GB2591569A

GB2591569A - Pressure testing apparatus and method of use

Info

Publication number: GB2591569A
Application number: GB2018165.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mccafferty Mike
Original assignee: JBS GROUP (SCOTLAND) Ltd; JBS GROUP SCOTLAND Ltd
Current assignee: JBS GROUP (SCOTLAND) Ltd; JBS GROUP SCOTLAND Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-19
Filing date: 2020-11-19
Publication date: 2021-08-04
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-19
Also published as: GB2591569B; GB202018165D0; GB201916815D0

Abstract

The roof assembly 20 for a pressure testing or blast enclosure 10 comprises a roof canopy 21 moveable between a retracted position and an extended position and comprising a fabric 22 configured to contain an explosive blast or at least one high velocity projectile. The fabric may be a ballistic grade fabric such as nylon. The fabric may be affixed to a plurality of rods 24 to form fabric sections 22a which together form a concertina arrangement. The assembly may comprise a frame having two or more guide tracks 28 each comprising at least one guide channel. A wheel or roller 26 on the end of each rod may be located in and moveable in the guide channel to move the roof between the retracted and extended positions. The track may have a lip to prevent the wheel or roller from exiting the channel. The assembly may comprise a rack and pinion drive mechanism. A lock mechanism may lock the canopy to the frame in the extended or retracted positions. The assembly may be mountable on a wall, bunker, or pit. The assembly may be used to pressure test equipment on an oil or gas offshore rig.

Description

1 Pressure testing apparatus and method of use 3 The present invention relates to pressure testing and blast protection systems and in 4 particular to an apparatus of protection equipment for a pressure test enclosure or bay.

Aspects of the invention relate to a roof assembly for a pressure testing enclosure.

7 Background to the invention

9 In many workshops and industrial facilities pressure testing of equipment is required on a routine basis to verify the strength, integrity and functionality of the equipment.

12 Pressure testing of equipment is a very dangerous operation. In the event that the 13 equipment under testing fails it can result in structural or component failure creating high 14 velocity flying fragments which pose risks to personnel, equipment and infrastructure.

16 During testing, hydraulic or hydraulic hoses can fail or detach with consequential high 17 speed hose whip endangering workers in close proximity. Equipment failure can also result 18 in the sudden release of the test medium such as liquid, gas, vapour, dust or other 19 substance under pressure which can cause injury such as burns and eye damage.

21 It is common to provide a testing location which is sufficiently remote that there is no risk 22 or mitigated risk to workers and equipment. However, in some industries such as the oil 23 and gas industry available testing space are not available.

In the oil and gas industry the pressure testing of offshore equipment requires the shutting 26 down of an offshore rig and the evacuation of personnel. Regular testing operations results 27 in considerable rig downtime and expensive costs.

29 Summary of the invention

31 It is an object of the present invention to obviate or at least mitigate the foregoing 32 disadvantages of pressure testing systems.

1 It is another object of an aspect of the present invention to provide apparatus to ensure the 2 safety of personnel and equipment during pressure test operations.

4 A further object of the invention is to reduce the risk of injury to on-site workers who work in close proximity to pressure test bays. Further aims of the invention will become

6 apparent from the following description.

8 According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof assembly for a 9 pressure testing and/or blast enclosure, the roof assembly comprising: a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; 11 wherein the at least roof canopy comprises an energy absorbing fabric.

13 The energy absorbing fabric may be a high-strength energy absorbing fabric. The energy 14 absorbing fabric may be a ballistic fabric. By energy absorbing fabric it is meant a fabric capable of absorbing energy and/or distributing energy acting on the fabric from a high 16 speed projectile or pressure wave from an explosion or blast.

18 By ballistic fabric it is meant a ballistic grade fabric material. The ballistic fabric may be 19 made from a ballistic grade fibres and/or layers. The ballistic fabric may be made from ballistic grade woven fibres and/or layers. The fibres and/or layers may be of different 21 denier.

23 The fabric may be configured to contain a blast or high velocity projectile. The fabric may 24 be a ballistic grade woven fabric. The fabric may be configured to stop or arrest high velocity projectiles. The fabric may be configured to stop or arrest ballistic articles.

27 The above described apparatus may facilitate the containment of a blast or high velocity 28 projectiles resulting from pressure testing of equipment. This apparatus may allow 29 pressure testing operations to be conducted in industry locations where there isn't much room such as an offshore rig. By fully containing any potential blast or high velocity 31 projectiles from the pressure testing of equipment the rig does not need to be evacuated or 32 the rig shut down.

1 The above described apparatus may be deployed over a horizontal aperture in a pressure 2 testing bay and/or above a piece of equipment being tested so as to provide physical 3 protection to equipment, personnel and infrastructure located in the working environment 4 above the piece of equipment being tested and the surrounding environment.

