GB1416707A - Pressure vessels - Google Patents

Abstract

1416707 Pressure vessel lid; safety device C N HILLIER 15 Nov 1973 [15 Aug 1972] 38068/72 Heading F2P An apparatus comprises a pressure vessel; a lid for the pressure vessel, clamping means such as a plurality of swing bolts or G-clamps for engaging and securing the lid in its closed position on the vessel, pressure release means communicating with the vessel and means for preventing unclamping of the clamping means until the pressure release means has been actuated. The means for preventing unclamping includes a safety cover movable to a covering position in which it prevents access to the clamping means and movable after the pressure release means has been activated, to a position in which the clamping means are uncovered. In one embodiment a lid (13), Fig. 1 (not shown) is secured to the pressure vessel 10 by swing bolts (15) engaging slots in the lid, which bolts are prevented from being undone by a safety cover 20 pivoted to the pressure vessel flange by hinges 21, (22) After the lid (13) and cover 20 have been secured in position the handle 29 is raised to a vertical position so that the quadrant 26 engages in a block 34 associated with the cover 20 so as to prevent it being released. In this position of the handle a pressure release valve 19 connected to the interior of the vessel is closed via linkage 33 and microswitch 32 released so that, through suitable circuitry, valve means is operated to supply steam to the vessel. When it is desired to open the vessel the handle 29 is lowered to the horizontal position shown, thus opening valve 19 by means of linkage 33 to release pressure within the vessel to atmosphere and also operate switch 32 to shut off the supply of steam to the vessel The quadrant 26 is also moved out of engagement with the cover 20 so that the latter can be removed and the lid securing bolts released.