FR3083470A1 - STUD TRANSFER AND TREATMENT SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

System (1) for transferring and treating studs (2) for tank cover, comprising a carriage (4) for transferring studs (2), a module (5) for carrying, a support (6) for waiting and a processing machine.

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Stud transfer and processing system

Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a system for transferring and treating studs for the cover of a power plant tank. It also relates to a stud treatment method for this transfer and treatment system.

PRIOR ART [0002] Numerous industrial applications are known in which a large pressure vessel must be able to be opened at regular intervals for maintenance purposes. For example, in nuclear power plants, the tanks are closed by a removable cover held hermetically by a set of large studs. Most of the time a set of studs has several dozen studs. Each of the studs generally weighs several hundred kg. This significant weight and the large dimension of the studs greatly complicate the handling of the latter, which cannot be carried by hand by operators. In addition, in order to ensure maximum profitability of industrial installations, the maintenance phases must be managed optimally, and be carried out as quickly as possible, in order to minimize production interruptions. It is therefore essential to provide adequate means to enable these objectives to be achieved.

In practice, during maintenance operations, the studs must be treated so as to rid them of dust, dirt, grease and other contaminants which are often strongly encrusted on the surface of the threaded parts, making cleaning operations difficult and long.

Various tools have therefore been developed in order to simplify and secure the manipulations to be carried out. For example, an imposing ring-shaped device or crown is used, designed specifically to house the studs after opening the tank. To treat the studs (cleaning, brushing, greasing, etc.), each stud is removed from the crown, transported, then placed in a treatment machine which also allows brushing operations to be carried out.

There are therefore known various types of equipment designed to perform the maintenance of the studs: brushing machines, transport cart, etc.

For example, document US5735010 describes a device for cleaning studs. The surface of the stud is treated by vacuum brushing. The stud is suspended vertically in the cleaning machine. The stud is vacuum treated using a rotating wire brush system. The vertical position of the machine makes it possible to reduce the handling of the studs for the cleaning phases. However, the results obtained following operations carried out on the studs in the vertical position are sometimes irregular, even random.

Document US6240153 describes a stud cleaning device. The cleaning device is a self-contained unit comprising two independent compartments allowing the cleaning of two studs simultaneously. Inside each compartment, which can be hermetically closed, is a rotary table intended to vertically mount a stud and to rotate it around its longitudinal axis. Brushes, rotatably mounted inside the compartment, are used to treat the stud. The device allows to have a better performance because of its two compartments. However, the results obtained following operations carried out on the studs in the vertical position are sometimes irregular, even random.

To ensure more efficient cleaning, horizontally oriented machines have been developed by manufacturers.

For example, document US4165549 describes a stud cleaning machine making it possible to clean the threaded part of very large studs until a semi-gloss finish. The cleaning machine is designed to completely surround the studs during the cleaning operation, so that the contaminated particles are retained in the cleaning machine and removed by a vacuum cleaner. This horizontal cleaning makes it easier to clean almost inaccessible areas with a vertical device. However, the manipulations to be carried out to route the studs, stored in a vertical position, and place them in a horizontal position make the overall process more complex and relatively long.

Document US4452753 describes a device for cleaning and inspecting studs. This apparatus has brushes provided for the internal bore and the external surface of the stud, mounted to move simultaneously on the surfaces of the stud. In addition to cleaning, inspection devices allow the condition of each stud to be checked. This device makes it possible to clean the studs quite effectively because of its horizontal orientation. However, the cleaning and handling time is not optimized.

Still with the aim of reducing intervention time and simplifying handling operations, manufacturers have designed carts to handle the studs.

For example, document FR2692508 describes a device for handling studs of mass and of large dimensions between a storage position and a ring-shaped receiving member comprising several orifices intended each to receive a stud. The device comprises an autonomous carriage provided with a means for gripping a stud mounted at the end of an arm, means for tilting the stud between a vertical position and a horizontal position of the stud. This device makes it possible to handle the stud but not to clean it. The single-point gripping means for handling a very heavy and long load involves a heavy and complex implementation. The load carried at the end of an arm causes significant stresses in the arm. Finally, the removal of a stud is provided by sliding, making the phases of removing a stud from the carriage complex.

