CA2604074C - Apparatus for controlling flow through a conduit - Google Patents
Apparatus for controlling flow through a conduit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2604074C CA2604074C CA2604074A CA2604074A CA2604074C CA 2604074 C CA2604074 C CA 2604074C CA 2604074 A CA2604074 A CA 2604074A CA 2604074 A CA2604074 A CA 2604074A CA 2604074 C CA2604074 C CA 2604074C
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- slide plate
- bolt holes
- flanges
- fasteners
- flange
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Classifications
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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
- F16L55/10—Means for stopping flow from or in pipes or hoses
- F16L55/105—Closing devices introduced radially into the pipe or hose
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
- Sliding Valves (AREA)
Abstract
A conduit apparatus includes a slide plate between faces of flanges connecting a first and second conduit portions. Upper and lower fasteners extend through bolt holes in the flanges above and below the slide plate. Right and left fasteners extend through bolt holes in the flanges and through bolt holes in the slide plate. The slide plate can be located in a first position where the right and left fasteners extend through a first set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where a first portion of the slide plate is between the faces of the flanges, and in a second position where the right and left fasteners extend through a second set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where a second portion of the slide plate is between the faces of the flanges. The slide plate can be configured to allow or block or restrict flow.
Description
APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING FLOW THROUGH A CONllUPi' This invention relates to pipes, conduits, and the like and in particular to an apparatus for controlling flow through a conduit by blocking or restricting the flow.
BACKGROUND
Networks of conduits are found in many industrial applications. While it is common to provide a valve to control flow through a conduit, it is sometimes required to completely isolate pipes, tanks, or like equipment for cleaning, maintenance, modification, and so forth. For safety reasons a blind plate is provided, commonly at a flanged connection aiid secured in position to completeiy block off the conduit and prevent the passage of fluid, either liquid or gas as the case may he, therethrough. In a simple blind plate device, a flanged connection is opened sufficiently, by removing the required number of bolts and prying the flanges apart if necessary, to allow a blind plate to be placed between the two flanges. The bolts are then re-inserted and tightened. A typical blind plate device has a first portion that defines a flow aperture substantially equal in diameter to the conduit, and a second portion that is solid and blocks flow through the conduit. Thus it is readily apparent on viewing the flanged connection with the blind plate installed whether the device is oriented such that the conduit is open or closed.
Typically such flanged connections include a seal between the flanges. When the blind plate is used, a seal is required on each side of the blind plate to seal the blind plate to each flange. When changing the location of the blind plate it is necessary to ensure that the seals are properly oriented and fitted so that they seal properly when the flanges are re-tightened. This requirement adds time to the procedure, and improper fitting may require that the procedure be re-done.
Similar types of blind plates are described in United States Published Patent Application 2003/0056843 of Carey and in United States Patent Number 6,085,793 to Mayhew.
The blind plate described in United States Patent Number 5,582,211 to Monson is also adapted for pttrging a conduit.
Blind plates are also known where a valve plate body is provided in a conduit and the blind plate has a solid closed portion and an open portion defining an aperture typically the same diameter as the conduit. The blind plate can slide in the valve plate body from an open position, where the open portion is aliZ;ied with the conduit, to a closed position where the closed portion blocks the conduit. Such a device is illustrated for exaniple in United States Patent Number 3,695,299 to Rodgers and in United States Patent.
Number 7,017,886 to Ngene-Igwe.
It is also sometimes desired, such as for gas flow measurement, to temporarily restrict the flow of fluid through a conduit by providing an orifice in the conduit that is smaller than the inside of the conduit. United States Patent Number 5,160,119 to Lemire et al.
discloses a slide plate apparatus that provides an orifice that can be made smaller or larger by moving a pair of slide plates relative to each ottter.
SUMMARY OF THE 1NVEN'I'ION
It is an object of the presetit invention to provide an apparatus for blocking or restricting flow through a conduit that overcomes problems in the prior art.
In a first embodiment the present invention provides a slide plate apparatus for controlling flow through conduits at a flanged connection comprising a first conduit and a first flange mounted to an end thereof, a second conduit and a second flange mounted t.o an end, and flange fasteners extending through corresponding bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and operative to draw the first and second flanges toward each other. The slide plate apparatus comprises a slide plate adapted to be secured between the faces of the first and second flanges, the slide plate configured such that upper and lower flange fasteners extend through corresponding upper and lower bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges above and below the slide plate; right and left fasteners extend through corresponding right and left bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and through corresponding bolt holes defined by the slide plate. The slide plate coinprise.s first and second poitions, and the slide plate defines a plurality of bolt holes configured such that the slide plate can be located in an first position where the right and left fasteners extend through a first set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the first portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges, and can be located in a second position where the right and left fasteners extend through a second set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the second portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges.
In a second embodiment the present invention provides a conduit apparatus comprising a first conduit and a first flange mounted to an end of the first conduit. A
second conduit has a second flange mounted to an end of the second conduit. A slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges. Upper and lower fasteners extend through corresponding upper and lower bolt holes defmed by the first and second flanges above and below the slide plate. Right and left fasteners extend through corresponding right and left bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and through corresponding bolt holes defined by the slide plate. The fasteners are operative to draw the first and second flanges toward each other and toward at least one seal.