6 The roof canopy may comprise a fabric configured to contain an explosive blast or at least 7 one high velocity projectile when the roof canopy is in the extended position.

9 The roof canopy may be configured to be moved between a fully retracted condition and a fully extended condition. The roof canopy may be configured to be moved between a fully 11 retracted position and a fully extended position. The roof canopy may be configured to be 12 moved to at least one intermediate position between a fully retracted position and a fully 13 extended position.

The at least roof canopy may comprise an energy absorbing fabric roof canopy moveable 16 between a retracted position and an extended position. The roof canopy is configured to 17 be moveable between a retracted position and an extended position in a substantially 18 horizontal plane.

The apparatus may also prevent injuries to workers as they are protected from the 21 potential blast or high velocity projectiles by fully containing these explosive forces in the 22 enclosure.

24 The roof canopy may be shaped and/or dimensioned to fully cover the enclosure when in a fully extended position. The roof canopy is configured to be a substantially a horizontal 26 roof canopy.

28 The roof assembly may comprise at least one support member to support the roof canopy.

29 The at least one support member may comprise at least one wheel. The at least one wheel may be mounted to at least one end of the support member.

32 The at least one support member may comprise at least one wheel at each end of the 33 support member. The at least one support member may be a rod or a bar. The at least one 34 support member may be a horizontal support.

1 The roof assembly may comprise a frame. The frame may be a support frame. The frame 2 may comprise at least one guide track. The at least one guide track may be a rail. The at 3 least one guide track may be a diamond bar rail. The frame may comprise two or more 4 guide tracks. The guide tracks may be substantially parallel to each other. The frame may comprise at least one connecting beam to ensure that the two guide tracks are maintained 6 in a substantially parallel arrangement. The frame may be configured to support the roof 7 canopy.

9 Each guide tracks may comprise at least one guide channel. The at least one wheel may be located in the at least one guide channel. The at least one guide channel may define a 11 pathway for the at least one wheel. The at least one wheel may be moveable in the guide 12 channel to move the roof between the retracted and extended position. The channel may 13 extend across the longitudinal length of the guide track and through which the at least one 14 wheel passes when moving between the retracted and extended positions.

16 The guide tracks may have a lip configured to prevent the at least one wheel from exiting 17 the channel. The lip may prevent the least one wheel from exiting the channel in response 18 to an impact force acting on the roof.

The roof assembly may comprise a plurality of support members. The fabric may be 21 affixed to the plurality of support members. The roof assembly may have fabric sections 22 between the support members. The fabric sections and the plurality of support members 23 may form a concertina arrangement.

The distance between each support member may be adjustable. The distance between 26 each support member may be increased to increase the tension of the fabric section 27 between each support member. The distance between each support member may be 28 reduced to decrease the tension of the fabric section between each support member.

The at least one wheel may be moveable in the guide channel to move the roof between 31 the retracted and extended position.

1 The assembly has at least one travelling beam. The travelling beam may be connected to 2 one edge of the roof canopy. The travelling beam may be connected to one edge of the 3 fabric. The travelling beam may be movably mounted to the guides. The travelling beam 4 may be configured to be movable relative to the frame. The connecting beam of the frame may be connected to an edge of the fabric.

7 The fabric may be affixed along one edge to the connecting beam of the frame and affixed 8 along an opposing edge to the travelling beam. The travelling beam may be configured to 9 be movable relative to the connecting beam.

11 The travelling beam may be configured to be movable along the at least one guide track.

12 The travelling beam may be configured to be movable mounted in the at least one guide 13 channel.

The travelling beam may comprise at least one wheel at each end. The at least one wheel 16 may be located in the channel. The travelling beam may comprise a pinion at each end.

17 The roof assembly may comprise a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may be 18 configured to control the extension and/or retraction of the roof canopy. The drive 19 mechanism may be configured to control the movement of the travelling beam relative to the frame.

22 The drive mechanism may comprise a rack and pinion drive mechanism. The rack may be 23 located in the at least one guide track. The pinion may be located on at least end of the 24 travelling beam. Rotation of the pinion may move the pinion along the rack to move the travelling beam along the guide track.

27 The support frame may be configured to transfer forces acting on the roof canopy to the 28 support frame. The support frame may be configured to support the roof canopy and/or the 29 fabric. The support frame may be configured to distribute energy acting on the roof canopy and/or the fabric in the event of a high speed projectile and/or pressure wave from an 31 explosion. The support frame may be configured to transfer forces acting on the roof 32 canopy and/or the fabric to the support frame. The support frame may be configured to 33 transfer forces acting on the roof canopy and/or the fabric to the ground or wall where the 34 support frame is attached.

