GB2535748A

GB2535748A - Method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2535748A
Application number: GB1503194.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Robert
Original assignee: Equalizer International Ltd
Current assignee: Equalizer International Ltd
Priority date: 2015-02-26
Filing date: 2015-02-26
Publication date: 2016-08-31
Also published as: WO2016135490A1; GB201503194D0

Abstract

A tool for aligning flanged conduit connections comprises first 52a, 52b and second 42 engagement devices for engaging first 72f and second 72s flanges respectively. A driving device 40 induces relative movement of the engagement devices to align the flanges. The first engagement device 52a, 52b is changeable between a first configuration, engaging a single orifice 73 of the flange 72f, and a second configuration where the device can separate into at least two parts for engagement with at least two flange orifices, providing a wider range of flange engagement combinations. The first engagement device can comprise two arms 55a, 55b connected to the body 10 via hinge 51, and disposed on opposite sides of the centralised body 10, with mirror symmetry. The arms can comprise a pin, formed as part-cylindrical portions, at the opposite end of the arm from the hinge, the pin engaging with an orifice 73 of a flange.

Description

Title: METHOD AND APPARATUS The present invention relates to an alignment tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Alignment tools are used to align conduits such as pipes with flanged connections having orifices, for example boltholes, to receive fixings such as bolts that are used to couple the flanges together. In order to couple the flanges, the orifices must be precisely aligned, and misalignment of even the order of a few millimetres can prevent insertion of the fixings, and fine alignment, rotationally or linearly, is required.

Examples of alignment tools that are useful for understanding the present invention can be found in our previous publications: US Patent Nos. US 6,513,216 and US 5,832,582, which are incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an alignment tool for aligning the flanged ends of two conduits, comprising a first engagement device configured to engage a flange of a first conduit, and a second engagement device for engaging a flange of a second conduit, and a driving device to induce relative movement of one of the engagement devices relative to the other in order to align the first and second flanges, wherein the first engagement device is selectively actuable to change configuration between a first configuration adapted to engage a single orifice in the flange, and a second configuration adapted to engage at least two separate orifices.

The alignment tool additionally comprises an adjustable drop leg for stabilising the tool against the first conduit during operation.

Optionally the driving device may be mechanically actuated. Optionally the driving device may be hydraulically actuated.

Optionally the first engagement device comprises two arms. Optionally each arm comprises a plate, optionally with a pin at one end of the plate that optionally engages with the orifice, and optionally the arms are disposed on opposite sides of a body of the alignment tool. Optionally the arms are spaced apart to form a cavity between them that is adapted to encompass at least a portion of the body of the tool, for example, when the tool is in the first configuration.

Optionally the arms are connected to the alignment tool by at least one hinge, optionally at or near the opposing ends of the arms to the pins. Optionally the two plates of the arms are connected to the at least one hinge such that they move in an arc having a common plane that is optionally perpendicular relative to an axis of the body of the alignment tool. The hinge axis is optionally parallel to the axis of the body of the tool.

Optionally each arm comprises a plurality of plates extending between the at least one hinge and the pin. Optionally the plates are perpendicular relative to an axis of the body of the alignment tool. Optionally the plates comprising the plurality are different. Optionally the plates at opposite axial ends of each arm (with respect to the axis of the hinge) may have different profiles, and may have a different construction and/or be made from different materials having different load-bearing characteristics. Optionally the plates at the end of the arm near to the flange and the first engagement device are more resistant to tension, for example they can have a relatively thin profile. Optionally the plates at the other end of the arm spaced further from the flange are more resistant to compression, for example they can have a relatively thick profile. Differences in the profiles, constructions and/or materials of the plates in the arms along the axis of the hinge can provide advantages in dealing with differences in loading at different parts of the arm when the tool is operational.

Optionally the plurality of plates in each arm are parallel to one another. Optionally the plates are connected to the hinge in a staggered arrangement such that plates on one side of the hinge interleave with plates on the other side of the hinge. Optionally the plates on opposite sides of the hinge engage a common pivot axis on the hinge. Optionally the arms have mirror symmetry around a central axis of the tool, optionally around the hinge.

Optionally the pins of the first engagement device are formed as multi-part-cylindrical portions. Optionally the part-cylindrical portions have mirror symmetry. Optionally the part-cylindrical portions fit together to create a single cylindrical or similar shaped pin for engagement in a single hole in the flange of the first conduit when in their first configuration. Optionally the part-cylindrical portions of the pins have at least one arcuate outer surface, typically with a radius matching the inner radius of the orifices in the flanges. Optionally the part-cylindrical portions of the pins are held in a recess formed in the plate or plates forming each arm. Optionally the part-cylindrical portions of the pins are held in a throughbore formed in the plate or plates forming each arm.

