Protective Cap Assembly with Leak Detection Capability for Pressure Valves

Abstract

A cap assembly (102, 120, 130, 140, 150, 170, 190, 200, 230, 250, 280) for detecting leaks through a pressure valve (100, 202). According to various embodiments, the cap assembly comprises a body (104, 121, 141, 141, 152, 171, 191, 204, 232, 252) arranged in fluid communication with the valve; and a sensor (110, 110A, 110B, 174, 192, 214, 238, 262, 282), supported by the body to provide a human sensory cue indicating leakage of pressurized fluid from the valve in the closed position. In various embodiments, the sensory prompter may be a whistle that emits an audible sound, a light emitting device that emits visible light, and the like. In a further embodiment, the cap assembly body may be connected to the conduit (122) via a tether (106, 124, 154, 206, 254) and release pressure from the conduit in response to venting pressurized fluid when the valve transitions to the open position. pop up.

Description

Background technique [0001] Pressurized fluids, such as liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons, steam and water, can be transported and channeled through a network of pipes. Various pressure valve structures are used to guide and regulate the flow of fluid flowing through the pipeline network, such as: pressure relief valve, emergency shut-off valve, vent valve, flapper valve, ball valve, pressure reducing valve, etc., also known as anti-shock door (Chokes ). [0002] Some valves, such as some normally closed pressure relief valve type valves, are capable of venting a portion of the fluid to an alternative path, eg, to ambient air, when a high or low pressure threshold is reached. It is known to provide removable weather covers on vertically extending discharge pipes in order to prevent the ingress of foreign matter, for example into the discharge pipe. It is also known to tether the cap so that when the pressure relief valve is jacked open, the cap is blown away from the discharge ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0003] When used, weather covers as taught in Kenny's '282 patent are generally only used to provide visual notification when the pressure relief valve is open, and do not Detect other harmful conditions, such as leaks in shut-off valves, etc.

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