FR3055683A1 - DEVICE FOR MAINTENANCE OF A CHANNEL - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the invention there is provided a device (1) for maintaining a pipe (2). The device (1) is assembled directly on the pipe (2) and comprises: - a spacer (11) of adjustable length having two opposite ends (111), and - two pairs of spacers (12) at the respective ends (111), the shims (121, 122) of each pair (12) being located at a distance and facing one another.

Description

® FRENCH REPUBLIC

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY © Publication number:

(to be used only for reproduction orders)

©) National registration number

055 683

58301

COURBEVOIE © IntCI ⁸ : F16 L 55/18 (2017.01)

PATENT INVENTION APPLICATION

A1

©) Date of filing: 07.09.16. (© Applicant (s): GRTGAZ Société anonyme - FR. (© Priority: @ Inventor (s): VICQ EMMANUEL. ©) Date of public availability of the request: 09.03.18 Bulletin 18/10. ©) List of documents cited in the preliminary search report: See the end of this booklet (© References to other related national documents: ©) Holder (s): GRTGAZ Société anonyme. ©) Extension request (s): (© Agent (s): LLR.

($ 4) DEVICE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF A PIPELINE.

_ There is provided according to the invention a device (1) for the maintenance of a pipe (2). The device (1) is assembled directly on the pipe (2) and comprises:

- a spacer (11) of adjustable length having two opposite ends (111), and

- Two pairs of shims (12) at the respective ends (111), the shims (121,122) of each pair (12) being located at a distance and facing each other.

FR 3 055 683 - A1

Device for maintaining a pipeline

The invention relates to the maintenance of pipelines. More particularly, the device according to the invention relates to routine maintenance operations, such as repair or renewal, of equipment such as taps, filters, meters, or regulators, present on pipelines involving pressurized fluids.

These maintenance operations sometimes require operators to remove equipment placed between two flanges of a pipe, in order to be able to repair or replace it. Consequently, such removal requires specific tools making it possible to separate the flanges of the pipe with respect to the flanges of the equipment, a flange of the pipe and a flange of the equipment being usually connected to each other. tightly through a joint and multiple threaded rods.

In known manner, it is proposed, commercially, to separate flanges for the purpose of removing equipment from a pipeline, using bronze wedges used in addition to commercial spacers such as mechanical, hydraulic or tires for example. A disadvantage of these solutions is that there is a risk of damaging the flanges, the seal placed between these two flanges or even the bearing of such a seal, due to the force separation effected by these solutions. Consequently, the use of such a solution has a high probability of inducing leaks from the pipeline, during the re-pressurization, once the equipment has been reinstated. In fact, the probability of leakage within the pipeline, at the level of the flanges concerned, increases over time, due to the fact that equipment can be removed several times, throughout the life of the pipeline, which translated by a repetition of the use of these solutions known in the trade.

In addition, we know that after the removal of the equipment, the absence of mechanical stress between the flanges of the pipe may encourage movement of the latter. Consequently, they risk being misaligned or approaching with respect to each other, which drastically complicates the reintegration of equipment and also increases the risk of damage to the pipe flanges, the seal and the joint surface. It is therefore necessary to reintegrate the equipment by force or to remove the flanges from the pipe by means of devices which are not suitable for such equipment change operations and which are aggressive for the flanges.

At the same time, the prior art solution also presents physical risks for the operator. In fact, in order to allow a gap to form between a team flange and a pipe flange, the operator must use a hammer or hammer to forcefully insert the wedge bronze between these two flanges. Such manipulation requires constant vigilance on the part of the operator so as not to risk inadvertently striking his hand, which ensures the correct positioning of the bronze corner.

In addition, there is an additional risk that the bronze wedge or the retractor, forcefully inserted between the two flanges, will fall when the latter is not inserted sufficiently or following a movement within the pipeline. Such a fall presents risks both for the tools themselves and for the operator who risks receiving the wedge or the spreader on the lower limbs.

The object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks by providing a device which offers secure, non-aggressive use for the various components of the pipeline, and for operators.

To this end, there is provided according to the invention a device for the maintenance of a pipeline, which comprises:

- a spacer of adjustable length having two opposite ends, and

- two pairs of shims at the respective ends, the shims of each pair being located at a distance and facing one another.

