JP7804022B2 - Method for assembling a fluid control installation device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for assembling an installation device for installing a flow regulator in a housing that seals a fluid pipe in an uninterrupted flow state.

When installing a flow control device such as a valve or plug in a fluid pipeline, it is common to cut a portion of the fluid pipe that makes up the fluid pipeline and install a flow control device at the cut location. One known method for cutting a fluid pipe involves attaching a sealed housing to the fluid pipe, attaching a work valve that can open and close the interior of the housing to the opening of the housing, and installing a cutting machine with a cutter and a drive unit on the work valve. With the work valve open, the drive unit advances the cutter to cut a portion of the fluid pipe without interrupting the flow inside the housing.

As another method for installing a fluid control valve at a location where a fluid pipe has been cut using the above-mentioned method, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is a fluid control installation method that uses a housing, an operating valve, and an insertion machine attached to the operating valve. With the operating valve open, the insertion machine advances the fluid control valve, installing the fluid control valve in an uninterrupted flow state within the housing. In this type of fluid control installation method, each component, including the housing, operating valve, and fluid control valve, is suspended by a crane and transported to the installation location, where it is assembled onto the fluid pipe (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-108594 A (page 11, Figure 9)

However, when installing a fluid control system as in Patent Document 1, particularly when the diameter of the fluid pipe is large, the casing that fits around the fluid pipe, the work valve, and the fluid control system installed within the casing must also be large. This necessitates the preparation of a large crane with high lifting capacity, which increases the crane's range of motion and installation space, posing the problem of requiring a large space for the fluid control system installation work. In particular, when using a hole saw as a cutting machine as in Patent Document 1, a hole saw with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the fluid pipe is required. This increases the weight of the casing that houses the hole saw and the fluid control system that is installed in a sealed state within this casing, making it unavoidable to increase the size of the crane.

The present invention was developed to address these issues, and aims to provide a method for assembling a fluid control installation device that reduces the load on the crane.

In order to solve the above problems, the method for assembling a fluid control device of the present invention includes the steps of:
A method for assembling a fluid regulator installation device for installing a fluid regulator that controls a flow path of the fluid pipe in the housing in an uninterrupted state, the method comprising: a housing that is attached to a fluid pipe in a sealed manner; an operation valve that is attached to an opening of the housing and is capable of opening and closing the inside of the housing; a cutter that is attached to the operation valve and cuts the fluid pipe inside the housing; and a cutting machine that has a drive unit that drives the cutter, the method comprising:
At least one of the operating valve, the cutting machine, or the fluid control device is composed of a plurality of divided bodies, and after the housing is hermetically attached to the fluid pipe, the divided bodies are assembled to the housing in sequence.
According to this feature, the multiple divided bodies that make up the operating valve, cutting machine, or fluid control device can be transported separately by crane, reducing the load on the crane that suspends and supports them and allowing the crane to be made smaller.

The method is characterized in that a first divided body among the plurality of divided bodies is engaged with a locking portion provided on the housing, and the remaining second divided body is assembled to the first divided body engaged with the locking portion.
According to this feature, in a stable state in which a first divided body among the plurality of divided bodies is engaged with the engaging portion of the housing, the remaining second divided body can be attached to this first divided body with high precision.

The second divided body is assembled to the first divided body while the second divided body is connected to a crane.
This feature prevents the second divided body from falling when assembling the second divided body to the first divided body, thereby improving safety.

The cutting machine is characterized in that the plurality of divided bodies are composed of the cutters and the drive unit, and the drive unit is connected to the fluid control unit so that the fluid control unit can be inserted into the housing.
According to this feature, since the drive unit and the cutter that constitute the cutting machine are separated, the drive unit for driving the cutter can be used as a fluid control insertion tool.

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing how the valve body of the working valve is attached to the housing in the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing how a valve body and a valve stem are attached to a valve body. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing how a mounting flange cylinder is attached to a work valve in the process of installing the cutting machine. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing how a cutter and a cover are attached to a mounting flange tube in the process of installing the cutting machine. FIG. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the lid body is fixed to the mounting flange cylinder in the process of installing the cutting machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a drive mechanism. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a shaft member and a cutter are connected in a step of installing the cutting machine. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the jack and the fixing jig are removed in the process of installing the cutting machine. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the case portion of the drive mechanism and the cover body are connected in the process of installing the cutting machine. FIG. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing how a fluid pipe is cut by a cutting machine. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the section of the fluid pipe has been collected. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cylindrical member is attached to an operating valve in the process of installing a valve introducer. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a partition wall, an opening/closing shaft, and a valve body of a butterfly valve are attached to a cylindrical member in a process of installing a valve introducer. FIG. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the butterfly valve constructed by attaching the upper cover in the process of installing the valve introducer. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a mounting flange cylinder is attached to a cylindrical member in a process of installing a valve introducer. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the installation of a valve hanger and a cover in the process of installing a valve introducer. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the lid body is fixed to the mounting flange cylinder in the process of installing the valve introducer. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the shaft member and the valve hanger are connected in the process of installing the valve introducer. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the jack and the fixing jig are removed in the process of installing the valve introducer. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the butterfly valve and the valve hanger connected in the process of installing the valve introducer. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a butterfly valve is installed at a cut portion of a fluid pipe by a valve introducer. FIG. A side cross-sectional view showing the valve suspension fitting being pulled up into the cylindrical member and the mounting flange tube. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the working valve in Modification 1. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the working valve in Modification 2. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a cutting machine according to a third modified example. 10A is a side cross-sectional view showing a cutting machine in Modification 4, FIG. 10B is a view taken along the arrow A, and FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B.

The following describes an embodiment of the assembly method for the fluid control installation device according to the present invention.

In this example, the process of cutting a predetermined portion of an existing fluid pipe 1 that constitutes a flow path component and installing a butterfly valve 10 (fluid control) at the cut portion is described with reference to Figures 1 to 26.

As shown in Figure 1, excavation is performed around a predetermined location of a fluid pipe 1 buried underground, and a two-part housing 2 having a branch portion 2a opening upward is sealed around the excavation. The fluid in the fluid pipe 1 may be, for example, tap water, industrial water, sewage, or a gas or a gas-liquid mixture of gas and liquid. Furthermore, while the housing 2 has a two-part structure in this embodiment, it may also have a multi-part structure, and the divided housings may be joined together by welding or bolts via gaskets.

The fluid pipe 1 is a steel pipe formed into a generally circular cross section. The fluid pipe according to the present invention may be made of ductile cast iron, other cast iron, other metals, concrete, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyolefin, etc. Furthermore, the inner surface of the fluid pipe may be coated with an epoxy resin layer, mortar, plating, etc., or may be coated with an appropriate material using powder coating.

Furthermore, when the housing 2 is attached to the fluid pipe 1 in a sealed manner, concrete foundations 9, 9 are formed below the housing 2 to support the weight around the housing 2 and prevent bending of the fluid pipe 1. Note that the concrete foundations 9, 9 are not the only options, and jacks or other similar devices may be used as long as they can support the weight of the housing 2 and the cutting machine 5 and valve introduction machine 6 described below.

