Abstract: A safety enclosure includes an adaptor arranged to attach to a cartridge or product barrel of a pumping system. The adaptor defines an axial bore and an outer radial surface. The outer radial surface defines a first plurality of radial ridges and a plurality of gaps extending in an axial direction between groupings of the first radial ridges. A cap includes a radial inner surface defining a receiving space and a second plurality of radial ridges. The receiving space is arranged to receive an upper portion of the adaptor and the second radial ridges are arranged to selectively mate with and engage the first radial ridges of the adaptor. A locking system includes a locking arm movably attached to the cap and including a lock piece arranged to selectively protrude into the receiving space to lock the first radial ridges in engagement with the second radial ridges.

Abstract: A safety isolation plug fitting for detecting pressurized fluid in a pipe may include a body defining an inlet adapted to be in fluid communication with the pipe, an outlet, and a passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet. A valve assembly may be seated in the passageway and movable between a closed position in which fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet is inhibited, and an open position in which a pressurized fluid in the pipe can flow between the inlet and the outlet. A flow deflector can be in fluid communication with said outlet that is configured to redirect at least a portion of the pressurized fluid exiting said outlet in direction away from a user.

Abstract: A safety enclosure includes an adaptor arranged to attach to a cartridge or product barrel of a pumping system. The adaptor defines an axial bore and an outer radial surface. The outer radial surface defines a first plurality of radial ridges and a plurality of gaps extending in an axial direction between groupings of the first radial ridges. A cap includes a radial inner surface defining a receiving space and a second plurality of radial ridges. The receiving space is arranged to receive an upper portion of the adaptor and the second radial ridges are arranged to selectively mate with and engage the first radial ridges of the adaptor. A locking system includes a locking arm movably attached to the cap and including a lock piece arranged to selectively protrude into the receiving space to lock the first radial ridges in engagement with the second radial ridges.

Abstract: A safety isolation plug fitting for detecting pressurized fluid in a pipe may include a body defining an inlet adapted to be in fluid communication with the pipe, an outlet, and a passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet. A valve assembly may be seated in the passageway and movable between a closed position in which fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet is inhibited, and an open position in which a pressurized fluid in the pipe can flow between the inlet and the outlet. A flow deflector can be in fluid communication with said outlet that is configured to redirect at least a portion of the pressurized fluid exiting said outlet in direction away from a user.

Abstract: A system for pressure testing the joints and walls of a production pipe includes a fluid system component that can be disposed at a first end of the production pipe so as to seal off the first end of the production pipe. The fluid system component prevents the flow of fluid out of the first end of the production pipe when the pressure within the production pipe is below a predetermined level. The fluid system component includes a sacrificial element that is adapted for preferential failure when the pressure within the production pipe exceeds the predetermined level. Upon failure of the sacrificial element, fluid is able to flow out of the production pipe through the fluid system component. The system may also include a test plug that prevents the activation of a drain component in the production pipe during the pressure testing of the production pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a pig into a fluid system is provided. The method comprises providing a coupling in a fluid system. The coupling itself can include a sleeve coupled to a pipe and an end cap. The end cap may include a collar handle and at least one engagement member. The engagement member facilitates selective engagement of the end cap with the sleeve. The end cap is rotated relative to the sleeve to disengage the engagement member from the groove and to open the end cap relative to the sleeve. The groove is configured so that the engagement member can be opened only when the line is de-pressurized. A pig is inserted through the sleeve and into the pipe. The end cap is then coupled to the sleeve by engaging the engagement member with the sleeve and rotating the end cap relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A pipe coupling connects two fluid system components, such as two pipes, so that fluid can flow therethrough. The coupling is a ball and socket type articulating joint that is configured to allow one or both of the connected pipes to move relative to one another without compromising the integrity of the fluid system. The pipe coupling includes a sealing compartment in which packing material is disposed. The packing material can limit or prevent the development of leak between the components of the pipe coupling. The pipe coupling includes an injector port that can be used to inject additional packing material into the sealing compartment to repair any developed leaks.

