MXPA98005003A - System to measure the differential pressure, the flow and the ni - Google Patents

Abstract

An instrument installation system is provided which uses interchangeable equipment components and improved methods to connect differential pressure transducers to the process piping. The system is designed to allow the instrument to be closely coupled, mounted directly to the process connection or closely coupled, mounted on support using substantially the same system in both designs simply by adding or removing interchangeable components. Close coupling and very close coupling ensure that maximum measurement accuracy is possible. Root valve pairs and pairs of flange adapters are provided along with other adapters used when necessary, to allow a straight, rigid pipe assembly from the transducer to the process connection without problems of flange alignment. The installation system forces the rigid tube impulse lines to an alignment in the same horizontal plane with the center lines of the differential pressure transducer high and low pressure ports to minimize measurement errors of the class associated with instrument installations remotely mounted An improved feature of the system over the prior art is also the elimination, if desired, of rope connections in contact with the process fluid. Interchangeable equipment components are provided in different combinations that form instrument installation kits that provide substantial economy in design, procurement, installation, maintenance and service of process instrumentation.

Description

SYSTEM TO MEASURE THE DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE. THE FLOW AND THE LEVEL CROSS REFERENCE WITH RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a partial continuation of the United States of America patent application with serial number 08 / 644,074 filed on May 9, 1996 claiming the benefit of the provisional application of the United States of America with serial number 60/008968 filed on December 20, 1995.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an equipment and methods of improved installations for connecting instruments that respond to pressure in the pipeline and process vessels for measuring pressure and differential pressure parameters (e.g., fluid flow, pressure and level) without using problematic rope connections such as pipeline nozzles or pipe connections. The invention in a specific aspect relates to an improved coupled, direct mounted coupled system for installing a differential pressure transducer through the high and low process pressure branches of a process tube using rigid pulse lines to support directly transducer horizontally outside the process tube without the need for a separate support system for the transducer. In still other aspects, the invention relates to improved process instrument installation sets, installation components, eg, root valves and improved adapters, and improved installation methods that provide the above features and advantages while also providing significant savings benefits in overall costs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A standard technique used in industrial, chemical and petrochemical facilities to measure the flow of gas and liquid in the process pipeline is based on the use of a device that is placed inside the pipeline to generate a pressure differential in the pipeline. the fluid that flows in the tube. The most common device for this purpose is an orifice plate although other devices such as wedge meters and venturi meters can be used. The preferred orifice plate device comprises a flat disk having a precise hole usually at its center, which generates a pressure differential according to the flow of the fluid passing through the plate. Tube flanges or orifice flanges are provided on each side of the orifice plate with pressure shunts (usually 1/2 inch drilled holes located one apart from the other 25.4 millimeters (1 inch) downstream and 25.4 millimeters downstream from the orifice plate Assuming the orifice plate (and its packing material) are nominally of approximately 32 millimeters (1/8 inch) thick, this provides a standard industry separation of approximately 28.575 millimeters (1 - 1/8 inch) from center line to center line between pressure shunts (although this may vary over a real range of approximately 44.45 millimeters (1 3/4 inch) to 63.5 millimeters (2 1/2 inches) of separation between the branches in typical installations). The flow rate of the process fluid can be measured by placing a differential pressure transducer through the process pressure branches. The static pressure in the pipe is canceled by the transducer ideally leaving only the differential pressure generated by the flowing fluid to represent the amount flowing. As the differential pressure is the parameter from which the actual flow rate effects the differential pressure captured by the transducer other than that which is proportional to the flow rate of the fluid. In the prior art process instrumentation, it has generally been common practice to place the transducer in an accessible position away from the process piping and the process pressure derivations. Easy accessibility facilitates a more frequent inspection and service program. The long impulse lines required for remote installations, however, they can be the primary source of measurement errors. The condensation or accumulation of liquid gas bubbles trapped or entrained in the impulse lines can influence to the detriment of the differential pressure captured by the instrument. The differential pressure captured by the instrument can also be influenced to the detriment by variations in density in the process liquid caused particularly, for example, by variations in temperature in non-horizontal sections of the impulse lines or legs. The prior art practice of installing the transducer in an accessible position away from the process pressure leads can also be added to the burden of locating the source of problems for the instrument. A "root valve" in the process instrumentation is the primary isolating valve and the first valve outside the process line whose function is the safe isolation of the instrument process for repair, replacement, testing and calibration purposes. As the industrial standard separation for the process pressure derivations is nominally 53,975 millimeters, the standard of the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) or DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) the flanges are usually too large in diameter to be used to connect valves parallel roots for process pressure derivations unless, for example, flanges are stepped up to avoid conflict with one another; or the same pressure branches are diverted to avoid interference between the flanges. Staggering the flanges tends to produce arms of very long moments that can prove difficult to use in closed spaces, and divert (rotate) the pressure derivations of the process can lead to the type of measurement errors indicated above. Instead of using ANSI / DIN flange connections, the Patents of the United States of North America Numbers: 4,745,810, 4,865.36 0, and 5,209,258 suggest the use of small hollow instrument manifold valves to be used as root valves in process instrumentation. These small gap instrument valves (without full port) do not allow "rodding" out of the instrument leads (unlike full port valves). Instrument manifold valves are usually needle valves that lack the seal integrity of ball valves, and as additional disadvantages, they typically do not provide secure closure characteristics, and are usually multi-turn valves that undesirably do not indicate visually if the valve is open or closed. Also tube nozzles with rope or pipe connections with rope or flanges are suggested to be used to connect instrument manifold valves to the process pressure derivations. Rope connections are notable for being a primary cause of process leakage. Tension lifters introduced into the metal when cutting the ropes are a primary cause of pipe fracture. Thus, instrument installations using instrument manifold valves and / or rope connections to attach the differential pressure transducer to the process leads are often not approved for use in specific plants or with respect to specific processes. A "close coupled, direct mounting" installation indicates that the instrument (transducer) is supported from the process connection, usually the orifice flanges, without the help of a separate support system. An example of a direct coupled system, close coupled, to install a differential pressure transducer is illustrated in Patent of the United States of America Number: 4,745,810 (whose teachings are incorporated herein by reference). In this system the separation between the process pressure branches is adjusted by rotating the tube nozzles 154, 156 (if these are eccentric) see Figures 11 and 12) and / or by rotating the flange or footballs adapters 150, 152 (which are eccentric). Invariably the distance between the center line between the flange adapters 150, 152, does not leave an exact separation of 53,975 millimeters which is necessary to accurately match the flange adapters with the corresponding flange surfaces of the manifold valve 154 (see Figure 11) or transducer 10 (see Figure 12). To compensate for this misalignment, the usual procedure is to rotate one of the flange adapters 180 degrees to move the center lines of the adapters close or further, as required to achieve the standard clearance of 53,975 millimeters that will ensure proper fit with the surfaces of the corresponding flange of the manifold valve 154 (or alternatively the differential pressure transducer 10). Due to the lack of precision of the components with rope, the distance of the displacement in / out of the flange surfaces of the adapters 150, 152 is rarely the same, especially after the 180 degrees of rotation of one of the flange adapters to obtain something reasonably close to 53,975 millimeters of spacing from center line to center line between flange adapters 150, 152. Accordingly, an effortless or low effort adjustment is rarely achieved. Also, the prior art technique used Connections with rope (lack of precision) almost always produces the condition where the surfaces of the flanges of the "footballs" or flange adapters 150, 152 are not in the same plane. Generally, the close coupled direct mounting systems of the prior art require the use of force to force the flange surfaces of the flange adapters 150, 152 to be in the same plane by tightening screws 164-170. As this is a close coupling system, of direct mounting, there is little available elasticity regime, and the effort associated with forcing the flange surfaces of the flange adapters 150, 152, 154, 156 and at the ends with rope of the screws 164-170. This can produce two very undesirable stress points that lead to a premature component failure: (a) overstressed screws - either the heads can be fired or the cords can fail; or (b) the effort can cause the tube to fail due to the stress lifts that are created when cutting the strings inside the tube nozzles. However, the prior coupled direct mount system of the prior art of a general nature described continues to be frequently used due to the lack of an acceptable alternative, but frequently leads to maintaining problems due in particular to the corrosive nature of many chemicals.