Next, we will explain the process of attaching the operating valve 4, which can close the opening of the branch portion 2a (opening), to the branch portion 2a (opening) of the housing 2. First, as shown in FIG. 1, the valve box 41 (first divided body) constituting the operating valve 4 is suspended from above using a hoisting tool C equipped with a hook and wire W, which is suspended from a crane (not shown), and placed on the flange 2b of the branch portion 2a. The position of the valve box 41 on the flange 2b is adjusted, and the flange 2b and the valve box 41 are secured with bolts and nuts (not shown). Note that the crane used in this embodiment is preferably a mobile rough-terrain crane, and it is naturally sized according to its lifting capacity. It is selected based on the allowable lifting load for each turning radius to ensure that the crane can lift the heaviest component (described below). Furthermore, the installation area for the crane, including outriggers, often requires an area larger than the excavated area of the fluid pipe 1.

In this embodiment, even after the valve box 41 is placed on the flange 2b of the branch section 2a, the valve box 41 is connected to the crane with the wire W slightly loosened to ensure safety. However, this is not limited to this, and the hoisting device C and wire W may be removed from the valve box 41. Furthermore, to make it easier to adjust the position of the valve box 41, the position may be adjusted relative to the flange 2b while the valve box 41 is slightly suspended by the crane.

The valve box 41 is generally cylindrical and extends vertically. It has a slide groove 41b that extends horizontally from an opening 41a on one side, and a valve seat 41c formed at the back of the slide groove 41b (the side opposite the opening 41a). The weight of the valve box 41 in this embodiment is approximately 4,500 kg. An O-ring (not shown) is pressed between the flange 2b and the valve box 41, sealingly connecting the branch section 2a and the valve box 41. The weights of the components listed below are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate.

Next, as shown in Figure 2, the valve disc 42, valve cover 43, and valve stem 44 (second divided body) that make up the working valve 4 are suspended as a unit using a hoisting device C and wire W and lowered to the side of the opening 41a of the valve box 41. Then, in this suspended state, the valve cover 43 is fixed to the side of the valve box 41 with bolts and nuts (not shown) or the like (see Figure 3). Specifically, the valve disc 42 is attached so that it can move back and forth between a position where it is housed within the valve cover 43 by the valve stem 44 and a position where it protrudes from the valve cover 43. When housed within the valve cover 43, a portion of the valve disc 42 (the end opposite the valve stem 44 (on the valve box 41 side)) protrudes from the opening 43a of the valve cover 43.

When fixing the valve cover 43 to the side of the valve box 41, the protruding portion of the valve disc 42 protruding from the opening 43a of the valve cover 43 is inserted into the opening 41a of the valve box 41, the valve cover 43 is slid horizontally until it abuts the valve box 41, and the valve cover 43 and valve box 41 are fixed together with bolts and nuts (not shown). In this embodiment, the weight of the valve disc 42, valve cover 43, and valve stem 44 when assembled as a unit is approximately 6,000 kg.

In addition, since the packing S1 is pressed circumferentially between the valve cover 43 and the valve box 41, sealing between the valve cover 43 and the valve box 41 can be ensured (see the enlarged portion in Figure 3). While this embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the packing S1 is press-fitted into a groove provided on the valve cover 43 side, this is not limiting; a groove may be provided on the valve box 41 side, and the packing S1 may be press-fitted into this groove.

In this embodiment, the unitized valve disc 42, valve cover 43, and valve stem 44 are attached to the valve box 41 while suspended by the hoisting device C and wire W, but this is not limited to this. For example, a mounting base may be placed near the valve box 41, and the valve disc 42, valve cover 43, and valve stem 44 may be placed on the mounting base and attached to the valve box 41.

As such, the operating valve 4 is composed of a first segment (approximately 4,500 kg) consisting of the valve box 41 and a second segment (approximately 6,000 kg) consisting of the valve disc 42, valve cover 43, and valve stem 44. The operating valve 4 is constructed by assembling these segments in order to the branch section 2a of the housing 2. In other words, because the first and second segments can be transported separately using the hoisting fixture C and wire W, the load on the crane is distributed and reduced compared to when the operating valve 4 is installed in an assembled state at the branch section 2a (operating valve 4 with a total weight of 10,500 kg). This allows for a smaller crane and reduces the work space required to install the operating valve 4. Furthermore, because the load on the hoisting fixture C and wire W is reduced, there is no need to prepare thicker hoisting fixtures C and wires W, which also reduces the cost of the hoisting fixtures C and wires W used.

Furthermore, as will be described later, when a hole saw such as the cutter 52 of this embodiment is used as a means for cutting the fluid pipe 1, the hole saw will have a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the fluid pipe 1, which will result in a larger structure for the working valve 4. However, even in such cases, the first and second divided bodies can be transported separately using the lifting device C and wire W, allowing the crane to be suitably miniaturized.

Note that, from the perspective of workability, an example has been given in which the valve disc 42, valve cover 43, and valve stem 44 are fixed to the valve box 41 as a unit, but this is not limited to this. For example, the valve disc 42, valve cover 43, and valve stem 44 may be attached to the valve box 41 separately in this order, further distributing and reducing the load on the crane.

The operating valve 4 is composed of a valve box 41 installed above the branch section 2a, and a valve disc 42, valve cover 43, and valve stem 44 that bulge out laterally from the valve box 41. After the valve box 41 is fixed to the branch section 2a, the valve disc 42, valve cover 43, and valve stem 44 are fixed to the valve box 41. Therefore, when installing the valve box 41 in the branch section 2a, the weight balance does not cause the suspended load to tilt, simplifying installation of the valve box 41 in the branch section 2a. Similarly, when connecting the valve disc 42, valve cover 43, and valve stem 44 to the valve box 41, the weight balance does not cause the suspended load to tilt, simplifying the connection of the valve disc 42, valve cover 43, and valve stem 44 to the valve box 41. Furthermore, since there is no need to suspend the operating valve 4 at multiple points to maintain its weight balance, the working space required to install the operating valve 4 can be effectively reduced.

In addition, when connecting the valve disc 42, valve cover 43, and valve stem 44 to the valve box 41, the valve disc 42 is inserted into the opening 41a of the valve box 41, and the valve cover 43 is slid from the side until it abuts the valve box 41. This guides the valve disc 42 into the valve box 41, allowing the valve disc 42, valve cover 43, and valve stem 44 to be positioned accurately relative to the valve box 41.

In this embodiment, the valve cover 43 and valve box 41 are fixed to each other with bolts and nuts, but this is not limited to this. For example, they may be fixed to each other with other fixing means such as a vice, or they may be fastened by welding or the like.

Next, we will explain the process of installing the cutting machine 5 for cutting the fluid pipe 1 above the working valve 4. As shown in Figure 3, first, the mounting flange tube 51 (cylindrical body) that penetrates vertically is suspended using a hoisting device C and wire W and lowered to above the valve box 41, and the mounting flange tube 51 is then fixed above the valve box 41 with bolts and nuts (not shown). In this embodiment, the weight of the mounting flange tube 51 is approximately 2,600 kg. Furthermore, an O-ring (not shown) is pressed between the mounting flange tube 51 and the valve box 41, so the valve box 41 and the mounting flange tube 51 are connected in a hermetic manner.