Abstract: A system for pressure testing the joints and walls of a production pipe includes a fluid system component that can be disposed at a first end of the production pipe so as to seal off the first end of the production pipe. The fluid system component prevents the flow of fluid out of the first end of the production pipe when the pressure within the production pipe is below a predetermined level. The fluid system component includes a sacrificial element that is adapted for preferential failure when the pressure within the production pipe exceeds the predetermined level. Upon failure of the sacrificial element, fluid is able to flow out of the production pipe through the fluid system component. The system may also include a test plug that prevents the activation of a drain component in the production pipe during the pressure testing of the production pipe.

Abstract: A fluid system component includes first and second elements configured to be removably engaged with each other to define a fluid passageway. The first element defines at least one groove. Correspondingly, the second element includes at least one engagement member configured to be received in a corresponding groove. The presence of a line pressure in the passageway substantially forecloses disengagement of the first and second elements until the fluid pressure in the fluid passageway has decreased to a predetermined magnitude. A handling and locking mechanism for selectively securing the second element relative to the first element is included. The locking mechanism includes a pin controlled by a crank arm assembly adjacent a collar handle. The crank arm assembly includes a crank arm handle that rotates to withdrawn the pin from the second element and which facilitates rotation of the first element relative to the second element.

Abstract: A fluid system component is provided that includes first and second elements configured to be removably engaged with each other and defining a fluid passageway when engaged. The first element defines at least one groove. Correspondingly, the second element includes at least one engagement member configured and arranged to be received in, and travel along, a corresponding groove. The presence of a line pressure in the passageway substantially forecloses disengagement of the first and second elements until the fluid pressure in the fluid passageway has decreased to a predetermined magnitude. A handling and locking mechanism for selectively securing the second element relative to the first element is included. The locking mechanism includes a movable pin controlled by a pin handle adjacent a collar handle. The pin and collar handles can be gripped simultaneously by the same hand of a user to release the first element relative to the second element.

Abstract: A fluid system component is provided that includes first and second elements configured to be removably engaged with each other and defining a fluid passageway when engaged. The first element defines at least one groove. Correspondingly, the second element includes at least one engagement member configured and arranged to be received in, and travel along, a corresponding groove. The presence of a predetermined line pressure in the fluid passageway forces each engagement member into the terminal portion of the corresponding groove, so as to substantially foreclose disengagement of the first and second elements until the fluid pressure in the fluid passageway has reached a predetermined magnitude. The fluid system component includes means for selectively securing the second element, such as a collar, in relation to the first element, such as a sleeve, when the first element is received within the second element.

Abstract: A quick disconnect valve assembly includes first and second valve elements configured to releasably engage each other. Each valve element includes a housing that defines a valve seat and a fluid passageway. A plunger is disposed within each housing and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding valve seat. Each plunger is biased into a sealing engagement with the valve seat by a resilient element disposed within the housing. Consequently, the fluid passageway of each valve element is closed off when the first and second valve elements are separated from each other. When the valve elements are engaged, the respective biases associated with the plungers counteract each other to the extent that each plunger is lifted off the corresponding valve seat and fluid communication is established between the respective fluid passageways of the first and second valve elements.

Abstract: A fluid system component is provided that includes first and second elements configured to be removably engaged with each other to define a fluid passageway. The first element defines at least one groove. Correspondingly, the second element includes at least one engagement member configured to be received in a corresponding groove. The presence of a line pressure in the passageway substantially forecloses disengagement of the first and second elements until the fluid pressure in the fluid passageway has decreased to a predetermined magnitude. A handling and locking mechanism for selectively securing the second element relative to the first element is included. The locking mechanism includes a pin controlled by a crank arm assembly adjacent a collar handle. The crank arm assembly includes a crank arm handle that rotates to withdrawn the pin from the second element and which facilitates rotation of the first element relative to the second element.

