Line stop adapter

A line stop adapter includes a body having a tapping flange mounting surface, adapted for mounting to a tapping sleeve flange, and an opposing valve mounting surface, adapted for mounting to a temporary valve. An interior wall forms a body aperture fluidly connecting the mounting surfaces. A portion of the interior wall is adapted to receive and selectively engage a completion plug, allowing the completion plug to fluidly seal the body aperture. Multiple engagement portions are arranged around the body aperture for securing the tapping flange mounting surface to the tapping sleeve.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fittings used to temporarily stop the flow of fluid in a pipeline. It is more particularly concerned with an adapter to allow a tapping sleeve to be used as a line stop fitting.

BACKGROUND

Fluids are hereby defined to be any material that is non-solid in its natural condition or materials that may be converted to and maintained in a non-solid state. Some fluid distribution systems, such as for the distribution of potable water, have been used for over one hundred years. Such systems comprise a fluid source such as a well or filtration plant, a main or distribution line connected to the source and smaller lateral lines connecting the main line to users. The main line can range in size from four inches in diameter to thirty inches or more in diameter. The main line can also be formed from a variety of materials such as iron, steel, cement or polymer. Often, a new lateral line will be required to supply a new user. It is desirable to connect the new lateral line to the main line without shutting off fluid flow to other users connected to the main line.

To fluidly connect the new lateral line to the main line without shutting off fluid flow in the main line a tapping sleeve can be used. A tapping sleeve comprises two mating saddles that are oppessedly mounted over the pipeline. A gasket is disposed between one or both saddles and the pipeline. One of the saddle sections includes a radially projecting standoff terminating in a distal flange.

In use, one set of two saddles and a gasket is secured over the pipeline where connection with the new lateral line is desired. When the saddles are fastened the gasket is clamped between the pipe and the saddles, providing a fluid seal. A valve is secured to the saddle flange. A drilling apparatus is secured to the valve. The drilling apparatus is used to drill through the pipe, after which the drill is retracted and the valve is closed. The drilling apparatus is removed. The new lateral line is fluidly connected to the valve. When the valve is opened fluid is supplied to the new lateral line and the new user.

The valve is left secured to the tapping sleeve flange during use. Thus, there is no provision to fluidly seal the tapping sleeve flange apart from use of the secured valve.

In some instances, a distribution pipeline must be relocated. In other instances the distribution pipeline will break requiring repair. Often such work must be conducted quickly to return the distribution pipeline back into service. However, there may be no valve suitably positioned to turn off fluid flow in the main pipeline to allow the work to be conducted. In other cases it may not be possible to turn off fluid flow to the damaged section of pipeline without also turning off the flow to a critical user such as a hospital. In these cases a “line stop fitting” and system can be used. The line stop fitting comprises two mating saddles that are oppessedly mounted over the pipeline adjacent the section that has broken or that needs to be moved. A gasket is disposed between one or both saddles and the pipeline. One of the saddle sections includes a radially projecting standoff terminating in a distal flange.

In use, a first set of two saddles and a gasket is secured over the main pipeline adjacent one side of the broken section. A second set of two saddles and a gasket is secured over the main pipeline adjacent the opposing side of the broken section. When the saddles are fastened the gasket is clamped between the pipe and the saddles, providing a fluid seal. A valve is secured to each saddle flange. In some variations a temporary pipe connects the valves to allow fluid flow around the broken section. A drilling apparatus is secured to each valve. The drilling apparatus is used to drill through the pipe, after which the drill is retracted and the valve is closed. The drilling apparatus is removed and a line stop apparatus is secured to each valve. The line stop apparatus comprises an expandable head on a movable ram. The valve is opened and a head of the line stop apparatus is forced into the interior of the pipe. Expansion of the line stop head into the interior of the pipe prevents fluid from moving past the head, stopping fluid flow in the main pipeline only immediately adjacent the broken section. With fluid flow stopped by the line stop head repairs can be made.

