NL2022456B1

NL2022456B1 - Service saddle

Info

Publication number: NL2022456B1
Application number: NL2022456A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Toetenel Oscar
Original assignee: Pipelife Nederland Bv
Priority date: 2019-01-25
Filing date: 2019-01-25
Publication date: 2020-08-18

Abstract

A device comprising a saddle mountable on an outer circumferential surface of a pipe, a sensor valve connected to the saddle, a ﬂushing valve connected to the saddle, and an operating assembly connected to the sensor valve and the ﬂushing valve, wherein the operating assembly 5 is conﬁgured to open and close the valves.

Description

-1-

SERVICE SADDLE BACKGROUND

[0001] A utility company provides water and/or gas to clients through a network of pipes as part of an overall distribution system. In order to do so, the utility company requires information about the water and/or gas flowing through the pipes. This implies a continuous supervision of the system to maintain normal operation, and at the same time, to indicate warning status or alarm conditions.

The pipes have theretofore been coupled to a sensor. Due to the location of the pipes, which are commonly buried underground, the sensor is typically permanently installed.

SUMMARY

[0002] According to a first aspect of the invention, a device comprises a saddle mountable on an outer circumferential surface of a pipe, a sensor valve connected to the saddle, a flushing valve connected to the saddle, and an operating assembly connected to the sensor valve and the flushing valve, wherein the operating assembly is configured to open and close the valves independently.

Such a device provides or denies access to the pipe by opening or closing the sensor valve, respectively. This can allow for conveniently and easily providing various sensors or other devices when needed, as well as easily removing the sensors or devices (e.g., for maintenance, replacement). This can also allow for drilling a hole in the pipe under pressure.

[0003] According to an embodiment, the device further comprises a housing extending longitudinally and connected to the saddle. The housing provides a channel with which to access a pipe buried beneath a ground surface and further provides protection to the enclosed component parts.

[0004] According to an embodiment, when the saddle is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the pipe, an interior of the housing is open to an interior of the pipe when the sensor valve is open. This allows the interior of the housing to be in communication with the interior of the pipe.

[0005] According to an embodiment, the height of the housing is adjustable. An adjustable housing provides access to a pipe buried at any level beneath the ground surface by forming a channel extending from the ground surface to the pipe.

[0006] According to an embodiment, the housing is telescopic such that the height of the housing is adjustable. A telescopic arrangement provides easy adjustability of the housing, and is particularly convenient for adjusting to pipes at different levels in the ground. The telescopic arrangement further prevents forces generated by heavy objects being placed on a top portion of the housing at or near a ground surface, such as a meter pit, from being transferred to the pipe.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the sensor valve and the flushing valve comprise a T-tube. The T-tube provides access to the valves by the operating assembly.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the operating assembly comprises a tool. The tool enables the operating assembly to open and close the valves.

-2-

[0009] According to an embodiment, the tool rotates around a fixed point connected to the saddle.

This enables the tool to easily open and close the valves. Opening or closing the sensor valve thereby provides or denies access to the pipe, respectively.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the device further comprises one or more additional valves.

Additional valves can provide seal reinforcement at the interface to helps to ensure that liquid or gas flow remains in the pipe when desired and does not enter the housing.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the flushing valve comprises a one-way valve. The one-way valve relieves pressure and releases excess liquid or gas from housing.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the flushing valve is vertically connected to the sensor valve. This allows the operating assembly to easily and conveniently access and connect to both valves.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the device further comprises a sensor. This allows the sensor to sense at least one property of liquid or gas within the interior of the pipe.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the invention, a sensor assembly comprises a sensor, a saddle mountable on an outer circumferential surface of a pipe, a housing extending longitudinally and connected to the saddle, a sensor valve connected to the saddle, a flushing valve connected to the saddle, a tool connected to the sensor valve and the flushing valve. The tool is configured to open and close the valves. The tool facilitates alignment of the sensor with the hole in the pipe. The tool further facilitates positioning of the sensor from a stationary position to a retracted and/or sensing position, and back. The sensor is vertically moveable between a retracted position within an interior of the housing and a sensing position within an interior of the pipe. Such an assembly enables the sensor to easily access the interior of the pipe. This can allow for conveniently and easily providing various sensors or other devices when needed, as well as easily removing the sensors or devices (e.g., for maintenance or replacement). The housing can only be placed in one position thereby ensuring the sensor is placed in the correct position within the pipe relative to the flow direction of the liquid or gas.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the pipe is located below a ground surface. Such pipes are commonly associated with a utility company, such as a water utility company or a gas utility company.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the sensor is configured to sense at least one property of liquid or gas within the interior of the pipe. This allows the sensor to provide an indication of normal operation, warning status or alarm conditions.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the assembly further comprises a communication device.