Abstract: A pipe coupling connects two fluid system components, such as two pipes, so that fluid can flow therethrough. The coupling is a ball and socket type articulating joint that is configured to allow one or both of the connected pipes to move relative to one another without compromising the integrity of the fluid system. The pipe coupling includes a sealing compartment in which packing material is disposed. The packing material can limit or prevent the development of leak between the components of the pipe coupling. The pipe coupling includes an injector port that can be used to inject additional packing material into the sealing compartment to repair any developed leaks.

Abstract: A fluid system component is provided that includes first and second elements configured to be removably engaged with each other and defining a fluid passageway when engaged. The first element defines three grooves, each of which includes a terminal portion. Correspondingly, the second element includes three engagement members each of which is configured and arranged to be received in, and travel along, a corresponding groove. The presence of a predetermined line pressure in the fluid passageway forces each engagement member into the terminal portion of the corresponding groove, so as to substantially foreclose disengagement of the first and second elements until the fluid pressure in the fluid passageway has reached a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a pig into a fluid system is provided. The method comprises providing a coupling in a fluid system. The coupling itself can include a sleeve coupled to a pipe and an end cap. The end cap may include a collar handle and at least one engagement member. The engagement member facilitates selective engagement of the end cap with the sleeve. The end cap is rotated relative to the sleeve to disengage the engagement member from the groove and to open the end cap relative to the sleeve. The groove is configured so that the engagement member can be opened only when the line is de-pressurized. A pig is inserted through the sleeve and into the pipe. The end cap is then coupled to the sleeve by engaging the engagement member with the sleeve and rotating the end cap relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A stuffing box for sealing around a shaft. The stuffing box includes a seal which engages the circumferential surface of a shaft and creates a fluid seal therearound. The stuffing box also includes a wear indicator that can be used to provide an audible, visual or tactile indication that the seal has deteriorated a predetermined amount. An additional stuffing box is disclosed in which wedge inserts are used to create an effective fluid seal around a shaft. The stuffing box includes lower and upper housings, each including a seal. In each seal, a wedge insert is placed within tapered packing and compresses the packing against a shaft received within the housings, and against an internal surface of the housings. The packings can be placed on a platform ring that uses a spring to exert a biasing force further compressing the packings against the wedge and against the shaft and housing.

Abstract: A fluid system component is provided that includes first and second elements configured to be removably engaged with each other and defining a fluid passageway when engaged. The first element defines at least one groove. Correspondingly, the second element includes at least one engagement member configured and arranged to be received in, and travel along, a corresponding groove. The presence of a line pressure in the passageway substantially forecloses disengagement of the first and second elements until the fluid pressure in the fluid passageway has decreased to a predetermined magnitude. A handling and locking mechanism for selectively securing the second element relative to the first element is included. The locking mechanism includes a movable pin controlled by a pin handle adjacent a collar handle. The pin and collar handles can be gripped simultaneously by the same hand of a user to release the first element relative to the second element.

Abstract: A fluid system component is provided that is implemented as a section of metal pipe having a predetermined wall thickness and including a sacrificial element intended to preferentially fail upon the occurrence of certain predefined conditions. The sacrificial element takes the form of a window of predetermined geometry that covers an opening defined in the wall of the pipe. The window is configured to have a thickness substantially less than the wall thickness of the pipe, but nonetheless sufficiently great that the window remains materially unaffected by normal system operating conditions to which it is exposed. When the window is exposed to a pressure differential of predetermined magnitude, typically much greater than normal system operating pressures, the relatively thin window ruptures and permits the pressurized material, either inside or outside the pipe, to flow through the rupture.

Abstract: A fluid system component is provided that includes first and second elements configured to be removably engaged with each other and defining a fluid passageway when engaged. The first element defines at least one groove. Correspondingly, the second element includes at least one engagement member configured and arranged to be received in, and travel along, a corresponding groove. The presence of a predetermined line pressure in the fluid passageway forces each engagement member into the terminal portion of the corresponding groove, so as to substantially foreclose disengagement of the first and second elements until the fluid pressure in the fluid passageway has reached a predetermined magnitude. The fluid system component includes means for selectively securing the second element, such as a collar, in relation to the first element, such as a sleeve, when the first element is received within the second element.