CA2510364A1 - Apparatus and system for online high pressure, high temperature leak sealing - Google Patents
Apparatus and system for online high pressure, high temperature leak sealing Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2510364A1 CA2510364A1 CA 2510364 CA2510364A CA2510364A1 CA 2510364 A1 CA2510364 A1 CA 2510364A1 CA 2510364 CA2510364 CA 2510364 CA 2510364 A CA2510364 A CA 2510364A CA 2510364 A1 CA2510364 A1 CA 2510364A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- clamp
- clearance
- flanges
- circular
- clamp body
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09K—MATERIALS FOR MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- C09K3/00—Materials not provided for elsewhere
- C09K3/12—Materials for stopping leaks, e.g. in radiators, in tanks
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
- F16L55/16—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders
- F16L55/168—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from outside the pipe
- F16L55/175—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from outside the pipe by using materials which fill a space around the pipe before hardening
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F11/00—Arrangements for sealing leaky tubes and conduits
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2265/00—Safety or protection arrangements; Arrangements for preventing malfunction
- F28F2265/16—Safety or protection arrangements; Arrangements for preventing malfunction for preventing leakage
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Gasket Seals (AREA)
Abstract
A circular clamp, formed of two half-circle sections which are bolted together, is provided for sealing around mated flanges which are leaking. The clamp has a plurality of ports through which a sealant can be injected while the apparatus is in operation. A flange extends around the clamp to seal against the flanges. The clamp also has a projection which extends outwards along an inner sealing face and which is inserted into the clearance between the two flanges.
The projection helps to position the injection ports at the clearance so that sealant injected through the injection ports is directed into the clearance.
The sealing system is particularly useful when used to seal leaks in apparatus during operation at high pressures and temperatures.
The projection helps to position the injection ports at the clearance so that sealant injected through the injection ports is directed into the clearance.
The sealing system is particularly useful when used to seal leaks in apparatus during operation at high pressures and temperatures.
Description
1 "APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR ONLINE HIGH PRESSURE, 2 HIGH TEMPERATURE LEAK SEALING"
Embodiments of the invention relate to apparatus and methods for 6 sealing flanges and the like in apparatus under high pressure and temperature 7 without the need to take the apparatus offline and more particularly for sealing 8 pipe flanges in a high pressure heat exchanger.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
11 Apparatus which operate at high pressure, such as heat 12 exchangers, and which often also operate at high temperature differentials, are 13 subject to pressure and thermal conditions which place seals, such as gaskets 14 between the flanges of a shell end and an end cap of the heat exchanger, under stress which can result in leakage during operation. One such heat exchanger is 16 an effluent waste heat boiler used in an ammonia plant which operates at 17 pressures of about 125 kg/cm2 and at a temperature of about 330°C.
18 Fasteners, such as nuts and studs, hold an end cap to the heat 19 exchanger shell and sandwich a gasket therebetween. Conventionally, in an attempt to stop leaking at the gaskets or seals, the fasteners are often merely 21 retightened or further tightened. If, however, the tightening does not stop the 22 leak, the heat exchanger must be shut down and the flange face inspected and 23 repaired, and if necessary the gasket replaced. Shutdown, loss of production and 24 startup adds significantly to plant operation costs.
I ~. , , 1 Clamps, such as C-clamps, are known for attachment across mated 2 flanges to apply additional and axial mechanical force, flange-to-flange, in an 3 attempt to improve compression and sealing at the interface between the flanges.
4 As with tightening however, if the clamp is not successful, the heat exchanger must be taken offline for repair.
6 What is required is a means by which leakage can be stopped 7 without necessitating shutdown of the heat exchanger and thus realize significant 8 savings in operational costs which would otherwise be lost using conventional 9 means.
i , 2 Apparatus, system and method of use are taught for sealing leaks 3 between flanges of an apparatus, such as a heat exchanger, which is in 4 operation and particularly, for apparatus that is being operated at high pressures and temperatures, without need for taking the apparatus off line or disassembly 6 thereof. A circular clamp, having a plurality of injection ports formed radially 7 therethrough, is positioned about the flanges for sealingly engaging the flanges at 8 a clearance between the flanges. A sealant which is capable of diffusing into the 9 clearance and thereafter curing in the clearance at the operating conditions is injected though the injection ports. Injection of the sealant is at pressures greater 11 than the pressure at which the apparatus is being operated.
12 Preferably, the clamp has a flange which extends substantially 13 parallel to the periphery of the mated flanges for sealing against the flanges.
14 More preferably, the clamp is formed in two half circle sections which are bolted together about the flanges. An insertion member extends from 16 an inner surface of the clamp and is inserted into the clearance to positioned the 17 injection ports, which extend therethrough, into the clearance.
