Manifold for Use With a Pressure Transmitter

The present invention relates to a field mounted measurement transmitter measuring a process variable representative of a process. More particularly, the invention relates to a manifold for use with a transmitter for coupling the transmitter to process fluid transmitting fluid pressure to a differential pressure sensing means.

It has been an industry standard practice to use a flange adaptor and valve manifold to couple process conduits to pressure transmitters. The manifold connects a process conduit carrying a pressurized fluid to the flanged surface on a pressure transmitter. Often times, an H-shaped manifold is used between the conduit and the transmitter flange. Typically, manifolds had an inlet surface for receiving a process fluid opposite an outlet surface connected to the transmitter. In other words, the inlet surface was parallel to the outlet surface. Furthermore, manifolds were used with additional flanges or adaptor plates to attach the transmitter or process conduit. These assemblies are large, heavy, take up space, and have a number of joints and connections which promotes leaking of the fluid, and do not provide flexibility in installation.

Additionally, certain transmitter applications have specific requirements during transmitter use placing demands on the manifold which must be satisfied. For example, in the natural gas industry measurement accuracy is vital and must be taken into consideration when installing a manifold. In the power industry, in process calibration is important, and must be considered when installing a manifold.

Co-planar manifolds (for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,810), eliminate the need for a flange between the transmitter and the manifold. Some co-planar manifolds, however, require a flange.

There is a continuing need for a space-saving manifold used to couple pressure transmitters to process conduits which inhibits leaking and which permits flexibility and ease in installation and use.

A manifold includes a body having generally planar inlet surface. The inlet surface includes a first inlet and a second inlet, adapted for coupling to a pressurized process fluid. An outlet surface on the manifold is adapted for coupling to a co-planar transmitter and is at a right angle relative to the inlet surface. The manifold includes an equalizing valve surface opposite the outlet surface, and a perimeter therebetween.

The outlet surface includes first and second outlets in fluid communication with the first and second inlets, respectively. Isolator valves selectively isolate the outlets from the inlets. In one embodiment, an equalizer valve selectively couples the first outlet to the second outlet and a vent valve selectively vents the first outlet and the second outlet to the atmosphere. In another embodiment, two equalizer valves and a vent valve are utilized.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a manifold embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of the manifold of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a first end view of the manifold of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a second end view of the manifold of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a third end view of the manifold of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows a fourth end view of the manifold of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section view of the manifold of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a first side view of the manifold of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 shows a second side view of the manifold of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 shows another cross-section view of the manifold of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a schematic flow diagram of the manifold of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the manifold of FIG. 1, shown connected to the transmitter and the process conduit.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of another manifold embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 13A shows another perspective view of the manifold of FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of another manifold embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the manifold of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of another manifold embodying features of the present invention with the transmitter and process conduits.

FIG. 17 shows another perspective view of the manifold of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows a plan view of the manifold of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a schematic flow diagram of the manifold of FIG. 16.

A manifold constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-12 and is indicated generally at 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, manifold 10 is preferably a single cast piece and having an "H"-shaped body cross-section which includes a first member 12, second member 20, and third member 46. The first and third members 12, 46 act as side portions while the second member 20 acts as a cross portion therebetween. Generally planar first member 12 includes an inlet surface 14. Inlet surface 14 is provided with a first inlet 16 and a second inlet 18.

Planar second member 20 is generally perpendicular to first member 12 and generally upstanding thereon. Second member 20 includes an outlet surface 22 and an equalizing valve surface 24 generally opposite and parallel to outlet surface 22. Outlet surface 22 is provided with a first outlet 26 and a second outlet 28. Outlets 26 and 28 are spaced apart by generally 1.3 inches (3.3 centimeters) (DIN) and adapted for direct coupling to a co-planar transmitter of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 317,266 commonly assigned with the present application. In contrast, conventional transmitters have a spacing of 21/8 inches (5.4 centimeters) (DIN). Equalizing valve surface 24 is provided with a boss 30 having an equalizing chamber 32. Second member 20 also comprises a first perimeter wall 34 and a second perimeter wall 36. First perimeter wall 34 is provided with a boss 38 having a first blocking chamber 40 therein. Second perimeter wall 36 is provided with a boss 42 having a second blocking chamber 44 therein.

