GB2439550A

GB2439550A - Hose whip restraint

Info

Publication number: GB2439550A
Application number: GB0624747A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adrian Simon Brooks
Original assignee: METNOR GROUP PLC
Current assignee: METNOR GROUP PLC
Priority date: 2006-12-11
Filing date: 2006-12-11
Publication date: 2008-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-11
Also published as: GB0624747D0; GB2439550B; WO2008071932A8; WO2008071932A1

Abstract

A hose whip restraint 1 comprises a disc 2 fixed to one end region of a tether 3, whose other end region 4 is adapted to be shackled, in use, to an anchoring point; the disc 2 incorporating a hole 5 through which, in use, the hose 14 passes and through which the hose 14 can travel freely when the one is initially fitted over the other; and the restraint 1 being so configured that, in use, the hose 14 remains able to travel within the disc 2 to a limited extent if the hose flails but will subsequently jam in the hole 5 to restrain any further flailing of the hose 14. The other end region of the tether 3 may comprise a carabineer safety clip 4 to be attached to the anchoring point.

Description

A Hose Whip Restraint

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to hose whip restraints.

Review of Art Known to the Applicant Flexible hoses transport gas or liquid, within a pressure range of 0 to 26,000 PSI. When functioning at these pressures, there is a real possibility that the flexible hose can become separated, by detaching at the connector/coupling point. Flexible hoses may also become separated by a mechanical failure, in which the connector/coupling fitting swaged onto the flexible hose, becomes detached. In either case the flailing flexible hose may cause serious injury or death, and may also cause serious damage to any structure or equipment within the inunediate vicinity around the flailing hose. The separation of flexible hoses is contributable to the shortening of the overall length and the expansion of the overall diameter, whilst under pressure. This can lead to the hoses being pulled apart at high pressure.

The applicant is aware of two patent publications, which form the closest known prior art.

The two patent publications are US3859692 and US4549332. The concepts disclosed engage a loop halter with the hose structure, when the hoses become detached under pressure. But it has been found that the velocity of the hoses detaching under pressure is too great for the disclosed loops to function instantaneously. There is a time lag due to the spring mechanism activation, which tightens the adjustable loops about the hose structure, which results in the detached hoses not being restrained by the halter loops and flailing under pressure.

Outline of the Inventive Concept A safety device for use with separable conduits carrying a pressurised fluid, comprising a -halter which incorporates an aperture, in which said halter slides freely in both directions, said aperture consists of a diameter which is close around the outside diameter of said conduit, said halter incorporates an aperture for attaching length of flexible material; each end portion of said length of flexible material is folded back onto itself and permanently secured to form end loops, one said end loop is pennanently attached through said aperture for securing said length of flexible material to said plate halter and opposite said end loop is permanently attached through a detachable fastener, during separation of said conduits, the said aperture in which the said conduit is located is spaced from said aperture required for attaching said length of flexible material, causing said baiter to pivot and engage on the outside diameter of said conduit.

Summary of the Invention

In its broadest independent aspect, the invention provides a hose whip restraint comprising a disc fixed to one end region of a tether, whose other end region is adapted to be shackled, in use, to an anchoring point; the disc incorporating a hole through which, in use, the hose passes; and the hole being so sized as to cause the hose, in use, to jam in the hole if the hose flails.

This stops a flexible hose, which has become separated, from flailing about whilst under pressure. The disc incorporated within the restraint, sits upon the flexible hose, which has been passed through it via a hole. When the hose becomes detached and starts to flail, the anchored tether will tighten instantaneously. The tightening of the tether causes the disc topivot upon the flexible hose. The pivoting action causes the hole's outer edges to engage the outer diameter of the flexible hose structure. The engagement of the hole's outer edge acts as a brake by applying friction to the flexible hose's outer structure. The more severe the hose's flailing becomes, the hole's outer edges will engage hose's outer diameter structure with more pressure, increasing the friction for applying a brake, to stop the hose's flailing.

Another advantage of this configuration is that it engages and stops the flexible hose's flailing instantaneously and with the minimal movement of the disc along the flexible hose. The more sever the flailing, the faster the disc engages and brakes against the lo hose's outer diameter structure. The distance required for the disc to engage the outer diameter of the structure is also reduced.

Another advantage of this configuration is that it engages and brakes against the outer diameter of the flexible hose and will restrain the hose if it becomes detached from its fitting/coupling. It is not dependant upon catching a protruding surface of a fitting/coupling or collar.

In a subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, the hole is approximately circular.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enhances and maximises the engagement of the hole's outer edge with the flexible hose's outer diameter structure.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the disc is approximately circular.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it increases the strength and rigidity of the disc without any protruding edges or corners, which may become dangerous when the restraint is suppressing flailing hose.

Another advantage of this configuration is that it minimiscs the volume of the disc around the flexible hose, without compromising its performance.