18 A valve is used between the injection ports and an injection means, 19 such as an injection gun, to ensure that sealant which has been injected into the ports cannot be forced back out of the injection ports.
21 In one broad aspect, embodiments of apparatus of the invention 22 comprise a clamp for the application of sealant into a clearance between mated 23 flanges comprising: a circular clamp body adapted to straddle the clearance and 24 seal around a periphery of the mated flanges for sealing the clearance; and a 1 plurality of injection ports formed through the clamp body and in fluid 2 communication with the clearance for injection of a sealant therethrough into the 3 clearance so as to seal leaks therefrom.
4 In another broad aspect, embodiments of the invention comprise a system for sealing a leak from a clearance between mated flanges in an 6 apparatus at operating conditions and without disassembly comprising: a clamp 7 for sealing engaging about a periphery of the mated flanges, the clamp having a 8 plurality of injection ports formed therethrough; and a sealant capable of diffusing 9 into the clearance upon injection and thereafter curing at operational pressures and temperatures, wherein the injection ports are fluidly connected to the 11 clearance when the clamp is sealing engaged about the periphery of the mated 12 flanges and the sealant is injected through the injection ports formed in the clamp 13 and into the clearance for forming a seal therein.
14 In another broad aspect, embodiments of the invention comprise a method for sealing a leak between mated flanges in an apparatus at operating 16 conditions and without disassembly comprising: providing a clamp for sealing 17 about a periphery of the mated flanges, the clamp having a plurality of injection 18 ports formed therethrough; injecting a sealant into the injection ports and into the 19 clearance; and permitting the sealant to cure in the clearance for sealing leaking therein.
y , 2 Figure 1a is a front view of a heat exchanger illustrating an 3 embodiment of a prior art sealing method between a shell tube sheet and an end 4 cap;
Figure 1 b is a cross-sectional view according to Fig. 1 a, along lines 6 A-A;
7 Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a clamp according to an 8 embodiment of the invention in use in a system for sealing leaks in a high 9 pressure, high temperature environment;
Figure 3 is a schematic illustrating regions about a cross-section of 11 a heat exchanger according to Fig. 1 b and having a leak in region F, the regions 12 corresponding to temperatures illustrated in Table A found in the specification;
13 Figure 4 is a plan view of one half of a clamp according to Fig. 2, 14 illustrating some of a plurality of injection ports formed through the clamp;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp half according to Fig.
16 4, at an injection port;
17 Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp half according to Fig.
18 4 between injection ports;
19 Figure 7 is a plan view of a half of a clamp according to Figs. 2 and 4-6 illustrating end plates for connection to a second, corresponding clamp half;
21 Figure 8 is a front view of an end plate according to Fig. 7 22 illustrating holes for fasteners for fastening corresponding end plates of clamp 23 halves together for forming a circular clamp;
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
11 Apparatus which operate at high pressure, such as heat 12 exchangers, and which often also operate at high temperature differentials, are 13 subject to pressure and thermal conditions which place seals, such as gaskets 14 between the flanges of a shell end and an end cap of the heat exchanger, under stress which can result in leakage during operation. One such heat exchanger is 16 an effluent waste heat boiler used in an ammonia plant which operates at 17 pressures of about 125 kg/cm2 and at a temperature of about 330°C.
18 Fasteners, such as nuts and studs, hold an end cap to the heat 19 exchanger shell and sandwich a gasket therebetween. Conventionally, in an attempt to stop leaking at the gaskets or seals, the fasteners are often merely 21 retightened or further tightened. If, however, the tightening does not stop the 22 leak, the heat exchanger must be shut down and the flange face inspected and 23 repaired, and if necessary the gasket replaced. Shutdown, loss of production and 24 startup adds significantly to plant operation costs.
I ~. , , 1 Clamps, such as C-clamps, are known for attachment across mated 2 flanges to apply additional and axial mechanical force, flange-to-flange, in an 3 attempt to improve compression and sealing at the interface between the flanges.
4 As with tightening however, if the clamp is not successful, the heat exchanger must be taken offline for repair.
6 What is required is a means by which leakage can be stopped 7 without necessitating shutdown of the heat exchanger and thus realize significant 8 savings in operational costs which would otherwise be lost using conventional 9 means.
i , 2 Apparatus, system and method of use are taught for sealing leaks 3 between flanges of an apparatus, such as a heat exchanger, which is in 4 operation and particularly, for apparatus that is being operated at high pressures and temperatures, without need for taking the apparatus off line or disassembly 6 thereof. A circular clamp, having a plurality of injection ports formed radially 7 therethrough, is positioned about the flanges for sealingly engaging the flanges at 8 a clearance between the flanges. A sealant which is capable of diffusing into the 9 clearance and thereafter curing in the clearance at the operating conditions is injected though the injection ports. Injection of the sealant is at pressures greater 11 than the pressure at which the apparatus is being operated.