To overcome these different drawbacks, the invention provides different technical means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An objective of the invention consists in providing a system for transferring and processing studs which is simple, reliable, making it possible to reduce the time required to process all of the studs present on a storage crown. .

To do this, the invention provides a stud transfer and treatment system for tank cover, comprising a stud transfer carriage, a carrying means, a stand and a processing machine.

The multiple elements of the system are specifically designed to optimize the flow of operations, in particular to allow the transfer and displacement operations of the studs to be treated to be carried out in masked time, that is to say while a another stud is being processed. The transfer cart is adapted to interact with a storage ring in which a plurality of studs are placed, awaiting processing. As a variant, the transfer and treatment system comprises a crown, capable of storing the studs.

Advantageously, the carriage comprises a turret carrying a gripping arm pivotally mounted between a vertical loading and unloading position and a horizontal position of transport on said turret.

The pivoting turret, with horizontal positioning of the studs, provides simple manipulation of the stud, and allows compatibility with a treatment machine arranged horizontally. The transition from the vertical position to the horizontal position and vice versa, using the carriage, makes it possible to carry out in a simple and safe manner operations that an operator could not perform alone due to the high weight (of the order 500kg) and the imposing dimensions of the studs.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the turret is adapted to rotate on itself.

Advantageously, the gripping arm comprises at least one clamp designed to hold a stud.

In an alternative embodiment, the gripping arm comprises at least one clamping element designed to clamp a stud.

The presence of pliers and the turret mounted free in rotation makes it possible to position the pliers optimally for each step, whether it is to grasp the studs in a vertical position or to wear them in a horizontal position. The pliers allow you to have a good grip on the stud in order to handle it without risk of slipping or falling. In addition, opening the clamp makes it easy to grab and / or release a stud in tight spaces. In the horizontal position of the stud, the body of the clamp located under the stud allows the stud to be gripped by a hoist, from above the stud, with simple and rapid handling.

Also advantageously, the turret is mounted on a base, itself arranged on wheels. These characteristics ensure good stability of the carriage and facilitate its movement.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the carrying means comprises a gantry provided with a lifting system.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the carrying module is arranged so that it can slide between a plurality of working positions. Advantageously, the working positions are:

i) loading and unloading a stud on the processing machine;

ii) loading and unloading a stud on the stand;

iii) loading and unloading a stud on the trolley.

The gantry allows you to wear a stud to move it from one equipment to another by lifting and translation. The hoist system is simple, inexpensive and efficient for carrying out the lifting and lowering operations of the stud. The movements are linear and offer great stability to the stud, without vibrations and jolts. Each of the working positions corresponds to stud handling or treatment equipment where the gantry is likely to stop during the various phases of the stud treatment process.

Also advantageously, the waiting support comprises hoops for holding a stud, arranged on the front face of the processing machine. It is a simple, reliable and inexpensive arrangement. The support frees the carriage to allow operations to be carried out in hidden time.

The invention also provides a method of treating studs for a treatment system as previously described, comprising the following steps, carried out in the form of a plurality of cycles, the number of cycles corresponding to the number of studs:

i) a step of conveying a stud to be treated by means of the carriage and loading into the treatment machine by the carrying module;

ii) a stage of treatment of the stud by the treatment machine;

iii) a step of placing the stud on standby outside the processing volume of the machine on the waiting support;

iv) a step of returning a stud treated to the storage crown by means of the carriage;

v) a step of routing a possible next stud to be treated to the treatment machine by means of the carriage;

- in which, with the exception of the first and last cycles, steps iv and v are implemented concomitantly in step ii.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the step of waiting for the stud on the waiting support is used to wait for a stud previously treated by the processing machine.