In a further subsidiary aspect there is a second hose-accommodating hole.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it is capable of restraining an array of flexible hoses, without individually restraining each flexible hose. It will restrain any flexible hose, which becomes unattached, whilst restraining and supporting other hoses within the array. The configuration distributes the stress of the disc, whilst it is engaging the flexible hose, over all the flexible hoses within the restraining array as well the anchor point.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the hose whip restraint.

Figure 2 shows an alternative configuration utilising two hose whip restraints.

Figure 3 shows an alternative configuration of the hose whip restraint.

Figure 4 shows five derivatives of the disc halter.

Figure 4 shows alternative embodiments of the hose whip restraint

Detailed Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a hose whip restraint 1; this embodiment comprises a disc in the form of a metallic plate halter 2, a metallic flexible safety tether 3 and a shackle in the form of a carabineer safety clip 4.

The metallic plate halter 2 is of a circular disc configuration. The metallic plate halter 2 incorporates an array of three apertures 5, 6 and 7. The metallic plate halter 2 is substantially deep 8 to prevent the metallic plate halter 2 from buckling and/or distorting from pressure exerted whilst the hose whip restraint I in operation.

Apertures 6 and 7 incorporate identical diameters. The outside edges of apertures 6 and 7 (only one shown) incorporates a small bevel 10 and 70. Apertures 6 and 7 are located symmetrically around axis AA and substantially towards one side 11 of the metallic plate halter 2.

Aperture 12 is located centrally on axis AA and substantially towards one side of the halter 13. The diameter of aperture 12 is close around the outside diameter of the flexible hose's structure 14, on which the metallic plate halter 2 is installed. The diameter of aperture 12 will allow the metallic plate halter to travel freely along the flexible hose 14 when the one is initially fined over the other.

The flexible hose 14 incorporates a screw fit connector 16, which incorporates a metallic collar portion 15 that is swaged to the flexible hose 14.

The metallic flexible safety tether 3 comprises of an array of metallic filaments, which are woven into a rope configuration. The rope configuration enhances the flexibility of the metallic flexible safety tether 3.

Each end portion 18 and 19 of the metallic flexible safety tether 3, is folded back on itself to form a loop 20 and 21. Loop 20 is located through aperture 7, incorporated within the metallic plate halter 2. Copper collars 22 and 23 are incorporated in the forming of each loop 20 and 21, by permanently crimping each end portions 18 and 19 back onto themselves.

Loop 21 of the metallic flexible safety tether 3, is located through carabineer safety clip 4.

Loop 21 is permanently attached to the carabineer safety clip 4, via a permanently fixed diagonal, retaining bar 24. The carabineer's gate 25 incorporates a spring, which closes the gate 25 automatically after being open. The carabineer's gate 25 is attached via a hinge 26. The gate 25 closes the carabineer onto an anchor point, on which in use the hose whip restraint I is securely fastened. The gate 25 incorporates a hollow cylindrical section 27. The hollow cylindrical section 27 incorporates an internal spring, which parks the hollow cylindrical section 27 substantially towards the upper portion of the gate 25.

To open the carabineer safety clip 4, the hollow cylindrical section 27 is moved along the gate 25 in the direction indicated by arrow 28.

This configuration of hose whip restraint 1, prevents the flexible hose 14 from causing damage or injury if it becomes separated under pressure.

Figure 2 shows two hose whip restraints 1, both of which are identical to the embodiment in figure 1 which have been tethered together. Each hose whip restraint I comprises of a metallic plate halter 2, metallic flexible safety tether 3 and a carabineer safety clip 4, as described in figure 1.

This configuration of two hose whip restraints I will restrain two flexible hoses 14 and 31, which have been connected together via an in-line connecter piece 32.

This configuration of two hose whip restraints I prevents the flexible hoses 14 and 31 fmm causing damage or injury, if they become separated under pressure.

Figure 3 shows a hose whip restraint 1, identical to the embodiment in figure 1. This configuration of the hose whip restraint will restrain and support a flexible hose 14 against a piece of gantry or supporting beam 33. The metallic safety tether is located about a piece of gantry or supporting beam 33, and the carabineer safety clip 4 locates through aperture 6 incorporated within the metallic plate halter 2.

Figures 4 shows five circular plate halters 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37.

Figure 4a shows a circular plate halter 33 which is used for a thermo -plastic flexible hose that incorporates a quarter inch, inner bore diameter. Aperture 12 will accommodate a close fit about the thermo -plastic hose's outer diameter structure. The quarter inch inner bore, thermo -plastic flexible hose, has a maximum working pressure of 10,000 PSI. The circular plate halter incorporates two apertures 38 and 39. Aperture 38 is the attachment point for the flexible safety tether. Aperture 39 is a secondary attachment point, which is required when utilising the hose whip restraint in the alternative configurations shown in figures 2 and 3.

Figure 4b shows a circular plate halter 34 which is used for a rubber flexible hose that incorporates a quarter inch, inner bore diameter. Aperture 48 will accommodate a close fit about a rubber hose's outer diameter structure. The quarter inch inner bore, rubber hose, has a maximum working pressure of 6,000 PSI. The circular halter 34 incorporates two apertures 40 and 41. Aperture 40 is the attachment point for the flexible tether, aperture 41 is a secondaiy attachment point.

