CA2044315C - Fluid flow monitor - Google Patents
Fluid flow monitorInfo
- Publication number
- CA2044315C CA2044315C CA002044315A CA2044315A CA2044315C CA 2044315 C CA2044315 C CA 2044315C CA 002044315 A CA002044315 A CA 002044315A CA 2044315 A CA2044315 A CA 2044315A CA 2044315 C CA2044315 C CA 2044315C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- support members
- monitor
- electrically conductive
- connecting means
- rupture disc
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Landscapes
- Safety Valves (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Electric Means (AREA)
Abstract
A fluid flow monitor has two spaced annular electrically conductive support members with an annular insulating spacer member between them. A conductive member extends diametrically across from one side of one supporting member to the other side of the other supporting member.
The ends of the conductive member are releasably connected to the support members. At one end the conductive member is pushed under a strap, the end being pulled out on deformation of the conductive member on occurrence of fluid flow for example when the rupture disc bursts. If otherwise undamaged, the monitor can be reset by repositioning the conductive member and pushing the end back under the strap.
Electrical terminal are connected to the support member.
The ends of the conductive member are releasably connected to the support members. At one end the conductive member is pushed under a strap, the end being pulled out on deformation of the conductive member on occurrence of fluid flow for example when the rupture disc bursts. If otherwise undamaged, the monitor can be reset by repositioning the conductive member and pushing the end back under the strap.
Electrical terminal are connected to the support member.
Description
204431~
FLUID FLOW MONITOR
This invention relates to fluid flow monitors, and particularly, but not exclusively, to rupture disc monitors, that is monitors which will give some form of indication that a rupture disc has ruptured or burst. In particular the present invention relates to a monitor in which the active member is readily replaced without the holding structure being replaced.
It has been proposed to monitor rupture discs so that an indication of rupture can be obtained. Rupture discs are frequently installed under relief valves to prevent pollution by leakage and to ensure correct operation when needed. Unfortunately, when a pressure surge results in a relief valve opening, the rupture disc below it is destroyed. After the valve recloses, it often leaks, with a resultant pollution problem, particularly in chemical plants and oil refineries. Also flow monitors can be used to detect, and indicate flow downstream of a valve which is suppose to be closed.
Various forms of monitor or indicator exists. One example is a light beam monitor in which flow interrupts the light beam, giving indication of rupture, for example.
Another form uses paddles which are deflected by flow such as through a ruptured disc. These paddles can be damaged by sudden flows and need replacing. In other forms electrical paths are formed which are broken on flow of a fluid.
Electrical feed members or items, are often supplied as part of a rupture disc assembly itself and is at least difficult to retrofit to existing installations.
204~:315 The various forms of monitors or indicators suffer from one or more disadvantages. The actual installation can be expensive. The associated equipment, for example, the light beam monitor, is expensive and requires some place to position the light producing and beam monitoring apparatus.
Replacement can often be difficult and may require replacement of a complete unit, which is inefficient.
The present invention provides a fluid flow indicator or monitor which uses an electrically conductive member which is moved on flow fluid, such as a rupture of a disc or other unintended flow, to break an electrical path, and in which the electrically conductive member is either repositioned or replaced, in a very simple and cost effective manner. Monitors or indicators in accordance with the present invention can readily be installed in existing pipe lines and existing rupture disc assemblies, with only an electrical connection to a central monitoring position.
Broadly, a fluid flow monitor, in accordance with the invention, comprises a pair of electrically conductive annular support members, an electrically insulating annular spacing member between the annular supporting members, a first connecting means on one annular support member, a second connecting means on the other annular support member diametrically opposed to the first connecting means, an electrically conductive member releasably extending between the first and second connecting means and releasably connected thereto, and electrical connection means on each of the annular support members.
Conveniently the annular support members are formed of electrically conductive material, but could also be of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, with an 3 20443 ~ 5 electrically conductive surface or layer thereon.
In position, when the angular support members are formed of electrically conductive material, preferably electrically insulating members, for example, gaskets, are positioned between the annular support members and the associated piping.
The invention also provides a rupture disc assembly including a rupture disc and an indicator or monitor in accordance with the invention.
