GB2504654A

GB2504654A - Autoclave door assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2504654A
Application number: GB201210267A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gordon Green; Barry Richardson
Original assignee: GROUP RHODES Ltd
Current assignee: GROUP RHODES Ltd
Priority date: 2012-06-11
Filing date: 2012-06-11
Publication date: 2014-02-12
Also published as: GB201210267D0

Abstract

A support structure 4 for an autoclave closing member comprises: a closing member 10 receiving portion (38, figure 5); and a position adjustment means (48, figure 5), wherein the position adjustment means is configured to move the closing member receiving portion, such that the closing member when received is operable to substantially self align relative to an opening 8 in an autoclave. A method of use of the support structure is also disclosed, along with a support structure which comprises: a closing member receiving portion; a body, wherein the closing member receiving portion and body are rotatably attached such that the closing member when received is operable to rotates between a 1st closed position, wherein the closing member is engaging with an opening of the autoclave, and a 2nd open position wherein, the closing member is disengaged from the autoclave and an opening of the autoclave is substantially unrestricted by the closing member.

Description

A Door Assembly The invention relates to a door assembly. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a door assembly for an autoclave.

S

Autoclaves are high pressure vessels which are often used when processing materials which require exposure to elevated pressure and temperature. Typically, autoclaves are used in commercial and industrial processes, for example, in the processing of municipal and household waste, commonly using steam injection for sterilisation. In such processes, the autoclave rotates in use, to provide a mechanical churning of the material to aid mixing.

An important feature of an industrial autoclave is the door. The door is typically heavy but it must be configured to allow an operator to gain easy access to the autoclave, whilst also satisfying stringent safety requirements. In order to address this problem, many doors are hingedly attached to the autoclave body so that the autoclave itself bears the weight of the door. In so doing, an operator can more easily manoeuvre the door. Disadvantageously, in this configuration, access to the mouth of the autoclave is restricted because the door has limited movement about the hinge and thus causes an obstruction.

In order to address the aforementioned problem, it is known to provide an autoclave door which is separately attached to the autoclave body. In use, the door is supported on a scaffold which is moved towards the mouth of the autoclave. The door is then clamped onto the body of the autoclave and released from the scaffold.

Disadvantageously however, the operator must position the door to the opening of the mouth by judgement alone. Given the inherent weight of the door assembly, this is an arduous task, being accomplished by operator trial and error. Further disadvantageously, the finishing position of the autoclave when the process cycle is completed is often different to the starting position. In order to remove the door from the autoclave at the end of the cycle, the operator is tasked with trying to first locate the scaffold on the door. The correct alignment of the parts becomes extremely difficult, with the operator having to first turn the body of the autoclave in order to marry up the scaffold and door.

It is an object of the invention to provide a door assembly for an autoclave which aims to address one or more of the aforementioned problems.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a support structure for an autoclave closing member, the support structure comprising: a closing member receiving portion; a position adjustment means, wherein in the position adjustment means is configured to move the closing member receiving portion, such that the closing member when received is operable to substantially self align relative to an opening in an autoclave.

Preferably, the position adjustment means comprises a movable attachment between the closing member receiving portion and a body of the support structure. Preferably, the movable attachment is configured to enable rotational movement between the closing member receiving portion and body about at least one rotational axis.

Preferably, the movable attachment is configured to enable a closing member, when received, to move from a first unaligned position, to a second aligned position when the closing member receiving portion or closing member is pressed against an opening of an autoclave, wherein in the second aligned position the closing member is substantially aligned to the opening of the autoclave.

Preferably, the movable attachment comprises one or more actuators, which are configured to move the closing member receiving portion relative the body. More preferably, the actuators comprise a primary actuator which is arranged to provide movement of the closing member receiving portion in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of an autoclave. More preferably, the actuators comprise a plurality of secondary actuators, which are arranged to provide movement in a direction other than that of the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the secondary actuators are disposed about the primary actuator. Preferably, the actuators are configured to act co-operatively to provide translational and tilt movement of the closing member receiving portion relative the body.

Preferably, the support structure includes a clamping member, preferably comprising a C-shaped clamp. Preferably, the clamping member is arranged to be positioned circumferentially around the closing member when received. Preferably, the clamping member comprises a handle member. Preferably, the clamping member is operable to engage with the outer periphery of an opening of an autoclave and a closing member, preferably to seal the closing member to the opening.

Preferably, the support structure further includes a conduit. Preferably, the conduit is configured such that, in use, it may supply a fluid to an autoclave through a closing member when received. Preferably, conduit is operable to supply high pressure fluid, preferably steam.