A generally planar third member 46 is perpendicular to the second member 20 and generally parallel to first member 12. Third member 46 includes a venting surface 48 opposite from inlet surface 14. Venting surface 48 is provided with a first vent 50 and a second vent 52. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between vents 50 and 52 is 21/8 inches (5.4 centimeters) (DIN). A plurality of spaced-apart mounting holes 54 are provided.

FIG. 12 shows a process conduits 56a, 56b connected to inlets 16, 18 and a transmitter housing 58 connected to outlets 26, 28. Fluid preferably flows into manifold 10 in a direction indicated by arrows 60 at inlets 16, 18 and out of the manifold 10 at either or both outlets 26, 28 into transmitter 58, or either or both vents 50, 52 to the atmosphere or other containment or pressure source during calibration. Manifold 10 is attached to and supported by stand 61.

As also shown in FIG. 3, first member 12 is rectangular and inlets 16, 18 are recesses in generally planar inlet surface 14. Inlets 16, 18 are preferably provided between the planes of outlet surface 22 and equalizing valve surface 24. Mounting holes 54 extend through first member 12.

Inlets 16 and 18 are preferably threaded to receive a threaded low pressure and high pressure conduit containing the pressurized process fluid. Both of conduits 56 are connected directly to inlets 16, 18. It is to be understood, however, that other connection configurations, such as connection assemblies between conduits 56a, 56b and manifold 10 are contemplated. Inlet 16, 18 are spaced-apart a distance of about 21/8 inches, the industry standard for conduit spacing.

As shown in FIG. 4, third member 46 is also rectangular and generally the same size as first member 12. Vents 50, 52 are recesses in generally planar venting surface 48 and perpendicular thereto. Vents 50, 52 are provided between the planes formed by outlet surface 22 and equalizing valve surface 24. Mounting holes 54 extend through third member 46 and are perpendicular to its surface. Vents 50, 52 are preferably threaded to receive a valve, or the like. Additionally, another manifold can be coupled to the vents to permit transmitter stacking.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, generally cylindric blocking chambers 40, 44 are threaded recesses in bosses 38, 42, respectively. Blocking chambers 40, 44 are adapted for receiving blocking valves, described below.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of second member 20. A first passage is within second member 20 and provides communication from first inlet 16 to first blocking chamber 40 and first vent 50. First passage 62 also provides communication with first outlet 26 at first opening 64. A second passage 66 is also within second member 20 and provides communication from second inlet 18 to second blocking chamber 44 and second vent 52. Second passage 66 also provides communication with second outlet 28 at second opening 68. The openings 64, 68 are positioned to allow maximum drain potential. Blocking valves 70, 72 in blocking chambers 40, 44 selectively open and close, or "block", communication from inlets 16, 18. Also, venting valves 74, 76 selectively open and close communication of the passages 62, 66 with the atmosphere.

As shown in FIG. 8, equalizing valve surface 24 comprises a boss 30 having a generally cylindric equalizing chamber 32 as a threaded recess therein. Equalizing chamber 32 includes an equalizing opening 78 which extends through second member 20 into outlets 26, 28, as shown in FIG. 9. Outlets 26, 28 are sealingly compatible with respect to inlet portion of transmitter 58. The sealing compatibility is due to seal rings (not shown) placed around the outlets 16, 18 and by the position of mounting holes 54 which match that of the corresponding mounting holes in transmitter 58 to receive mounting bolts 59. The sealing engagement must be fully hermetical to provide the required accuracy of measurement by transmitter 58.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of second member 20. In addition to passages 62, 66, second member 20 comprises equalizing passages 80 which provide communication between outlets 26 and 28 through equalizing chamber 32. Equalizing valve 82 in equalizing chamber 32 selectively opens and closes communication between outlets 26 and 28.