OBJECTS AND PURPOSES OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the foregoing, it is an object and purpose of this invention to provide improved equipment and methods of installation for connecting pressure-responsive instruments for tubing and process vessels for measuring pressure and pressure parameters. differential (for example, fluid flow, pressure and level). Another object and purpose of the present invention is to provide a close, direct mounted, improved system for installing a differential pressure transducer through the high and low pressure branches of the differential pressure generating devices of standard configuration (and non-standard) that generates devices for process pipes such as orifice plates, wedge gauges, venturi meters, etc., without using rope connections such as pipe nozzles with rope or pipe connectors with rope. Another object and purpose of the invention is to provide a close coupled, direct mounting system for installing a differential pressure transducer through the high and low differential pressure process differential pressure leads of standard (and non-standard) configuration that generates devices installed in the process pipe that force the center lines of the high and low pressure ports of the differential pressure transducer in a substantially flat horizontal relationship with the center lines of the impulse line cores and the middle lines of the leads of process pressure to minimize or eliminate the effects of condensed liquid or trapped bubbles or variations in the density in the fluid in the impulse lines that affect the accuracy of the measurement. Another object and purpose of the invention is to provide improved root valves for use to connect the instruments that respond to the pressure to the process piping and to the process vessels. Another object and purpose of the invention is to provide eccentric adapters for use in close coupled, direct mounting (rigid tube) installations of differential pressure transducers through the process pressure branches of the process pipe that can be used to obtain easily alignments of the surfaces of the perfect or almost perfect flanges to the tie between the male and female flanges of the instrument used in the installation. Another object and purpose of the invention is to provide a system for installing a differential pressure transducer through the process pressure derivations of the process pipe based on the use of previously aligned assemblies of flange adapters or assemblies previously aligned of root valves with flanges that allow a connection of rigid pipes of the flange adapters or root valves to the process pressure branches while essentially maintaining the essentially flat alignment of the critical flange surfaces and a lateral separation precise between the middle lines of the flange adapters or root valves, if applicable. Another object and purpose of the invention is to provide improved facilities for instruments that respond to pressure in connection with process pipes and process vessels together with packaged instrument installation kits for use in connecting instruments that respond to pipeline pressure. of process and process vessels that have the attributes specified above. Another object and purpose of the invention is to provide a direct coupled, very close, improved mounting system for connecting a differential pressure transducer to high and low pressure derivations of process pipe process where very close coupling is achieved in a direct mounting installation of "rigid pipe" without the use of rope connections.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The invention in general terms refers to equipment and improved installation methods for connecting instruments that respond to the pressure to process pipes and vessels and to measure pressure and differential pressure parameters (for example, fluid, pressure and level).