Figure 4c shows a circular plate halter 35 which is used for a rubber flexible hose that incorporates a half inch, inner bore diameter. Aperture 49 will accommodate a close fit about a rubber hose's outer diameter structure. The half inch inner bore, rubber hose, has a maximum working pressure of 6,000 PSI. The circular halter 35 incorporates two apertures 42 and 43. Aperture 42 is the attachment point for the flexible tether, aperture 43 is a secondary attachment point.

Figure 4d shows a circular plate halter 36 which is used for a rubber flexible hose that incorporates a three quarter inch, inner bore diameter. Aperture 50 Will accommodate a close fit about a rubber hose's outer diameter structure. The three quarter inch inner bore, rubber hose, has a maximum working pressure of 175 PSI. The circular halter incorporates two apertures 44 and 45. Aperture 44 is the attachment point for the flexible tether, aperture 45 is a secondary attachment point.

Figure 4e shows a circular plate halter 37 which is used for a rubber hose that incorporates a three quarter inch, inner bore diameter. Aperture 51 will accommodate a close fit about a rubber hose's outer diameter structure. The three quarter inch inner bore, rubber hose, has a maximum working pressure 5,000 PSI. The circular halter 37 incorporates two apertures 46 and 47. Aperture 46 is the attachment point for the flexible tether, aperture 47 is a secondary attachment point.

The circular halter may be increased in size to accommodate flexible hoses, that incorporate an inner bore diameter of up to 4 inches.

Figures 5 shows alternative embodiments of the hose whip restraint.

Figure 5a shows the hose whip restraint in the form of annular rings 52 and 53. Each Annular ring 52 and 53 incorporates an inner diameter of 54 and 55, which fits closely about each of the flexible hoses 56 and 57. The two flexible hoses are shown to be connected in line via connectors 58 and 59. Each annular ring 52 and 53 is attached to a vertical member 58 and 59, which is perpendicular to flexible hoses 56 and 57. Each vertical member 58 and 59 is attached to an annular ring 60 and 61. The two annular rings 60 and 61 are fixed together by a flexible safety tether 62. The flexible safety tether 62 is permanently connected 63 to another flexible safety tether 64 which is secured on a fixed anchor point 65.

Figure 5b shows the hose whip restraint in the form of annular rings 52 and 61, as shown in figure 5a, which are attached to a perpendicular member 58. The safety leash 62 is fixed to anchor point 65. This configuration is restraining flexible hose 57.

Figure Sc shows the hose whip restraint in the form of a plate halter 66. The plate halter 66 is shown to be restraining flexible hose 67 and is connected to a non-flexible safety supporting member 68, which is connected to the plate halter 66 via a hinge 69.

The hose whip restraint may comprise of an array of apertures passing through more than one flexible hose. This will enhance the restraint method to allow an array of flexible hoses to be secured to one anchor point.

The plate halter's engaging and braking functionality, may be enhanced by incorporating serrated or knurled or roughened surface finishes to the wall of the hole through which the hose passes. The top and/or bottom edge, only, of the hole wall may be so treated.

Non-public experiments have suggested that an advantageous range of sizes for the hose-accommodating hole is from approximately 1.5 to 2.5 the nominal ("quarter-inch" etc) hose size; especially 1.75 to 2.25 the nominal hose size; and most advantageously 1.85 to 2.0 times the nominal hose size.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A hose whip restraint comprising a disc fixed to one end region of a tether, whose other end region is adapted to be shackled, in use, to an anchoring point; the disc incorporating a hole through which, in use, the hose passes; and the hole being so sized as to cause the hose, in use, to jam in the hote if the hose flails.

2. A hose whip restraint according to Claim 1 and in which the hole is approximately circular.

3. A hose whip restraint according to Claim 1 or CLaim 2 in which the disc is approximately circular.

4. A hose whip restraint according to any preceding cLaim and in which there is a second hose-accommodating hoLe.

5. A hose whip restraint substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and drawings.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS

CLAIMS

1. A hose whip restraint comprising a disc fixed to one end region of a tether, whose other end region is adapted to be shackled, in use, to an anchoring point; the disc S incorporating a hole through which, in use, the hose passes and through which the hose can travel freely when the one is initially fitted over the other; and the restraint being so configured that, in use, the hose remains able to travel within the disc to a limited extent if the hose flails but will subsequently jam in the hole to restrain any further flailing of the hose.

2. A hose whip restraint according to Claim 1 and in which the hose-accommodating hole is approximately 1.5 to
2.5 times the nominal hose diameter.

3. A hose whip restraint according to Claim 2 in which the hose-accommodating hole is 1.75 to 2.25 times the nominal hose diameter.

4. A hose whip restraint according to claim 3 and in which the hose accommodating hole is approximately 1.85 to 2.0 times the nominal hose diameter.

5. A hose whip restraint according to any preceding claim and in which there is a second hose-accommodating hole.

6. A hose whip restraint substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and drawings.

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