Thus, the device can be easily assembled to the pipeline which is the subject of maintenance. More specifically, the device can be assembled with two flanges of the pipe adjoining flanges of an equipment and thus allow a separation of the flanges of the pipe relative to one another and relative to the corresponding flanges of the equipment, thanks to an extension of the length of the spacer. It can be a progressive extension which allows the progressive spacing of the flanges of the pipe, one with respect to the other and, consequently, a progressive spacing between the flanges of the pipe and the flanges of the pipe. 'equipment. Indeed, prior to the exercise of opposite forces, due to the extension of the length of the spacer, on the two flanges of the pipe, the device can be securely assembled to these same flanges thanks to its two pairs shims at the respective ends. This secure assembly has the advantage of preventing a possible fall of the device, once the latter is assembled to the pipeline, therefore offering increased safety of use for the operator. The device also maintains the spacing and alignment between the two flanges of the pipe, in the position which has allowed the removal of the equipment, and this for the entire time necessary for a replacement or replacement operation. equipment maintenance. Such maintenance has the advantage of allowing easier and secure reintegration of the equipment or new equipment. In other words, it is no longer necessary, with the device according to the invention, to resort to the application of opposite forces on the flanges of the pipe, so as to increase the distance separating them in order to be able to reintegrate a equipment.

Advantageously, at least one of the shims of each of the pairs comprises a support part extending in a direction not parallel to a longitudinal direction of the spacer.

Thus, at least one of the shims has a bearing surface allowing greater surface contact between this shim and the flange, which allows a better distribution of the forces involved during the flange spreading operation of the pipeline. Preferably, the shim having this support surface is the so-called "internal" shim which corresponds to the shim closest to the spacer. Indeed, it is through this internal wedge that the pushing force is exerted on the flange of the pipe, more precisely on the internal face of this flange. Consequently, an internal shim which has such a bearing surface makes it possible to exert a greater and better distributed thrust force on the surface of the flange, which prevents possible damage to the flange due to the application of too much pushing force on a restricted area of the flange.

Advantageously, the support part of at least one of the shims is thinner than another part of the same shim.

Thus, it is possible to insert the shim having the thinner support part in the space separating a flange of the pipe from a flange of the equipment, and this without having to forcely insert this shim. Consequently, such an insertion does not risk damaging the flanges. Preferably, the support part is arranged so as not to touch the joint or the joint surface. As a result, the device according to the invention does not present any risk of damaging the seal or the seal surface when the wedge is inserted between the flanges.

Advantageously, at least one of the shims has two opposite edges of circular shape.

Thus, such a shim has a shape adapted to the circular shape of the faces of the flanges, which makes it possible to further improve the distribution of the forces involved during the spacing operation of the flanges of the pipe. The two opposite edges of circular shape are the upper edge and the lower edge, which allows the wedge to match the shape of one of the faces of the flange against which it is in contact.

Advantageously, the device is arranged so that, in at least one of the pairs, an assembly between one of the shims and the corresponding end of the spacer is removable, the device comprising at least one locking member for this assembly.

Thus, the device offers substantial security with regard to the assembly between the spacer and the shims assembled at its ends, even despite the fact that such an assembly can be dismantled. Indeed, the fact that such an assembly is removable greatly simplifies the transport of all the parts constituting the device, from one maintenance place to another, since the latter can be transported independently of each other. In parallel, the fact that such an assembly can be locked, thanks to the locking member, offers additional security as to the use of the assembled device. Preferably, such a locking member comprises threads located on the spacer and nuts arranged to be screwed onto the threads. Preferably, the shim concerned by this assembly is the internal shim of each of the pairs. Consequently, such a device also has the advantage of being able to secure, in the case of use, and to separate, once the use is complete, simply the wedges and the spacer.

Advantageously, the shims of at least one of the pairs are connected to each other by means of at least one screw-nut connection.

Thus, the shims of the same pair can be connected to each other in an adjustable manner, which makes it possible to adjust the distance separating the latter as a function of the thickness of the flange of the pipe with which they are in touch.

Preferably, this connection is quick-tightening, which makes it possible to reduce the duration of the step of connecting the wedges of the same pair.

According to a variant of this embodiment, the two wedges of the same pair can be connected to each other by means of a third wedge. This third shim has a length and a shape adapted to the thickness of the flange of the pipe on which the pair of shims must be assembled.

Thus, the assembly formed by the pair of shims and the third shim can be arranged to bear on the internal and external faces and on the thickness of the flange thanks to the internal shim, the external shim and the third shim respectively. . Consequently, the device has a larger bearing surface with the flange, further securing the use of the device thanks to a better distribution of the forces involved during the maintenance operation.