After repairs have been made to the main pipeline, the line stop heads are retracted allowing fluid communication through the repaired pipe. The valves are closed and the line stop head is removed. A completion plug is placed into the line stop apparatus. The valves are opened and the completion plug is received into, and engaged with, the interior of line stop fitting flange. Typically, the completion plug is threadedly engaged with threads in the interior of the line stop flange or set screws within the saddle flange rim are engaged into a recess in the completion plug periphery. When the completion plug is received into, and engaged with, the line stop fitting flange fluid flow through the saddle flange is prevented. The line stop apparatus is removed, the valve is removed and a blind flange and seal is placed over the top of the saddle flange.

Once the repair has been made there is usually no need to return to the repair site. Thus it is undesirable to leave the two valves, which can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars each, on the line stop flange. Hence the use of a relatively inexpensive completion plug and blind flange for sealing the line stop fitting.

While somewhat similar in appearance, a tapping sleeve and a line stop fitting can not be interchanged. The tapping fitting does not have provisions for use with a completion plug. Further, each manufacturer designs their line stop apparatus to work with their own respective line stop fitting. Thus, a line stop fitting from one manufacturer may not be compatible with a line stop apparatus from another manufacturer. To ensure quick repairs to essential distribution pipelines a maintenance department must stock a tapping sleeve for each pipeline size used in the fluid distribution network as well as a line stop fitting for each pipeline size used in the fluid distribution network. Since each line stop fitting can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars this double stocking requires a significant budget as well as room to store both the large tapping sleeves and the large line stop fittings.

SUMMARY

Briefly, the line stop adapter disclosed herein allows a conventional tapping fitting to be used in a line stopping operation. The tapping fitting is mounted to a pipe. The line stop adapter is mounted to the tapping fitting. A valve and line stop apparatus is mounted to the line stop adapter. The line stop apparatus is used to temporarily stop fluid flow within the pipe, such as might be needed for pipe repairs. When the line stop operation is complete a completion plug is engaged with the line stop adapter to prevent fluid flow through the line stop adapter and the valve and line stop apparatus can be removed.

One aspect of the disclosure is a line stop adapter that will allow a tapping sleeve to be used as a line stop fitting. Another aspect of the present disclosure is a line stop adapter that will receive and engage a completion plug. A further aspect of the disclosure is a system and method for stopping fluid flow in pipe.

In general, unless otherwise explicitly stated the disclosed methods, articles and materials may be alternately formulated to comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, any appropriate steps or components herein disclosed. The disclosed methods, articles and materials may additionally, or alternatively, be formulated so as to be devoid, or substantially free, of any steps, components, materials, ingredients, adjuvants or species used in the prior art or that are otherwise not necessary to the achievement of the function of the present disclosure.

When the word “about” is used herein it is meant that the amount or condition it modifies can vary some beyond that so long as the advantages of the disclosure are realized. The skilled artisan understands that there is seldom time to fully explore the extent of any area and expects that the disclosed results might extend, at least somewhat, beyond one or more of the disclosed limits. Later, having the benefit of this disclosure and understanding the concept and embodiments disclosed herein, a person of ordinary skill can, without inventive effort, explore beyond the disclosed limits and, when embodiments are found to be without any unexpected characteristics, those embodiments are within the meaning of the term about as used herein. It is not difficult for the artisan or others to determine whether such an embodiment is either as expected or, because of either a break in the continuity of results or one or more features that are significantly better than reported in this disclosure, is surprising and thus an unobvious teaching leading to a further advance in the art.

A better understanding will be obtained from the following detailed description of the presently preferred, albeit illustrative, embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For simplicity this disclosure will reference use with potable water systems, although it will encompass use with other fluidic systems including sewage, gas and chemicals. Pipes used to carry potable water spans sizes from under one inch to more than thirty inches and can be formed from numerous materials including iron, steel, cement and polymer. Pipes used to distribute water are called mains. Laterals are pipes that transport water from the distribution system to a user.

A line stop fitting11or tapping sleeve12comprises two, mating, semi-cylindrical saddle sections14,16that can be oppessedly mounted over the pipe18. A gasket20is disposable between one or both of the saddle sections14,16and the pipe18. One of the saddle sections14includes a radially projecting flange22defining a central aperture24fluidly connected to the saddle25. The flange22is typically circular and defines a plurality of apertures26spaced around the central aperture24. The flange22includes a mounting face28. A recessed portion30,30′ extends below the mounting face28and around the central aperture24. In a line stop fitting, the recessed portion is threaded31. In a tapping sleeve, the recessed portion30′ accepts a mating projection in a tapping or permanent valve (not shown) to help center the valve to the flange22. Typically, a cylindrical standoff32is disposed between the saddle25and the flange22to allow working clearance between the pipe18and the valve.