Optionally at least some of the plurality of plates forming each arm individually extend beyond the inner faces of the part-cylindrical portions of the pins. Optionally at least some of the plurality of plates in one arm interleave with at least some of the plates in the other arm, optionally at the opposite end of the arms to the hinge, optionally allowing the inner faces of the part-cylindrical portions of the pins to meet in order to engage a single orifice of a flange. Optionally the interleaved portions of the plates on the two arms form a stack in parallel with the axis of the body, and optionally the interleaved portions of at least some of the plates on one arm have axially oriented faces that are contiguous with the axially oriented faces of the plates on the other arm.

Optionally the arms pivot around the at least one hinge such that the pins on the arms are separated for engagement of the flange at two separate boltholes simultaneously, when in their second configuration.

Optionally the apparatus includes a gear mechanism optionally located at the hinge which is adapted to transfer torque between the arms. Optionally the gear mechanism provides a control mechanism to control (i.e. to synchronise) movement of the arms relative to one another. Optionally the gear mechanism forces movement of the arms in synchrony with one another about the hinge. Hence, movement of one of the arms optionally urges movement of the other arm through the gear mechanism, optionally in the opposite direction, so that the arms are constrained to move together in opposite rotational directions about their respective hinges.

Typically the pins on each arm are equidistant from their respective hinges. This optionally helps in centralising the body of the tool between the arms. Optionally the gear mechanism constrains the orientation of the body of the tool with respect to the arms, so that the second engagement device on the body is constrained to bisect the angle between the arms at different angles between the arms as the arms pivot around the hinge.

The various aspects of the present invention can be practiced alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant arts. The various aspects of the invention can optionally be provided in combination with one or more of the optional features of the other aspects of the invention. Also, optional features described in relation to one example can typically be combined alone or together with other features in different examples of the invention.

Various examples and aspects of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the entire description thereof, including the figures, which illustrates a number of exemplary constructions and aspects and implementations. The invention is also capable of other and different examples and aspects, and its several details can be modified in various respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

In this disclosure, whenever a composition, an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting essentially of", "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting or, "including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.

All numerical values in this disclosure are understood as being modified by "about".

All singular forms of elements, or any other components described herein are understood to include plural forms thereof and vice versa. References to directional and positional descriptions such as upper and lower and directions e.g. "up", "down" "front", "rear', "upper'', "lower" etc. and related terms are to be interpreted by a skilled reader in the context of the examples described and are not to be interpreted as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term, but instead should be as understood by the skilled addressee.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a perspective view from one side of a first example of a tool in the first configuration, for engagement of a flange in a single orifice; Figure 2 is a perspective view from the other side of the tool of figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of the tool of figure 1; Figure 4 is a front view of the tool of figure 1; Figure 5 is a side view of the tool of figure 1; Figure 6 is a rear view of the tool of figure 1; Figure 7 is a view of the tool of figure 1 from beneath; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the tool of figure 1 in the second configuration, engaging two orifices in a first flange; Figure 9 shows a perspective view from one side of a second example of a tool in the first configuration, for engagement of a flange in a single orifice; Figure 10 is a perspective view from the other side of the figure 9 tool; Figure 11 is a plan view of the figure 9 tool; Figure 12 is a front view of the figure 9 tool; Figure 13 is a side view of the figure 9 tool; Figure 14 is a rear view of the figure 9 tool; Figure 15 is a view of the figure 9 tool from beneath; Figure 16 shows a perspective view from one side of the figure 9 tool in the second configuration; Figure 17 is a perspective view from the other side of the figure 9 tool; Figure 18 is a plan view of the figure 9 tool; Figure 19 is a front view of the figure 9 tool; Figure 20 is a side view of the figure 9 tool; Figure 21 is a rear view of the figure 9 tool; Figure 22 is a view of the figure 9 tool from beneath; Figure 23 shows the figure 9 tool in the first configuration, with an enlarged view of a gear mechanism; Figure 24 shows the figure 9 tool in one example of the second configuration, with an enlarged view of the gear mechanism; Figure 25 shows the figure 9 tool in another example of the second configuration, with an enlarged view of the gear mechanism; Figure 26 shows a perspective view of the figure 9 tool in the first configuration engaging a single orifice in a large flange; Figure 27 shows an enlarged perspective view of the figure 9 tool engaged in the first configuration; Figure 28 shows a front view of the figure 9 tool engaged in the first configuration; Figure 29 shows an enlarged front view of the figure 9 tool engaged in the first configuration; Figure 30 shows a perspective view of the figure 9 tool in the second configuration engaging two orifices in a large flange; Figure 31 shows an enlarged perspective view of the figure 9 tool engaged in the second configuration; Figure 32 shows a front view of the figure 9 tool engaged in the second configuration; Figure 33 shows an enlarged front view of the figure 9 tool engaged in the second configuration; Figure 34 shows a perspective view of the figure 9 tool in the first configuration engaging an orifice of a small flange; Figure 35 shows a front view of the same; Figure 36 shows a perspective view of the figure 9 tool in the second configuration engaging two orifices of a small flange; Figure 37 shows a front view of the same; Figure 38 shows a perspective view of a third example of the tool in the first configuration, with differing profiles of plates forming the arms; Figure 39 shows a plan view of the figure 38 tool; Figure 40 shows a perspective view of a fourth example of the tool with a single hinge; and Figure 41 shows a plan view of the figure 40 tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to figures 1-8, a first example of a flange alignment tool 1 for aligning the flanged ends of two conduits is secured to a first conduit, and comprises a body 10 having a long axis x-x. At one end (the rear in this example) of the body 10 there is a drop leg 20, optionally having a knob 21 for adjusting the length of stem 22. In use, the axis x-x of the body 10 is aligned with the axis of the first conduit such that the foot 23 is braced against the first conduit when the tool 1 is in an engaged configuration with the first flange 72f. At the other end (the front in this example) of the body 10 there is a driving device 40, comprising a driver 41, which urges a second engagement device in the form of a base 42 at the end of the driver for engaging a flange of a second conduit relative to the body 10. The base 42 is urged in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the body 10, and substantially radial with respect to the flange and the conduits. The driving device 40 is constrained in a driver housing 35 in the form of a cylindrical collar at the front end of the tool, with an axis of the collar being perpendicular to the axis of the body 10, substantially parallel to the stem 22, and substantially radial with respect to the flange and the conduits so that the base 42 moves substantially perpendicularly with respect to the axis of the body 10 and substantially radially with respect to the flange and the conduits in response to the activation of the driver 41.

