US 4,191,216 A · Fabricated orifice fitting mechanism for pipelines

Abstract

An orifice fitting mechanism for pipeline flow measurement systems includes a fabricated body structure that is so fabricated that internal and external body plate connection welds may be effectively utilized in order that the body structure will have sufficient structural integrity to withstand the forces of high pressure service. Internal and external welding of the body plates is enhanced through the provision of internal hub rings that define portions of the internal through conduit structure of the body and also define a properly oriented transverse opening that effectively receives an orifice plate carrier assembly in sealed relation therein. The hub rings also provide for close positioning of pressure tap passages as desired for accurate flow measurement. A replaceable valve support mechanism is employed allowing the slide valve system of the orifice fitting to be field replaceable without requiring replacement of either of the upper or lower body sections.

Claims16

Dependent claims

An orifice fitting body structure of fabricated construction comprising:

a pair of end plates being positioned in generally parallel relation, said end plates defining circular flow passage openings;
a pair of side plates being connected to said end plates by internal and external welds and cooperating with said end plates to define a generally rectangular body tube having registering flow passage openings;
a bottom plate being secured to first extremities of said end plates and side plates by internal and external welds;
a connection flange plate being secured to second extremities of said end plates and side plates and defining a body access openings, at least some of said internal welds being formed by extending welding means through said body access opening, said end, side, bottom and connection flange plates cooperating to define a pressure containing body structure;
a pair of hub rings being located within said pressure containing body in registry with said flow passage openings of said side plates and with end faces thereof positioned in closely spaced opposed relation, said hub rings being welded to said end plates about said flow passage openings;
and
conduit means being connected to said end plates about said flow passage openings.

4 more elements

A fabricated orifice fitting structure defined by upper and lower body sections and adapted to receive an orifice plate carrier that is movable through said upper and lower body sections, wherein:

a plurality of metal body plates defining a rectangular body tube of said lower body section and defining a bottom closure and an upper connection flange, a pair of said metal plates defining opposed flow passage openings;
a pair of hub rings being welded to the internal portions of said pair of said metal plates and defining closely spaced annular sealing surfaces for sealing engagement with said orifice plate carrier;
a plurality of metal plates defining a rectangular body tube of said upper body section and defining a lower connection flange plate and an upper bonnet plate;
a seat support plate being interposed between said connection flanges of said upper and lower body sections and defining an elongated restricted opening through which said orifice plate carrier passes;
a valve seat being provided on said seat support plate about said elongated restricted opening;
a valve mechanism being located within one of said upper and lower body sections and being selectively movable between a closed position establishing sealing engagement with said valve seat and an open position where said valve mechanism is retracted to allow movement of said orifice plate carrier through said restricted opening;
and
said upper bonnet plate defining an elongated restricted opening through which said orifice carrier passes and defines closure means for said restricted opening of said bonnet plate.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fabricated orifice fitting mechanism for pipelines

Life of this patent

Fabricated orifice fitting mechanism for pipelines

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16