Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for providing a fluid flow and mounting system comprised a mounting nipple, a coupling for threaded engagement with a valve assembly, and a rigid flow line having preselected dimensions. The system of the present invention is particularly adapted for supporting a sampling pump from a pipe line, with the sampling pump including a manifold block having a pair of fluid ports for passing fluid in a hot-loop between the flow line and a sampling pump, and with the valve assembly being mounted to the flow line and including a pair of through passageways. The mounting nipple has a stop surface at each end thereof for engaging the manifold block and valve assembly, respectively, to fix the axial position of the manifold block with respect to the valve assembly. The coupling is rotatable about the mounting nipple for threaded engagement with mating threads on the valve body.

Abstract: An improved system and method are provided for normally interconnecting a stationary flow line and a flexible flow line, and for automatically separating the flow lines in response to movement of the flexible flow line in excess of a preselected limit. A connection comprises a socket housing sealed to one flow line and a ball housing sealed to another flow line. The housings are separated automatically when a lateral force is transmitted through the flexible flow line to cause excess pivoting movement of one housing related to the other housing. The connection of the present invention is particularly useful for preventing rupture of a flow line during an intermittent pullaway of a portable vessel with respect to a stationary holding tank. In one embodiment, the connection includes at least three ball swivel surfaces for mating engagement with a socket swivel surface.

Abstract: A swivel for transmitting fluid be sing and female housing includes a bearing assembly and seal ring assembly. The seal ring assembly comprises a pair of seal rings each including a plastic ring having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a stop leg for static sealing engagement with a stop surface of one housing and an opposing dynamic leg. Each seal ring member also includes an elastomeric ring which is fitted within the cavity for urging the dynamic leg axial away from the stop leg, and for maintaining a static seal with a static sealing surface on the respective housing. The swivel of the present invention is particular well suited for use between a hose and a fill valve of a propane or LPG gas tank. The swivel of the present invention is able to withstand jarring and shock, and has surprisingly long life and low maintenance.

Abstract: A propane gas distribution system according to the present invention substantially enhances safety by providing a gas lockout device within the enclosure containing the distribution lines to the propane appliances for closing off a gas distribution line in response to either a sensed low pressure level or a sensed high pressure level. The closure member within the lockout device is biased closed, but is normally prevented from closing by a stop member which in turn is held in position until the unsafe low pressure or unsafe high pressure condition exists. A security control member is utilized for restricting the re-opening of the lockout device to select personnel, which typically would be a propane company representative. According to the method of the present invention, gas from the high pressure source is regulated and output to a low pressure gas distribution line.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a safety release disconnection for a fluid conduit. The connection includes a pin and a U-shaped slot with an ejector spring adjustably biased by a loading nut. Check valves are provided in both connection elements and are opened by contact or interfacing of the valves. A rigid moment arm points in a direction perpendicular to the direction that a vehicle pulls away from the filling stand. A pull away while the system is connected to the vehicle will trigger the safety release disconnection.

Abstract: An improved system and method are provided for normally interconnecting a stationary flow line and a flexible flow line, and for automatically separating the flow lines in response to movement of the flexible flow line in excess of a preselected limit. A connection comprises a socket housing sealed to one flow line and a ball housing sealed to another flow line. The housings are separated automatically when a lateral force is transmitted through the flexible flow line to cause excess pivoting movement of one housing related to the other housing. The connection of the present invention is particularly useful for preventing rupture of a flow line during an intermittent pullaway of a portable vessel with respect to a stationary holding tank. In one embodiment, the connection includes at least three ball swivel surfaces for mating engagement with a socket swivel surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a valve system which upon disconnection essentially eliminates the release of liquids and vapors to the atmosphere. The invention includes a precision machined poppet and valve seat such that the leading end of the poppet and the end of the valve housing are flush when the valve is closed and such that the sides of the poppet are flush with the surface of the valve seat. Fluids and vapors are eliminated as the valve closes. The valve is not sealed until after closing. The invention is normally used with two flushly abutting valves which close sequentially for the elimination of liquids and vapors.

Abstract: A sampling pump is provided suitable for pumping a discrete quantity of either a liquid or a gas per pump stroke from a flow line to a sample vessel. An operator unit drives a piston within the pump bore, and controls the stroke of the piston and thus the quantity of fluid pumped per stroke. A balanced check valve mechanism controls flow from the pump bore to the pump outlet port, and is provided within and carried by the piston. Line pressure acts on the operator end of the piston to assist the operator in driving the piston during its power stroke. A manifold may be secured to the pump body, and has a flow path therein which is in communication with the inlet port to the pump bore. The pump may also be used for injection purposes to introduce a selected quantity of fluid to a high pressure line.

Abstract: The invention comprises a differential pressure switch including a housing which defines a cavity. A diaphragm with a pair of magnets mounted thereon is attached within the housing and vertically disposed across the cavity. This divides the cavity into a high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber. A high pressure port and ducts in the housing place the medium to be detected in communication with the high pressure chamber. A low pressure port and ducts in the housing place the medium to be detected in communication with the low pressure chamber. The ducts also allow the chambers to drain. A reed switch is attached to the housing proximate the first magnet for maintaining the reed switch in an open state. A third magnet is positioned on the side of the diaphragm opposite the reed switch and in opposition to the second magnet for setting the switch. The third magnet may also be used to adjust the pressure differential required to actuate the reed switch.