The driving device drives relative movement of the first and second flanges, as will be described below. The driver 41 is hydraulically powered in this example, and can optionally comprise a hydraulic piston in a cylinder that is aligned with the axis of the collar of the driver housing 35, perpendicular to the axis x-x of the body 10. In other examples of the tool the driver may be mechanical, for example having a threaded mechanism. The driver 41 has a port for receiving a hydraulic line at its upper end spaced apart from the base 42 for engaging the second flange 72s. The base 42 may include a pivot or swivel for engaging the flange 72s, but this is not required for all examples of the invention.

Passing through the body 10 from the rear to the front and parallel to the axis x-x there is optionally an extendable slide 30, which can slide axially through the body 10, and is optionally lockable in a fixed axial position in use by a locking bolt or pin (not shown in this example). Loosening of the locking bolt or pin permits movement of the slide 30 within the body 10, constrained in a direction parallel to the axis x-x-by bearings 32 (housed within the body 10) and 34 (housed in a bearing housing 33 adjacent to the driving device 40 on the upper surface of the body). The driver housing 35 is fixed to the slide 30, and the axial position of the slide 30 can therefore be slidably adjusted such that the driver housing 35 on the end of the slide 30 and the base 42 extends or retracts in a direction that is parallel to the axis x-x to position the driving device 40 and the base 42 over the second flange 72s before locking of the slide and use of the apparatus.

The body 10 has an arm assembly 50, comprising two arms 55a,55b disposed on opposite sides of the body 10, and forming a cavity between the inner surfaces of the arms, which at least partly encompasses a portion of the body 10. Optionally the arms 55a,55b have mirror symmetry around the axis x-x of the body 10. In this example the arms 55a,55b each comprise a single plate, pivotable around at least one hinge 51, located optionally at the upper surface of the body 10. In this example the hinge 51 comprises two separate side-by-side pivot axes extending parallel to the axis x-x of the body 10 at the upper surface of the body 10, and each arm 55a,55b is constrained to move in an arc around its respective pivot pin in a plane perpendicular to the axis x-x of the body 10. Locating the hinge 51 above the body 10 is beneficial as the slide 30 acts as a beam supporting the hinge 51, and improving load-bearing characteristics. The arms 55a,55b mounted on the hinge that is located above the body 10 can thus be relatively long, which is also an advantage, leading to better load-bearing characteristics as the separation angle between the arms 55a,55b in the second configuration is relatively shallow.

The tool engages the first flange by a first engagement device which in this example takes the form of first and second pins 52a, 52b provided at the opposite ends of the arms 55a,55b to the hinge 51, and optionally spaced apart from the hinge 51 by the same distance on each side of the body 10. In this example, the hinge 51 is optionally located at the upper surface of the body 10, and pins 52a, 52b are optionally located at the lower surface, with the body 10 of the tool 1 disposed between the hinge 51 and the pins 52a, 52b. The reader will appreciate that the various descriptions of above, below, front, rear and sides etc. in this disclosure are mentioned in the context of the orientation of the examples described in the figures, but these features are not intended to be limiting and can be modified in other examples of the invention.