1 The assembly may comprise a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism may be configured 2 to lock the roof canopy to the frame in an extended closed position.

4 The assembly may be connectable to a control unit configured to monitor the extent of the roof canopy has extended and/or retracted. The control unit may control the operational 6 speed of the drive mechanism to control the speed that the roof canopy extends and/or 7 retracts.

9 The control unit may be configured to control the locking and/or unlocking of the locking mechanism.

12 The roof assembly and/or frame may be configured to be connectable to a plurality of 13 vertical supports. The roof assembly and/or frame may be configured to be mountable on 14 walls.

16 The roof assembly may be connectable to a bunker and/or a pit. The roof assembly may 17 be supported by walls of a bunker and/or a pit. The bunker and/or pit may be made of 18 concrete or steel. The roof assembly may be configured to cover a horizontal aperture on 19 the bunker and/or a pit.

21 The fabric may be designed to absorb a large amount of energy during a projectile impact 22 or blast or other event due to testing a piece of equipment to destruction.

24 The fabric may be a ballistic fabric. The fabric may be a ballistic graded fabric. The fabric may be a nylon fabric. The fabric may be a ballistic grade nylon fabric. The fabric may 26 comprise fire, chemical and/or water resistant materials. The fabric may be lightweight.

27 The fabric may comprise a fire, chemical and/or water resistant coating. The fabric may be 28 flexible. The fabric may have a urethane coating.

The roof assembly, fabric and/or roof canopy may withstand a pressure of at least 1000 31 psi. The roof assembly, fabric and/or roof canopy may withstand a pressure of between 32 1000 to 40,000 psi.

1 The roof assembly, fabric and/or roof canopy may be able to withstand up to 15,000 psi of 2 force. The roof assembly, fabric and/or roof canopy may be able to withstand up to 30,000 3 psi of force. The roof assembly, fabric and/or roof canopy may be able to withstand up to 4 33,000 psi of force.

6 The roof canopy and/or fabric may be made of a transparent material. The roof canopy 7 may be made of an opaque or translucent material.

9 The roof canopy and/or fabric may be configured to be controlled remotely. The roof canopy may be moveable between a retracted position and an extended position remotely.

12 According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a blast protection 13 enclosure for testing equipment; the enclosure comprising 14 two or more vertical supports; and roof assembly comprising: 16 a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; 17 wherein the roof canopy comprises an energy absorbing fabric.

19 The two or more vertical supports may be walls. The one or more walls may comprise at least one support column. The roof assembly may be mounted on the one or walls and/or 21 the at least one support column.

23 The enclosure may comprise three or more walls. The enclosure may comprise four or 24 more walls. At least one wall may comprise at least one aperture. At least one wall may comprise at least one door aperture. The enclosure may comprise at least one door.

27 The walls may be made from steel, cement, concrete or a reinforced composite material.

29 Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.

31 According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing 32 a roof assembly on a pressure testing enclosure, the method comprising 33 providing a pressure testing enclosure comprising at least two walls; 1 providing a roof assembly, the roof assembly comprising: 2 a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; 3 wherein the at least roof canopy comprises an energy absorbing fabric; and 4 mounting the roof assembly on the at least two walls of the pressure testing enclosure.

6 The method may comprise connecting the roof assembly to at least one support column of 7 the least two walls.

9 Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first or second aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

12 According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of 13 installing a roof assembly on a bunker or pit, the method comprising 14 providing a bunker or pit comprising at least two walls; providing a roof assembly, the roof assembly comprising: 16 a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; 17 wherein the at least roof canopy comprises an energy absorbing fabric; and 18 mounting the roof assembly on the at least two walls of the bunker or pit.

Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of 21 any of the first to third aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

23 According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for 24 operating a roof assembly of an enclosure for a pressure testing operation the method comprising: 26 providing an enclosure comprising: 27 two or more vertical supports; and 28 a roof assembly comprising: 29 a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the roof canopy comprises an energy absorbing fabric; and 31 moving the roof canopy to an extended position during a pressure testing operation.

33 The method may comprise moving the roof canopy to a retracted position to provide 34 access to an internal volume of the enclosure. The method may comprise moving the roof 1 canopy to a retracted position to locate a piece of equipment to be tested in internal 2 volume of the enclosure.

4 The method may comprise locking the roof canopy in the extended position.

6 The enclosure may comprise two or more walls which comprise vertical supports.

8 Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of any 9 of the first to fourth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

11 According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof assembly for a 12 pressure testing and/or blast enclosure, the roof assembly comprising: 13 a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; 14 wherein the at least roof canopy comprises an energy absorbing material.