It should be noted that such flanges, used in particular for pressurized pipes, are standardized components which meet the nominal diameter (DN) and nominal pressure (PN) criteria specific to the standard which applies to the pipe on which the device must be assembled. Consequently, the thickness of the flange and the diameter of its orifices are predetermined and fixed values according to the combinations of these two criteria, these values therefore being able to be anticipated during the design of the device according to the invention. Consequently, it is possible to provide sets of third shims adapted to the possible thicknesses of the flanges, which allows an operator to choose the third shims most suitable for the flanges on which the device is to be assembled. Alternatively, the third wedge and at least one of the wedges of the pair can be made in one piece.

Advantageously, at least one relief extends in projection from at least one of the shims of the same pair in the direction of the spacer and in a longitudinal direction of the spacer.

Thus, it is possible to position the relief, forming a male member, so as to secure the wedge and an element having a female member adapted to the relief. Such an element can, for example, be one of the flanges of the pipe. Indeed, these flanges have orifices initially intended to receive a rod, necessary for the fixing between a flange of the pipe and a flange of the equipment, such orifices therefore forming female organs adapted to the relief extending from the hold. . Consequently, the assembly between the wedge having the relief and the flange is more secure, consequently reducing the risks linked to the use of the device and in particular the risk of the latter falling after assembly against the flanges of the pipe. .

Advantageously, the relief is a first portion of a stud comprising a second portion of a diameter different from the diameter of the first portion, the first portion having a length and a diameter adapted relative to the thickness of the flange and to the diameter of its orifices and the second portion of the stud having a length and a diameter adapted relative to the thickness and the diameter of an orifice present in the wedge.

Thus, the stud has a second portion arranged to allow assembly between the stud and the wedge, thanks to the orifice present in the wedge, while allowing the first portion of the stud to perform the assembly function of the relief. . Even more advantageously, the second portion of the stud has a thread on which a nut can be screwed, until the nut is in contact with the shim, thus locking the assembly between the stud and the shim. Preferably, the shim concerned by this assembly with the stud, and which therefore has the protruding relief, is the outer shim of each of the pairs.

As explained above, the flanges have a thickness and orifices of a known diameter which can therefore be anticipated by the operator.

Consequently, the operator can choose from a set of studs at his disposal that which has been designed to have a first portion of a length and a diameter adapted to the thickness of the flanges and to the diameter of the orifices of the flanges on which the device must be assembled. Preferably, the assembly between one of the shims of the device and the flange is ensured by at least two studs.

Advantageously, at least one of the wedges comprises lashing rings.

Thus, the device allows the attachment of external means, such as means of a lifting device carrying out the movement of the equipment once the flanges of the pipe are sufficiently spaced apart thanks to the device according to the invention. These lashing rings also allow the attachment of a safety chain between the two wedges of the same pair, in order to prevent any fall to the ground of the device during its assembly on the pipeline, once each of the chains assembled on a pair. , such a fall may damage the device or injure the operator.

Advantageously, the spacer comprises a pair of extensions, the extensions respectively forming the ends of the spacer.

Thus, it is possible to adapt the total length of the spacer before extension to the length of the equipment. Indeed, the operator can choose from a set of pairs of extension cords the most suitable pair for the length of the equipment to be removed. Consequently, it requires a smaller extension of the spacer to separate the flanges of the pipe adjoining the equipment. Preferably, the extensions are of identical lengths.

The entire device or only a few constituent elements of the latter can be made from any material meeting the ATEX (ATmospheres EXplosibles) regulations. Indeed, such a material is known to avoid overheating and sparks which present serious risks for the environments of pressurized pipes for reasons that appear obvious.

The invention also relates to a process for maintaining a pipeline which comprises the following steps:

- placement of at least one device on flanges of the pipeline, adjacent to flanges of equipment, and

- modification of a length of the device so as to separate the flanges of the pipe from one another.

Thus, when a maintenance operation for which two flanges of the pipe must be separated from one another is required, it is possible for the operator to easily achieve this separation, in complete safety, by following the steps of method of the invention.

Advantageously, the method according to the invention also comprises the following steps:

- removal of at least one rod providing a connection between one of the pipe flanges and one of the equipment flanges, and

- assembly between at least one relief of the device and an orifice of the pipe flange left vacant by the withdrawal of the rod or one of the rods.

Thus, the operator further secures the performance of its pipeline maintenance operation.