The arms 55a,55b optionally each have a flat plateau section, with the hinge 51 at the upper end of the plateau section and with an inwardly converging section leading to the pins 52a,52b at the lower end. The converging sections of the arms 55a,55b are inwardly canted towards the body of the tool 1 and towards one another, so that the pins 52a,52b on the distal ends of the converging sections furthest from the hinge 51 can approach and engage one another at the lower surface of the body 10, and at that point the flat plateau sections, are spaced apart (typically parallel to one another) on either side of the body 10, conveniently without touching the body. The arms 55a,55b therefore encompass the body 10 within the cavity formed between the inner surfaces of the arms. The distance between the hinge 51 and each of the pins 52a,52b on the ends of the converging sections is the same in each arm 55a,55b hence the pins 52a,52b can move together to engage one another beneath the body 1 of the tool.

The pins 52a,52b are optionally semi-cylindrical in cross section. The pins 52a,52b are optionally welded to the plates. The arms 55a,55b are selectively actuable to move around the hinge 51 to change configuration between a first configuration in which the pins 52a,52b are contiguous, forming a single engagement device which is adapted to engage a single orifice in the flange, and a second configuration in which the plates 55a,55b swing apart around the axes to move the pins 52a,52b apart to engage at least two separate spaced apart orifices on the flange 72f. Optionally the pins 52a,52b have a radius on their outer surfaces matching (or at least less than) the inner radius of the orifices 73 in the flange 72f.

When the pins 52a,52b come together in the first configuration of this example, the central plateau sections of the arms 55a,55b are mutually parallel and are disposed on opposite sides of the body 10, and the semi-cylindrical pins 52a,52b come together beneath the body 10 to form a single pin 52 having a generally cylindrical profile for engagement with a single orifice 73 of the first flange 72f. In the second configuration of this example, the plates 55a,55b rotate around the hinge 51 such that the pins 52a,52b separate, and can engage separate orifices 73 of the first flange 72f. The orifices 73 engaged by the pins 52a,52b can be at a variety of circumferential distances around the flange. The pins 52a,52b are inserted into at least one orifice 73 of the first flange 72f, at the maximum point of lateral misalignment of the flange. If the flanges are rotationally misaligned, such that the flanges are in lateral alignment but the orifices are misaligned, the pins 52a,52b are inserted into the most accessible orifice/orifices 73. The base 42 engages the flange 72s at a site radially adjacent to the engaged orifice 73, in line with the x-x axis of the body 10.

Figure 8 shows the tool in the second configuration engaging separate orifices. The arms 55a,55b are pivoted around the hinge 51 such that the pins 52a,52b are separated into two semi-cylindrical portions. This allows the tool 1 to engage two circumferentially spaced orifices, optionally adjacent, optionally separated by some distance with other orifices disposed circumferentially between the orifices to be engaged. The pins 52a,52b are inserted into the two orifices at the locus of maximum misalignment between the two flanges 72f and 72s. The axis x-x of the body 10 and therefore the base 42 lines up at the midpoint between the pins 52a, 52b, and is radially oriented with respect to the second flange 72s.

Optionally the tool is supported such that the body 10 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first conduit 71f and the drop leg 20 is adjusted using the knob 21 to extend the stem 22 until the foot 23 engages the first conduit 71f. The slide 30 is then optionally extended by loosening the retainer mechanism and moving the slide 30 out of the body 10, constrained by the bearings 32,34 above and below the slide 30 to be parallel to the body axis x-x. Once the base 42 is positioned above the outer circumferential surface of the second flange 72s, the driving device 40 is optionally adjusted to move it towards the flange 72s, for example by rotating it through a threaded part of the drive housing 35, until the base 42 engages with the second flange 72s at the position of maximum misalignment, in this example at the top of the flange 72s, but the tool 1 can be applied at any circumferential position such that the base 42 on the body 10 bisects the angle between the arms 55a,55b at different angles between the arms 55a,55b. Optionally the base 42 is engaged with the flange at the mid-point between the faces of the flange, which may be aligned with a bolt hole, in the example shown in Fig 8, or may be between adjacent bolt holes.

The drop leg foot 23 optionally incorporates a hook for fixing a strap (not shown in this example). The strap is optionally hooked through the foot 23 and passed circumferentially around the first conduit 71f. A ratchet mechanism (not shown in this example) is optionally hooked onto the opposite side of the foot 23 and the strap fed through the ratchet mechanism, such that the strap can be tightened around the conduit 71f to hold the tool 1 in place on the conduit.

For operation of the tool 1, a hydraulic line is optionally connected to the port in the driver 41 and a pump (not shown) used to supply power, in the form of pressurised hydraulic fluid in this example, to the driving device 40. The increase in hydraulic pressure in the driver urges the base 42 against the conduit 71s and drives the second flange 72s into alignment with the first flange 72f in a direction that is generally radial with respect to the flanges. The body 10 is typically held in a configuration that is radial with respect to the flanges, and so the movement of the base 42 and thus the flange is also generally radial. Once the conduits are aligned, and the boltholes in the flanges are also in sufficient alignment, the operator can pass a bolt or other fixing through the aligned boltholes in the flanges to make up the joint. This operation can be repeated, moving the tool circumferentially around the conduits to engage in different orifices, until the flanges are fully aligned. Once the flanges are aligned, the tool 1 remains in position while the flanges are coupled together, for example by inserting and tightening bolts through boltholes, before being removed for the final bolt to be fitted.

