Valve replacement device

Abstract

A valve replacement device is disclosed. An example valve replacement device includes a body configured to thread onto a valve, and an insertion tube movable through the body. A seal is provided between the insertion tube and the body. The seal enables the insertion tube to be moved through the body while at least partially retaining a fluid within a portion of the body. A balloon is provided on the insertion tube. The balloon is configured to be inflated and deflated through the insertion tube. The balloon is inflated to retain a fluid within the tank while the existing valve is removed from the tank and replaced. The balloon is deflated and removed after replacement of the existing valve.

1 . A valve replacement device for replacing a valve coupled to a liquid or gas storage tank, comprising:
 a body configured to couple to a storage tank valve, the body comprising a surface;   the body having a first fluid channel therethrough;   the body having a second fluid channel therethrough;   a first means for controlling passage of fluid through the first fluid channel;   a second means for controlling passage of fluid through the second fluid channel;   an insertion tube movable through the body, the insertion tube having a first end and a second end, the first end terminating at a valve stem;   a seal between the insertion tube and the body, the seal enabling the insertion tube to articulate through the body while at least partially retaining a fluid within a portion of the body; and   an inflatable membrane coupled to the second end of the insertion tube, the inflatable membrane configured
 to be inflated and deflated by a fluid flowing through the insertion tube via the valve stem, the inflatable membrane inflated to retain a fluid within the tank while an existing valve is removed from the tank and replaced and the inflatable membrane deflated and removed after replacement of the existing valve. 
   
     
     
         2 . The valve replacement device of  claim 1  wherein the first fluid channel is perpendicular to the surface. 
     
     
         3 . The valve replacement device of  claim 1  wherein the second fluid channel is perpendicular to the surface. 
     
     
         4 . The valve replacement device of  claim 1  wherein the first means for controlling passage of fluid is a petcock valve. 
     
     
         5 . The valve replacement device of  claim 1  wherein the first fluid channel is integral with the device. 
     
     
         6 . The valve replacement device of  claim 1  wherein the first fluid channel terminates. 
     
     
         7 . The valve replacement device of  claim 1  wherein the first means for controlling passage of fluid is not itself capable of storing or collecting fluid. 
     
     
         8 . The valve replacement device of  claim 1  wherein the fluid is a gas. 
     
     
         9 . A valve replacement device for replacing a valve coupled to a liquid or gas storage tank, comprising:
 a body configured to couple to a storage tank valve, the body comprising a surface;   the body having a first fluid channel therethrough;   a first means for controlling passage of fluid through the first fluid channel;   the first means for controlling passage of fluid is not itself capable of storing or collecting fluid;   an insertion tube movable through the body, the insertion tube having a first end and a second end, the first end terminating at a valve stem;   a seal between the insertion tube and the body, the seal enabling the insertion tube to articulate through the body while at least partially retaining a fluid within a portion of the body; and   an inflatable membrane coupled to the second end of the insertion tube, the inflatable membrane configured to be inflated and deflated by a fluid flowing through the insertion tube via the valve stem, the inflatable membrane inflated to retain a fluid within the tank while an existing valve is removed from the tank and replaced and the inflatable membrane deflated and removed after replacement of the existing valve.   
     
     
         10 . A method of valve replacement for replacing a valve coupled to a gas or liquid-storage tank, comprising:
 attaching a replacement body to a valve to be replaced, the valve coupled to a gas-storage tank having a gas therein, and opening a gate of the valve while the replacement body retains the gas;   extending an insertion tube through the replacement body and through the valve to a position behind the gate of the valve;   inflating an inflatable membrane on the insertion tube in the position behind the gate of the valve such that gas is prevented from leaking out of the tank;   evacuating gas from the replacement body by opening a first release valve, and facilitating the evacuation of substantially all of the gas from the replacement body by opening the second release valve;   closing the second release valve and the first release valve;   removing the valve;   replacing the valve by installing the replacement body onto the valve;   deflating the membrane on the insertion tube;   withdrawing the insertion tube and the membrane from behind the gate of the valve; and   closing the gate of the valve and removing the replacement body from the valve.