Abstract: A thermowell assembly (20) shown in FIG. 2 is positioned in a pipeline (10) for sensing the temperature of the fluid medium in the pipeline (10) for transmitting the sensed temperature to a meter (12). A temperature sensing probe is received within a temperature conducting tube (36) forming a thermowell and having a plurality of annular fins (40) extending thereabout. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1–7, a liquid (50) is provided in an annular space between the thermocouple (28) and the temperature conducting tube (36). Non-metallic members (70, 74, 80) are positioned between the pipeline (10) and the temperature transmitting tube (36) to isolate thermocouple (28) from ambient changes in the temperature of metal pipeline (10) which may result in an error in the temperature of the flow medium sensed by the thermowell assembly (20). High temperature embodiments shown in FIGS.

Abstract: A safety shutdown system is provided for use with a fluid delivery system, such as used on a delivery vehicle. The safety shutdown system includes a plurality of sensors for sensing characteristics of a fluid delivery system. A controller includes a query timer function initiated in response to the sensed characteristic of the fluid delivery system and/or in response to activation of selected vehicle functions. The operator may repeatedly reset the query timer before it times out by pressing a button on a wireless transmitter. If the timer times out, however, the controller automatically shuts off a vehicle engine and/or closes a valve to prevent further fluid delivery.

Abstract: A system for injecting an injection fluid into a pipeline includes an injection pump, a timer for initiating sequencing of the pump, a control valve for controlling the flow of pressurized fluid to power the injection pump, a controller for controlling operation of the control valve, and an electric motor responsive to the controller for rotating a cam on the motor shaft to open and close the control valve. The injected fluid may be methanol, so that the system automatically injects methanol into a pipeline which transmits natural gas. In one embodiment, the system includes a temperature sensor and a flow sensor for inputting signals to the controller.

Abstract: A breakaway coupler for coupling upstream and downstream hose includes one or more locking balls carried by a downstream coupling member. An upstream flapper is pivotally secured with respect to an upstream housing. A pushrod is axially movable in response to engagement by the downstream coupling member. A pry recess on the downstream coupling member is spaced between the downstream housing and the upstream housing, such that a tool inserted into the pry recess is leverageable to move the downstream coupling member to unlock the breakaway coupler.

Abstract: A removable flow restrictor 750 and a corresponding method for regulating flow through a fluid fertilizer distributor 700 are provided. A supply inlet port 712 is in fluid communication with a plurality of fluid outlet ports 716. The flow restrictor 750 is removable positionable within the fluid distributor 700 between the inlet port 712 and the outlet ports 716, for restricting flow between the inlet port 712 and the outlet ports 716. A restrictor engagement member 752, which may be a thread, on the flow restrictor 750, engages with a tool engagement member 762 on a retrieval tool 760. With the restrictor engagement member 752 engaged with the tool engagement member 762, the retrieval tool can be used to both position the flow restrictor 750 within the fluid distributor 700, and to remove the flow restrictor 750 from the fluid distributor 700. After positioning within or removing from the fluid distributor 700, the flow restrictor 750 may be disengaged from the retrieval tool 760.

Abstract: A system 12 and method are provided for controlling delivery of fluid product between one vessel, such as a portable vessel 32 mounted on a vehicle 30, and another vessel, with the one vessel including a manually operated product valve 14 for controlling delivery of product. The system includes an actuator 16, a cam over lever 32, closure arm 36, and an actuator 10 with an electromagnet 58. The system may include a radio transmitter 50 and a vehicle mounted receiver 52.

Abstract: A combination purging system and sampling system is provided for sampling gas from a pipeline. A flow path 40 provides fluid communication between a sample bottle 45 and the pipeline. The sample bottle 45 is initially filled with an inert gas for purging air from the flow path 40 and venting to atmosphere. A supply valve 24 controls flow between the pipeline and the flow path 40, and a bleed valve 35 controls venting from the flow path 40 to atmosphere. The relationship and positioning between the valves and the flow path prevents condensation from entering the sampled gas while purging and sampling.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a fluid fertilizer distributor 10, 200, 300, or 400 for distributing fluid fertilizer conducted from a supply vessel 11 to each of a plurality of applicator lines 44. The fluid distributor may regulate a fluid fertilizer flow rate by selectively moving a flow restrictor 50, 250, 350, or 450 relative to the distributor housing. The distributor housing may include a supply inlet port 12, 212, 312, or 412 and a plurality of distributor out ports 16, 216, 316, or 416 each for fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of applicator lines 44. The fluid distributor may separate the fluid fertilizer into a plurality of fluid flow paths prior to reducing the pressure in the fluid to avoid gas flashing or vaporization prior to separation. Thereby, fluid distribution may be effected upon a substantially liquid fluid within the fluid distributor, which may result in substantially uniform fertilizer application, with reduced rate variation between applicator lines.

Abstract: A breakaway coupler for coupling upstream and downstream hose includes one or more locking balls carried by a downstream coupling member. An upstream flapper is pivotally secured with respect to an upstream housing. A pushrod is axially movable in response to engagement by the downstream coupling member. A pry recess on the downstream coupling member is spaced between the downstream housing g and the upstream housing, such that a tool inserted into the pry recess is leverageable to move the downstream coupling member to unlock the breakaway coupler.

Abstract: A GPS unit 40 outputs a ground speed signal to an agricultural dispenser for applying chemicals to a field or for planting seeds. A GPS receiver 3 receives satellite signals from a plurality of satellites, and outputs a vehicle ground speed signal based upon GPS calculations. A converter 5 converts the vehicle ground speed signal to a series of pulses having a frequency indicative of the vehicle ground speed. The pulses are then transmitted to the agricultural dispenser 52 which is pulled by a tractor 34 to apply the desired amount of chemicals to the field or for planting the desired amount of seeds as a function of the vehicle ground speed.

Abstract: A gas sampling separator 29 for the separation of liquid or other contaminants from gas received from a pipeline may be easily inspected visually and cleaned. A cylindrical body 62 forming a separation chamber 64 is threaded onto a base 40. A tube 68 within the separation chamber receives gas from a port in the base and directs the gas into the separation chamber for separation of the gas from the contaminants. The separated contaminants collect in a sump 58 formed by the base and may be vented upon actuation of a manually actuated valve 76.