Referring now to figures 9-32, a second example of the tool 101 comprises a body 110, drop leg 120, slide 130 and driver 140, essentially as described in the corresponding features in the first example above, and therefore these are not described in detail in the second example, but the reader is referred to the above

descriptions for details of these features.

The body 110 has an arm assembly 150, comprising two arms disposed on opposite sides of the body 110. Optionally the arms have mirror symmetry around the axis x-x of the body 110. In this example the arms each comprise a plurality of plates optionally assembled in parallel to each other and extending between the hinge pivot 151 and the pins 152a,152b to form the arms 155a,155b. Optionally the plates are formed in arcs around the central axis of the body 110, partially encompassing the body 110 within a cavity formed by the inner surfaces of the arcuate arms 155a,155b, with the hinge 151 on the opposite side of the cavity to the pins 152a,152b. The inner surfaces of the arcuate arms are optionally spaced from the body 110, so that they do not engage it.

Optionally the plates forming the arms 155a, 155b are perpendicular to the x-x axis of the body 110. The arms 155a,155b are pivotable around at least one hinge 151.

Optionally the plurality of plates are connected to the hinge 151 in a staggered arrangement, with plates on one side of the hinge 151 optionally offset along the axis x-x with respect to plates on the other side of the hinge 151. In this example the hinge 151 comprises two separate pivot axes extending parallel to the axis x-x of the body 110, and each arm 155a,155b is constrained to move in an arc around its respective pivot pin in a plane perpendicular to the axis x-x of the body 110.

Optionally the plates are arranged in a staggered arrangement that allows the set of plates forming one arm 155a to interleave with the spaces between the set of plates forming the opposite arm 155b. Optionally the interleaving occurs at the hinge when the tool 101 is in the second configuration. Optionally one or more of the plates forming each arm 155a,155b extends beyond the inner face of each semi-cylindrical pin 152a,152b. Optionally the extended portions of the plates forming one arm 155a interleave with the spaces between the extended portions of the plates forming the other arm 155b such that the inner faces of the pins 152a,152b meet when the tool 101 is in the first configuration. The interleaved portions of the plates on the distal ends of the two arms 155a,155b adjacent to the pins 152a,152b form a stack with an axis that is parallel with the axis of the body, and the front and rear axially oriented faces on the interleaved portions of at least some of the plates on one arm 155a are contiguous with the axially oriented front and rear faces of the plates on the other arm 155b.

Interleaving of the plates at the pins in this way can form a more stable arrangement, with the plates on one arm 155a bearing against the front and back surfaces of the other arm 155b to form the axial stack parallel to the axis of the body. This arrangement creates a more stable, unified structure that increases in stability and support as forces on the tool 101 increases in use, compressing the plates together, and providing more resistance to deformation of the arms when the tool is subjected to load in use.

Optionally the plates are of different sizes. Optionally the plates at one end of each arm 155a,155b, with respect to the x-x axis of the body 110, have a different profile to the plates at the other end of the arm 155a,155b. Optionally the plates are manufactured from different materials according to their position along the x-x axis of the body 110, to reflect positionally-dependent loading. Optionally the construction of the plates differs from one end of the arm 155a,155b to the other. Optionally the plates are manufactured to different thicknesses according to their position along the x-x axis of the body 110, to reflect positionally-dependent loading. For example, plates nearest the flange 172f can optionally be of a thin profile to increase resistance to tensile forces, while the plates furthest from the flange 172f can optionally be of a thicker profile to resist compressive forces.

The tool 101 engages the first flange 172f by a first engagement device which takes the form of first and second pins 152a,152b provided at the opposite ends of the arms 155a,155b to the hinge 151. The pins 152a,152b are optionally semi-cylindrical in cross section. Optionally the pins 152a,152b are welded into a recess in the plates. Optionally the pins 152a,152b are retained within a borehole formed through the set of plates. Optionally the arms 155a,155b are selectively actuable to change configuration between a first configuration in which the pins 152a,152b are adapted to engage a single orifice 173 in the flange 172f, and a second configuration in which the pins 152a,152b are adapted to engage at least two separate orifices 173.

Optionally the pins 152a,152b have a radius on their outer surfaces matching (or at least less than) the inner radius of the orifices 173 in the flange 172f. Optionally the pins 152a,152b on each arm 155a,155b are equidistant from the at least one hinge 151, so that the x-x axis of the body 110 of the tool 101 is centralised between the arms 155a,155b.

The arms 155a,155b are parallel to the axis x-x of the body 110. In the first configuration, the semi-cylindrical pins 152a,152b come together to form a single pin 152 having a generally cylindrical profile for engagement with a single orifice 173 of the first flange 172f. In the second configuration of this example, the arms 155a,155b rotate around the hinge 151 such that the pins 152a,152b separate, and can engage separate orifices 173 of the first flange 172f. The orifices 173 engaged by the pins 152a,152b can be at a variety of circumferential distances.

