GB846576A - Improvements in or relating to pressure vessels - Google Patents

Abstract

846,576. Closure for resisting fluid pressure. BABCOCK & WILCOX Ltd. May 27, 1958 [May 27, 1957], No. 16700/57. Class 123(1) In a pressure vessel having a container 1 and a closure 3, sealing is effected by a soft iron ring 13 and by auxiliary external means comprising annular strips 14, 16 welded to the closure 3 and the container 1 respectively, the strips being welded together at 18 to form a chamber 19 which collects fluid should a leakage occur. The closure 3 is held to the container by bolts 8 passing through flanges 7, 6 respectively, said bolts being tightened prior to the seal-welding of strips 14, 16. A passage 20 connects the chamber 19 and the clearance space between faces 4, 5 to an indicator 23 and a valve 24 allows exhaust of surplus fluid. Welding of the strips 14, 16 to the closure 3 and the container 1 respectively is facilitated by annular grooves 29, 30, 25, 26 which forms tongues 28, 27 for engagement by said strips. Alternatively the tongues may be replaced by annular rings welded to the closure 3 and the container 1 respectively, the strips 16, 14 being welded thereto. The chamber 19 is connected to the indicator 23 and the valve 24 through a passage 20 which passes through one of the annular rings. In a modification the closure member 43, Fig. 4, enters an opening 42 of the container 41 and is supported by a ring 56 fixed internally to the container. The member 43 inclines inwardly at 45 forming a stepped portion to receive a sealing ring 48, a backing ring 49 and a locking ring 47, the latter engaging a groove 46 in the container 41. The member 43 is raised until abutment with the locking-ring resists further movement and is then clamped in position by clamps 52 engaging the member 43 and an extension 53 of the container 41, the clamps being tightened by studs 54 passing therethrough and screwing into said member 43. Annular strips 59, 57, Fig. 5, are welded to the components 43, 41 respectively and are seal-welded at 61. In a further modification a packing-piece 70, Figs. 7 and 8, is interposed between the member 43 and the container 41 and is retained by a stud 83 passing through the clamp 52. Strips 72, 77 are welded at 74, 79 respectively to the piece 70 and strips 71, 76 are welded to the container 41 and the member 43 respectively. The strips 71, 72 and 76, 77 are seal-welded at 75 and 80 respectively forming chambers 81, 82 which are connected to an indication gauge 231 and valve 241 by a passage 201 in the piece 70 and by clearances between the components 41, 70, 43.