GB885314A - An improved method of sealing vessels containing high internal pressures and means for performing such method - Google Patents

Abstract

885,314. Closures for resisting fluid pressure. MULLER, W., and SCHAFHAUSEN, K. May 1, 1959, No. 14906/59. Class 123(1). Closure means for sealing pressure vessels e.g. the cylinders and valve chambers of flushing pumps, comprises an inner plate 10 and an outer screw-cover plate 1 having a stepped central bore which slidingly accommodates, in a pressure tight manner, a plunger 2 which co-operates with a nipple 3 screwed into the outer end of the central bore. A bore 8 in the screw-cover 1, for connection to a controllable source of hydraulic pressure e.g. that obtaining in the vessel itself, communicates with an annular recess in the inner face of the cover 1. With the inner plate 10 in position the cover 1 is screwed into the opening in the casing 9 until it bears lightly upon the inner plate 10. Hydraulic pressure medium is then connected to the bore 8 to force the plate 10 into the opening whereupon the nipple 3 is screwed down until the plunger 2 is firmly seated upon the cover-plate 10. The hydraulic pressure can then be relaxed. The closure can be undone by reapplying the hydraulic pressure to relieve the nipple 3 which, as subsequently with the screw-cover 1 after the pressure has been released, can be unscrewed by hand. As shown in Fig. 3 the parts 1, 2, 3 are manually screwed into a supporting ring 4 bolted to an hydraulic cylinder until the plunger 2 contacts the cover-plate 5 which closes and locates the corresponding end of the cylinder, hydraulic pressure means being introduced into an annular cavity between the cover-plate 1 and the plunger 2 through bores 6 radiating from a central bore in a stem of plunger 2 projecting upwardly through a central opening in the nipple 3. Another arrangement is shown for a valve casing cover.