16 The roof canopy may be a rigid barrier. The roof canopy may comprise multiple sections of 17 a rigid material. The roof canopy may be a sectional roof.

19 The roof canopy may be a fabric. The energy absorbing fabric may be a high-strength energy absorbing fabric. The energy absorbing fabric may be a ballistic fabric.

22 Embodiments of the sixth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of any 23 of the first to fifth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

24 According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof assembly for a pressure testing and/or blast enclosure, the roof assembly comprising: 26 a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; 27 wherein the at least roof canopy comprises a fabric configured to contain a blast or high 28 velocity projectile.

The fabric may be a ballistic grade fabric The fabric may be a ballistic grade woven fabric.

32 Embodiments of the seventh aspect of the invention may include one or more features of 33 any of the first to sixth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

1 According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a blast protection 2 enclosure for testing equipment; the enclosure comprising 3 two or more vertical supports; and 4 roof assembly comprising: a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; 6 wherein the roof canopy comprises a fabric configured to contain an explosive blast or at 7 least one high velocity projectile when the roof canopy is in the extended position.

9 Embodiments of the eighth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of any of the first to seventh aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

12 According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing 13 a roof assembly on a blast and/or pressure testing enclosure, the method comprising: 14 providing a blast and/or pressure testing enclosure comprising at least two vertical supports; 16 providing a roof assembly, the roof assembly comprising: 17 a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; 18 wherein the at least roof canopy comprises a fabric configured to contain an explosive 19 blast or at least one high velocity projectile when the roof canopy is in the extended position; and 21 mounting the roof assembly on the at least two vertical supports of the enclosure.

23 Embodiments of the ninth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of any 24 of the first to eighth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

26 According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for 27 operating a roof assembly of an enclosure for a pressure testing operation the method 28 comprising: 29 providing an enclosure comprising: two or more vertical supports; and 31 a roof assembly comprising: 32 a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; 33 wherein the roof canopy comprises a fabric configured to contain an explosive blast or at 34 least one high velocity projectile when the roof canopy is in the extended position; and 1 moving the roof canopy to an extended position during a pressure testing operation.

3 Embodiments of the tenth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of any 4 of the first to ninth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

6 Brief description of the drawings

8 There will now be described, by way of example only, embodiments of the invention with 9 reference to the drawings, of which: 11 Figure 1 is a perspective view of an enclosure apparatus according to a first embodiment 12 of invention shown with the roof in a partially closed position.

14 Figures 2A and 2B are enlarged perspective views of the portions of the enclosure apparatus of Figure 1 showing how the roof is mounted on the walls of the enclosure.

17 Figure 20 are enlarged perspective views of the portions of the enclosure apparatus of 18 Figure 1 showing how the walls are anchored to a surface.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an enclosure apparatus according to an embodiment of 21 invention showing the roof in a fully closed position; 23 Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the enclosure apparatus of Figure 3 showing the drive and 24 roof locking mechanisms; 26 Figures 5A and 5B are enlarged perspective views of a locking mechanism of the 27 enclosure apparatus of Figure 3; and 29 Figures 6A and 6B are sectional views of the locking mechanisms of Figures 5A and 5B shown in locked and unlocked positions respectively.

1 Detailed description of preferred embodiments

3 Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown generally depicted at 10, an enclosure 4 apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 comprises four walls 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d. Wall 12a has an aperture 14 for a door 16.

7 The apparatus 10 has a roof assembly 20 which has a retractable roof canopy 21 shown in 8 a partially retracted position in Figure 1. In this example the roof canopy 21 comprises a 9 fabric 22 supported by rods 24. The rods 24 assist in supporting the weight of the fabric as the fabric is held horizontally. In this example the fabric is a ballistic grade fabric which is 11 flexible and capable of absorbing high energy. The fabric is a thick, tough, nylon fabric 12 capable of absorbing high energy impacts. The fabric has a waterproof coating for weather 13 protection. In this example the fabric is capable of withstanding over 1000 psi of force.

The rods 24 define fabric sections 22a located between the rods to form a concertina 16 arrangement.

18 The roof canopy 21 is movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position. In 19 a closed roof condition, the concertina arrangement is in an extended position, where the distance between the rods 24 increased and tension is applied to the fabric section 22a 21 between the rods 22.

23 In an open roof canopy 21 condition, the concertina arrangement is in a collapsed or 24 retracted position where the distance between the rods decreases and the tension is applied to the fabric section 22a is reduced. The fabric sections and hangs down between 26 the adjacent rods and the roof canopy 21 collapses into folds.

28 At each end of the rods 24 are located rollers 26. The rods support the weight of the 29 ballistic grade fabric and assist in transferring loads or forces acting on the roof canopy 21 to the enclosure structure.