As a variant, the step of waiting for the stud on the waiting support is used to wait for a stud to be treated by the processing machine.

The implementation of the steps in which the studs are brought to the processing machine and then brought back to the storage ring simultaneously with the processing step or simultaneously with the processing step and also the step put on hold, allows a significant decrease in the processing time of all the studs of the crown, helping to reduce the time required to perform maintenance of the installations. The planned method makes it possible to operate the treatment machine substantially continuously.

Brief description of the drawings All the details of construction are given in the description which follows, supplemented by FIGS. 1 to 20, presented only for the purposes of nonlimiting examples, and in which:

Fig.l [fig. 1] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a stud transfer and processing system;

Fig.2 [fig.2] shows the system of Figure 1 with an enlarged view of the carriage and the crown;

Fig.3 [0035] [fig.3] illustrates a step for gripping a stud;

Fig.4 [fig.4] illustrates a step of reversing the carriage with a stud;

Fig.5 [fig.5] illustrates a step of rotating the turret;

Fig.6 illustrates a step in which a stud pivots in a horizontal position;

Fig.7 [0039] [fig.7] illustrates a step of approaching the carriage loaded with the processing machine;

Fig.8 [fig.8] illustrates a step of positioning the carrying module;

Fig.9 [0041] [fig.9] illustrates a step of loading a stud into the transfer machine;

Fig.10 [fig.10] illustrates a step in which another stud arrives near the processing machine;

Fig. 11 [fig. 11] illustrates a step of placing a treated stud on hold;

Fig.12 [0044] [fig. 12] illustrates a step in approaching the porting module to grasp the next stud to be treated;

Fig. 13 [0045] [fig. 13] illustrates a step of loading the new stud to be treated in the treatment machine;

Fig. 14 [0046] [fig. 14] illustrates a step of loading a stud treated on the carriage for its return to the storage crown;

Fig.15 [0047] [fig.15] shows an example of an embodiment of a stud processing machine;

Fig. 16 [0048] [fig. 16] shows the machine of Figure 15 with a pole for cleaning the interior of a stud;

Fig.17 [0049] [fig. 17] is a functional flow diagram of an example of a stud transfer and treatment process;

Fig. 18 [0050] [fig. 18] is a functional flowchart showing in detail the steps for routing a stud to the processing machine;

Fig. 19 [0051] [fig. 19] is a functional flowchart presenting in detail the steps enabling a treated stud to be brought back to the storage crown;

Fig.20 [0052] [fig.20] is a functional flowchart showing examples of steps in processing a stud in the processing machine.

Description of the embodiments Transfer and processing system: FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system 1 for transferring and processing studs 2 as a whole. The system has several pieces of equipment. A crown 3 serves as a vertical support for the studs 2, once they are unscrewed and removed from the cover of the tank. A carriage 4 makes it possible to route the studs 2 between the crown 3 and a processing machine 7, without effort for the operator. A carrying module 5 is provided for transferring the stud 2 from one equipment to another, using a lifting system. The treatment machine 7 is provided to ensure the complete treatment of the studs 2 in a horizontal position. Finally, a waiting support 6 is arranged on the front face 14 of the treatment machine 7 in order to receive a stud 2. As a variant, the waiting support is fixed on another zone of the treatment machine. Still alternatively, the waiting support is independent of the treatment machine, and comprises a frame carrying the hoops. The frame can be mounted on wheels.

CARRIAGE: In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 14, the carriage 4 comprises a turret 10 arranged on a base 11, itself mounted on wheels

12. The carriage 4 can easily be moved using the wheels 12. It can include a brake system designed to lock the wheels 12 during the manipulation of the stud 2. The turret 10 is equipped with a gripping arm 8 provided with pliers 9 or of clamping elements, or any other type of gripping means.