The invention will be readily understood by the following description of certain embodiments, by way of example, in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure l is a plan view one form of indicator or monitor;
Figure 2 is a side view of Figure l;
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a connecting means, in the circle A of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a cross-section on the line 4-4 of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a cross-section on the line 5-5 of Figure 1, on an enlarged scale;
Figure 6 is an exploded vertical cross-section through a rupture disc assembly incorporating the nvent lon .
As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a fluid flow indicator or monitor, hereinafter referred to as a monitor, is indicated generally at 10. As particularly seen in Figure 2, the monitor comprises two annular support members 11 and 12 with a further annular member 13 positioned .. ~, 204431~
between members 11 and 12. In the example, the members 11, 12 and 13 are circular and an electrically conductive member 14 extends diametrically. Conveniently member 14 is of an electrically conductive material for example metal.
A first connecting means 15 is provided on one support member 11, and a second connecting means 16 is provided on the other supporting member 12. The connecting means 15 and 16 are diametrically positioned to receive the ends of the electrically conductive member 14.
In the example the support members are of electrically conductive material, for example steel and the member 13 is an electrically insulating member. Terminals 17 are connected to the support members 11 and 12.
The attachment or connection of the ends of the conductive member 14 is illustrated more clearly in Figures 3 and 4 and in Figure 5. In Figure 5, which can be considered as a "fixed" connectionj the end 20 of the member 14, conveniently of reduced width, extends up through a first slot 21 in the support member 11, then along the top surface of the support member and down through a second slot 22, the end being bent over at 23.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate what can be considered as a "breaking connection". The end 25 of the member 14, again conveniently reduced in width, is slid in under a strap 26 spot welded at each end, for example, as indicated at 27, on the support member 12. In Figure 4 the strap is shown with exaggerated clearance, for clarity. In actual use, the end 25 of the member 14 would be a close sliding fit under the strap for good electrical contact. Reducing the width of the ends 20 and 25, enables a wide center portion to be ~044315 provided, to maximize the area exposed to fluid flow.
As can be seen in the Figures, a recess 28 is cut into the inner periphery of the support member 12 at the position of the first connecting means 15 and a recess 28 is cut into the inner periphery of the support member 11 at the position of the second connecting means 16. This eases access to these positions for installing or replacing a member 14.
Other means can be used for attaching the member 14.
For example, at the "fixed" connection end, screws, soldering, or even welding can be used. At the "breaking"
end, other ways of forming a slot can be used.
When the monitor 10 is inserted into the pipework, gaskets 13 are positioned on either side of the monitor assembly. The gaskets, when the support members 11 and 12 are of electrically conducting material, electrically insulate the support members from the pipework. If the support members are of non-conductive material with conducting surfaces, then the gaskets act only as sealing members.
In one particular use a monitor 10 would be installed downstream of a rupture disc, that is on the side of a rupture disc remote from the fluid being retained. On rupture of the disc, fluid flow will distort the member 14 pulling the end 25 out from under the strap 26, breaking the electrical connection. This results in a signal at the terminals 17. This signal can be a stoppage of electrical current flow or some other indication of loss of connection.
Figure 6 illustrates, in an exploded cross-section, a rupture disc assembly incorporating a monitor in accordance ~04431S
with the present invention. A pipe 35 has a flange 36. The flange and pipe structure can vary. A plurality of holes 37 are formed in the flange. In sequence from the flange and pipe is an assembly comprising an annular ring 38, a rupture disc 39 and a further annular ring 40. This is followed by the monitor assembly comprising gasket 30, support member 12, spacing member 13, support member 11 and a gasket 30.
There is then another flange 41 on a pipe 42. Again the structure of pipe 42 and flange 41 can vary. In the example flanges 36 and 41 are welded to the pipes 35 and 42. Bolts, not shown, extend through the annular rings 38 and 40 and flange 41. The monitor assembly is dimensioned for the outside diameter to fit just inside the bolts which clamp the monitor assembly and the rupture disc assembly in a fluid tight manner, the bolts positioning the monitor assembly.
Pipe 35 is normally connected to a pressurized process pipeline and pipe 42 is normally connected by a relief valve.
In the example illustrated, the rupture disc 39 is of the reverse buckling type.
After shut-off of the fluid flow in the system, the rupture disc assembly is opened for installation of a new rupture disc. At the same time member 14 can be moved to its correct position and end 25 reinserted under the strap 26. If the member 14 is damaged beyond reuse, by the fluid flow or rupture, or from some other cause, a new member is easily inserted. This is done by pushing end 20 up through slot 21 and then down through slot 22, finally being bent over. The other end 25 is then pushed under strap 26.
