AU2024293555B2

AU2024293555B2 - A visual indicating device and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: AU2024293555B2
Application number: AU2024293555A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew George William Clarkson; Gabriel Edward Olszewski
Original assignee: Phoenix Energy Services Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Phoenix Energy Services Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2023-07-19
Filing date: 2024-07-18
Publication date: 2025-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2044-07-18
Also published as: AU2026201497A1; WO2025015381A1; AU2024293555A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a visual indicating device and method of use thereof for use with a leak prevention valve on a liquid pipeline for indicating when the leak prevention valve has actuated. In one form, the device includes: a pressure activated actuating mechanism operatively connected to an indicator outlet port on the LPV, said actuating mechanism having a rod movable responsive to an increase in pressure within the LPV; and a visual signalling assembly mechanically coupled to the rod of the actuating mechanism and configured to be movable from a non-signalling position to a signalling position responsive to the rod moving.

Description

wo 2025/015381 PCT/AU2024/050768 1

A VISUAL INDICATING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a visual indicating device and method of use thereof

for use with a leak prevention valve on a liquid pipeline for indicating when the leak prevention

valve has actuated.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Coal seam gas (CSG) is extracted via wells drilled into underground coal seams.

Gas and water, the latter also known as "CSG water", are typically extracted from multiple wells

and then distributed through an extensive network of pipelines where the gas is ultimately

directed to a gas processing plant and the CSG water is directed to a water treatment plant.

[0003] It is common for the gas to contaminate CSG water pipelines with the contaminated

gas originating from entrained gas or from the degassing of dissolved gas. Such contamination

can form gas pockets at high point elevations along a pipeline and plug the pipeline preventing

CSG water from flowing through the gas pockets. Accordingly, it is widespread practice to install

High Point Vents ("HPVs") along the pipelines to vent or recover the gas from the gas pockets.

The HPVs are usually installed above ground on a vertical branch extending upwards from a

buried pipeline. Each HPV typically includes a float valve that is displaced when water enters

the HPV to prevent water leaking from the HPV and dispersing to grade.

[0004] In addition to installing HPVs along a pipeline, a leak prevention valve ("LPV") can

be fitted to each HPV to protect against HPV failure and leaking of the CSG water to the

surrounding environment ("loss of contaminant"), which is an environmentally reportable incident

due to contaminants in the water.

[0005] Current practice is for CSG operators to manually inspect each LPV along a pipeline

to identify actuated LPVs indicating that the associated HPV has leaked excessively or failed.

The practice is tedious and time consuming involving operators regularly getting out of and back

into their vehicles to visually inspect the pressure gauge fitted to each LPV as they drive many

kilometres along a pipeline.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this

reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common

general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

wo 2025/015381 PCT/AU2024/050768 2

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a visual indicating device and method

of use for indicating when a leak prevention valve has actuated, which may at least partially

address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the

public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a visual

indicating device for use with a leak prevention valve ("LPV") on a liquid pipeline for indicating

when the leak prevention valve has actuated, said indicating device including:

a pressure activated actuating mechanism operatively connected to an indicator

outlet port on the LPV, said actuating mechanism configured to be movable responsive to an

increase in pressure within the LPV; and

a visual signalling assembly operatively coupled to the pressure activated actuating

mechanism and configured to display a visual signal responsive to said actuating mechanism

moving.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a visual

when the leak prevention valve has actuated, said indicating device including:

a pressure activated actuating mechanism operatively connected to an indicator

outlet port on the LPV, said actuating mechanism having a rod movable responsive to an

increase in pressure within the LPV; and

a visual signalling assembly mechanically coupled to the rod of the actuating

mechanism and configured to be movable from a non-signalling position to a signalling position

responsive to the rod moving.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a visual

indicating device for use with a valve on a pipeline for indicating when the valve has been

actuated, said indicating device including:

a pressure activated actuating mechanism operatively connected to a port on the

valve, said actuating mechanism having a rod moveable responsive to a change in pressure in

the valve, and

a visual signalling assembly mechanically coupled to the rod of the actuating

responsive to the rod moving.