This allows the sensor to sense at least one property of liquid or gas within the interior of the pipe and relay the data to the communication device, which may receive, process, store and further relay the data.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the communication device and the sensor are electrically coupled. This enables the relay of data between the communication device and the sensor.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the communication device is mounted on a top portion of the housing. This allows the communication device to be at or near the ground surface and further 40 allows the communication device to relay data from the sensor to a server using a network.

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[0020] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of operating a sensor assembly comprises introducing a sensor into a housing, opening at least one valve, introducing the sensor at least partially through the at least one valve and into an interior of the pipe and sensing at least one property of liquid or gas within the interior of the pipe. Such a method enables the sensor to easily access the interior of the pipe. This can allow for conveniently and easily providing various sensors or other devices when needed, as well as easily removing the sensors or devices (e.g., for maintenance or replacement). This can also allow for various sensors or other devices to be uniformly and precisely placed for operation and such that there is no risk of contamination of the liquid or gas within the interior of the pipe.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises relaying data from the sensor to a communication device. This allows the sensor to sense at least one property of liquid or gas within the interior of the pipe and relay the data to the communication device, which may receive, process, store and further relay the data.

[0022] These are various other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a sensor assembly mounted on an underground pipe.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a sensor assembly mounted on an underground pipe with a sensor in a retracted position.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an operating assembly connected to a sensor valve and a flushing valve.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an operating assembly connected to a sensor valve and a flushing valve.

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of a sensor assembly.

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a housing connected to a saddle.

[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a saddle mounted on an underground pipe with a drill.

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of a drill drilling a bore in an underground pipe.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a sensor assembly 100 mounted on an underground pipe 105. The assembly 100 provides access to an interior 110 of the pipe 105 such that a sensor 115 can sense at least one property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105. The assembly 100 comprises a saddle mountable on an outer circumferential surface of the pipe 105. The saddle is connected to a sensor valve 120 and a flushing valve 125. One or more of the valves 120, 125 comprise a T-tube 130. In one embodiment, the flushing valve 125 is connected to a T-tube 130. A housing 135 is also connected to the valves 120, 125 extending longitudinally away from the valves 120, 125. The housing 135 is connected to the valves 120, 125 by any suitable means. For example, the housing 135 can be connected to the valves 120, 125 by a quick connection (e.g., by a snap- on, twist-on or slide-on connection), mechanical connection (e.g., by fasteners, such as a brackets or screws), welding, etc. In some embodiments, the housing 135 and the valves 120, 125 can be formed integrally.

[0032] When the sensor valve 120 is open, the interior 140, 165 of the housing 135, 155 is open to the interior 110 of the pipe 105 such that the sensor 115 is movable between a retracted position within the interior 140, 165 of the housing 135, 155 and a sensing position 145 within the interior 110 of the pipe 105. In the sensing position 145, the sensor valve 120 is open and the sensor 115 is at least partially within the interior 110 of the pipe 105 to sense a property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105. In the sensing position 145, liquid or gas within the pipe 105 is prevented from flowing out of the pipe 105 to the interior 140, 165 of the housing 135, 155. In the sensing position 145, the sensor 115 senses a property of liquid or gas within the interior 110 of the pipe 105 and relays the data to the communication device 150, which may receive, process, store and further relay the data. The sensor 115 can sense any property of liquid or gas including, but not limited to, temperature, pressure, flow rate, density, conductivity, pH or viscosity. In some embodiments, the sensor 115 can also sense any property related to the pipe 105 including, but not limited to, stress or strain. In some embodiments, the sensor 115 is not moved into the interior 110 of the pipe 105 and the opening simply allows for flow from the pipe 105 to where the sensor 115 or other device is located near the opening. When the sensor valve 120 is closed, the sensor 115 is prevented from accessing the interior 110 of the pipe 105.

