PURGE STAND

A purging device includes a main body having an inlet disposed at a first end of the main body and an outlet disposed at a second end of the main body. A base is positioned adjacent the first end of the main body, a testing port is disposed along the main body of the purging device, and a control valve is disposed between the inlet of the main body and the outlet of the main body.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to gas purging systems and, more particularly, to a device, kit, and method for purging natural gas.

INTRODUCTION

It is common to purge gas from piping, appliances, or other confined spaces. As one example, air from a newly constructed natural gas pipeline must be purged prior to filling the pipeline with natural gas in order to achieve one-hundred percent gas at all delivery points. Purging air from the natural gas pipeline militates against pilot lights and appliances being extinguished of their flames and the formation of a hazardous combination of air and natural gas that may be explosive or flammable. Additionally, gas purging may be necessary when repairing sections of existing pipeline. Proper above ground height as well as safe distances from buildings and overhangs is necessary when purging gas.

Known devices used for purging pipelines are often unable to safely expel gas from a pipeline and are located too close to a residential building or overhanging structure creating dangerous situations due to proximity. In addition, test ports used to measure the level of combustible gas within the gas system may create undesirable Venturi effects. Known purging devices are also not adaptable in various settings and on variable terrain.

In one particular example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,004 teaches a portable compression system for pipeline purging. However, the device does not safely and effectively expel dangerous gas away from the pipeline at a safe distance and is not adaptable or customizable in different surroundings. In another example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/151,364 teaches a gas purging device and method including a gas purge burner used to burn off gas leaving a pipeline. However, the device does not address various safety concerns relating to purging a gas line and is cumbersome to use. In yet another example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/480,338 teaches a gas purging apparatus that expels gas without discharge. However, the apparatus is difficult to use and not adaptable in various settings.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a purging device that is safe, durable, modular, and adjustable. Desirably, the purging device would be easy and efficient to use and transport, inexpensive to manufacture, and configured to work in a variety of settings.

SUMMARY

In concordance with the instant disclosure, a purging device that is safe, durable, modular, adjustable, easy and efficient to use and transport, inexpensive to manufacture, and configured to work in a variety of settings, has surprisingly been discovered.

In certain embodiments, a purging device includes a main body having an inlet disposed at a first end of the main body and an outlet disposed at a second end of the main body. A base is positioned adjacent the first end of the main body, a testing port is disposed along the main body of the purging device, and a control valve is disposed between the inlet of the main body and the outlet of the main body.

In another embodiment, a gas purging kit includes a purging device including a main body having an inlet disposed at a first end of the main body and an outlet disposed at a second end of the main body. The purging device includes a base positioned adjacent the first end of the main body, a testing port disposed along the main body of the purging device, and a control valve disposed between the inlet of the main body and the outlet of the main body. The gas purging kit further includes a flexible hose adapted to connect to the inlet of the main body, an extender adapted to connect to the outlet of the main body, at least one safety cone, and a carrying case.

In another embodiment, a method of using a gas purging kit comprises the step of providing a gas purging kit. The gas purging kit includes a purging device including a main body having an inlet disposed at a first end of the main body and an outlet disposed at a second end of the main body. A base is positioned adjacent the first end of the main body, a testing port is disposed along the main body of the purging device, and a control valve is disposed between the inlet of the main body and the outlet of the main body. The gas purging kit further includes a flexible hose adapted to connect to the inlet of the main body, an extender adapted to connect to the outlet of the main body, at least one safety cone, and a carrying case. The method further comprises the steps of identifying a gas system for purging, assembling the purging device, connecting the inlet of the purging device to the gas system, and purging a gas from the gas system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference toFIGS.1-3, a purging device100is shown. The purging device100may be configured to connect to a gas system102allowing a technician to purge gas104from the gas system102. As one non-limiting example, the gas system102may be a natural gas pipeline. The purging device100, according to certain embodiments, may include a main body106, a base108, a testing port110, and a control valve112.

The main body106may be a conduit or other enclosed channel configured to receive gas104through an inlet114disposed at a first end116of the main body106and expel gas through an outlet118disposed at a second end120of the main body106. The main body106may have any desirable shape, length, diameter, and thickness, as determined by one of skill in the art. As non-limiting examples, in certain embodiments, the main body106may have a diameter of three-quarters of an inch, one inch, or two inches.