In this embodiment, even after the mounting flange tube 51 is placed on the valve box 41, the mounting flange tube 51 is connected to a crane (not shown) with the wire W slightly loosened to ensure safety. However, this is not limited to this, and the hoisting device C and wire W may be removed from the mounting flange tube 51. Furthermore, to make it easier to adjust the position of the mounting flange tube 51, the position of the mounting flange tube 51 may be adjusted relative to the valve box 41 while the mounting flange tube 51 is slightly suspended by a crane.

Next, as shown in Figure 4, the cutter 52 is temporarily installed on the mounting flange tube 51. Specifically, with the cover 53 of the mounting flange tube 51 connected to the top of the cutter 52, it is suspended by a hoist C and wire W and lowered to above the mounting flange tube 51. The cutter 52 consists of a cylindrical member 52a equipped with a cutting blade at its peripheral end, and a center drill 52b arranged coaxially with the cylindrical member 52a and protruding beyond the boring blade; the cylindrical member 52a and center drill 52b are fixed in place. Furthermore, an adapter 54 with an annular protrusion 54a formed at its upper end is attached above the cylindrical member 52a and center drill 52b so as not to rotate relative to each other.

The lid 53 has a through-hole 53a formed in the center that penetrates vertically, and an adapter 54 is inserted into the through-hole 53a. The lid 53 also has multiple recesses 53b formed circumferentially, recessed from the inner surface of the through-hole 53a in the outer diameter direction, and a fixing jig 55 that can move forward and backward radially through the through-hole 53a is disposed in the recesses 53b. The fixing jig 55 protrudes radially inward from the through-hole 53a and engages with the underside of the annular protrusion 54a of the adapter 54, thereby integrating the cutter 52 and the lid 53.

In this embodiment, the cutter 52 weighs approximately 2,910 kg, the lid 53 weighs approximately 1,900 kg, and the adapter 54 weighs approximately 290 kg, for a total weight of approximately 5,100 kg.

As shown in Figure 5, the lid 53 is placed on top of the mounting flange tube 51, and the mounting flange tube 51 and lid 53 are aligned and secured in place with bolts and nuts (not shown). At this point, the cutter 52 is housed inside the mounting flange tube 51.

Furthermore, as shown in the enlarged portion of Figure 5, a packing S2 is pressed circumferentially between the mounting flange tube 51 and the lid body 53, ensuring a tight seal between the mounting flange tube 51 and the lid body 53. While this embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the packing S2 is press-fit into a groove provided on the lid body 53 side, this is not limiting; a groove may be provided on the mounting flange tube 51 side, and the packing S2 may be press-fit into this groove.

In this embodiment, even after the lid body 53 is placed on the mounting flange tube 51, the lid body 53 is connected to the crane with the wire W slightly loosened to ensure safety. However, this is not limited to this, and the hoisting device C and wire W may be removed from the lid body 53. Furthermore, to make it easier to adjust the position of the mounting flange tube 51, the position may be adjusted relative to the valve box 41 while the mounting flange tube 51 is slightly suspended by the crane.

Next, the drive mechanism 8 (drive unit) of the cutting machine 5 is connected to the cutter 52. First, the structure of the drive mechanism 8 will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

As shown in Figure 6, the drive mechanism 8 is primarily composed of a shaft member 81, a gripping member 82 capable of gripping or releasing the grip of the shaft member 81, an advancing/retreating member 83 that moves the gripping member 82 back and forth within the axial range of the shaft member 81, a restricting member 84 that is positioned below the advancing/retreating member 83 and can restrict or release the movement of the shaft member 81, and a base member 85 to which the advancing/retreating member 83 and restricting member 84 are attached. The weight of the drive mechanism 8 in this embodiment is approximately 6,060 kg.

The base member 85 is provided with multiple support columns 85a that stand upright, and the retractable member 83 is attached so that it can slide up and down along the support columns 85a. In other words, the shaft member 81 can be slid up and down by gripping the shaft member 81 with the gripping member 82 and moving the retractable member 83 along the support columns 85a.

Furthermore, a cylindrical case portion 86 is provided below the base member 85, through which the shaft member 81 can be inserted. A gasket S3 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the case portion 86 to seal the space between it and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 81, and an annular groove 86a is formed in the underside of the case portion 86, into which an annular gasket S4 is press-fitted.

A rotary motor 87 is fixed to a part of the reciprocating member 83. The rotary motor 87 applies a rotational force to the gripping member 82, which is gripping the shaft member 81, thereby transmitting rotation to the shaft member 81. The rotation of the shaft member 81 causes the cutter 52 to rotate. By providing multiple shaft members 81, it is possible to extend the axial length by connecting them together, and this extension structure allows for reduced weight and height.

As shown in Figure 7, when connecting the drive mechanism 8 to the cutter 52, multiple jacks 7 (spacers) are placed around the periphery of the upper flange 53c of the lid 53, and the shaft member 81 is advanced downward a predetermined distance so that the lower end of the shaft member 81 protrudes downward beyond the case portion 86. The drive mechanism 8 is then suspended using the hoisting device C and wire W, and the case portion 86 is placed on the jacks 7. Next, an operator accesses the gap formed by the jacks 7 between the case portion 86 and the upper flange 53c of the lid 53, and connects the shaft member 81 to the adapter 54 with bolts and nuts N1.

In this embodiment, even after the drive mechanism 8 is placed on the jack 7, the drive mechanism 8 is connected to the crane with the wire W slightly loosened to ensure safety. However, this is not limited to this, and the hoisting device C and wire W may be removed from the drive mechanism 8. Furthermore, to make it easier to adjust the position of the drive mechanism 8, the position of the shaft member 81 and the adapter 54 may be adjusted while the drive mechanism 8 is slightly suspended by the crane.

Next, as shown in Figure 8, the drive mechanism 8, adapter 54, and cutter 52 are lifted slightly upward by a crane, the jack 7 is removed from between the case portion 86 and the cover 53, and the fixture 55 is retracted into the recess 53b. At this time, the cutter 52 (approximately 2,910 kg), adapter 54 (approximately 290 kg), and drive mechanism 8 (approximately 6,060 kg) are lifted by the crane, so the weight on the crane is approximately 9,260 kg. At this time, multiple jacks 7 (spacers) may be placed circumferentially around the lower flange 53d of the cover 53, and the drive mechanism 8 may be placed on the jacks 7 to support its weight, thereby reducing the weight on the crane.

Next, as shown in Figure 9, the drive mechanism 8 is lowered using a crane so that the case 86 is placed on the upper flange 53c of the lid 53, and the case 86 and lid 53 are secured together with bolts and nuts (not shown). The mounting flange tube 51, cutter 52, lid 53, adapter 54, and drive mechanism 8 thereby form the cutting machine 5, while the housing 2, work valve 4, and cutter 5 form the cutting device. Needless to say, the center drill 52b is adjusted so that it does not come into contact with the valve body 42.

Furthermore, when the case portion 86 and the lid body 53 are fixed together, the packing S4 is pressed between the case portion 86 and the upper flange 53c of the lid body 53, ensuring a tight seal between the case portion 86 and the lid body 53. While this embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the packing S4 is press-fitted into the annular groove 86a formed on the underside of the case portion 86, this is not limiting, and an annular groove may be provided on the upper flange 53c side of the lid body 53, and the packing S4 may be press-fitted into the annular groove.

