Technical Field:

The technical field is combination or multi-purpose hand tools. Description of Prior Art:

Flow rate measurement and analysis often involves the use of an orifice plate. The orifice plate is held in the path of fluid or gas flow to measure parameters, such as pressure in order to determine flow rate. Multiple fittings are available for holding the orifice plate in the flow path. For example, orifice flange unions, single chamber orifice fittings, and dual chamber fittings are used to position the orifice plate in the flow path.

Technicians assigned to repair or replace orifice plates, especially in the oil and gas industry, are often under time constraints due to weather, schedules, or emergency situations. Most technicians inspect and/or repair several orifice plates a day. Existing removal techniques incorporate the use of at least three different tools, requiring the technician to keep track of not only the components to be removed or replaced during the inspection, but also the multiple tools. Additionally, many of the required tools are not sized, shaped, or dimensioned for simplicity and convenience.

Orifice fittings and their components often become corroded and rusty, making removal difficult. Often a sledge hammer is used to aid in the removal and repair of an orifice fitting.

Brief Description of the Drawings:

Figure 1 is an oblique view of an orifice plate removal tool assembly.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the orifice plate removal tool assembly of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a head of the orifice plate removal tool assembly of Figure 2 taken along the Line 3-3 shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a side view of the head of the orifice plate removal tool of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a top view of the head of the orifice plate removal tool of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a side view of the head of the orifice plate removal tool of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is an exploded view of a grip of a blade of the head of the orifice plate removal tool of Figure 1 taken along the Line 7-7 shown in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a back view of the head of the orifice plate removal tool of Figure 1.

Figure 9 is an exploded view of the socket drive of the head of the orifice plate removal tool of Figure 1 taken along the Line 9-9 shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the socket drive of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a flow diagram of a method of orifice plate inspection or removal. Description of the Preferred Embodiment:

An improved hand-held multi-combinational tool is provided for use in orifice plate removal to perform the function of several tools in orifice plate removal. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is a Technician’s Flammer for Orifice Removal (TFIOR), resembling a modified sledgehammer or club hammer in shape and appearance.

Figure 1 shows an orifice plate removal tool assembly 11 , which comprises a multi-combinational tool assembly 13, of which multiple assemblies 13a, 13b, and 13c are shown in the view. Each tool assembly 13 comprises a blade 15 and a blade grip 17. The blades 15 are connected to a central yoke 19, and each tool assembly 13 is able to rotate about a pitch axis relative to yoke 19. Yoke 19 has a handle 21 extending radially, and each tool assembly 13 is attached to the handle 21. Yoke 19 is attached to a socket drive 23 for rotation of and/or with socket drive 23 about socket drive axis 25. The following description will describe components in relation to one portion of orifice plate removal tool assembly 11 , though it should be understood that the description applies equally to other portions of assembly 11.

The blade grip 17 enables a secure grasp on components of an orifice fitting or a valve, such as a valve stem. For example, the blade grip 17 may be formed into the unitary structure of the blade by creating one or more of serrations, grooves, notches, corrugations, teeth, or similar formations in a respective blade 15. Alternatively, a plate having the grip 17 formed thereon is attached to a surface of the blade 15 using welding, pins, screws, brazing, and similar attachment means.

In at least one embodiment, the socket drive 23 is fitted with a quick release locking mechanism. For example, a sleeve configured to engage a detent assembly of the socket drive may be attached around the socket drive 23, such that once it is pulled, the detent disengages to allow for a quick release of a socket or other tool attached to socket drive 23. Alternatively, the sleeve has a slotted keyway that fits with a tab disposed on a shaft of the socket drive 23, such that when the sleeve is turned, quarter- turned, or half-turned and pulled down it locks the sleeve and the tool attached to socket drive 23 in place.

Although the multi-combinational tool assembly 11 is depicted as having a protruding socket drive 23, alternatively the tool 11 may be fitted with a recessed receiver in place of socket drive 23. For example, an industry may use a standardized size of bolt or nut for orifice fittings, and the recessed receiver may be dimensioned to mate with the standardized size.

