EP4669893A1

EP4669893A1 - Emergency sealing for pressure pipes and installation procedure for an emergency seal for pressure pipes

Info

Publication number: EP4669893A1
Application number: EP24718891.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Krzysztof Sobczak; Wilfried Ernst
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-02-26
Filing date: 2024-02-23
Publication date: 2025-12-31
Also published as: WO2024176184A1; PL443891A1

Abstract

The object of the invention is an emergency seal for pressure pipelines comprising a split casing (1) around the leakage spot in the form of at least two segments (2) connected to each other, wherein the casing (1) at opposite ends is closed by first split flanges (3) connected to each other by at least one main screw (5) and is axially sealed by at least one gland (4). and a method of installing an emergency seal for pressure pipelines according to the invention above, wherein the leakage spot is surrounded by a split casing (1) consisting of at least two segments (2) forming a pipe, which is closed at both ends by first split flanges (3), which are connected to each other by at least one main screw (5), and then a uniform clearance is ensured between the casing (1) and the pipeline at each point of the casing (1) by raising or lowering the casing (1) by means of at least one adjusting screw located in at least one threaded hole of the casing (1), after which the entire system is sealed axially by fitting at least one gland (4).

Description

EMERGENCY SEAL FOR PRESSURE PIPELINES AND INSTALLATION METHOD OF EMERGENCY SEAL FOR PRESSURE PIPELINES

The object of the invention is an emergency seal for pressure pipelines and a method of installing an emergency seal for pressure pipelines having application particularly for the prevention of the release of media into the environment from damaged or leaking pipelines.

State of the art

Known solutions for emergency sealing of leaks in pressure pipelines are based on placing a containment around the leak point, into which sealing material is injected. From patent description EP600345A1 is known a device for sealing pipelines comprising a casing having a cavity and containing at least two parts which have openings through which a sealing compound is introduced into the cavity. The compression of the sealing material is so great that leakage no longer passes through this seal or only a small amount. However, the sealants bond to the sealed area in such a way that cleaning after removal of the sealant is only possible with great effort or not at all. Consequently, all components of the sealing joint must be replaced.

From patent description GB2552378A, a solution for repairing a fluid leak is known in the form of a kit consisting of a self-vulcanising tape and a composite material for covering the self-vulcanising tape. The composite material consists of a flexible sheet or tape and a matrix containing a resin or water-activated matrix, which forms the outer coating after curing. This kit can include a stretchable wrapping material to place the composite material on while the matrix cures. However, due to the general material properties of, for example, temperature resistance and plastic ageing, the use of such materials is limited.

A clamp with flexible seals for repairing leaks is known from patent description US4568091 A. The sealing element is located in the clamp segments in two spaced apart grooves around the inner wall of the clamp. A clamp consists of at least two segments that are connected to each other by clips. However, this solution does not ensure sufficient system tightness. During installation, all solutions require a gap between the casing and the leakage area. This gap is obtained by manually deforming the casing with a hammer or chisel. The casing material is machined with a chisel in such a way that it closes the gap by plastic deformation. Unfortunately, such a solution results in the deformation of the case, which adversely affects its strength and precludes its re-use.

Aim of the inventions

The aim of the invention is to develop an emergency seal that is characterised by very good performance, a high degree of standardisation and prefabrication, and no sealing compound, which makes it possible to quickly dismantle and reuse seal components. In addition, the aim of the invention is to develop a method of installing such an emergency seal that is fast, simple and that ensures safe continued operation of the system until the next shutdown without risk of deformation of the casing.

Essence of the invention

The essence of the invention is an emergency seal for pressure pipelines comprising a split casing around the leakage spot in the form of at least two segments connected to each other, characterised in that the casing at opposite ends is closed by first split flanges connected to each other by at least one main screw and is axially sealed by at least one gland.

It is preferable if at least one clamp or clips are fitted to the casing. This results in an additional tightening of the entire system. If necessary, the seals in the casing can be tightened by tightening the clamps or clips during operation.

