Abstrict An improved bracket apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a
fluid comprising an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit for the
passage of fluid therethrough. Each conduit has a flange with bolt
holes therein. The apparatus also includes a magnetic flowtube having
an orifice for the passage of fluid therethrough. The input and
output ends of the flowtube each having a flange with bolt holes
therein aligned with the bolt holes of the conduits. Electrically
conductive brackets are positioned between the ends of the flowtube
and the adjacent ends of the conduits with each bracket having an
aperture in axial alignment with the orifices of the flowtube and
the conduits. Each bracket also has bolt holes extending therethrough
axially aligned with bolt holes of the flowtube and the conduits.
The brackets are of a size and shape for providing a support for
the flow meter. Electrically conductive bolts extend through the
bolt holes of the flowtube and the brackets to define an electrically
conductive grounding path between the flowing fluid to the flowtube.
Also disclosed is the method of measuring the flow rate with the
apparatus.
Claims What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for coupling a flow meter flange with a conduit flange
comprising:
a mask of an electrically conductive material positionable between
the flanges of the conduit and flow meter and having a central apertures
aligned with the orifices of the conduit and flow meter, a plurality
of mounting holes, and a plurality of flange holes extending through
the mask for coupling by flange bolts extending therethrough as
well as through aligned apertures of the flanges of the conduit
and flow meter;
a gasket located on each side of the mask to provide a liquid tight
seal;
a plurality of mounting bolts extending through the mounting holes
of the mask and the flange of the flow meter for electrically and
mechanically coupling the mask with the flange of the flow meter;
a plurality of spacers located between the mask and the flange
of the flow meter to preclude the excess tightening of the flange
of the conduit with respect to the flange of the flow meter.
2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the mask is rectangular
with its edges located distance from the axis of the central aperture
greater than the exterior of the flow meter.
3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 and further including
additional bolt holes for coupling the mask to supporting braces
and other structures and objects.
4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the additional
bolt holes are positioned as translations of the template of the
apertures in the flanges to be supported thereby.
5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein the central additional
bolt hole is on projection at right angles to the other additional
bolt holes.
6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 and further including
end portions extending at right angles from the remainder of the
mask.
7. Apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a fluid comprising:
an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit for the passage of fluid
therethrough and with each conduit having a flange with bolt holes
therein equally spaced from the axis of the conduits;
a magnetic flowtube having an orifice for the passage of fluid
therethrough, the input and output ends of the flowtube each having
a flange with bolt holes therein aligned with the bolt holes of
the conduits;
electrically conductive brackets positioned between the ends of
the flowtube and the adjacent ends of the conduits, each bracket
having a fluid flow aperture in axial alignment with the orifices
of the flowtube and the conduits, each bracket also having bolt
holes extending therethrough axially aligned with bolt holes of
the flowtube and the conduits, the brackets being rectangular in
configuration with their edges located a distance from the axis
of the orifice greater than the exterior of the flowtube for providing
a support for the flow meter;
electrically conductive bolts extending through the bolt hole of
the flowtube and the brackets to define an electrically conductive
grounding path from the internal edge of each aperture through its
associated bracket, bolts and flowtube; and
gaskets positioned on each side of each bracket to provide liquid
tight connections between the brackets and the adjacent conduit
and flowtube ends.
8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 and further including
additional bolt holes extending through the brackets with flange
bolts extending therethrough and with spacers on the mounting bolts
between the brackets and the flowtube flanges.
9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the gaskets between
the conduit and the brackets are not apertured for the passage of
the electrically conductive bolts, but are apertured for the mounting
bolts.
10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein the gaskets,
brackets, conduits and flow meter have central apertures with a
common diameter for the flow of fluid therethrough.
11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the gaskets are
secured to the brackets by an adhesive.
Description BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a flow meter bracket and, more particularly,
to improved brackets for supporting the ends of a magnetic flow
tube type flow meter with respect to incoming and outgoing fluid
conduits and for establishing an electrical ground between the flow
meter housing and the fluid flowing therethrough.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART
A magnetic flowtube is one type of flow meter used in industry
today for determining the flow rate or velocity of fluid moving
in a path of travel through the flow meter and coupled conduits.