The slide plate comprises first and second portions, and the slide plate defines a plurality of bolt holes configured such that the slide plate can be located in a first position where the right and left fasteners extend tluough a first set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the first portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first al1d second flanges, and can be located in a second position where the right and left fasteners extend through a second set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the second portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges_ The first and second portions of the slide plate can be variously configured to define, for example, a flow aperture subst.antially aligned with the conduits to allow full flow, a solid block to block flow through the conduits, or an adjustable orifice to restrict flow throtigh the conduits. The portion.s will be configured as desired for a particular applieatiou, and the invention thus provides a versatile apparatus for controlling flow in a variety of ways_ In one emboditnent seals are incorporated into the slide plate to facilitate moving the slide plate between positions, and sealing the slide plate in position.
DESCRIY'TIUN OF TAE DRAWING9:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding pottions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diag.ratns where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Fig. L is a front view of an embodiment of a slide plate of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of a flanged connection using the slide plate of Fig. 1 in a position to allow full flow through the connected conduits;
Fig. 3 is a schematic front view of a flanged connection using the slide plate of Fig. 1 in a position to block flow through the connected conduits;
Fig. 4 is an exploded schematic side view of the flanged conduit connection of Figs. 2 and 3;
Fig. 5 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a slide plate of the present invention, deF'ining an insert aperture and an orifice insert;
Fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view along line 6-6 in Fig. S showuig the orifice insert in the insert aperture;
Fig. 7 shows the orifice insert of Fig. 6 removed from the insert aperture;
Fig. 8 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a slide plate of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a sectional view along line 9-9 in Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a sectional view along line 10-10 in Fig. S.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Fig.l illustrates an embodiment of a slide plate 1 of the invention for controlling flow through conduits at a flanged coitttection as illustrated in the conduit apparatus 3 shown in Figs. 2 - 4. The conduit apparatus 3 comprises a first conduit 5 and a first flange 7 mounted to an end of the first conduit 5, and a second conduit 11 and a second flange 13 mounted to an end of the second conduit 11. The slide plate I is located between the faces of the first and second flanges 7, 13.
The illustrated apparatus 3 has a first seal 9 mounted on a face of the first flange 7, and a second seal 15 mounted on the face of the second flange 13. Front and rear faces of the slide plate I are substantially smooth such that the seals 9,15 can be placed between the slide plate 1 and the faces of the flanges 7, 13 to seal the flanged connection. An altemate sealing arrangement is described below, where a seal is incorporated into the slide blind 1.
The flanges 7, 13 are connected by fasteners illustrated as bolts 17, with corresponding nuts 19 as shown in Fig. 4. The bolts 17 and nuts 19 are operative to draw the first and second flanges 7, 13 toward each other such that the seals 9, 15 seal against opposite surfaces of the slide plate 1. Pairs of upper and lower bolts 17A extend through corresponding pairs of upper and lower bolt holes 21A defined by the first and second flanges 7, 13 above and below the slide plate 1. Pairs of right and left bolts 17B extend through corresponding pairs of right and left bolt holes 21B defined by the first and second flanges 7, 13 and through corresponding bolt holes 23 defined by the slide plate 1.
The slide plate I comprises first and second portions IA, I B and the slide plate I defines a plurality of bolt holes 23 configured such that the slide plate I can be located in a first position, illustrated in Fig. 2, where the right and left bolts 17B extend through a first set of bolt holes 23A in the slide plate I and where the first poition IA of the slide plate 1 is located between the faces of the first and second flanges 7, 13, and can be loea.ted in a second position, illustrated in Fig. 3, where the right and left bolts 17B
extend through a second set of bolt holes 23B in the slide plate I and where the second portion 113 of the slide plate I is located between the faces of the first and second t7anges 7, 13. The middle bolt holes 23A, 23B in the slide plate I are part of both sets of bolt holes.
In operation the alide plate I can be moved from one position to the other by removing only the right and left bolts 17B and loosening the upper and lower bolts 17A.
The slide plate I is retained loosely between the faces of the flanges 7, 13 lightly bearing against the seals 9, 15 so that the risk of the seals 9, 15 moving out of position is reduced, and the assembly of the conduit apparatus 3 is maintained, thus reducing the time required to change positions, compared with conventional blind plates requiring removal of all bolts fastening the flanges together. The configuration of the seals, flanges, and blind plate surfaces in the conduit apparatus 3 is maintained the same in either position, compared to prior art blind plates that pivot about a flange bolt, and thus vary the distance between the faces of the tlanges.
In a simple form the slide plate 1 could be configured to be removable by sliding between the flanges 7, 13 and out to the side. In order to en.sure the slide plate 1 is maintained in the apparatus 3, the illustrated slide plate 1 includes slide plate extensions 25 extending up and down from the part of side plate 1 that fits between the upper and lower bolts 17A. To fut-Eher facilitate movetnent and re-installation of the slide plate 1 the extensions 25 are configured to bear against one of the upper and the lower bolts 17A
when the slide plate I is in the first position, thereby aligning the right and teft bolt holes 21B in the flanges 7, 13 with the first set of bolt holes 23A in the slide plate 1, and to bear against another of the upper and the lower bolts 17A when the slide plate I is in the second position, thercby aligning the right and left bolt holes 21B in the flanges with the second set of bolt holes 23B in the slide plate 1.
