Self-optimizing odorant injection system
US8475550B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87692
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid-containing system such as a natural gas or an LPG pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained at a pressure above ambient, but below pipeline pressure. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A hydraulic pressure booster is located in the injection conduit for pressurizing the chemical to a pressure above that of the pipeline. Flow-control apparatus located within the injection conduit for metering chemical to be injected into the pipeline is either (a) drip-style metering valve adjustable between a drop-wise setting and a steady-flow setting or (b) a pair of valves one of which is a flow valve allowing larger volumes to be injected and the other which is a drop-wise flow valve for metering smaller volumes of the chemical.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.