[0011] Preferably, wherein the pipeline is a sewage pipeline, and the valve is a leak

prevention valve.

wo 2025/015381 PCT/AU2024/050768 3

[0012] Advantageously, the present invention provides a visual indicating device that

provides a clear visual cue to CSG operators that an associated LPV has been actuated.

Accordingly, the present invention obviates the need for CSG operators to routinely enter and

exit their vehicles and individually inspect LPV pressure gauges. Rather, and conveniently, CSG

operators can readily see the visual signalling assembly when in the signalling position from the

comfort of their vehicles, while travelling along a pipeline. Consequently, use of the visual

indicating device will greatly enhance the productivity of CSG operators inspecting LPVs along

a pipeline.

[0013] As indicated, the visual indicating device is for use with a LPV on a liquid pipeline,

preferably for use with a LPV associated with a high point vent ("HPV") on a liquid pipeline. It

will therefore be convenient to hereinafter describe the present invention with reference to this

example application. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the device, as

indicated in the third aspect, is capable of broader applications and may be used in any instance

where a visual signal is required to alert to an actuated valve, such as, e.g., a sewage line.

[0014] The visual indicating device is preferably for use with a LPV associated with an HPV

on a liquid pipeline.

[0015] An HPV is used to vent gas pockets trapped in a liquid pipeline which can otherwise

block a flow of liquid along the liquid pipeline. An HPV is typically mounted atop a vertical branch

extending upwards from an underground liquid pipeline.

[0016] Although most HPVs typically have a valve protecting against expulsion of liquid from

an HPV, the valves commonly fail necessitating the need for a LPV to be mounted to the gas

outlet of the HPV as a safeguard against HPV failure.

[0017] A LPV usually has a body defining at least one central cavity having an inlet

configured to be connected to a gas outlet of the HPV and a gas outlet. The LPV normally further

includes an internal ball float adjacent to the gas outlet and configured to float and seal the gas

outlet if the associated HPV fails and water flow into the LPV.

[0018] In ordinary operation, a LPV is open to atmosphere. However, when actuated and

the ball float has sealed the gas outlet, the LPV becomes pressurised with an influent flow of

liquid from the HPV.

[0019] LPVs usually further include a pressure gauge associated with an indicator outlet

port on the LPV for determining whether the internal ball float and the LPV have been actuated

(i.e., become pressurised).

wo 2025/015381 PCT/AU2024/050768 4

[0020] As indicated above, the visual indicating device includes a pressure activated

actuating mechanism for connection to the indicator outlet port on the LPV. The pressure

activated actuating mechanism may be of any suitable size shape and form for moving

responsive to an increase in pressure within the LPV.

[0021] In some embodiments, the actuating mechanism may include a pneumatic ram, a hydraulic ram or a rigid chain actuator (also known as a linear chain actuator, a push-pull

actuator, an electric chain actuator, a zip chain actuator or a column forming chain actuator)

operatively associated with a pressure sensor.

[0022] In other embodiments, the actuating mechanism may include a servomotor or stepper motor configured to activate and move a drive rod operatively associated with a pressure

sensor.

[0023] In yet other embodiments, the actuating mechanism may include pneumatically or

electrically powered screw jack or screw motor operatively associated with a pressure sensor.

[0024] Generally, the pressure activated actuated mechanism may be a linear actuator,

preferably a pneumatically powered linear actuator.

[0025] Typically, the actuating mechanism may include a body having an inlet connectable

to the indicator outlet port on the LPV and a shaft, piston or rod configured to be moveable

relative to the body from a retracted position to an extended position responsive to an increase

in pressure in the LPV due to a sealed gas outlet from an influent flow of liquid fluid from the

HPV.

[0026] In preferred embodiments, the pressure activated actuating mechanism may include

a pneumatic cylinder.

[0027] The pneumatic cylinder may include cylindrical body extending between a pair

opposed ends, an internal bore extending from a first partially open end at least partially to an

opposed closed second end of the body, an inlet mountable to the indicator outlet port on the

LPV and in fluid communication with the internal bore at or near the second end, and a rod

having at least one sealing ring slidable within the bore between a retracted position and an

extended position in which the rod partially protrudes from the first open end of the body.