- Page I I -Fig. 5 illustrated an alternate embodiment of the slide plate 101 where the extensions 125 on each end of the slide plate are cotu-tected, thereby fonning a slot 127 where the upper and lower bolts 117A can slide. One of the pair of upper bolts 117A is at a first end of the slot 127 when the slide plate 101 is in the first position, and the other of the pair of S upper bolts 117A is at a second end of the slot 1.27 when the slide plate 101 is in the second position. The embodiment of Figs. 1- 3 where the extensions 125 are not connected more ea.sily allows insertion of a pry bar between the faces of the flanges 7, 1.3 thereby facilitating spreading of the flanges to release the slide plate I for sliding frotn one positioii to the other.
The flanges 7, 13 illustratcd are conventional 8 hole fianges with pairs of upper lower, right, and left bolt holes 21. Such flanges are also known with 4 holes, comprising only single upper lower, right, and left bolt holes. The side plate 1 can be configured to operate in a similar manner for use with 4 hole flanges.
In the slide plate I of Figs. 1- 3 the first portion IA of the slide plate 1 defines a flow aperture 31 that is substantially aligned with the first and second conduits 5, 11 when the slide plate t is in the first position illustrated in Fig. 2. in this position there is no restriction on full tlow through the conduits 5, 11. The second portion 1B of the slide plate I is solid and blocks flow through the first and second conduits 5, 11 when the slide plate 1 is in the second positiott illustrated in Fig. 3. Figs. 2 and 3 also show that it is readily apparent on viewing the flanged connection whether the slide plate is in the open first position, or in the blocked second position.
Alternatively as illustrated in Figs. 5 - 7 one of the portions of the slide plate 101 could instead be used to defute an orifice and restrict flow through the condttits when the slide piate is in the second position. The portion 101.A defines a tapered aperture 131, and an insert member 133 defines an orifice 135 and is configured to be inserted into the aperture 131 w9lere it is substantially sealed and retained with an o-ring 137 or the like.
A plurality of insert members 133 can be provided, each defining an orifice 135 of a differcnt size.
In Fig. 6 flow is in the direction F such that the tapered insert member 131 is pushed into the insert aperture 133. The other portion IOlB of the slide plate 101 in the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5 - 7 is solid and operates to block the conduits, but the portion 101B
could also define a flow aperture to allow full flow, or be otherwise configured as desired.
Figs. 8 - 10 illustrated an alternate enibodiment of the slide plate 201 that, instead of requiring separate seals as in the apparatus described above, includes seals 251, 253 iitcorporated into the slide plate 201. The illustrated blind plate 201, like the blind plate 1 described above, comprises first and second portions 201A, 201B and bolt holes configured such that the slide plate 201 can be located with the first portion between the faces of a pair of flanges 207, 213, or can be located with the second portion 201B between the flange faces.
As secn in Figs. 9 and 10, the seals 251, 253 are somewhat thicker than the slide plate 201. Thus on the first side 201A of the slide platc 201, the first seal 251 extends from the first face 255 of the blind plate 201 toward the first flange 207, and also extends from the second face 257 of the blind plate 201 toward the second flange 213 when the slide blind is in the fitst position, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 9.
On the second side 201B of the slide blind 20, the second seal 253 extends from the first face 255 of the blind pjate 201 toward the first flange 207, and extends from the second face 257 of the blind piate 201 toward the second flange 213 when the slide blind 201 is in the second position, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 10.
Since the seals 251 and 253 extend outward from each face 255, 257 of the slide plate 201, when the flanges 207, 213 are drawn toward each other by flange fasteners with the seal 251 or 253 between the flanges, the flanges 207, 213 will bear against the seal rather than against the faces 255, 257 of the slide plate 201, and thus seal. The seals 251, 253 will be selected to have a compressed thickness that is greater than the thickness T of the slide plate 201, such the seal will be maintained when the flange fasteners are tightened.
The seals 251, 253 are conveniently provided by spiral wound gaskets, such as are well known in the art, and are available for example froin Lamons Gasket Company of Houston, Texas. These spiral wound gaskets are manufactures by alternately winding strips of metal and soft fillers top make a strong and relatively rigid gasket suitable for mounting in the slide plate 201. The gaskets are available in various thicknesses, diameters, etc. or can be niade to order, Like the slide plate I described above, the illustrated slide plate 20t is designed to have an open side at 201A that defines a flow aperture 231 that is substantially alig-ned with conduits atiached to the 17anges 207, 213 when the slide plate 201 is in the first position illustrated in Fig. 9. In this position there is no restriction on full flow through the conduits. The spiral wound gasket sea1251 has an inner ring 259 with an inside diameter Dl substantially equal to the inside diameter of the conduits connected to the flanges 207, 213. The slide plate 201 is made to define seal apertures substantially equal to the outside diameter D2 of the seals 251, 253. The seals are then fitted into the seal apertares.