[0033] Fig. 1 also shows the sensor 115 comprising a sensor housing 155 extending longitudinally away from the valves 120, 125 and within the interior 140 of the housing 135. The sensor housing 155 is connected to the valves 120, 125 by any suitable means. For example, the sensor housing 155 can be connected to the valves 120, 125 by a quick connection (e.g., by a snap-on, twist-on or slide-on connection), mechanical connection (e.g., by fasteners, such as a brackets or screws), welding, etc. In some embodiments, the sensor housing 155 and the valves 120, 125 can be formed integrally. The sensor housing 155 can extend substantially the length of the housing 135 such that the sensor housing 155 is accessible at or near a ground surface 160, such as a road. Access to the interior 165 of the sensor housing 155 is provided by opening a cap. In order to sense at least one property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105, the sensor 115 is positioned within the interior 185 40 of the sensor housing 155. The sensor 115 is alignable with at least one hole of the pipe 105 such

-5- that when the sensor valve 120 is open, the sensor 115 is movable at least partially into the interior 110 of the pipe 105, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0034] The assembly 100 further comprises a communication device 150. The communication device 150 is electrically coupled to the sensor 115, for example, by wire or wireless means. In this manner, the communication device 150 can receive, process, store and further relay data from the sensor 115 regarding a property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105. The communication device 150 is mounted on a top portion 175 of the housing 135 at or near the ground surface 160, such as a meter pit. The top portion 175 of the housing 135 can also be flush with the ground surface 160. The top portion 175 of the housing 135 can also be flush with the sensor housing 155. The housing 135 itself can be adjusted telescopically to vary the overall height of the assembly 100 based on the depth of the pipe 105 beneath the ground surface 160. The telescopic arrangement further prevents forces generated by heavy objects being placed on the top portion 175 of the housing 135 at or near the ground surface 160 from being transferred to the pipe 105.

[0035] A plurality of sensor assemblies can be installed in various locations as part of a distribution system. In this manner, the sensor 115 senses a property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105 and relays the data to the communication device 150. The data provides an indication of normal operation, warning status and/or alarm conditions. In one embodiment, the communication device 150 is a transceiver comprising a receiver and a transmitter. Such a device can receive data from the sensor 115 and relay the data to a server using a network, such as a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) or any other suitable network. The server can periodically or continuously receive data. The server can also request data on demand. In one embodiment, the server is associated with a data management company (e.g., a water or gas utility company) that manages sensor data and makes the data available to its clients as desired, such as via a web site or other remote device. The communication device 150 also comprises a battery, which can easily be changed by opening the communication device 150 and swapping an empty battery with a new one.

[0036] The sensor 115 can be any suitable type of sensor for sensing various properties of liquid or gas. In some embodiments, the sensor 115 can be a pressure sensor for measuring the water pressure at a particular location in a water distribution system, a flow rate sensor for measuring the rate in which water is flowing through a particular location in a water distribution system or a combination thereof. In operation, the sensor 115 is a self-contained, removable sensing unit that can access the interior of the pipe 105 to sense a property of liquid or gas within the pipe.

[0037] Although the pipe 105 is described herein as an underground pipe, it should be appreciated that the pipe 105 can be completely or partially above ground. Fig. 1 also shows a single assembly

100. However, a plurality of assemblies can be installed in various locations as part of a distribution system. The assembly 100 may additionally comprise any number of suitable connectors (e.g., fasteners) to facilitate a secure connection between the component parts.

[0038] While a sensor 115 is described and shown, the assembly 100 can facilitate access to the pipe 105 and/or flow for other devices or tools as well, for example, tools for use with the pipe 105 40 or assembly 100, etc. In some embodiments, tools for use with the pipe 105 or assembly 100 may

-6- be required for maintenance, repair, testing, etc. Power generation or power management systems may be also required.

[0039] As described in the background, past systems with underground pipes that had sensors monitoring various properties typically had such sensors permanently installed. The assembly 100 shown in Figs. 1-4 allows for sensors 115 to be conveniently and easily installed and removed. The use of the housings 135, 155 allows for access to the interior 110 of the pipe 105 and/or the liquid or gas flowing within the pipe 105. This can be helpful for inspection, removal of a blocking object, a single sensor reading or any number of tasks. It also allows these tasks to be at least partially and/or substantially performed at or near a ground surface 160. The sensor valve 120 allows for re- sealable access to the interior 110 of the pipe 105 and/or the liquid or gas flowing within the pipe

105. In particular, the valves 120, 125 minimize the amount of backflow entering the interiors 140, 165 of the housings 135, 155 by sealing access to the pipe 105. This ensures the housings 135, 155 and other component parts remain substantially free from the liquid or gas within the pipe 105 thereby preventing their deterioration, contamination, etc. This further ensures the accuracy of measurements taken within the pipe 105. Additional valves can allow for additional seal reinforcement. To the extent liquid or gas from within the pipe 105 enters any of the component parts, the flushing valve 125, in particular, provides a means for maintaining the environment within the component parts by relieving pressure and/or releasing liquid or gas back into the ground and/or pipe 105 outside of the assembly 100. One or more tools also provide manual adjustment of the component parts, however, in some embodiments, automatic adjustment may be desired. For example, the valves 120, 125 can be configured to automatically seal access to the pipe 105 if warning status or alarm conditions are present to prevent further worsening of the condition. The sensor valve 120 can also be configured to automatically provide access to the pipe 105 once the sensor 115 is ready to sense a property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105. Additionally, the assembly 100 allows for data to be relayed from the sensor 115 to the communication device 150 automatically or on-demand in order to monitor the conditions within {or around) the pipe 105. This allows the data to be accessible to interested parties, such as a water or gas utility company or their clients.

