US 4,305,282 A · Meter installation for underground pipelines

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved meter installation for a deep underground pipeline employing a meter pit. Pre-coiled, flexible tubing lengths are coupled between the ends of the pipeline in the pit and a flowmeter which is also housed within the pit. The meter is vertically movable within the pit. As the meter is raised, the pre-coiled tubing uncoils or expands, and as the meter is lowered, the pre-coiled tubing re-coils or contracts. The meter installation of this invention is particularly useful for water metering in pipelines laid a substantial depth below ground level--as, for example, in cold plains states. The present system provides a meter reader, repairman, or the like, with ready access to the meter without the necessity of physically entering the pit. The meter is easily raised to ground level without interrupting the flow of liquid therethrough.

Claims10

Dependent claims

Apparatus for installing a surface accessible device in an underground pipe which comprises:

a tubular liner having a length sufficient to extend from the surface to the level of said pipe;
coupling means carried by said liner for connection externally thereof to separated ends of said pipe;
first and second lengths of pre-coiled flexible tubing within said liner, each having a lower end connected to a different end of said pipe and an upper end connectable to said device, said pre-coiled tubing being expandable and contractable in a vertical direction to permit said device to be raised and lowered within said liner while maintaining fluid flow therethrough.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Meter installation for underground pipelines

Life of this patent

Meter installation for underground pipelines

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10