GB376493A - Fluid-tight couplings for rotary cylinders and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

376,493. Swivelling pipe joints. DEHN, F. B., 103, Kingsway, London.- (Beloit Iron Works ; 2nd Street, Beloit, Wisconsin, U.S.A.) July 6,1931, No. 19447. [Class 99 (i).] A pressure fluid fitting for a rotary and non-rotary aligned conduit where a bearing ring is interposed between the hollow rotary journal and the stationary fitting portion so as to allow motion at right-angles to the axis of the journal, includes an expansible compartment in communication with the main fitting portion and having a transverse wall responsive to fluid pressure. The main fitting portion is tied to the rotary conduit by devices which are also connected with the fluid pressure responsive wall of the expansible compartment. The construction is particularly applicable for the steam joints of drying 'cylinders used in paper-making. As shown in the drawings, the end trunnion 9 of a drying cylinder is supplied with steam through a pipe 15 and condensate is removed through a pipe 16. Owing to expansion of the cylinder, the steam fitting moves lengthwise with the journal, and the pipes 15, 16 are therefore connected to the supply and discharge mains by universal joints or flexible connections. Pipes 15, 16 are fixed to a main fitting 18 having an interior compartment 19 communicating with the steam pipe, and another compartment 21 communicating with the discharge pipe. The fitting 18 bears against the spherical face of a ring 24 preferably of hard carbon impregnated with graphite. The opposite face of the ring bears against an annular flange 26 fixed to the journal. A second bearing ring 32 is seated on the collar 27 and bears on the surface 34 of the flange 26. A yoke structure connects this bearing ring with the main fitting and ties the assembly together. The expansible compartment 36 is formed by a tubular flexible metal siphon 37 attached to the main fitting and to an endplate 39. Tie rods 42, 43 connect the plate 39 to the ring member 35 and are located in annular and elongated holes 44, 46 which allow for slight displacement due to expansion of the pipes 15, 16. To obtain a balance of the steam pressure the effective area of the expansible member 36 is made equal to or slightly greater than the effective area of the compartment 19. The pressure on the plate 39 is resisted through the yoke structure and taken by the thrust on the flange 26. This is balanced by steam pressure in an annular shaped chamber 54 in the face of the bearing ring 32. The small pressure required for keeping the fitting steamtight may be supplied by springs 48, this pressure being independent of fluctuations in the steam pressure.