Patent ID: 6612330
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of replacing an existing gas main that supplies an existing flow of gas to a recipient through an existing service line, said method comprising:an initial operation comprising, in any order: connecting a first tapping tee to a new gas main; connecting a second tapping tee to the existing service line; and, fluidically interconnecting the first and second tapping tees with an interconnecting service line; tapping the new gas main with the first tee so that gas flows from the new gas main into the interconnecting service line and to the second tapping tee; bleeding all air from the interconnecting service line between the first and second tees and from said second tee through a bleed passage of said second tapping tee, said bleeding comprising flow of gas from the new gas main through said first tapping tee, said interconnecting service line, and said bleed passage; after bleeding all air from the interconnecting service line, tapping the existing service line with the second tee and closing said bleed passage so that gas is supplied to the recipient through both the existing service line and the interconnecting service line; and, after tapping the existing service line with the second tee, terminating gas flow to the recipient from the existing main by interrupting the existing service line between the second tee and the existing main.