Preferably, the closing member receiving portion is rotatably attached to the body such that the closing member when received is operable to rotate between a first closed position, wherein the closing member is operable to be engaged with a opening of an autoclave, and a second open position wherein, the closing member is disengaged from the autoclave and an opening of the autoclave is substantial unrestricted by the closing member.

Preferably, the support structure comprises an arm rotatably attached to the body, wherein the position adjustment means and closing member receiving portion are connected to the body via the arm. Preferably, the body comprises feet. Preferably the feet comprise a plurality of outwardly extending members.

Preferably, the closing member receiving portion comprises attaching means which is operable to removably attach to a closing member. Preferably, the attaching means comprise one or more actuators operable to actuate a catch member between and engaged position and disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the catch member is operable to engage a corresponding latch member of a closing member.

Preferably, the support structure includes a closing member for closing an opening of an autoclave.

Preferably, the closing member or closing member receiving portion comprises locating means, operable to engage with corresponding locating means on an autoclave. Preferable, the locating means comprise protrusions operable to engage corresponding slots on an autoclave.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an autoclave comprising a support structure according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of attaching a closing member to an opening of an autoclave, the method comprising steps of: attaching a closing member to a closing member receiving portion; moving a closing member receiving portion by a position adjustment means such that the closing member or closing member receiving portion is pressed against an opening region of the autoclave, wherein pressing of the closing member receiving portion or closing member against the opening region of the autoclave causes the position adjustment means to move the closing member receiving portion such that the closing member substantially self aligns relative to the opening of the autoclave.

Preferably, the method includes a step of attaching the closing member to the closing member receiving portion by attaching means.

Preferably, the method includes a step of rotating the closing member receiving portion between a first closed position, wherein the closing member is operable to be engaged with the opening, and a second open position wherein, the closing member is disengaged from the opening such that the opening is substantial unrestricted by the closing member.

Preferably, the method includes a step of securing the closing member to the autoclave by means of a clamping member.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a support structure for an autoclave closing member, the support structure comprising: a closing member receiving portion; a body, wherein the closing member receiving portion and body are rotatably attached such that the closing member when received is operable to rotate between a first closed portion, wherein the closing member is engaged with a opening of the autoclave, and a second open position wherein, the closing member is disengaged from the autoclave and an opening of the autoclave is substantial unrestricted by the closing member.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a door assembly according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a door assembly according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a door assembly according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a door assembly according to the present invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic side sectional view of a door assembly according to the present invention; Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective rear view of a portion of a door assembly according to the present invention; Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective rear side view of a portion of a door assembly according to the present invention; Figure 8 shows a schematic front view of a door assembly according to the present invention; Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective front view of a door assembly according to the present invention; and Figures ba and lOb show a first and second schematic side view of a portion of a door assembly in a first position and a second position respectively according to the present invention.

Figure 1 shows an autoclave assembly 2 for an industrial process, for example, for processing of household or municipal waste treatment. The autoclave assembly 2 comprises a support structure for a closing member, referred to herein as a door 10.

The autoclave assembly 2 includes a vessel 6 having a longitudinal axis 7, and an opening 8 which is dimensioned to receive the door 10 of the support structure 4. An exit opening [not shown] is provided at an opposite end to the opening 8 through which processed waste leaves the vessel 6. The opening & is dimensioned to receive the door 10. It will be appreciated by the reader, that in an alternative embodiment of the invention, material waste may enter and exit the vessel 6 via the opening 8 only.

Collars 12 are provided on an outer surface of the vessel 6. The collars 12 extend circumferentially around the vessel 6 and are dimensioned to engage with roller members 14, located on a rail 16, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. The roller members 14 are substantially circular in cross section and are operable to rotate about an axle 18.

The roller members 14 bear the weight of the vessel. In so doing, rotation of the roller members 14 helps to cause rotation of the vessel 6.

The support structure 4 comprises a body 20 for supporting the door 10. The body 20 comprises a head 22, an arm 24, and feet 25. The head 22 and arm 24 are rotatably attached to an upper portion 23 of the body 20, such that the head rotates about a longitudinal axis 27 of the body 20, as shown in Figure 1. This allows a user to rotate the door 10 towards or away from the opening & of the vessel 6. Hence between a first closed position, wherein the door 10 is operable to be engaged with the opining 8, and a second open position, where the door is disengaged from the opening 8.

Figures 1 and 2 show the door in the second open position, wherein it can be seen that the opening is substantially unrestricted by the door such that the autoclave is convenient to fill. The feet 25 are configured to outwardly extend from the body 20, in this embodiment they have a tripod like configuration.

The support structure 4 further includes a conduit 26. The conduit 26 supplies a fluid to the support structure 4 and/or vessel 6. In the arrangement shown for household or municipal waste processing, the fluid is a high pressurised fluid, for example steam.