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a sensor assembly 100 mounted on an underground pipe 105 with a sensor 115 in a retracted position 200. In the retracted position 200, the sensor valve 120 is closed and the sensor 115 is prevented from accessing the interior 110 of the pipe 105 and sensing a property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows a tool 205 connected to the sensor 115. The tool 205 is configured to introduce the sensor 115 into the interior 110 of the pipe 105. In one embodiment, the tool 205 is a threaded connector such that the tool 205 can be connected to and disconnected from the sensor 115 and/or the sensor housing 155 by rotation in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. Other connections can also be used, for example, quick connections (e.g., snap-on or slide-on connections), mechanical connections (e.g., fasteners such as brackets or screws), etc. The tool 205 can also comprise a stopper, which allows the bottom of the sensor 115 to be positioned flush with the interior

-7- 110 of the pipe 105 and therefore compensate for varying pipe thicknesses (i.e., due to pressure classes, materials). In one embodiment, the stopper can be located on a top portion of the tool 205.

[0042] In the retracted position 200, the sensor valve 120 is open and the sensor 115 is movable into the interior 110 of the pipe 105 to sense a property of liquid or gas within the pipe 105. When the sensor valve 120 is open, liquid or gas from the interior 110 of the pipe 105 can enter the flushing valve 125, can include one or more one-way valves, to relieve pressure and/or release excess liquid or gas, if needed. As shown in Fig. 2, the flushing valve 125 can also comprise a hose 210 to transport excess liquid or gas out of the assembly 100.

[0043] Fig. 2 also shows an operating assembly 215 connected to the valves 120, 125 to open and close the valves 120, 125. In this manner, the sensor 115 can move between a retracted position 200 and a sensing position 145 (as shown in Fig. 1). Fig. 2 shows a tool 220 connected to the operating assembly 215. The tool 220 is configured to operate the operating assembly 215 such that the operating assembly 215 can open and close the valves 120, 125. In one embodiment, the tool 220 is a threaded connector such that the tool 220 can be connected to and disconnected from operating assembly 215 by rotation in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. Other connections can also be used, for example, quick connections (e.g., snap-on or slide-on connections), mechanical connections (e.g., fasteners such as brackets or screws), etc.

[0044] FIGS. 3 and 4 further illustrate the operating assembly 215 connected to the sensor valve 120 and the flushing valve 125. The operating assembly 215 can be rotated in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction to facilitate opening and closing of the valves 120, 125. For example, Fig. 4 shows a flushing valve connection 405, which can be rotated in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction to facilitate opening and closing of the flushing valve 125. The operating assembly 215 can rotate around a fixed point in the housing and/or a fixed point connected to the saddle 300. The operating assembly 215 can also open and close the valves 120, 125 via, for example, a pushing or pulling mechanism. For example, Fig. 4 shows a sensor valve connection 400, which can use a pushing or pulling mechanism to facilitate rotational movement to open and close the sensor valve 120. In some embodiments, the operating assembly 215 can include a chain to facilitate opening and closing of the valves 120, 125. The operating assembly 215 allows the valves 120, 125 to be opened or closed from a distance.

[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of a sensor assembly 100. As mentioned in relation to Fig. 1, the sensor can be connected to the valves via a bayonet fixation 500. The bayonet fixation 500 facilitates orientation and positioning of the sensor and prevents the sensor from unwanted movement in an upwards direction from, for example, liquid or gas pressure. The bayonet fixation 500 also provides feedback to the user regarding an end-stop position of the sensor.

[0046] When the sensor is connected to the valves, the sensor can be moved vertically. As mentioned in relation to Figs. 3 and 4, the operating assembly 215 can be rotated to open and close the valves. When the sensor valve is open, the sensor can access the interior of the pipe. When the sensor valve is closed and the sensor cannot access the interior of the pipe.