The second portion 201B of the slide plate 201 is solid and blocks flow through the conduits attached to t.he tlanges 207, 213 when the slide plate 201 is in the second position illustrated in Fig. 10. The seal 253 has, in place of the inner ring 259, an inner plate 261 that blocks any flow through the slide plate 201.
The slide plate 201 thus facilitates changing the slide plate 201 back and forth between the open position, with the first side 201A between the flanges 207, 213, and the closed position with the secoiid side 201B between the flanges. The seals 251, 253 are integrated into the slide plate 201 and thus it is not necessary to ensure that extemal seals are in the proper position before tightening the connection.
The slide plates 1, 101, 201 of the invention can be configured to control or block flow through a flanged conduit connection as desired.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the prulciples of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modif'ications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable ehanges or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
BACKGROUND
Networks of conduits are found in many industrial applications. While it is common to provide a valve to control flow through a conduit, it is sometimes required to completely isolate pipes, tanks, or like equipment for cleaning, maintenance, modification, and so forth. For safety reasons a blind plate is provided, commonly at a flanged connection aiid secured in position to completeiy block off the conduit and prevent the passage of fluid, either liquid or gas as the case may he, therethrough. In a simple blind plate device, a flanged connection is opened sufficiently, by removing the required number of bolts and prying the flanges apart if necessary, to allow a blind plate to be placed between the two flanges. The bolts are then re-inserted and tightened. A typical blind plate device has a first portion that defines a flow aperture substantially equal in diameter to the conduit, and a second portion that is solid and blocks flow through the conduit. Thus it is readily apparent on viewing the flanged connection with the blind plate installed whether the device is oriented such that the conduit is open or closed.
Typically such flanged connections include a seal between the flanges. When the blind plate is used, a seal is required on each side of the blind plate to seal the blind plate to each flange. When changing the location of the blind plate it is necessary to ensure that the seals are properly oriented and fitted so that they seal properly when the flanges are re-tightened. This requirement adds time to the procedure, and improper fitting may require that the procedure be re-done.
Similar types of blind plates are described in United States Published Patent Application 2003/0056843 of Carey and in United States Patent Number 6,085,793 to Mayhew.
The blind plate described in United States Patent Number 5,582,211 to Monson is also adapted for pttrging a conduit.
Blind plates are also known where a valve plate body is provided in a conduit and the blind plate has a solid closed portion and an open portion defining an aperture typically the same diameter as the conduit. The blind plate can slide in the valve plate body from an open position, where the open portion is aliZ;ied with the conduit, to a closed position where the closed portion blocks the conduit. Such a device is illustrated for exaniple in United States Patent Number 3,695,299 to Rodgers and in United States Patent.
Number 7,017,886 to Ngene-Igwe.
It is also sometimes desired, such as for gas flow measurement, to temporarily restrict the flow of fluid through a conduit by providing an orifice in the conduit that is smaller than the inside of the conduit. United States Patent Number 5,160,119 to Lemire et al.
discloses a slide plate apparatus that provides an orifice that can be made smaller or larger by moving a pair of slide plates relative to each ottter.
SUMMARY OF THE 1NVEN'I'ION
It is an object of the presetit invention to provide an apparatus for blocking or restricting flow through a conduit that overcomes problems in the prior art.
In a first embodiment the present invention provides a slide plate apparatus for controlling flow through conduits at a flanged connection comprising a first conduit and a first flange mounted to an end thereof, a second conduit and a second flange mounted t.o an end, and flange fasteners extending through corresponding bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and operative to draw the first and second flanges toward each other. The slide plate apparatus comprises a slide plate adapted to be secured between the faces of the first and second flanges, the slide plate configured such that upper and lower flange fasteners extend through corresponding upper and lower bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges above and below the slide plate; right and left fasteners extend through corresponding right and left bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and through corresponding bolt holes defined by the slide plate. The slide plate coinprise.s first and second poitions, and the slide plate defines a plurality of bolt holes configured such that the slide plate can be located in an first position where the right and left fasteners extend through a first set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the first portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges, and can be located in a second position where the right and left fasteners extend through a second set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the second portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges.
In a second embodiment the present invention provides a conduit apparatus comprising a first conduit and a first flange mounted to an end of the first conduit. A
second conduit has a second flange mounted to an end of the second conduit. A slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges. Upper and lower fasteners extend through corresponding upper and lower bolt holes defmed by the first and second flanges above and below the slide plate. Right and left fasteners extend through corresponding right and left bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and through corresponding bolt holes defined by the slide plate. The fasteners are operative to draw the first and second flanges toward each other and toward at least one seal.
The slide plate comprises first and second portions, and the slide plate defines a plurality of bolt holes configured such that the slide plate can be located in a first position where the right and left fasteners extend tluough a first set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the first portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first al1d second flanges, and can be located in a second position where the right and left fasteners extend through a second set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the second portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges_ The first and second portions of the slide plate can be variously configured to define, for example, a flow aperture subst.antially aligned with the conduits to allow full flow, a solid block to block flow through the conduits, or an adjustable orifice to restrict flow throtigh the conduits. The portion.s will be configured as desired for a particular applieatiou, and the invention thus provides a versatile apparatus for controlling flow in a variety of ways_ In one emboditnent seals are incorporated into the slide plate to facilitate moving the slide plate between positions, and sealing the slide plate in position.
