Apparatus for blocking fluid flow through a conduit responsive t

Details Apparatus for blocking fluid flow through a conduit responsive t Apparatus for blocking fluid flow through a conduit responsive t

1993-12-03

1996-09-24

Bryant, III, James E.

Pipes and tubular conduits

With closures and plugs

Inflatable

138 89, 138 46, 137225, F16L 5512

Patent

active

055581315

ABSTRACT:
Fluid flow through a conduit is selectively blocked upon the occurrence of an alarm condition by an inflatable member normally folded when not in use to occupy as small a volume as is practicable. The small size volume together with securement of the inflatable member in a preferred location minimizes the effect of the inflatable member to normal fluid flow. A thin, tear-away sleeve maintains the inflatable member in the folded state and quickly tears apart during inflation enabling the inflatable member to fill and plug the interior of the conduit. The shape of the inflatable member, together with the fluid source utilized for inflation assures rapid, liquid-tight sealing. Alarm signal monitoring and inflation initiation is guaranteed under substantially all conditions through the employment of an electronic controller with a stand-by battery. The gas source serves the dual function of inflating the inflatable member and providing suitable energy for proper operation of a valve whose operation is enabled by the electronic controller. A local AC source is utilized to trickle charge the battery. The microprocessor based electronic controller incorporates routines to prevent improper and/or premature inflation. The system is designed to provide inflation in less than one minute and preferably less than thirty seconds.

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Vetter Systems publication dated Feb. 1991 entitled "Pipe Sealing Plugs and Flow-Thru Test Plugs and Accessories", 5 pages.
Petersen publication dated Jan. 1990 entitled "Inflatible Pipeline Stopper Plugs and Hydraulic Flushers," 4 pages.

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