Non-interrupt meter change out
View Patent ↗Disclosed is a non-interrupt meter change out device including a clamp assembly, at least one case assembly, and at least one collar, the clamp assembly including a frame and a distance adjuster.
1. A method of replacing a preexisting meter that is in fluid communication with a pipeline having swivel fittings with a replacement meter, the method comprising the steps of:
affixing a clamp assembly to the pipeline;
drawing the clamp assembly to secure the preexisting meter to the pipeline;
inserting a gasket removal collar between at least one gasket and at least one swivel fitting;
connecting at least one case assembly to at least one of the preexisting meter and at least one swivel fitting;
partially removing the preexisting meter from at least one swivel fitting and from the clamp assembly;
activating a fluid bypass;
fully removing the preexisting meter;
inserting a gasket installation collar on at least one gasket of the replacement meter;
placing the replacement meter in the clamp assembly;
adjusting the replacement meter to fluid communication with at least one case assembly;
deactivating the fluid bypass;
adjusting the replacement meter to fluid communication with at least one swivel fitting;
removing at least one case assembly;
securing the replacement meter to the pipeline; and,
removing the clamp assembly from the pipeline.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
measuring the vertical position of the preexisting meter; and
adjusting the new meter to the measured vertical position.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising purging the at least one case assembly of oxygen.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising purging the replacement meter of oxygen.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein
the step of activating the fluid bypass includes moving at least one valve plate to a bypass position; and
the step of deactivating the fluid bypass includes moving the at least one valve plate to a meter flow position.