In this embodiment, even after the case 86 is placed on the lid 53, the drive mechanism 8 is connected to the crane with the wire W slightly loosened to ensure safety. However, this is not limited to this, and the hoisting device C and wire W may be removed from the drive mechanism 8. Furthermore, to make it easier to adjust the position of the drive mechanism 8, the position of the case 86 and the lid 53 may be adjusted while the drive mechanism 8 is slightly suspended by the crane.

Next, the process of cutting the fluid pipe 1 using the cutting machine 5 will be described. As shown in Figure 10, first, the valve body 42 of the working valve 4 is retracted to open the branch portion 2a, and the outer peripheral surface of the rear end of the shaft member 81 is gripped by the gripping member 82 described above. Next, the rotary motor 87 is driven to rotate the shaft member 81 and cutter 52. Then, with the shaft member 81 and cutter 52 rotated, the advancing/retracting member 83 is advanced toward the fluid pipe 1. As a result, the center drill 52b of the cutter 52 first drills into the wall of the fluid pipe 1.

The shaft member 81 and cutter 52 move forward from the position where the gripping member 82 grips the shaft member 81 to a position close to the restricting member 84. The shaft member 81 slides against the packing S3 and moves forward. After completing its movement, the movement of the shaft member 81 and cutter 52 is restricted by the restricting member 84. The rotation of the shaft member 81 by the rotary motor 87 is then stopped, and another shaft member 81' is connected to the upper end of the shaft member 81. The above process is repeated, causing the cylindrical member 52a of the cutter 52 to cut the fluid pipe 1. At this time, it is not necessary to connect another shaft member 81'; the cutting may be completed using a shaft member 81 of a predetermined length.

As shown in Figure 11, when the fluid pipe 1 is cut by the cutter 52, the piece 1a formed by the cut fluid pipe 1 is held within the cylindrical member 52a. Then, by retracting the shaft member 81 and cutter 52 in the reverse order of the above steps, the piece 1a is pulled up into the mounting flange tube 51, and the branch portion 2a is closed by the valve body 42 of the operating valve 4, completing the cutting of the fluid pipe 1.

As explained above, the housing 2 is hermetically attached to the fluid pipe 1, and the working valve 4 is attached to the branching portion 2a of the housing 2. The cutter 52, lid 53, and adapter 54 are then installed as a unit on the working valve 4, and the drive mechanism 8 is attached to the cutter 52, lid 53, and adapter 54 installed on the working valve 4 to form the cutting machine 5. In this way, the cutter 52, lid 53, and adapter 54 (approximately 5,100 kg) and the drive mechanism 8 (approximately 6,060 kg) of the cutting machine 5 can be transported separately. This distributes and reduces the load on the crane compared to when the cutting machine 5 is installed assembled on the working valve 4 (approximately 11,160 kg). This allows the crane to be made smaller, thereby saving work space for installing the cutting machine 5.

In particular, when using a hole saw such as the cutter 52 as in this embodiment, a cylindrical member 52a with a diameter at least larger than that of the fluid pipe 1 is required, which increases the size of the cutting machine 5. However, even in such cases, the cutter 52, lid 53, and adapter 54 are installed separately from the drive mechanism 8, which distributes the load on the crane and allows for the crane to be suitably miniaturized.

Note that, while the example shown here illustrates a configuration in which the cutter 52, lid 53, and adapter 54 are fixed to the mounting flange tube 51 as a unit from the perspective of workability, this is not limiting. For example, the cutter 52, lid 53, and adapter 54 may be attached to the mounting flange tube 51 separately and in order to further distribute and reduce the load on the crane. In this case, a holding means for holding the cutter 52 within the mounting flange tube 51 should be provided.

In addition, a mounting flange tube 51 (approximately 2,600 kg) capable of accommodating the cutter 52 is installed on the working valve 4, and the cutter 52, lid 53, and adapter 54 are then installed on the mounting flange tube 51. Therefore, the cutter 52 is inserted while being guided by the mounting flange tube 51, allowing the cutter 52 to be positioned and installed accurately on the fluid pipe 1. This also reduces the load on the crane compared to when the cutter 52, lid 53, adapter 54, and mounting flange tube 51 are installed as a unit on the working valve 4 (approximately 7,700 kg).

In addition, the cutter 52 is housed inside the mounting flange tube 51 with the cutter 52 and lid 53 connected by a fixing jig 55, and the lid 53 and mounting flange tube 51 are fixed together. This allows the cutter 52 to be held using the lid 53, which hermetically closes the mounting flange tube 51. This eliminates the need to prepare a special jig for holding the cutter 52 separately from the lid 53, simplifying the structure.

In addition, with the case 86 of the drive mechanism 8 separated from the lid 53, the cutter 52 (adapter 54) and the shaft member 81 of the drive mechanism 8 are connected via the through-hole 53a of the lid 53, and then the case 86 is hermetically connected to the lid 53. This allows the cutter 52 and the shaft member 81 to be connected through the gap between the case 86 of the drive mechanism 8 and the lid 53, eliminating the need to form access holes or the like in the case 86 or the lid 53 for connecting the cutter 52 and the shaft member 81, simplifying the structure. Furthermore, because the case 86 and the lid 53 are connected after the cutter 52 and the shaft member 81 are connected, the case 86 and the lid 53 are guided by the adapter 54 and the shaft member 81, allowing the connection work to be performed in a stable manner.

In addition, with the jack 7 placed between the case 86 and the lid 53 as a spacer, an operator can access the gap formed by the jack 7 between the case 86 and the upper flange 53c of the lid 53 and connect the shaft member 81 and the adapter 54 with bolts and nuts N1. This prevents the drive mechanism 8 from falling when connecting the shaft member 81 and the adapter 54, ensuring high safety. Furthermore, by placing the case 86 on the jack 7, the case 86 is more stable than when it is suspended by the lifting device C and wire W, making it easier to connect the shaft member 81 and the adapter 54.

Although not specifically shown, while the branch section 2a remains closed by the valve body 42 of the work valve 4, the drive mechanism 8 is first removed from the cover 53, the cover 53 and cutter 52 together with the cutting piece 1a are removed from the mounting flange tube 51, and the mounting flange tube 51 is then removed from the work valve 4, completing the removal of the cutting machine 5. In this way, each component that makes up the cutting machine 5 can be transported separately by crane, reducing the load on the crane when removing the cutting machine 5.

Next, we will explain the process of installing a valve introducer 6 to install a butterfly valve 10 at the cut location of the fluid pipe 1. As shown in Figure 12, first, while the branch section 2a is closed by the valve body 42 of the operating valve 4, a cylindrical member 61 (cylindrical body) penetrating vertically is suspended by a hoisting device C and wire W and lowered to above the operating valve 4, and the cylindrical member 61 is then fixed above the operating valve 4 with bolts and nuts (not shown). In this embodiment, the weight of the cylindrical member 61 is approximately 3,000 kg. Furthermore, an O-ring (not shown) is pressed between the cylindrical member 61 and the operating valve 4 (valve box 41), creating a hermetic connection between the cylindrical member 61 and the operating valve 4.

In this embodiment, even after the cylindrical member 61 is placed on the working valve 4, the wire W is connected to the crane with the cylindrical member 61 slightly loosened to ensure safety. However, this is not limited to this, and the hoisting device C and wire W may be removed from the cylindrical member 61. Furthermore, to make it easier to adjust the position of the cylindrical member 61, the position of the valve box 41 and the cylindrical member 61 may be adjusted while the cylindrical member 61 is slightly suspended by the crane.