Any material or combination of materials such as metal, plastic, composite, and wood may be used to fabricate the main body106of the purging device100. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may employ materials and dimensions that match particular industrial standards and regulations, as needed. The main body106may have a height122that is fixed or adjustable. In certain more particular embodiments, the main body106may be fabricated using steel and capable of withstanding line pressure up to 125 PSI. In certain more particular embodiments, the main body106may be made using schedule 40 piping. Advantageously, the purging device100is lightweight, easy to transport, and inexpensive to manufacture. In another more particular embodiment, the main body106may be fabricated using steel and capable of withstanding line pressure greater than 125 PSI.

The inlet114may be configured to receive gas104, such as air or natural gas, from the gas system102. The inlet114may be integral with the main body106of the purging device100or may be permanently or removably connected to the main body106, as determined by one of skill in the art. According to certain more particular embodiments, the inlet114may be disposed adjacent to a ground surface124to facilitate an easy, safe connection with the gas system102. However, a skilled artisan may position the inlet114anywhere on or along the main body106of the purging device100between the first end116and the outlet118.

According to certain embodiments, the inlet114may be an opening defined by the first end116of the main body106(not shown). Alternatively, in certain more particular embodiments, the inlet114may extend outwardly from a sidewall126of the main body106, as shown inFIGS.1-4. As one non-limiting example, the inlet114may be a conduit extending outwardly at a 90-degree angle from the sidewall126of the main body106adjacent the first end116of the main body106. Any material or combination of materials such as metal, plastic, composite, and wood may be used to fabricate the inlet114. In certain more particular embodiments, steel may be used to form the inlet114or a portion of the inlet114.

In certain embodiments, as shown inFIG.2, the purging device100may include a flexible hose128adapted to connect to the inlet114and be in fluid communication with the purging device100and the gas system102. The flexible hose128may be made from any durable material capable of withstanding pressure from the gas system102. As non-limiting examples, nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene, PVC, and synthetic or natural rubber may be used. A skilled artisan may select any suitable length and diameter for the flexible hose128. In one more particular embodiment, the flexible hose128may be 12 feet in length. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may achieve fluid communication between the purging device100and the gas system102by employing any number of components and methods, within the scope of this disclosure.

The flexible hose128may be integral with or permanently or removably connected to the inlet114at a first end130of the flexible hose128using any suitable purge connecting means132. As non-limiting examples, the flexible hose128may be removably connected to the inlet114using a threaded connection, a snap fit, a friction fit, or a quick connect fitting. The flexible hose128may be configured to removably connect to the gas system102at a second end134of the flexible hose128using one or more gas connecting means136. In certain embodiments, the flexible hose128may include a variety of interchangeable gas connecting means136for connecting the second end134of the flexible hose128to a variety of gas systems102, as needed. Advantageously, the flexible hose128allows the technician to purge gas104at a safe distance from the gas system102. Additionally, the flexible hose128is lightweight and flexible for easy storage and transport and adaptable in variable settings and on variable terrain.

The outlet118may be configured to expel gas104into an external environment. In one non-limiting example, the outlet118may direct air from the gas system102to achieve a higher natural gas level in the gas system102. According to certain more particular embodiments, the outlet118may be positioned to expel gas upwardly away from the ground surface124. However, a skilled artisan may position the outlet118anywhere on the main body106between the inlet114and the second end120of the main body106.

In certain embodiments, the outlet118may be integral with the main body106of the purging device100or may be permanently or removably connected to the main body106, as determined by one of skill in the art. According to certain more particular embodiments, the outlet118may be defined by an opening138disposed at the second end120of the main body106. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the outlet118may extend outwardly from the sidewall126of the main body106(not shown). Any material or combination of materials such as metal, plastic, composite, steel, and wood may be used to form or define the outlet118.

With renewed reference toFIG.2, the outlet118may be configured to receive at least one extender140according to certain embodiments. The extender140may be configured to increase the height122of the main body106to militate against gas104escaping from the outlet118and contacting the technician or creating other hazardous conditions. The extender140, in one non-limiting example, may be a conduit or other enclosed channel configured to receive the gas104from the second end120of the main body106at a first end142of the extender140and expel the gas104from a second end144of the extender140positioned at a distance from the purging device100and the gas system102. The extender140may be removably connected to the outlet118of the main body106using a threaded connection, a snap fit, a friction fit, or a quick connect fitting, as non-limiting examples.

