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: 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 outlet 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for accurately controlling the amount of NH3 to be applied to a field by measuring the NH3 flow rate without condensing or cooling the NH3. The system includes a control station 12 on the vehicle with a tachometer 12A or a GPS system for providing a vehicle speed signal to a control panel 13. The control panel includes a toggle switch 17 for adjusting the opening or closing of a valve 52 in the flow line to regulate the flow through the system, although the control panel alternatively may automatically control the valve 52. The vehicle transports a tank 20 containing liquid NH3 and a tool bar 30 for distributing the NH3 to the soil. After flowing through the flow meter 40, 60, 130, the NH3 is conducted to the soil through a series of hoses, fittings, a distributor, and tubing. The flow meter transmits a signal to the control panel, which is converted to a corrected flow rate signal in response to a fixed value vaporization correction factor.

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.

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: Fill valve 10 controls the flow of propane from a fill line FL to a control valve CV mounted on a propane use tank T. The fill valve includes a valve body 12 having a propane inlet 20, an elongate sleeve 24 and a discharge housing 22 surrounding the elongate sleeve and having a thread 30, 19 for interconnection with a mating thread in the control valve. The sleeve 24 may be secured to the body 12 by a swaging operation. A nose tip 26 is secured to the elongate sleeve and has an external surface 68, an annular seal 70 for sealing engagement with the control valve, and a fill valve seat 100 defining a portion of a flow passage 92 therethrough. Valve stem 18 extends through the valve body and the elongate sleeve and is axially moveable between opened and closed positions. A lower end of the valve stem is positioned within the nose tip. A fill valve seal 76 is carried on the valve stem for sealing engagement and disengagement with the fill valve seat 33.

Abstract: A valve for a tank containing anhydrous ammonia has a valve mechanism joined to a flow chamber from the tank. The valve mechanism has a bonnet with a hole through a sidewall of the bonnet. A stem valve portion and a stem handle portion are mounted in the bonnet. The stem valve protion is connected to the valve. The stem handle portion is connected to a handle. The handle may be raised or lowered with respect to the bonnet to selectively engage or disengage the stem handle portion from the stem valve portion. A hasp pin may be passed through the hole in the bonnet and locked in such position for preventing the handle from being lowered.

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, 28, 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 system for transferring a hazardous fluid product from a transport tank (10) of a roadway vehicle (12) to a fixed storage tank (14). A flexible transfer hose assembly (30) has end couplings (34, 36) which are detachably connected between the transport tank (10) and storage tank (14). A gas operated product supply valve (44) is opened by pressurized gas to permit flow of the hazardous product, such as propane, from tank (10). A gas control valve (46) controls the flow of pressurized gas to gas operated product supply valve (44). Upon a separation or rupture of flexible hose (31) or couplings (34, 36), the fluid pressure of the hazardous product in hose (31) is sensed at fluid sensing chamber (94) in gas control valve (46). A reduction in sensed fluid pressure to a predetermined maximum pressure results in movement of piston (82) to the position shown in FIG.

Abstract: A system for a sampling hydrocarbon containing gas flowing in a pipeline by collecting a fluid sample in a sampler bottle 55 includes a sample probe 12 secured to and extending outward from the pipeline, a heater body 20 removably secured to the probe, and vortex heater 34 for outputting a cold fluid and hot fluid. The heater body 20 has flow path therein for directing the hot fluid to heat the sample probe, and preferably thereafter heat the bottle 55. The pressurized gas to the vortex heater may be supplied directly from the pipeline P, with pressure control by a regulator 24. Alternatively, pressurized gas such as air may be stored in a portable vessel 172 for supplying compressed air to the vortex heater 34. An improved method of sampling gas in a pipeline using the vortex heater is disclosed.

Abstract: A full drain and vent adapter for mounting a pressure sensing transmitter or similar test instrument to a standard manifold is reversible for use in either gas or liquid pressure sensing applications. Combination vent or drain plugs are provided at the top and bottom of the adapter to provide drains at the bottom of the adapter and vents at the top of the adapter, regardless of liquid or gas service applications.

Abstract: A low emission fluid disconnect is provided along a flexible flow line for transmitting fluid from the transport to a bulkhead. The disconnect includes a ball valve including a ball rotated between the opened and the closed positions about a stem axis. The disconnect also includes union housing and a female body for threaded engagement with the ball valve. A poppet sleeve is linearly moveable within the union housing between the opened and closed positions, and has an end surface substantially conforming to an exterior surface of the ball. The poppet member is guided when moving between the opened and closed positions. A very low volume of fluid is released when the union housing is disconnected from the ball valve.

Abstract: An adapter arranged for interposition between a manifold and a first test instrument and detachably supporting a second test instrument in a selected angular orientation includes a stationary bar and a rotatable body attached to the stationary bar that has a mounting surface arranged to detachably support the second test instrument. The adapter also includes a means for securing the rotatable body in a selected angular relationship with respect to the stationary bar and providing a stabilized sealed connection between the rotatable body and the stationary bar.

Abstract: Different functional control manifolds, adapted for specific process and test applications, are selectively mounted on a common base manifold which independently provides sealing of the process lines of a fluid handling system. This enables a specific functional control manifold such as a single block and controlled vent manifold, a single block and vent manifold, or a double block and bleed cross-over manifold, to be preassembled with a test instrument prior to installation of the test instrument to the base manifold. Each embodiment of the functional control manifold is designed so that the sensing cavities of the test instrument are able to fully drain through the functional control manifold into the base manifold, thereby eliminating a potential source of error during calibration of the test instrument.

Abstract: A low emission fluid disconnect 10 is provided along a flexible flow line 12 for transmitting fluid from the transport 16 to a bulkhead 14. The disconnect includes a ball valve 32 including a ball 31 rotated between the opened and the closed positions about a stem axis. The disconnect also includes union housing 64 and a female body 58 for threaded engagement with the ball valve. A poppet sleeve 82 is linearly moveable within the union housing between the opened and closed positions, and has an end surface 104 substantially conforming to an exterior surface of the ball. The poppet member is guided when moving between the opened and closed positions. A very low volume of fluid is released when the union housing is disconnected from the ball valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for accurately controlling the amount of NH.sub.3 to be applied to a field by measuring the NH.sub.3 flow rate without condensing or cooling the NH.sub.3. The system includes a control station 12 on the vehicle with a tachometer 12A or a GPS system for providing a vehicle speed signal to a control panel 13. The control panel includes a toggle switch 17 for adjusting the opening or closing of a valve 52 in the flow line to regulate the flow through the system, although the control panel alternatively may automatically control the valve 52. The vehicle transports a tank 20 containing liquid NH.sub.3 and a tool bar 30 for distributing the NH.sub.3 to the soil. After flowing through the flow meter 40, 60, 130, the NH.sub.3 is conducted to the soil through a series of hoses, fittings, a distributor, and tubing.

Abstract: Improved breakaway coupling 10, 10B includes an upstream housing 24, 24B and a downstream housing 26, 26B. A poppet 40, 40A, 40B, 40C is positioned within each respective upstream and downstream housing, and is biased by a spring 44, 44A, 44B, 44C for sealing engagement with a seating surface fixed to the respective housing. A push rod 58 maintains the upstream housing 40, 40B open when the coupling is mated. A spiral ring 72, 72B fits within a groove in both the upstream housing and the downstream housing when the coupling is mated, and is radially modified by sliding up a respective ramp surface 86, 86B when an axial pull is exerted on one of the flow lines connected to the coupling. The coupling may be easily reconnected by pressing the male housing into the female housing while the spiral ring is maintained in the groove in the female housing.