WO2017122213A1

WO2017122213A1 - Stream switching valve

Info

Publication number: WO2017122213A1
Application number: PCT/IL2017/050053
Authority: WO
Inventors: Felix Shestatski; Boris Margol; Alaa RABAH; Shaya MAYZELS
Original assignee: Ham-Let (Israel - Canada ) Ltd.
Priority date: 2016-01-17
Filing date: 2017-01-17
Publication date: 2017-07-20

Abstract

A stream switching valve for alternatively feeding two fluids to an object of interest comprises a housing having disposed downstream within the housing the following: (a) a first inlet port connectable to a first fluid source and outlet port connectable to the object of interest; (b) a first ball valve disposed downstream relative to the first inlet port; (c) a second ball valve disposed upstream relative to the outlet port; the second ball valve fluidly connected to a second inlet port connectable to a second fluid source; (d) a third ball valve disposed between the first and second ball valves; the third ball valve having a side vent port. The first, second and third valves are abutted to each other. The first, second and third valves have operating stems protruding from the housing. The stems are rotatable by a tool connectable to the stems in turn.

Description

STREAM SWITCHING VALVE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stream switching valve, and, more specifically, to a stream switching valve for alternatively feeding two fluids to an object of interest.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is often very important to know what fluids are flowing through a conduit such as a pipeline. For example, a buyer and seller of gas may agree upon a price for the fluid flowing through a process pipeline based upon the content of the fluid stream. Thus, the fluid content must be measured. Where multiple pipelines are positioned near one another, it may be economical to use a single meter or measurement device to monitor all of the fluid flows. The device used to extract and deliver the fluid to the measurement device is traditionally referred to as a sampling system.

EP 2225485 discloses a manifold valve has inclined side sections of the upper surface serving the purpose of providing sufficient clearance between the valve handles to allow for them to be manipulated with ease whilst maintaining the compact configuration of the manifold assembly.

Manually operated valve are provided with handles requiring sufficient clearance between them to allow for them to be manipulated. This situation blocks further miniaturization of valve arrangements including several valves. Then, there is a long-felt and unmet need to provide a miniature valve arrangement which minimal overall dimensions are limited only by dimensions of the constituent valves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is hence one object of the invention to disclose a stream switching valve for alternatively feeding two fluids to an object of interest. The aforesaid valve comprises a housing having disposed downstream within the housing the following: (a) a first inlet port connectable to a first fluid source and outlet port connectable to the object of interest; (b) a first ball valve disposed downstream relative to the first inlet port; (c) a second ball valve disposed upstream relative to the outlet port; the second ball valve fluidly connected to a second inlet port connectable to a second fluid source; (d) a third ball valve disposed between the first and second ball valves; the third ball valve having a side vent port.

It is a core purpose of the invention to provide the first, second and third valves abutted to each other. The first, second and third valves have operating stems protruding from the housing. The stems are rotatable by a tool connectable to the stems in turn.

Another object of the invention is to disclose the object of interest which is a gas analyzer.

A further object of the invention is to disclose at least one of the two fluids selected from the group consisting of a fluid to be analyzed and a calibration fluid.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a kit for alternatively feeding two fluids to an object of interest comprising (a) a valve comprising a housing having disposed downstream within the housing the following: (i) a first inlet port connectable to a first fluid source and outlet port connectable to the object of interest; (ii) a first ball valve disposed downstream relative to the first inlet port; (iii) a second ball valve disposed upstream relative to the outlet port; the second ball valve fluidly connected to a second inlet port connectable to a second fluid source; (iv) a third ball valve disposed between the first and second ball valves; the third ball valve having a side vent port; and (b) a tool for manipulating the first, second and third valves.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a method of alternatively feeding two fluids to an object of interest. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a valve comprising a housing having disposed downstream within the housing the following: (i) a first inlet port connectable to a first fluid source and outlet port connectable to the object of interest; (ii) a first ball valve disposed downstream relative to the first inlet port; (iii) a second ball valve disposed upstream relative to the outlet port; the second ball valve fluidly connected to a second inlet port connectable to a second fluid source; (iv) a third ball valve disposed between the first and second ball valves; the third ball valve having a side vent port; the first, second and third valves are abutted to each other; the first, second and third valves have operating stems protruding from the housing; (b) feeding a fluid from the first fluid source by positioning the first, second and third ball valves such that fluid interconnection between first inlet port and the outlet port is established; (c) venting an internal space between the first ball valve and the vent port by positioning the first ball valve into a closed position and positioning the second and third ball valves such that fluid interconnection between is established; (d) venting an internal space between the outlet port and the vent port by positioning the first ball valve into a closed position and positioning the second and third ball valves such that fluid interconnection between the outlet port and the vent port is established; and (e) feeding a fluid from the second fluid source by positioning the first ball valve into a closed position, positioning the second valve such fluid interconnection between the second inlet port and the outlet port that is established; position of the third valve is in a free position.