It is preferable when the gland is rigidly connected to the first split flange by at least one flange screw and incorporates a second split flange fastened directly to the first split flange and a sealing element inserted between the inner diameter of the second split flange and the piping and a pressure element in the form of at least one split ring placed between the sealing element and the third split flange and the fourth split flange screwed together by at least one screw and pressed externally by a nut on the flange screw positioned in the holes of the third split flange and the fourth split flange

Preferably, the sealing element of the gland is in the form of wound or braided rings. Preferably, the sealing element of the gland is of polytetrafluoroethylene or graphite or mica or fibrous material.

Preferably, the gland between the sealing element contains a split spacer ring with the connection hole on the outside. This creates an additional functional area in the form of a surface for the barrier medium, a suction area for the penetrating medium and a composite injection area to increase the sealing of the gland.

Preferably, there is at least one spring element on the flange screw between the fourth split flange and the nut. The spring element allows self-adjustment of the pressure.

It is preferable if the casing is made of steel or other alloys.

It is preferable if the casing has at least one threaded hole. Adjustment screws are placed in these holes to adjust the clearance between the seal casing and the pipeline.

It is preferable if the casing has at least one vent hole with a valve. The valve is unscrewed to bleed the system during seal installation.

It is preferable if the casing has at least one drain hole with a valve. The drain hole is used to drain residual fluid during assembly and is positioned so that no fluid burns during seal assembly.

Preferably, there is at least one clamping screw on at least one flange of the pipeline. The clamping screws are resistant to the media and provide additional protection for the leak point in the pipeline.

The essence of the invention is also a method of installing an emergency seal for pressure pipelines according to the above invention, consisting in that the leakage spot is surrounded by a split casing consisting of at least two segments forming a pipe, which is closed at both ends by first split flanges, which are connected to each other by at least one main screw, and then a uniform clearance is ensured between the casing and the pipeline at each point of the casing by raising or lowering the casing by means of at least one adjusting screw located in at least one threaded hole of the casing, after which the entire system is sealed axially by fitting at least one gland. Once the installation is complete, the threaded holes are closed with closing screws or ball valves.

Advantageously, the second clearance between the clamp parts or clips is positioned in a different plane than the first clearance between the casing segments. This prevents the seal between the casing segments from blowing outwards. Preferably, once the equal distance between the casing and the pipeline has been established by means of at least one adjusting screw, the adjusting screws are removed and sealed position-stabilising screws are screwed into the threaded holes. These screws provide additional fixing of the seal around the leak site so that the seal cannot be displaced by pressure or other external factors.

Preferably, at least one clamping screw is arranged circumferentially on the outer diameter of at least one flange of the pipeline. As the medium enters the confined space under positive pressure, it is possible for the flange screws of the pipeline to be damaged by constant contact with the medium. The clamping screws function in the event of failure of the original pipeline bolts.

It is preferably if the casing undergoes a surfacing process. Where components of the casing are in contact with the medium, the casing can be made of a common grade steel and then protected against corrosion by coating with a high-alloy material.

Beneficial effects of the inventions

The benefit of the emergency seal for pressure pipelines according to the given invention is that it is characterised by very good efficiency and no need to use sealing compound, so that the seal components can be quickly dismantled and reused. Another benefit of the invention is the high standardisation and prefabrication of the sealing elements.

The benefit of the method of installing the emergency seal for pressure pipelines according to the invention is that it is fast and simple. Another advantage of the invention is that it ensures that the system continues to operate safely until the next shutdown without deforming the casing.

