| Seamless pipeline sphere and method of manufacture -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
  Seamless pipeline sphere and method of manufactureUSPTO Application #: 20060157193Title: Seamless pipeline sphere and method of manufacture Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a pipeline sphere, and more specifically a seamless pipeline sphere wherein said sphere presents a flexible, seamless outer layer surrounding an inflatable inner bladder portion which itself defines a hollow chamber. The outer layer and the inner bladder portion contain apertures which are aligned to form a channel connecting the hollow chamber to the outside environment. A weighted material may be added to the pipeline sphere, if desired. (end of abstract) Agent: Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP Attn: Patent Group - Kansas City, MO, US Inventor: William Bradley Young USPTO Applicaton #: 20060157193 - Class: 156292000 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060157193. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional application of and claims priority from co-pending application U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/442,450, filed May 21, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of the Invention [0004] The invention is generally directed to pipeline sphere assemblies and, more specifically, to a seamless pipeline sphere assembly for use in a pipeline system, particularly for a meter-proving system, for product separation, or for line evacuation. [0005] 2. Description of Related Art [0006] Pipeline spheres are commonly used in the pipeline industry for both meter proving and for product separation as well as for line evacuation, among other things. Meter proving is an activity connected with the sale of liquid product delivered through a pipeline. Pipeline meters are not entirely accurate. As such, a meter proving system is needed to measure the flow of a known volume of liquid product over a known distance in order to determine a correction factor by which the measurement must be adjusted. While different types of systems are known, a meter proving system generally comprises a length of pipeline, two detection switches, a sphere, and a launcher. The sphere is launched into the pipeline section and strikes the detection switches. A counter begins counting pulses from the meter when the first switch is activated and stops when the second switch is activated. By comparing the pulses from the meter with the known volume of the meter prover a correction factor can be determined. It is necessary to prove meters by repeating this test within a limited number of series and obtaining the same or similar measurement. [0007] In order to properly function as a meter proving sphere, the sphere must be able to maintain its spherical shape as well as its integrity in both turbulent and non-turbulent pipelines. The sphere should also be sizable to the particular size of the pipeline in order to properly seal. [0008] The use of pipeline spheres in product separation entails placing a sphere into the pipeline between two separate products. It is necessary that the sphere retain its spherical shape and integrity as well as be sized properly to fit the pipeline such that the products are adequately separated. [0009] The use of pipeline spheres in line evacuation is typically employed when a line is shut down. The pipeline sphere is placed in the pipeline and pushed through the pipeline by nitrogen which is pumped behind the pipeline sphere. This action pushes any remaining product into a tank and out of the pipeline. [0010] Traditionally, pipeline spheres have been constructed using two separate pieces, or halves, of a sphere. The sphere halves are traditionally molded separately and then bonded together. Unfortunately, the seam between the two sphere halves creates a line of weakness. This seam encourages the sphere to warp into an egg-shape (i.e. to go out of round). When a pipeline sphere goes out of round, it can no longer function properly within a pipeline. The pressure inside the sphere may also leak out and the sphere will no longer seal in the pipeline. Additionally, because of the warped shape, the sphere may become lodged within the pipeline. In meter proving systems, an out of round sphere will not launch properly and also hampers the repeatability necessary for meter proving. The warping of the sphere additionally causes the seam to fail, again resulting in a pipeline sphere that is no longer functional. Pipeline spheres are costly to change or replace. Additionally, if a sphere ruptures, it may damage the pipeline or the product contained in the pipeline. [0011] Because of turbulence encountered inside pipelines, it is sometimes desirable to have a weighted pipeline sphere in order to stabilize the sphere within the pipeline. Non-weighted spheres are too buoyant for turbulent pipelines. Although it is known to weigh down pipeline spheres, such weight has been added by pouring lead shot into a cavity within the sphere. Unfortunately, when the sphere cracks or the seam fails, the lead shot pours into the prover which can damage the prover coating and damage the meter, pump and other measurement equipment. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0012] The invention is generally directed to a pipeline sphere, and more specifically to a seamless pipeline sphere. It should be noted that as used herein, the terminology "pipeline sphere" is intended to encompass all types of spheres that are used internally of a pipeline, including e.g., and without limitation, spheres for product separation, spheres for line evacuation and spheres for meter proving. The sphere comprises an inflatable inner bladder defining a hollow chamber therein. The inner bladder further comprises an access opening through the wall of the inner bladder. The inner bladder may be made of two separate halves which are bonded together. Surrounding the inner bladder is a flexible, seamless outer layer which also comprises an aperture that is aligned with the opening of the inner bladder such that there is a continuous channel connecting the hollow chamber to the outside environment. A fill valve assembly may be inserted into the continuous channel such that the sphere may be appropriately sized and thus retain its integrity. During the casting process, lead shot may also be added to the inner bladder in order to provide a weighted sphere. [0013] The pipeline sphere of the present invention has the advantage of presenting a seamless outer layer such that there is no line of weakness as with seamed spheres. As such, the pipeline sphere of the present invention maintains round and does not warp into an egg-like shape. Because of the seamless structure of the outer layer, the sphere also will not easily rupture and is, thus, more durable, resulting in a reduced need to replace the sphere. The bonding of a weighted material into the inner bladder of the sphere further adds to its durability in that the weighted material is prevented from spilling out into the pipeline. The pipeline sphere of the present invention is also individually sizable by the purchaser in order to properly fit the size of the pipeline in which the sphere will be utilized. All of these advantages serve to provide a pipeline sphere that is extremely durable and cost-efficient. [0014] Other advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipeline sphere of the present invention. [0016] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of the pipeline sphere of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1, having one opening therethrough for receiving a fill valve element. [0017] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the pipeline sphere of the present invention, having two openings therethrough for receiving fill valve elements. [0018] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the pipeline sphere of FIG. 3, including weighted material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Continue reading... Full patent description for Seamless pipeline sphere and method of manufacture Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Seamless pipeline sphere and method of manufacture patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Seamless pipeline sphere and method of manufacture or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Apparatus and method for manufacturing laminated substrate Next Patent Application: Method for the production of a laminate, device for carrying out the method and corresponding laminate Industry Class: Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Seamless pipeline sphere and method of manufacture patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 5.19799 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Computers: Graphics , I/O , Processors , Dyn. Storage , Static Storage , Printers |
||