It is another core purpose of the invention to provide the steps b to e performed by a tool connectable to the stems in turn.

A further object of the invention is to disclose at least one of the steps b and e comprising feeding at least one of the two fluids selected from the group consisting of a fluid to be analyzed and a calibration fluid.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a valve operation handle releasably connectable to at least one rotatable valve.

It is a core purpose of the invention to provide the handle comprising first and second elongate members having first and second terminals and a middle portion each. The two elongate members are mechanically secured to each other at a right angle. The first terminal of the first elongate member is secured to the second elongate member. The second terminal of the first elongate member is releasably connectable to a stem of the at least one rotatable valve. The first terminal of the second elongate member is releasably connectable to a nut securing a packing material around the stem.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the second terminal of the first elongate member secured to the middle portion of the second elongate member. A further object of the invention is to disclose the second terminal of the first elongate member secured to the second terminal of the second elongate member.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the first terminal of the first elongate member secured within a bore on a side surface of the second elongate member.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the first terminal of the first elongate member secured within the bore by a screw.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the screw threaded into the first terminal of the first elongate member.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the second terminal of the first elongate member provided with a bumping stud configured for preventing the handle from wrong operation.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the handle having L- or T-like shape.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a method of manually operating at least one rotatable valve by a handle releasably connectable thereto. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of: (a) providing the at least one rotatable valve having a stem and a nut securing a packing material around the stem; (b) providing the handle further comprising the handle comprises first and second elongate members having first and second terminals and a middle portion each; the two elongate members mechanically secured to each other at a right angle; the first terminal of the first elongate member is secured to the second elongate member; second terminal of the first elongate member is releasably connectable to a stem of the at least one rotatable valve; the first terminal of the second elongate member is releasably connectable to a nut securing a packing material around the stem; and (c) manipulating the at least one rotatable valve by means of releasably connecting the second terminal of the first elongate member to the stems of the rotatable valves in an alternate manner.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a step of securing a packing material around the stem by releasably connecting the first terminal of the second elongate member to the nuts and tightening thereof. A further object of the invention is to disclose the step of manipulating said at least one rotatable valve comprising a step of preventing positioning the least one rotatable valve into a wrong position due to bumping a stud provided at the second terminal of the first elongate member into a stopper member disposed on top of a housing of the least one rotatable valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments is adapted to now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figs, la and lb are isometric external views of a stream switching valve;

Fig. 2a is a schematic view of a valve arrangement corresponding to feeding a fluid from a first source to an outlet port (first embodiment);

Fig. 2b is a schematic view of a valve arrangement corresponding to venting an internal space between a first ball valve and a vent port (first embodiment);

Fig. 2c is a schematic view of a valve arrangement corresponding to feeding a fluid from a second source to an outlet port (first embodiment);

Fig. 3a is a side view of a second embodiment of a stream switching valve;

Fig 3b is a schematic view of a valve arrangement corresponding to feeding a fluid from a first source to an outlet port (second embodiment);

Fig. 3c is a schematic view of a valve arrangement corresponding to venting an internal space between a first ball valve and a vent port (second embodiment);

Fig. 3d is a schematic view of a valve arrangement corresponding to feeding a fluid from a second source to an outlet port (second embodiment);

Fig. 4a is a schematic view of a valve arrangement corresponding to feeding a fluid from a first source to an outlet port (third embodiment); Fig. 4b is a schematic view of a valve arrangement corresponding to venting an internal space between a first ball valve and a vent port (third embodiment); and

Fig. 4c is a schematic view of a valve arrangement corresponding to feeding a fluid from a second source to an outlet port (third embodiment).