Blocking valves 70, 72, venting valves 74, 76 and equalizing valve 82 are isolator valves of a known structure which includes a valve stem portion disposed inside of members and carrying a valve member. Valves can be of identical structure each carrying, at the free end of the inside valve stem, a conical or spherical valve member. Each valve also has an actuating stem projecting outwardly from the manifold 10. The free end of each actuating stem can be provided with a handle as is well known in the art.

In one preferred mode of operation, high pressure process flow is connected by one of conduits 56a, 56b to first inlet 16, and low pressure process flow is connected by the other of conduits 56a, 56b to second inlet 18. Correspondingly, high pressure flow port of the transmitter 58 is connected to the first outlet 26 and low pressure flow port of the transmitter is connected to second outlet 28.

A schematic representation of the manifold 10 is shown in FIG. 11. To achieve a direct communication of an inlet of a high pressure process flow to a high pressure flow port blocking valve 70 is open while blocking valve 72, venting valves 74, 76 and equalizing valve 82 are closed. To achieve a direct communication of the low pressure process flow to a low pressure flow port, blocking valve 72 is open while blocking valve 70, venting valves 74, 76 and equalizing valve 82 are closed. To achieve an equalized pressure whereby the low pressure process fluid is directed to both the high and low pressure ports, blocking valve 72 and equalizing valve 82 are open while blocking valve 70 and venting valves 74 and 76 are closed. To achieve an equalized pressure whereby the high pressure process fluid is directed to both the high and low pressure sensors, blocking valve 70 and equalizing valve 82 are open while blocking valve 72 and venting valves 74 and 76 are closed. For achieving a state where both the high and low pressure process fluid is vented at the manifold 10, resulting in zero differential pressure at the transmitter 58, all the valves are open. In order to have zero pressure at the outlets 26 and 28, blocking valves 70, 72 are closed and venting valves 74, 76 are open.

FIGS. 13 and 13A show another embodiment of the invention indicated generally as manifold 10a, wherein otherwise similar parts have similar reference numbers. Vents 90, 92 are recessed in perimeter walls 34 and 36 instead of third member 46. Vents 90, 92 are preferably threaded to receive a valve or the like, of known structure as disclosed above.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of another manifold embodying features of the present invention and indicated generally at 10b, wherein similar parts have similar reference numbers. Perimeters walls 34 and 36 include vent chambers 93 and 94, respectively, as threaded recesses therein. Venting chambers 93 and 94 are in communication with blocking chambers 40, 44, respectively, and are adapted to receive vent valves 95, 96 or the like. Third member 46 includes end 97 with vent ports 98a, 98b recessed therein.

FIG. 15 shows a cross-section view of the manifold 10b of FIG. 14 taken along lines 15--15, and depicting passageways therein. Inlets 16, 18 are in communication with blocking chambers 40, 44, respectively, via passageways 100, 102, respectively. Blocking chambers 40, 44 are in communication with venting chambers 93, 94, respectively, via passageways 104, 106, respectively. Additionally, venting chambers 93, 94 are in communication with vent ports 98a, 98b via passageways 108, 109, respectively. Vent ports 98a, 98b are in communication with the atmosphere.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of another manifold, indicated at 10c, embodying features of the present invention, and shown with process conduits 56a, 56b and transmitter 58, wherein like parts are indicated with like reference numerals. Inlet 16, 18 are adapted to receive process conduit 56, and outlets 26, 28 are adapted to receive transmitter 58. Perimeter walls 34, 36 are provided bosses 120, 122, respectively, having blocking chambers 126, 128, respectively, therein. Blocking chambers 126, 128 are adapted to receive valves 132, 134, respectively, or the like.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of manifold 10c but inverted with respect to the view of FIG. 16. Equalizing valve surface 140 is provided with bosses 142, 144 having equalizing chambers 146, 148, respectively, therein. Equalizing chambers 146, 148 are adapted to receive valves 150, 152, or the like. Perimeter wall 34 includes venting chamber 154 adapted to receive valve 156, or the like, and third member 46 includes a single vent port 158 on end 160.

