Abstract

An apparatus for providing access to pressurized pipes includes a body member configured to be attached to a pipe or vessel or a fitting coupled to a pipe or vessel. The body member has an internal barrel in fluid communication with the pipe or vessel or fitting when the body member is attached to the pipe or vessel or fitting. A hollow piston is slidable axially within the internal barrel, and the apparatus is configured such that when an internal volume of the piston is pressurized by a fluid from the pipe or vessel, a force exerted by pressurized fluid on the piston in an axial direction is opposed by a force exerted by pressurized fluid on a counter-pressure portion of the piston. The apparatus includes a conduit orifice that allows a conduit to be disposed therethrough so as to pass into the apparatus to an interior of the piston.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves
• F16L 41/04 - Tapping pipe walls, i.e. making connections through the walls of pipes while they are carrying fluids; Fittings therefor
• G01M 3/04 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
• G01M 3/32 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators

Abstract

In one aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided an apparatus (1) for providing access to pressurised pipes (24) and the like, the apparatus comprising: a body member (2) having attachment means for attachment of the body member to a pipe or vessel or a fitting coupled to a pipe or vessel, the body member having an internal barrel (6) that may be provided in fluid communication with the pipe or vessel or fitting when the body member is attached to the pipe or vessel or fitting; a hollow piston (3) slidable axially within the internal barrel, the apparatus being configured such that when an internal volume of the piston is pressurised by a fluid from the pipe or vessel a force exerted by pressurised fluid on the piston in a first axial direction is opposed by a force exerted by pressurised fluid on a counter-pressure portion (9, 10) of the piston, the apparatus being provided with a conduit orifice (15) adapted to allow a conduit (16) to be disposed therethrough so as to pass into the apparatus to an interior of the piston, wherein a pressure tight seal (15s) is formed between the conduit and conduit orifice, the apparatus being configured to allow a first end (3a) of the piston to be translated axially into the pipe, vessel or fitting, the piston having a port (21) arranged to allow egress of the conduit from the piston into the pipe, vessel or fitting.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16L 41/04 - Tapping pipe walls, i.e. making connections through the walls of pipes while they are carrying fluids; Fittings therefor