12 Preferably, the clamp has a flange which extends substantially 13 parallel to the periphery of the mated flanges for sealing against the flanges.
14 More preferably, the clamp is formed in two half circle sections which are bolted together about the flanges. An insertion member extends from 16 an inner surface of the clamp and is inserted into the clearance to positioned the 17 injection ports, which extend therethrough, into the clearance.
18 A valve is used between the injection ports and an injection means, 19 such as an injection gun, to ensure that sealant which has been injected into the ports cannot be forced back out of the injection ports.
21 In one broad aspect, embodiments of apparatus of the invention 22 comprise a clamp for the application of sealant into a clearance between mated 23 flanges comprising: a circular clamp body adapted to straddle the clearance and 24 seal around a periphery of the mated flanges for sealing the clearance; and a 1 plurality of injection ports formed through the clamp body and in fluid 2 communication with the clearance for injection of a sealant therethrough into the 3 clearance so as to seal leaks therefrom.
4 In another broad aspect, embodiments of the invention comprise a system for sealing a leak from a clearance between mated flanges in an 6 apparatus at operating conditions and without disassembly comprising: a clamp 7 for sealing engaging about a periphery of the mated flanges, the clamp having a 8 plurality of injection ports formed therethrough; and a sealant capable of diffusing 9 into the clearance upon injection and thereafter curing at operational pressures and temperatures, wherein the injection ports are fluidly connected to the 11 clearance when the clamp is sealing engaged about the periphery of the mated 12 flanges and the sealant is injected through the injection ports formed in the clamp 13 and into the clearance for forming a seal therein.
14 In another broad aspect, embodiments of the invention comprise a method for sealing a leak between mated flanges in an apparatus at operating 16 conditions and without disassembly comprising: providing a clamp for sealing 17 about a periphery of the mated flanges, the clamp having a plurality of injection 18 ports formed therethrough; injecting a sealant into the injection ports and into the 19 clearance; and permitting the sealant to cure in the clearance for sealing leaking therein.
y , 2 Figure 1a is a front view of a heat exchanger illustrating an 3 embodiment of a prior art sealing method between a shell tube sheet and an end 4 cap;
Figure 1 b is a cross-sectional view according to Fig. 1 a, along lines 6 A-A;
7 Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a clamp according to an 8 embodiment of the invention in use in a system for sealing leaks in a high 9 pressure, high temperature environment;
Figure 3 is a schematic illustrating regions about a cross-section of 11 a heat exchanger according to Fig. 1 b and having a leak in region F, the regions 12 corresponding to temperatures illustrated in Table A found in the specification;
13 Figure 4 is a plan view of one half of a clamp according to Fig. 2, 14 illustrating some of a plurality of injection ports formed through the clamp;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp half according to Fig.
16 4, at an injection port;
17 Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp half according to Fig.
18 4 between injection ports;
19 Figure 7 is a plan view of a half of a clamp according to Figs. 2 and 4-6 illustrating end plates for connection to a second, corresponding clamp half;
21 Figure 8 is a front view of an end plate according to Fig. 7 22 illustrating holes for fasteners for fastening corresponding end plates of clamp 23 halves together for forming a circular clamp;
1 Figure 9 is a perspective view of a join between two clamp halves 2 according to Fig. 2, the end plates being fastened together for forming a circular 3 clamp;
4 Figure 10a is a front view of one embodiment of a clamp formed about a fastener for sealing leaks therefrom; and 6 Figure 10b is a sectional view of the embodiment of the clamp of 7 Fig. 10a, illustrating a plurality of radial ports formed therethrough, at least two of 8 which are used for injection of a sealant.
4 Figure 10a is a front view of one embodiment of a clamp formed about a fastener for sealing leaks therefrom; and 6 Figure 10b is a sectional view of the embodiment of the clamp of 7 Fig. 10a, illustrating a plurality of radial ports formed therethrough, at least two of 8 which are used for injection of a sealant.
. , 2 As shown in Figs. 1 a-b and 2, the embodiments herein are 3 described in the context of an apparatus and sealing system for sealing leaks in a 4 heat exchanger 10, such as an effluent waste heat boiler for an ammonia plant, having mating flanges 11,12 for sealing between structural components such as 6 a shell tube sheet 13 and an end cap 14 of the heat exchanger 10. One skilled in 7 the art would understand that the embodiments of the invention are applicable for 8 sealing flanges in other high pressure, high temperature apparatus.
