Abstract: The present invention is a system for locating release of fluid in a pipeline. The system comprises means or mechanism for detecting a pressure wave within the fluid indicative of a release of fluid from the pipeline, such as a leak or an unauthorized offtake. The system also comprises means or mechanism for determining the location of the fluid release by creating a test pressure wave within the fluid after the detected pressure wave. The fluid can be gas or oil but is not limited thereto in that the system will work with any fluid in a pipeline. Preferably, the location determining means or mechanism comprises a mechanism for creating a test pressure wave within the fluid in the pipeline and a mechanism for detecting a reflection of the test pressure wave. The reflection detecting mechanism and the original pressure wave sensing means or mechanism can both use a pressure transducer which is in communication with signal processing and control means or mechanism, such as a computer.

Abstract: A low power valve actuator includes a small motor that rotates an Acme drive screw. The rotary motion of the drive screw is translated into linear motion of a drive nut-traveling block, which is guided along and held against rotation by a pair of spaced parallel guide rods. A cantilever pin carried on the traveling block engages in a groove extending longitudinally of, a Scotch yoke lever, which translates the linear motion back into rotary motion at a further mechanical advantage. The Scotch yoke lever is reinforced and strengthened by reason of the fact that the groove is not a through-slot, but extends only partially through the lever arm. The device is made more compact by reason of the fact that the groove in the Scotch yoke lever can actually extend over the top of the valve stem.

Abstract: A system for precise positioning of a fluid control valve including a reciprocating piston at each end of a worm shaft, each to rotate the worm shaft in one direction only, through a scotch yoke and a rotary drive transmission. Selection of a valve determines which rotary drive is operated and a hydraulic piston clutch is engaged each time a particular drive is activated and remains engaged to hold a selected position.

Abstract: A throttling ball valve with an array of closed spaced horizontal plates secured across the flow passage through the ball. The leading edges of the plates are streamlined so that the flow stream will be divided into a plurality of laminar flow streams, each with a boundary layer across a surface of the plate. Energy is absorbed in the boundary layer phenomenon. The array of horizontal plates is preferably contained in a cylindrical sleeve which is inserted and secured into the cylindrical flow passageway through the valve ball.

Abstract: A pipeline break detection system wherein a rate timing device is activated in response to a predetermined pressure drop in the pipeline to direct a signal and activate the on-delay cycle of an energy-blocking device, such as a relay switch in an electric circuit. The timing device then commences an off-delay cycle, and if such cycle continues to completion, it cancels the countdown of the on-delay relay. However, if the pipeline experiences a further like pressure drop, before the timing device completes its cycle, it will be recharged and remain activated to keep the on-delay relay actuated. If the pipeline pressure fails to level off to allow the rate timer relay to close, and the on-delay relay is thus enabled to complete its timed cycle, the relay closes to deliver an electrical signal.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a selective-mode valve operator comprising a handwheel adapted to be mounted on a valve body with an output sleeve keyed onto the input shaft or stem of the valve. A motor may be mounted directly onto the handwheel, and locking means selectively lock the handwheel to the output sleeve or to a stationary member. When the handwheel is locked to the output sleeve, shift means prevent motor operation, and when it is locked against rotation the shift means enable motor operation. The shift means pass through a neutral condition whereby one mode is inactivated before the other mode is activated.

Abstract: An emergency hydraulic ram valve actuator having redundant power sources and controls. At least two pressure fluid sources, such as hydraulic accumulators, are connected through separate controls to the cylinder head. Check valves in the cylinder head and base prevent outward flow to insure containment of the fluid even when dismantled for service. Both sets of controls are contained in manifolds connected between the pressure sources and pressure and exhaust lines to and from the cylinder. Flow from each accumulator is normally prevented by a pilot check valve, but selectively operated valves initiate flow which, in turn, biases the pilot check valves to full flow. As full flow commences a portion thereof is diverted to open the exhaust pilot check valves which allow cylinder evacuation. In the event one power and/or control system is disabled, the other will function independently. The pressure and exhaust lines are contained within protective shields throughout their lengths.

Abstract: A pipeline break detection system wherein a rate timer valve is opened in response to a predetermined pressure drop to direct pressure fluid to activate the time cycle of an on-delay valve and, itself commence a time delay closing cycle. If its closing countdown continues to completion, it depressurizes the on-delay output valve and cancels its countdown. However, if the pipeline experiences a further like pressure drop, before the rate timer valve closes, it will be recharged and held open to keep the output valve timer actuated. If the pipeline pressure fails to level off to allow the rate timer valve to close, and the output relay is thus enabled to complete its timed cycle, the output relay opens to deliver a fluid signal.