DESCRIY'TIUN OF TAE DRAWING9:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding pottions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diag.ratns where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Fig. L is a front view of an embodiment of a slide plate of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of a flanged connection using the slide plate of Fig. 1 in a position to allow full flow through the connected conduits;
Fig. 3 is a schematic front view of a flanged connection using the slide plate of Fig. 1 in a position to block flow through the connected conduits;
Fig. 4 is an exploded schematic side view of the flanged conduit connection of Figs. 2 and 3;
Fig. 5 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a slide plate of the present invention, deF'ining an insert aperture and an orifice insert;
Fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view along line 6-6 in Fig. S showuig the orifice insert in the insert aperture;
Fig. 7 shows the orifice insert of Fig. 6 removed from the insert aperture;
Fig. 8 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a slide plate of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a sectional view along line 9-9 in Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a sectional view along line 10-10 in Fig. S.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Fig.l illustrates an embodiment of a slide plate 1 of the invention for controlling flow through conduits at a flanged coitttection as illustrated in the conduit apparatus 3 shown in Figs. 2 - 4. The conduit apparatus 3 comprises a first conduit 5 and a first flange 7 mounted to an end of the first conduit 5, and a second conduit 11 and a second flange 13 mounted to an end of the second conduit 11. The slide plate I is located between the faces of the first and second flanges 7, 13.
The illustrated apparatus 3 has a first seal 9 mounted on a face of the first flange 7, and a second seal 15 mounted on the face of the second flange 13. Front and rear faces of the slide plate I are substantially smooth such that the seals 9,15 can be placed between the slide plate 1 and the faces of the flanges 7, 13 to seal the flanged connection. An altemate sealing arrangement is described below, where a seal is incorporated into the slide blind 1.
The flanges 7, 13 are connected by fasteners illustrated as bolts 17, with corresponding nuts 19 as shown in Fig. 4. The bolts 17 and nuts 19 are operative to draw the first and second flanges 7, 13 toward each other such that the seals 9, 15 seal against opposite surfaces of the slide plate 1. Pairs of upper and lower bolts 17A extend through corresponding pairs of upper and lower bolt holes 21A defined by the first and second flanges 7, 13 above and below the slide plate 1. Pairs of right and left bolts 17B extend through corresponding pairs of right and left bolt holes 21B defined by the first and second flanges 7, 13 and through corresponding bolt holes 23 defined by the slide plate 1.
The slide plate I comprises first and second portions IA, I B and the slide plate I defines a plurality of bolt holes 23 configured such that the slide plate I can be located in a first position, illustrated in Fig. 2, where the right and left bolts 17B extend through a first set of bolt holes 23A in the slide plate I and where the first poition IA of the slide plate 1 is located between the faces of the first and second flanges 7, 13, and can be loea.ted in a second position, illustrated in Fig. 3, where the right and left bolts 17B
extend through a second set of bolt holes 23B in the slide plate I and where the second portion 113 of the slide plate I is located between the faces of the first and second t7anges 7, 13. The middle bolt holes 23A, 23B in the slide plate I are part of both sets of bolt holes.
In operation the alide plate I can be moved from one position to the other by removing only the right and left bolts 17B and loosening the upper and lower bolts 17A.
The slide plate I is retained loosely between the faces of the flanges 7, 13 lightly bearing against the seals 9, 15 so that the risk of the seals 9, 15 moving out of position is reduced, and the assembly of the conduit apparatus 3 is maintained, thus reducing the time required to change positions, compared with conventional blind plates requiring removal of all bolts fastening the flanges together. The configuration of the seals, flanges, and blind plate surfaces in the conduit apparatus 3 is maintained the same in either position, compared to prior art blind plates that pivot about a flange bolt, and thus vary the distance between the faces of the tlanges.
In a simple form the slide plate 1 could be configured to be removable by sliding between the flanges 7, 13 and out to the side. In order to en.sure the slide plate 1 is maintained in the apparatus 3, the illustrated slide plate 1 includes slide plate extensions 25 extending up and down from the part of side plate 1 that fits between the upper and lower bolts 17A. To fut-Eher facilitate movetnent and re-installation of the slide plate 1 the extensions 25 are configured to bear against one of the upper and the lower bolts 17A
when the slide plate I is in the first position, thereby aligning the right and teft bolt holes 21B in the flanges 7, 13 with the first set of bolt holes 23A in the slide plate 1, and to bear against another of the upper and the lower bolts 17A when the slide plate I is in the second position, thercby aligning the right and left bolt holes 21B in the flanges with the second set of bolt holes 23B in the slide plate 1.
- Page I I -Fig. 5 illustrated an alternate embodiment of the slide plate 101 where the extensions 125 on each end of the slide plate are cotu-tected, thereby fonning a slot 127 where the upper and lower bolts 117A can slide. One of the pair of upper bolts 117A is at a first end of the slot 127 when the slide plate 101 is in the first position, and the other of the pair of S upper bolts 117A is at a second end of the slot 1.27 when the slide plate 101 is in the second position. The embodiment of Figs. 1- 3 where the extensions 125 are not connected more ea.sily allows insertion of a pry bar between the faces of the flanges 7, 1.3 thereby facilitating spreading of the flanges to release the slide plate I for sliding frotn one positioii to the other.