A fluid flow monitor, as in Figures 1-5 and described above can also be installed in pipe work downstream of a valve in which monitoring of an unintended opening is desired. By use of a monitor, should the valve be left open, after servicing for example, or opened by error, this will be detected immediately fluid flow occurs.
The monitor is very easy to install and is an inexpensive device. It can readily be retrofitted to existing pipework and rupture disc assemblies whether or not there is already some other form of monitor.
FLUID FLOW MONITOR
This invention relates to fluid flow monitors, and particularly, but not exclusively, to rupture disc monitors, that is monitors which will give some form of indication that a rupture disc has ruptured or burst. In particular the present invention relates to a monitor in which the active member is readily replaced without the holding structure being replaced.
It has been proposed to monitor rupture discs so that an indication of rupture can be obtained. Rupture discs are frequently installed under relief valves to prevent pollution by leakage and to ensure correct operation when needed. Unfortunately, when a pressure surge results in a relief valve opening, the rupture disc below it is destroyed. After the valve recloses, it often leaks, with a resultant pollution problem, particularly in chemical plants and oil refineries. Also flow monitors can be used to detect, and indicate flow downstream of a valve which is suppose to be closed.
Various forms of monitor or indicator exists. One example is a light beam monitor in which flow interrupts the light beam, giving indication of rupture, for example.
Another form uses paddles which are deflected by flow such as through a ruptured disc. These paddles can be damaged by sudden flows and need replacing. In other forms electrical paths are formed which are broken on flow of a fluid.
Electrical feed members or items, are often supplied as part of a rupture disc assembly itself and is at least difficult to retrofit to existing installations.
204~:315 The various forms of monitors or indicators suffer from one or more disadvantages. The actual installation can be expensive. The associated equipment, for example, the light beam monitor, is expensive and requires some place to position the light producing and beam monitoring apparatus.
Replacement can often be difficult and may require replacement of a complete unit, which is inefficient.
The present invention provides a fluid flow indicator or monitor which uses an electrically conductive member which is moved on flow fluid, such as a rupture of a disc or other unintended flow, to break an electrical path, and in which the electrically conductive member is either repositioned or replaced, in a very simple and cost effective manner. Monitors or indicators in accordance with the present invention can readily be installed in existing pipe lines and existing rupture disc assemblies, with only an electrical connection to a central monitoring position.
Broadly, a fluid flow monitor, in accordance with the invention, comprises a pair of electrically conductive annular support members, an electrically insulating annular spacing member between the annular supporting members, a first connecting means on one annular support member, a second connecting means on the other annular support member diametrically opposed to the first connecting means, an electrically conductive member releasably extending between the first and second connecting means and releasably connected thereto, and electrical connection means on each of the annular support members.
Conveniently the annular support members are formed of electrically conductive material, but could also be of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, with an 3 20443 ~ 5 electrically conductive surface or layer thereon.
In position, when the angular support members are formed of electrically conductive material, preferably electrically insulating members, for example, gaskets, are positioned between the annular support members and the associated piping.
The invention also provides a rupture disc assembly including a rupture disc and an indicator or monitor in accordance with the invention.
The invention will be readily understood by the following description of certain embodiments, by way of example, in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure l is a plan view one form of indicator or monitor;
Figure 2 is a side view of Figure l;
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a connecting means, in the circle A of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a cross-section on the line 4-4 of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a cross-section on the line 5-5 of Figure 1, on an enlarged scale;
Figure 6 is an exploded vertical cross-section through a rupture disc assembly incorporating the nvent lon .
As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a fluid flow indicator or monitor, hereinafter referred to as a monitor, is indicated generally at 10. As particularly seen in Figure 2, the monitor comprises two annular support members 11 and 12 with a further annular member 13 positioned .. ~, 204431~
between members 11 and 12. In the example, the members 11, 12 and 13 are circular and an electrically conductive member 14 extends diametrically. Conveniently member 14 is of an electrically conductive material for example metal.
A first connecting means 15 is provided on one support member 11, and a second connecting means 16 is provided on the other supporting member 12. The connecting means 15 and 16 are diametrically positioned to receive the ends of the electrically conductive member 14.