In the configuration shown in Figure 1 , handle 21 of yoke 19 is designed to allow for a rotating motion of blade 15 during operation of orifice plate removal tool assembly 11. Orifice plate removal tool assembly 11 is configured for rotation about socket drive axis 25 in the direction shown by arrow 27, amongst other rotating motions. The rotating motions include in-plane, or azimuth, motion of the outer tip of handle 21 , as indicated by arrows 29 (tightening motion) and 31 (loosening motion). The rotating motions further include elevational tightening and loosening motions. Assembly 11 is referred to as a“balanced percussive tool”, in which the center- of-mass of the tool is centered about a virtual hinge axis 33. Virtual hinge axis 33 lies in a region of handle 21 and is created by tailoring the construction of handle 21 , such as with a specified length, a narrow or elliptical cross-section thickness, or through use of materials with specified properties. Assembly 11 is also referred to as a “torque wrench”, in which a lever arm created by the handle 21 directly affects an amount of torque applied along hinge axis 25. Assembly 11 is also referred to as a“socket wrench”, in which the socket drive 23 receives a socket to apply torque to a nut. Alternatively, the socket drive 23 receives the socket of another wrench to receive torque from the other wrench.

The multi-combinational tool assembly 11 includes at least three tool assemblies 13a, 13b, and 13c. With respect to a first tool assembly 13a, because hinge axis 33 is not coaxial with blade grip 17a, blade 15a creates a fulcrum about opposite ends of the blade 15a. When force 34 is applied to the handle 21 , a first end of the intrados surface of grip 17a experiences rotational motion in the opposite direction to the motion at the opposite end of the blade grip 17a. With respect to a second tool assembly 13b, when blade 15b rotates in the direction shown by arrow 29 or arrow 31 , a first end of the intrados surface of grip 17b rotates about a hinge axis parallel to hinge axis 25 in the direction indicated by arrow 27b, whereas a second end of the intrados surface of grip 17b rotates in the opposite direction. A third tool assembly 13c functions similar to the second tool assembly 13b, but has at least one of a different angle of the blades 15c relative to blades 15b, a different dimension between the blades 15c, such as a width or depth, and a different surface area. In this regard, depending on the location of each tool assembly 13a, 13b, 13c, different portions or all of head 40 may act as a fulcrum.

In at least one embodiment, at least one of the grips 17a, 17b, and 17c is coated with an elastomeric coating to provide additional grip. The coating may include, for example, Teflon, rubber, or similar materials. It is important to note that other portions of the head 40 and/or the handle 21 may be coated, powder coated, or dipped into expanding, liquid rubber to provide additional grip or a bumper function to the multi- combinational tool assembly 11. Preferably, the handle 21 further comprises a rigid, durable material, such as steel or titanium. Alternatively, the handle comprises a lightweight material, such as wood. Preferably, the head 40 comprises a die-cast, surface hardened tool steel or a metal alloy. For example, a copper, beryllium alloy is used to form the head 40. The surface hardening can be performed in a process, such as induction hardening, boronizing, carbonizing, or introducing nitrogen into a surface of the head 40 during formation. Preferably, each surface of the multi-surfaced head 40 is surface hardened. Alternatively, only a surface meant for a percussive application or a torque application is surface hardened. A grip on the handle (not shown) may be made of a multilayer laminate material, having an innermost elastomeric layer and an outermost elastomeric layer having a higher coefficient of friction than the innermost layer or a layer that is between the innermost and outermost layers. For example, the outermost layer and the innermost layer may be formed of thermosetting or thermoplastic elastomers, such as silicone or polyurethane. An inner layer is formed of a higher energy absorption and redistribution material, such as Kevlar 29 (aramid) fiber style 645. At least one of the inner layer and the outermost layer is formed having a vibration mitigating design, such as with damping elements formed of a plurality of closely spaced structures, slightly raised, and connected structures. For instance, the structures may include, but are not limited to ridges, rubber blades, and honeycomb patterns. Alternatively, the grip is substantially smooth, except for recesses formed in at least one of the outermost layer and the inner layer, where the recesses correspond to the position of the user’s hand, fingers, thumb, and/or palm. In at least one embodiment, the grip of the handle 21 includes both closely spaced structures and recesses. The dimensions of the closely spaced structures and/or the recesses will depend on the thicknesses and number of the layers of the multilayer laminate. In at least one embodiment, the handle 21 is wood, and recesses and raised portions may be formed in the handle to further enhance the grip of the handle. Preferably, any raised or recessed portions intended to coincide with a user’s palm are located at or near the center-of-percussion. It is important to note that each tool assembly 13a, 13b, and 13c, or a blade thereof, is positioned at an angle relative to respective yokes 19a, 19b, and 19c. For example, one or all of the angles is/are greater than or equal to a 90° angle. In at least one embodiment, an angle of greater than a 90° angle relative to the yoke 19 forms a dovetail ledge in the blade, providing a grip for a correspondingly shaped valve stem. Preferably, the blades 15a, 15b, and 15c of each tool assembly are positioned at an angle relative to the handle 21. For example, one or all of the angles is/are greater than or equal to a 45° angle.