32 The rollers 26 are located in guide track 28 which are positioned on an upper end of the 33 opposing walls 12b and 12c. The guide track 28 extends along the length of the wall 34 denoted as "L" in Figure 1.

2 A travelling beam 30 is attached to a first edge 22b of the ballistic grade fabric 22. A 3 second edge 22c of the ballistic grade fabric 22 is fixed to a static beam 34 located along 4 wall of the testing bay as best shown in Figure 2A. The ends 30a of the travelling beam 30 are slidably engaged in the guide track 28 by rollers 32. The travelling beam 30 is 6 designed to slide along the guide track in the direction "A" shown in Figure 1 to draw or 7 drag the roof fabric to extend the fabric. The travelling beam 30 is designed to slide along 8 the guide track in the direction "B" shown in Figure 1 to draw, drag or push the roof fabric 9 to retract the fabric.

11 In this example the walls 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d are made of steel plate 13a and steel 12 support columns 13b but it will be appreciated that the walls could be made from other 13 suitable materials such as cement, concrete or reinforced composite materials. The walls 14 may alternatively be made from metal frame with a ballistic fabric suspended.

16 As best shown in Figures 1, 2A and 2B the static beam 34 and the guide tracks 28 form a 17 frame which is mounted and secured to support columns 13b. Securing bolts 35 secure 18 the static beam 34 and the guide tracks 28 on the support columns 13b and facilitate the 19 transfer of load applied to static beam 34 and the guide tracks 28 to the support columns 13b and walls 12. This allows all forces acting on the roof canopy 21 to be transferred to 21 the support columns via the static beam 34 and the guide tracks 28.

23 As best shown in Figure 2C each of the support columns 13b has an anchor plate 40 at 24 the base. This facilitates the securing of the support columns and walls to a ground surface or deck. It also facilitates the transfer of load applied to the support columns to the 26 ground surface or deck on which it is secured.

28 A locking mechanism 50 is located on the travelling beam 30. Wien the roof canopy 21 is 29 in a closed condition the lock mechanism engages a latch section 52 on the door 16 to secure the roof canopy 21 in the closed position.

32 The walls 12 and the roof 20 together define an enclosure for pressure testing a piece of 33 equipment. The apparatus 10 therefore defines an internal volume bound by roof canopy 1 21 and the walls 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d for accommodating a piece of equipment to be 2 tested.

3 By providing a retractable roof and door the equipment provides full access for equipment 4 loading and overhead crane access.

6 In use an item of equipment to be tested is located inside the enclosure by opening the 7 door 16 or opening the roof 20 and lowering the equipment via a crane. The roof canopy 8 21 is moved to an open position by sliding the travelling beam 30 along the guide track in 9 the direction "B" shown in Figure 1 to draw, drag or push the roof fabric to a retracted position.

12 As an alternative to placing the equipment inside the enclosure 10, the enclosure 10 may 13 be constructed around the piece of equipment to be tested by assembling and securing 14 the walls and roof around the equipment.

16 Once the equipment is connected to a pressure testing equipment (not shown) the door 16 17 is closed and the roof is moved to a closed position by moving the travelling beam along 18 the guide track in the direction "A" shown in Figure 1 to draw or drag the roof fabric to 19 extend the fabric.

21 In the event of a structural failure of equipment during testing, any high velocity fragments 22 or explosive blasts are contained within the internal volume of the test enclosure defined 23 by the walls 12 and the roof 20. If a high velocity projectile or explosive blast contacts the 24 roof fabric 22 the impact force is dispersed and transferred to the guide tracks 28 which in turn transfers the force to the support structures 13b.

27 In the above example the roof protection barrier is manually operated. However, the roof 28 protection system may be automated as described in Figure 3.

The pressure testing enclosure 100 is similar to the pressure testing enclosure 10 31 described in Figures 1A, 2A to 2C and will be understood from the descriptions of Figures 32 1A, 2A to 2C above. However, the enclosure apparatus 10 is a manual operated system 33 whereas enclosure apparatus 100 is an automated operated system.

1 There is shown generally depicted at 100 an enclosure apparatus. The apparatus 100 2 comprises four walls 112a, 112b, 112c and 112d. Wall 112a has an aperture 114 for a 3 door 116.

The apparatus 100 has a roof assembly 120 which has a retractable roof canopy 121 6 shown in a fully closed position in Figure 3. In this example the roof comprises a ballistic 7 grade fabric 122 supported by rods 124. The rods 124 define fabric sections 122a located 8 between the rods to form a concertina arrangement.