As shown most clearly in Figure 5, the door 10 comprises an engaging portion 30 dimensioned to be received in the opening 8, and a clamping member 32, preferably a C-type clamp. The clamping member 32 is located circumferentially around the door 10 being attached thereto. The clamping member 32 comprises a handle member 36.

In use, the clamping member 32 is operable to engage with the outer periphery of the opening 8 to seal the engaging portion 30 to the opening 8. During rotation of the vessel 6, the clamping member 32 rotates simultaneously with the vessel 6.

It can be seen from Figure 5, that the engaging portion 30 curves outwardly to be received and to plug the opening 8 of the vessel 6. Said portion 30 further comprises apertures 43 through which fluid, preferably steam, passes therethrough to be injected into the autoclave. The apertures 43 are arranged to be in fluid communication with the conduit 26.

The support structure 4 further comprises a closing member receiving portion, referred herein as a door support 38, as shown most clearly in Figures 6-10. The door support 38 detaches from the engaging portion 30 of the door 10 prior to operational rotation of the vessel as will be described further below. The door support 38 is attached to the engaging portion 30 by attaching means 40. The attaching means 40 are operable to engage with and disengage from the engaging portion 30.

In this embodiment the attaching means comprise one or more actuators operable to actuate a catch member between and engaged position and disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the catch member is operable to engage a corresponding latch member of the door 10.

The door support 38 comprises a substantially circular plate 39 having the attaching means 40 for attaching to the engaging portion 30. The door support 38 is supported on the arm 24 by a ram 52, runners 58, and universal joint spider mechanism 54.

Three limbs 42 are provided being arranged equidistantly about the circumference of the door support 38. Each limb 42 comprises an actuator which has a spindle member or piston rod 44 which is housed in a sleeve or cylinder 46. The spindle member 44 is operable to move backwards and forwards within the sleeve 46. The ram 52, limbs 42 and universal joint spider mechanism comprise the position adjustment means.

Each limb 42 is connected to the door support 38 by a first fixing means 48. The first fixing means 48 is operable to allow each limb 42 to pivot or rotate about a pivot point.

The first fixing means 48 enables each limb 42 to move substantially 6° about the longitudinal axis 7 of the vessel 6 during alignment of the door to the autoclave on closing.

As shown most clearly in Figure 10, a second fixing means 50 are provided towards an end of the limb 42 adjacent the sleeve 46. The second fixing means 50 is operable to allow each limb 42 to rotate or pivot with respect to the arm 24. The limbs 42 may be hydraulic cylinders.

The ram 52 is connected to the arm 24 and the door support 38. The ram 52 comprises a cylindrical member which is fixedly attached to the door support 38 by the universal joint spider mechanism 54. An end 56 of the ram 52 is held on the arm 24 by runners 58 which are operable to allow the ram 52 to move in a forwards or backwards direction with respect to the arm 24 and parallel to the longitudinal axis 7 during operation.

The universal joint spider mechanism 54 comprises a two perpendicular hinges 57, which enable the door support 10 to rotate relative the body about two axes of rotation. Accordingly, movement of the limbs 42 and ram 52 enables the door support to move relative the body in translational and tilt directions.

The support structure further comprises locating pins 34 (figure 5). Here the locating pins are attached to the door support 38, however in an alternative embodiment they may be attached to the door 10. Three pins 34 are provided equidistantly spaced apart about the circumference of the door 10. Said pins 34 are arranged to be received by corresponding slots 35 (figure 2), which are positioned proximate a mouth region of the autoclave. In use, the locating pins 34 are inserted into the slots 35 to aid alignment of the door 10 with the opening 8 In use, the door 10 is attached to the door support 38 and a user moves the door support 38 to the first closed position by means of the rotatably mounted arm 24. In the first closed position the door 10 lies adjacent and substantially parallel to the opening 8 and substantially perpendicular to the axis 7. The limbs 42 and the ram 52, of the moving means move the door support 38 in a forwards direction towards the opening 8. This causes the door 10 to move forwards causing each spindle member 44 to extend from its respective sleeve 46 (cylinder). The limbs 42 and universal joint spider mechanism 54 are operable to move pivotally to allow the door support 38 to self align when pressed against the opening 8 of the vessel 6 The locating pins 34 locate in the corresponding slots 35 in the vessel 6. The clamping member 32 is then clamped around the perimeter of the opening 8 to create an airtight seal against the door 10 and the vessel 6. The door support 38 is then detached from the engaging portion 30. Pressurised fluid, particularly steam, is injected into the vessel 6 through the engaging portion 30. The vessel 6 is then caused to rotate about the roller members 14.