The extender140may have any desired shape, length, diameter, and thickness, as determined by one of skill in the art. The extender140may have a height146that is fixed or adjustable. Any material or combination of materials such as metal, plastic, composite, and wood may be used to fabricate the extender140. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may employ materials and dimensions that match particular industrial standards and regulations, as needed. In certain more particular embodiments, the extender140may be fabricated using aluminum. In certain more particular embodiments, the height122of the main body106combined with the height146of the extender140may equal one of seven feet and ten feet, as non-limiting examples. Advantageously, the extender140allows the technician to safely purge gas104at a customizable height above ground to prevent dangerous conditions, protect the technician and any other workers nearby, and meet applicable industry and regulatory standards.

The main body106of the purging device100may include additional features such as a securing element148, as one non-limiting example. The securing element148may be integral with the main body106or permanently or removably connected to the main body106. The securing element148may be configured to connect to a strap or other tie-down means (not shown). The strap or other tie-down means may be configured to be connected to the ground surface124and used to secure and stabilize the purging device100with respect to the ground surface124. In one more particular example, a plurality of securing elements148may extend outwardly from the sidewall126of the main body106. Each securing element148may be adapted to receive a strap, rope, or other tie-down means adapted to connect to the securing elements148and to the ground surface124. Any suitable material and configuration may be used to form the securing element148. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may further stabilize the purging device100relative to the ground surface124by employing any number of components and methods, within the scope of this disclosure.

A grounding rod and cable150may be permanently or removably connected to the main body106of the purging device100and configured to provide a low resistance electrical path to the ground surface124, according to certain embodiments. A skilled artisan may use any suitable grounding rod and cable150, as desired. The main body106may include one or more attachment means152for securing and storing the grounding rod and cable150with the purging device100when the grounding rod and cable150are not in use. Advantageously, the grounding rod and cable150may reroute unwanted static electricity to the ground surface124to militate against gas104being ignited from the static electricity.

The base108may be integral with the first end116of the main body106of the purging device100or may be permanently or removably connected to the first end116of the main body106and may be configured to stabilize the purging device100during use. Any suitable base connecting means154may be employed. As non-limiting examples, the base108may be connected to the main body106using a plurality of threading connectors, thumb screws, friction fit, snap fit, or any other suitable means, as determined by one of skill in the art. The base108may be fabricated using any durable material or combination of materials such as metal, plastic, wood, and composite, as non-limiting examples. A skilled artisan may select any desirable shape and size for the base108.

According to one more particular embodiment, the base108may include a plurality of legs156extending outwardly from the first end116of the main body106of the purging device100and configured to stabilize the purging device100with respect to the ground surface124. Each leg156may be independently extendable, collapsible, and otherwise adjustable in both length and position relative to the ground surface124and the main body106of the purging device100. In one more particular embodiment, each leg156may be adjustable with respect to the angle at which the leg156extends outwardly from the main body106of the purging device100. According to certain more particular embodiments, each leg156may have a predetermined set of angled positions relative to the main body106of the purging device100.

Advantageously, the adjustable legs156and easy-to-connect base108may allow the purging device100to be assembled and stabilized efficiently on uneven, rough ground surface124. Additionally, the adjustable legs156may be easily collapsed and compactly stored adjacent the main body106of the purging device100, as needed. The added stability added by the adjustable base108militates against hazardous conditions that may result from the purging device100falling over.

With reference toFIG.3, the testing port110may include a first end158that is integrally formed with or permanently or removably connected to the sidewall126of the main body106. The testing port110may be in fluid communication with the main body106of the purging device100. The testing port110may have any desired shape, length, diameter, and thickness, as determined by one of skill in the art. Any material or combination of materials such as metal, plastic, composite, and wood, as non-limiting examples, may be used to form the testing port110. In certain embodiments, the testing port110may be fabricated using a material that is capable of withstanding line pressure up to or exceeding 125 PSI. Additionally, according to certain embodiments, a size, position, orientation, and configuration of the testing port110relative to the main body106of the purging device100may be configured to militate against the gas creating a Venturi effect.

A testing valve160may be integrally formed in or connected to the testing port110device and configured to be selectively engaged by the technician to allow the gas104to flow out of a second end162of the testing port110. More specifically, the technician may selectively allow gas104to flow out of the second end162of the testing port110when the testing valve160is in an open position and prevent gas104from flowing out of the second end162of the testing port110when the testing valve160is in a closed position. A handle164can be used to alternate the testing valve160between the open position and the closed position. Any suitable testing valve160capable of permitting and preventing gas104flow from the second end162of the testing port110may be used, such as a ball valve, gate valve, globe valve, or butterfly valve, as non-limiting examples.