The clamps 9 (or other gripping means) allow to grasp a stud, in order to handle it without risk of falling or slipping thereof, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. In addition, the clamps are easy to use in small spaces where the gap between the studs is minimal, as for example on the crown 3. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the turret 10 is intended to pivot on itself, in order to allow position the clamps under the stud during the horizontal positioning phase. The gripping arm 8 is pivotally mounted on the turret 10 between a horizontal position for transport and loading / unloading in the processing machine and a vertical gripping / storage position in relation to the crown 3. This function facilitates the handling of the stud and allows to go from the vertical storage position on the crown 3 to the horizontal position suitable for loading / unloading a stud in a horizontal processing machine 7 without effort for the user. The horizontal position is used for transporting the stud and handling it, as illustrated in Figure 6.

To complete the treatment system, in particular at the level of handling the studs in relation to the treatment machine, a carrying module 5 is provided. This module comprises a rigid frame mounted on wheels or on rails and a lifting system (not shown) such as for example a hoist, one or more jacks, or the like, which can operate with electric or hydraulic energy, or by manual actuation. The frame is dimensioned so as to allow the module to move above and in front of the processing machine, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 14. The carrying module can move forward and backward to position itself above of the processing machine 7 and deposit the stud 2 in the working volume.

TREATMENT OF THE STUD: FIG. 17 is a functional flow diagram illustrating the main phases of the stud treatment process. The process begins with the routing of a first stud to be treated and its loading into the enclosure of the treatment machine (step 20). This phase is presented in more detail in relation to FIG. 18 and FIGS. 3 to 9. The stud being in the machine, the treatment can start (step 21). The treatment carried out is known per se, and consists of an intensive brushing making it possible to rid the stud of its numerous impurities. A lubrication phase is advantageously provided for at the end of the treatment, in order to facilitate the next maintenance phase of the tank with easier unscrewing of the studs. After treatment, the treated stud is removed from the machine using the carrying means 5, to be placed on a stand 6 (step 22), adjacent to the treatment machine, as illustrated in the figure 11. During the time when the stud to be treated is in the treatment machine, the carriage 4 is released and available to pick up another stud to be treated. As illustrated in FIG. 17, a phase 23 of routing the next stud to be treated is carried out in parallel with steps 21 and 22 of processing and placing the first stud on hold. The end of this phase is illustrated in FIG. 10. Steps 20 to 23 constitute the first cycle of the treatment process.

The second part of the functional diagram of FIG. 17 shows the following cycles, initiated by a step 24 of loading the next stud to be treated in the treatment machine, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. Steps 25 and 26 processing and waiting are similar to steps 21 and 22 of the first cycle. The cycles following the first cycle include a complementary step (step 27) in which the treated stud is turned over and put back in place in the crown, preferably in its original location. The beginning of this phase is illustrated in Figure 14. The details of a return phase (step 27) of a stud treated at its location on the crown are detailed in the functional diagram of Figure 19. Step 28 routing of another stud to be treated is similar to step 23 previously described in relation to FIG. 10. This step is eliminated during the last cycle, when there is no more additional stud to be treated.

As highlighted in Figure 17, steps 27 and 28 of returning a stud treated to the crown and routing the next stud to be treated to the machine, are performed in parallel, it is say concomitantly, or simultaneously with the steps of processing and putting the dowel left on the processing machine on hold. The phases carried out in parallel with the first cycle and the subsequent cycles make it possible to save considerable time, since the processing machine thus operates practically in continuous mode. The overall cycle time is therefore considerably shortened. This also makes it possible to reduce the duration of the maintenance cycles of the plant tanks. Given the criticality of these cycles, their reduced duration provides competitive advantages particularly sought after by operators, which aim to reduce production interruptions.

The standby 6 plays a key role in the present system. Indeed, it allows on the one hand to release the treatment machine 7 in order to allow a new stud 2 to be placed therein to be treated without delay, as soon as the carriage approaches with the new stud to be treated. Above all, it allows the carriage 4 to be able to carry out, during a single and same movement, the return of a cleaned stud to the crown 3 and the routing of the next stud to be cleaned. Without the waiting support, it is not possible to carry out the steps in parallel as illustrated in the diagram in FIG. 18.