9 A gasket (not shown) is positioned in a clearance 16 between the mating flanges 11,12. The flanges 11,12 are fastened together face-to-face using 11 fasteners 15 such as nuts 15n and studs 15s which compress the gasket 12 sealingly therebetween. Regardless how tight the fasteners 15 may be tightened, 13 the clearance 16 may not fully seal or remain sealed, particularly when subjected 14 over time to high pressure or high temperature, resulting in a leak therebetween.
Having reference to Figs. 2 and 3 and to Table A, leakage between 16 the flanges 11,12 at location F, results in a loss of temperature in the flanges 17 11,12 of both the tube sheet 13 (T1) and the end cap 14 (T2), which significantly 18 affects the performance of the heat exchanger 10.
Table A
A B C D E F G H I
T1 C 105.5127 135 115 104 73 85 91 85 p 1 Having reference to Figs. 2, 4 - 9 and in a preferred embodiment of 2 the invention, apparatus and system for using said apparatus is provided for 3 sealing between the flanges 11,12.
4 As shown in Fig. 2, a clamp 20 is provided for installation circumferentially about a radial periphery 21 of the joined flanges 11,12 and for 6 straddling the clearance 16. The clamp 20 is compressed radially inwards onto 7 the periphery 21.
8 Preferably, as best seen in Figs. 4 and 9, the clamp 20 is formed of 9 at least two clamp portions 22,23 configured as circular sections adapted to fit the periphery 21 of the flanges 11,12. Two sections would be configured as two 11 semi- circular clamp portions 22,23. Each clamp portion 22,23 has first and 12 second distal ends 24,25. The first distal end 24 of one clamp portion 22 is 13 fastened to the second distal end 25 of an adjacent clamp portion 23. An inside 14 diameter (ID) of the clamp 20, when assembled, is typically substantially equivalent to the outside diameter (OD) of the flange periphery 21. Tightening of 16 the adjacent distal ends 24,25 reduces a diametral radial extent of the clamp 20 17 for compressing the clamp onto the flanges 11,12. Preferably the distal ends 18 24,25a and 24a, 25 seal therebetween when fastened together. The first and 19 second distal ends 24, 25 are fastened after positioning each of the clamp halves 22,23 over the clearance 16 between the flanges 11,12.
21 Having reference to Figs. 2, 5 and 6, the clamp 20 may further 22 comprise protuberances 33 extending radially inward which can be inserted into 23 the clearance 16 for assisting in aligning the clamp 20 over the clearance 24 between the flanges 11,12.
p ,._ , 1 For connecting the distal ends 24,25a;24a,25, and as shown in 2 Figs. 7-9, each clamp portion 22,23 has clamp connectors such as end plates 3 at each distal end 24,25, 24a, 25a and which are formed having holes 28 for 4 insertion of fasteners 26 therethrough. The fasteners 26, when tightened, draw the end plates 27, and thus the ends 24,25a,24a,25 toward one another, thus 6 retaining the adjacent clamp portions 22,23 together for forming the circular 7 clamp 20.
8 A plurality of sealant injection ports 40 are formed through the 9 clamp 20, at intervals around the clamp 20. The injection ports 40 extend from an exterior surface 41 of the body 30 through the body 30 of the clamp 20 to an 11 inner surface 42 of the clamp 20 to fluidly connect with the clearance 16.
The 12 number of injection ports 40 formed in the clamp 20 is dependant upon the size 13 of the clamp 20, and upon the pressure and temperature of the apparatus to 14 which it is to be attached.
Having reference again to Figs. 2, 5, 6 and 9, and in an 16 embodiment of the invention, the clamp 20 is formed having a body 30 with a 17 radially inward sealing face 31 and a radially outward face 32. The body 30 can 18 have a wedge-shape, wherein the inward sealing face 31 is narrow and the 19 outward face 32 is wider. Preferably, once installed, the clamp 20 may be cold-welded to the flanges 11, 12.
21 At the inward sealing face 31, clamp flanges 34 extend axially and 22 substantially perpendicularly from opposing sides 35,36 of the body 30 and act to 23 extend the inward sealing face 31 for sealing against the mated flange's 24 periphery 21. Preferably, the inward narrow face 31 of the body 30 extends 1 radially inward beyond the clamp flange 34 terminating in a substantially 2 rectangular protuberance or insertion member 33 along the inner surface 42 of 3 the clamp body 30. In such cases, the injection ports 40 extend through the 4 insertion member 33. The insertion member 33 is sized to fit within the clearance 16 between the shell 13 and the end cap 14 which, when inserted therein, aids in 6 positioning the injection ports 40 at the clearance 16.
7 In use, to seal a leak and without taking the apparatus 10 off-line or 8 dismantling the apparatus 10, the clamp portions 22,23 are positioned about the 9 periphery 21 of the flanges 11,12. In cases implementing an insertion member 33, the insertion member 33 is positioned in the clearance 16 between the 11 flanges 11, 12. Corresponding end plates 27 are fastened together using 12 fasteners 26, typically nuts 15n and studs 15s, to secure the clamp 20 about the 13 apparatus 10.
