GB2524083A

GB2524083A - Hydrant configuration

Info

Publication number: GB2524083A
Application number: GB1404560.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin James Smith
Original assignee: P N DALY Ltd
Current assignee: P N DALY Ltd
Priority date: 2014-03-14
Filing date: 2014-03-14
Publication date: 2015-09-16
Also published as: GB201404560D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of using a loose stopper hydrant 2, the loose stopper hydrant comprises a stopper 12 moveable to close and open a path through the hydrant, an actuator 14 moveable to operate the stopper from a first closed position to a second open position and a flexible elongate element 20. The stopper is fixed in the closed position by the actuator to close the path through the hydrant. A flexible elongate element 20 engages with the stopper to move the stopper as, and/or after the actuator is moved to the open position. The method comprises moving the stopper using the flexible elongate element as and/or after the actuator is moved to the open position to open the path through the hydrant.

Description

Hydrant Configuration The present invention relates to a hydrant configuration and its use. In particular, the present invention relates to a loose stopper hydrant system, and to a method of using a loose stopper hydrant.

Fluid distribution networks are well known, for example in the form of water or gas distribution networks. Such a network typically comprises a number of interconnected conduits, for example in the form of pipes, mains, or similar. Access is often required to these conduits, for example for maintenance or inspection reasons, or to introduce or extract fluid carried by the conduit in question. Typically, access points are provided in the form of the hydrants, which might alternatively or additionally be referred to as fire hydrants, washouts or access ports. Access to the conduit is often required when the conduit is live', in that the conduit is carrying fluid, often under pressure. This might be to limit downtime -i.e. time when the conduit cannot be used.

Currently, two general types of hydrant exist. In both types there is provided an actuator that it is in connection with a stopper.

In hydrants of a fixed stopper type, the actuator is in constant engagement with the stopper, such that the stopper can be moved to open or close a path through the hydrant by movement of the actuator. So, the actuator can be moved to an open configuration in which the stopper opens a path through the hydrant, or moved to a closed configuration in which the stopper closes that path. The path may be opened, for example, to allow a camera or other inspection tool to be passed through an access port of the hydrant, through the hydrant, out through a conduit connection port of the hydrant and into the conduit. Hydrants of this fixed stopper type are, however, relatively uncommon. Far more common are hydrants of a loose stopper type.

In a loose stopper hydrant, an actuator is movable to and from a first configuration in which a stopper is fixed in position by the actuator to close a path through the hydrant.

However, in contrast to the fixed stopper hydrant, in the loose stopper hydrant the stopper is not in permanent engagement with the actuator. So, when the actuator is moved to a second configuration in which the stopper is not fixed in position by the actuator, the stopper nevertheless remains in position, typically due to gravity, keeping the path through the hydrant closed. That is, the stopper is "loose" with respect to the actuator, at least when in this second configuration. Because the stopper remains in a closed position, this prevents, for instance, back flow of fluid or other material through an access port of the hydrant and into the (potentially live) fluid conduit. This feature therefore serves to prevent, or at least reduce, contamination of the conduit.

Although the loose stopper hydrant is advantageous in that it serves to limit contamination from passing from outside of the conduit into that conduit via the hydrant, the hydrant of this type has a significant disadvantage. The disadvantage is that because the stopper is loose, and remains in a closed configuration regardless of movement of the actuator, it is very difficult, and in some instances impossible, to easily gain access to the conduit via the hydrant. It is simply not easy, or even possible in some instances, to move the stopper away from its closed configuration, to allow for access to the conduit via the hydrant.

Two potential solutions have been proposed to the problems posed by the loose stopper hydrant.

One solution is to insert a crowbar (or other rigid elongate element) or the like into and through an access pod of the hydrant, and to in some way manipulate the loose stopper hydrant to an open configuration, to allow access into the conduit. However, due to the bends and turns within the hydrant, this is not easy to achieve and in some instances is not possible.

Also, the presence of the crowbar or the like in the access port serves to severely restrict the use of the access port itself, for example severely limiting and even blocking the access port to

the introduction of a camera or the like.