[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a housing 135 connected to a saddle 300. The housing 135 40 extends longitudinally away from the saddle 300 and can be connected to the saddle 300 by any

-8- suitable means. For example, the housing 135 can be connected to saddle 300 by a quick connection (e.g., by a snap-on, twist-on or slide-on connection), mechanical connection (e.g., by fasteners, such as a brackets or screws), welding, etc. In some embodiments, the housing 135 and the saddle 300 can be formed integrally. The housing 135 itself can be adjusted telescopically to vary the overall height of the assembly 100 based on the depth of the pipe 105 beneath the ground surface.

[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a saddle 300 mounted on an underground pipe 105 with a drill 700. The drill 700 can be connected to the valves 120, 125 extending longitudinally away from the valves 120, 125. Fig. 7 shows that in order to drill or cut a hole in the pipe 810, a drill 700 is introduced into the interior of the housing until the drill 700 contacts the outer surface of the pipe

105.

[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of a drill 700 drilling a bore in an underground pipe

105. The drill 700 is configured to drill or cut a hole in the pipe 105 by applying a downward force and rotating the drill 700 in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. Other mechanisms can also be used to facilitate drilling or cutting the hole in the pipe 105, such as a clamp 800 to hold the drill 700 in place. A clamp 800 can allow the drill 700 to rest on an uncut pipe 105. Fastening the clamp 800 ensures stability of the drill 700 independent of the force applied. As the drill 700 drills or cuts a hole in the pipe 105, liquid or gas from the interior 110 of the pipe 105 can enter the interior of the housing and/or valves 120, 125. The flushing valve 125 can comprise one or more one-way valves to relieve pressure and/or release excess liquid or gas. The debris generated by the drill 700 while drilling or cutting a hole in the pipe 105 is forced out of the pipe 105 due to the pressure in the pipe

105.

[0050] After the drill 700 drills or cuts a hole in the pipe 105, the drill 700 is removed from the interior 110 of the pipe 105 into a retracted positon. In the retracted position, liquid or gas from the interior 110 of the pipe 105 can enter the interior of the housing and/or valves 120, 125 and the flushing valve 125 can continue to relieve pressure and/or release excess liquid or gas. Once the drill 700 is removed, the sensor assembly can then be mounted, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0051] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Conclusions

A device comprising: a saddle mountable on an outer peripheral surface of a tube; a sensor valve connected to the saddle; a flush valve connected to the saddle; and an operational assembly connected to the sensor valve and the flush valve, the operational assembly being adapted to open and close the valves independently.

The device of claim 1, further comprising a housing that extends longitudinally and is connected to the saddle.

The device of any preceding claim, wherein when the saddle is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the tube, an interior of the housing is open to an interior of the tube when the sensor valve is open.

The device of any preceding claim, wherein the height of the housing is adjustable.

The device of any preceding claim, wherein the housing is telescopic such that the height of the housing is adjustable.

The device of any preceding claim, wherein the sensor valve comprises a T-tube.

The device of any preceding claim, wherein the flush valve is a T-tube.

The device of any preceding claim, wherein the operational assembly includes a tool.

The device of claim 8, wherein the tool rotates about a fixed point connected to the saddle.

The device of any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises one or more additional valves.

The device of any preceding claim, wherein the flush valve comprises a one-way valve.

The device of any preceding claim, wherein the flush valve is vertically connected to the sensor valve.

The device of any preceding claim, further comprising a sensor.

The device of claim 13, wherein the sensor is alignable with a hole of the sensor valve.

A sensor assembly comprising: a sensor; a saddle mountable on an outer peripheral surface of a tube; a housing that extends longitudinally and is connected to the saddle; a sensor valve connected to the saddle; a flush valve connected to the saddle;

a tool associated with the sensor valve and the flush valve, the tool being adapted to open and close the valves; and wherein the sensor is vertically movable between a retracted position within an interior of the housing and a sensing position within an interior of the tube when the sensor valve is open.

The assembly of claim 15, wherein the tube is positioned beneath a ground surface.

The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the sensor is configured to detect at least one property of liquid or gas within the interior of the tube.

The assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising a communication device.

The assembly of claim 18, wherein the communication device and the sensor are electrically coupled.

The assembly of claims 18 or 19, wherein the communication device is mounted on the top part of the housing.

21. A method of operating a sensor assembly comprising: inserting a sensor into a housing; opening at least one valve; introducing the sensor at least in part through at least one valve and within an interior of a tube; and detecting at least one property of liquid or gas within the interior of the tube.

The method of claim 21, further comprising forwarding data from the sensor to a communication device.

The method of claim 21, wherein the liquid or gas within the interior of the tube is prevented from contamination.