Fig. 5a is an isometric view of a T-shaped valve operation handle;

Fig. 5b is a cross-sectional view of a T-shaped valve operation handle;

Figs 6a to 6c illustrate optional connectability of a T-shaped valve operation handle to first, second and third stems of a compact manifold ball valve;

Fig. 7 is an isometric view of a compact manifold ball valve;

Fig. 8 illustrates optional connectability of a T-shaped valve operation handle to gland packing nuts of a compact manifold ball valve;

Fig. 5a is an isometric view of a L-shaped valve operation handle; and

Fig. 5b is a cross-sectional view of a L-shaped valve operation handle;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is provided, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, are adapted to remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a stream switching valve for alternatively feeding two fluids to an object of interest and a method of doing the same.

Needle valves, globe valves or any other sealing mechanisms used instead of ball valves are also in the scope of the present invention.

It should be emphasized that the valve of the present invention can be used for discretely sampling one fluid and feeding it to an object of interest and empting the internal space of the valve after each operation cycle. The term "ball member" hereinafter refers to any valve plug having at least one internal passage and rotatable within a cavity. Reference is now made to Fig. 1 showing stream switching valve 100 designed for alternatively feeding two fluids to an object of interest. Valve 100 comprises housing 10 accommodating first, second and third ball valves (not shown) abutted to each other. The first, second and third ball valves have operating stems 71, 72 and 73 (covered by tool 81), respectively, which protrude from housing 10. The stems are rotatable by tool connectable to stems 71, 72 and 73 in turn. Tool 81 can be secured to housing 10 by wire 82. Connectability of tool 81 to stems 71, 72 and 73 in turn makes free dimensions of tool 81, while overall dimensions of valve 100 are defined by dimensions of the constituent ball valves per se.

Valve 100 is designed for alternatively feeding two fluids to an object of interest. According to an optional exemplar use, the object of interest is a gas analyzer, while at least one of the two fluids is a fluid to be analyzed or a calibration fluid. Valve 100 provides the following options: (a) feeding a fluid from the first fluid source; (b) venting an internal space between the first ball valve and the vent port; (c) venting an internal space between the outlet port and the vent port; and (d) feeding a fluid from the second fluid source.

A kit comprising compact valve 100 and tool 81 for manipulating it is also in the scope of the present invention.

Referring to Figs lb and lc, nuts 76, 77 and 78 are used for packing adjustment of stems 71, 72 and 73. Bores 84 and 86 of valve spanner 81 are used for manipulating nuts 76/77/78 and stems 71/72/73, respectively. If the stem packing shows signs of leakage, tightening adjusting nuts 76/77/78 will compress the packing (not shown). Stud 88 is designed to prevent valve spanner 81 from rotating stems 71/72/73 in a wrong direction due to bumping stud 88 into stop member 83.

It should be appreciated that the presented linear arrangement of first, second and third ball members is only exemplar. Other ball member arrangements are also in the scope of the present invention. Reference is now made Figs 2a to 2c showing valve arrangements relating to the a first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, referring to Fig. 2, housing 10 accommodates first, second and third ball valves 21, 22 and 23, respectively. First inlet port 31 is connectable to a first fluid source (not shown). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first fluid source is a gas pipeline. Second inlet 32 is connectable to a second fluid source (not shown) which can be a source a calibration fluid. Outlet port 41 is connectable to an object of interest which can be a gas analyzer (not shown). Vent port 61 provides fluid communication with the environment. Passages 51 to 56 interconnect ports 31, 32, 41 and 61 and first, second and third ball valves 21, 22 and 23. First ball valve 21 has a diametrical passage, while second and third ball valves

22 and 23 have T-shaped passages. Fig. 2 shows the valve arrangement corresponding to feeding a fluid from the first fluid source. First, second and third ball valves 21, 22 and

23 provide fluid interconnection between first inlet port 31 and the outlet port 41. Reciting upstream, first ball valve 21 interconnects passages 51 and 52, third ball valve 23 interconnects passages 52 and 53 and second ball valve interconnects passages 53 and 54.