In the example the support members are of electrically conductive material, for example steel and the member 13 is an electrically insulating member. Terminals 17 are connected to the support members 11 and 12.
The attachment or connection of the ends of the conductive member 14 is illustrated more clearly in Figures 3 and 4 and in Figure 5. In Figure 5, which can be considered as a "fixed" connectionj the end 20 of the member 14, conveniently of reduced width, extends up through a first slot 21 in the support member 11, then along the top surface of the support member and down through a second slot 22, the end being bent over at 23.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate what can be considered as a "breaking connection". The end 25 of the member 14, again conveniently reduced in width, is slid in under a strap 26 spot welded at each end, for example, as indicated at 27, on the support member 12. In Figure 4 the strap is shown with exaggerated clearance, for clarity. In actual use, the end 25 of the member 14 would be a close sliding fit under the strap for good electrical contact. Reducing the width of the ends 20 and 25, enables a wide center portion to be ~044315 provided, to maximize the area exposed to fluid flow.
As can be seen in the Figures, a recess 28 is cut into the inner periphery of the support member 12 at the position of the first connecting means 15 and a recess 28 is cut into the inner periphery of the support member 11 at the position of the second connecting means 16. This eases access to these positions for installing or replacing a member 14.
Other means can be used for attaching the member 14.
For example, at the "fixed" connection end, screws, soldering, or even welding can be used. At the "breaking"
end, other ways of forming a slot can be used.
When the monitor 10 is inserted into the pipework, gaskets 13 are positioned on either side of the monitor assembly. The gaskets, when the support members 11 and 12 are of electrically conducting material, electrically insulate the support members from the pipework. If the support members are of non-conductive material with conducting surfaces, then the gaskets act only as sealing members.
In one particular use a monitor 10 would be installed downstream of a rupture disc, that is on the side of a rupture disc remote from the fluid being retained. On rupture of the disc, fluid flow will distort the member 14 pulling the end 25 out from under the strap 26, breaking the electrical connection. This results in a signal at the terminals 17. This signal can be a stoppage of electrical current flow or some other indication of loss of connection.
Figure 6 illustrates, in an exploded cross-section, a rupture disc assembly incorporating a monitor in accordance ~04431S
with the present invention. A pipe 35 has a flange 36. The flange and pipe structure can vary. A plurality of holes 37 are formed in the flange. In sequence from the flange and pipe is an assembly comprising an annular ring 38, a rupture disc 39 and a further annular ring 40. This is followed by the monitor assembly comprising gasket 30, support member 12, spacing member 13, support member 11 and a gasket 30.
There is then another flange 41 on a pipe 42. Again the structure of pipe 42 and flange 41 can vary. In the example flanges 36 and 41 are welded to the pipes 35 and 42. Bolts, not shown, extend through the annular rings 38 and 40 and flange 41. The monitor assembly is dimensioned for the outside diameter to fit just inside the bolts which clamp the monitor assembly and the rupture disc assembly in a fluid tight manner, the bolts positioning the monitor assembly.
Pipe 35 is normally connected to a pressurized process pipeline and pipe 42 is normally connected by a relief valve.
In the example illustrated, the rupture disc 39 is of the reverse buckling type.
After shut-off of the fluid flow in the system, the rupture disc assembly is opened for installation of a new rupture disc. At the same time member 14 can be moved to its correct position and end 25 reinserted under the strap 26. If the member 14 is damaged beyond reuse, by the fluid flow or rupture, or from some other cause, a new member is easily inserted. This is done by pushing end 20 up through slot 21 and then down through slot 22, finally being bent over. The other end 25 is then pushed under strap 26.
A fluid flow monitor, as in Figures 1-5 and described above can also be installed in pipe work downstream of a valve in which monitoring of an unintended opening is desired. By use of a monitor, should the valve be left open, after servicing for example, or opened by error, this will be detected immediately fluid flow occurs.
The monitor is very easy to install and is an inexpensive device. It can readily be retrofitted to existing pipework and rupture disc assemblies whether or not there is already some other form of monitor.