The invention relates, more specifically, to installing a differential pressure transducer through the pressure shunts of the process pipeline process where, within the pipeline, between the process shunts, a restriction for the flow of the process pipe is placed. fluid, which creates a differential pressure through which the flow rate of the fluid in the tube can be ascertained. The most common device to achieve this function is an orifice plate. However, a wedge meter or a venturi meter or other device that generates a differential pressure in the fluid flowing proportional to the flow rate may replace the preferred orifice plate. A specific aspect of the invention relates to the use of eccentric adapters. These adapters are used to correct centerline discrepancies with the centerline separation between the process pressure derivations of the process piping. With an orifice plate, the process pressure branches must be in the horizontal plane 53.975 millimeters apart. When the pressure shunts deviate from this separation and orientation serious alignment problems occur with respect to the alignment with the flanges surfaces of the high and low pressure ports of commercial differential pressure transducers. The configurations of the flange surface or the standard flange are previously determined by the manufacturers of the transducers. (A standard configuration currently adhered to by manufacturers is the reference spacing of 53,975 millimeters between high and low pressure port flange surfaces (nominally 53,975 millimeters of separation between the process pressure branches corresponds to the industry standard). The eccentric adapters are designed with a first end (by convention preferably male) which is preferably designed to project into the process pressure branch and to be welded with the orifice plate (or another process connection) to form a leak tight seal. The other end or second end of the eccentric adapter can be a female or male end (preferably a female cap or end) which is adapted to fit with, and to be welded together with a flange adapter or a root valve (as will be explained with more detail later in the present). The eccentric adapter is preferably soldered directly to the process connection, for example, orifice flange. Its end is welded directly to the flange adapter or root valve. However, indirect welding such as through soldered outlets, nozzle outlets, as is well known in the welding art) can be used with satisfactory results for the connection of the process or the connection to the flange or root valve adapter . The type ends (male or female) of the eccentric adapter are not a critical aspect and are usually determined by convention). What is considered critical for the direct coupled, close-coupled installation is that the eccentric adapter can be welded to form rigid pulse lines that will support the differential transducer of the process pipe connection horizontally (for example, flange). hole) without the need for a separate support system. A second critical aspect of the eccentric adapter is that the axis of rotation of its first end (process connection side) is not coaxial with the axis of rotation of its second end that connects directly or indirectly with the flange adapter or alternatively with the root valve. The eccentric adapters thus provide a displaced connection. By installing and rotating these adapters, + 9 millimeters, corrections can be made to return the center lines of the derivations of the process pressure to the standard industrial separation of 53,975 millimeters. Although a greater range can be designated within the eccentric adapters, + 9 millimeters has been found sufficient to cover the almost complete range of correction required with respect to common orifice plate devices. Another specific aspect of the invention relates to improved root valves designed to have a standard instrument flange (2 screws) integral on the instrument side of the valve (the side that is directly or indirectly connected to the differential pressure transducer), and an integral, weldable end, or alternatively, an integral flange on its opposite end (i.e., on the process side of the root valve that connects directly or indirectly to the process connection, eg, orifice flange. The flange ends are preferably manufactured integrally with the root valve body (manufactured as by investment casting of the valve body with integral flange ends); or the flange (s) can be manufactured independently and attached to a valve body previously prepared by welding or other suitable means well known in valve manufacturing and manufacturing techniques. These root valves, when designed with a weldable end on the process side, are provided by pairs secured together at a specific fixed ratio or prior alignment. In this pre-assembly, the weldable ends (process side) of the valves are pre-aligned in a centerline to fixed center line spacing of 53,975 millimeters, and the flange surfaces at the ends of the flanges of the valve instrument they are also previously aligned in a central line to central line spacing of 53,975 millimeters. The flange surfaces and screw holes in the flanges of the instrument are oriented in the pre-assembly to match the flange surfaces of the standard industrial instrument of the high and low pressure ports of the differential pressure transducer; or alternatively, for example, with a diversion manifold having standard instrument flange surfaces (the manifold of the deviation between the root valves and the transducer being arranged in some installations to facilitate zeroing the transducer within the actual line of pressure instead of atmospheric pressure). In this specific pre-assembly of a pair of previously aligned root valves, the median lines of the flange surfaces of the root valves are commonly on the horizontal plane when the opposite, weldable (or process side) ends of the adapters are they adjust and attach to the process connection directly or indirectly through the eccentric adapters. When the installation is complete, this pre-orientation of the root valves alone, or with the help of the eccentric adapters, forces the middle lines of the flange surfaces of the high and low pressure ports of the differential pressure transducer installed in an essentially horizontal, coplanar relationship with the middle lines of the "rigid tube" impulse lines installed horizontally (ie, root valves and flange connections) and the center lines of the process branches to minimize or eliminate the effects of condensed liquid or trapped bubbles or variations of the density in the fluid in the impulse lines to make the accuracy of the measurement effective. This relationship is forced by the design of the installation and not by the effort of the impulse lines or flange connections, thus avoiding the many maintenance problems associated with the direct mounting, close coupled installations of the prior art. In the installation according to the principles of the invention, the root valves are rigidly connected directly to the process connection, or are indirectly connected to the process connection by means of rigid eccentric adapters, welded in place. These installations thus provide a direct coupled, substantially improved mounting system for installing differential pressure transducers through the process pressure branches of the process pipe, but without the serious problems of alignment of the instrument installations. (direct tube), direct coupled, close coupled, of the prior art, and without the use of problematic rope connections. Another specific aspect of the invention relates to a specific design (s) of flange adapters that are used to connect root valves of the designed type with integral flanges on both sides of the valve. These flange adapters are installed between the process pressure branches and the root valves and are provided with a weldable end adapted to directly connect to the process connection; or indirectly to the process connection through the eccentric adapters. The opposite ends of these flange adapters are designed with flanges that have flange surfaces that match the flange surfaces of the integral flanges designed for the process side of the root valves. These flange adapters are also provided in pairs secured together in a specific pre-alignment with the weldable ends (process side) of the pre-aligned adapters on a centerline set at 53.975 millimeters from center line to center line spacing. In this specific pre-assembly of a pair of pre-aligned flange adapters, the center lines of the flange surfaces commonly fall on the horizontal plane when the opposite ends, weld-on ends (or process side) of the adapters fit and join to the connection of the process directly, or indirectly through the eccentric adapters. When the installation is complete, this pre-orientation of the flange adapters alone or with the help of the eccentric adapters, forces the center lines of the flange surfaces of the high and low pressure ports of the differential pressure transducer in a ratio essentially horizontal, coplanar with the center lines of the "rigid tube" impulse lines installed horizontally (ie root valves and flange connections) and the center lines of the process branches to minimize or eliminate the effects of Condensed liquid or trapped bubbles or density variations in the fluid in the impulse lines affect the accuracy of the measurement. Again this relationship is forced by the design of the installation and not by the tension of the impulse lines or the flange connections, thus avoiding the high maintenance problems associated with the direct mounting installations, closely coupled of the prior art. Also, since the impulse lines (Eccentric adapters if used, flange adapter, and root valves) are of rigid construction, this construction similar to that previously described provides a direct, closely coupled substantially improved fitting of the differential pressure transducer to the process connections without the problems of serious alignment of the directly assembled (rigid tube) installations of the prior art. The optimal form of flange / flanged root valve adapter combination employs a flange surface (by female convention) of standard instrument in flange adapters that mate with the standard instrument flange surfaces (by male convention) Flanged root valves (in these more preferred embodiments, both ends of the root valves are made with standard instrument flanges). The standard 2-bolt oval instrument flange design can be used without creating interference between the edges of the flange as in the large diam DIN and DIN type flanges. In addition, tests have shown that the standard 2-bolt instrument flange with commercial instrument flange packing can provide a range of pressure variation that is greater than the range of pressure variation of 4-bolt ANSI or DIN type flanges. comparable that are typically limited to quite narrow pressure range variations. Thus, the wider the variation of the pressure range, the complexity of the equipment of the installation can be reduced by reducing the flange selection to basically a single flange design (although the packing material and the type of packaging, such as ring design in O or ring type, and the construction material and specifications of the root valves and other installation components can be selected and dmined as appropriate to the application and to the specific engineering specifications and requirements of the plant / process owner) . Another specific aspect of the invention relates to the alignment element used in the pre-assembled pair of pre-aligned root valves as well as the pair of pre-aligned flange adapters preferably used in the instrument installations according to the invention. Most preferred is simply an alignment plate to which the pair of root valves or pair of flange adapters are screwed. Since the ends of the flange are female ends (by convention and critical for the purposes of the invention) the flange adapters can be screwed to the alignment plate using the same screws as were finally used to hold the flange adapters to the side of the corresponding process of the corresponding male flange surfaces of the root valves. In the case of root valves, these are usually by convention male flange surfaces at both ends of the valve. So the screw holes would not normally be with rope. For root valves, the alignment plate could be fabricated with perforated and strung holes for joining and mounting the root valves in the previous assembly. If the root valves and