Abstract:
A ported bushing for use with a pressure switch for monitoring the pressure of pressurized hydrocarbons flowing through a pipeline is provided, the ported bushing having a main body containing a threaded opening for attaching the pressure switch, two threaded test ports for attaching testing equipment thereto and a threaded end for attaching the ported bushing to a valve attached to the pipeline. The ported bushing can include a tubular body, and can be configured to adapt to different diameters of pressure switches and valves. The ported bushing can further include flattened surfaces for use with a wrench to rotate the bushing. The ported bushing can further include a gauge and a test valve coupled to the test ports to enable the testing of the pressure switch in-situ when the valve is closed.

Description:
PRIORITY STATEMENT &amp; CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 61/670,026, entitled “Ported Bushing for a Pressure Switch Housing” and filed on Jul. 10, 2012 in the name of Kenneth Brad Hillman, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure is related to the field of bushings for use with pressure switches for sensing the pressure of hydrocarbons flowing through a pipeline, in particular, ported bushings that allows testing equipment to be attached thereto for testing the operation of the pressure switch. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In pipelines carrying liquid or gas hydrocarbons flowing at high pressure, it is known to use a pressure switch mounted externally to the pipeline to sense the pressure of the fluids or gas flowing through the pipeline. If the pressure of the fluids or gas flowing through the pipeline becomes excessive, the pipeline may burst. A pressure switch can help prevent pipeline ruptures if it is functioning correctly. This can be accomplished by setting a pressure threshold setting on the pressure switch whereupon the pressure of the fluids or gas flowing through pipeline exceed the threshold, the pressure of the fluids can cause the operation of an electrical switch that can further open or close an electrical circuit that can be operatively coupled to other equipment that can lower the pressure of the fluids or gas flowing through the pipeline, as well known skilled in the art. This can be done by slowing down the operation of a pump that is pumping the fluids or gas through the pipeline, or shutting the pump off altogether. Thus, it is extremely important to test pressure switches on a regular basis to ensure that they are functioning properly. In some jurisdictions, government regulations require mandatory periodic testing of pressure switches. In order to accommodate this testing, it is known to mount a pressure switch on an isolator valve, whose function is to isolate the pressure switch from the pipeline, and to run diagnostic tests on the pressure switch without having to remove it and send it to a repair facility. 
         [0004]    Current isolator valve designs consist of a ball valve with test ports integral to the valve housing so that a pressure gauge, pressure pump, or other diagnostic tools can be attached to test the functionality of the attached pressure switch. The problem with this type of design is that if any portion of this isolator valve malfunctions, the whole item must be replaced since the test ports are integrated on the valve housing. In order to repair or replace a malfunctioning isolator valve, field personnel must take the corresponding pipeline out of operation, which can result in lost revenues for the pipeline operator. 
         [0005]    It is, therefore, desirable to provide a ported bushing for a pressure switch housing that overcomes the shortcomings of prior art designs comprising the aforementioned isolator valves. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    For the purposes of this specification, the term “valve” shall mean any type of valve as well known to those skilled in the art that can isolate one port or opening from another port or opening, and shall not be limited to any type of valve mechanism that can be used within the valve to provide the means of the isolation function of the valve. 
         [0007]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a ported bushing is provided for a pressure switch configured for monitoring the pressure of hydrocarbons flowing through a pipeline, the ported bushing comprising: a tubular main body further comprising first and second ends, and a sidewall thereby forming a central passageway between the first and second ends; first attachment means for attaching the pressure switch to the first end; second attachment means for attaching the second end to the pipeline or to a first valve connected to the pipeline; and first and second ports disposed through the sidewall to provide communication to the central passageway, the first and second ports configured to operatively couple with test equipment configured for testing the operation of the pressure switch. 
         [0008]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the ported bushing can further comprise two flat exterior surfaces at the top of the main body such that a wrench can be used to turn the entire main body. 
         [0009]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a system is provided for testing a pressure switch configured for monitoring the pressure of hydrocarbons flowing through a pipeline, the system comprising: a ported bushing, further comprising: a tubular main body further comprising first and second ends, and a sidewall thereby forming a central passageway between the first and second ends, first attachment means for attaching the pressure switch to the first end, second attachment means for attaching the second end to a first valve connected to the pipeline, and first and second ports disposed through the sidewall to provide communication to the central passageway, the first and second ports configured to operatively couple with test equipment configured for testing the operation of the pressure switch; a test valve configured for operatively coupling to one of the first and second ports; a pressure gauge configured for operatively coupling to the other of the first and second ports; and the first valve configured for operatively coupling the second end to a tee coupler disposed on the pipeline. 