Fig. 2b shows the valve arrangement corresponding to venting an internal space between the first ball valve 21 and the vent port 61. According to the present valve position, first ball valve 21 is closed. Second ball valve 22 can be in any position except for a position interconnecting passages 54 and 56. In fact, a fluid accommodated within passage 52, third ball valve 23 is exhausted via passage 55 and outlet port 61.

Fig. 2c shows the valve arrangement corresponding to feeding a fluid from the second fluid source. Second ball valve 22 provides fluid interconnection between second inlet port 32 and the outlet port 41. The fluid from the second fluid source is fed via passages 56 and 54. First and third ball valves 21 and 23 should block potential leakage of the fluid from the first fluid source to the environment.

Reference is now made to Figs 3a to 3d, showing valve arrangements relating to a second embodiment of the present invention. Contrary to the first embodiments, internal passages 115, 135 and 145 are in one plane at right angles to each other while passage 138 is in another plane and passage 138 is oriented in a diagonal manner. Referring to Fig. 3b, first inlet port 110 is connectable to a first fluid source (not shown). Second inlet 140 is connectable to a second fluid source (not shown) which can be a source a calibration fluid. Outlet port 120 is connectable to an object of interest which can be a gas analyzer (not shown). Vent port 130 provides fluid communication with the environment. Passages 115, 125, 135, 138, 145 and 155 interconnect ports 110, 120, 130 and 140 and first, second and third ball valves 150, 160 and 170 having Γ-like internal passages. In Fig. 3b, interconnection between inlet port 110 and outlet port 120 is provided via downstream arranged passage 115, valve 150, passage 138, valve 150, passage 155, valve 170 and passage 125.

Referring to Fig. 3c, empting the internal space of the device is provided. Output port 120 is connected to vent port 140 via passages 125, 135 and 155 and valves 150 and 170.

In Fig. 3d, fluid connection is established between second inlet port 140 and outlet port 120. Passages 145 and 125 are interconnected by valve 170.

Reference is now made to Figs 4a to 4c, showing valve arrangements relating to a third embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first embodiments, internal passages 115, 135, 145 and 235 are in one plane at right angles to each other.

Passages 115, 135, 145 and 235 interconnect ports 110, 120, 130 and 140 and first, second and third ball valves 210, 220 and 230.

Referring to Fig. 4a, interconnection between inlet port 110 and outlet port 120 is provided via downstream arranged passage 115, valve 220, passage 225, valve 230, passage 155, valve 230 and passage 125.

In Fig. 4b, empting the internal space of the device is provided. Passages 135 and 225 and valves 230 are connected to vent port 140.

In Fig. 4c, second inlet 140 is connected to outlet port via passages 125 and 145 and ball valve 210.

Reference is now made to Figs 5 a and 5b presenting a T-shaped a valve operation handle 310 releasably connectable to at least one rotatable valve. Handle 310 comprises first and second elongate members 330 and 320, respectively. First elongate member 330 has first terminal 339, middle portion 333 and second terminal 331. Second elongate member 320 has first terminal 323, middle portion 325 and second terminal 321.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, first terminal 339 of first elongate member 330 is inserted into bore 327 and secured by screw 328 threaded into bore 329. Second terminal 331 of first elongate member 330 is provided with bore 335 configured for receiving a stem of a ball valve (not shown). Second terminal 331 of first elongate member 320 is provided with bumping stud 337 configured for preventing the handle from wrong operation. First terminal 323 of the second elongate member 320 is provided with bore 327 configured for receiving a gland packing nut (not shown).