flange adapters are standard instrument flanges, the screws used may be the standard size specified for the standard instrument flange. This is usually specified to be UNF 7 / 16-20 UNF screws, 2 for each flange. Obviously, however, these details are not critical to the invention in its broader aspects. Another alignment element that would mount the pairs of flanges and the pairs of root valves with the prerequisite alignment required for the purposes of the invention could obviously be replaced by the alignment plate with satisfactory results. However, it is preferred that the alignment element be removable so that it can be removed after its utility in the installation. One reason for this is that it adds unnecessary weight. In the case of flange adapters, since these are welded in place, using a permanent or non-detachable alignment element could interfere with the disassembly of the orifice plate and this would be a less desirable installation from a serviceability standpoint. Since the root valves can be decoupled, however, in some embodiments of the process connection, this same disadvantage does not apply to the pairs of root valves that employ flange connections on both the process side and the pump side. instrument. The elements joining the root valves as a previously assembled unit could comprise a permanent alignment element (integral or permanent but detachable) that remains with the installation although this is not a preferred form of the invention. In the case where the orifice plate would be temporarily removed from service and reinstalled, it is unlikely that exactly the same screw tension would be used to screw the orifice flanges back together. Alternatively a packing change could be made that would use a slightly thinner or thicker package. Whatever the cause, a slight increase or decrease in the separation between the pressure derivations of the process could result. This can be compensated for by providing slightly elongated or oval screw holes in the flanges that would allow small changes in the separation of the process pressure shunts to compensate while maintaining a low resistance force in the impulse lines and flange couplings. Another aspect of the invention relates to providing pre-packaged sets of installation equipment for connecting instruments that respond to process piping and process vessels. One of the attributes of the equipment and the methods for installing differential pressure transducers according to the invention is the versatility of the design. It can be used in direct mounting as well as in supported installations. The game design and instructions strongly force or direct the installer to install the impulse lines and the transducer in a horizontal orientation on the same or essentially the same plane as the process leads (and to have both legs of the pulse horizontally and preferably parallel ). Forcing a horizontal orientation, these games can provide a versatile solution to installing differential pressure transducers in difficult environments involving fluids that condense or accumulate in the impulse lines, or have a propensity to trap bubbles or where density variations could be found. fluid (as well as in applications that do not present these particular problems). The use of these previously designed facilities or games tends to ensure improvement that the quality or reliability of the measurement is improved by reducing the potential for unwanted hydrostatic loading effects as with the out-of-phase impulse lines they use, for example a remote installation or flanges ANSI / DIN. Because tube valves of 12.7 mm or its equivalent are strongly preferred for games, these kits allow "unclogging" of instrument shunts and can also be used where compliance with engineering specifications for the specific plant or process requires a tube valve (as well as in situations that allow, for example the lighter work instrument multi valves). The sets can be assembled with instructions and a selection of components that provide any level of functionality starting with the basic combination or preferably a pre-assembled flange adapter previously aligned with a pair of double-flanged root valves, or alternatively preferably an assembly Prior to pre-aligned root valves having weldable ends on the process side and flange ends of flange surfaces of the standard instrument type preferably on the instrument side. The kit could also comprise a pair of pre-aligned root valves previously assembled with flange adapters connected to one end, and with the other end of the pair presenting industry-standard instrument flanges previously aligned. Eccentric adapters could be supplied as part of the kit or could be supplied as a separate item and kept handy by the installer for use when necessary. This basic kit allows a pressure transducer to be installed direcon the surfaces of the instrument flange on the root valves in a closely coupled, desirable, direct mount design. If it is desirable to be able to zero the differential pressure transducer under the pressure line (as opposed to atmospheric pressure), a diverting manifold can be added to the set. If the flood and drainage capacity is desired, a blocking valve can be added to a specific game category or game combination. (The preferred block valve specifically contemplated is mounted on the back of the transducer either in a direct mounting, close coupling or supported installation, and provides advantage over the pipe valves, pipe fittings, etc. used for this end in typical installations of the prior art.) If the engineering specifications of the plant / process specify that only supported facilities may be used, the specific game categories may include extra impulse lines that can be linked to the basic combination discussed above. along with a support system that adapts the game that will be used in these applications. These games provide benefits of very substantial cost savings, particularly by reducing the time spent in the following areas: installation design; procurement of installation equipment; installation work; and maintenance work. Moreover, this is carried out using welded components or flanged joints with gaskets, bolted to any thrust tubing, if desired, and an absolute minimum, preferably zero stringed pulse line connections are used in the installation of the instrument. In addition, the application of these pre-fabricated and pre-assembled measurement principles, valves, flanges and installation kits can be extended to provide similar benefits to pressure measurements in tubes and process vessels. These assemblies in a pre-fabricated game form are ready for installation at the construction site, thereby reducing the cost of installing the instruments, ensuring better that imprecise installation configurations are not deployed by the construction contractor at the site and reduce maintenance due to installation errors such as those caused by remote installation practices or over-forced impulse lines and connections that are common in directly assembled, closely coupled installations. In addition to reducing the frequency of maintenance when compared to direct mounting, close coupling installations of the prior art, or remote installations, when maintenance is required it is simplified by the improved installation designs provided by the invention that allows disconnecting easily and reassemble the installation at the flange joints to repair, replace, unclog the impulse lines, and so on. To summarize, the invention is its most preferred form provides instrument installation equipment, pre-fabricated installation sets and installation methods that allow 2 flange joints (parallel) to be used in the same plane and side by side in mounting systems Direct from a rigid tube. These flanges preferably have bolt sizes, spacing and standard instrument industry packaging surfaces. They allow the use of flanged valves and the installation of rigid tube with side-by-side orientation of industrial standard of impulse derivations in the flanges of holes with the leads placed parallel and over centers of 53,975 millimeters. The instrument flanges can be used to attach tubes to tubes or other components that have standard flange components of the industry to develop games that have diverse / versatile application. The invention is advantageously used to pre-design and pre-assemble modular instrument installation kits of standard (interchangeable) components: that: A. minimize the potential error in the measurement that normally occurs in the impulse lines by removing the capacity of the contractor in the site or installer to easily install the transducer in such a way as to allow an error in the measurement: B. reduce maintenance costs; C. Improve the reliability of the transducer by providing an installation system that forces the horizontal installation, in the same vertical plane of the impulse and transducer lines and avoids the partially covered sensor diaphragms that increase the error and corrosion potential. D. reduce installation costs by: 1. reducing component costs by using different arrangements of standard components; 2. Prefabricate all the details; 3. provide a method for the proper installation alignment of welded components in the pipe system; and, 4. provide all the necessary components (impulse tubing, adapters, winter preparation kit, etc.) for a given installation, thereby eliminating: i) multiple purchase orders for a wide variety of components; and ii. receive, store, control, distribute these components, and iii) the assembly in the field of these components E. Additional benefits: 1. Provide improved system integrity using welded or packaged joints (stripping), reducing by this the potential spill points and the points of failure of the tube (both of the strings) and using rigid tubes instead of flexible tubing to increase rigidity and robustness. 2. Apply the solutions and previous design methods to the measurement of the pressure to obtain the same benefits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an exploded isometric view of a differential pressure transducer connected to a process tube using a preferred embodiment of an instrument installation system designed in accordance with the principles of the invention to achieve an assembly direct, close coupling of the transducer horizontally outside the process connection. Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing a preferred embodiment of the invention designed to provide a supported mount of close coupling of the transducer. Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 which shows a modified form of the invention specifically designed to protect the transducer from damage due to contact with hot condensable process vapors. Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 which shows a modified form of the invention specifically designed to protect the transducer from damage due to coming into contact with cryogenic fluids of the process. Figure 5 is a view like that of Figure 2 showing a modified form of the invention specifically designed for the connection of a differential pressure transducer to the vapor-containing process tube. Figures 6A-6G show several designs of different root valves each having an industry standard instrument flange at one end of the root valve and each having a different type end integral with the opposite end of each valve. root, respectively. Figure 7 is an isometric view of an winterization system for use with the instrument installation systems provided by the invention. Figures 8 and 9 are side views of a male and female instrument flange, respectively, each with a welded outlet integral therewith. Figures 10 and 11 are front views of a male blind flange and a female blind flange, respectively. Figure 12 is an exploded isometric view of a system for connecting a pressure transducer to a process tube or container for level or pressure measurements. Figures 13 and 14 are top views, respectively showing the process of installing the previously aligned flange adapter pair and the root valve pair, respectively, into the process pressure branches through the use of eccentric adapters. Figure 15 is a top view illustrating the use of an elbow-shaped flange adapter to allow the differential pressure transducer to be installed closely parallel to the process tube using either a direct mount, closely coupled installation, or a Mount installation supported, closely coupled. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a preferred shape of the eccentric adapter.