When the processing cycles is complete, the door support 38 is moved back to the first closed position such that it is again adjacent the opening 8. The attaching means locate and attach to the engaging portion 30 of the door in a secure and locked position. The engaging portion 30 is then unlocked by detaching clamping member 32 and removed from the opening 8 by moving the arm 24 to the second open position.

Advantageously, the support structure is remote from the autoclave prior to and during use and so provides for easy access to the opening of the autoclave during loading of material waste. After loading, the door support 38 is then brought into alignment with the opening. Provision of the rotatably supported arm on the body of the support structure, enables the door, to be readily moved into a desired position adjacent the mouth of the autoclave. In addition, the moving means, including the ram, limbs and universal joint spider mechanism arrangement, allows for self alignment of the engaging portion with the opening, removing operator error whilst allowing for quick assembly. Due to the provision of the limbs and universal joint spider mechanism on the door support 38, the engaging portion 30 can be adjusted with respect to the longitudinal axis of the autoclave.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. A support structure for an autoclave closing member, the support structure comprising: a closing member receiving portion; a position adjustment means, wherein the position adjustment means is configured to move the closing member receiving portion, such that the closing member when received is operable to substantially self align relative to an opening in an autoclave.
2. The support structure as claimed in claim 1, in which the position adjustment means comprises a movable attachment between the closing member receiving portion and a body of the support structure.
3. The support structure as claimed in claim 2, in which the movable attachment is configured to enable rotational movement between the closing member receiving Co portion and body about at least one rotational axis.
4. The support structure as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, in which the movable attachment is configured to enable a closing member, when received, to move from a r first unaligned position, to a second aligned position when the closing member receiving portion or closing member is pressed against an opening of an autoclave, wherein in the second aligned position the closing member is substantially aligned to the opening of the autoclave.
5. The support structure as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the movable attachment comprises one or more actuators, which are configured to move the closing member receiving portion relative the body.
6. The support structure as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, in which the actuators comprise a primary actuator which is arranged to provide movement of the closing member receiving portion in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of an autoclave.
7. The support structure as claimed in claim 6, in which the actuators comprise a plurality of secondary actuators, which are arranged to provide movement in a direction other than that of the longitudinal axis.
8. The support structure as claimed in claim 7, in which the secondary actuators are disposed about the primary actuator.
9. The support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the support structure includes a clamping member.
10. The support structure as claimed in claim 9, in which the clamping member is operable to engage with the outer periphery of an opening of an autoclave and a closing member, preferably to seal the closing member to the opening.
11. The support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, which further includes a conduit configured such that it is operable to supply a fluid to an autoclave through a Co closing member when received in the closing member receiving portion.
12. The support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the closing member receiving portion is rotatably attached to the body such that the closing member when received is operable to rotate between a first closed position, wherein the closing member is operable to be engaged with a opening of an autoclave, and a second open position wherein, the closing member is disengaged from the autoclave and an opening of the autoclave is substantial unrestricted by the closing member.
13. The support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the support structure comprises an arm rotatably attached to the body, wherein the position adjustment means and closing member receiving portion are connected to the body via the arm.
14. The support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the closing member receiving portion comprises attaching means which is operable to removably aftach to a closing member.
15. The support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the support structure includes a closing member for closing an opening of an autoclave.
16. The support structure as claimed in claim 15 in which the closing member or closing member receiving portion comprises locating means, operable to engage with corresponding locating means on an autoclave.
17. An autoclave comprises a support structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16.
18. A method of attaching a closing member to an opening of an autoclave, the method comprising steps of: attaching a closing member to a closing member receiving portion; moving a closing member receiving portion by a position adjustment means such that the closing member or closing member receiving portion is pressed against an opening region of the autoclave, wherein pressing of the closing member receiving portion or closing member against the opening region of the autoclave causes the position adjustment means to move the closing member receiving portion such that the closing member o substantially self aligns relative to the opening of the autoclave.
19. The method of claim 17, which includes a step of attaching the closing member r to the closing member receiving portion by attaching means.
20. The method of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the method includes a step of rotating the closing member receiving portion between a first closed position, wherein the closing member is operable to be engaged with the opening, and a second open position wherein, the closing member is disengaged from the opening such that the opening is substantial unrestricted by the closing member.
21. The method of any one of claims 17 to 20, which includes a step of securing the closing member to the autoclave by means of a clamping member.
22. A support structure for an autoclave closing member, the support structure comprising: a closing member receiving portion; a body, wherein the closing member receiving portion and body are rotatably attached such that the closing member when received is operable to rotate between a first closed portion, wherein the closing member is engaged with a opening of the autoclave, and a second open position wherein, the closing member is disengaged from the autoclave and an opening of the autoclave is substantial unrestricted by the closing member.
23. A support structure for an autoclave closing member substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
24. An autoclave substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. C') (0 r