14 An injection means (not shown), such as an injection gun, is connected to one or more injection ports 40 adjacent the region where the leak is 16 occurring and a sealant, such as a polymeric compound is injected into the 17 injection ports 40 for sealing the leak. The clamp flanges 34, which seal against 18 the mated flanges 11, 12 aid in preventing injected sealant from leaving the 19 clearance 16 during and following injection.
The sealant or polymeric compound is selected so as to diffuse into 21 the region of the leak when injected and to cure therein, sealing the leak.
Proper 22 selection of the polymeric compound to match the operating conditions, 23 particularly the temperature ensures proper curing and sealing. One such y ... . ,. . . . , ...
1 polymeric compound is disclosed in Iranian patent 25547. and is operable for 2 sealing at temperatures of about -45° to about 700°C.
3 In order to ensure injection of the polymeric compound into the 4 injection ports 40, and should pressure in the clearance 16 equalize to apparatus pressure, the injection pressure is preferably greater that the pressure in the 6 apparatus 10. A valve 50 is positioned between the injection means (not shown) 7 and the injection port 40 to ensure the polymer remains in the injection port 40 8 following injection.
9 Additionally, as shown in Fig. 2 and Figs. 10a and 10b, and in another embodiment, should leakage of injected polymer occur from around the 11 fasteners 15 used to fasten the flanges 11, 12 together, a clamp 60 is fit about 12 the fasteners 15. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the clamp 60 is sandwiched 13 between the nut 15n and a second nut 62 is secured to the stud 15s. The nut 14 retains the clamp 60 against outer surface 61 of the nut 15n while polymer is injected into injection ports 63 formed in the clamp 60. The polymer diffuses and 16 cures therein sealing any leaking from around the fasteners 15. The clamp 17 can have the form of a hollow cylinder or washer having a plurality of radial ports 18 63 formed about the circumference thereof and directed radially inward about the 19 stud 15s for distribution of sealant about the stud 15s through the nut 15n.
Preferably, due to the small circumference of the nut 15n, stud 15s and clamp 60, 21 only two of the radial ports 63 are typically provided for injection of sealant.
9 A gasket (not shown) is positioned in a clearance 16 between the mating flanges 11,12. The flanges 11,12 are fastened together face-to-face using 11 fasteners 15 such as nuts 15n and studs 15s which compress the gasket 12 sealingly therebetween. Regardless how tight the fasteners 15 may be tightened, 13 the clearance 16 may not fully seal or remain sealed, particularly when subjected 14 over time to high pressure or high temperature, resulting in a leak therebetween.
Having reference to Figs. 2 and 3 and to Table A, leakage between 16 the flanges 11,12 at location F, results in a loss of temperature in the flanges 17 11,12 of both the tube sheet 13 (T1) and the end cap 14 (T2), which significantly 18 affects the performance of the heat exchanger 10.
Table A
A B C D E F G H I
T1 C 105.5127 135 115 104 73 85 91 85 p 1 Having reference to Figs. 2, 4 - 9 and in a preferred embodiment of 2 the invention, apparatus and system for using said apparatus is provided for 3 sealing between the flanges 11,12.
4 As shown in Fig. 2, a clamp 20 is provided for installation circumferentially about a radial periphery 21 of the joined flanges 11,12 and for 6 straddling the clearance 16. The clamp 20 is compressed radially inwards onto 7 the periphery 21.
8 Preferably, as best seen in Figs. 4 and 9, the clamp 20 is formed of 9 at least two clamp portions 22,23 configured as circular sections adapted to fit the periphery 21 of the flanges 11,12. Two sections would be configured as two 11 semi- circular clamp portions 22,23. Each clamp portion 22,23 has first and 12 second distal ends 24,25. The first distal end 24 of one clamp portion 22 is 13 fastened to the second distal end 25 of an adjacent clamp portion 23. An inside 14 diameter (ID) of the clamp 20, when assembled, is typically substantially equivalent to the outside diameter (OD) of the flange periphery 21. Tightening of 16 the adjacent distal ends 24,25 reduces a diametral radial extent of the clamp 20 17 for compressing the clamp onto the flanges 11,12. Preferably the distal ends 18 24,25a and 24a, 25 seal therebetween when fastened together. The first and 19 second distal ends 24, 25 are fastened after positioning each of the clamp halves 22,23 over the clearance 16 between the flanges 11,12.