Next, we will explain the process of temporarily installing the butterfly valve 10 on the cylindrical member 61. First, we will explain the structure of the butterfly valve 10 with reference to Figure 14.

As shown in Figure 14, the butterfly valve 10 controls the flow path of the fluid pipe 1 between a fluid-passable state and a fluid-blocking state. It comprises a partition wall 11 with an opening approximately in the center, an opening/closing shaft 12 rotatably attached to the upper end of the partition wall 11, a valve element 13 that rotates around the opening/closing shaft 12 to open and close the opening in the partition wall 11, and a substantially circular upper cover 14 (cover body) extending substantially horizontally and connected to the upper end of the partition wall 11 in a sealed manner. Gaskets S5 are fixed to both side and bottom surfaces of the partition wall 11, and gasket S6 is fixed to the upper cover 14 around its entire outer periphery, with the gaskets S5 and S6 connected continuously. The total weight of the butterfly valve 10 in this embodiment is approximately 9,540 kg. It goes without saying that a packing or similar seal is provided between the partition wall 11 and the upper cover 14.

As shown in Figure 13, when temporarily installing the butterfly valve 10 in the cylindrical member 61, first, the partition wall 11, opening/closing shaft 12, and valve body 13 (main body) are suspended as a single unit using a suspender C and wire W and lowered to a position where they will be housed within the cylindrical member 61. At this time, the valve body 13 is positioned so that it is approximately parallel to the pipe axis direction (with the opening of the partition wall 11 open).

Then, a locking member 62 (locking portion, holding portion) is inserted from the outside through multiple windows 61a formed around the circumference of the cylindrical member 61 so that it partially protrudes into the cylindrical member 61. As a result, the protruding piece 11a protruding outward from the partition wall 11 is placed (locked) on the tip of the locking member 62, and the partition wall 11, opening/closing shaft 12, and valve body 13 are held in place by the cylindrical member 61. Furthermore, a recess 62a capable of accommodating part of the valve body 13 is formed in the lower part of the tip of the locking member 62, so that the locking member 62 and the valve body 13 do not interfere with each other.

Next, as shown in Figure 14, the upper cover 14 is suspended by the suspender C and wire W and placed on top of the partition wall 11 with the opening/closing shaft 12 inserted through it. The upper cover 14 and partition wall 11 are then hermetically connected by a fastening means (not shown) to form the butterfly valve 10.

In this embodiment, even after the top cover 14 is placed on the partition wall 11, the wire W is still connected to the crane with the top cover 14 slightly loosened to ensure safety. However, this is not limited to this, and the hoisting device C and wire W may be removed from the top cover 14. Furthermore, to make it easier to adjust the position of the top cover 14, the position of the top cover 14 relative to the partition wall 11, opening/closing shaft 12, and valve body 13 may be adjusted while the top cover 14 is slightly suspended by the crane.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the butterfly valve 10 is constructed on the cylindrical member 61 by fixing the top cover 14 to the integrated partition wall 11, opening/closing shaft 12, and valve body 13. However, the butterfly valve 10 may also be constructed by separately installing the partition wall 11, opening/closing shaft 12, valve body 13, and top cover 14 in that order. Furthermore, the butterfly valve 10 may also be constructed by integrating the partition wall 11 and valve body 13, integrating the opening/closing shaft 12 and top cover 14, and assembling these together. In other words, any configuration is possible as long as at least the top cover 14 is separate from the other members (main body) and the butterfly valve 10 is constructed by assembling these together.

Next, as shown in Figure 15, the mounting flange tube 63, which penetrates vertically, is suspended by a hoisting tool C and wire W and lowered to above the cylindrical member 61, and the mounting flange tube 63 is fixed to the top of the cylindrical member 61 with bolts and nuts (not shown). In this embodiment, the weight of the mounting flange tube 63 is approximately 2,600 kg.

In this embodiment, even after the mounting flange tube 63 is placed on the cylindrical member 61, the mounting flange tube 63 is connected to the crane with the wire W slightly loosened to ensure safety. However, this is not limited to this, and the hoisting device C and wire W may be removed from the mounting flange tube 63. Furthermore, to make it easier to adjust the position of the mounting flange tube 63, the position of the mounting flange tube 63 and the cylindrical member 61 may be adjusted while the mounting flange tube 63 is slightly suspended by the crane.

As shown in the enlarged view of Figure 15, an annular groove 63a is formed on the underside of the mounting flange tube 63, and an annular gasket S7 is press-fitted into this annular groove 63a. When the cylindrical member 61 and the mounting flange tube 63 are fixed together, the gasket S7 is pressed between the cylindrical member 61 and the mounting flange tube 63, ensuring a tight seal between the cylindrical member 61 and the mounting flange tube 63. Note that this embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the gasket S7 is press-fitted into the annular groove 63a formed on the underside of the mounting flange tube 63, but this is not limited to this. An annular groove may be formed on the cylindrical member 61 side, and the gasket S7 may be press-fitted into this annular groove.

Next, as shown in Figure 16, the valve hanger 64, which connects to the butterfly valve 10, is temporarily installed on the mounting flange tube 63. Specifically, with the cover 65 of the mounting flange tube 63 connected to the top of the valve hanger 64, it is suspended by a hanger C and wire W and lowered to above the mounting flange tube 63. The valve hanger 64 has a mounting surface 64a facing approximately horizontally, a cylindrical shaft 64c extending upward from a through hole 64b located approximately in the center of the mounting surface 64a, and a reinforcing rib 64d located between the mounting surface 64a and the shaft 64c. An adapter 66 is connected to the upper end of the shaft 64c.

The lid 65 has a through-hole 65a formed in the center that penetrates vertically, and an adapter 66 is inserted into the through-hole 65a. The lid 65 also has multiple recesses 65b formed circumferentially, recessed radially outward from the inner surface of the through-hole 65a, and a fixing jig 67 that can move radially forward and backward through the through-hole 65a is disposed in the recesses 65b. The fixing jig 67 protrudes radially inward from the through-hole 65a and engages with the underside of the annular protrusion 66a of the adapter 66, thereby integrating the valve hanger 64 and the lid 65.

In this embodiment, the weight of the valve hanger 64 is approximately 2,000 kg, the weight of the lid 65 is approximately 1,900 kg, and the weight of the adapter 66 is approximately 270 kg, for a total weight of approximately 4,170 kg.

As shown in Figure 17, the lid body 65 is placed on the upper end of the mounting flange tube 63, and the mounting flange tube 63 and lid body 65 are aligned and secured with bolts and nuts (not shown). In this embodiment, even after the lid body 65 is placed on the mounting flange tube 63, the lid body 65 is connected to the crane with the wire W slightly loosened to ensure safety. However, this is not limited to this, and the hoisting device C and wire W may be removed from the lid body 65. Furthermore, to make it easier to adjust the position of the lid body 65, the position of the mounting flange tube 63 and the lid body 65 may be adjusted while the lid body 65 is slightly suspended by the crane.

As shown in the enlarged portion of Figure 17, a packing S8 is pressed circumferentially between the mounting flange tube 63 and the lid body 65, ensuring a tight seal between the mounting flange tube 63 and the lid body 65. While this embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the packing S8 is press-fit into a groove provided on the lid body 65 side, this is not limiting; a groove may be provided on the mounting flange tube 63 side, and the packing S8 may be press-fit into this groove.