Another solution that has been proposed is to simply replace the loose stopper hydrant with a fixed stopper hydrant. However, this then removes the advantage of the loose stopper hydrant, which is that the stopper, being loose, prevents flow of material from the access pod and into the conduit, thereby limiting or preventing contamination of the conduit.

It is an example aim of example embodiments of the present invention to at least partially obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere, or to at least provide a viable alternative to exist in apparatus and methods.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using a loose stopper hydrant, the loose stopper hydrant comprising: a stopper, moveable to close and open a path through the hydrant; an actuator, the actuator being moveable from a first configuration in which the stopper is fixed in position by the actuator to close the path through the hydrant, to a second configuration; a flexible and elongate element engaged with the stopper, for use in moving the stopper as, and/or after, the actuator is moved to the second configuration; the method comprising: moving the stopper using the flexible and elongate element as, and/or after, the actuator is moved to the second configuration, to open the path through the hydrant.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a loose stopper hydrant system comprising: a stopper, moveable to close and open a path through the hydrant; an actuator, the actuator being moveable from a first configuration in which the stopper is fixed in position by the actuator to close the path through the hydrant, to a second configuration; a flexible and elongate element engaged or engageable with the stopper, for use in moving the stopper as, and/or after, the actuator is moved to the second configuration, to open the path through the hydrant.

The engagement may be such that the flexible elongate element is arranged to urge the stopper into engagement with the actuator as a result of resilience of the flexible elongate member, such that movement of the actuator from the first configuration to the second configuration causes movement of the stopper to open the path through the hydrant.

The engagement may be such that the flexible elongate element urges the stopper into engagement with the actuator, such that movement of the actuator from the first configuration to the second configuration causes movement of the stopper to open the path through the hydrant.

The urging may be maintained by a resilience (e.g. an elasticity and/or tension) of (which includes in) the flexible elongate element.

The method may comprise engaging the stopper with the flexible elongate element.

The method may comprise engaging the stopper with the flexible elongate element when the actuator is in the first configuration.

The stopper may be engaged with the flexible elongate element by one or more of: attaching (in some way) the element to the stopper, and/or at least partially wrapping the element around the stopper.

The elongate flexible element may be additionally engaged with a fixation point that is separate from the stopper.

The hydrant may comprise a fluid conduit connection port and an access port. The fixation point may be attached to or form a part of the access port.

The engagement with the fixation point is such that the elongate flexible element is under tension.

The flexible elongate element may pass into and/or through an access port of the hydrant. The method may comprise positioning the fixation point, such that the elongate flexible element extends substantially along an inside wall of the access port.

The method may comprise disengaging the flexible elongate element from one or more of the stopper and/or a fixation point.

At least a part of the method is undertaken when the hydrant is in connection, or sealed connection, with a fluid conduit, optionally a live fluid conduit, via a fluid conduit connection port.

The method may comprise passing a camera along and through the open path, via an access port of the hydrant, or via a sealed access port of the hydrant.

One or more features of one or more aspects of the present invention may be used in combination with and/or in place of one or more features of one or more other aspects of the invention, unless such combination or replacement would be understood to be clearly mutually exclusive by the skilled person by a reading of its disclosure. So, for instance, any feature described herein in relation to a method of using a loose stopper hydrant can, as and where appropriate to the skilled person, be used in combination with an aspect in relation to a loose stopper hydrant system for using that method or incorporating that method, and vice versa.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic figures in which: Figures 1 and 2 schematically depict a loose stopper hydrant in different configurations; Figures 3 and 4 schematically depict a loose stopper hydrant system, and a method for using such a system, in different configurations, in accordance with an example embodiment; and Figures 5 and 6 schematically depict a loose stopper hydrant system, and a method of using such a system, in different configurations, in accordance with another example embodiment.

Figure 1 schematically depicts a loose stopper hydrant 2. The hydrant 2 is in connection with a connection port 4 of a fluid conduit 6 via a fluid conduit connection port 8 of the hydrant. The hydrant 2 also comprises an access port 10, which allows for access into the hydrant 2 and, via its fluid conduit connection port 8, the conduit 6.