[0028] In use, when the LPV is actuated and the gas outlet (of the LPV) becomes sealed,

the internal pressure in the LPV increases and the fluid, whether it is gas, liquid or a combination

thereof, enters and pressurises the internal bore of the pneumatic cylinder via the inlet and forces

the rod to slide towards the extended position.

wo 2025/015381 PCT/AU2024/050768 5

[0029] In some such embodiments, the pneumatic cylinder may be a single-acting cylinder.

[0030] In other such embodiments, the pneumatic cylinder may be a double-acting cylinder.

[0031] As indicated, the device includes a visual signalling assembly operatively coupled to

the pressure activated actuating mechanism and configured to display a visual signal responsive

to said actuating mechanism moving.

[0032] The visual signalling assembly may be of any suitable size, shape and construction

capable of emitting or displaying at least one visual signal.

[0033] In some embodiments, the at least one visual signal may be a light and the at least

one visual signalling assembly may be a light source.

[0034] For example, the visual signal may include one or more flashing lights, constant

lights, coloured lights or any combination thereof.

[0035] In other embodiments, the at least one visual signalling assembly may include a flag,

marker or like indicator and the at least one visual signal may be the waving, protruding or

pivoting of the signal from a non-signalling position to a signalling position.

[0036] In preferred embodiments, the visual signalling assembly may include a mast and at

least one indicator flag member mounted to the mast at or near an outer end and the at least

one visual signal may be movement of the mast from a non-signalling position to a signalling

position in which the mast and the at least one indicator flag member extend outwardly relative

to the LPV and the actuating mechanism.

[0037] The mast may include a pair of opposed ends and an elongate body extending therebetween, preferably in a linear direction. The opposed ends may include a coupling end

configured to be mechanically coupled to the actuating mechanism and an opposed said outer

end.

[0038] The mast may be formed of metal and/or plastic material or materials.

[0039] The elongate body may be defined by at least one sidewall extending between the

opposed ends.

[0040] The elongate body may be of solid or tubular construction. The elongate body may

have a substantially circular or rectangular cross section.

[0041] The elongate body may taper in width or diameter from the coupling end to the outer wo 2025/015381 PCT/AU2024/050768 6 end.

[0042] In some embodiments, the mast may be of a fixed length.

[0043] In other embodiments, the mast may be of an adjustable length. For example, the

mast may include at least two telescopic mast segments, including an outer mast segment

configured to be telescopically received in an inner mast segment.

[0044] The at least one indicator flag member may be of any suitable size, shape and

construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0045] The flag member may be formed of metal, plastic or fabric, preferably metal or

plastic.

[0046] The flag member may be substantially rectangularly shaped, although other shapes

are envisaged, such as, e.g., a triangle or square.

[0047] The flag member may be defined by a pair of opposed surfaces interconnected by

opposing edges.

[0048] The opposed surfaces may extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0049] The opposing edges may include an inner end edge, an opposed outer end edge and a pair of side edges extending between the inner end edge and the opposed outer end

edge, preferably longitudinally extending.

[0050] One or more corners defined between adjacent edges of the indicator flag member

may be rounded or sharp.

[0051] One or both of the opposed surfaces of the indicator flag member may include one

or more markings, indicia or reflective materials or coatings applied thereon. Likewise, one or

both of the opposed surfaces of the indicator flag member may be coloured any suitable colour

or combination of colours.

[0052] In some embodiments, the indicator flag member and the mast may be of unitary

construction.

[0053] In other embodiments, the indicator flag member may be mounted to the mast at or

near the outer end. The indicator flag member may be mounted in any suitable way. For example, the indicator flag member may be fixedly, releasably or pivotally mountable to the mast,

preferably pivotally mounted.

wo 2025/015381 PCT/AU2024/050768 7

[0054] In some embodiments, the indicator flag member may be pivotally mounted to the

mast along the inner end edge such that the indicator flag member may pivot relative to the mast

when the mast is moved to the signalling position.