Abstract: A portable sample cylinder assembly is provided for transporting a fluid. The sample cylinder assembly includes a housing defining in part an internal fluid chamber, a first end cap at one end of the housing, and a second end cap at an opposing end of the housing. At least one of the end caps includes a stop surface and an annular groove. An elastomeric seal is positioned within the groove for static sealing between the end cap and the housing. The end of the housing includes an end surface for metal-to-metal engagement with the stop surface, and a compressional surface for applying a compressional force to the elastomeric seal in response to axial movement of the end surface toward the stop surface. A plurality of connector rods may be used to controllably move the end cap axially toward the housing and thereby compress the elastomeric seal to reduce the permeability of the seal.

Abstract: A sampling pump is provided suitable for pumping a discrete quantity of either a liquid or a gas per pump stroke from a flow line to a sample vessel. An operator unit drives a piston within the pump bore, and controls the stroke of the piston and thus the quantity of fluid pumped per stroke. A balanced check valve mechanism controls flow from the pump bore to the pump outlet port, and is provided within and carried by the piston. Line pressure acts on the operator end of the piston to assist the operator in driving the piston during its power stroke. A manifold may be secured to the pump body, and has a flow path therein which is in communication with the inlet port to the pump bore. The pump may also be used for injection purposes to introduce a selected quantity of fluid to a high pressure line.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for structurally interconnecting an instrument manifold with a differential pressure assembly having a pair of tapered NPT threaded outlet ports each adjoining an exterior body surface. First and second connector flanges are provided each having a through passageway for transmitting a pressure signal from the corresponding NPT outlet port in the differential pressure assembly to an inlet port in an instrument manifold. Each connector flange includes a tapered threaded end, a flange end, and a threaded portion fixed between the threaded end and the flange end. The apparatus also includes first and second stabilizer members, and first and second tensioning nuts for exerting a compressive force on the stabilizer members such that the stabilizer members will transmit substantially all radially-directed forces to the differential pressure assembly.

Abstract: A piston-type portable sample cylinder is provided suitable for obtaining and transporting a liquified petroleum gas sample taken from a flow line. A piston slidable in a cylinder creates an increasing volume for the sample, and displaces an opposing inert gas maintained in the sample cylinder at a present pressure. A toroidal mixing element has an outer diameter approximating the inner diameter of the cylinder, and slides over a cylinder projection on the piston to minimize voids when the sample cylinder is empty. The piston may be provided with a selectively adjustable seal for maintaining sealing integrity over a long life, with or without the use of lubricants. Magnets on the piston for activating external magnetic trip flags may be contained in a nylon protector ring. Precision fill measurements may be obtained from a sight gauge including a biased coiled tape mounted within the pressurized inert gas cavity of the sample cylinder and secured to one end of the piston.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for structurally interconnecting an instrument manifold with a differential pressure assembly having a pair of tapered NPT threaded outlet ports each adjoining an exterior body surface. First and second connector flanges are provided each having a through passageway for transmitting a pressure signal from the corresponding NPT outlet port in the differential pressure assembly to an inlet port in an instrument manifold. Each connector flange includes a tapered threaded end, a flange end, and a threaded portion fixed between the threaded end and the flange end. The apparatus also includes first and second stabilizer members, and first and second tensioning nuts for exerting a compressive force on the stabilizer members such that the stabilizer members will transmit substantially all radially-directed forces to the differential pressure assembly.

Abstract: A piston-type portable sample cylinder is provided suitable for obtaining and transporting a liquified petroleum gas sample taken from a flow line. A piston slidable in a cylinder creates an increasing volume for the sample, and displaces an opposing inert gas maintained in the sample cylinder at a presesnt pressure. A toroidal mixing element has an outer diameter approximating the inner diameter of the cylinder, and slides over a cylinder projection on the piston to minimize voids when the sample cylinder is empty. The piston may be provided with a selectively adjustable seal for maintaining sealing integrity over a long life, with or without the use of lubricants. Magnets on the piston for activating external magnetic trip flags may be contained in a nylon protector ring. Precision fill measurements may be obtained from a sight gauge including a biased coiled tape mounted within the pressurized inert gas cavity of the sample cylinder and secured to one end of the piston.

Abstract: A valve of the outside seal and yoke variety is provided, with a seal between a bonnet base and a valve body being axially spaced between a valve seating member and mating threads on the valve body and bonnet base. An end of at least one packing bolt is positioned within a cavity formed within the valve body, and prevents the bonnet base from unthreading from the valve body. A yoke threaded to the valve stem is rigidly secured to the bonnet base by a pair of yoke bolts and intermediate supports, and prevents inadvertent rotation of the packing bolts. The assembly technique of the present invention provides an inexpensive yet reliably OS&Y valve with all desired structural components being rigidly connected. The bonnet assembly of the present invention may be utilized with a conventional valve body and pocket design, thereby substantially increasing versatility and reducing manufacturing costs.