Explanation of the figures

The object of the invention in the exemplary embodiments is illustrated in the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional diagram of the emergency seal;

Fig. 2 is a diagram of the seal casing with clamps;

Fig. 3 is a diagram of the seal casing with clips;

Fig. 4 is a cross-section of the casing with clamps with slots arranged in the system; Fig. 5 is a diagram of the gland construction;

Fig. 6 is a diagram of the gland construction with an additional spacer ring;

Fig. 7 is the arrangement of the pressure element, third split flange and fourth split flange and flange screws with nuts;

Fig. 8 is a view of the pressure split ring in an arrangement with gland flanges from the inside;

Fig. 9 is a sectional diagram of a seal with an additional clamping screw;

Fig. 10 is a diagram of the design of a gland with a spring element on a flange screw;

Fig. 1 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of the part of the seal with the adjusting screws in place;

Fig. 12 is the arrangement of the threaded holes for the adjusting screws and the vent hole in the casing.

Fig. 13 is a general view of the emergency seal including the vent hole with valve and the drain hole with valve.

List of references in the figures:

1 - casing

2 - casing segment

3 - first split ring

4 - gland

5 - main screw

6 - second split ring

7 - sealing element

8 - pressure element

9 - third split ring

10 - fourth split ring

1 1 - flange screw

12 - second slot

13 - first slot 14 - clamp

15 - clips

16 - spacer ring

17 - vent hole

18 - connection hole

19 - threaded hole

20 - screw

21 - hole

22 - clamping screw

23 - spring element

24 - adjustment crew

25 - nut

26 - drain hole

27 - pipeline

28 - pipeline flange

Exemplary embodiments of the inventions

Exemplary embodiment 1

The emergency seal for the pressure pipeline comprises a casing 1 of steel in the form of two segments 2 that are fitted around the leakage spot (Fig. 1 ). The clamps 15 (Fig. 3) are mounted on the casing 1 in such a way that the second slot 12 between the clips 15 and the first slot 13 between the segments of the casing 2 are arranged in a different plane. Casing 1 is closed at two opposite ends by first split flanges 3 clamped at the end edges of casing 1 . Gaskets are used at the junctions between the segments 2 of casing 1 and at the junctions between the first split flanges 3 and casing 1 to ensure the integrity of the entire system. The first split flanges 3 are connected to each other by four main screws 5 on the outside of the casing 1 . In the contact area between the first two split flanges 3 and the pipeline 27, glands 4 are used (Fig. 5, Fig. 6). The glands 4 are constructed so that a second split flange 6 is rigidly bolted to the first split flange 3 using four flange screws 1 1 . A sealing element 7 in the form of two wound polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) rings is placed on the inner diameter of the split flange 6. A split ring is used as a clamping element 8, behind which are placed two split gland flanges, namely a third split flange 9 and a fourth split flange 10 with different bore diameters, which are screwed together by four screws 20 in an inverted arrangement (Fig. 7, Fig. 8). The diameter of the bore of the third split flange 9 is larger than the diameter of the bore of the fourth split flange 10 in order that it overlaps the pressure element 8 and stabilises it in the gland arrangement 4. On the other side, the clamping element 8 is held by the second split flange 6 pressing against the sealing element 7, located between the inner diameter of the second split flange 6 and the pipeline 27. The entire gland seal is pressed from the outside by nuts 25 using flange screws 1 1 . The flange screws 11 are located in the third split flange 9 and fourth split flange 10 in the holes 21 (Fig. 7 and Fig.8). On the flange screws 1 1 between the fourth split flange 10 and the nuts 25 there is one spring element 23 each (Fig. 10). Casing 1 has a vent hole 17 in the upper part for bleeding the system after installation of the entire seal and a drain hole 26 in the lower part for draining residual medium during installation (Fig. 13). Vent hole 17 and drain hole 26 are fitted with ball valves that are turned off after the entire seal has been installed. The ball valves are opened before the seal is removed.