A stopper 12 is provided that is movable to close and open a path through the hydrant 2.

As already implied above, the path extends from the access port 10, and through the hydrant 2 and its fluid conduit connection port 8. An actuator 14 is also provided. The actuator 14 is removable from a first configuration in which the stopper 12 if fixed in position by the actuator 14 to close the path through the hydrant 2, to a second configuration. The second configuration is shown in Figure 2, wherein the stopper 12 is no longer fixed in position by the actuator 14. In this sense, the stopper 12 is now loose'. However, gravity prevents the stopper 12 moving to an open configuration, opening a path from the hydrant 2. This prevents backflow of material through the access port 10, through the hydrant 2 and into the conduit 6.

A body of the hydrant 2 is typically formed from metal or a robust plastic material. The stopper 12 might be formed from a rubber or rubberised material, or a plastic material, or at least be formed from such a material at or about one or more sealing surfaces. The actuator 14 may be of any type that satisfies the required functionality of fixing the stopper 12 in position, or allowing it to be in a relatively loose configuration. A spindle or other screw-threaded arrangement is a form typically used in such hydrants.

Figure 2 shows the stopper 12 in a closed configuration, even though the actuator 14 is no longer fixing the stopper 12 in that closed configuration. This is already advantageous for the reasons described in the previous paragraph. However, it is also a problem as also discussed above, in that it is not easy to gain access to the conduit 6 via the hydrant 2 and its access port 10, for example to inspect an inside of the conduit 6 with a camera inserted through the access port 10 of the hydrant 2.

Typically, and rather crudely, an existing approach that is taken to move the stopper 12 from its closed configuration is to insert a crowbar or other rigid levering implement into the access port 10, to engage with the stopper 12 and lever it out of its closed configuration. It can be seen from Figure 2 that such manipulation of the stopper 12 with a rigid elongate element or the like (such as a crowbar) will be difficult. The difficulty arises as a result of the limited manoeuwing room that is available as a result of bends or the like in the access port 10 or hydrant 2 as a whole, or simply as a result of the limited space within the hydrant 2 itself Even if it is possible, however difficult, to move the stopper 12 to an open configuration with such a rigid elongate element, then it is of course necessary to keep the rigid elongate element in place to maintain the open configuration of the stopper 12. As a result, the access port 10 remains substantially blocked, which limits its use at a subsequent time, for example, for the insertion of a camera or other inspection tool through the access port 10, through the hydrant 2 and into the fluid conduit 6. There is therefore a need to overcome these problems.

According to an example embodiment, one or more problems of the prior art may be at least partially overcome by using a flexible and elongate element to engage with the stopper, to move the stopper to its second, substantially open, configuration. More particularly still, an example embodiment relates to at least temporarily converting the loose stopper hydrant into a fixed stopper hydrant using such a flexible and elongate element in engagement with the stopper, to at least partially open up the path through the hydrant when or as the actuator has been moved to the second, open configuration.

The use of a flexible and elongate element is particularly advantageous. By its very nature, it is far easier to manipulate a flexible and elongate element around and or about the loops and bends of the like of the hydrant, and into engagement with the stopper, for example, in comparison with a rigid crowbar or the like. Also, the nature of the flexible and elongate element means that the element, for example its position or orientation can be more readily manipulated, even at the access port of the hydrant, thereby limiting or removing any blocking effect the element might otherwise have had. Perhaps even more advantageously, the use of a flexible and elongate element allows for the at least temporary conversion from the loose stopper hydrant type to the fixed stopper hydrant type in a relatively hands free manner, once appropriate engagement has been undertaken, allowing easy access to and through a path through the hydrant.

Example embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to Figures 3 through 6. Features already appear in Figures 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals in Figures 3 to 6, since the invention applies to both new hydrants, and also existing and installed loose stopper hydrants. That is, the invention may be applied retrospectively, and is not necessarily associated with the construction or installation of newly constructed hydrants.

Figure 3 is much the same as Figure 1 showing the actuator 14 in its first configuration in which the stopper 12 is fixed in position by the actuator 14, to close the path through the hydrant 2. During this closed configuration when material cannot flow through the hydrant 2, a flexible and elongate element 20 is passed through the access port 10, and in some way around and/or about the stopper 12 to engage the stopper with the flexible and elongate element 20. The flexible and elongate element 20 may be a rope, or cord, or similar.