The principle of operation of magnetic flowtubes is based on Farada's
Law of electromagnetic induction. Specifically, the voltage (Vo)
induced in a conductor of length (De) is proportional to the De
multiplied by the velocity (v) of the conductor and the intensity
(T) of the magnetic field. That is, Do=(De) (v) (T).
In this application of Faraday's Law, the process fluid is the
conductor. The process fluid passes through the magnetic field induced
by coils built around a section of the metering tube. The process
fluid is electrically insulated from the metering tube by the lining
of the tube. Two metallic electrodes are mounted in the flowtube,
and voltage is developed across these electrodes which is directly
proportional to the average velocity of liquid passing through the
magnetic field.
Flowtube coils may be energized by AC or pulsed DC power. The magnetic
field and resultant induced voltage is AC. The voltage signal is
shielded from interference, amplified and demodulated into a standard
DC current signal by a magnetic flow transmitter. The accuracy of
the measurement, however, can only be as accurate as the reference
potential. In other words, the flow of fluid must be grounded with
respect to the flow meter conduit if an accurate reading is to be
generated.
In known devices, the grounding of the process fluid with respect
to the flow meter was effected by electrically conductive brackets
in the shape of flat rings positioned between the input and output
flanges of the flow meter and the input and output flanges of the
conduits coupled thereto. The rings were of a limited size to be
totally within the confines of the coupling bolts. Gaskets were
positioned adjacent to the flanges on opposite sides of the rings.
A single extension leg extending radially beyond the flanges was
formed integrally with the ring and an electrical wire was coupled
to form the leg to a bolt in electrical communication with the flow
meter conduit.
The installation of such known flow meters required simultaneous
assembly with at least seven separate elements: the flow meter,
two grounding rings and four gaskets. The installation work was
complicated by the cold flowing of the liner flange which protruded
about one-half inch from the metering tube. Damage to the liner
flange often occurred during assembly.
Also in the known flow meters, the grounding ring was often connected
to rusty flange bolts reducing the quality of conductivity. Additionally,
the protruding leg of the grounding ring constituted a safety hazard.
Further, the construction of known grounding rings provided no support
to the flow meters in which they were utilized.
Performance is improved when grounding is through a plurality of
conductive bolts rather than through a single wire which continuously
deteriorates. Further, a single round wire has a greater chance
of being accidentally torn off by adjacent objects. Further yet,
maintenance people could inadvertently couple the single wire to
improper elements. Such problems are precluded with a multiple bolt
grounding arrangement which is, in effect, tamper-proof and error-proof.
The background art discloses a wide variety of brackets, connectors
and supports for use in association with a wide variety of flow
meters. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3931672 to Merritt et al,
a mounting plate is provided to mount duct sections. The plate may
be formed integral with, or may be rigidly attached to, the installation
in which the ducts are to be used. The outer periphery of the plate
is shown to be generally circular.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3575214 to Bindel, an insulating hanger assembly
is provided for supporting an insulating pipe or the like. The hanger
comprises a support bracket interposed between pipe ends.
Leopold et al, in U.S. Pat. No. 3746371 shows a fluid meter
including a bracket which embraces pipe joints. The bracket is sheet
metal and is capable of attachment to a wall or post. The bracket
permits the use of conventional elbows and straight flow meter swivel
members for properly orienting and supporting the flow meter.
In a further patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4458866 to Gravens, a support
system is disclosed for providing thermal insulation at a pipe joint.
The supported chamber contains exhaust gas at a pressure at or slightly
above ambient. The flanges are in a fixed position relative to the
front frame. Thermal growth is thus permitted to extend in the direction
along the length of the pipes.
A corrosion proof flow meter with pipe supports is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 3347568 to Weeden et al. The flow meter has a fluorocarbon
liner concentrically spaced within a tubular joint. The liner is
secured to the interior surface of the joint near each end thereof
with a flared portion intermediate at the ends protruding through
an aperture of the tubular joint. A bolt and nut force a fluorocarbon
conical region having a probe member projecting therethrough into
seating engagement with the flared protrusion of the liner.