DEFINITIONS "Standard Instrument Flange" refers to a flange that matches the standard high pressure and / low pressure flange configurations of commercial differential pressure transducers. The current standard flange configuration provides a separation of 53,975 millimeters (2-1 / 8 inches), from centerline to centerline between the female flat surfaces of the flanges (2 flanges side by side per transmitter for differential pressure measurement ). This is such a currently accepted standard that no one in the industry currently defines connections in any other way than as instruments of 53,975 millimeters. The flange configuration of standard transducer instrument has 4 screw holes with rope (2 per flange) with each pair of screws vertically separated 40.6 millimeters and horizontally 53,975 millimeters. Bolt holes require 2ea bolts. / flange 7 / 16-20 UNF. Each of the pair of root valves of the invention having standard instrument flanges (on the instrument side) requires a male flange with a separation of 41.25 millimeters (1,624 inches) of clearance between the bolt holes (vertical direction). The surface of the male flange preferably has a slot defined therein adapted to the customer to preferably receive a ring-type packing or O-ring type packing. The size of the packing slot and the packing. The size of the slot for the packaging, as well as the type of packaging, the construction packing material are customer specifications and are not part of the definition of the term "standard instrument flange". Each of the preferred male flange surfaces defines a peg that engages with a contrahueco (the contrahueco is approximately 18.54 millimeters in diameter) on the surfaces of the female flange, respectively. In the broader scope of the invention, the definition of the spigot in the male flange surfaces of the root valves is optional and non-critical. The shape and size of the standard instrument flange was originally developed to provide "turnaround space" for the industry standard 53,975 millimeter process pressure bypass from centerline to center line. However, this is not critical to the present invention since no "turnaround space" is required for the instrument flanges of the root valve pair. However, the size of the flange must allow side by side the direct assembly of the root valves to the connection of the process in 53.975 millimeters of separation from the central line to the central line. It is conceivable in the future that commercial differential pressure transducers will be available with modified instrument flange surfaces. The term "standard instrument flange" as used herein, is intended to cover flange surfaces that are manufactured to conform with the modified flange surfaces of future commercial differential pressure transducers.