[0055] In some embodiments, the mast of the visual signalling assembly may pivot from a

non-signalling position in which the mast extends downwards from the actuating mechanism and

the indicator flag member extends downwardly from the mast to a signalling position in which

the mast pivots to a horizontal orientation extending outwardly from the actuating mechanism

(and the LPV) and the indicator flag member pivots relative to the mast and extends downwardly

from an outer end of the protruding mast.

[0056] In some embodiments, the mast may include more than one indicator flag member

pivotally coupled to or near the outer end of the mast. For example, the mast may include two,

three, four or five indicator flag members pivotally coupled to the mast and extending in a serial

arrangement from the outer end towards the coupling end of the mast.

[0057] In use, the indicator flag members may pivot relative to the mast as the mast is

pivoted from the non-signalling position to the signalling position from a partially overlapping

arrangement to a side-by-side suspending arrangement in which the indicator flag members

hang downwardly from the mast.

[0058] The mast and the at least one indicator flag member may be mechanically coupled

to the actuating mechanism in any suitable way so as to drive movement of the mast from the

non-signalling position to the signalling position.

[0059] For example, in some embodiments, the coupling end of the mast may be hingedly

coupled to the actuating mechanism by at least one hinge or part thereof such that the mast is

pivotable relative to the actuating mechanism, preferably about an axis of the hinge.

[0060] In other embodiments, the coupling end of the mast may be pivotally coupled to a

stationary part of the actuating mechanism by a mechanical linkage. In use, movement of the

rod of the actuating mechanism to the extended position may cause the mast of the visual

signalling assembly to pivot about a horizontal axis of the mechanical linkage and the outer end

of the mast to pivot upwards to the signalling position.

[0061] In preferred embodiments, the coupling end of the mast may be pivotally coupled to

an outer end of the rod of the pneumatic cylinder and a mechanical linkage may extend between,

and be pivotally coupled to, a portion of the mast adjacent the coupling end and a protruding

stationary part of the pneumatic cylinder protruding adjacent the rod. The mechanical linkage wo 2025/015381 PCT/AU2024/050768 8 may include a link member pivotally coupled at either end to the portion of the mast and the stationary part.

[0062] In use, the mechanical linkage anchored to the stationary part of the lower end of

the pneumatic cylinder may cause the mast to pivot about the coupling end as the rod of the

cylinder extends to the extended position.

[0063] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of

visually signalling that a leak prevention valve ("LPV") on a liquid pipeline has actuated, said

method including:

providing a visual indicating device according to the first aspect of the present

invention;

moving a pressure activated actuating mechanism responsive to an increase in

pressure in the LPV indicative that LPV has actuated; and

responsive to the actuating mechanism moving, displaying a visual signal with a

visual signalling assembly operatively associated with the actuating mechanism.

[0064] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of

method including:

providing a visual indicating device according to the second aspect of the present

invention;

moving a rod of a pressure activated actuating mechanism responsive to an increase

in pressure in the LPV indicative that the leak LPV has actuated; and

moving a visual signalling assembly mechanically coupled to the rod of the actuating

mechanism to a signalling position responsive to said rod of the actuating mechanism moving.

[0065] The methods of the fourth and fifth aspects may include one or more features or

characteristics of the visual indicating device as hereinbefore described.

[0066] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any

one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0067] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as

an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common

general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0068] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned wo 2025/015381 PCT/AU2024/050768 9 from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0069] Figure 1 is a front view of a visual indicating device according to an embodiment of

the present invention in a non-signalling position;

[0070] Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of the visual indicating device shown in Figure

1 transitioning to a signalling position; and

[0071] Figure 3 is front view of the visual indicating device shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the

signalling position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Figures 1 to 3 show a visual indicating device (100) according to an embodiment of

the present invention for use with a leak prevention valve ("LPV"; 900) on a liquid pipeline for

indicating when the LPV has actuated.