9 The roof canopy 121 is movable between an open and closed position. In a closed roof condition, the concertina arrangement is in an extended position, where the distance 11 between the rods 124 increased and tension is applied to the fabric section 122a between 12 the rods 122.

14 In an open roof condition, the concertina arrangement is in a collapsed or retracted position where the distance between the rods decreases and the tension is applied to the 16 fabric section 122a is reduced. The fabric sections and hangs down between the adjacent 17 rods and the roof canopy 121 collapses into folds.

19 At each end of the rods 124 are located rollers 126. The rods support the weight of the ballistic grade fabric and assist in transferring loads or forces acting on the roof to the 21 enclosure structure.

23 The rollers 126 are located in guide track 128 which are positioned on an upper end of the 24 opposing walls 112b and 112c. The guide track 128 extends along the length of the wall denoted as "L" in Figure 1.

27 A travelling beam 130 is attached to a first edge 123 of the ballistic grade fabric 122. A 28 second edge 123a of the ballistic grade fabric 122 is fixed to a static beam 134 located 29 along wall of the testing enclosure.

31 As best shown in Figure 4 a motor 160 mounted on the travelling beam 130. The motor is 32 connected to and rotates a pinion gear 132 located at the ends 130a of travelling beam 33 130. A rack 162 is located and supported on the guide track 128. The teeth of the pinion 1 gear 132 cooperate with the rack 162 such that when the motor 160 rotates the pinion 2 gear 132 the pinion travels along the rack which moves the travelling beam 130.

4 Operation of the motor to rotate the pinion gear in a first direction moves the pinion gear and connected travelling beam along the guide track in the direction "A" shown in Figure 3 6 to draw or drag the roof fabric to extend the roof. Operation of the motor to rotate the 7 pinion gear in a second direction which opposes the first direction moves the pinion gear 8 and connected travelling beam slide along the guide track in the direction "B" shown in 9 Figure 3 to draw, drag or push the roof fabric to retract the roof.

11 The motor is connected to a control unit (not shown) to allow the opening and closing of 12 the roof to be performed remotely and/or automatically.

14 In this example the walls 112a, 112b, 112c and 112d are made of steel plate 113a and steel support columns 113b but it will be appreciated that the walls could be made from 16 other suitable materials such as cement or concrete. The walls may alternatively be made 17 from metal frame with a ballistic grade fabric suspended.

19 As best shown in Figure 3 the static beam 134 and the guide tracks 128 are mounted and secured to support columns 113b. Securing bolts 135 secure the static beam 134 and the 21 guide tracks 128 on the support columns 113b and facilitate the transfer of load applied to 22 static beam 134 and the guide tracks 128 to the support columns 113b and walls 112. This 23 allows all forces acting on the roof 120 to be transferred to the support columns via the 24 static beam 134 and the guide tracks 128.

26 As best shown in Figure 3 each of the support columns 113b has an anchor plate 140 at 27 the base. This facilitates the securing of the support columns and walls to a ground 28 surface or deck. It also facilitates the transfer of load applied to the support columns to the 29 ground surface or deck on which it is secured.

31 As best shown in Figures 4 and 5A to 6B a locking mechanism 150 is mounted on the wall 32 112a and with a corresponding latch rod 152 mounted on a frame 153 on the travelling 33 beam. The locking mechanism has a frame 170 with recesses 172 to receive the latch rod 34 152. A locking lever 174 has a groove 176 dimensioned and shaped to accommodate the 1 latch rod. The locking lever is movable about a pivot 177 by a shaft 178 between a lock 2 position shown in Figures 5A and 6A and an unlock position shown in Figure 5B and 6B.

4 To move the locking mechanism to a locked position, the latch rod 152 is moved into a groove 175 on the frame 170. The shaft 178 is moved in an upward direction as shown by 6 arrow "U" in Figure 6A this results in the locking lever 174 being pivoted in a clockwise 7 direction about pivot 177 which moves the groove 176 on the locking lever around the 8 latch rod preventing the latch rod from moving and decoupling from the locking 9 mechanism.

11 To move the locking mechanism to a unlocked position, the shaft 178 is moved in an 12 downward direction as shown by arrow "D" in Figure 6B this results in the locking lever 174 13 being pivoted in an anti-clockwise direction about pivot 177 which moves the groove 176 14 on the locking lever away from the latch rod. The latch rod can then be removed from the recesses 172 and decoupled from the locking mechanism.

17 The shaft may be connected to a mechanism controlled by a control unit (not shown) to 18 allow the locking and unlocking of the roof to be performed remotely and/or automatically.

VVhen the roof is in a closed condition the lock mechanism engages a latch section 152 on 21 the door 116 to secure the roof in the closed position.