Cook in U.S. Pat. No. 3194590 discloses a combination pipe hanger
and coupler wherein a bracket embraces a pipe joint.
Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 3910608 to Phillips discloses a hub for
connecting electrical conduit to the top of a terminal box.
None of these prior patents discloses flow meter brackets for connecting
the input and output ends of a flow meter with input and output
conduits through grounding bolts whereby a free-standing support
for the flow meter is formed by the brackets in association with
the grounding of the fluid to the flow meter conduit.
Although many such advances are noteworthy to one extent or another,
no background patent or other background disclosure teaches or suggests
the reliable, convenient and economic supporting of a flow meter
in association with the electrical grounding of fluids flowing therethrough.
As illustrated by the great number of prior patents, disclosures
and commercial devices, efforts are continuously being made in an
attempt to more efficiently support and ground flow meters. No prior
effort, however, suggests the present inventive combination of method
steps and component elements arranged and configured for supporting
flow meters and grounding their fluid a disclosed and claimed herein.
Prior methods and devices do not provide the benefits attendant
with the present invention. The present invention achieves its intended
purposes, objects and advantages over the prior methods and devices
through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component steps
and elements, through the use of a minimum number of functioning
parts, at a reduction in cost to manufacture, install, repair and
operate and through the utilization of only readily available materials
and conventional components.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide
a mask couplable to the end of the flow meter for supporting the
flow meter and for electrically grounding the flow meter with respect
to the fluid flowing therethrough. The flow meter is of the type
having an orifice for the passage therethrough of fluid, the flow
rate of which is to be measured. The mask comprises a rigid, electrically
conductive, metallic plate having a central aperture extending therethrough
and positionable with the central aperture being in axially aligned
relationship with the orifice of the flow meter, the mask also having
a plurality of bolt holes spaced from the axis of the central aperture
for receiving electrically conductive bolts extending through a
flange of the flow meter to be coupled to the flow meter, the central
aperture of the mask being of a diameter essentially equal to the
orifice of the flow meter and the conduit whereby an electrically
conductive grounding path will extend from the fluid to the interior
edge of the aperture of the mask through the bolt holes and bolts
to the flange of the flow meter. The mask is rectangular with its
edges located a distance from the axis of the central aperture greater
than the exterior of the flow meter. The mask further includes additional
bolt holes for coupling the mask to other objects. The additional
bolt holes are positioned as translations of the template of the
apertures in the flanges to be supported thereby. The mask further
including end portions extending at right angles from the remainder
of the mask.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus
for measuring the flow rate of a fluid comprising an inlet conduit
and an outlet conduit for the passage of fluid therethrough. Each
conduit has a flange with bolt holes therein equally spaced from
the axis of the conduits, a magnetic flowtube which has an orifice
for the passage of fluid therethrough, the input and output ends
of the flowtube each has a flange with bolt holes therein aligned
with the bolt holes of the conduits, and electrically conductive
brackets positioned between the ends of the flowtube and the adjacent
ends of the conduits. Each bracket has a fluid flow aperture in
axial alignment with the orifices of the flowtube and the conduits
as well as bolt holes extending therethrough axially aligned with
bolt holes of the flowtube and the conduits. The brackets are rectangular
in configuration with their edges located a distance from the axis
of the orifice greater than the exterior of the flowtube for providing
support for the flow meter. Electrically conductive bolts extend
through the bolt holes of the flowtube and the brackets and the
conduits to define an electrically conductive grounding path from
the internal edge of each aperture through its associated bracket,
bolts and flowtube. Gaskets are positioned on each side of each
bracket to provide liquid tight connections between the brackets
and the adjacent conduit and flowtube ends. The liner flange is
effectively out of reach of damaging tools during removal and installation.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method
of supporting and grounding a flow meter comprising the steps of
providing brackets on opposite ends of the flow meter in operative
association with conduits to be coupled with respect thereto, and
coupling the flow meter with the brackets therebetween by electrically
conductive bolts adapted to support the weight of the flow meter
when the brackets are supported on a surface and also for establishing
an electrically conductive grounding path between the flow meter
and fluid flowing therethrough through the bolts and brackets.