It is also important to note that although each tool assembly 13a, 13b, and 13c are shown as having another blade paired with each blade 15a, 15b, and 15c of the respective tool assembly, this depiction is not intended to limit the function of the multi- combinational tool assembly 11. For example, a tool assembly 13 may be formed having a single blade 15 to be used alone, i.e., without another paired blade, as a key for a keyed recess in a valve plate, or for similar uses.

To provide for damping of rotating motion of blade 15 and to ensure handle 21 is secured, at least one non-Newtonian fluid damper 37 is injected in an aperture 39 in head 40. When cured, the damper 37 provides a damping force opposing motion of the intrados surface of aperture 39 relative to a handle 21 , and further provides a securing force opposing outward momentum that might otherwise separate the head 40 from the handle 21. It is noted that aperture 39 may include additional reinforcing material, such as a metal plate that integrates with handle 21 and damper 37 to provide additional security to the interface of the handle 21 and head 40.

Alternatively, instead of fluid damper 37, a threaded cap rotationally secures to corresponding threads formed within the handle 21. The threaded cap includes a flange to secure the head 40 to the handle 21. The threaded cap may also allow for retrofitting existing tool handles with the head 40 of multi-combination tool assembly 11. In at least one embodiment, the threaded cap is replaced by a cap having a locking detent assembly integrated therein. It is noted that at least one of the threaded cap, the cap having the locking detent, and a similar head attachment means makes the handle 21 interchangeable with a second handle. For example, a long handle (e.g., 24 inches) may be appropriate with repairs having plenty of space for conducting the repair, whereas a second shorter handle (e.g., 10 inches) may be exchanged with the longer handle for conducting a repair in a confined area with limited space

Referring now to Figure 2 in the drawings, the handle 21 is preferably of any length and of any circumferential dimension sufficient for handheld use. For example, as one intended use of multi-combinational tool assembly 11 is a percussive tool to tap out a plate carrier in orifice plate removal, the handle 21 may be dimensioned from about 10 to 24 inches (22-55cm) in length. The head 40 has a weight that corresponds to the length of the handle 21 , ranging from about two to eight pounds (0.9 to 3.6 kg).

Referring now to Figure 3 in the drawings, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken at the line 3-3 of Figure 2. The cross-section view illustrates the socket assembly 23. The socket assembly 23 includes a cylindrical shaft 321 having a head portion 340 integrated with the shaft 321. The shaft 321 is further integrated with the head 40 of the multi-combinational tool assembly 11 , such as by welding, unitary formation, threaded attachment, and similar attachment means. The head portion 340 is rectilinear, including a damper assembly 337. The damper assembly 337 includes a detent ball 338 and spring 339.

Preferably, the multi-combinational tool 11 has at least four different surfaces for at least four different uses. For example, a first surface 315 is configured to mate with a valve stem of a ball valve to open or close the valve. A second surface 323 is configured to loosen bolts of a clamping bar on an orifice fitting, allowing access to a plate carrier. A third surface 319 is configured for percussive use, such as tapping out an orifice plate carrier to inspect the orifice plate. For example, the third surface is substantially solid, formed in a convex dome-like shape, and/or is surface hardened. A fourth surface 317 is configured for a valve stem having a different dimension than the valve stem the first surface is dimensioned to fit. In a preferred embodiment, the first surface 315 is notched at least two times, with each notch configured to be used with at least two different valve stems, where each valve stem has a different dimension than the other. For example, a first notch may have a ¾ -inch notch and a 3/8 -inch notch. Preferably, the fourth surface 317 has a ½ -inch notch, such that the preferred embodiment can adjust valve stems having dimensions from 3/8 to ¾ -inches. Alternatively, the notches are sized to fit 3-inch valve stems having 7/8 -inch plugs, two- inch stems, and ½ -inch or 9/16 -inch blow down valves.

