FLOW DIVERTING APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

Apparatus for selectively diverting flow in either one of at least two flow paths without making use of customary conventional valves. Such diverters may be incorporated in various systems, such as metering systems incorporating meter provers and tank farm systems as used in the petroleum industry. The diverter includes a cylindrical shaped body having a plurality of flow openings distributed along the length of the same. A plurality of sealing assemblies is carried by one or more operating rods extending axially of the body. These assemblies are caused to be moved in and out of sealing engagement with cylindrical sleeves that are located between the flow openings. The construction is such that when an assembly is moved into sealing position within a sleeve, there is a self induced pressure drop which is used to determine whether or not any leakage is occurring past the assembly. For metering systems the diverter has an inflow opening and two outflow openings through which the flow can be selectively directed. For use in tank farm systems the diverter is constructed in such a manner that three operating positions permit shutdown of flow into or from the tank, filling of the tank, and gravity flow of liquid from the tank.