Reference is now made to Figs 6a to 6c illustrating optional connectability of T-shaped valve operation handle 310 to compact manifold ball valve 340. Numeral 340 refers to an exemplar embodiment of compact manifold ball valve described above. Compact manifold ball valve 340 is provided with first, second and third stems 352, 354 and 356, respectively, projecting from housing 341 and first, second and third gland packing nuts 351, 353 and 355.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, compact manifold ball valve 340 has first and second inlet ports 343 and 345, outlet 347 and vent port 349 on a back side of compact manifold ball valve 340 (see Fig. 4).

Referring to Figs 6a, 6b and 6c severally, of T-shaped valve operation handle 10 is releasably connectable to first, second and third stems 352, 354 and 356, respectively.

Reference is now made to Fig. 7 specifying a position of stopper member 348 disposed on top of housing 341 of compact manifold ball valve 340. When valve operation handle 310 is rotated, wrong operation is prevented because of bumping stud 337 (not shown) into stopper member 348.

Reference is now made to Fig. 8 presenting alternative connectability of T-shaped valve operation handle 310 to compact manifold ball valve 340. Specifically, first terminal 323 of the second elongate member 320 which is provided with bore 327 is in turn connectable to first, second and third gland packing nuts 351, 353 and 355, respectively. Reference is now made to Figs 9a and 9b presenting an L-shaped valve operation handle 360 releasably connectable to at least one rotatable valve. Handle 360 comprises first and second elongate members 380 and 370, respectively. First elongate member 380 has first terminal 383, middle portion 385 and second terminal 381. Second elongate member 370 has first terminal 373, middle portion 375 and second terminal 371.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, first terminal 383 of first elongate member 380 is inserted into bore 376 and secured by screw 377. Second terminal 381 of first elongate member 380 is provided with bore 335 configured for receiving a stem of a ball valve (not shown). Second terminal 381of first elongate member 380 is provided with bumping stud 337 configured for preventing the handle from wrong operation. First terminal 373 of the second elongate member 370 is provided with bore 327 configured for receiving a gland packing nut (not shown).

According to the present invention, a stream switching valve for alternatively feeding two fluids to an object of interest is disclosed. The aforesaid valve comprises a housing having disposed downstream within the housing the following: (a) a first inlet port connectable to a first fluid source and outlet port connectable to the object of interest; (b) a first ball valve disposed downstream relative to the first inlet port; (c) a second ball valve disposed upstream relative to the outlet port; the second ball valve fluidly connected to a second inlet port connectable to a second fluid source; (d) a third ball valve disposed between the first and second ball valves; the third ball valve having a side vent port.

It is a core feature of the invention to provide the first, second and third valves abutted to each other. The first, second and third valves have operating stems protruding from the housing. The stems are rotatable by a tool connectable to the stems in turn.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the object of interest is a gas analyzer.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the two fluids is selected from the group consisting of a fluid to be analyzed and a calibration fluid. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a kit for alternatively feeding two fluids to an object of interest is disclosed. The aforesaid kit comprises (a) a valve comprising a housing having disposed downstream within the housing the following: (i) a first inlet port connectable to a first fluid source and outlet port connectable to the object of interest; (ii) a first ball valve disposed downstream relative to the first inlet port; (iii) a second ball disposed upstream relative to the outlet port; the second ball valve fluidly connected to a second inlet port connectable to a second fluid source; (iv) a third ball valve disposed between the first and second ball valves; the third ball valve having a side vent port; and (b) a tool for manipulating the first, second and third valves. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of alternatively feeding two fluids to an object of interest is disclosed. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a valve comprising a housing having disposed downstream within the housing the following: (i) a first inlet port connectable to a first fluid source and outlet port connectable to the object of interest; (ii) a first ball valve disposed downstream relative to the first inlet port; (iii) a second ball valve disposed upstream relative to the outlet port; the second ball valve fluidly connected to a second inlet port connectable to a second fluid source; (iv) a third ball valve disposed between the first and second ball valves; the third ball valve having a side vent port; the first, second and third valves are abutted to each other; the first, second and third valves have operating stems protruding from the housing; (b) feeding a fluid from the first fluid source by positioning the first, second and third ball valves such that fluid interconnection between first inlet port and the outlet port is established; (c) venting an internal space between the first ball valve and the vent port by positioning the first ball valve into a closed position and positioning the second and third ball valves such that fluid interconnection between is established; (d) venting an internal space between the outlet port and the vent port by positioning the first ball valve into a closed position and positioning the second and third ball valves such that fluid interconnection between the outlet port and the vent port is established; and (e) feeding a fluid from the second fluid source by positioning the first ball valve into a closed position, positioning the second valve such fluid interconnection between the second inlet port and the outlet port that is established; position of the third valve is in a free position. It is another core feature of the invention to provide the steps b to e performed by a tool connectable to the stems in turn.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the steps b and e comprises feeding at least one of the two fluids selected from the group consisting of a fluid to be analyzed and a calibration fluid.

