Valve replacement device
OwnerBrandon Domsch, William Wilhiteinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A valve replacement device is disclosed. An example valve replacement device includes a body configured to thread onto a valve, and an insertion tube movable through the body. A seal is provided between the insertion tube and the body. The seal enables the insertion tube to be moved through the body while at least partially retaining a fluid within a portion of the body. A balloon is provided on the insertion tube. The balloon is configured to be inflated and deflated through the insertion tube. The balloon is inflated to retain a fluid within the tank while the existing valve is removed from the tank and replaced. The balloon is deflated and removed after replacement of the existing valve.
Claims1
A method of valve replacement for replacing a valve coupled to a liquid-storage tank, comprising:
- attaching a replacement body to a valve to be replaced, the valve coupled to a liquid-storage tank having a fluid therein, and opening a gate of the valve while the replacement body retains the fluid;
- extending an insertion tube through the replacement body and through the valve to a position behind the gate of the valve;
- inflating a balloon on the insertion tube in the position behind the gate of the valve such that fluid is prevented from leaking out of the tank;
- evacuating fluid from the replacement body by opening a first release valve located in a down position, and facilitating the evacuation of substantially all of the fluid from the replacement body by opening the second release valve;
- closing the second release valve and the first release valve;
- removing the valve;
- replacing the valve by installing the replacement body onto the valve;
- deflating the balloon on the insertion tube;
- withdrawing the insertion tube and the balloon from behind the gate of the valve;
- and
- closing the gate of the valve and removing the replacement body from the valve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.