The flexible and elongate element 20 can simply be pulled upon when it is desired to move the stopper 12 to an open configuration, eitherduring or after the actuator 14 has itself been moved to an open configuration. However, this might not be ideal, since this might require multiple operators, hands of those operators, or simply more disruption to a planned inspection process of the conduit 6. Ideally, then, it is preferred that movement of the stopper 12 is in some way directly tied to movement of the actuator 14, which is the case in hydrants of the fixed stopper type. This might be at least partially achieved by urging the stopper 12 into engagement with the actuator 14, for example a frictional engagement or the like, using the flexible and elongate element 20. This may be facilitated by additionally attaching one or more ends of the flexible and elongate element 20 to a fixation point in, for instance, the access port 10. The fixation is such that the flexible and elongate element 20 is taut. Inherent resilience (which includes an elasticity) in the flexible and elongate element 20 maintains the urging of the stopper 12 into engagement with the actuator 14, such that movement of the actuator 14 from its first, closed configuration to its second, open configuration also causes movement of the stopper 12 from its closed configuration to its open configuration. Figure 4 shows this principle. In other words, tension in the flexible and elongate element 20 maintains the urging of the stopper 12 into engagement with the actuator 14, effectively and at least temporarily converting the loose stopper hydrant into a fixed stopper hydrant. As clearly shown in Figure 4, this then clearly and easily opens a path through the hydrant 2, which can be used for convenient inspection of the conduit 6 or the like through the hydrant 2, without having to in some way provide or maintain operator or user input to keep the path open. Once the flexible elongate element 20 is properly engaged, the hydrant 2 and/or its access port 10 can be sealed, while the loose' stopper hydrant 2 still operates like a fixed stopper hydrant.

A fixation point in the access port 10 is advantageous, since it allows for easy user access. A fixation point may already be provided in the access port 10 of the hydrant 2. The fixation point might be something incidental, for example a protrusion or the like. Alternatively and/or additionally, a dedicated fixation point 22 may be provided in the access port 10 (which includes an extension 24 to that access port 10). For example, the extension 24 may be used solely to provide the fixation point 22, and/or for other reason. For example, the extension 24 may provide a guide or the like for inserting a camera or other inspection tool into and through the hydrant 2, preferably via a gland or other sealed opening (not shown) in the extension 24.

The extension 24 may simply extend the access port 10.

The fixation point 10 may be located, and/or configurable such that at least part of the location of the flexible and elongated element 20 is manoeuvrable or otherwise positionable

B

within the access port 10, for example around or about a centre, or a longitudinal centreline of the port 10. Preferably, the configuration or location is such that at least part, and preferably a majority or all, of the portion of the flexible and elongate element 20 that is in the access port extends substantially along an inside wall of the access port 10. This leaves as much room as possible within the access port 10 for passing objects into and through the access port 10, for example an inspection camera or the like. The fixation point 10 may be or comprise a ring that sits within the port 10, and maybe rotated around or about a centre, or a longitudinal centreline of the port 10. The ring may be sprung, to allow for easy insertion and removal.

Subsequent to inspection or the like of the conduit 6 via the hydrant 2, the flexible and elongate element 20 may be disengaged from the stopper 12 and/or the fixation point 22 to convert the hydrant into/back into what might be understood more generally as a loose stopper hydrant, as already shown in Figures 1 and 2. The flexible and elongate element 20 may, at this point, be removed entirely from the loose stopper hydrant, or be left within the hydrant, connected to one or both of the stopper 12 and/or fixation point 22 for subsequent use in the manner described in relation to Figures 3 and 4.

