GB1448160A - Closure means for a rotatable pressure vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

1448160 Closure for pressure vessel P KUNZ 13 May 1974 [18 May 1973] 21131/74 Heading F2P Closure means for the opening of a rotatably mounted pressure vessel comprises an inwardly opening lid 2 connected by a piston-rod 8 to a piston 7 which is situated in a cylinder 6, which extends into the pressure vessel 1, and a locking pawl 3, pivotally mounted by a pin 4 on the cylinder 6. Attached to the lid 2 is a collar 5 with which the pawl 3 can engage thus locking the lid 2 in the open position. The pawl 3, has a weight attached to it so that the position of the centre of gravity of the pawl results in the pawl pivoting and engaging with the collar 5, when the pressure vessel is suitably rotated. To effect closure of the vessel, the cylinder 6, on the opposite side of the piston to the pistonrod 8 is pressurized thus moving the piston, piston-rod and lid in the closing direction, the lid bearing upon the rim defining the opening of the pressure vessel 1. In use the vessel is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction about an axis 9 with the lid closed. At the end of the operation, pressure in the vessel and behind the piston 7 is released so that when the vessel reaches the Fig. 1 position the lid 2 opens under the action of gravity. As the vessel continues to rotate the locking pawl pivots about the pin 4 due to the influence of gravity and engages with the collar 5. The locking pawl 3 remains engaged with the collar 5, at first due to the effect of gravity and then due to friction between the collar 5 and the hook of the locking pawl 3, which is intensified by the weight of the lid 2. As the vessel rotates into an upright position, the pawl pivots due to the influence of gravity and disengages with the collar 5, and the lid 2 remains in the open position due to the action of its own weight. A second locking pawl may be incorporated being symmetrically disposed to the locking pawl 3 about the axis of symmetry of the pressure vessel 1. This would ensure that the lid 2 is released by the locking pawls only when the axis of symmetry of the pressure vessel 1 is almost in the vertical position. In addition, an arresting device may be incorporated which arrests the locking pawl 3 either in the open position (Fig. 1) or in the engaged position (Fig. 2) (not shown) for a particular time interval.