a multiple of a pre-defined minimum length; a sealing sleeve comprising a through bore and at least one circumferential groove on an outer surface configured to receive a seal, the sealing sleeve receivable within the recess on the first surface and the recess on the second surface, to form in use a continuous flowpath between the through bores of the first and second modules and the through bore of the sealing sleeve; and, fixing means receivable within each fixing bore to secure the first and second modules together.
27. A kit as claimed in claim 26, wherein the through bore of the sealing sleeve is co-axial with the through bores of the first and second modules.
28. A kit as claimed in either claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the first module comprises a length which is a multiple of the or a pre-defined minimum length, and/or wherein the second module comprises a length being a multiple of the or a pre-defined minimum length.
29. A kit as claimed in any one of claim 26 to claim 28, wherein the fixing means comprises a length being a multiple of the or a pre-defined minimum length.