It is important to note that the term “notch”, including at least two intrados surfaces and one extrados surface, is used interchangeably with a tool assembly 13. For example, at least one surface of the head 40 of the multi-combinational tool 11 has two notches, or two tool assemblies 13b and 13c formed therein.

It is noted that each component of the tool, including the notches, can be customized, formed, and sized to be used with various valves, valve stems, or fittings of different dimensions, and each configuration is encompassed by the assemblies, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein. Flowever, preferably the width and height of the head of the tool each separately are generally about 1/3, or 33%, of the length of the head of the tool, while length of the head is generally about 30% of the total height of the tool with the handle attached to the head.

While Figures 1-3 depict the multi-combinational tool assembly 11 as an orifice plate removal tool for a technician, other uses and configurations are envisioned, each of which are encompassed by the present application. For example, the tool may be configured to be used by a plumber for servicing a water main. By way of another example, the tool may be configured to be used by a foreman to be used in a refinery or a factory to service any one of multiple flanges and valves found therein. Any industry that uses ball valves, valve stems, clamping bars, plate carriers, and orifice plates may benefit from the use of this tool, or a tool having similar features to those of multi- combinational tool assembly 11. Referring now to Figure 4 in the drawings, a side view of the head 40 of the multi- combinational tool assembly 11 is illustrated. Preferably a surface of the head 40 includes printed indicia 450 formed in the surface. The printed indicia may indicate a dimension and/or use of the tool assembly 13. For example, the printed indicia may indicate by color, shape, by printed material (e.g., “For ½” Valve Stem”), or combinations thereof, a dimension and/or use of the tool assembly 13. Alternatively, the printed indicia is used for applying a trademark.

Referring now to Figure 5 in the drawings, a top view of the head 40 of the multi- combinational tool assembly 11 is illustrated. The aperture 39 is depicted having the damper material 37 placed therein. The damper material 37 includes, but is not limited to, a hardening liquid epoxy, a plastic, an epoxy resin, and combinations thereof.

Referring now to Figure 6 in the drawings, a side view of the head 40 of the multi- combinational tool assembly 11 is illustrated. The surface 315 includes tool assemblies 13b and 13c formed therein. Preferably, each blade 15b and 15c of the tool assemblies 13b, 13c includes a grip 17b, 17c. It is important to note that at least tool assembly 13b has an angle 601 relative to a horizontal side surface head 40. The angle 601 is chosen to avoid any in-line obstructions, such as protruding ball valves attached to a section of pipe, while simultaneously allowing at least 90° of rotation and space for a user’s hand to grip the tool 11 and open and close a valve in the section of pipe on which the tool assembly 11 is placed. For example, angle 601 is from about 95° to about 105° relative to the horizontal side surface of head 40. Although the angle of the blade 15c depicted in Figure 6 is about 90° relative to the horizontal side surface of head 40, any other suitable angle is contemplated and encompassed in the present application.

Referring now to Figure 7 in the drawings, an exploded view of the grip 17b taken along line 7-7 in Figure 6, is illustrated. The grip 17b includes at least a first angled surface 701 and a second angled surface 703. In at least one embodiment, the grip 17b is comprised of multiple multi-surfaced structures, such as multiple tetrahedrons. Referring now to Figure 8 in the drawings an aft or back view of the head 40 is illustrated. Preferably, the head 40 has the tool assembly 13a formed in a back end of the head 40, positioned opposite the percussive end of the tool. The notch 800 or channel of the tool assembly 13a has an associated angle 801. For example, the associated angle is from 1 ° to 180° relative to the surface 315 or relative to an axis 809. It is noted that although a shape of the head 40 is depicted as octagonal, other shapes are encompassed by the present application. For example, the head may be square, pentagonal, or even triangular, depending on a number of surfaces used for the percussive and/or torque applications.

The head 40 includes multiple angled surfaces connected together. For example, a first angled surface 802 is connected to surface 315 at an angle 803. The angle 803 ranges from 30° to 60° relative to the surface 315.

The surface 315 has a width 805 relative to a width 807 of the notch 800. For example, the width 805 of the surface 315 is about 15% more than the width 807 of the notch 800, where the width 807 is centered about a pitch axis 811.