Exemplary embodiment 2

Another favourable example of the implementation of the invention relates to an emergency seal for pressure pipeline comprising two glands 4 with a split spacer ring 16 with a connection hole 18 on the outside (Fig. 6). The emergency seal comprises a steel casing 1 , consisting of two segments 2 mounted around the leak spot. The casing 1 is closed at two opposite ends by first split flanges 3, which are welded to the casing 1 and bolted together by six screws 5 outside the casing 1 . In addition, casing 1 has four threaded holes 19, two in two parallel lines, and one vent hole 17 (Fig. 12). Three clamps 14 are mounted on casing 1 . Gaskets are used in the first slot 13 where the two casing segments 1 are joined and in the second slot 12 between the parts of the clamps 14. The gap 12 between the clamps 14 and the gap 13 between the two segments 2 of the casing 1 are arranged in a different plane (Fig. 2, Fig. 4). The joints of the two segments 2 of the casing 1 are keyed and, if necessary, the seals in these joints can be pressed together during operation by tightening the clamps 14. Glands 4 are used in the contact area between the first two split flanges 3 and the pipeline 27. The glands 4 are constructed so that a second split flange 6 is bolted to the first split flange 3 using four flange screw 1 1 . A sealing element 7 in the form of two graphite sealing rings is placed between the inner diameter of the second split flange 6 and the pipeline 27. Between the two graphite sealing rings, there is an additional split spacer ring 16 with connection hole 18 on the outside (Fig. 6). A split ring is used as a clamping element 8, behind which are placed two split gland flanges, namely a third split flange 9 and a fourth split flange 10 with different bore diameters, which are screwed together by four screws 20 in an inverted arrangement (Fig. 7, Fig. 8). The diameter of the bore of the third split flange 9 is larger than the diameter of the bore of the fourth split flange 10 in order to allow the third split flange 9 to overlap the clamping element 8 and stabilise it in the gland arrangement 4. On the other side, the pressure element 8 is held by a second split flange 6 and presses against the sealing element 7. The entire gland seal is pressed from the outside by nuts 25 using four flange screws 1 1 . The flange screws 11 are located in the third split flange 9 and fourth split flange 10 in the holes 21 (Fig. 7 and Fig.8).

Exemplary embodiment 3

The method of assembling the emergency seal for pressure pipeline according to the invention is that the leakage spot is surrounded by a split casing 1 of steel in the form of two segments 2 forming a pipe, which is closed at both ends by first split flanges 3 in such a way that the edges of the casing 1 are pressed into the first split flanges 3, which are then connected to each other outside the casing 1 by four main screws 5. The casing 1 rests on pipeline 27. Then, by screwing the adjusting screws 24 into the four threaded holes 19 (Fig. 12), the casing 1 is lifted until an equal clearance is set between the casing 1 and the pipeline 27 on each side. The entire system is sealed axially by bolting the glands 4 with four flange screws 1 1 to each of the first split flanges 3. The adjusting screws 24 are then removed and the threaded holes 19 are closed with locking screws. After installation of the entire seal, the ball valves in one vent hole 17 and one discharge hole 26 are turned off.

Exemplary embodiment 4

Installation of emergency seal as in exemplary embodiment 3. Three clamps 14 are used to attach to casing 1 if the pipeline seal needs to be tightened. The clamps 14 are assembled in such a way that the second slots 12 between the parts of the clamps 14 are positioned in a different plane than the first slot 13 between the segments 2 of the casing 1 (Fig. 2, Fig. 4). Exemplary embodiment 5

Installation of emergency seal as in exemplary embodiment 3. In the case of more serious leaks, damage to the flange screws in flanges 28 of pipeline 27 is possible. In such situations, one additional clamping screw 22 is used, which is circumferentially positioned on the outer diameter of one flange 28 of the damaged pipeline 27 (Fig. 9).

Exemplary embodiment 6

The method of installing the seal as in exemplary embodiment 3, except that when it is necessary to increase the stabilisation of the emergency seal of the pressure pipeline due to unfavourable conditions, the position of the casing is stabilised by removing the adjusting screws 24 and using the stabilisation screws sealed on the outside after setting a uniform distance between the casing 1 and the pipeline 27 by means of four adjusting screws 24.