In one embodiment the line stop adapter10comprises a body34including a first mounting surface36and an opposing second mounting surface38. Typically the mounting surfaces36,38will be circular although this disclosure encompasses any advantageous shape.

The body34includes an interior wall40defining a body aperture42extending between, and fluidly connecting, the mounting surfaces36,38. The interior wall40includes a wall portion44adapted to receive and selectively engage a completion plug46. Typically the wall portion44defines a circular body aperture to receive a circular completion plug46and the completion plug comprises a circumferential seal48. Selective engagement of the interior wall portion44and completion plug seal48will fluidly seal the body aperture42preventing fluid movement between the mounting surfaces36,38. In one embodiment the wall portion44comprises internal threads50which engage external threads52on the completion plug46. In another embodiment the wall portion comprises a radially oriented aperture54connecting the exterior of the body34with the body aperture42. A pin56disposed within the wall portion aperture54can engage a recess58in the completion plug46to maintain the completion plug46within the body aperture42. The completion plug seal prevents fluid from reaching the wall portion aperture. In some variations the wall portion aperture is internally threaded to engage with external threads on the pin.

The first mounting surface36is typically planar and adapted to provide a fluid tight joint when mounted to a tapping sleeve flange22. The first mounting surface36can optionally include a centering region60extending around part or all of the body aperture42and projecting outwardly from the surface36to help center the line stop adapter10to the tapping sleeve flange22(FIG. 5).

The body34includes a plurality of engagement portions arranged around the body aperture42for securing the first mounting surface36to the tapping sleeve flange22. In some embodiments the engagement portions comprise studs62fastened to the first mounting surface36and projecting outwardly therefrom (FIG. 5). The studs are disposable through apertures26in the tapping sleeve flange22. Nuts64can be engaged to the studs62to secure the first mounting surface36to the tapping sleeve flange22. In other embodiments the engagement portions comprise apertures66through the first mounting surface. Bolts68are disposable through apertures66,26in the body34and the tapping sleeve flange22. Nuts70can be engaged to the bolts68to secure the first mounting surface36to the tapping sleeve flange22.

The second mounting surface38is typically planar and adapted to provide a fluid tight joint when mounted to a valve. The second mounting surface38can include a recessed portion72extending around part or the entire body aperture42and recessed below the mounting surface38. The recessed portion72accepts a mating projection in a valve to help center the valve to the second mounting surface38.

In some embodiments, studs74fastened to the second mounting surface38and project outwardly therefrom. The studs74are disposable through apertures in the valve. Nuts76can be engaged to the studs74to secure the second mounting surface38to the valve. In other embodiments the engagement portions comprise body apertures66. Bolts68are disposable through body apertures66and apertures in the valve. Nuts70can be engaged to the bolts68to secure the second mounting surface38to the valve.

In one embodiment10″ advantageously used with pipe sizes over ten inches in diameter a hub78is disposed between the first and second flanges80,82defining mounting surfaces36′,38′ (FIG. 6). The interior wall and body aperture extend through the hub fluidly connecting the mounting surfaces.

The disclosed line stop adapter10,10′,10″ is advantageously used in a “wet”operation to repair a broken or leaking pipe18. As used herein a wet operation is performed while the water supply in the water main or other water distribution pipe is turned on and water is contained under pressure in the pipe18. A dry operation is performed after the water supply in the water main or other water distribution pipe is turned off and water is drained from the pipe18.

The broken pipe section will be excavated and exposed. A tapping sleeve12comprising a set of two tapping sleeve saddles14,16and a gasket20is secured over the pipeline adjacent the broken pipe section. When the saddles14,16are fastened the gasket20is clamped between the pipe18and the saddles14,16, providing a fluid seal. An example of a suitable tapping sleeve is an FTSS-1350-12 available from the Ford Meter Box Co. located in Wabash, Ind. A first gasket84is placed over the tapping fitting flange22.