Figure 18 is a functional flowchart showing an example of the progress of the detailed steps of phase 20 (routing and loading) of the diagram of Figure 17. Step 30 corresponds to the establishment of the carriage in the loading position , consisting of approaching the carriage 4 near the crown 3 in order to grasp a stud 2 to be treated.

In step 31, illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the clamping of the stud to be carried is carried out using pliers 9. In step 32, illustrated in Figure 5, the turret 10 rotates on itself to allow the next step 33 in which the gripping arm 8 pivots in a horizontal position. In step 34, illustrated in Figure 7, the carriage is moved and routed to the processing machine 34 so as to be in the immediate vicinity of the latter.

In step 35, illustrated in Figure 8, a carrying module 5, such as for example a motorized hoist, is positioned above the carriage 4. Finally, in step 36, illustrated in Figure 9 , the stud to be treated is transferred to the treatment machine, thus freeing the carriage 4, either for the delivery of a next stud to be treated (during the first cycle) or to bring a treated stud back to the crown and then deliver a possible additional stud for treatment. Steps 30 to 36 are repeated with each new routing of a stud 2 to be treated.

Figure 19 is a functional flowchart showing an example of the sequence of detailed steps of phase 27 (return of a stud treated to the crown) of the diagram of Figure 17. Step 40, illustrated in Figure 13 , corresponds to the movement of the carrying module above the dowel on standby on the stand. In step 41, illustrated in Figure 14, the standby stud is transferred to the carriage. Step 42 corresponds to the routing of the treated stud to its location on the crown. Before being installed (step 44), the stud is placed vertically (step 43).

TREATMENT MACHINE: Figures 15 and 16 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a machine 7 for treating studs 2.

The machine has a treatment volume 15 in which a horizontal stud is positioned for treatment. The processing volume 15 is completely secure and closed. A resealable cover frees access to the treatment volume from above. The machine is thus waterproof and protects from projections of grease, particles, or other elements foreign to the stud.

The panels are preferably transparent to allow good visibility of the operations in progress. The operator operates the processing machine 7 using a control that can be mounted on a desk. Several steps are carried out during the treatment by the treatment machine 7.

The processing machine 7 comprises a support 6 for the standby stud, arranged on the front face 14 of the machine. In the example illustrated, the support 6 comprises two or more hoops 13 whose profiles correspond substantially to the external profile of the studs to be held in place. As a variant, the support 6 is independent of the treatment machine, for example with hoops mounted on a fixed or mobile frame.

TREATMENT OF DOWELS: The treatment of studs is described in relation to FIG. 20. This functional flow chart summarizes the main operations carried out on the studs. The processing machine 7 can preferably process a stud and a nut at the same time. The stud 2 is placed horizontally on the motorized rollers in order to put it in rotation. The operator flanges the stud nut 2 on the sliding carriage. The nut is locked so that when pin 2 is rotated, the nut unscrews until it comes out of the threads. This action corresponds to step 50 of unscrewing the nut of FIG. 20. Once the operation is complete, the machine goes into brushing mode (step 51). The steps 52 of brushing the stud and of lubrication 53 of the stud are carried out at the same time as the step 54 of brushing the nut. Alternatively, brushing the nut can be done in series with the other steps rather than in parallel. When brushing the stud 2, the brushes are rotated in the opposite direction of the stud. The brushes come into contact with the stud through a jack. In the open position, the space freed by the brushes allows the stud to be handled. A special motorized brush is provided for cleaning the base of the stud, [...] allowing it to adapt to its conical shape. A nozzle system allows solvent to be applied to the two stud threads and to the thread of the nut. A vacuum system collects the dust and liquid effluents in a cyclonic pot. To finalize the treatment, a retractable system of felt pads is provided for finishing. The stud lubrication step 53 is carried out by a lubrication system comprising an adjustable grease pump, making it possible to control the quantity of grease deposited. The stud is rotated and the system is positioned against the stud threads to apply a preset amount of grease. A brush spreads the grease around the circumference of the stud. The order is made from the console. A button allows the operator to select the area to be greased: either the foot thread, the nut thread, or both. If necessary, a scraper can be put in place before the operation, to recover any surplus. Then, in step 55, the nut carriage is moved to the screwing position. Step 56 of screwing the nut allows the nut to be repositioned on the stud. A mechanical system facilitates the taking of the first thread by applying a force to the nut. Once in position, the operator closes the hood, the stud is rotated until the nut is tightened.

