GB2366342A

GB2366342A - Pipework fitting with split flange

Info

Publication number: GB2366342A
Application number: GB0119547A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Mansfield Stuart
Original assignee: Risbridger Ltd
Current assignee: Risbridger Ltd
Priority date: 2000-09-01
Filing date: 2001-08-10
Publication date: 2002-03-06
Anticipated expiration: 2021-08-10
Also published as: GB0119547D0; GB2366342B; GB0021504D0

Abstract

A method of connecting flanged fittings is described comprising providing on said first fitting split flange 4 having a core 12 formed with a threaded extension 14 for reception in a threaded fixing and an outer portion 16 formed with holes 5 for receiving bolts for attaching the split flange 4 to the second flanged fitting, the outer portion normally be rotatable on the core, said method including temporarily locking the outer portion on the core by inserting a locking component 17 which prevents the outer portion 16 rotating on the core 12, screwing the threaded extension 14 into the threaded fixing by engaging the outer portion 16 with a suitable tool and then removing the locking component to allow the outer portion to be rotated so that the bolt holes in the outer portion 16 can be aligned with bolt holes 5 in the second fitting.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> This invention relates to a system of connecting a threaded pipework fitting having a flanged face with another fitting, also having a flanged face.

Pipework fittings such as angle connectors, including angle valve bodies, e.g. angle check valve bodies, are commonly used in controlling flow of fuel from a fuel tank. Underground fuel tanks frequently have limited access through a confined man-way and this leads to difficulties in connecting flanged fittings in such locations. Frequently, a large number of adaptor fittings are required to connect, e.g. an angle check valve to a flanged fitting leading to e.g. a fuel dispensing pump.

Often when a threaded and flanged fitting is screwed into a threaded connection, difficulties are experienced in attaching the flanged portion to a corresponding flanged portion because the bolts or bolt holes do not line up.

An object of the invention is to provide a simpler method of making such connections which makes it easier to make and break the necessary connections. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of making a connection between first and second flanged fittings, at least one of which has a threaded fixing, said method comprising providing on said first fitting a split flange having a core formed with a threaded extension for reception in a threaded fixing and an outer portion formed with holes for receiving bolts for attaching the split flange to the second flanged fitting, the outer portion normally be rotatable on the core, said method including temporarily locking the outer portion on the core by inserting a locking component Which prevents the outer portion rotating on the core, screwing the threaded extension into the threaded fixing by engaging the outer portion with a suitable tool and then removing the locking component to allow the

outer portion to be- rotated so that the bolt holes in the outer portion can be aligned with bolt holes in the second fitting.

Conveniently, the locking component comprises a pin insertable between the core and the outer portion, e.g. in a hole formed in cooperating notches in the core and outer portion so that rotation of the outer portion causes the core to rotate.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a pipework fitting for making a screwed connection at one end and a face-to-face flange connection at the other, said fitting comprising a core having a screw-threaded portion at one end and at the other carrying a flanged outer portion which is normally rotatable on the core, the outer flanged portion having bolt holes, bolts or studs for attachment to another flanged fitting and a removable locking component adapted to engage the outer flange and core and to temporarily prevent relative rotation of the outer flanged portion and the core while the threaded core is being secured into a mating threaded connection.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure I shows a section through part of an underground fuel tank and an access man-way; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an angle check valve body fitted with a split flange pipework fitting in accordance with the invention; Figure 3 is a face elevation of the outer portion of the split flange fitting; Figure 3A is a section along the line A-A in Figure 3; Figure 4 is a face elevation of the core portion of the split flange fitting; and

Figure 4A is-a section along the line A-A in Figure 4.

Referring to the drawings, Figure I shows an angle valve body, e.g. for a check valve (1) fitted to the threaded end of a riser from an underground fuel tank (3). The angle valve body is attached by means (not shown in Figure 1) to a fitting having a flanged face (4) carrying bolt holes (5) for attachment to another flanged fitting (6). A typical flanged fitting is shown at (6) and is attached by a female thread to a pipe extending through one side of the concrete (7) defining a man-way (8) into which the pipes and fittings project. Fitting (6) has a flanged face (9) at one end for connection with flanged face (4) of the fitting attached to the angle valve body (1).

It will be appreciated from Figure I that there is little space within the man- way (8) for access for tools and workmen.

