Title of Invention : Flexible Joint Union

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field of this invention relates to the different piping and plumping fittings including gas and water fittings with flexibility potential.

Background Art

[0002] An invention titled as Pipe coupling with application number GB2152169 has been patented in the United Kingdom. The summary of this invention is as follows:

[0003] A connecting union for pipes, taps, valves hydraulic equpment cable of compensating for assembly errors in concentricity and connection distance, has a connecting body with a part-spherical surface that may be tightened up against an opening of another component by means of a ring nut, the union also having, at its other end, a threaded portion whith a resable seable sealing ring.

[0004] The components and methods of this invention differ from the claimed invention.

Technical Problem

[0005] In case two pipes should be connected and fitted to each other, as when connecting urban gas pipes to homes, the two pipes may not be aligned for enormous reasons, and changing the position may be impossible. Hence, in the case of using the present connecting unions, gas or fluid leakage from the pipes is very likely. If a connecting union is designed that allows the connection of two unaligned pipes that are not in the same direction, this issue can be solved.

[0006] Given that the internal gas pressure in the home gas regulator is diminished from (60 to 0.25) psi and in order to comply with safety issues according to the IGS-M-IN-201 standard, the internal gas pressure is psi.

[0007] Currently, in-house plumbing is fitted to regulator and riser pipe using fittings such as bent pipe, tees, pipe coupling, and pipe nuts.

[0008] Mechanical stress for various reasons occurs in the gas piping system, which causes gas to leak into the air. These reasons are presented below: [0009] 1- Lack of alignment of the riser pipe and the branch of domestic gas subscribers

[0010] 2- Thermal stresses due to difference in night and day temperature

[0011] 3- Mild earthquakes and vibration (passing trucks in the alleys).

[0012] 4- Multiple risers (triple and more branches) on one riser

[0013] 5- Using non-standard connections by the meter and regulator installer

[0014] Unpleasant consequences of gas leakage involve subscribers' complaints due to the undesirable smell of gas and frequent visits to gas departments for seal leaked gas, environmental pollution, lost gases, financial losses of the Gas Company, etc.

[0015] The current joint unions just can be installed when both sides of the pipe are aligned. This factor and the defect cause initial stress in the piping system, which in turn over time results in gas leakage in the joints, the consequences of which have already been mentioned.

Solution to Problem

[0016] This part is made of three cast iron metal components and a Viton or rubber O-ring that is compatible with natural gas. The components of this invention are as follows:

[0017] 1 -Joint (1 )

[0018] 2- Bolt (2) on which the O-ring (3) is mounted

[0019] 3- Nut (4)

[0020] 4- O-ring (3)

[0021] The Joint (1 ) is characterized by a smooth and polished surface, the bottom of which is mounted on the seat (2) with an O-ring (3), and the nut (4) is installed on the upper part of the joint, and as it is threaded they are fitted together and the connection is completed (Figure 5).

[0022] The joint union is designed based on size and dimensions so that it is more conveniently fitted to normal joints and has an internal thread and an octagon external wrench and obviate the stresses due to misalignment and with a specific angle that depends on the existing conditions and the location of the gas riser subscribers, it may change the angle up to 10 degrees with a tolerance of 1 degree (1 - + 10) as a result of stress misalignment and gas leakage are eliminated.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0023] 1- Prevention of natural gas leakage from the connections above the regulator.

[0024] 2- Lowering greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollutants.

[0025] 3- Improving the safety factor of domestic gas subscribers.

[0026] 4- Upgrading the HSE indicators of the National Iranian Gas Company

[0027] 5- Increasing the income of the National Iranian Gas Company.

[0028] 6- Improving the satisfaction level of natural gas subscribers.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0029] Fig.1 : All parts of the invention.

[0030] Fig.2: Joint inside the nut.

[0031] Fig.3: Joint.

[0032] Fig.4: Nut.

[0033] Fig.5: The Joint movement inside all parts.

Examples

[0034] Flexible Joint Union is manufactured using the casting of the raw part, then it is polished by a lathe machine, and ultimately the required threads are created by a pipe thread cutter.