Alternatively, it is possible to clean the inside of the stud using a swab mounted on a suitable pole. A hatch on the side of the processing machine located in front of the hole allows the pole to be inserted and guided. A safety sensor is positioned on the hatch to protect access when the treatment machine is in operation.

List of reference signs

1. Stud transfer and processing system

2. Studs

3. Stud storage crown

4. Trolley

5. Carrying module

6. Stud support awaiting storage

7. Stud processing machine

8. Gripping arm

9. Stud clamp or clamping element

10. Turret

11. Base

12. Wheel

13. Roll bar

14. Front face of the processing machine

15. Processing volume

Claims (1)

claims [Claim 1] System (1) for transferring and treating studs (2) for tank cover, comprising: i) a stud transfer carriage (4) (2); ii) a carrying module (5); iii) a waiting support (6); iv) a processing machine. [Claim 2] System (1) for transferring and treating studs according to claim 1, in which the carriage (4) comprises a turret (10) carrying a gripping arm (8) pivotally mounted between a vertical loading and unloading position and a horizontal transport position on said turret (10). [Claim 3] System (1) for transferring and treating studs according to claim 2, in which the turret (10) is adapted to rotate on itself. [Claim 4] System (1) for transferring and treating studs according to one of claims 2 or 3, in which the gripping arm (8) comprises at least one clamp (9) designed to hold a stud (2). [Claim 5] System (1) for transferring and treating studs according to either of Claims 2 and 3, in which the gripping arm (8) comprises at least one clamping element designed to clamp a stud (2). [Claim 6] System (1) for transferring and treating studs according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in which the turret (10) is mounted on a base (11), itself arranged on wheels (12). [Claim 7] System (1) for transferring and treating studs according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the porting module (5) comprises a gantry provided with a lifting system. [Claim 8] System (1) for transferring and processing studs according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the carrying module (5) is arranged so that it can slide between a plurality of working positions. [Claim 9] System (1) for transferring and treating studs according to claim 7, in which the working positions are: i) loading and unloading a stud (2) on the processing machine (7); ii) loading and unloading a stud (2) on the stand (6); iii) loading and unloading a stud (2) on the carriage (4). [Claim 10] System (1) for transferring and treating studs according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support (6) for holding comprises hoops (13) for holding a stud (2), arranged on the face (14) front of the processing machine (7). [Claim 11] Method for treating studs for a treatment system according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the following steps, carried out in the form of a plurality of cycles, the number of cycles corresponding to the number of studs: i) a step (20) of routing a stud to be treated by means of the carriage and loading into the treatment machine by the carrying module; ii) a step (21) of treatment of the stud by the treatment machine; iii) a step (22) of placing the stud on standby outside the processing volume of the machine on the waiting support; iv) a return step (27) of a stud treated with the storage crown by means of the carriage; v) a step (23) of routing a possible next stud to be treated to the treatment machine by means of the carriage; - in which, with the exception of the first and last cycles, steps iv and v are implemented concomitantly in step ii. [Claim 12] Method for treating studs according to claim 11, in which the step for placing the stud on the waiting support is used for queuing a stud previously treated by the treatment machine. [Claim 13] A method of treating studs according to claim 11, wherein the step of queuing the stud on the waiting support serves for queuing a stud to be treated by the processing machine. 1/11