Exemplary embodiment 7

Method of assembling the emergency seal as in exemplary embodiment 3, whereby the inner surface of the casing 1 made of common grade steel is subjected to a surfacing process. The surface in contact with the medium is hardened with a high-alloy material and thus becomes corrosion-resistant.

The embodiments of the inventions shown are for illustrative purposes only and in no way limit the claimed inventions.

Claims

1. The emergency seal for pressure pipelines comprising a split casing (1 ) around the leakage spot in the form of at least two segments (2) connected to each other, characterised in that the casing (1 ) at opposite ends is closed by first split flanges (3) connected to each other by at least one main screw (5) and is axially sealed by at least one gland (4).

2. The seal according to claim 1 characterised in that at least one clamp (14) or clips (15) are fitted to the casing (1 ).

3. The seal according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the gland (4) is rigidly connected to the first split flange (3) by at least one flange screw (1 1 ) and incorporates a second split flange (6) fastened directly to the first split flange (3) and a sealing element (7) inserted between the inner diameter of the second split flange (6) and the piping (27) and a pressure element (8) in the form of at least one split ring placed between the sealing element (7) and the third split flange (9) and the fourth split flange (10) screwed together by at least one screw (20) and pressed externally by a nut (25) on the flange screw (11 ) positioned in the holes (21 ) of the third split flange (9) and the fourth split flange (10).

4. The sealing according to any of the claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the sealing element (7) of the gland (4) is in the form of wound or braided rings.

5. The sealing according to any of the claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the sealing element (7) in the gland (4) is of polytetrafluoroethylene or graphite or mica or fibrous material.

6. The sealing according to any of the claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the gland (4) between the sealing element (7) contains a split spacer (16) with the connection hole (18) on the outside.

7. The sealing according to any of the claims 1 to 6 characterised in that there is at least one spring element (23) on the flange screw (11 ) between the fourth split flange (10) and the nut (25).

8. The sealing according to any of the claims 1 to 7 characterised in that the casing (1 ) is of steel or other alloys.

9. The sealing according to any of the claims 1 to 8 characterised in that the casing (1 ) has at least one threaded hole (19).

10. The sealing according to any of the claims 1 to 9 characterised in that the casing (1 ) has at least one vent hole (17) with a valve.

1 1 . The sealing according to any of the claims 1 to 10 characterised in that the casing (1 ) has at least one drain hole (26) with a valve.

12. The sealing according to any of the claims 1 to 1 1 characterised in that there is at least one clamping screw (22) on at least one flange (28) of the pipeline (27).

13. Method of installing the emergency seal for pressure pipelines according to any of the claims 1 to 12 characterised in that the leakage spot is surrounded by a split casing (1 ) consisting of at least two segments (2) forming a pipe, which is closed at both ends by first split flanges (3), which are connected to each other by at least one main screw (5), and then between the casing (1 ) and the pipe (27) an equal clearance is ensured at each point of the casing (1 ) by raising or lowering the casing (1 ) with at least one adjusting screw (24) located in at least one threaded hole (19) of the casing (1 ), after which the whole system is axially sealed by installing at least one gland (4).

14. Method according to claim 13 characterised in that the second slot (12) between the parts of the clamping (14) or clips (15) is positioned in a different plane than the first slot (13) between the segments (2) of the casing (1 ).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14 characterised in that once the uniform distance between the casing (1 ) and the pipeline (27) has been established using at least one adjusting screw (24), the adjusting screws (24) are removed and the sealed position stabilising screws are screwed into the threaded holes (19).

16. Method according to any of the claims 13 to 15 characterised in that on the external diameter of at least one flange (28) of a pipeline (27), at least one clamping screw (22) is circumferentially arranged.

17. Method according to any of the claims 13 to 16 characterised in that the casing (1 ) is subjected to a surfacing process.