23 The walls 112 and the roof 120 together define an enclosure for pressure testing a piece of 24 equipment. The apparatus 110 therefore defines an internal volume bound by roof 120 and the walls 112a, 112b, 112c and 112d for accommodating a piece of equipment to be 26 tested.

28 By providing a remotely controllable retractable roof the equipment provides full access for 29 equipment loading and overhead crane access. It also facilitates the equipment to be fully enclosed. This may allow pressure testing operations to be performed safely mitigating risks to 31 personnel.

33 In use an item of equipment to be tested is located inside the enclosure by opening the 34 door 116 or opening the roof 120 and lowering the equipment via a crane. The roof 120 1 may first be unlocked by moving shaft 178 in a downward direction as shown by arrow "D" 2 in Figure 6B this results in the locking lever 174 being pivoted in an anti-clockwise 3 direction about pivot 177 which moves the groove 176 on the locking lever away from the 4 latch rod. The latch rod is then decoupled from the locking mechanism releasing the roof.

6 The motor is then operated to rotate the pinion gear to move the pinion gear and 7 connected travelling beam slide along the rack in the guide track in the direction "B" shown 8 in Figure 3 to draw, drag or push the roof fabric to retract the roof.

Once the equipment is located in the enclosure and connected to a pressure testing 11 equipment (not shown) the door 116 is closed and the roof is moved to a closed position 12 by operating the motor to rotate the pinion gear in a first direction to move the pinion gear 13 and connected travelling beam along the rack in the guide track in the direction "A" shown 14 in Figure 3 to draw or drag the roof fabric to extend the roof.

16 The roof is locked in the close position by locating the latch rod 152 in groove 175 on the 17 frame 170. The shaft 178 is then moved in an upward direction as shown by arrow "U" in 18 Figure 6A this results in the locking lever 174 being pivoted in a clockwise direction about 19 pivot 177 which moves the groove 176 on the locking lever around the latch rod preventing the latch rod from moving and decoupling from the locking mechanism.

22 In the event of a structural failure of equipment during testing, any high velocity fragments or 23 explosive blasts are contained within the internal volume of the test enclosure defined by 24 the walls 112 and the roof 120. If a high velocity projectile or explosive blast contacts the roof fabric 122 the impact force is dispersed and transferred to the guide tracks 128 which 26 in turn transfers the force to the support structures 113b. The lock mechanism prevents 27 the roof from opening in response to the impact force of the projectile.

29 The lock mechanism may comprise sensors to prevent actuation of the drive motors when the lock mechanism is in a locked condition.

32 The roof system may be retrofitted to existing enclosures which do not have a roof 33 structure. The roof system may be retrofitted to any existing enclosure to replace an 34 existing roof.

1 The rods which support the fabric may comprise a resilient mounting or springs. This may 2 allow the rods to move slightly and the fabric to flex if struck by a high velocity projectile or 3 explosive blast to assist in distributing and transferring the impact force. By allowing the 4 rods to move slightly may mitigate damage or bending to the rods.

6 In the above described embodiments the vertical walls of the enclosure are made of steel.

7 However, it will be appreciated that the walls may be made of a similar energy absorbing 8 material as the roof which may be suspended or attached to steel support columns.

Although the described embodiments relate to enclosures having a cuboid structural 11 shape the present invention may also be applied to other enclosure shapes.

13 In the above embodiments the roof is described as comprising a flexible fabric material.

14 However, it will be appreciated that the roof may alternatively be made of a rigid material.

16 The roof canopy is described above as being arranged in a concertina arrangement to 17 allow its movement between a retracted open condition and an extended closed condition.

18 However, it will be appreciated that other roof arrangements may be used including 19 telescopically retracting and extending flexible or rigid sections of the roof. Additionally or alternatively the roof may be stored on a spool in a retracted open condition and 21 unspooled in an extended closed condition.

23 As an alternative to placing the equipment inside the enclosure, the enclosure may be 24 constructed around the piece of equipment to be tested by assembling and securing the walls and roof around the equipment.

27 The invention provides a roof assembly for a pressure testing enclosure. The roof 28 assembly comprises a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an 29 extended position. The canopy comprises an energy absorbing fabric.

31 The present invention in its various aspects provides an improved enclosure for pressure 32 testing and blast containment. The present invention may be capable of providing 33 protection to personnel and infrastructure in the vicinity of the equipment being tested.

1 The invention may allow an operator automated and/or remote control of a roof assembly 2 to open a roof canopy to locate a piece of equipment to be tested in an enclosure and 3 subsequent close the roof canopy to fully enclose the equipment.

The invention may allow the operator automated and/or remote control of a locking 6 mechanism of the roof assembly to lock the roof canopy in a fully closed position to 7 prevent opening of the roof canopy in the event of an explosive impact.