[0073] Referring to Figure 1, the visual indicating device (100) includes a pressure activated

pneumatic cylinder (110; i.e., a pressure activated actuating mechanism) operatively connected

to an indicator outlet port (910) on an LPV (900) and having a rod (118) slidable from a retracted

position, as shown, to an extended position in response to an increase in pressure in the LPV

(900).

[0074] The device (100) further includes a visual signalling assembly (120) mechanically

coupled to the rod (118) of the pneumatic cylinder (110) and configured to be moveable from a

non-signalling position, as shown, to a signalling position, as shown in Figure 3, in response to

the rod (118) moving to the extended position.

[0075] Generally, the LPV (900) is connected to a high point vent ("HPV") on a liquid

pipeline.

[0076] By way of background, an HPV is used to vent gas pockets trapped in a liquid

pipeline which can otherwise block a flow of liquid along the liquid pipeline. An HPV is typically

mounted atop a vertical branch extending upwards from an underground liquid pipeline.

[0077] Although most HPVs typically have a release valve protecting against expulsion of

liquid from the HPV, the valves commonly fail necessitating the need for a LPV to be mounted wo 2025/015381 PCT/AU2024/050768 10 to the gas outlet as a safeguard against HPV failure.

[0078] An LPV (900) usually has a body (920) defining at least one central cavity having an

inlet (930) configured to be connected to a gas outlet of the HPV and a gas outlet (940). The

LPV (900) normally further includes an internal ball float adjacent to the gas outlet and configured

to float and seal the gas outlet (940) if the associated HPV fails and water flows into the LPV

(900).

[0079] In ordinary operation, the LPV (900) is open to atmosphere. However, when actuated and the ball float has sealed the gas outlet (940), the LPV (900) becomes pressurised

with an influent flow of fluid from the HPV.

[0080] LPVs (900) usually further include a pressure gauge associated with port (910) for

determining whether the internal ball float and the LPV (900) have been actuated (i.e., become

pressurised). In the present invention, the pressure gauge is removed and replaced with the

visual indicating device (100).

[0081] As indicated, the visual indicating device (100) includes a pressure activated

pneumatic cylinder (110) for connection to the indicator outlet port (910) on the LPV (900).

[0082] The pneumatic cylinder (110) includes cylindrical body (112) extending between a

pair opposed ends, an internal bore (114) extending from a first partially open end (115) at least

partially to an opposed closed second end (116) of the body (112), an inlet (117) mountable to

the indicator outlet port (910) on the LPV (900) and in fluid communication with the internal bore

(114) at or near the second end (116), and a rod (118) having at least one sealing ring slidable

within the bore (114) between a retracted position as shown and an extended position as shown

in Figure 3 in which the rod (118) protrudes from the first partially open end (115) of the body

(112).

[0083] In use, when the LPV (900) is actuated, and the gas outlet (940) becomes sealed,

the internal pressure in the LPV (900) increases and fluid, whether it is gas, liquid or a mixture

thereof exits via the indicator outlet port (910). The exiting fluid enters and pressurises the

internal bore (114) of the pneumatic cylinder (110) via the inlet (117) and forces the rod (118) to

slide towards the extended position as shown in Figure 3.

[0084] As indicated, the device (100) also includes a visual signalling assembly (120)

operatively coupled to the pressure pneumatic cylinder (110) and configured to be moveable

from a non-signalling position, as shown in Figure 1, to a signalling position, as shown in Figure

3, in response to the rod (118) of the pneumatic cylinder (110) moving to the extended position.

wo 2025/015381 PCT/AU2024/050768 11

[0085] The visual signalling assembly (120) includes a mast (130) and three indicator flag

members (140) pivotally mounted to the mast (130) in a serial arrangement extending from an

outer distal end (132) of the mast (130) to a coupling end (134) pivotally coupled to an end of

the rod (118) of the pneumatic cylinder (110).

[0086] As shown, in the non-signalling position, the mast (130) and indicator flag members

(140) extend downwardly from the pneumatic cylinder (110).