A further object of the invention is to support the opposite ends
of a flowmmeter with brackets which ground the fluid with respect
to the flow meter conduit.
Yet a further object of the invention is to ground flow meter conduits
with respect to the fluid passing therethrough concurrently with
their support.
Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to support and
ground flow meters more reliably, conveniently and economically.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of
the invention. These objects and advantages should be construed
to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features
and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial
results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a
different manner or by modifying the invention within the scope
of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding
of the invention may be had by referring to the preferred embodiment
in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is defined by the appended claims with the
specific embodiment shown in the attached drawings. For the purposes
of summarizing the invention, the invention may be incorporated
into a mask for coupling to an end of a flow meter of the type having
an orifice for the passage therethrough of fluid. The flow rate
of this fluid is to be measured. The mask is couplable to the end
of the flow meter for supporting the flow meter and for electrically
grounding the flow meter with respect to the fluid flowing therethrough.
The mask comprises a rigid, electrically conductive, metallic plate
having a central aperture extending therethrough and positionable
with the central aperture being in axially aligned relationship
with the orifice of the flow meter. The mask also has a plurality
of bolt holes spaced from the axis of the central aperture for receiving
electrically conductive bolts extending through a flange of the
flow meter to be coupled to the flow meter. The central aperture
of the mask is of a diameter essentially equal to the orifice of
the flow meter and the conduit whereby an electrically conductive
grounding path will extend from the fluid to the interior edge of
the aperture of the mask through the bolt holes and bolts to the
flange of the flow meter. The mask is rectangular with its edges
located a distance from the axis of the central aperture greater
than the exterior of the flow meter. Additional bolt holes couple
the mask to other objects. End portions extend at right angles from
the remainder of the mask.
The invention may also be incorporated into an apparatus for supporting
a flow meter and for grounding fluid flowing therethrough with the
flow meter comprising an electrically conductive bracket positioned
on opposite ends of the flow meter for coupling with flanges of
pipes to be coupled. There are fluid flow apertures through each
of the brackets in axial alignment with an orifice extending through
the flow meter and bolt hole extending through the brackets axially
aligned with apertures of the flanges of the flow meter and pipes
to be coupled by the flow meter to Define an electrically conductive
grounding path from the internal edge of each aperture through the
bracket, bolt holes and flanges of flow meter. The assembly is such
that the brackets have at least one linear supporting edge whereby
the brackets may support the weight of the flow meter above a supporting
surface.
Lastly, the invention may also be incorporated into a method of
supporting and grounding a flow meter comprising the steps of providing
brackets on opposite ends of the flow meter in operative association
with pipes to be coupled, and coupling the bracket and flow meter
through electrically conductive bolts adapted to support the weight
of the flow meter when the brackets are supported on a surface and
for also establishing a conductive grounding path from the flow
meter through the bolts and brackets to the fluid flowing through
the pipes, brackets and flow meter.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and
important features of the present invention in order that the detailed
description of the invention that follows may be better understood
so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated.
Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter
which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and
the specific embodiment disclosed herein may be readily utilized
as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and constructions
for carrying out the same purpose of the present invention. It should
also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent
methods and constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope
of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the nature, objects and advantages
of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a bracket or mask constructed
in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of the bracket or mask of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the flowtube type flow meter
with the brackets as shown in FIG. 1 and with associated conduits
all in operative position.
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a flow meter and associated
conduits coupled by brackets of a prior art design.
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view, partially exploded, of a flow
meter, conduit and brackets constructed in accordance with the principles
of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the apparatus or system shown
in FIG. 5 supported by hooks.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are front elevational views of a bracket with flanges
of varying sized.
Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout
the several Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention can most readily be seen by reference to
the perspective showing of FIG. 1 and the exploded showing of FIG.
5. The flow meter 10 is shown as a magnetic flowtube. It includes
a main housing located in the path of travel of fluid moving between
input and output pieces or conduits 12 and 14 secured to input 16
and output 18 ends of the flow meter 10. The flow meter includes
electrical lines for AC power in as well as for AC power out. On
the output end 18 of the flow meter is an AC millivolt signal to
determine the velocity or rate of flow of the fluid passing therethrough.
