AU2013205362A1 - Clamping device for pipes and ducting - Google Patents

Abstract

CLAMPING DEVICE FOR PIPES AND DUCTING This invention is described as a formed material of various cross sectional shape (S1-F2-15) (S2-14) (S3-13) which is able to be stored as either straight lengths or coil stock material and then to be cut to the required length or lengths, so as to suit the circumference of a piping flange to be clamped (S1 F1-3) and so be formed as a clamping device and fitted as shown (S1-F2-1) (S2 11) (S3-7) and by the addition of special end fittings used to apply a clamping force which incorporate various fixing elements including bolts / clamps and over-centre devices either specially made or of a common source. CLAMPING DEVICE FOR PIPES AND DUCTING. SHEET 2of 3

Description

DISCRIPTION Page 1 The invention is described as a: CLAMPING DEVICE FOR PIPES AND DUCTING here after referred to as the "clamping device". [001] While the following sequence may vary, the invention is described as a formed material of various cross sectional shape (S1-F2-15) (S2-14) (S3-13) which is able to be stored as either straight lengths or coil stock material and then to be cut to the required length or lengths, so as to suit the circumference of a piping flange to be clamped (S1-F1-3) and so be formed as a clamping device and fitted as shown (S1-F2-1) (S2-11) (S3-7) and secured by the addition of special end fittings used to apply a clamping force which incorporate various fixing elements including bolts / clamps and over-centre devices either specially made or of a common source. [002] Adjustment by bending of element (S1-F2-K) of the clamping device material from straight or coiled form is made to form a curvature to closely match the pipe flange (S1-F2-3) external circumference which is enabled due Page 2 to the slotted elements (S1- F2- D) common to this and all clamping device variants. This bending can be done by hand although mechanical means may be employed. [003] Either before or after bending, the attachment of clamping device end fittings (such as those depicted (S1-F2-2) or (52-10) though not restricted to these designs only) to either end of each piece of the pre-cut clamping device material is required then to be tightened in the direction of arrows (S1-F2-P) enabling the secure fixing (using various common fastener types including bolts) of the clamping device segment or segments. This tightening is done in a tangential plane to the piping flanges so as to constrict the clamping device material around the flanged ends of the two pipes or ducts. [004] In doing so the clamping device is able to both centre the piping by applying a radial pressure component at points ( S1-F1-A) as well as pulling the pipe and flanges tightly together in a longitudinal direction (S1-F1-X).

[005] The piping flanges, though of no specific material, are normally of a common 90 degree angle profile which is available in a wide variety of sizes worldwide and are most commonly used for this purpose though not restricted to this and may be from a fabricated source. [006] The clamping device and its variants will be manufactured in various sizes so as to accommodate the variation in flange angle stock sizes to suit market requirements. [007] The material used to manufacture the clamping devices and end fittings can vary though would generally be of steel or stainless steel. [008] The manufacturing technique for the clamping device and the end fittings can also employ a variation to techniques such as laser cutting / water jet cutting / punching / stamping / pressing and roll forming / casting or drop forging or any combination. VARIENTS. Page 3 [009] While the primary method of clamping pipe flanges is similar, the actuation variation requires different mounting and gripping points on the clamping device so variants such as (S2-11) (53-7) are necessary. [010] (S2) depicts a clamping device capable of attaching an over-centre locking mechanism 10 and shows the clamping device 11 is perforated with gripping holes T to accommodate mechanism 10 though may be able to grip from other points such as perforations 13 [011] (S3) depicts a further variant of the clamping device which when loaded by various end fitting actuators, such as mentioned previously, causes the clamping device 7 to apply a pinching force to the pipe flanges 3 on surfaces G. in the direction of arrows Y while simultaneously centering and constricting in the direction of arrow R.

The curved element U of clamping device 7 may take various forms while still enabling the transmission of force to the flanges on their surfaces G.