The socket drive 23 is attached to the head 40. The attachment is relative to a longitudinal axis 813. For example, preferably the socket drive 23 is centered on the longitudinal axis 813.

Referring now to Figure 9 in the drawings, the socket drive 23 has a radius of curvature 815 relative to a height 817. For example, the radius of curvature 815 is about 50% larger the height 817.

The height 819 is relative to at least one of a height 821 and a height 823 associated with the socket drive 23. For example, the height 819 is about 20% to about 30% of the height 821 and about 20% to 35% of the height 823.

The socket drive 23 has a width 825 relative to another width 827. For example, the width 825 is about ½ the size of the width 827. The head portion 340 of the socket drive 23 has a height 1001 and an opening 1039 to house the detent assembly 337. The opening 1039 has a first width 1003, a first height 1005, a second height 1007, and a second width 1011. The second width 1011 is about 3% the size of the first width 1003. The first height 1005 is about 85% the second height 1007. The cylindrical portion 321 includes a beveled edge 1009.

It is important to note that the torque of the multi-combinational tool assembly 11 is dependent on the length of the handle 21. For example, torque may be represented as T = r-F sin(Q), where r is the torque, r is the radius, F is the rotational force applied at handle 21 by the user, and Q is the angle between the force and the lever arm, which preferably is 90°. When the multi-combinational tool assembly 11 is used as a percussive tool, the moment of inertia about the head 40 and handle 21 is also dependent on the length of the handle 21. For example, a moment of inertia about a point that lies on the hinge axis 25 and at the center of the head 40 is given as / = M(x) ² + (mx ² /12 + m(x) ² ), where / is the inertia, M is the mass of the head 40, m is the mass of the handle, and x is the distance from the point of measurement. If the tool assembly 11 is viewed as a physical pendulum, then the period, or Time, T, associated with the pendulum is also related to the length of the handle 21. For example, once the center of mass of the tool is determined the distance from the handle pivot to the center of mass is d, and the rotational inertia, l _r , is related to the period and d, by an equation, such as T= 2-n-^l(lr/M g d), where g is the gravitational force, and l _r /M-d is known as the center-of-oscillation, which is important because if the user is grasping the pivot point when a horizontal impulsive force is applied at the center-of-oscillation, then no reaction force is felt at the pivot point. The pivot point is therefore also known as the center-of- percussion when the tool is properly dimensioned. Furthermore, because the amount of torque to be applied to flange bolts and nuts, such as with an orifice fitting, are generally known and provided in torque tables, such as ASTM tables, the length of the handle and the mass of the head can be optimized such that the tool assembly 11 is capable of producing sufficient torque to remove or tighten the nut or bolt (e.g., 70% torque of 36 ft lbs for a ½ diameter bolt), while not creating too much inertia that the handle would break. The inertia should also be sufficient to provide enough percussive force to tap out a partially corroded orifice plate from an orifice fitting. This force is estimated to be between about 200 to 700 lb-force (1000 to 3000 N), where the force created by the assembly tool 11 is estimated using the equation for kinetic energy, KE = ½ m v ² .

Referring now to Figure 11 in the drawings, a method 1101 for orifice plate inspection and removal is illustrated.

Step 1103 includes stopping fluid flow through an orifice plate. For example, a first surface of the multi-combinational tool 11 with a tool assembly 13 having a notch to mate with a first valve stem is used to close a first ball valve and stop fluid flow. A fourth surface may be used to close a second ball valve having a second valve stem in order to completely stop fluid flow and isolate the orifice plate to be inspected and/or removed.

Step 1105 includes accessing the orifice plate. For example, a socket drive 23 on a second surface of the multi-combinational tool 11 is used to loosen bolts of the clamping bar of the orifice fitting.

Step 1107 includes removing the orifice plate. For example, once gas in the isolated line is vented, the clamping bar and orifice plate may be removed. Often this requires tapping the clamping bar and/or the orifice plate carrier. A third surface of the multi-combinational tool 11 is configured for percussive use and is used to tap out one or both of the clamping bar and the orifice plate carrier.

Steps 1101 through 1105 are performed again in reverse order to reinstall the orifice fitting, reinstall a new orifice plate, reinstall a new orifice fitting, and/or to allow fluid flow to resume normal operation.

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description.