"Root valves" or "Root valve pairs" preferably refer to ball valves in pairs or complete with 12.7 mm bore (9.525 mm (3/8 inch) internal diameter in separate valve bodies of an external diameter maximum which allows the valves to be run side by side (horizontally, and in separation of 53,975 millimeters (2-1 / 8 inches) from center line to centerline) to the process connection directly or through eccentric adapters and / or flange adapters Generally less preferred for use in the invention are gate valves and globe valves.Sole valves can be considered for limited applications.Valve sizes different from 12.7 mm valves can also be used with success.Valves must satisfy adequate local regulatory requirements with regard particularly to the capacities that contain the pressure of the rpo of the valve, the temperature variation of the valve, and the thickness of the wall of the valve body. In the United States the valve needs to meet or exceed the standard pipe valve requirements outlined in ASME / ANSI B 16.34 codes with respect to the process pressures and environment in which it is to be installed. (Comparable DIN 3840 codes specify valve body pressure containment specifications, for example, that need to be met where these codes are applicable). The material of the construction valve and the material of the construction packaging are selected based on the knowledge of the current or application of its processes (fluid and process conditions). This selection is normally based on reference to a set of plant rules (engineering specifications) specific to the fluid and the conditions of the process and to the historical experiences of the user and the knowledge regarding the fluid and the conditions of the process. "Process connection" refers to the pipe section or sections of the process in which the process pressure branches are placed. With respect to the preferred orifice plate device, the process connection would normally refer to the orifice flanges. "Remote Mounting" refers to mounting the device (differential pressure transducer and / or pressure transducer) at some distance from the process branches, requiring the impulse lines to bring the pressure or process pressures to the device. It is a very common technique that is used for the following reasons: (a) to place the device for easy service (however, unwanted hydrostatic charges and changes in hydrostatic charges due to changes in the ambient temperature tend to force the constant attention on the device); and (b) correct alignment problems that arise from the lack of tolerance control in the orifice flange and plate thickness, the thickness of the packing, the rotational alignment of the orifice flanges, and lack of precision in the the orifice flanges and the pieces with mating rope that come to be part of the impulse lines. When the device is mounted remotely, all of these alignment problems become insignificant because there is enough "bending" in the pipe or tubing to compensate for any misalignment. "Direct Mount" refers to mounting the differential pressure transducer and / or pressure transducer so that it is supported horizontally outside the process connection without the aid of a separate transducer support system. These systems are of a "closely coupled" type (as opposed to remote mounting) since the transducer or transducers are supported from the process connection. The direct close-coupled assembly of the device to the orifice shunts of an orifice plate device requires that the separation be generally, precisely 53,975 millimeters and that all pairs of flange surfaces are in the same plane. "Very close coupling" refers to a coupling of the root valve pair to the process connection essentially without the use of tube or pipe joining nozzles and the like. In a "very closely coupled" system generally only connectors such as flange adapters and / or eccentric adapters separate the root valve torque from the process connection. In some cases there may be no separation between the root valve pair and the process connection because the root valve pair may include an integral weldable end which is attached directly to the process connection. The term "closely coupled" is intended to distinguish the close coupling invention from the prior art, direct mounting systems in which the pair of root valves is connected to the process connection using a pair of pipe union nozzles or other components that stretch to provide sufficient "spring rate" to correct bad system alignments. "Supported, closely coupled assembly" (to distinguish it from direct, close-coupled assembly) refers to instrument installations which, due to specific circumstances or plant rules (engineering specifications), require a fastening element or system to support the transducer. This is generally done in accordance with the principle of the invention using a pulse line section located between the transducer and the pressure shunts which have more spring or spring rate relative to the fastener so that the process shunts, and the direct mounted eccentric adapters, flange adapters, etc., will not require supporting both the weight of the transducers and the fastener (as would otherwise be the case if the mounting bracket was added to the direct mounting instrument installation). close coupling. "Rigid pipe" refers to using pipe instead of pipe to bring the pressure or pressures from the process to the instrument.The rigid pipe has the advantage of "integrity" from the physical strength and the inherently safer joints Generally the joints of the tube have rope (undesirable due to possible leaks and elevations of tension introduced from stringing ropes in the tube, which can cause fractures), but using the principles of the invention welded tubes and flanges are used instead of connections with ropes to provide an extremely safe construction. From this definition point of view the eccentric adapters and flange adapters provide a rigid tube, the direct mounting connection between the transducer and the process connection. "Impulse lines" refer to conduits or conduit elements in any form that administer the process pressure to the transducer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawing, there is shown a process instrument installation system 11 for connecting a differential pressure transducer 22 to a process tube 28 for measuring the fluid expense being transported. in the tube. A pressure generating device, preferably a plate with orifice 26, is installed in the tube 28 between a pair of orifice flanges 30. A hole in the center of the plate (not shown) reduces the diameter of the tube in the region of the plate 26 to generate a differential pressure from which the expense can be estimated in a known manner. The orifice flanges 30 are provided with process pressure shunts 29, respectively, which are nominally in the horizontal plane and nominally spaced 53,975 mm, from center line to center line, which are used to give pressure to the process for the transducer of differential pressure 22. The invention relates specifically to the instrument installation system 11 which in this embodiment incorporates the direct mounting, closely coupled design, mentioned above. In this construction a rigid tube connection form of the differential pressure transducer 22 is used to directly mount the transducer horizontally outside the process connection or orifice flanges 30. The system 11 provides alignment of the necessary components to ensure that the The surface of the flanges to which the transducer is attached are in the same plane (as will be described in more detail hereinafter). If the separation is not correct, a pair of eccentric adapters or eccentric adapter elements, which will be an integral component of the final installation, must be incorporated into the design to correct this problem. With respect specifically to the details of the construction of the instrument installation system 11, a pair of root valves or block valves 10 are provided which in the preferred embodiment are designed with standard industry instrument flanges 12 integral in each Extreme (A specific example of a preferred commercial root valve would be the 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) ball valves series 6500 available from TBV, a division of Victalic Company of America.) The flanges 12 on the instrument side of the root valves 10 each have a "male" flange surface designed to fit together with the standard female flanges 15 used in the differential pressure transducers. The flanges 12 on the opposite side or process side of the root valves 10 are configured to fit together with a pair of flange adapters 14 (glue pieces), respectively. In the embodiments of the invention where the industry standard instrument flanges 12 are at both ends of the root valves 10, the flange adapters 14 are necessarily provided with the flanges surfaces of industry standard instrument (either of male or female design). Preferably the flange adapters 14 incorporate an industry standard instrument female flange and the process side root valves have standard industry instrument 12 flanges. The root valves 10 are fastened to the flange adapters 14 using preferably the screws of the industry standard 7 / 16-20 UNF (not shown) which are fastened in a pair of bolt screw holes 15 associated with each flange adapter 14, respectively. The opposite ends of the flange adapters 14 are fitted on bushing ends (females) 19, respectively, of the eccentric adapters 18, respectively, (in the embodiments where eccentric adapters are used). If the eccentric adapters are not required, the flange adapters 14 are welded to the pressure shunts to form a strong spill-tight seal. The eccentric adapters 18 may be used when necessary to compensate for variations in the nominal spacing of 53,975 millimeters between the branches 29. The eccentric adapters may also be used when necessary to carry the imaginary plane formed by the axis of the pressure branches 29 to an alignment in the same plane more with the horizontal plane. Each of the eccentric adapters has an out-of-phase connection that is shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 16. Installing and turning these adapters, corrections of +/- 9 millimeters (3/8 of an inch) can be made to bring the separation from center line to center line of the impulse lines back to the standard industry separation of 53,975 millimeters. After the correction of the separation between the process pressure branches, the eccentric adapters are welded on the branches to form a strong leak-tight seal. In dotted lines, a disposable element which represents the alignment element is shown in Figure 1. The alignment element is not normally intended to be a permanent part of the installed system 11, but is detached and reused or discarded after or during the installation of the system. The alignment element in the specific preferred embodiment shown is in the form of a flat plate 16 with a flat side for mounting the flange adapters in alignment in the same plane (see Figure 13). The plate is provided with 4 screw holes that are used to attach the plate to the flange adapters 14 using the same holes with rope 15 in the flange adapters which, in the final installation, will be used again to couple the valves from root to flange adapters. The lateral spacing between the pairs of screw holes in the plate 16 is exactly 53,975 millimeters, thus providing a center line to center line spacing between the flange adapters of exactly 53,975 millimeters. This pre-alignment ensures that after the flange adapter pair has been welded to the process connection, or alternatively to the eccentric adapters 18, the flange surfaces of the adapters will be in the same plane with the vertical plane, and the axial center lines of flange adapters 14 will be horizontal, parallel or spaced 53,975 millimeters. These tolerances can be easily reached by the skilled artisan with sufficient precision to easily allow a direct assembly coupled very closely to the transducer 23 to the process connection. Upon completion of the installation, the alignment plate 16 is detached and the root valves 10 are screwed together with the flange adapters 14. The differential pressure transducer 22 can then be screwed directly to the root valves to provide a complete and useful assembly for measuring fluid expenditures in the tube 28. In an embodiment with added functionality, an optional bypass manifold 20 (having industry standard instrument flange surfaces) can be screwed between the root and pressure transducer valves. The body of the diverting manifold 20 provides a channel with valve or passage between the two legs of the pulse lines in order to equalize the pressure at the high and low pressure ports or transducer inputs 22. This allows the transducer is set to zero under the pressure of the line in the known way instead of under atmospheric pressure. Another design feature of the installation system 11 shown in Figure 1 is the use of an optional standard instrument manifold valve or block valve 38. The standard manifold valve screwed on the back side of the transducer 22 after removing the ventilation valves 39 (provided with the transducer). The valve of the manifold is provided with plugs 40 that normally do not make contact with the fluid of the process since the ways of passage of the valve are closed by means of the valves of blockade). Thus there are no connections with rope directly to the process fluid. With the lock valves closed, and the root valves 10 closed to isolate the process, the buffers 40 can be removed to interlock the flood / drain lines to manifold valve 38. As soon as it is secure, the lock valves 38 they can be opened safely (together with the bypass valve 20) to either flood or cause liquid avenue in the impulse lines without splashing or releasing the process fluids to the environment. Figure 14 shows a modified form of the instrument installation system 11 wherein the alignment element 16 is attached to the root valves 10 instead of the flange adapters. In these embodiments of the invention, flange adapters 14 are not necessary. Instead, the pair of root valves pre-aligned with the ends on the process side that are adapted to be welded to the process connection is provided. This can be direct welding or indirect welding through the eccentric adapters (where the latter may be needed to correct the separation between the process pressure branches). The alignment element is removed following the direct (rigid) mounting of the root valve to the process connection while retaining the pre-alignment configuration of the instrument flange ends 12 of the root valve pair. This ensures that the final alignment of the surfaces of the industry standard instrument flange in the root valve installation is oriented essentially the same as in its previous alignment in order to avoid alignment problems with respect to flange surfaces of standard instrument of the differential pressure transducer. The installation system 11 represents a preferred embodiment of a fundamental unit (building block) used under the principles of the invention to provide a diverse family of pre-designed instrument installation kits through the addition / removal of interchangeable components. of the basic design or "fundamental unit" illustrated in Figure 1. A preferred embodiment of the supported, closely coupled, mounting system is shown in Figure 2 which is an extension of the system 11. All that is required to provide a system of mounted, closely coupled assembly and to add: (a) an extended pulse line assembly 36 between the optional bypass manifold 20 and the transducer 22; and (b) a previously designed support system assembly 34 which comprises standard tube sections preferably of 50.8 millimeters and clamps for supporting the transducer 22. The pulse line assembly 36 comprises an extended parallel section of pulse line ( tube) preferably provided in an elbow configuration to conserve space. The assembly 36 is provided at one end with the standard industry instrument flanges integral with the surfaces of the female flanges which are screwed to the instrument side of the root valves 10; and in the other end assembly 36 an integral dual flange adapter 42 is provided with the industry standard male flange surfaces that are screwed to the transducer 22 to form a secure flange coupling in the known manner. The dual flange adapter is attached to the support system 34 to provide a supported, closely coupled mounting system for the transducer 22. The spring rate must be added to the system so that the process leads are not supporting the weight of the mounting bracket in addition to the weight of the transducer. This can be accomplished using an assembly 36 with the impulse line tubing having more spring (flexibility) than the 50.8 millimeter tube support system 34 that is added to support the transducer. Preferably a minimum of 381 millimeters (15 inches) is added to the length of the pulse lines through the assembly 36 to provide ample flexibility, which means sufficient flexibility so that any amplitude of vibrations imposed from the pipeline The transducer process is damped by the 50.8 millimeter tube holder and is not transferred back through orifice bypasses 29. Supported, closely coupled mounting systems are frequently used to protect the transducer from being exposed to temperature very high or very low. Process temperatures are often outside the range of (-40 ° C to 93 ° C) which is typically the range that commercial instruments can generally withstand. The mounting systems, supported, closely coupled, thus reduce the application of the full effect of the process temperature to the instrument. Another system or installation set, supported, closely coupled is shown in Figure 3 which includes an added feature designed to protect the transducer from damage or other detrimental effects when used to measure expenditure on applications / conditions where there may be He hopes to find hot condensable fluids. This game employs the system 11 of the same characteristic design shown in Figures 1 and 2 except that in this case the assembly of the impulse line 36 has been modified by slightly raising the assembly end which is adjacent to the root valves 10, for example, about 1 1/2 in relation to the horizontal plane through the center lines of the root valves 10. The pipe of the assembly 36 rises to prevent hot fluids from flowing into the transducer 22 and potentially damaging the transducer That is, the liquid condensed on the legs of the assembly 36 fills the depressed sections of the pulse lines to form when cooling a liquid barrier that prevents the condensing hot fluid from the process from repeatedly assaulting the transducer to prolong its operational life between replacement or repair. Figure 4 shows an assembly similar to that shown in Figure 3, but with the impulse pipe 36 arranged and designed to allow the connection of the transducer to the process pipe 28 carrying a cryogenic fluid. In this installation the transducer 22 is isolated from direct contact with steam by causing liquid avenue in the pulse lines by providing a slightly elevated end in the assembly 36 adjacent to the transducer. Usually, approximately 38.1 millimeters of the elevation is sufficient in relation to the elevation of the horizontal plane between the center lines of the root valves 10. The elevated section adjacent to the transducer fills with trapped vapor such as that caused by the avenue of the cryogenic fluid in the process tube 28. Rapidly trapped vapor heats to allow the transducer to maintain within a temperature range which allows its design specifications. In conjunction the support fastener associated with the installation of Figure 4 is provided with a modified fastener end 44 which thermally insulates the support fastener system from the cold effects of the tube 28 in which the cryogenic fluid is located. being transported. This allows the fastener support system to reach a warmer temperature with the same beneficial effect on the supported transducer. Figure 5 shows an example of an instrument installation system designed to handle steam service. The service root valves 10a are replaced and all pipe connections, except the direct connection to the transducer 22, are welded connections. This design beneficially requires a slightly elevated section in the legs of lcis impulse lines adjacent to the transducer 22. This places the transducer and the depressed leg sections in a horizontal orientation preferably, eg, approximately 38.1 millimeters below the elevation of the plane horizontally through the center lines of the orifice branches. Ventilation valves having removable plugs are provided to allow glycol to be added to fill the depressed sections of the impulse legs to protect the transducer 22 from elevated process temperatures. The vent valves provide a seal that separates the vent plugs from the process fluids. Thus the problematic rope connections associated with the vent plugs do not depend on preventing leakage of the process fluid. For pressure applications, as opposed to installing a differential pressure transducer, modified root valves can be considered for use which, while preferably maintaining an integral industry standard instrument flange 10 at one end, provide different integral ends at the opposite end of the root valve to allow its use with essentially any type of process connection. Some examples are shown in Figure 6A-6G. Root valves 10 of instrument flanges are shown which have at the other end: a standard DIN / ANSI 42 flange (see Figure 6B); a simple end 48 suitable for welding connections (see Figure 6C; one end male 46 or one end female cord 44 (see Figures 6D and 6E); a single end 50 weldable through an adapter (insert cap) 52 for the process tube 28 (see Figure 6F), and finally a rope end 49 connectable to the tube 28 adapted to receive the end 49 and which itself is adapted to be joined to the tube 28 by welding (see Figure 6G) Another feature of the invention involves the use of a game of "winterization" as shown in Figure 7 which can be used where cold climatic conditions can be encountered.The wintering game is very generally described in relation to transducer, and comprises a housing 54, a device that can be connected to the system by enclosing therewith the transducer 22, a heater adapter for transferring heat to the transducer 22 and a heater block that makes contact with the adapter for this purpose and preferably using any of the following heat sources (the adapter and the block are not shown in Figure 7 in detail but are of a conventional design underlying the transducer element 22 in Figure 2, example): a) electric - having several electrical variations, voltages and surface temperatures available: b) a high-BTU fluid such as steam; or c) a lower BTU fluid such as ethylene glycol.

Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11 reveal an input / output male mating flange 56 having an industry standard male flange surface with a customer-adapted spigot 55 and a slot adapted to the customer to receive, for example a o / ring type packing and 0 ring packing; an input / output female pairing flange 58 having an industry standard female flange surface with the counter pocket 53 for receiving the pin from the surface of the male flange in known manner; a blind flange I male 60; and a female I-flange blind 62. The flange tail pieces "I" and the "I" -0-LET ("inlet" / outlet) devices have been designed to be used as a socket welding device or Flat gasket welding with mating flange for easy installation. Figure 12 shows an assembly for installing a pressure transducer using a single impulse line designed to handle steam pressure service through a single root valve 10 coupled through an integral industry standard instrument flange 12 to an impulse line assembly 36. The assembly 36 through the male instrument flange 64 is connected to a supported pressure transducer 22. According to Figures 6A-6G, the root valve 10 on the process side alternatively it includes, for example, an integral DIN / ANSI flange 42, a single weldable end 48, and a standard instrument flange 12 connectable to a female input / output mating flange, or a cord end 49 and an adapter combination Exit-with rope 57. The different forms of the root valve thus essentially accommodates any form of connection process desired or required by the engineering specifications with respec to connect the pressure transducer instruments to different process vessels and process tubing. Figure 16 shows an elbow-shaped flange adapter 70 which can be used as a game component in any of the systems described with respect to Figures 1-4. The elbow-shaped adapter 70 allows the close parallel installation of the differentially close pressure transducer in addition to the pipe of the pipe 28 where, for example, space conservation is required. The adapter 70 specifically comprises industry standard male instrument flanges 72 adapted for connection to the female flange adapters 14; and in the opposite way they define standard female instrument flanges 74 for their connection with root valves 10 on the process side of the root valves. These kits can be pre-assembled off-site to include (a) two aligned flange adapters 14, or (b) two root valves with optional eccentric adapters, or (c) two alienated root valves with single weld ends and eccentric adapters optional Specific additional interchangeable components can be added to define games having any of the usable combinations of components as illustrated herein. The instrument installation kits described herein may be used in connection with a method for selecting particular games for a specific application based on previously defined selection processes (expert systems) described in a United States patent application. submitted on December 19, 1996 and entitled METHOD OF SELECTING A PARTS GAME DETAIL, by David W. King (Application with Serial No., to be inserted here.) The teachings of the related referral application are fully incorporated into the teachings of this request by reference.