[0087] In contrast, and with reference to Figure 3, in the signalling position the mast (130)

extends outwardly from the pneumatic cylinder (110) in a substantially horizontal orientation with

the indicator flag members (140) pivoting from a partially overlapping arrangement, as shown in

Figure 1 to a side-by-side arrangement in which the indicator flag members (140) hang downwardly from the mast (130).

[0088] Referring back to Figure 1, the mast (130) includes an elongate body (135) extending

longitudinally between the outer distal end (132) and the coupling end (134).

[0089] The mast (130) is formed from plastic and/or metal material or materials.

[0090] The elongate body (135) is defined by four sidewalls extending between the opposed

ends (132, 134).

[0091] The elongate body (135) is of solid construction having a substantially rectangular

cross section.

[0092] Each of indicator flag members (140) has a substantially rectangular shape and is

formed from plastic.

[0093] Each flag member (140) is defined by a pair of opposed surfaces (142) interconnected by opposing edges, including an inner end edge (144), an opposed outer end

edge (146) and opposed side edges (148) extending longitudinally between the end edges (144,

146). The opposed surfaces (142) extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0094] The upper corners (149) defined between the inner end edge (144) and the

respective side edges (148) are rounded, while the opposing corners are pointed.

[0095] One or both of the opposed surfaces (142) of each indicator flag member (140) are

coloured with a highly visible colour, so that the flag members (140) provide a visual signal when

in the signalling position as shown in Figure 3.

[0096] The mast (130) is mechanically coupled to the pneumatic cylinder (110) by a wo 2025/015381 PCT/AU2024/050768 12 mechanical linkage (150).

[0097] Specifically, the coupling end (134) of the mast (130) is pivotally coupled to an outer

end of the rod (118) of the pneumatic cylinder (110) and the mechanical linkage (150) extends

between, and is pivotally coupled to, a portion of the mast (130) adjacent the coupling end (134)

and a stationary portion (119; i.e., a protruding stationary part) of the body (112) of the pneumatic

cylinder (110) extending down from the first partially open end (115) adjacent the rod (118).

[0098] The mechanical linkage (150) includes a link member (152) anchored to the stationary portion (119) so as to cause the mast (130) to pivot about the coupled end (134) when

the rod (118) extends to the extended position, as shown in Figure 3.

[0099] A method of using the visual indicating device (100) is now described in detail with

reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[00100] Referring to Figure 1 and during normal operations of the LPV (900), the visual

indicating device (100) is mounted to the indicator outlet port (910) on the LPV (900), the rod

(118) of the pneumatic cylinder (110) is in a retracted position and the visual signalling assembly

(120) is in a non-signalling position in which the mast (130) and the indicator flag members (140)

hang downwardly from the pneumatic cylinder (110).

[00101] Referring to Figure 2, and when the LPV (900) is actuated in response to an associated HPV failing, the internal pressure in the LPV (900) increases and the fluid, whether

it is gas, liquid or a mixture thereof, exits via the indicator outlet port (910). The exiting fluid

enters the internal bore (114; not visible) of the pneumatic cylinder (110) via the inlet (117) and

begins to force the rod (118) to slide towards the extended position as shown.

[00102] Responsive to the rod (118) extending, the mast (130) and indicator flag members

(140) begin to pivot away from the non-signalling position.

[00103] Referring to Figure 3, and as shown the rod (118) of the pneumatic cylinder (110)

has now been driven into the extended position by the pressurised fluid within the LPV (900).

Consequently, the mast (130) and indicator flag members (140) of the visual signalling assembly

(120) have now pivoted to the signalling position in which the mast (130) extends outwardly from

the pneumatic cylinder (110) in a substantially horizontal orientation and the indicator flag

members (140) have pivoted away from a partially overlapping arrangement as shown in Figure

1 to a side-by-side arrangement in which the indicator flag members (140) hang downwardly

from the mast (130) to provide a clear visual cue to a passing CSG operator that the associated

LPV (900) has been actuated.