9 The present invention may facilitate the transfer of a load applied to the roof canopy to the assembly frame. The frame assembly may also facilitate transfer of a load or force applied 11 to the roof canopy or roof assembly to a supporting structure such as vertical supports or 12 walls. This may allow energy from a high velocity impact or explosive blast wave to be 13 transferred to the assembly frame or support structure to dissipate the energy safely. This 14 may enable the roof canopy and/or roof assembly to withstand high explosive or impact forces.

17 The invention may provide a roof assembly which holds or supports the roof canopy fabric 18 at two, three or four edges to facilitate the transfer of energy applied to the fabric to the 19 frame, roof assembly and/or support structure.

21 Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the terms 'comprise' 22 or 'include', or variations such as 'comprises' or 'comprising', 'includes' or 'including' will be 23 understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the 24 exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, relative terms such as", "horizontal" ,"vertical" and the like are used herein to indicate directions and locations as 26 they apply to the appended drawings and will not be construed as limiting the invention 27 and features thereof to particular arrangements or orientations.

29 The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to 31 the precise form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in 32 order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby 33 enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and 34 with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, 1 further modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the 2 scope of the invention herein intended.

Claims

Claims: A roof assembly for a pressure testing and/or blast enclosure, the roof assembly corn pris i ng: a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the at least roof canopy comprises a fabric configured to contain an explosive blast or at least one high velocity projectile when the roof canopy is in the extended position.
The roof assembly according to claim 1 wherein the fabric is a ballistic grade fabric.
3. The roof assembly according to any preceding claim comprising at least one support member to support the roof canopy.
4. The roof assembly according to claim 3 wherein the at least one support member comprises at least one wheel at each end of the support member.
The roof assembly according to any preceding claim comprising a frame configured to transfer forces acting on the roof canopy to the frame.
6. The roof assembly according to claim 5 wherein the frame comprises two or more guide tracks.
7. The roof assembly according to claim 6 wherein each guide tracks comprises at least one guide channel.
8. The roof assembly according to any of claims 4 to 7 wherein the at least one wheel is located in the at least one guide channel.
9. The roof assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one wheel is moveable in the guide channel to move the roof between the retracted and extended position.
10. The roof assembly according to any of claims 6 to 9 wherein the guide tracks has at least one lip configured to prevent the at least one wheel from exiting the channel.
11. The roof assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the roof assembly comprises a plurality of support members and the fabric is affixed to the support members to form fabric sections between the support members.
12. The roof assembly according to claim 11 wherein the fabric sections and the plurality of support members form a concertina arrangement.
13. The roof assembly according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the distance between each support member is adjustable.
14. The roof assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the assembly has at least one travelling beam configured to be movable relative to the frame.
15. The roof assembly according to claim 14 wherein the travelling beam is connected to one edge of the fabric.
16. The roof assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the roof assembly comprises a drive mechanism.
17. The roof assembly according to claim 16 wherein the drive mechanism is configured to control the extension and/or retraction of the roof canopy.
18. The roof assembly according to claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the drive mechanism comprises a rack and pinion drive mechanism.
19. The roof assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the assembly comprises a lock mechanism configured to lock the roof canopy to the frame in a roof canopy extended position and/or a roof canopy retracted position.
20. The roof assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the assembly is connectable to a control unit to control the drive mechanism and/or the lock mechanism.
21. The roof assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the roof assembly and/or frame is configured to be mountable on at least one wall, a bunker and/or a pit.
22. The roof assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the roof canopy and/or fabric is configured to withstand a pressure of at least 1000 PSI.
23. A blast protection enclosure for testing equipment; the enclosure comprising two or more vertical supports; and roof assembly comprising: a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the roof canopy comprises a fabric configured to contain an explosive blast or at least one high velocity projectile when the roof canopy is in the extended position.
24. A method of installing a roof assembly on a blast and/or pressure testing enclosure, the method comprising: providing a blast and/or pressure testing enclosure comprising at least two vertical supports; providing a roof assembly, the roof assembly comprising: a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the at least roof canopy comprises a fabric configured to contain an explosive blast or at least one high velocity projectile when the roof canopy is in the extended position; and mounting the roof assembly on the at least two vertical supports of the enclosure.
25. A method for operating a roof assembly of an enclosure for a pressure testing operation the method comprising: providing an enclosure comprising: two or more vertical supports; and a roof assembly comprising: a roof canopy moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the roof canopy comprises a fabric configured to contain an explosive blast or at least one high velocity projectile when the roof canopy is in the extended position; and moving the roof canopy to an extended position during a pressure testing operation.