When the flow meter is oriented horizontally as shown in the various
figures, the internal electrodes of the flow meter ar aligned with
the horizontal lateral axis of the flow meter 10. In this manner,
the flow meter may be rotated about its lateral axis to any rotational
position, horizontally, vertically or therebetween, and still function
maintaining its intended mode of operation. If the electrodes are
parallel to the vertical axis, air bubbles flowing along the inside
of the conduit will break the conductivity path between the electrodes
thus indicating no flow on the instruments. The common axis of the
electrodes must therefore be horizontal. The flowtube may thus be
rotated around its lateral, horizontal axis to any position while
the common axis of the electrodes remains horizontal. When in other
than the vertical position, the flowtube may be rotated around its
flow axis until the lateral axis is horizontal.
The flow meter is provided with a central orifice 24 therethrough
and flanges 26 and 28 at its opposite ends. The flanges 26 and 28
are formed with holes 30 for coupling with bolt holes 32 in flanges
34 and 36 at the adjacent ends 38 and 40 of the conduits 12 and
14 coupled thereto. The conduits are also formed with central orifices
44 aligned with the central orifice 24 of the flow meter 10. A plurality
of smaller nuts 46 and threaded members or mounting bolts 48 are
disclosed in the present preferred embodiment as the mechanisms
for coupling the brackets 50 to the flanges 26 and 28 of the flow
meter 10 through mounting holes 51 for releasably joining the flowmmeter
and brackets 50 in a fluid tight relationship.
Each end of the flow meter 10 is intended to be employed in association
with a bracket or mask 50 constructed and installed in accordance
with the present invention. The bracket includes an enlarged, flat
generally rectangular central portion 52. The bracket also includes
smaller end portions 54 formed integral with, and extending at essentially
right angles from, the central portion 52. The end portions 54
in association with the central portion 52 provide edge surfaces
56 upon which the brackets 50 may be supported by the ground 58
beneath the flow meter 10. The height of the bracket 50 is preferably
greater than the greatest dimension of the flow meter from its axis
so that when brackets are placed at opposite ends of the flow meter,
the brackets may physically support the flow meter above the ground.
Note FIG. 3. Two brackets are preferably employed as herein disclosed.
A single bracket may be utilized for support but the flow meter
assembly must be normally assembled in the shop so probably two
brackets would generally be used for field installation.
Each bracket is formed with a central aperture 60 of a diameter
essentially equal to the diameter of the orifices of the conduits
and the flow meter to which it is to be attached. The orifices 24
and 44 and central aperture 60 are preferably in axial alignment.
Electrical and mechanical coupling is effected through a plurality,
preferably four large flat head mounting bolts 48 positionable
through a like number of mounting holes 51 peripherally aligned
in a circular manner around the central aperture 60 of the bracket
50. Larger sized conduits would have a proportionately larger number
of bolt holes. The number of mounting holes 51 for bolts 48 would
equal the number of bracket bolt holes 64. Such bolt holes 64 of
the brackets 50 are aligned with corresponding bolt holes 30 in
the flanges of the flow meter 10 and bolt holes 32 of the flanges
34 and 36 of the conduits 12 and 14. Associated flange bolts 62
and nuts 66 and lock washers are utilized to effect the coupling.
A plurality of flat spacers or washers 68 are located between the
facing surfaces of the brackets 50 and flanges 26 and 28 of the
flow meter for spacing purposes and for preventing the crushing
of the liner flanges by over tightening of the bolts 62 or the weight
of the conduits.
Located on exterior sides of the bracket are gaskets 70 and 72
to form a liquid seal between the brackets and the facing surfaces
on the flanges of the conduits and the flow meter. Gaskets 71 are
on the interior sides of the brackets. All such gaskets are of a
material such as butyl or neoprene. The gaskets 70 and 72 are preferably
completely circular in configuration with an enlarged exterior diameter
and apertures 73 for the passage therethrough of bolts 62. As seen
in FIGS. 1 and 5 the outer gaskets 70 and 72 have larger diameters
than the inner gaskets 71 and cover the heads of bolts 48. The gaskets
may be secured to the brackets by an adhesive. The outer gaskets
70 and 72 would not have apertures for mounting bolts 48. This would
protect the bolt heads and counter sunk surface from corrosion.