Next, the drive mechanism 8, which serves as the insertion mechanism for the valve introducer 6, is connected to the valve hanger 64. Note that the drive mechanism 8 is the same as the one used during the cutting work of the fluid pipe 1, so a description of the structure of the drive mechanism 8 will be omitted.

As shown in Figure 18, when connecting the drive mechanism 8 to the valve hanging fitting 64, the shaft member 81 is first advanced downward a predetermined distance so that the lower end of the shaft member 81 protrudes downward beyond the case portion 86. Multiple jacks 7 (spacers) are then placed circumferentially around the upper flange 65c of the lid body 65, the drive mechanism 8 is suspended using a crane, and the case portion 86 is placed on the jacks 7. Next, an operator accesses the gap formed by the jacks 7 between the case portion 86 and the upper flange 65c of the lid body 65, and connects the shaft member 81 to the adapter 66 with bolts and nuts N2.

Next, as shown in Figure 19, the drive mechanism 8, adapter 66, and valve hoisting fixture 64 are lifted slightly upward using a crane, the jack 7 is removed from between the case portion 86 and the cover 65, and the fixture 55 is retracted into the recess 53b. At this time, the valve hoisting fixture 64 (approximately 2000 kg), adapter 66 (approximately 270 kg), and drive mechanism 8 (approximately 6060 kg) are lifted using the hoisting fixture C and wire W, so the weight on the hoisting fixture C and wire W is approximately 8330 kg. At this time, multiple jacks 7 (spacers) may be placed circumferentially around the lower flange 65d of the cover 65, and the drive mechanism 8 may be placed on the jacks 7 to support its weight, thereby reducing the weight on the crane.

Next, although not shown, the drive mechanism 8 is lowered using a hoisting tool C and wire W so that the case 86 rests on the upper flange 65c of the lid 65, and the case 86 and lid 65 are secured together with bolts and nuts (not shown). When the case 86 and lid 65 are secured together, the packing S4 is pressed against the case 86 and the upper flange 65c of the lid 65, ensuring a tight seal between the case 86 and the lid 65. While this embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the packing S4 is disposed on the underside of the case 86, this is not limiting. An annular groove may be provided on the upper flange 65c side of the lid 65, and the packing S4 may be press-fit into the annular groove.

In this embodiment, even after the case 86 is placed on the lid 65, the drive mechanism 8 is connected to the crane with the wire W slightly loosened to ensure safety. However, this is not limited to this, and the hoisting device C and wire W may be removed from the drive mechanism 8. Furthermore, to make it easier to adjust the position of the drive mechanism 8, the position of the case 86 and the lid 65 may be adjusted while the drive mechanism 8 is slightly suspended by the crane.

Next, as shown in Figure 20, the valve hanger 64 is lowered by the drive mechanism 8, and the mounting surface 64a of the valve hanger 64 is connected to the upper cover 14 of the butterfly valve 10 with bolts and nuts (not shown). As a result, the cylindrical member 61, mounting flange 63, valve hanger 64, cover 65, adapter 66, and drive mechanism 8 form the valve introducer 6, and the housing 2, working valve 4, and valve introducer 6 form the valve installation device. At this time, the opening/closing shaft 12 of the butterfly valve 10 is inserted into the shaft 64c of the valve hanger 64.

Then, the drive mechanism 8 lifts the valve hoisting fitting 64 and butterfly valve 10 slightly upward, and the locking member 62 is retracted and pulled out of the window 61a of the cylindrical member 61. Although not shown, the window 61a is plugged to seal it. Needless to say, this is adjusted so that the bottom end of the butterfly valve 10 does not come into contact with the valve body 42.

Next, we will explain the process of installing the butterfly valve 10 at the section of the fluid pipe 1 cut by the valve introducer 6. As shown in Figure 21, the valve body 42 of the working valve 4 is retracted to open the branch section 2a, and the outer peripheral surface of the rear end of the shaft member 81 is gripped by the gripping member 82 described above. Then, the advancing/retracting member 83 is slid toward the fluid pipe 1, thereby advancing the shaft member 81 and the butterfly valve 10 toward the fluid pipe 1.

The shaft member 81 and butterfly valve 10 move forward within a range from the gripping position of the gripping member 82 to a position close to the restricting member 84. After completing their forward movement, the movement of the shaft member 81 and butterfly valve 10 is restricted by the restricting member 84. Another shaft member 81', 81' is then connected to the upper end of the shaft member 81, and the above process is repeated to position the butterfly valve 10 at the cut location of the fluid pipe 1. After the butterfly valve 10 is positioned at the cut location of the fluid pipe 1, the butterfly valve 10 is fixed to the housing 2 by a predetermined fixing means. At this time, it is not necessary to connect another shaft member 81'; positioning may be completed using a shaft member 81 of a predetermined length in advance.

Furthermore, when the butterfly valve 10 is fixed to the housing 2, the packing S5 of the partition wall 11 is pressed against both inner surfaces and the inner bottom surface of the housing 2, and the packing S6 of the top cover 14 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the branch portion 2a. This prevents the fluid flowing through the fluid pipe 1 from leaking between the partition wall 11 and the housing 2 and from leaking from the branch portion 2a.

Next, as shown in Figure 22, the fluid inside the cylindrical member 61 and the mounting flange 63 is discharged to the outside, and the bolt and nut connection between the mounting surface 64a of the valve suspension fitting 64 and the top cover 14 of the butterfly valve 10 is released through the access hole 61b of the cylindrical member 61. The shaft member 81 is then moved backward in the reverse order of the above steps, and the valve suspension fitting 64 is pulled up into the cylindrical member 61 and the mounting flange 63, completing the installation of the butterfly valve 10 at the cut location of the fluid pipe 1.

Although not specifically shown, the valve introduction device 6 is removed by first removing the drive mechanism 8 from the cover 65, then removing the cover 65 and valve suspender 64 from the mounting flange tube 63, then removing the mounting flange tube 63 from the cylindrical member 61, and then removing the cylindrical member 61 from the working valve 4. In this way, each component of the valve introduction device 6 can be transported separately by crane, reducing the load on the crane during removal of the valve introduction device 6. The working valve 4 is then removed from the branching portion 2a of the housing 2, completing the series of steps up to cutting a predetermined portion of the fluid pipe 1 and installing the butterfly valve 10 at that cut portion.

In this way, the butterfly valve 10 is constructed by installing the partition wall 11, opening/closing shaft 12, and valve element 13 on the working valve 4, and then attaching the top cover 14 to the partition wall 11, opening/closing shaft 12, and valve element 13 installed on the working valve 4. This allows the partition wall 11, opening/closing shaft 12, and valve element 13, which form the main body of the butterfly valve 10, and the top cover 14, which forms the cover body, to be transported separately. This distributes and reduces the load on the crane compared to installing the assembled butterfly valve 10 on the cylindrical member 61 (approximately 9,540 kg). This allows the crane to be made smaller, thereby saving work space for installing the butterfly valve 10.