According to the present invention a valve operation handle releasably connectable to at least one rotatable valve is disclosed.

It is a core feature of the invention to provide the handle comprising first and second elongate members having first and second terminals and a middle portion each. The two elongate members are mechanically secured to each other at a right angle. The first terminal of the first elongate member is secured to the second elongate member. The second terminal of the first elongate member is releasably connectable to a stem of the at least one rotatable valve. The first terminal of the second elongate member is releasably connectable to a nut securing a packing material around the stem.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal of the first elongate member is secured to the middle portion of the second elongate member.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal of the first elongate member is secured to the second terminal of the second elongate member.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal of the first elongate member is secured within a bore on a side surface of the second elongate member.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal of the first elongate member is secured within the bore by a screw.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the screw is threaded into the first terminal of the first elongate member.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal of the first elongate member is provided with a bumping stud configured for preventing the handle from wrong operation. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of manually operating at least one rotatable valve by a handle releasably connectable thereto is disclosed. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of: (a) providing the at least one rotatable valve having a stem and a nut securing a packing material around the stem; (b) providing the handle further comprising the handle comprises first and second elongate members having first and second terminals and a middle portion each; the two elongate members mechanically secured to each other at a right angle; the first terminal of the first elongate member is secured to the second elongate member; second terminal of the first elongate member is releasably connectable to a stem of the at least one rotatable valve; the first terminal of the second elongate member is releasably connectable to a nut securing a packing material around the stem; and (c) manipulating the at least one rotatable valve by means of releasably connecting the second terminal of the first elongate member to the stems of the rotatable valves in an alternate manner.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises a step of securing a packing material around the stem by releasably connecting the first terminal of the second elongate member to the nuts and tightening thereof.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the step of manipulating said at least one rotatable valve comprises a step of preventing positioning the least one rotatable valve into a wrong position due to bumping a stud provided at the second terminal of the first elongate member into a stopper member disposed on top of a housing of the least one rotatable valve.

Claims

Claims:

1. A stream switching valve for alternatively feeding two fluids to an object of

interest; said valve comprising a housing having disposed downstream within said housing the following:

a. a first inlet port connectable to a first fluid source and outlet port connectable to said object of interest;

b. a first ball valve disposed downstream relative to said first inlet port; c. a second ball valve disposed upstream relative to said outlet port; said second ball valve fluidly connected to a second inlet port connectable to a second fluid source;

d. a third ball valve disposed between said first and second ball valves; said third ball valve having a side vent port;

wherein said first, second and third valves are abutted to each other; said first, second and third valves have operating stems protruding from said housing; said stems are rotatable by a tool connectable to said stems in turn.

2. The stream switching valve according to claim 1, wherein said object of interest is a gas analyzer.

3. The stream switching valve according to claim 2, wherein at least one of said two fluids is selected from the group consisting of a fluid to be analyzed and a calibration fluid.