Advantageously, there is provided a prior step of assembling a pair of extensions in order to adapt the length of the device relative to a length of the equipment.

Thus, the duration of the step of modifying the length of the device is reduced due to the lesser need to increase this length to spread the flanges.

Advantageously, two devices are placed diametrically opposite, on either side of the pipe.

Thus, the operator further secures the completion of the pipeline maintenance operation. Indeed, the fact of placing two devices in a diametrically opposite manner on the pipe allows a better distribution of the forces at play, over a larger surface of the flanges concerned, which decreases the probability of damage of the latter by the application of these forces.

We will now present an embodiment of the invention and variants given by way of nonlimiting examples and with the support of the appended figures in which:

- Figures 1 and 2 are two side views showing the assembly of two devices according to one embodiment of the invention on a pipe;

- Figures 3 to 5 are perspective views of one of the devices of Figure 1;

- Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of a pair of shims of one of the devices of Figure 1;

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of the components of the pair of shims of Figures 6 and 7;

- Figure 9 is a front view of a spacer of one of the devices of Figure 1;

- Figure 10 is a front view of the components of the spacer of Figure 9; and

- Figure 11 is a sectional view along the plane XI-XI of Figure 10 of several components of the spacer of Figure 9

The device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is capable of being assembled on a pipe 2, along an axis Y parallel to a longitudinal axis X of the pipe 2, for the purpose of performing a maintenance operation on a equipment 3. More specifically, the device 1 is capable of being assembled against two flanges 21 of the pipe adjoining two flanges 31 of the equipment 3.

These four flanges are substantially identical. Each has a cylindrical peripheral face with circular section centered on a main axis of the pipe and two annular planar faces perpendicular to this axis. The equipment flanges extend at the axial ends of the latter and at a distance and opposite the respective flanges of the pipe.

Equipment 3 includes, for example, taps, filters, meters, or regulators.

Line 2 can be a line carrying liquid or gas. This is, for example, a pipeline for the transportation of petroleum or combustible gas.

Two identical devices 1 are used here and conform to an embodiment of the invention.

Each device 1 comprises a spacer 11 and two pairs of shims 12 at the respective ends 111 of the spacer 11.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 and 9 to 11, the spacer 11 has an elongated rectilinear shape extending along the axis Y. It comprises a central member 112 to which two rings 116 are assembled integrally by means of screws 117. These rings 116 each include a thread 1161, the trapezoidal threads of the rings 116 being in opposite directions with respect to each other. The spacer 11 also comprises two rods 115, each rod 115 comprising a thread 1151 adapted to the thread of one of the rings 116. Each of the rods 115 also includes at its internal end a stop 1154 intended to bear against the end internal 1162 of the ring so as to prevent any further extension of the spacer 11 which could lead to disassembly between the rod 115 and the ring 116. Each rod 115 also includes a tip 1152 of hexagonal shape and a free end 1153 having a thread ( not shown), the latter forming a fixing part of each of the rods 115 which is the part with which an extension 113 is assembled. The tip 1152 has a through hole 11521 coinciding with an orifice 1132 present on the end of the assembled extension 113, such an assembly being locked by a through pin (not shown). The device 1 comprises a set of extensions 113 of different lengths so as to adapt the minimum length of the device 1 to that of the equipment 3 to be removed. These extensions are for example four or six in number and include pairs of extensions of the same length.

Thus, by a single rotation operation of the central member 112 around the Y axis of the spacer, the operator is able to increase the length of the spacer 11. By a reverse rotation operation, the operator is able to reduce the length of the spacer 11, for example until the two stops 1154 are in abutment against one another. Naturally, the screw-nut connections between the rods 115 and the rings 116 are provided to be irreversible so that the compressive stresses exerted by the flanges on the spacer, as will be seen below, do not cause the rotation of the rods. with respect to the central organ.

Each extension 113 comprises at its distal end, corresponding to the end 111 of the spacer 11, a tip 1131 of hexagonal shape and a locking member 114, these two elements making it possible to lock an assembly between this end 111 and one of the shims 121, 122 of one of the pairs of shims 12, the shim having an orifice 1212 of hexagonal shape adapted to the end piece 1131. The hexagonal shape of the orifice 1212 of the shim is also adapted to the end piece 1152 of the rod 115, illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, which makes it possible to dispense with the use of one or two extensions 113 when this is not necessary.