21 Having reference to Figs. 2, 5 and 6, the clamp 20 may further 22 comprise protuberances 33 extending radially inward which can be inserted into 23 the clearance 16 for assisting in aligning the clamp 20 over the clearance 24 between the flanges 11,12.
p ,._ , 1 For connecting the distal ends 24,25a;24a,25, and as shown in 2 Figs. 7-9, each clamp portion 22,23 has clamp connectors such as end plates 3 at each distal end 24,25, 24a, 25a and which are formed having holes 28 for 4 insertion of fasteners 26 therethrough. The fasteners 26, when tightened, draw the end plates 27, and thus the ends 24,25a,24a,25 toward one another, thus 6 retaining the adjacent clamp portions 22,23 together for forming the circular 7 clamp 20.
8 A plurality of sealant injection ports 40 are formed through the 9 clamp 20, at intervals around the clamp 20. The injection ports 40 extend from an exterior surface 41 of the body 30 through the body 30 of the clamp 20 to an 11 inner surface 42 of the clamp 20 to fluidly connect with the clearance 16.
The 12 number of injection ports 40 formed in the clamp 20 is dependant upon the size 13 of the clamp 20, and upon the pressure and temperature of the apparatus to 14 which it is to be attached.
Having reference again to Figs. 2, 5, 6 and 9, and in an 16 embodiment of the invention, the clamp 20 is formed having a body 30 with a 17 radially inward sealing face 31 and a radially outward face 32. The body 30 can 18 have a wedge-shape, wherein the inward sealing face 31 is narrow and the 19 outward face 32 is wider. Preferably, once installed, the clamp 20 may be cold-welded to the flanges 11, 12.
21 At the inward sealing face 31, clamp flanges 34 extend axially and 22 substantially perpendicularly from opposing sides 35,36 of the body 30 and act to 23 extend the inward sealing face 31 for sealing against the mated flange's 24 periphery 21. Preferably, the inward narrow face 31 of the body 30 extends 1 radially inward beyond the clamp flange 34 terminating in a substantially 2 rectangular protuberance or insertion member 33 along the inner surface 42 of 3 the clamp body 30. In such cases, the injection ports 40 extend through the 4 insertion member 33. The insertion member 33 is sized to fit within the clearance 16 between the shell 13 and the end cap 14 which, when inserted therein, aids in 6 positioning the injection ports 40 at the clearance 16.
7 In use, to seal a leak and without taking the apparatus 10 off-line or 8 dismantling the apparatus 10, the clamp portions 22,23 are positioned about the 9 periphery 21 of the flanges 11,12. In cases implementing an insertion member 33, the insertion member 33 is positioned in the clearance 16 between the 11 flanges 11, 12. Corresponding end plates 27 are fastened together using 12 fasteners 26, typically nuts 15n and studs 15s, to secure the clamp 20 about the 13 apparatus 10.
14 An injection means (not shown), such as an injection gun, is connected to one or more injection ports 40 adjacent the region where the leak is 16 occurring and a sealant, such as a polymeric compound is injected into the 17 injection ports 40 for sealing the leak. The clamp flanges 34, which seal against 18 the mated flanges 11, 12 aid in preventing injected sealant from leaving the 19 clearance 16 during and following injection.
The sealant or polymeric compound is selected so as to diffuse into 21 the region of the leak when injected and to cure therein, sealing the leak.
Proper 22 selection of the polymeric compound to match the operating conditions, 23 particularly the temperature ensures proper curing and sealing. One such y ... . ,. . . . , ...
1 polymeric compound is disclosed in Iranian patent 25547. and is operable for 2 sealing at temperatures of about -45° to about 700°C.
3 In order to ensure injection of the polymeric compound into the 4 injection ports 40, and should pressure in the clearance 16 equalize to apparatus pressure, the injection pressure is preferably greater that the pressure in the 6 apparatus 10. A valve 50 is positioned between the injection means (not shown) 7 and the injection port 40 to ensure the polymer remains in the injection port 40 8 following injection.
9 Additionally, as shown in Fig. 2 and Figs. 10a and 10b, and in another embodiment, should leakage of injected polymer occur from around the 11 fasteners 15 used to fasten the flanges 11, 12 together, a clamp 60 is fit about 12 the fasteners 15. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the clamp 60 is sandwiched 13 between the nut 15n and a second nut 62 is secured to the stud 15s. The nut 14 retains the clamp 60 against outer surface 61 of the nut 15n while polymer is injected into injection ports 63 formed in the clamp 60. The polymer diffuses and 16 cures therein sealing any leaking from around the fasteners 15. The clamp 17 can have the form of a hollow cylinder or washer having a plurality of radial ports 18 63 formed about the circumference thereof and directed radially inward about the 19 stud 15s for distribution of sealant about the stud 15s through the nut 15n.