wo 2025/015381 PCT/AU2024/050768 13

[00104] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its

derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not

exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00105] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment'

means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the

embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the

appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any

suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00106] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more

or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is

not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises

preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of

its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately

interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A visual indicating device for use with a leak prevention valve (“LPV”) on a liquid pipeline for indicating when the leak prevention valve has actuated, said indicating device including: a pressure activated actuating mechanism having an inlet mountable to and operatively connected to an indicator outlet port on the LPV, said actuating mechanism configured to be movable responsive to an increase in pressure within the LPV; and 2024293555

a visual signalling assembly operatively coupled the pressure activated actuating mechanism and configured to display a visual signal responsive to said actuating mechanism moving.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism has a rod moveable responsive to an increase in pressure within the LPV and the visual signalling assembly is mechanically coupled to the rod and configured to be moveable from a non-signalling position to a signalling position responsive to the rod moving.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the pressure activated actuating mechanism includes a pneumatic cylinder having the rod.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the pneumatic cylinder is a single-acting cylinder.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the pneumatic cylinder is a double-acting cylinder.

6. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the visual signalling assembly includes a mast and at least one indicator flag member mounted to the mast at or near an outer end and the at least one visual signal is movement of the mast from a non-signalling position to a signalling position in which the mast and the at least one indicator flag member extend outwardly relative to the LPV and the actuating mechanism.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the mast includes a pair of opposed ends and an elongate body extending therebetween, said opposed ends including a coupling end configured to be mechanically coupled to the actuating mechanism and an opposed said outer end.

8. The device of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the at least one indicator flag member is substantially rectangularly shaped defined by a pair of opposed surfaces interconnected by opposing edges, including an inner end edge, an opposed outer end edge and a pair of side edges extending between the inner end edge and the opposed outer end edge.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the opposed surfaces include one or more markings, indicia or reflective materials or coatings applied thereon.

10. The device of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the opposed surfaces are coloured with a high visibility colour.

11. The device of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the at least one indicator flag member is pivotally mounted to the mast along the inner end edge such that the indicator flag member pivots relative to the mast when the mast is moved to the signalling position. 2024293555

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the mast pivots from the non-signalling position in which the mast extends downwards from the actuating mechanism and the indicator flag member extends downwardly from the mast to the signalling position in which the mast pivots to a substantially horizontal orientation extending outwardly from the actuating mechanism and the indicator flag member pivots relative to the mast and extend downwardly from the outer end of the mast.

13. The device of any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the visual signalling assembly includes more than one indicator flag member pivotally coupled to or near the outer end of the mast in serial arrangement.

14. The device of any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the coupling end of the mast is hingedly coupled to the actuating mechanism by at least one hinge or part thereof such that the mast is pivotable relative to the actuating mechanism about an axis of the hinge.

15. The device of any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the coupling end of the mast is pivotally coupled to a stationary part of the actuating mechanism by a mechanical linkage such that movement of the rod to an extended position causes the masts to pivot about a horizontal axis of the mechanical linkage and the outer end of the mast to pivot upwards to the signalling position.

16. The device of any one of claims 7 to 13 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the coupling end of the mast is pivotally coupled to an outer end of the rod of the pneumatic cylinder and a mechanical linkage extends between and is pivotally coupled to a portion of the mast adjacent the coupling end and a protruding stationary part of the pneumatic cylinder adjacent the rod such that the mechanical linkage causes the mast to pivot about the coupling end when the rod of the pneumatic cylinder extends to an extended position.

17. A method of visually signalling that a leak prevention valve (“LPV”) on a liquid pipeline has actuated, said method including: providing a visual indicating device according to any one of claims 1 to 16; moving a pressure activated actuating mechanism responsive to an increase in pressure in the LPV indicative that LPV has actuated; and

responsive to the actuating mechanism moving, displaying a visual signal with a visual signalling assembly operatively associated with the actuating mechanism.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the pressure activated actuating mechanism is a pneumatic cylinder with a rod moveable to an extended position responsive to an increase in pressure in the LPV. 2024293555

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the visual signal is displayed by moving the visual signalling assembly to a signalling position responsive to the rod of the actuating mechanism moving to the extended position.

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Figure 1 wo 2025/015381 PCT/AU2024/050768 2/3

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Figure 2

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Figure 3