Optionally the tool 101 includes a gear mechanism 157, optionally located at the hinge 151. The gear mechanism 157 can optionally be provided in any of the other examples described above, with or without any or all of the modifications between the different examples of the invention described herein. Optionally the gear mechanism 157 is adapted to transfer torque between the arms 155a,155b. The gear mechanism 157 optionally controls movement of the arms 155a,155b.

In the example illustrated in figures 23-25, the gear mechanism 157 optionally comprises two toothed components formed at the inter-engaging surfaces of plates on opposite sides of the body 110, which act together to enforce synchronous movement of the arms 155a,155b. Optionally when one arm 155a is pivoted, the movement of the arm 155a urges movement of the teeth on one side of the gear mechanism 157, which urges the other arm 155b to pivot optionally around the same angle, and optionally in the opposite direction, measured perpendicularly from the x-x axis of the body 110. Optionally the gear mechanism 157 constrains the movement of the arms 155a,155b such that they move together in opposite rotational directions about their respective pivot axes. Optionally the gear mechanism 157 constrains the orientation of the body 110 of the tool 101 with respect to the arms 155a,155b, so that the second engagement device in the form of a base 142 on the body 110 is constrained to bisect the angle between the arms 155a,155b at different angles between the arms 155a,155b. The optional gearing mechanism 157 also ensures that the pivoting of the arms 155a,155b occurs at the same speed.

When the flange 172f is engaged by the pins 152a,152b, either separately or together, the same operating procedure holds for the second example as for the first.

The drop leg assembly 120 is optionally adjusted using the knob 121 until the foot 123 is braced against the conduit 171f. The tool 101 is held such that the x-x axis of the body 110 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conduit 171f, and the slide is extended until the base 142 is positioned above the centre of the outer circumferential surface of the second flange 172s. The driving device 140 is optionally adjusted to move it towards the flange 172s, for example by rotating it through a threaded part of the drive housing 135, until the base 142 engages with the top of the second flange 172s at the position of maximum misalignment between the flanges 172f and 172s.

A ratchet mechanism and strap can optionally be used in this example in the same way as in the first example, and the reader is referred to the description above. The hydraulic alignment process described in the first example can optionally be employed in this example and the reader is again referred to the description above.

Referring now to figures 38 and 39, a third example of the tool 201 comprises: a body 210, drop leg 220, slide 230, driver 240, and gear mechanism 257 essentially as described in the corresponding features in the examples above, and therefore these features are not described in detail in the third example. In addition the flange engagement and alignment procedure is the same as the above examples and the reader is referred to the above descriptions for details of these features.

The body 210 has an arm assembly 250, comprising two arms disposed on opposite sides of the body 210. Optionally the arms have mirror symmetry around the axis x-x of the body 210. In this example the arms each comprise a plurality of plates optionally assembled in parallel to each other and extending between the hinge pivot 251 and the pins 252a,252b to form the arms 255a,255b. Optionally the plates are formed in arcs around the central axis of the body 210, partially encompassing the body 210 within a cavity formed by the arcuate arms 255a,255b, with the hinge 251 on the opposite side of the cavity to the pins 252a,252b.

The plates forming the arm assembly 250 have different profiles. In this example, the plates are manufactured to different thicknesses according to their position along the x-x axis of the body 210, to reflect positionally-dependent differential loading. In this example, plates nearest the first flange (i.e. closer to the driving device 240) are formed with a relatively thin profile to increase resistance to tensile forces. Thinner plates are less likely to suffer from inclusion of faults and therefore can be more resistant to tensile stress. Thinner plates have the added benefit of reducing the weight of the tool in comparison to if thick plates were used for the entirety of the arm. The plates furthest from the first flange (i.e. closer to the drop leg 220) are formed with a thicker profile to resist compressive forces, as they are less likely to buckle under compressive loading. Other examples may comprise a different number, thickness, size, shape, construction and/or arrangement of plates.

Optionally the plates are arranged in a staggered arrangement that allows the plates forming one arm 255a to interleave with the spaces between the plates forming the opposite arm 255b. Optionally interleaving occurs at upper end of the arms, near to or at the hinge 251 when the tool 201 is in the second configuration.

Optionally interleaving occurs at the lower end of the arms, at or near to the end with the pins 252a,252b. Optionally one or more of the plates forming each arm 255a,255b extends beyond the inner face of each semi-cylindrical pin 252a,252b. Optionally the extended portions of the plates forming one arm 255a interleave with the spaces between the extended portions of the plates forming the other arm 255b such that the opposing faces of the pins 252a,252b meet when the tool 201 is in the first configuration. The interleaved portions of the plates on the two arms 255a,255b form a stack with an axis that is parallel with the axis of the body, and the front and rear axially oriented faces on the interleaved portions of the plates on one arm 255a are contiguous with the axially oriented front and rear faces of the plates on the other arm 255b.