Figure 2 shows in perspective view the improved split flange fitting assembled to an angle valve body in accordance with the invention. It can be seen that the valve body (1) has a hexagon portion (10) to facilitate screwing of the valve body onto the threaded riser (2). Extending from the side of the valve body (1) is a flanged fitting 4). The flanged fitting (4) comprises a split flange and includes a core (12) which carries a threaded, tapered male fitting (13) for reception in a corresponding female threaded fitting (14) in the side arm (15) of the angle check valve (1). The split flange (4) also incorporates an outer portion (16) which is normally rotatable on the core (12). Outer portion (16) is formed with drilled holes (5) which, as seen in Figure 2, are aligned horizontally and vertically.

The outer portion (16) and the core (12) are locked together by a clevis pin (17) which extends into a hole formed partially in both the outer portion (16) and the

core (12) of the spjit flange. This arrangement is shown most clearly in Figure 3, from which it can be seen that a locking hole is formed by cooperating notches in the flanged portion and in the core. It will be appreciated that if a tool is applied to the flats (18) of the outer portion (16), the whole flange, including the core would be rotated and the male thread (13) screwed into the mating thread (14) in the side arin of the angle check valve (1).

Once the male thread (13) has been screwed tightly into the angle check valve (and it will be seen from Figure 4A that this is slightly tapered), the clevis pin (17) is withdrawn, whereupon the outer portion (16) can be rotated on the core until the holes (5) take up the desired orientation, normally horizontally and vertically aligned. Bolts can then be inserted through the holes (5) in order to bolt the split flange in face-to-face contact with the flange (9) of the fitting (6), usually with sealing gaskets or O-rings in between. Removal of the split flange (4) can be effected by the opposite sequence. Both of fittings I and 6 could be constructed as split flange fittings in accordance with the invention, although it will be appreciated that only one need have a rotatable outer flange in order to align the corresponding bolt holes in the flanges. It will be seen from Figures 3A and 4A that the outer flange portion has a rebate (21) which engages behind a ledge (22). When the bolts are inserted into holes (5) and through corresponding holes or fixings in the flange (9) of the fitting (6) the rebate (21) and ledge (22) cooperate to pull the flanges of the two fittings together. A gasket or other seal is provided between the flange portion (23) of the core portion and the corresponding portion of the flange (9) to provide a seal.

The connection between the split flange (4) of the fitting (1) and the fitting (6) can be provided with an intervening spacer. This may be ad-antageous since after the bolts passing through holes (5) are removed, the spacer can then be removed and there will be room to turn the fitting (1) away from the fitting (6) to facilitate disconnection from the angle check valve body from the riser. It will be appreciated that instead of bolts, the flanges of the two fittings could be held together with other clamping means such as studs.

Claims

CLAIMS:- 1. A method of making a connection between first and second flanged fittings, at least one of which has a threaded fixing, said method comprising providing on said first fitting a split flange having a core formed with a threaded extension for reception in a threaded fixing and an outer portion formed with holes for receiving bolts for attaching the split flange to the second flanged fitting, the outer portion normally be rotatable on the core, said method including temporarily locking the outer portion on the core by inserting a locking component which prevents the outer portion rotating on the core, screwing the threaded extension into the threaded fixing by engaging the outer portion with a suitable tool and then removing the locking component to allow the outer portion to be rotated so that the bolt holes in the outer portion can be aligned with bolt holes in the second fitting.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the outer portion of the first fitting is provided with flats for engagement with the tool.
3. A method according to claim I or 2, wherein the locking component comprises a pin which in its locking position engages with a hole formed by corresponding notches in the core and outer portion.
4. A pipework fitting for making a screwed connection at one end and a face-to-face flange connection at the other, said fitting comprising a core having a screw-threaded portion at one end and at the other carrying a flanged outer portion

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which is normally rotatable on the core, the outer flanged portion having bolt holes, bolts or studs for attachment to another fl,-nged fitting and a removable locking component adapted to engage the outer flange and core and to temporarily prevent relative rotation of the outer flanged portion and the core while the threaded core is being secured into a mating threaded connection.
5. A pipework fitting as claimed in claim 4, wherein the locking connection comprises a pin which is engageable in a hole formed by cooperating notches in the core and outer flanged portions.