The flexible and elongate element 20 may be brought into engagement with the stopper 12 in any convenient manner. In one appioach, an end of the flexible and elongate element 20 may be passed through the access port 10, and around and/or about the stopper 12 before being brought back out of and/or at least toward the access port 10 for fixation of one or both ends of the element 20, as already described. One or more temporary guides may be used to guide the flexible and elongate element around, for example, a back of the stopper 12 before being directed back towards the access port 10.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the engagement, which may be advantageously as result of, or in association with tension and/or resilience of the flexible and elongate element, may be used in combination with existing (that is, previously unmodified) stoppers/hydrants. In another example, the stopper of the hydrant may be modified to allow for an alternative or perhaps easier way of engaging the flexible and elongate element with the stopper 12. For instance, Figure 5 shows that the stopper 12 may be modified and provided with a fixation point 30 of its own, for allowing easier connection of the flexible and elongate element 20 with the stopper 12. In another example, the stopper 12 may be provided with one or more bores or the like for passing the flexible and elongate element 20 through the stopper 12, to engage the flexible and elongate element 20 with the stopper 12.

In summary, as described above, the above example embodiments provide a quick, convenient and effective way of opening a stopper of a loose stopper hydrant, and/or converting a hydrant of a loose stopper type to, at least temporarily, a hydrant of a fixed stopper type. The conversion can be undertaken for as long as is needed, since no user input is required after the flexible and elongate element has been engaged with the stopper and/or the fixation point. Also, the engagement is maintained even when no user input is provided, allowing the engagement to be maintained when the hydrant is sealed. This allows the invention to be implemented when the conduit is live -e.g. carrying fluid as part of an in-use distribution network.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), orto any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of using a loose stopper hydrant, the loose stopper hydrant comprising: a stopper, moveable to close and open a path through the hydrant; an actuator, the actuator being moveable from a first configuration in which the stopper is fixed in position by the actuator to close the path through the hydrant, to a second configuration; a flexible and elongate element engaged with the stopper, for use in moving the stopper as, and/or after, the actuator is moved to the second configuration; the method comprising: moving the stopper using the flexible and elongate element as, and/or after, the actuator is moved to the second configuration, to open the path through the hydrant.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the engagement is such that the flexible elongate element urges the stopper into engagement with the actuator, such that movement of the actuator from the first configuration to the second configuration causes movement of the stopper to open the path through the hydrant.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the urging is maintained by a resilience of the flexible elongate element.
4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises engaging the stopper with the flexible elongate element.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the method comprises engaging the stopper with the flexible elongate element when the actuator is in the first configuration.
6. The method of preceding claim, wherein the stopper is engaged with the flexible elongate element by one or more of: attaching the element to the stopper, or at least partially wrapping the element around the stopper.
7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises additionally engaging the elongate flexible element with a fixation point that is separate from the stopper.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the hydrant comprises a fluid conduit connection port and an access port, and wherein the fixation point is attached to or forms a part of the access port.
9. The method of claim 701 claim 8, wherein the engagement with the fixation point is such that the elongate flexible element is under tension.
10. The method of any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the flexible elongate element passes into and/or through an access port of the hydrant, and the method further comprises positioning the fixation point, such that the elongate flexible element extends substantially along an inside wall of the access port.
11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises disengaging the flexible elongate element from one or more of the stopper and/or a fixation point.
12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein at least a part of the method is undertaken when the hydrant is in connection, or sealed connection, with a fluid conduit, optionally a live fluid conduit, via a fluid conduit connection port.
13. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises passing a camera along and through the open path, via an access port of the hydrant, or via a sealed access port of the hydrant.
14. A loose stopper hydrant system comprising: a stopper, moveable to close and open a path through the hydrant; an actuator, the actuator being moveable from a first configuration in which the stopper is fixed in position by the actuator to close the path through the hydrant, to a second configuration; a flexible and elongate element engaged orengageable with the stopper, for use in moving the stopper as, and/or after, the actuator is moved to the second configuration, to open the path through the hydrant.
15. The loose stopper hydrant system of claim 14, wherein the engagement is such that the flexible elongate element is arranged to urge the stopper into engagement with the actuator as a result of resilience of the flexible elongate member, such that movement of the actuator from the first configuration to the second configuration causes movement of the stopper to open the path through the hydrant.
16. A method or apparatus substantially as described herein, and/or substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures, and/or substantially as shown in the accompanying Figures.