The flanges 7, 13 illustratcd are conventional 8 hole fianges with pairs of upper lower, right, and left bolt holes 21. Such flanges are also known with 4 holes, comprising only single upper lower, right, and left bolt holes. The side plate 1 can be configured to operate in a similar manner for use with 4 hole flanges.
In the slide plate I of Figs. 1- 3 the first portion IA of the slide plate 1 defines a flow aperture 31 that is substantially aligned with the first and second conduits 5, 11 when the slide plate t is in the first position illustrated in Fig. 2. in this position there is no restriction on full tlow through the conduits 5, 11. The second portion 1B of the slide plate I is solid and blocks flow through the first and second conduits 5, 11 when the slide plate 1 is in the second positiott illustrated in Fig. 3. Figs. 2 and 3 also show that it is readily apparent on viewing the flanged connection whether the slide plate is in the open first position, or in the blocked second position.
Alternatively as illustrated in Figs. 5 - 7 one of the portions of the slide plate 101 could instead be used to defute an orifice and restrict flow through the condttits when the slide piate is in the second position. The portion 101.A defines a tapered aperture 131, and an insert member 133 defines an orifice 135 and is configured to be inserted into the aperture 131 w9lere it is substantially sealed and retained with an o-ring 137 or the like.
A plurality of insert members 133 can be provided, each defining an orifice 135 of a differcnt size.
In Fig. 6 flow is in the direction F such that the tapered insert member 131 is pushed into the insert aperture 133. The other portion IOlB of the slide plate 101 in the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5 - 7 is solid and operates to block the conduits, but the portion 101B
could also define a flow aperture to allow full flow, or be otherwise configured as desired.
Figs. 8 - 10 illustrated an alternate enibodiment of the slide plate 201 that, instead of requiring separate seals as in the apparatus described above, includes seals 251, 253 iitcorporated into the slide plate 201. The illustrated blind plate 201, like the blind plate 1 described above, comprises first and second portions 201A, 201B and bolt holes configured such that the slide plate 201 can be located with the first portion between the faces of a pair of flanges 207, 213, or can be located with the second portion 201B between the flange faces.
As secn in Figs. 9 and 10, the seals 251, 253 are somewhat thicker than the slide plate 201. Thus on the first side 201A of the slide platc 201, the first seal 251 extends from the first face 255 of the blind plate 201 toward the first flange 207, and also extends from the second face 257 of the blind plate 201 toward the second flange 213 when the slide blind is in the fitst position, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 9.
On the second side 201B of the slide blind 20, the second seal 253 extends from the first face 255 of the blind pjate 201 toward the first flange 207, and extends from the second face 257 of the blind piate 201 toward the second flange 213 when the slide blind 201 is in the second position, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 10.
Since the seals 251 and 253 extend outward from each face 255, 257 of the slide plate 201, when the flanges 207, 213 are drawn toward each other by flange fasteners with the seal 251 or 253 between the flanges, the flanges 207, 213 will bear against the seal rather than against the faces 255, 257 of the slide plate 201, and thus seal. The seals 251, 253 will be selected to have a compressed thickness that is greater than the thickness T of the slide plate 201, such the seal will be maintained when the flange fasteners are tightened.
The seals 251, 253 are conveniently provided by spiral wound gaskets, such as are well known in the art, and are available for example froin Lamons Gasket Company of Houston, Texas. These spiral wound gaskets are manufactures by alternately winding strips of metal and soft fillers top make a strong and relatively rigid gasket suitable for mounting in the slide plate 201. The gaskets are available in various thicknesses, diameters, etc. or can be niade to order, Like the slide plate I described above, the illustrated slide plate 20t is designed to have an open side at 201A that defines a flow aperture 231 that is substantially alig-ned with conduits atiached to the 17anges 207, 213 when the slide plate 201 is in the first position illustrated in Fig. 9. In this position there is no restriction on full flow through the conduits. The spiral wound gasket sea1251 has an inner ring 259 with an inside diameter Dl substantially equal to the inside diameter of the conduits connected to the flanges 207, 213. The slide plate 201 is made to define seal apertures substantially equal to the outside diameter D2 of the seals 251, 253. The seals are then fitted into the seal apertares.
The second portion 201B of the slide plate 201 is solid and blocks flow through the conduits attached to t.he tlanges 207, 213 when the slide plate 201 is in the second position illustrated in Fig. 10. The seal 253 has, in place of the inner ring 259, an inner plate 261 that blocks any flow through the slide plate 201.
The slide plate 201 thus facilitates changing the slide plate 201 back and forth between the open position, with the first side 201A between the flanges 207, 213, and the closed position with the secoiid side 201B between the flanges. The seals 251, 253 are integrated into the slide plate 201 and thus it is not necessary to ensure that extemal seals are in the proper position before tightening the connection.