4. A method of alternatively feeding two fluids to an object of interest; said method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a valve comprising a housing having disposed downstream

within said housing the following:

i. a first inlet port connectable to a first fluid source and outlet port connectable to said object of interest;

ii. a first ball valve disposed downstream relative to said first inlet port; iii. a second ball valve disposed upstream relative to said outlet port; said second ball valve fluidly connected to a second inlet port connectable to a second fluid source;

iv. a third ball valve disposed between said first and second ball

valves; said third ball valve having a side vent port; said first, second and third valves are abutted to each other; said first, second and third valves have operating stems protruding from said housing;

b. feeding a fluid from said first fluid source by positioning said first, second and third ball valves such that fluid interconnection between first inlet port and said outlet port is established;

c. venting an internal space between said first ball valve and said vent port by positioning said first ball valve into a closed position and positioning said second and third ball valves such that fluid interconnection between is established;

d. venting an internal space between said outlet port and said vent port by positioning said first ball valve into a closed position and positioning said second and third ball valves such that fluid interconnection between first outlet port and said vent port is established;

e. feeding a fluid from said second fluid source by positioning said first ball valve into a closed position, positioning said second valve such fluid interconnection between said second inlet port and said outlet port that is established; position of said third valve is in a free position; and wherein said steps b to /are performed by a tool connectable to said stems in turn.

The method according to claim 4, wherein said object of interest is a gas analyzer. The method according to claim 5, wherein at least one of said steps b and e comprises feeding at least one of said two fluids selected from the group consisting of a fluid to be analyzed and a calibration fluid.

A kit for alternatively feeding two fluids to an object of interest comprising: a. a valve comprising a housing having disposed downstream within said housing the following:

ii. a first ball valve disposed downstream relative to said first inlet port;

iii. a second ball valve disposed upstream relative to said outlet port; said second ball valve fluidly connected to a second inlet port connectable to a second fluid source;

iv. a third ball valve disposed between said first and second ball

valves; said third ball valve having a side vent port;

b. a tool for manipulating said first, second and third valves;

wherein said first, second and third valves are abutted to each other; said first, second and third valves have operating stems protruding from said housing; said stems are rotatable by said tool connectable to said stems in turn.

8. The kit according to claim 7, wherein said object of interest is a gas analyzer.

9. The kit according to claim 8, wherein at least one of said two fluids is selected from the group consisting of a fluid to be analyzed and a calibration fluid.

10. A valve operation handle releasably connectable to at least one rotatable valve; wherein said handle comprises first and second elongate members having first and second terminals and a middle portion each; said two elongate members are mechanically secured to each other at a right angle; said first terminal of said first elongate member is secured to said second elongate member; second terminal of said first elongate member is releasably connectable to a stem of said at least one rotatable valve; said first terminal of said second elongate member is releasably connectable to a nut securing a packing material around said stem.

11. The handle according to claim 10, wherein said second terminal of said first elongate member is secured to said middle portion of said second elongate member.

12. The handle according to claim 10, wherein said second terminal of said first elongate member is secured to said second terminal of said second elongate member.

13. The handle according to claim 10, wherein said first terminal of said first elongate member is secured within a bore on a side surface of said second elongate member.

14. The handle according to claim 13, wherein said first terminal of said first elongate member is secured within said bore by a screw.

15. The handle according to claim 14, wherein said screw is threaded into said first terminal of said first elongate member.

16. The handle according to claim 10, wherein said second terminal of said first elongate member is provided with a bumping stud configured for preventing said handle from wrong operation.

17. A method of manually operating at least one rotatable valve by a handle

releasably connectable thereto; said method comprising the steps of:

a. providing said at least one rotatable valve having a stem and a nut

securing a packing material around said stem;

b. providing said handle further comprising said handle comprises first and second elongate members having first and second terminals and a middle portion each; said two elongate members mechanically secured to each other at a right angle; said first terminal of said first elongate member is secured to said second elongate member; second terminal of said first elongate member is releasably connectable to a stem of said at least one rotatable valve; said first terminal of said second elongate member is releasably connectable to a nut securing a packing material around said stem; and

c. manipulating said at least one rotatable valve by means of releasably connecting said second terminal of said first elongate member to said stems of said rotatable valves in an alternate manner.

18. The method according to claim 17 further comprising a step of securing a packing material around said stem by releasably connecting said first terminal of said second elongate member to said nuts and tightening thereof.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein said step of manipulating said at least one rotatable valve comprising a step of preventing positioning said least one rotatable valve into a wrong position due to bumping a stud provided at said second terminal of said first elongate member into a stopper member 48 disposed on top of a housing of said least one rotatable valve.