Claims (25)

1. A valve that has standard industry instrument flanges on both ends and has one end connected to a flange end of an industry standard instrument flange adapter, the opposite end of the flange adapter adapts to form a connection welded

2. A pair of flange adapters that have standard instrument flanges at one end and the opposite ends thereof are pre-aligned by an alignment element on a centerline of 53.975 millimeters from center line to center line of separation which allows that the opposite ends of the same are welded together with the pressure derivations of the process of an orifice plate device where the process pressure branches are in the industry standard separation of 53,975 millimeters.

3. A pair of root valves having standard instrument flanges at one end and opposite ends thereof adapted to form a welded connection, the root valves being pre-aligned by an alignment element over a fixed spacing of 53,975 millimeters center line to center line which allows opposite ends thereof to be welded to a process connection comprising orifice flanges having process pressure shunts where the process pressure shunts are in the industry standard separation 53,975 millimeters

4. An orifice plate device installed in the process tube and having orifice flanges with pressure shunts separated by the industry standard nominal separation distance of 53.975 millimeters from center line to centerline, and the eccentric adapter element welded to the orifice flanges to correct the nominal separation of 53,975 millimeters from the process pressure derivations to a generally accurate 53,975 millimeters.

5. An instrument installation kit for connecting a transducer to a processing pipe, the installation kit comprising a pair of root valves having standard instrument flanges at both ends and a pair of flange adapters each having a flange From an industry standard instrument to a patented end with the standard instrument flanges of the root valves, the opposite end of the flange adapters are adapted to form a welded connection.

The installation kit of claim 5 wherein the kit contains a pair of pre-aligned flange adapters according to claim 2.

7. An instrument installation kit for connecting a differential pressure transducer to the process pipe, the installation kit comprising a pair of root valves having standard industry instrument flanges at one end and the opposite ends thereof being adapted to form a welded connection.

8. The instrument installation kit of claim 7 further comprising an alignment element connected to the root valve pair, the pair of root valves being pre-aligned by the alignment element in a spacing of 53.975 millimeters of centerline in centerline which allows opposite ends thereof to be welded to a process connection comprising orifice flanges having process pressure shunts wherein the process pressure shunts are at the industry standard separation of 53,975 mm .

9. The installation kit of any of claims 5-8 wherein the set contains a pair of eccentric adapter elements.

10. The installation kit of any of claims 5-8 wherein the set contains a diversion manifold.

11. The installation kit of any of claims 5-9 wherein the kit contains a block manifold adapted to be connected to the rear side of the differential pressure transducer.

12. The installation kit of any of claims 5-11 wherein the kit contains an extended pulse line assembly to provide a supported mounting installation., closely coupled, of the differential pressure transducer.

13. A process connection between the separate process pressure branches, the exact separation between the process pressure branches is corrected by an eccentric adapter element welded to the process connection.

14. A pair of root valves in direct mounting connection, coupled very closely, with a process connection that has process pressure shunts nominally spaced 53,975 millimeters to provide process pressure to the differential pressure transducer across power lines. impulse comprising the root valves, the root valves being aligned parallel with their axial center line spaced 53,975 millimeters, the pair of root valves being horizontally supported from the process connection, the ends of the root valves remote from the connection of the process comprising flanges of industry standard instruments.

The combination of claim 14 wherein the root valves have integral flanges at their ends adjacent to the process connection, the combination including a pair of flange adapters comprising a portion of pulse lines, having the flange adapters One end welded to the process connection, the opposite ends of the flange adapters comprise flanges with flange surfaces that are coupled to the flange surfaces of the flanges of the root valves which are adjacent to the process connection.

16. The combination of claim 14 wherein the ends of the opposite root valve pair their flange ends are welded to the process connection.

The combination of claim 15 or 16 wherein the combination includes the eccentric adapter element of claim 13.

18. The combination of any of claims 14-17 comprising a deflection valve that defines adjacent surfaces adjacent pairs. of industry-standard instrument flange surfaces, a pair of flange surfaces is paired with the standard instrument flanges of the root valve industry, and the other pair is paired to a differential pressure transducer that has surfaces of standard industry instrument flanges.

The combination of claim 18 including a multiple instrument valve connected to the rear of the differential pressure transducer as the blocking valve for the pulse lines.

The combination of any of claims 14-17 or 19 wherein the pulse lines comprise a pulse line assembly having at each end of standard industry instrument flanges, the combination further includes a differential pressure transducer and a support system that supports the transducer to provide a supported, closely coupled assembly of the transducer.

The combination of claim 20 wherein a section of the pulse lines between the root valves and the differential pressure transducer is positioned at an elevation that is designed to provide a generally static fluid barrier to protect the transducer from the process fluids and / or process temperatures.

22. A method for installing a differential pressure transducer comprising the step of using an alignment element to install a pair of root valves in welded connection with a process connection comprising process pressure shunts separated from a process tube to obtain a direct, closely coupled assembly of the root valves horizontally outside the process connection, having the root valves at their ends remote from the industry standard instrument flanges of the process connection, an alignment element that is removed after the direct mounting of the valves From the root to the process connection to ensure the final alignment of the surfaces of the industry standard instrument flanges in the installation is essentially the same as their previous alignment in order to avoid alignment problems with respect to the flange surfaces of standard instrument of the differential pressure transducer industry. The method of claim 22 comprising the additional step of correcting the separation between the process pressure shunts before installing the root valve assembly by welding eccentric adapters to the process connection. The method of claim 22 or 23 wherein the alignment is practiced with respect to an aligned pair of flange adapters that are welded to the process connection. The method of claim 22 or 23 wherein the alignment is practiced with respect to using pre-aligned root valves having standard industry instrument flanges at one end and at the opposite end having an end that is welded to the connection of the process. SUMMARY An instrument installation system is provided which uses interchangeable equipment components and improved methods to connect differential pressure transducers to the process piping. The system is designed to allow the instrument to be closely coupled, mounted directly to the process connection or closely coupled, mounted on support using substantially the same system in both designs simply by adding or removing interchangeable components. Close coupling and very close coupling ensure that maximum measurement accuracy is possible. Root valve pairs and pairs of flange adapters are provided along with other adapters used when necessary, to allow a straight, rigid pipe assembly from the transducer to the process connection without problems of flange alignment. The installation system forces the rigid tube impulse lines to an alignment in the same horizontal plane with the center lines of the differential pressure transducer high and low pressure ports to minimize measurement errors of the class associated with instrument installations remotely mounted An improved feature of the system over the prior art is also the elimination, if desired, of rope connections in contact with the process fluid. Interchangeable equipment components are provided in different combinations that form instrument installation kits that provide substantial economy in design, procurement, installation, maintenance and service of process instrumentation. * * * * *