The gaskets 71 would be attached to the masks before mounting on
the flow meter. Standard gaskets 71 would not have to be apertured
for bolts 48.
In addition a sealant is preferably used to fill the space between
the flowtube and mask after shop assembly to prevent the accumulation
of corrosive material.
When mounted on opposite ends of the flow meter 10 the brackets
50 provide the support for the flow meter 10. The brackets 50 may
be rested upon the ground 58 with the flow meter 10 there above
whereby servicemen may have full access to the flow meter for repair
or cleaning purposes. The flow meter 10 may be side-mounted through
the brackets 50 in a horizontal or vertical or angular position
and in any degree of rotation around the common axis of its electrodes.
Flow meters are often mounted in vertical positions and thus carry
the weight of conduits around the flow meters.
The location of mounting bolt holes in the brackets are obtained
by vertical translation of flange bolt holes. Readily available
standard flanges can be used as templates to locate bolt holes in
the supporting structures. All basic mask bolt hole dimensions would
repose in the flow meter flange. The greatest utility would be obtained
by having two mounting holes 74 adjacent to the top and bottom edges
56. The two side holes are for rigid mounting while the center hole
is for suspension purposes as through a suspension hook 76. Note
FIG. 6. A center hole is preferably formed in a projection 77 outstanding
at a right angle from the rear face of the bracket.
The mounting holes 74 would be the same size as the flange bolt
holes 64. Pipe fitters usually have one size diameter assortment
of bolts in their buckets for a given size pipe. They would add
washers to the bolts to obtain the required tightness rather than
make a trip back to the shop for the exactly required bolt. This
approach would avoid aggravation to them and help ensure a properly
mounted flowtube. Many washers, however, are used.
The function of the grounding is to maintain the same electrical
potential between the metal conduit of the flow meter and the processing
fluid flowing therethrough. An electrically insulating flowtube
liner 78 as of Teflon or the like, is to protect the metal conduit
of the flowtube from the effects of corrosive process fluids.
The magnetic flowtube type flow meter of the present invention
is commercially available from The Foxboro Company of Foxboro, Massachusetts.
Its mode of operation and commercially available associated mechanisms
are shown in FIG. 4. Such mechanisms include the flow meter 10
conduits 12 and 14 a ring-like bracket 80 with a protruding leg
82 and grounding wire 84 coupling the bracket and the flow meter.
More extensive descriptions appear hereinabove and in commercially
available literature of The Foxboro Company. In the prior art devices,
gaps between mating flanges limit the tightening of flange bolts
to prevent the breakage of fiber composition flanges. The present
invention eliminates such gaps due to the use of the mask and full-face
gasket on the outside allowing full torquing of the flange bolts.
As shown in FIGS. 1 7 and 8 various size brackets are shown as,
for example, for a two inch, a six inch and a twelve inch pipe.
These sizes are selected and shown for illustrative purposes only.
Shown in solid lines in FIGS. 7 and 8 are the flanges of the pipes
or valves with their standard hole alignment arrangement. A smaller
two-inch pipe of FIG. 1 for example, has four holes which are drilled
whereby four bolts may couple the pipe and valve flanges with the
bracket therebetween. In FIG. 7 a six-inch pipe is utilized with
six bolt holes. As mentioned hereinabove, the location of the additional
mounting holes in the bracket above and below the flanges to be
supported thereby. Note the dotted line configurations of FIGS.
7 and 8. The holes being as translations of the templates would
allow the replacement of the bracket and, if desired, associated
valves and conduits, to other locations since similar size pipes
and brackets will have their support holes similarly located with
respect to the conduit, bolt holes, valve and bracket. This will
not affect the function on the operation of the plate, merely its
support and added convenience of relocation and interchangeability.
While the present invention has been described with respect to
a particular embodiment, it is not intended to be so limited. It
is intended to be protected broadly within the spirit and scope
of the invention. |