         [0010]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the first and second attachment means further comprise threads configured for threadably coupling the main body to the pressure switch and to the pipeline or to the valve, respectively. 
         [0011]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the main body can further comprise two substantially parallel flattened surfaces disposed on the sidewall of the main body wherein a wrench can engage the flattened surfaces to rotate the main body. 
         [0012]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the main body can further comprise at least one set screw disposed near the first end, the at least one set screw configured to secure the pressure switch to the main body when the pressure switch is operatively attached to the main body via the first attachment means. 
         [0013]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the main body can further comprise, or be integrated with, a pressure switch trim. 
         [0014]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the main body can further comprise, or be integrated with, a pressure switch housing body. 
         [0015]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a method is provided for testing a pressure switch configured for monitoring the pressure of hydrocarbons flowing through a pipeline comprising a tee coupler disposed thereon, the method comprising the steps of: providing a system for the testing the pressure switch, the system comprising: a ported bushing, further comprising a tubular main body further comprising first and second ends, and a sidewall thereby forming a central passageway between the first and second ends, first attachment means for attaching the pressure switch to the first end, second attachment means for attaching the second end to a first valve connected to the pipeline, and first and second ports disposed through the sidewall to provide communication to the central passageway, the first and second ports configured to operatively couple with test equipment configured for testing the operation of the pressure switch, a test valve configured for operatively coupling to one of the first and second ports, a pressure gauge configured for operatively coupling to the other of the first and second ports, and the first valve configured for operatively coupling the second end to a tee coupler disposed on the pipeline; installing the system between the pressure switch and the tee coupler, wherein: the first valve is operatively coupled to the tee coupler, the ported bushing is operatively coupled to the first valve, the test valve is operatively coupled to one of the of the first and second ports wherein the test valve is in communication with the central passageway, the test valve initially in a closed position, the pressure gauge is operatively coupled to the other of the first and second ports wherein the pressure gauge is in communication with the central passageway, and the pressure switch is operatively coupled to the ported bushing; closing the first valve; attaching a source of gas or fluid that can be pumped to the test valve and opening the test valve; pumping the gas or fluid into the ported bushing wherein the pressure of the gas or fluid in the ported bushing increases until the pressure switch operates; and reading the pressure gauge after the pressure switch operates to obtain a pressure reading displayed thereon. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a cross-section front elevation view depicting one embodiment of a ported bushing where the ported bushing is integrated with a pressure switch trim. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a cross-section side elevation view depicting the ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a cross-section front elevation view depicting an alternate embodiment of a ported bushing. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a cross-section side elevation view depicting the ported bushing of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a partial cross-section side elevation view depicting the ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim of  FIG. 1  connected to a pipeline via a valve and tee connection. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a cross-section side elevation view depicting the ported bushing of  FIG. 3  connected to a pipeline via a valve and tee connection. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a cross-section front elevation view depicting an alternate embodiment of a ported bushing where the ported bushing is integrated with a pressure switch housing body. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a cross-section side elevation view depicting the ported pressure switch housing body of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a cross-section side elevation view depicting the ported pressure switch housing body of  FIG. 7  connected to a pipeline via a valve and tee connection. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one embodiment of ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  is shown. In this embodiment, ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  can comprise substantially tubular main body  2  having sidewall  3  extending between pressure switch end  5  to valve end  7 , thereby forming central passageway  18  extending therebetween. In some embodiments, main body  2  can comprise pressure switch body port  4  for receiving a pressure switch body (not shown) by threading the pressure switch body into threads  6 . In some embodiments, ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  can further comprise at least one set screw holes  20  and  26 , having threads  24  and  28 , respectively, disposed through sidewall  3  to receive set screws to further secure the pressure switch body in pressure switch body port  4 . 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  can further comprise test port  8  and test port  12  extending through sidewall  3  to provide communication with central passageway  18 . Test ports  8  and  12  can further comprise threads  10  and  14 , respectively. In some embodiments, test ports  8  and  12  can be configured to receive test equipment for testing a pressure switch operatively connected to ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1 , as described in more detail below. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  can comprise end threads  16  disposed on valve end  7  for threading ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  into a valve (not shown) having a standard-sized threaded opening as well known to those skilled in the art, such as 1 inch, 1½ inch, 2 inch and so on. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  can further comprise substantially parallel flat surfaces  22  and  30  deposed on main body  2  near pressure switch end  5  for receiving a wrench to turn ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  into or out of a threaded fitting (not shown) as well known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an alternate embodiment of a ported bushing, represented by reference numeral  34 , is shown. In some embodiments, ported bushing  34  can comprise substantially tubular main body  2  having further comprising sidewall  3  extending between pressure switch end  5  and valve end thereby forming central passageway  32  extending therebetween for receiving a pressure switch housing, such as the pressure switch housing illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,351,926 issued 1 Apr. 2008, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, by threading the pressure switch housing into threads  6 . In some embodiments, ported bushing  34  can comprise pressure switch end  5  configured as the same size as valve end  7 . This can allow ported bushing  34  to be inserted or installed between a pressure switch and a fitting or coupling to which the pressure switch would otherwise be directly coupled to. Similar to the embodiment of ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , ported bushing  34  can comprise threads  6  for receiving a pressure switch housing, end threads  16  for coupling to a valve or fitting, and threaded test ports  8  and  12 , further comprising threads  10  and  14  respectively, extending through sidewall  3  to provide communication with central passageway  32 , and for receiving test equipment to test the operation of a pressure switch coupled to ported bushing  34 . 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an embodiment of how ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  can be installed between pressure switch body  37  and pipeline  50  is shown. In some embodiments, pipeline  50  can comprise tee coupler  44  wherein pipeline  50  can be threaded into threaded openings  49  disposed on tee coupler  44 , as well known to those skilled in the art. Valve  42  can be coupled to tee coupler  44  by threading threaded end  46  into threaded opening  48 . In some embodiments, valve  42  can comprise a ball valve mechanism, which can be operated by turning handle  45  disposed thereon, as well known to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, valve  42  can comprise any other functionally equivalent valve mechanism as well known to those skilled in the art including, but not limited to, globe valves, compression valves, butterfly valves, gate valves, choke valves, rising stem valves or non-rising stem valves. Ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  can be coupled to valve  42  by threading end threads  16  of valve end  7  into threaded opening  43 . Pressure switch body  37  can then be coupled to ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  by threading pressure switch body  37  into threads  6  disposed on pressure switch end  5  forming pressure switch  36 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , an embodiment of how ported bushing  34  can be installed between pressure switch  36  and pipeline  50  is shown. In some embodiments, pipeline  50  can comprise tee coupler  44  wherein pipeline  50  can be threaded into threaded openings  49  disposed on tee coupler  44 , as well known to those skilled in the art. Valve  42  can be coupled to tee coupler  44  by threading threaded end  46  into threaded opening  48 . In some embodiments, valve  42  can comprise a ball valve mechanism, which can be operated by turning handle  45  disposed thereon, as well known to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, valve  42  can comprise any other functionally equivalent valve mechanism as well known to those skilled in the art including, but not limited to, globe valves, compression valves, butterfly valves, gate valves, choke valves, rising stem valves or non-rising stem valves. Ported bushing  34  can be coupled to valve  42  by threading end threads  16  of valve end  7  into threaded opening  43 . Pressure switch  36  can then be coupled to ported bushing  34  by threading pressure switch  36  into threads  6  disposed on pressure switch end  5 . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 to 9 , an alternate embodiment of a ported bushing integrated with, or otherwise further comprising, a pressure switch housing body, represented by reference numeral  41 , is shown. In some embodiments, ported pressure switch housing body  41  can comprise sidewall  63  extending between pressure switch enclosure end  65  and valve end  67 , with sidewall  63  extended in length such that main body  62  can form an integrated body housing capable of receiving a pressure switch enclosure  77 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . Internal chamber  64  can further be configured to receive and house pressure switch components therein (not shown), and can be sealed or otherwise isolated from central passageway  78 . Valve end  67  can be configured to provide communication to central passageway  78  and can allow fluids to pass thereto. Similar to the embodiment of ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and the embodiment of ported bushing  34  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , ported pressure switch housing body  41  can comprise threads  66  for receiving a pressure switch enclosure  77 , end threads  76  for coupling to a valve or fitting, and threaded test ports  8  and  12 , further comprising threads  10  and  14  respectively, extending through sidewall  63  to provide communication with central passageway  78 , and for receiving test equipment to test the operation of a pressure switch coupled to ported bushing with integrated pressure switch housing body  41 . 