When using a hole saw such as the cutter 52 as in this embodiment, a cylindrical member 52a with a diameter at least larger than the fluid pipe 1 is required, which increases the size of the housing 2 and the butterfly valve 10, particularly the top cover 14 for closing the branch section 2a. However, even in such a case, the partition wall 11, opening/closing shaft 12, valve body 13, and top cover 14 are installed separately, which distributes the load on the crane and allows for the crane to be conveniently made smaller.

In addition, a cylindrical member 61 (approximately 3,000 kg) capable of housing the butterfly valve 10 is installed on the operating valve 4, and the partition wall 11, opening/closing shaft 12, and valve body 13 are installed inside the cylindrical member 61.The upper cover 14 is then attached to the partition wall 11, opening/closing shaft 12, and valve body 13 installed on the cylindrical member 61.This allows the butterfly valve 10 to be positioned and installed with high precision using the cylindrical member 61 installed on the operating valve 4.

In addition, a locking member 62 can be attached to the cylindrical member 61, and the upper lid portion 14 can be attached with high precision in a stable state with the partition wall 11, opening/closing shaft 12, and valve body 13 locked to this locking member 62.

In addition, because the drive mechanism 8 and valve hanger 64 (insertion machine) are connected to the butterfly valve 10 while it is held by the locking member 62, the drive mechanism 8 and valve hanger 64 can be attached to the butterfly valve 10 with high precision while the butterfly valve 10 is in a stable state, and the drive mechanism 8 and valve hanger 64 allow the butterfly valve 10 to be installed in the desired position within the housing 2.

Furthermore, after constructing the butterfly valve 10, the drive mechanism 8 and valve hoisting fitting 64 are connected to construct the valve introducer 6, which reduces the load on the crane compared to installing the butterfly valve 10, drive mechanism 8, and valve hoisting fitting 64 as a single unit on the working valve 4.

In addition, a jack 7 is placed as a spacer between the drive mechanism 8 and valve hoisting bracket 64 and the butterfly valve 10, specifically between the case 86 of the drive mechanism 8 and the lid 65, and the mounting surface 64a of the valve hoisting bracket 64, which is connected to the drive mechanism 8 placed on the jack 7, is connected to the upper lid 14 of the butterfly valve 10. This allows the drive mechanism 8 and valve hoisting bracket 64 to be connected to the butterfly valve 10 with their weights resting on the jack 7, making the connection work easier and reducing the load on the crane.

As explained above, the operating valve 4, cutting machine 5, and butterfly valve 10 are each composed of multiple segments, and after the housing 2 is hermetically attached to the fluid pipe 1, the segments are sequentially assembled to the housing 2. Specifically, the operating valve 4 is divided into a valve box 41, valve disc 42, valve cover 43, and valve stem 44, and the operating valve 4 is constructed by assembling these components sequentially to the housing 2. The cutting machine 5 is also divided into a mounting flange tube 51, cutter 52, cover body 53, and drive mechanism 8, and the cutting machine 5 is constructed by assembling these components sequentially to the operating valve 4 connected to the housing 2. The butterfly valve 10 is also divided into a partition wall 11, opening/closing shaft 12, valve disc 13, and upper cover 14, and the butterfly valve 10 is constructed by assembling these components sequentially to the operating valve 4 connected to the housing 2. This allows the multiple segments that make up the working valve 4, cutting machine 5, and butterfly valve 10 to be transported separately by crane, reducing the load on the crane and allowing the crane to be made smaller.

Furthermore, the first of the multiple segments is locked onto a locking portion provided on the housing 2, and the remaining second segment is assembled to the first segment locked onto the locking portion. Specifically, in the case of the working valve 4, the valve box 41, which is the first segment, is placed (locked) onto the branch portion 2a (locking portion) of the housing 2, and the valve body 42 and valve cover 43, which are the second segment, are assembled to the valve box 41. Furthermore, in the case of the cutting machine 5, the cutter 52, which is the first segment, is locked onto a fixing jig 55 (locking portion) provided on the cover 53 of the mounting flange cylinder 51 connected to the housing 2 via the working valve 4, and the drive mechanism 8, which is the second segment, is assembled to the cutter 52. In the case of the butterfly valve 10, the partition wall 11, which is the first segment, is engaged with a locking member 62 (locking portion) provided on a cylindrical member 61 connected to the housing 2 via the working valve 4, and the top cover 14, which is the second segment, is assembled to the partition wall 11. This allows the first segment (valve box 41, cutter 52, partition wall 11) to be stably engaged with the locking portion (branch portion 2a, fixing jig 55, locking member 62) of the housing 2, and the remaining second segment (valve element 42 and valve cover 43, drive mechanism 8, top cover 14) can be attached to the first segment with high precision.

The cutting machine 5 is also composed of cutters 52 and a drive mechanism 8 as the multiple segments, and the drive mechanism 8 is connected so that the butterfly valve 10 can be inserted into the housing 2. In other words, because the cutters 52 and drive mechanism 8 that make up the cutting machine 5 are separate, the drive mechanism 8 that drives the cutters 52 can be used as an insertion tool for the butterfly valve 10. In other words, the drive mechanism 8 can be used both to drive and move the cutters 52 back and forth, and to insert the butterfly valve 10, simplifying the structure.

In this embodiment, the working valve 4, cutting machine 5, and butterfly valve 10 are each configured from multiple segments, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least one of the working valve 4, cutting machine 5, and butterfly valve 10 may be configured from multiple segments. It goes without saying that when cutting or installing valves in an uninterrupted flow state, all windows, working holes, etc. should be sealed with covers.

Next, the working valve of Modification 1 will be described with reference to Figure 23. Note that explanations of components that are identical to those in the previous embodiment will be omitted.

As shown in Figure 23, the operating valve 400 in variant 1 is composed of a valve box 401 that is generally cylindrical and penetrates in the vertical direction, valve discs 402A and 402B that are arranged on both sides of the valve box 401 in the axial direction of the fluid pipe 1, valve covers 403A and 403B that house the valve discs 402A and 402B, and valve stems 404A and 404B that move the valve discs 402A and 402B relative to the valve covers 403A and 403B.

The valve box 401 has openings 401a and 401b that face each other in the axial direction of the fluid pipe 1, and a slide groove 401c is formed to connect the openings 401a and 401b. The valve covers 403A and 403B are hermetically fixed to the valve box 401 with the valve discs 402A and 402B inserted into the openings 401a and 401b, respectively, to form the working valve 400. By advancing the valve discs 402A and 402B from both sides of the valve box 401, the tips of the valve discs 402A and 402B come into contact with each other, blocking the branch section 2a of the housing 2.

In this way, by dividing the valve discs 402A, 402B, valve covers 403A, 403B, and valve stems 404A, 404B into separate structures and installing them separately in order, the load on the crane used to install the operating valve 400 can be reduced. Furthermore, the valve box 401 has openings 401a, 401b on opposite sides, and the valve discs 402A, 402B, valve covers 403A, 403B, and valve stems 404A, 404B are attached to the openings 401a, 401b, which stabilizes the weight balance of the operating valve 400 and prevents unbalanced loads from being applied to the connection points between the operating valve 400 and the housing 2.