Preferably, due to the small circumference of the nut 15n, stud 15s and clamp 60, 21 only two of the radial ports 63 are typically provided for injection of sealant.
Claims (28)
1. A clamp for the application of sealant into a clearance between mated circular flanges comprising:
a circular clamp body adapted to straddle the clearance and seal around a periphery of the mated flanges for sealing the clearance; and a plurality of injection ports formed through the clamp body and in fluid communication with the clearance for injection of a sealant therethrough into the clearance so as to seal leaks therefrom.
a circular clamp body adapted to straddle the clearance and seal around a periphery of the mated flanges for sealing the clearance; and a plurality of injection ports formed through the clamp body and in fluid communication with the clearance for injection of a sealant therethrough into the clearance so as to seal leaks therefrom.
2. The clamp as described in claim 1 wherein the clamp body further comprises:
a radially inward sealing face and a radially outward face; and clamp flanges at the radially inward sealing face and extending substantially parallel to the periphery of the mating flanges and adapted to sealingly engage each of the mated flanges.
a radially inward sealing face and a radially outward face; and clamp flanges at the radially inward sealing face and extending substantially parallel to the periphery of the mating flanges and adapted to sealingly engage each of the mated flanges.
3. The clamp as described in claim 2 further comprising a protuberance extending from the inward sealingface of the clamp body and adapted for insertion into the clearance.
4. The clamp as described in claim 3 wherein the plurality of injection ports extend through the protuberance.
5. The clamp as described in any one of claims 1-4 wherein the circular clamp body further comprises:
at least two circular clamp portions each having first and second distal ends;
clamp connectors at each of the first and second distal ends for releasably connecting each first distal end of one of the at least two clamp portions to the second distal end of an adjacent clamp portion for forming the circular clamp body.
at least two circular clamp portions each having first and second distal ends;
clamp connectors at each of the first and second distal ends for releasably connecting each first distal end of one of the at least two clamp portions to the second distal end of an adjacent clamp portion for forming the circular clamp body.
6. The clamp as described in claim 5 wherein the circular clamp body comprises two half-circle clamp portions.
7. The clamp as described in claim 5 or 6 wherein the clamp connectors comprise:
end plates connected at each of the first and second distal ends;
and fasteners for fastening the end plate of the first distal end of one of the at least two clamp portions to the end plate of the second distal end of an adjacent clamp portion.
end plates connected at each of the first and second distal ends;
and fasteners for fastening the end plate of the first distal end of one of the at least two clamp portions to the end plate of the second distal end of an adjacent clamp portion.
8. The clamp as described in any one of claims 1-7 wherein the clamp body is wedge-shaped, the radially inward sealing face being narrower than the radially outward face.
9. A system for sealing a leak from a clearance between mated flanges in an apparatus at operating conditions and without disassembly comprising:
a clamp for sealing engaging about a periphery of the mated flanges, the clamp having a plurality of injection ports formed therethrough;
and a sealant capable of diffusing into the clearance upon injection and thereafter curing at operational pressures and temperatures, wherein the injection ports are fluidly connected to the clearance when the clamp is sealing engaged about the periphery of the mated flanges and the sealant is injected through the injection ports formed in the clamp and into the clearance for forming a seal therein.
a clamp for sealing engaging about a periphery of the mated flanges, the clamp having a plurality of injection ports formed therethrough;
and a sealant capable of diffusing into the clearance upon injection and thereafter curing at operational pressures and temperatures, wherein the injection ports are fluidly connected to the clearance when the clamp is sealing engaged about the periphery of the mated flanges and the sealant is injected through the injection ports formed in the clamp and into the clearance for forming a seal therein.
10. The system as described in claim 9 further comprising:
a clamp body having a radially inward sealing face and a radially outward face; and clamp flanges at the radially inward sealing face and extending substantially parallel to the periphery of the mating flanges and adapted to sealingly engage each of the mated flanges.
a clamp body having a radially inward sealing face and a radially outward face; and clamp flanges at the radially inward sealing face and extending substantially parallel to the periphery of the mating flanges and adapted to sealingly engage each of the mated flanges.
11. The system as described in claim 10 wherein the clamp further comprises a protuberance extending from the inward sealing face of the clamp body and adapted for insertion into the clearance.
12. The system as described in claim 11 wherein the plurality of injection ports extend through the protuberance.
13. The system as described in any one of claims 10-12 wherein the mated flanges are circular and the clamp body is a circular clamp body.
14. The system as described in claim 13 wherein the circular clamp body further comprises:
at least two circular clamp portions each having first and second distal ends; and clamp connectors at each of the first and second distal ends for releasably connecting each first distal end of one of the at least two clamp portions to the second distal end of an adjacent clamp portion for forming the circular clamp body.
at least two circular clamp portions each having first and second distal ends; and clamp connectors at each of the first and second distal ends for releasably connecting each first distal end of one of the at least two clamp portions to the second distal end of an adjacent clamp portion for forming the circular clamp body.