In a more particular embodiment, the testing port110may be a 90-degree shoulder fitting including the testing valve160, as shown inFIG.3. In certain embodiments, the 90-degree shoulder fitting may be connected to the main body106using a three-eighths inch nipple welded to the main body106, as one non-limiting example. In another more particular embodiment, the testing port110may be positioned between the inlet114of the main body106and the outlet118of the main body106. The testing port110may militate against gas104creating a Venturi effect. It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art may employ different methods and structures for including a testing port110that is in fluid communication with the main body106of the purging device100.

Advantageously, the testing port110allows the technician to measure the level of gas104within the gas system102while the gas104is flowing from the gas system102through the purging device100. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the testing port110is configured to militate against gas104creating a Venturi effect.

The control valve112may be permanently or removably positioned within or along the main body106of the purging device100and configured to allow the technician to selectively prevent gas104from flowing out of the outlet118of the main body106using a handle165or other means extending outwardly from the main body106of the purging device100. Any suitable valve type may be employed such as a ball valve, gate valve, globe valve, or butterfly valve, as non-limiting examples. In certain embodiments, the control valve112may be positioned within or along the main body106at a location that does not require the technician to bend over to access the control valve112. In one more particular embodiment, the control valve112may be positioned between the inlet114of the purging device100and the testing port110.

It should be appreciated that a person skilled in the art may select any suitable control valve112and may adjust the position of the control valve112as required, within the scope of this disclosure. It should be further appreciated that a skilled artisan may employ any suitable structural components and methods for controlling the flow of gas104through the main body106of the purging device100, within the scope of this disclosure. Advantageously, the control valve112allows the technician to selectively allow gas104to be expelled from the purging device100or to prevent gas104from being expelled from the purging device100.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a gas purging kit166is used to purge unwanted gas104from the gas system102or other gas source, as shown inFIG.4. The gas purging kit166includes the purging device100according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one flexible hose128, at least one extender140, one or more safety cones168, and a carrying case170. In certain embodiments, the gas purging kit166may include tie-down straps or other securing means (not shown) and hook and loop, elastic, or other organizing connectors172for organizing cords, straps, and hoses. Additionally, safety signage, additional testing equipment, replacement parts, and various fittings and connectors (not shown) may be included, as determined by one of skill in the art.

Advantageously, the gas purging kit166may be used to purge gas104or air from the gas system102, while militating against associated hazards. For example, the safety cones168may be placed around the purging device100and adjacent the flexible hose128to visually point out a possible tripping hazard associated with the purging device100. Additionally, the flexible hose128allows the technician to maintain a purge point at a safe operating distance. Likewise, the technician may adjust the overall height of the purging device100in order to meet safety standards and follow company specific procedures using one or more extenders140, as needed. In certain more particular embodiments, the gas purging kit166may include flexible hoses128of variable length as well as extenders140of variable height thereby allowing the technician to select and appropriate distance and height from the gas system102.

The light weight, collapsible components of the gas purging kit166including the main body106, the base108, the flexible hose128, and the extender140are easy to store and transport using the convenient carrying case170. Advantageously, each of the base108, the flexible hose128, and the extender140may be collapsed and placed in a compact position alongside the main body106inside the carrying case170. The lightweight, thin materials such as aluminum and schedule 40 piping, as non-limiting materials, allow the technician to transport the gas purging kit166with ease. Likewise, the easy-to-use purge connecting means132and gas connecting means136allow for efficient set up and tear down of the gas purging kit166.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference toFIG.5, a method400of using the gas purging kit166, is shown. The method400may include a first step402of providing the gas purging kit166. The method400may further include a second step404of identifying the gas system102for purging. A third step406may include assembling the purging device100. As one non-limiting example, assembling the purging device100may include connecting the main body106to the base108, adjusting the legs156of the base108, selecting one or more of the flexible hose128and the extender140for use in combination with the purging device100, securing tie-down straps to the securing elements148and to the ground surface124, and securing the rod and cable150to the ground surface124, as non-limiting examples. An additional step408may include connecting the inlet114of the purging device100to the gas system102using the flexible hose128such that the purging device100and the gas system102are in fluid communication with one another. A final step410may include purging the gas104from the gas system102.

It should be appreciated that additional steps may be included, as determined by one of skill in the art. As non-limiting examples, various steps relating to the setup of the purging device100, adjustment of various components such as the plurality of legs156, safety precautions, testing, and disassembling of the gas purging kit166may be included. The method400for using the gas purging kit166may also include repeating or omitting various steps, as required. Advantageously, the purging device100, the gas purging kit166, and the method400of using the gas purging kit166may be used in a multitude of settings and may be customized, as determined by a skilled artisan.