The hexagonal shapes of the various elements mentioned make it possible to avoid any deformation of these elements, forming some of the connection places of the device 1, during the application of the thrust forces against the flanges 21, due to the increase in the length of the spacer 11.

The pairs of shims 12 assembled at the respective ends 111 of the spacer 11 each comprise a shim 121, internal or proximal with respect to the spacer 11, and a shim 122 external or distal. These two wedges 121, 122 have a geometric shape adapted to that of the circular flange 21, namely a shape delimited by two opposite internal and external edges concentric circular which allow them to best match the shape of the flange 21.

The wedges 121, 122 each have two lashing rings 124 which allow the attachment of means external to the device 1 or of a safety chain 14, once the device 1 is assembled to the pipe 2.

The internal shim 121 corresponds to the shim which is inserted between the flange 21 of the pipe and the flange 31 of the equipment 3. As a result, the internal shim 121 has a support part 1211 thinner than another part of the same shim, as illustrated in particular in Figure 8. This thinner part is contiguous to the internal edge. It is in particular through this support part 1211 that the pushing force is exerted on the internal face of the flange 21 to be removed. The external wedge 122 is the wedge bearing against the external face of the flange 21.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the internal 121 and external 122 wedges of each of the pairs of wedges 12 are connected to each other by means of two screw nut systems 123 securing the two wedges 121, 122, one with respect to to the other. These screw-nut systems 123 are tightening systems making it possible to adjust the bonding force used to connect the two wedges 121, 122, once the latter are positioned in abutment against the flange 21. This also allows a better adaptation to the thickness of the flange 21, owing to the fact that the distance separating the two shims 121, 122 can be adjusted precisely, even after the latter have been positioned against the flange 21. According to a variant not shown, the shims 121, 122 can be connected one to the other. the other by means of a third shim having a length adapted to the thickness of the flange 21. According to another variant, also not shown, of this embodiment, the shims 121, 122 can be made of in one piece and have a vice shape adapted to the thickness of the flange 21 on which the device 1 must be assembled.

The device 1 comprises two cylindrical reliefs 125, projecting from the outer shim 122 in the direction of the spacer 11 and in a longitudinal direction of the spacer 11. These two reliefs 125 form male members have a length and a diameter adapted to the thickness of the flange 21 and the diameter of its orifices initially designed to receive rods (not shown) for the purpose of assembly with the flange 31 of the equipment 3. These two reliefs 125 are each formed by a first portion of a stud and are capable of being inserted in orifices (not shown) of a flange 21 as is the case in Figures 1 and 2. These studs each comprise a second portion 126 which can be introduced into respective orifices 127 of the external shim 122 and are assembled to the latter, in an integral manner, by means of the screwing of a nut 128 on a thread 129 of the second portion 126, at its em working on one side of the outer shim 122, opposite the flange

21.

Device 1 is used as follows.

First, if necessary, the pair of extensions 113 having the most suitable length are assembled with the fixing parts of the rods 115 so as to form the spacer 11, the minimum length of which is similar to the length of the equipment 3 .

The internal shims 121 are assembled at the ends 111 of the spacer 11, then the length of the spacer is adjusted so that the latter is slightly less than the distance separating the two flanges 21 adjoining the equipment 3. From in this way it is possible to more easily introduce the support parts 1211 of each internal wedge 121 into the space separating a flange 21 from the pipe 2 and a flange 31 from the equipment 3.

In parallel, the second portions 126 of the two studs are inserted into the two orifices 127 of each external wedge 122 and this assembly is locked by screwing the nut 128 onto the thread 129 of the second portion 126 of each stud.

Then, two rods are removed connecting the flange 21 of the pipe to the flange 31 of the equipment 3 needing to be removed from the pipe 2. This withdrawal frees two orifices from the flange 21 of the pipe in which the reliefs 125, corresponding to the first portions of the studs projecting from one of the outer shims 122, are then inserted respectively.

Thereafter, the spacer provided with an internal wedge 121 is positioned at each of its ends 111 on a pipe 2 by inserting each bearing part 1211 of an internal wedge 121 in a space, separating the flange 21 from the equipment clamp 31, different. The spacer fitted with internal shims 121 is assembled to each external shim 122 placed on a different flange 21, by means of two screw-nut systems 123. In order to secure this assembly operation, the operator fixes safety chains 14 with two lashing rings 124, facing each other, each located on one of the shims 121, 122 of the same pair of shims 12. Thus, even if one side of the device were to come loose for assembly, the fixing chain 14 placed on this side of the device 1 would prevent falling to the ground.