Interleaving of the plates in this way can form a more stable arrangement as described in the second example.

The tool 201 engages the first flange by a first engagement device which takes the form of first and second pins 252a,252b provided at the opposite ends of the arms 255a,255b to the hinge 251. The pins 252a,252b are optionally semi-cylindrical in cross section. Optionally the pins 252a,252b are welded into a recess in the plates. The pins 252a,252b are optionally retained within a borehole through the plates forming the arms 255a,255b. Optionally the arms 255a,255b are selectively actuable to change configuration between a first configuration in which the pins 252a,252b are adapted to engage a single orifice in the flange, and a second configuration in which the pins 252a,252b are adapted to engage at least two separate orifices. Optionally the pins 252a,252b have a radius on their outer surfaces matching (or at least less than) the inner radius of the orifices in the flange. Optionally the pins 252a,252b on each arm 255a,255b are equidistant from the at least one hinge 251, so that the x-x axis of the body 210 of the tool 201 is centralised between the arms 255a,255b.

The arms 255a,255b form plates parallel to the axis x-x of the body 210. In the first configuration, the semi-cylindrical pins 252a,252b come together to form a single pin 252 having a generally cylindrical profile for engagement with a single orifice of the first flange. In the second configuration of this example, the arms 255a,255b rotate around the hinge 251 such that the pins 252a,252b separate, and can engage separate orifices of the first flange. The orifices engaged by the pins 252a,252b can be at a variety of circumferential distances around the flange.

Referring now to figures 40 and 41, a fourth example of the tool 301 comprises a body 310, drop leg 320, slide 330, and driver 340, essentially as described in the corresponding features in the examples above, and therefore these features are not described in detail in the fourth example, but the reader is referred to the above

descriptions for details of these features.

The arm assembly 350 is essentially the same as described in the third example, with the difference of an optional feature of a single hinge 351 around which both arms 355a,355b optionally pivot. The plurality of plates forming the arm assembly 350 have a staggered arrangement that allows the set of plates forming one arm 355a to interleave with the spaces between the set of plates forming the other arm 355b at the hinge 351.

Optionally the plates forming the arm assembly 350 have different profiles.

Optionally the plates have a larger clearance from the body 310 in order to optionally allow larger sizes of plates to converge in a first configuration without touching the body 310 as described in the previous three examples.

A ratchet mechanism and strap can optionally be used in this example in the same way as in the above examples, and the reader is again referred to the description above for the relevant details. The hooks for attaching the strap are illustrated in figure 40 at the base of the drop leg 320.

The hydraulic alignment process described in the first example can optionally be employed in this example and the reader is again referred to the description above.

All examples of the tool 1,101,201,301 can be used on flanges with a wide variety of diameters. Engagement with a large flange is shown in figures 26-33, and engagement with a small flange is shown in figures 34-37. The option of separating the pins 52a,52b,152a,152b,252a,252b,352a,352b offers a wider choice of engagement combinations and the capacity to place more loading on misaligned flanges in comparison with use of a single pin in order to align the flanges more quickly. Similarly, positioning the base 42,142,242,342 between engaged orifices when the tool is in its second configuration offers a greater number of positions on the flange 72s,172s where aligning force can be applied. The combination of first and second configurations allows the tool 1,101,201,301 to apply aligning force either between the orifices of the flange 72s,172s, or radially aligned with an orifice itself. An additional advantage of the ability to apply the tool in a first or a second configuration is that obstacles that may obstruct access to an orifice, for example a valve, can be avoided by engaging around them in an alternative position. This also allows realignment of the flange when a stud is jammed in an orifice at the maximum point of misalignment and it is desirable to realign the flange in order to extract the stud, by deploying the tool in the second configuration and engaging the pins in bolt holes on opposite circumferential sides of the jammed stud.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.An alignment tool for aligning the flanged ends of two conduits, the tool comprising: a first engagement device configured to engage a flange of a first conduit; a second engagement device configured to engage a flange of a second conduit; a driving device to induce relative movement of one of the engagement devices relative to the other; wherein the first engagement device is selectively actuable to change configuration between a first configuration adapted to engage a single orifice in the flange, and a second configuration adapted to engage at least two separate orifices.

An alignment tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first engagement device comprises two arms.

An alignment tool as claimed in claim 2, wherein the arms are disposed on opposite sides of a body of the alignment tool.

An alignment tool as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the arms have mirror symmetry around an axis of the tool.

An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 2-4, wherein the body of the alignment tool is centralised between the arms.

An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 2-5, wherein the arms are spaced apart such that the inner surfaces of the arms define a cavity that in the first configuration encompasses at least a portion of the body.

An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 2-6, wherein the arms are connected to the alignment tool by at least one hinge.

An alignment tool as claimed in claim 7, wherein the hinge is located on one side of the body, and the first engagement device is located on the opposite side of the body when the first engagement device is in the first configuration.