A line stop adapter is installed154by positioning156the first mounting surface36,36′ over the gasket84on the tapping fitting flange22. The engagement portions66,62of the adapter first mounting surface are aligned158with apertures26in the tapping fitting flange22and the adapter10,10′,10″ is secured160to the tapping fitting flange22with nuts64. A second gasket86is placed162over the adapter second mounting surface38,38′.

A temporary valve88is installed164by positioning166the valve flange92over the gasket86on the adapter second mounting surface38,38′. The engagement portions66,74of the adapter second mounting surface are aligned168with apertures90in the valve flange92and the adapter10,10′ is secured170to the valve88with nuts76. The valve88includes a valve body94defining an interior valve pathway96. The valve88incorporates a valve mechanism98that allows a user to selectively allow or prevent communication through the interior valve pathway96. Advantageously, the valve mechanism98allows a user to access the full width of the interior valve pathway96when open. A tool mounting flange100is adapted for temporary mounting to a drilling apparatus102and a line stop apparatus104. An example of a suitable valve is a 12 inch knife gate valve available from Black Bear Valve located in Temecula, Calif.

To form172an opening in the pipe18, a drilling apparatus102having a rotatable drill bit is mounted174to the tool mounting flange100. An example of a suitable drilling apparatus is a hydra-tapper available from Hydra-Stop, Inc. located in Blue Island, Ill. The drill bit is a typical hole saw type drill bit. The mounted drilling apparatus102allows a user to extend178the drill bit through the interior valve pathway96(after opening176the valve mechanism98),and adapter body aperture42and into contact with the pipe18. Rotation of the drill bit forms180a hole in the pipe18, allowing fluid to move from the pipe18through the adapter10,10′,10″ and valve88. The drilling apparatus102prevents fluid from exiting the tool mounting flange100. After a hole is formed in the pipe18the drill bit is withdrawn182back into the drilling apparatus102and the valve mechanism98is closed184to prevent fluid flow through the interior valve pathway96. The drilling apparatus102is then removed186from the tool mounting flange100.

To seal188the ruptured pipe18, a line stop apparatus104is mounted190to the tool mounting flange100(FIG. 7). The line stop apparatus104prevents fluid from exiting the tool mounting flange100. An example of a suitable line stop apparatus is the hydra-stopping system available from Hydra-Stop, Inc. located in Blue Island, Ill. The line stop apparatus104comprises a sealing head106connected to a ram108. The valve mechanism98is opened192to allow the sealing head106to be extended194through the interior valve pathway96, through the line stop adapter body aperture42, through the newly formed pipe aperture and into the interior of the pipe18. Once inside, the sealing head106fills196the pipe interior so that fluid flow between the pipe18and the sealing head106is substantially stopped.

In this condition fluid remains under pressure “upstream” of the sealing head106. Thus, fluid will be available to upstream users. However, “downstream” of the sealing head fluid106flow will be substantially stopped, allowing workers to repair or replace the broken pipe section. Once the broken pipe has been repaired198the sealing head106is withdrawn200into the line stop apparatus104and the valve mechanism98is closed202to prevent fluid flow through the interior valve pathway96. In this condition fluid can move under pressure from upstream of the tapping sleeve through the repaired pipe and into the downstream distribution system.

The line stop apparatus104is removed204from the tool mounting flange100. To seal206the adapter10,10′,10″, a completion plug46is removably mounted210to the completion plug installation equipment (such as the tapping machine). The completion plug installation equipment with the completion plug46is mounted212to the tool mounting flange100. The valve mechanism98is opened214to allow the completion plug46to be inserted216through the interior valve pathway96and into the adapter body aperture42. The completion plug46is engaged218with the line stop adapter wall portion44to fluidly seal the body aperture42. In this condition fluid flow through the adapter body aperture42is prevented by engagement of the completion plug46and the wall portion44. The completion plug installation equipment is disconnected220from the completion plug46and withdrawn222and the valve88and completion plug installation equipment are removed224from the adapter second mounting surface38. A blind flange110and seal112can be mounted226over the adapter second mounting surface38using the second mounting surface engagement portions66,74and the excavation can be filled.

While preferred embodiments have been set forth for purposes of illustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed a limitation of the disclosure herein. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.