Next, the operating valve of Modification 2 will be described with reference to Figure 24. As shown in Figure 24, the operating valve 410 may include a first divided body 412, which is a unit formed from a half member 411A (a divided body of the valve body), a valve disc 402A, a valve cover 403A, and a valve stem 404A, and a second divided body 413, which is a unit formed from a half member 411B (a divided body of the valve body), a valve disc 402B, a valve cover 403B, and a valve stem 404B. The first divided body 412 and the second divided body 413 may be assembled on the branch portion 2a of the housing 2. The operating valve 410 may also be constructed by assembling each component on the branch portion 2a of the housing 2. In this case, the valve body is constructed from multiple half members 411A, 411B, which reduces the load on the crane.

In addition, while the above embodiment illustrates a form in which the cutter 52 is a hole saw composed of a cylindrical member 52a and a center drill 52b, this is not limited to this and can be freely modified. For example, as shown in Figure 25, the cutting machine 500 in variant 3 is composed of a cutter mechanism 501 fitted onto a predetermined location on the fluid pipe 1 inside the housing 20, a work case 502 attached above the work valve 402, and a drive mechanism 800 that drives the cutter mechanism 501 and can be raised into the work case 502.

The cutter mechanism 501 includes two sprockets 501a, 501a that are rotatable around the circumference of the fluid pipe 1, and a drive transmission unit 501b that transmits driving force to the sprockets 501a, 501a. A cutting tool (not shown) that cuts the fluid pipe 1 is attached to the sprockets 501a, 501a. The drive mechanism 800 also includes a rod 801 connected to the drive transmission unit 501b, a motor 802 that rotates and drives the rod 801, and a lifting mechanism 803 that can lift the rod 801.

By driving the motor 802, the sprockets 501a, 501a rotate via the rod 801 and the drive transmission unit 501b, cutting the fluid pipe 1. Furthermore, while the sprockets 501a, 501a hold the cut piece of fluid pipe 1, the lifting mechanism 803 can lift the cutter mechanism 501 into the work case 502.

Also, there is the following modified cutting machine. As shown in Figure 26, the cutting machine 510 in modified example 4 comprises a cylindrical body 511 fixed above the branching section 200a of the casing 200 via an operating valve 403, a base plate 512 connected to the top of the cylindrical body 511, a movable plate 513 movable relative to the base plate 512, a driving means 514 that applies a driving force to the movable plate 513, an end mill 515 connected to the top of the movable plate 513, a driving mechanism 516 that rotates the end mill 515, and a rotation mechanism 523 that rotates the casing 200 in the circumferential direction.

A slit 512a is formed in the center of the base plate 512, and rails 517, 517 extending along the axial direction of the fluid pipe 1 are arranged in parallel on the top surface of the base plate 512, sandwiching the slit 512a. Furthermore, a packing is fixed around the periphery of the slit 512a.

The movable plate 513 has a slit 513a and recesses 518, 518 that fit into the rails 517, 517, allowing it to slide along the rails 517, 517. The movable plate 513 also has a structural portion 520 that protrudes upward and has a screw hole 519. The movable plate 513 slides while in sealed contact with the packing of the slit 512a in the base plate 512.

The driving means 514 comprises two standing pieces 521, 521 spaced apart in the pipe axial direction on the upper surface of the base plate 512, and a threaded rod 522 attached between the standing pieces 521, 521 so as to be rotatable but immovable in the axial direction. The threaded rod 522 is threaded into a threaded hole 519 in a structural portion 520 of the movable plate 513. In other words, rotation of the threaded rod 522 around its axis causes the movable plate 513 to slide in the pipe axial direction of the fluid pipe 1. A handle 522a is attached to one end of the threaded rod 522, and the threaded rod 522 can be rotated by grasping the handle 522a.

In this way, the fluid pipe 1 can be drilled by rotating and advancing the end mill 515 using the drive mechanism 516, and in this state, the movable plate 513 can be slid in the axial direction of the fluid pipe 1 to form a first cutting portion (not shown) in the fluid pipe 1 that extends in the axial direction. After forming the first cutting portion, the end mill 515 can be positioned in the axial center of the first cutting portion, and the housing 200 can be rotated by the rotation mechanism 523 to form a second cutting portion that extends circumferentially around the fluid pipe 1.

In other words, by inserting the valve disc 13 through the first cutout and the partition wall 11 through the second cutout, the butterfly valve 10 can be installed in the fluid pipe 1 with the valve disc 13 in an open state, thereby suppressing the effects of the fluid flowing through the fluid pipe 1. In this way, the fluid pipe 1 does not have to be cut, as long as it is possible to create an opening through which at least a fluid control device such as the butterfly valve 10 can be inserted and installed.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

For example, while the above embodiment illustrates a configuration in which a butterfly valve 10 is used as a fluid control valve, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fluid control valve may be a gate valve, plug, or switching valve. For example, while the above embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the butterfly valve 10 is composed of multiple divided bodies, the present invention is not limited to this and the fluid control valve may be composed of a single body.

1 Fluid pipe 2 Housing 2a Branching portion (opening)
2b Flange (locking part)
4 Working valve 5 Cutting machine 6 Valve introduction machine 7 Jack (spacer)
8. Drive mechanism (drive unit, inserter, second divided body)
10. Butterfly valve (fluid control)
11 Partition wall (main body, first divided body)
12 Opening/closing shaft (main body, first divided body)
13 Valve body (main body, first divided body)
14 Upper lid portion (lid body portion, second divided body)
20 Housing 41 Valve box (first divided body)
41c Valve seat portion 42 Valve body (second divided body)
43 Opercle (second segment)
44 Valve stem (second divided body)
51 Mounting flange cylinder (cylindrical body)
52 Cutter (first divided body)
53 Lid body (first divided body)
54 Adapter (first divided body)
55 Fixing jig (locking part)
61 Cylindrical member (cylindrical body)
62 Locking member (locking part)
63 Mounting flange cylinder (cylindrical body)
64 Valve hanging fitting 65 Cover body 66 Adapter 81, 81' Shaft member (drive shaft)
86 Case part (case)
200 Housing 200a Branching portion (opening)
400 Working valve 401 Valve body (first divided body)
402 Working valve 402A, 402B Valve body (second divided body)
403 Working valve 403A, 403B Valve cover (second divided body)
404A, 404B Valve stem (second divided body)
410: Working valve 411A, 411B: Half-split member 412: First divided body 413: Second divided body 500: Cutting machine 510: Cutting machine

Claims (2)

A method for assembling a fluid control device comprising: a housing to be attached to a fluid pipe in a sealed manner; an operation valve attached to an opening of the housing to open and close the inside of the housing; and a cutting machine attached to the operation valve, the fluid control device having a valve body and an upper cover that controls the flow path of the fluid pipe, the cutting machine and the fluid control device being suspended and installed in a space where there is no fluid in the pipe, in order to install the fluid control device in an uninterrupted flow state inside the housing where the fluid pipe has been cut using the cutting machine,
The fluid control device is composed of two divided parts: the valve main body and the top cover. After the housing is sealed to the fluid pipe, the valve main body, which is the first of the divided parts, is hung down, and a protruding piece formed on the upper end of the valve main body is placed on and engaged with the tip of a locking part supported by a cylindrical body connected to the housing via the working valve. The remaining second divided part, the top cover, is then hung down, and the top cover is assembled to the valve main body that is locked to the locking part. After that, the locking part is released. The method for assembling a fluid control installation device described in claim 1, characterized in that the second divided body is assembled to the first divided body while the second divided body is connected to a crane.