An alignment tool as claimed in claim 8, wherein the axis of the hinge is parallel to an axis of the body of the alignment tool.
10. An alignment tool as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the arms are adapted to pivot around the at least one hinge in an arc having a common plane.
11. An alignment tool as claimed in claim 10, wherein the arc of movement of the arms as they pivot around the hinge is perpendicular relative to an axis of the alignment tool body.
12. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 2-11, wherein each arm comprises a plate.
13. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 2-12, wherein each arm comprises a plurality of plates.
14. An alignment tool as claimed in claim 13, wherein at least one plate in each arm is perpendicular relative to an axis of the body of the alignment tool.
15. An alignment tool as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein at least one plate in each arm is parallel to at least one other plate in the arm.
16. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 13-15, wherein at least two of the plates in each arm are of different sizes.
17. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 13-16, wherein at least two of the plates in each arm are of different profiles.
18. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 13-17, wherein at least two of the plates in each arm are of different construction.
19. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 13-18, wherein at least two of the plates in each arm are differentially resistant to force and/or loading.
20. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 13-19, wherein at least one plate in each arm is of a different thickness compared to at least one other plate in the arm.
21. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 13-20, wherein the plates are connected to the at least one hinge in a staggered arrangement that permits plates on one arm to interleave with plates on the other arm.
22. An alignment tool as claimed in claim 21, wherein the plates interleave around a single hinge.
23. An alignment tool as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the plates interleave at the opposite end of the arm to the hinge.
24. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 2-23, wherein each arm comprises a pin at the opposite end of the arm from the at least one hinge, for engagement with a flange orifice.
25. An alignment tool as claimed in claim 24, wherein each arm extends between the at least one hinge and the pin.
26. An alignment tool as claimed in claim 25, wherein the pins are formed as part-cylindrical portions.
27. An alignment tool as claimed in claim 26, wherein the part-cylindrical portions have mirror symmetry.
28. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 26-27, wherein at least a part of the inner surfaces of the arms are bent or otherwise curved such that the part-cylindrical portions of the pins converge on an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.
29. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 26-28, wherein the part-cylindrical portions fit together to create a cylindrical or pseudo-cylindrical shape for engagement with a single flange orifice when in the first configuration.
30. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 26-29, wherein the part-cylindrical portions of the pins are encompassed in a recess in the at least one plate forming each arm.
31. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 26-30, wherein the arms comprise a plurality of plates in a staggered arrangement, wherein the plates extend beyond the inner faces of the part-cylindrical portions of the pins such that the plurality of plates interleave with each other while allowing the pin portions to meet when the tool is in the first configuration.
32. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 26-31, wherein the part-cylindrical portions comprise at least one arcuate outer surface.
33. An alignment tool as claimed in claim 32, wherein the arcuate outer surface has a radius matching the inner radius of the flange orifices.
34. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 26-33, wherein pivoting the arms of the alignment tool around the at least one hinge separates the part-cylindrical portions for engagement of the flange at two orifices simultaneously when in the second configuration.
35. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 1-34, including a gear mechanism adapted to control movement of the arms.
36. An alignment tool as claimed in claim 35, wherein the gear mechanism is positioned at the at least one hinge.
37. An alignment tool as claimed in claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the gear mechanism engages the arms of the alignment tool.
38. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 35-37, wherein the gear mechanism is adapted to force movement of the arms in synchrony with each other about the at least one hinge.
39. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 35-38, wherein the gear mechanism is adapted to constrain the arms to move together in opposite rotational directions about the at least one hinge.
40. An alignment tool as claimed in any one of claims 35-39, wherein the gear mechanism is adapted to constrain the orientation of the body of the alignment tool with respect to the arms.
41. An alignment tool as claimed in claim 40, wherein the second engagement device on the body of the alignment tool is constrained to bisect the angle between the arms.
42. A method of aligning flanges using an alignment tool, the method comprising: engaging an orifice of a flange of a first conduit with a first engagement device; engaging the flange of a second conduit with a second engagement device; driving movement of one engagement device relative to the other; and actuating the alignment tool from a first configuration adapted to engage a single orifice in a flange to a second configuration adapted to engage at least two separate orifices in the flange prior to driving the movement of the one engagement device relative to the other.
43. A method as claimed in claim 42, the first engagement device comprising two arms, with each arm extending between at least one hinge at one end of the arm and a part-cylindrical pin at the opposite end of the arm, the method including engaging a flange by inserting at least one pin, disposed at the end of at least one arm, into at least one orifice in the flange.
44. A method as claimed in claim 43, including rotating the arms of the alignment tool around at least one hinge in order to separate the part-cylindrical pins for engagement with at least two orifices in the flange.
45. A method as claimed in any one of claims 43-44, including controlling the movement of the arms of the alignment tool by using a gearing mechanism to constrain the arms to move in synchrony about their respective hinge or hinges.