Claims (15)
1. A fluid flow monitor comprising:
two electrically conductive annular support members in axial alignment;
an electrically insulating annular member between said support members;
a first connecting means on one support member and a second connecting means on the other support member, the first and second connecting means being diametrically spaced on the support members;
an electrically conductive member extending between said first and second connecting means, and releasably connected thereto;
electrical connection means on each of said support members.
two electrically conductive annular support members in axial alignment;
an electrically insulating annular member between said support members;
a first connecting means on one support member and a second connecting means on the other support member, the first and second connecting means being diametrically spaced on the support members;
an electrically conductive member extending between said first and second connecting means, and releasably connected thereto;
electrical connection means on each of said support members.
2. A monitor as claimed in claim 1, each of said electrically conductive annular support members being of electrically conductive material.
3. A monitor as claimed in claim 1, said electrically conductive member being of metal.
4. A monitor as claimed in claim 1, said first connecting means comprising two slots extending through one of said support members, said slots being parallel and extending tangentially, one end of said electrically conductive member extending through a first of said slots, closest to an inner periphery of the said one of said support members, and extending back through the second of said slots.
5. A monitor as claimed in claim 4, said second connecting means comprising a strap attached to a surface of the other of said support members, said strap attached to form a thin slot between the strap and said surface, the other end of said electrically conductive members positioned in said thin slot.
6. A monitor as claimed in claim 5, said electrically conductive member being in the form of a strip, the ends of the strip being of a reduced width.
7. A monitor as claimed in claim 1, said electrical connection means comprising terminals, a terminal mounted on each support member.
8. A monitor as claimed in claim 5, said support members having aligned internal peripheral surfaces, including a recess in the internal peripheral surface of said other support member, the recess aligned with said first connecting means, and a recess in the internal peripheral surface of said one of said support members and aligned with said second connecting means.
9. A monitor as claimed in claim 1, including an electrically insulating annular gasket axially aligned with and exterior to each support member.
10. In combination a rupture disc assembly and a rupture disc monitor assembly, comprising;
a rupture disc assembly;
means for mounting said rupture disc assembly to a process pipe-line;
said rupture disc monitor mounted coaxially with said rupture disc assembly and including two electrically conductive annular support members in axial alignment;
an electrically insulating annular member between said support members;
a first connecting means on one support member and a second connecting means on the other support member, the first and second connecting means being diametrically spaced on the support members;
an electrically conductive member extending between said first and second connecting means, and releasably connected thereto;
electrical connection means on each of said support members.
a rupture disc assembly;
means for mounting said rupture disc assembly to a process pipe-line;
said rupture disc monitor mounted coaxially with said rupture disc assembly and including two electrically conductive annular support members in axial alignment;
an electrically insulating annular member between said support members;
a first connecting means on one support member and a second connecting means on the other support member, the first and second connecting means being diametrically spaced on the support members;
an electrically conductive member extending between said first and second connecting means, and releasably connected thereto;
electrical connection means on each of said support members.
11. The combination as claimed in claim 10, each of said electrically conductive annular support members being of electrically conductive material.
12. The combination as claimed in claim 10, said electrically conductive member being of metal.
13. The combination as claimed in claim 10, said first connecting means comprising two slots extending through one of said support members, said slots being parallel and extending tangentially, one of said electrically conductive member extending through a first of said slots, closest to an inner periphery of said one of said support members, and extending back through the second of said slots.
14. The combination as claimed in claim 13, said second connecting means comprising a strap attached to a surface of the other of said support members, said strap attached to form a thin slot between the strap and said surface. The other end of said electrically conductive member positioned in said thin slot.
15. The combination as claimed in claim 10, including a first electrically insulating annular gasket between said monitor and said rupture disc assembly and a second electrically insulating annular gasket between said monitor and said process pipe-line.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002044315A CA2044315C (en) | 1991-06-11 | 1991-06-11 | Fluid flow monitor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002044315A CA2044315C (en) | 1991-06-11 | 1991-06-11 | Fluid flow monitor |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2044315A1 CA2044315A1 (en) | 1992-12-12 |
| CA2044315C true CA2044315C (en) | 1997-12-02 |
Family
ID=4147785
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002044315A Expired - Lifetime CA2044315C (en) | 1991-06-11 | 1991-06-11 | Fluid flow monitor |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2044315C (en) |
-
1991
- 1991-06-11 CA CA002044315A patent/CA2044315C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2044315A1 (en) | 1992-12-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20110611 |