The slide plates 1, 101, 201 of the invention can be configured to control or block flow through a flanged conduit connection as desired.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the prulciples of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modif'ications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable ehanges or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Claims (20)
1. A slide plate apparatus for controlling flow through conduits at a flanged connection comprising a first conduit and a first flange mounted to an end thereof, a second conduit and a second flange mounted to an end thereof, and flange fasteners extending through corresponding bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and operative to draw the first and second flanges toward each other, the slide plate apparatus comprising:
a slide plate adapted to be secured between the faces of the first and second flanges, the slide plate configured such that:
upper and lower flange fasteners extend through corresponding upper and lower bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges above and below the slide plate;
right and left fasteners extend through corresponding right and left bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and through corresponding bolt holes defined by the slide plate;
wherein the slide plate comprises first and second portions, and the slide plate defines a plurality of bolt holes configured such that the slide plate can be located in a first position when the right and left fasteners extend through a first set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the first portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges, and can be located in a second position where the right and left fasteners extend through a second set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the second portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges;
a first slide plate extension extending from the slide plate and configured to bear against one of the upper and the lower flange fasteners when the slide plate is in the first position, thereby aligning the right and left bolt holes in the flanges with the first set of bolt holes in the slide plate; and a second slide plate extension extending from the slide plate and configured to bear against one of the upper and the lower flange fasteners when the slide plate is in the second position, thereby aligning the right and left bolt holes in the flanges with the second set of bolt holes in the slide plate;.
a slide plate adapted to be secured between the faces of the first and second flanges, the slide plate configured such that:
upper and lower flange fasteners extend through corresponding upper and lower bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges above and below the slide plate;
right and left fasteners extend through corresponding right and left bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and through corresponding bolt holes defined by the slide plate;
wherein the slide plate comprises first and second portions, and the slide plate defines a plurality of bolt holes configured such that the slide plate can be located in a first position when the right and left fasteners extend through a first set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the first portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges, and can be located in a second position where the right and left fasteners extend through a second set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the second portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges;
a first slide plate extension extending from the slide plate and configured to bear against one of the upper and the lower flange fasteners when the slide plate is in the first position, thereby aligning the right and left bolt holes in the flanges with the first set of bolt holes in the slide plate; and a second slide plate extension extending from the slide plate and configured to bear against one of the upper and the lower flange fasteners when the slide plate is in the second position, thereby aligning the right and left bolt holes in the flanges with the second set of bolt holes in the slide plate;.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1 comprising a first seal extending from a first face of the slide plate toward the first flange, and extending from a second face of the slide plate toward the second flange when the slide plate is in the first position, and a second seal extending from the first face of the slide plate toward the first flange, and extending from the second face of the slide plate toward the second flange when the slide plate is in the second position.
3. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein front and rear faces of the slide plate are substantially smooth such that a seal can be placed between the slide plate and at least one of the first and second flanges to seal the flanged connection.
4. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 - 3 wherein the first portion of the slide plate defines a flow aperture substantially aligned with the first and second conduits when the slide plate is in the first position.
5. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 - 4 wherein the second portion of the slide plate is solid and blocks flow through the first and second conduits when the slide plate is in the second position.
6. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 - 4 wherein the second portion of the slide plate defines an orifice and restricts flow through the first and second conduits when the slide plate is in the second position.
7. The apparatus of Claim 6 wherein a size of the orifice can be changed.
8. The apparatus of Claim 7 wherein the second portion of the slide plate defines an insert aperture, and further comprising a plurality of insert members each defining an orifice, and each configured to be secured in the insert aperture.
9. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the first and second slide plate extensions are connected to form a slot, and wherein a flange fastener is located at a first end of the slot when the slide plate is in the first position, and a flange fastener is located at a second end of the slot when the slide plate is in the second position.
10. A conduit apparatus comprising:
a first conduit and a first flange mounted to an end of the first conduit;
a second conduit and a second flange mounted to an end of the second conduit;
a slide plate located between the faces of the first and second flanges;
upper and lower fasteners extending through corresponding upper and lower bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges above and below the slide plate;
right and left fasteners extending through corresponding right and left bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and through corresponding bolt holes defined by the slide plate;
wherein the fasteners are operative to draw the first and second flanges toward each other and toward at least one seal;
wherein the slide plate comprises first and second portions, and the slide plate defines a plurality of bolt holes configured such that the slide plate can be located in a first position where the right and left fasteners extend through a first set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the first portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges, and can be located in a second position where the right and left fasteners extend through a second set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the second portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges;
a first slide plate extension extending from the slide plate and configured to bear against one of the upper and the lower fasteners when the slide plate is in the first position, thereby aligning the right and left bolt holes in the flanges with the first set of bolt holes in the slide plate; and a second slide plate extension extending from the slide plate and configured to bear against one of the upper and the lower fasteners when the slide plate is in the second position, thereby aligning the right and left bolt holes in the flanges with the second set of bolt holes in the slide plate.