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, ported pressure switch housing  41  can further comprise substantially parallel flat surfaces  82  and  90  deposed on main body  62  for receiving a wrench to turn ported pressure switch housing body  41  into or out of a threaded fitting (not shown) as well known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , an embodiment of how ported pressure switch housing body  41  can be installed between pressure switch enclosure  77  and pipeline  50  is shown. In some embodiments, pipeline  50  can comprise tee coupler  44  wherein pipeline  50  can be threaded into threaded openings  49  disposed on tee coupler  44 , as well known to those skilled in the art. Valve  42  can be coupled to tee coupler  44  by threading threaded end  46  into threaded opening  48 . In some embodiments, valve  42  can comprise a ball valve mechanism, which can be operated by turning handle  45  disposed thereon, as well known to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, valve  42  can comprise any other functionally equivalent valve mechanism as well known to those skilled in the art including, but not limited to, globe valves, compression valves, butterfly valves, gate valves, choke valves, rising stem valves or non-rising stem valves. Ported pressure switch housing body  41  can be coupled to valve  42  by threading end threads  76  of valve end  67  into threaded opening  43 . Pressure switch enclosure  77  can then be coupled to ported pressure switch housing body  41  by threading pressure switch enclosure  77  into threads  66  disposed on pressure switch end  65 , thereby forming pressure switch  36 . 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, test equipment can be coupled to test ports  8  and  12  for testing the operation of pressure switch  36 . This test equipment can include test valve  38  operatively coupled to one of test ports  8  and  12 , and pressure gauge operatively coupled to the other of test ports  8  and  12 . For illustrative purposes only, test valve  38  is shown coupled to test port  8  and pressure gauge  40  is shown coupled to test port  12  in  FIGS. 5 and 6  although it is obvious that test valve  38  and pressure gauge  40  can be coupled to test ports  12  and  8 , respectively. In some embodiments, test valve  38  can comprise a needle valve or a ball valve, or any other functionally equivalent valve mechanism as well known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0036]    In normal operation, ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  or ported bushing  34  or ported pressure switch housing body  41  can have one or both of test valve  38  and pressure gauge  40  installed in test ports  8  and  12 , wherein test valve  38  is closed or turned off. In other embodiments, ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  or ported bushing or ported pressure switch housing body  41  can simply have threaded plugs or bolts threaded into one or both of test ports  8  and  12  to close them off. In operation, test ports  8  and  12  would be closed off, either with plugs or with test valve  38  and pressure gauge  40  installed therein, and valve  42  would be open to allow fluids flowing through pipeline  50  to be in communication with pressure switch  36 . 
         [0037]    When pressure switch  36  is to be tested, valve  42  is closed by operating handle  45 . If the ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  or ported bushing  34  or ported pressure switch housing body  41  only had plugs installed in test ports  8  and  12 , the plugs can be removed and test valve  38  and pressure gauge  40  installed therein. A source of gas or fluid that can be pumped can be coupled to threaded opening  39  of test valve  38 , which is initially closed. In some embodiments, a hand-operated pump, as well known to those skilled in the art, can be used to pump air or fluid from a reservoir or container. Test valve  38  can then be opened, and the pump can be operated to pump air or fluid into ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  or ported bushing  34  or ported pressure switch housing body  41  to increase the pressure of the gas or fluid that is in communication with pressure switch  36 . Pressure gauge  40  can provide a visual pressure reading of the gas or fluid in the ported bushing as the pump is being operated. The pump can be operated to increase the pressure of the gas or fluid in communication with pressure switch  36  until the pressure exceeds the pressure threshold set on pressure switch  36  and operates the electrical switch contained therein. When pressure switch  36  operates, pressure gauge  40  can provide a pressure reading that can represent the pressure required to operate pressure switch  36 . With this information, an operator can then determine whether the pressure threshold setting on pressure switch  36  is properly set in accordance with the specifications that pressure switch  36  is expected to operate under, or whether the threshold setting on pressure switch  36  needs to be adjusted to bring it in compliance with those specifications. 
         [0038]    To return pressure switch  36  back to normal operation, test valve  38  can be closed and the pump removed therefrom. In some embodiments, one or both of test valve  38  and pressure gauge  40  can be removed from test ports  8  and  12 , and have the plugs reinstalled. In other embodiments, one or both of test valve  38  and pressure gauge  40  can be left installed in test ports  8  and  12 . Valve  42  can be opened to allow pressure switch  36  to monitor the pressure of fluids or gas flowing through pipeline  50 . 
         [0039]    While  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  9  illustrate valve  42  coupled directly to tee coupler  44 , ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  or ported bushing  34  or ported pressure switch housing body  41  directly coupled to valve  42 , and pressure switch  36  directly coupled to ported bushing with integrated pressure switch trim  1  or ported bushing  34  or ported pressure switch housing body  41 , it is obvious to those skilled in the art that, in other embodiments, each of these components can be separated, but still remain operatively connected to one another, by other fittings, valves, sections of pipe or other pipeline equipment as well known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0040]    Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the invention is defined and limited only by the claims that follow.