FIG. 18 shows a plan view of manifold 10c oriented as in FIG. 16 and depicting passageways in phantom. Inlets 16, 18 are in communication with blocking chambers 126, 128 through passageways 170, 172, respectively. Blocking chambers 126, 128 are in communication with outlets 26, 28, respectively, via passageways 174, 176. Outlets 26, 28 are in communication with equalizing chambers 146, 148, respectively, through passageways 178, 180, respectively. Equalizing chambers 146, 148 are in communication with each other and venting chamber 154 through passageway 182. Venting chamber 154 is in communication with vent port 158 through passageway 184, and vent port 158 is in communication with the atmosphere.

A schematic representation of manifold 10 is shown in FIG. 19. In one preferred mode of operation, high pressure process flow is connected by one of conduits 56a, 56b to first inlet 16, and low pressure process flow is connected by the other of conduits 56a, 56b to second inlet 18. Correspondingly, high pressure flow port of the transmitter 58 is connected to first outlet 26 and low pressure flow port of the transmitter is connected to second outlet 28. To achieve a direct communication of an inlet of a high pressure process flow to a high pressure flow port, blocking valve 132 is open while blocking valve 134, venting valve 156 and equalizing valves 150, 152 are closed. To achieve a similar state with respect to the high pressure flow port, but where the low pressure flow port is vented, valves 152 and 156 are opened. To achieve a direct communication of the low pressure process flow to a low pressure flow port, blocking valve 134 is open while blocking valve 132, venting valve 156 and equalizing valves 150, 152 are closed. For achieving a similar state with respect to the low pressure flow port but where the high pressure flow port is vented, valves 150, 156 are opened. To achieve an equalized pressure whereby the low pressure process fluid is directed to both the high and low pressure ports, blocking valve 134 and equalizing valves 150, 152 are open while blocking valve 132 and venting valve 156 are closed. To achieve an equalized pressure whereby the high pressure process fluid is directed to both the high and low pressure sensors, blocking valve 132 and equalizing valve 150, 152 are open while blocking valve 134 and venting valve 156 are closed. For achieving a state where both the high and low pressure process fluid is vented at the manifold 10, resulting in zero differential pressure at the transmitter 58, all the valves are open. In order to have zero pressure at the outlets 26 and 28, blocking valves 130, 134 are closed and venting valve 156 and equalizing valves 150, 152 are open. During normal operation, blocking valves 132, 134 and venting valve 156 are open. Leakage of process by equalizing valves 150, 152 is vented through venting valve 156 and does not affect the opposite side outlet 26 or 28 and thus provides more accurate metering.

The previously described embodiments of the present invention have many advantages. Among these advantages is that the manifolds permit substitution of newer "co-planar" transmitters into installations previously occupied by conventional transmitters. Many older installations were designed to accommodate conventional transmitters having "H-shaped" flanges, and wider spacing between the ports. Further, some installations do not easily accommodate other manifolds for co-planar transmitters without reconfiguration of the existing conduits and the like. The manifold of the present invention integrates with existing designs and DIN spacing thus reducing overall installation costs and provides convenience.

The manifold of the present invention provides several surfaces adapted for mounting to a rigid support. Also, the "right-angle" design of the transmitter mounted perpendicularly to the process conduits provides greater flexibility in transmitter installation. For example, the manifold 10 shown in FIG. 12 can be flipped end for end such that the outlets 26 and 28 are facing the ground or floor and the transmitter will be inverted. Thus, the transmitter can be mounted in different orientations depending on the space constraints of the installation.

One preferred mounting of the flange requires inlet surface 14 to face the ground or floor wherein the second outlet 28 is oriented so that the second opening 68 is at the "top" of the second outlet 28. This permits bubbles in the outlet 28 to float directly to the vent 52 and away from the transmitter thus increasing sensor accuracy. The manifold eliminates the need for flanges and coupling assemblies, which inhibits leaks by reducing leak paths. Manifolds 10-10b are particularly suited for the power industry. Manifold 10c is particularly suited for the natural gas industry. It is to be understood, however, that the manifold of the present invention are not intended to be limited to a specific use.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.