15. The system as described in claim 13 or 14 wherein the circular clamp body comprises two half-circle clamp portions.
16. The system as described in claim 14 wherein the clamp connectors comprise:
end plates connected at each of the first and second distal ends;
and fasteners for fastening the end plate of the first distal end of one of the at least two clamp portions to the end plate of the second distal end of an adjacent clamp portion.
end plates connected at each of the first and second distal ends;
and fasteners for fastening the end plate of the first distal end of one of the at least two clamp portions to the end plate of the second distal end of an adjacent clamp portion.
17. The system as described in any one of claims 10 - 16 wherein the clamp body is wedge-shaped, the radially inward sealing face being narrower than the radially outward face.
18. A method for sealing a leak at a clearance between mated flanges in an apparatus at operating pressure and temperature and without disassembly comprising:
fastening a clamp for sealing about a periphery of the mated flanges, the clamp having a plurality of injection ports formed therethrough and fluidly connected to the clearance;
injecting a sealant into at least one injection port and into the clearance; and permitting the sealant to cure in the clearance for sealing leaking therefrom.
fastening a clamp for sealing about a periphery of the mated flanges, the clamp having a plurality of injection ports formed therethrough and fluidly connected to the clearance;
injecting a sealant into at least one injection port and into the clearance; and permitting the sealant to cure in the clearance for sealing leaking therefrom.
19. The method as described in claim 18 further comprising:
injecting the sealant at a pressure greater than the operating pressure.
injecting the sealant at a pressure greater than the operating pressure.
20. The method as described in claim 18 or 19 further comprising:
injecting the sealant at a plurality of injection ports.
injecting the sealant at a plurality of injection ports.
21. The method as described in claim 18 wherein the clamp further comprises:
a clamp body having a radially inward sealing face and a radially outward face; and clamp flanges at the radially inward sealing face and extending substantially parallel to the periphery of the mating flanges and adapted to sealingly engage each of the mated flanges.
a clamp body having a radially inward sealing face and a radially outward face; and clamp flanges at the radially inward sealing face and extending substantially parallel to the periphery of the mating flanges and adapted to sealingly engage each of the mated flanges.
22. The method as described in claim 18 wherein the clamp further comprises a protuberance extending from the inward sealing face of the clamp body and adapted for insertion into the clearance.
23. The method as described in claim 22 wherein the plurality of injection ports extend through the protuberance.
24. The method as described in claim 21 further comprising:
clamping at least two circular clamp portions about the periphery of the mated flanges for forming the clamp body, each clamp portion having first and second distal ends; and fastening clamp connectors at each of the first and second distal ends for releasably connecting each first distal end of one of the at least two clamp portions to the second distal end of an adjacent clamp portion for forming the circular clamp body.
clamping at least two circular clamp portions about the periphery of the mated flanges for forming the clamp body, each clamp portion having first and second distal ends; and fastening clamp connectors at each of the first and second distal ends for releasably connecting each first distal end of one of the at least two clamp portions to the second distal end of an adjacent clamp portion for forming the circular clamp body.
25. The method as described in claim 24 wherein the clamp body comprises two half-circle clamp portions.
26. The method as described in claim 24 wherein the clamp connectors comprise:
end plates connected at each of the first and second distal ends;
and fasteners for fastening the end plate of the first distal end of one of the at least two clamp portions to the end plate of the second distal end of an adjacent clamp portion.
end plates connected at each of the first and second distal ends;
and fasteners for fastening the end plate of the first distal end of one of the at least two clamp portions to the end plate of the second distal end of an adjacent clamp portion.
27. The method as described in claim 21 wherein the clamp body is wedge-shaped, the radially inward sealing face being narrower than the radially outward face.
28. The method as described in claim 18 wherein the sealant is diffusible in the clearance upon injection, after which it is curable at the operating conditions for forming the seal therein.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2510364 CA2510364A1 (en) | 2005-06-21 | 2005-06-21 | Apparatus and system for online high pressure, high temperature leak sealing |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2510364 CA2510364A1 (en) | 2005-06-21 | 2005-06-21 | Apparatus and system for online high pressure, high temperature leak sealing |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2510364A1 true CA2510364A1 (en) | 2006-12-21 |
Family
ID=39343564
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2510364 Abandoned CA2510364A1 (en) | 2005-06-21 | 2005-06-21 | Apparatus and system for online high pressure, high temperature leak sealing |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2510364A1 (en) |
-
2005
- 2005-06-21 CA CA 2510364 patent/CA2510364A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20140623 |