Pipe coupling

• US 20060096641A1
• Filed: 07/24/2003
• Published: 05/11/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: David Williams
• Original Assignee: David Williams
• Inventors: Williams, David
• Granted Patent: US 7,591,192 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/597
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 23/006 Attachments
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/42 Orifices or nozzles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87249 Multiple inlet with multiple outlet

Abstract

A pipe coupling flange (16) comprising a central bore and having first and second ports for receiving valves and a plurality of channels, wherein a take-off channel links the first port with the central bore, a feed channel links the first port directly or indirectly with the second port; and wherein the second port links directly or indirectly with the exterior of the flange. Across two pipe flanges (16), an fixed directly to the periphery of each flange there may be a Bridge (30). The bridge (30) may be capable of having process media (24) monitoring devices fixed directly to it.

Claims

1. A pipe coupling flange comprising a central bore and having first and second ports for receiving valves and a plurality of channels, wherein a take-off channel links the first port with the central bore, a feed channel links the first port directly or indirectly with the second port;

and wherein the second port links directly or indirectly with the exterior of the flange.

2. A pipe coupling flange as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a third port connected directly or indirectly to the first or second port via one or more feed channels.

3. A pipe coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pipe coupling is provided with a fourth port adapted to receive a pipe joint and a feed channel connecting the third port with the fourth port.

4. A pipe coupling flange as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ports of the pipe coupling are adapted to receive rising stem valves.

5. A pipe coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ports are adapted to receive in-line valves.

6. A pipe coupling flange as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a transducer.

7. A pipe coupling flange as claimed in claim 6, wherein the transducer is connected to an outlet channel of the pipe coupling.

8. A pipe coupling flange as claimed in claim 6, wherein the transducer is connected directly to the pipe coupling.

9. A pipe coupling flange as claimed in claim 6, wherein the transducer is connected to the pipe coupling indirectly by way of a bridge element.

10. A pipe coupling flange as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bridge is manufactured of metal.

11. A pipe coupling flange as claimed in claim 10, wherein the bridge is manufactured of steel.

12. A pipe coupling flange as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bridge is adapted to receive industry standard transducers.

13. A pipe coupling flange as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bridge incorporates an industry standard footprint for receiving a transducer.

14. A pipe coupling flange as claimed in claim 1, when the flange is formed integrally with a process pipe.

15. A pipe coupling flange as claimed in claim 1, when the flange comprises a collar element.

16. A pipe coupling flange as claimed in claim 15, wherein the collar element is adapted to slidably engage with a process pipe.

17. A pipe coupling flange as claimed in claim 15, wherein the collar element is adapted for welded connection to a process pipe.

18. A pipe coupling assembly comprising two adjacent pipe coupling flanges as claimed in claim 1.

19. A pipe coupling assembly as claimed in claim 18, further comprising an orifice plate located between the adjacent pipe coupling flanges.

20. A pipe coupling assembly as claimed in claim 18, further comprising a bridge and a transducer, the bridge having channels therein for connecting at least one port of the at least one pipe coupling flanges with the inlet ports of the transducer.

21. A pipe coupling assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein the transducer is a differential pressure sensor and the bridge has channels that connect at least one port of each pipe coupling flange with a respective port of the transducer.

22. A pipe coupling comprising of two bolted pipe flanges, rising stem type valves, an interconnecting “

Bridge”

, an orifice plate and pipe gaskets or rings, which allows the installation of process media monitoring devices directly on to the process pipe work.

23. A kit of parts comprising;

one or more a pipe coupling flanges comprising a pipe with a central bore having a flange integrally formed therewith, the flange having first, second and third ports for receiving valves and a plurality of channels, wherein a take-off channel links the first port with the central bore, feed channels link the first port directly or indirectly with the second and third ports; and

wherein the second and third ports link directly or indirectly with the exterior of the flange; and

a bridge having one or more channels therein for connecting at least one port of the at least one pipe coupling flanges with a transducer.

24. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 23 further comprising a transducer.

25. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 23 comprising two pipe coupling flanges, an orifice plate and a transducer, wherein the transducer is a differential pressure sensor.

26. A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 23, wherein the kit of parts is assembled and tested to industry standards.

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)