a first conduit and a first flange mounted to an end of the first conduit;
a second conduit and a second flange mounted to an end of the second conduit;
a slide plate located between the faces of the first and second flanges;
upper and lower fasteners extending through corresponding upper and lower bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges above and below the slide plate;
right and left fasteners extending through corresponding right and left bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and through corresponding bolt holes defined by the slide plate;
wherein the fasteners are operative to draw the first and second flanges toward each other and toward at least one seal;
wherein the slide plate comprises first and second portions, and the slide plate defines a plurality of bolt holes configured such that the slide plate can be located in a first position where the right and left fasteners extend through a first set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the first portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges, and can be located in a second position where the right and left fasteners extend through a second set of bolt holes in the slide plate and where the second portion of the slide plate is located between the faces of the first and second flanges;
a first slide plate extension extending from the slide plate and configured to bear against one of the upper and the lower fasteners when the slide plate is in the first position, thereby aligning the right and left bolt holes in the flanges with the first set of bolt holes in the slide plate; and a second slide plate extension extending from the slide plate and configured to bear against one of the upper and the lower fasteners when the slide plate is in the second position, thereby aligning the right and left bolt holes in the flanges with the second set of bolt holes in the slide plate.
11. The apparatus of Claim 10 comprising a first seal extending from a first face of the slide plate toward the first flange, and extending from a second face of the slide plate toward the second flange when the slide plate is in the first position, and a second seal extending from the first face of the slide plate toward the first flange, and extending from the second face of the slide plate toward the second flange when the slide plate is in the second position.
12. The apparatus of Claim 10 wherein front and rear faces of the slide plate are substantially smooth such that a seal can be placed between the slide plate and at least one of the first and second flanges to seal the flanged connection.
13. The apparatus of any one of Claims 10 - 12 wherein the first portion of the slide plate defines a flow aperture substantially aligned with the first and second conduits when the slide plate is in the first position.
14. The apparatus of any one of Claims 10 - 13 wherein the second portion of the slide plate is solid and blocks flow through the first and second conduits when the slide plate is in the second position.
15. The apparatus of any one of Claims 10 - 13 wherein the second portion of the slide plate defines an orifice and restricts flow through the first and second conduits when the slide plate is in the second position.
16. The apparatus of Claim 15 wherein a size of the orifice can be changed.
17. The apparatus of Claim 16 wherein the second portion of the slide plate defines an insert aperture, and further comprising a plurality of insert members each defining an orifice, and each configured to be secured in the insert aperture.
18. The apparatus of any one of Claims 10 - 17 comprising:
two upper fasteners extending through two corresponding upper bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges above the slide plate;
two lower fasteners extending through two corresponding lower bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges below the slide plate;
two right fasteners extending through two corresponding right bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and through two bolt holes defined by the slide plate;
two left fasteners extending through two corresponding left bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and through two bolt holes defined by the slide plate.
two upper fasteners extending through two corresponding upper bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges above the slide plate;
two lower fasteners extending through two corresponding lower bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges below the slide plate;
two right fasteners extending through two corresponding right bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and through two bolt holes defined by the slide plate;
two left fasteners extending through two corresponding left bolt holes defined by the first and second flanges and through two bolt holes defined by the slide plate.
19. The apparatus of Claim 18 wherein:
the first slide plate extension is configured to bear against one of the pair of upper fasteners when the slide plate is in the first position, thereby aligning the pair of right bolt holes in the flanges and the pair of left bolt holes in the flanges with the first set of bolt holes in the slide plate;
the second slide plate extension is configured to bear against the other of the pair of upper fasteners when the slide plate is in the second position, thereby aligning the pair of right bolt holes in the flanges and the pair of left bolt holes in the flanges with the second set of bolt holes in the slide plate.
the first slide plate extension is configured to bear against one of the pair of upper fasteners when the slide plate is in the first position, thereby aligning the pair of right bolt holes in the flanges and the pair of left bolt holes in the flanges with the first set of bolt holes in the slide plate;
the second slide plate extension is configured to bear against the other of the pair of upper fasteners when the slide plate is in the second position, thereby aligning the pair of right bolt holes in the flanges and the pair of left bolt holes in the flanges with the second set of bolt holes in the slide plate.
20. The apparatus of Claim 10 wherein the first and second slide plate extensions are connected to form a slot, and wherein one of the pair of upper fasteners is at a first end of the slot when the slide plate is in the first position, and wherein the other of the pair of upper fasteners is at a second end of the slot when the slide plate is in the second position.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2604074A CA2604074C (en) | 2006-09-25 | 2007-09-24 | Apparatus for controlling flow through a conduit |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002560793A CA2560793A1 (en) | 2006-09-25 | 2006-09-25 | Apparatus for controlling flow through a conduit |
| CA2,560,793 | 2006-09-25 | ||
| CA2604074A CA2604074C (en) | 2006-09-25 | 2007-09-24 | Apparatus for controlling flow through a conduit |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2604074A1 CA2604074A1 (en) | 2008-03-25 |
| CA2604074C true CA2604074C (en) | 2010-07-20 |
Family
ID=39264222
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2604074A Active CA2604074C (en) | 2006-09-25 | 2007-09-24 | Apparatus for controlling flow through a conduit |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2604074C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN108916499B (en) * | 2018-09-04 | 2024-03-15 | 扬州中远海运重工有限公司 | Improved marine duplex blind flange and position switching method thereof |
-
2007
- 2007-09-24 CA CA2604074A patent/CA2604074C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2604074A1 (en) | 2008-03-25 |
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