Before removing all the other rods connecting the flange 21 of the pipe to the flange 31 of the equipment 3, a lifting device (not shown), external to the device 1 of the invention, is put in place to support the equipment 3, so that the latter does not fall to the ground once all the rods have been removed.

Then remove all the mentioned rods which connect the flange 21 of the pipe to the flange 31 of the equipment 3.

Once these assemblies have been made and the rods removed, the length of the spacer 11 is gradually increased by operating the central member 112, which allows the bearing parts 1211 of the internal wedges 121 to exert a pushing force on the internal faces of the flanges 21, along the axis and in the direction opposite to the central member. Each flange 21 is therefore gradually moved away from the flange 31 of the equipment 3 with which it is connected.

Once the two flanges 21 are sufficiently spaced apart, the equipment 3 can be removed from the pipe 2 using the lifting device (not shown). This lifting device can, for example, include force return means (not shown) which can be fixed to the lashing rings 124 of the external wedges 122, in order to secure this lifting operation of the equipment 3.

Subsequently, the equipment 3 removed or a new equipment 3 of identical length, can be easily introduced thanks to the lifting device in the space, the length of which has remained unchanged, separating the two flanges 21 from the pipe 2.

Once this insertion operation has been carried out, the length of the spacer 11 is gradually reduced by maneuvering the central member 112, allowing the flanges 21 of the pipe to be brought closer to the flanges 31 of the equipment 3 introduced. When the flanges 21 of the pipe are sufficiently close to the flanges 31 of the equipment 3 and all the threaded rods previously removed have been repositioned so as to reconnect the flanges 21 of the pipe to the flanges 31 of the equipment 3, the device 1 can be simply disassembled.

Preferably, two devices 1 are assembled in the manner described for the operations of removing and introducing equipment 3 into a pipe 2. This allows a better distribution of the forces at play and greater safety during these operations. The two devices 1 are placed so as to be diametrically opposite on either side of the equipment 3.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment presented and to the variants of this mode and other modes will be apparent to those skilled in the art. There is in particular another possible embodiment of the invention in which the device comprises shims of substantial length, the external shim having a large number of studs, for example six, which offers great stability of the assembly between the device and the flange and also the possibility of applying a greater pushing force.

Claims (14)

1. Device (1) for the maintenance of a pipeline (2), characterized in that it comprises: - a spacer (11) of adjustable length having two opposite ends (111), and - two pairs of shims (12) at the respective ends (111), the shims (121,122) of each pair (12) being located at a distance and facing one another. 2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the shims (121, 122) of each of the pairs (12) comprises a bearing part (1211) extending in a direction not parallel to a longitudinal direction of the spacer (11). 3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the bearing part (1211) of at least one of the shims (121, 122) is thinner than another part of the same wedge (121,122). 4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the shims (121, 122) has two opposite edges of circular shape. 5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged so that, in at least one of the pairs (12), an assembly between one of the shims (121, 122) and the end (111) corresponding to the spacer (11) is removable, the device (I) comprising at least one locking member (114) of this assembly. 6. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the shims (121, 122) of at least one of the pairs (12) are connected to each other by at least one screw-nut connection. (123), preferably quick release. 7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one relief (125) projecting from at least one of the shims (121, 122) in the direction of the spacer (11) and in a longitudinal direction of the spacer (11). 8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the shims (121, 122) comprises lashing rings (124). 9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the spacer (11) comprises a pair of extensions (113), preferably of identical lengths, the extensions (113) respectively forming the ends (111) of the spacer (II). 10. A method of maintaining a pipeline (2), comprising the following steps - placement of at least one device (1) against flanges (21) of the pipe (2), adjoining flanges (31) of equipment (3), and - modification of a length of the device (1) so as to separate the flanges (21) of the pipe (2) from one another. 5 11. The method of claim 10, comprising the following steps: - removal of at least one rod providing a connection between one of the flanges (21) of the pipe (2) and one of the flanges (31) of the equipment (3), and - assembly between at least one relief (125) of the device (1) and at least one orifice of the flange (21) of the pipe (2) left vacant by the withdrawal of the rod or one of the rods. 10 12. The method of claim 10 or 11, comprising a prior step of assembling a pair of extensions (113) in order to adapt the length of the device (1) relative to a length of the equipment (3). 13. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, in which two devices (1) are placed diametrically opposite, on either side of the 15 pipe (2). 1/4