AU2007100534A4 - Improved dry manometer - Google Patents

Description

r- IMPROVED DRY MANOMETER

O

c Description: ;The present invention relates to a manometer fitted with an aneroid pressure nmeasuring gauge which has a protective mechanism against over pressurization with 0applications in the plumbing industry for testing gas lines for leaks.

In the plumbing industry it is well recognized that leaks in gas lines (for example, in the service lines to domestic homes) represent significant safety hazards. Detection of any leaks and correction of these at any stage obviously improves safety in relation to Sgas supply in both homes and industry. The plumbing industry traditionally uses fluid Scolumn tube") manometers for measuring pressure in gas lines and thus detecting any leaks. The manometer is connected to the gas line, pressure,to a predetermined Olevel,is applied to the system and if there is a drop in the level of pressure, it is indicative of a gas leak somewhere in that system. Conversely, if the pressure level is maintained it is indicative that the system is free of leaks. A later innovation is the dry manometer, using an aneroid gauge. This is less cumbersome than the "U tube" manometer but is prone to breakdown (measuring element failure) if it is inadvertently exposed to over pressurization. It works under the same principle that a drop in the pressure that has been applied to the system is indicative of a leak somewhere in the gas line being tested.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, the deficiencies of the prior art.

Accordingly the present invention comprises a dry manometer including an aneroid gauge with an overpressure protector that prevents damage to the gauge in the event of inadvertent over pressurization. Such gauges are already used in other applications in other industries.

Preferably the device comprises one port that connects to the gas line to be tested with one or two further ports fitted with isolating valves in continuity with the first port.

One of these is attached to a device providing a means to increase air pressure within the testing device, whilst the other, if present, is generally held in the "off" position, but can have the isolating valve opened to release the pressure in the system at the end of testing. Attached to these ports and in continuity with all of them is an aneroid pressure testing gauge. Said gauge is fitted with an overpressure protector to prevent damage to its measuring element. When pressure is applied to the system the gauge registers the level and any drop from the predetermined pressure indicates that a leak is present in the line being tested.

Preferably the port used for providing means of increasing the air pressure in the circuit comprises a hose barb or similar device to allow easy application of tubing and in another preferred embodiment it comprises the hose barb connected to tubing that is attached to a hand inflation bulb or similar device that enables the application of pressure to the system.

1 Preferably, the port that connects to the gas line to be tested, is fitted with a rubber O washer to improve sealing and a non-detachable threaded nut that can be screwed on Sto said line.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the aneroid gauge is marked with increments cnof pressure with those of particular relevance being highlighted in some way.

00 In another preferred embodiment the device comprises the port for the gas line in a vertical orientation with the other two ports in a horizontal orientation, like arms of a capital The aneroid gauge being attached at what would represent an extension of the upper end of the main stalk of the "T"(as in the illustrations provided).

SThe device of the present invention is comprised of both metal and plastic components, but may be comprised of other materials.

As used herein the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprises", "comprising", and "comprised", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers and steps.

Reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement, or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be ascertained, understood and regarded as relevant by a person skilled in the art.

Claims (2)

1. 3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 with a non-detachable threaded nut attached to the (gas line attaching) port enabling it to be screwed to the gas line aperture to create a seal.
2. 4. A device as claimed in claim 1,2 or 3 with tubing attached to a hand inflation bulb being attached to one of the valved ports. 11607