ITBO20130485A1 - DEVICE FOR CLOSING A CONDUCTURE - Google Patents

Description

DEVICE FOR THE CLOSING OF A PIPELINE

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is part of the technical sector relating to equipment for carrying out installation, repair and / or maintenance of pipes in which pressurized fluids, for example gas, water, hydrocarbons and the like, are conducted, without interrupting the service. and avoiding the dispersion of polluting substances into the environment.

When a rupture occurs in one of these pipes, the intervention consists in isolating a sufficiently long section of this, in correspondence with the rupture, connecting the upstream and downstream branches with a temporary pipe, so as to create a by-pass in which to divert the fluid flow without stopping it.

To carry out these types of interventions, special equipment is required and, in more detail, it is envisaged to drill the pipe in the two points provided, apply a fitting and a valve to each one (called `` flat valve '' in jargon) and then fix respective machines plugging machines which are connected with said provisional duct; each of these machines includes members able to enter the underlying pipeline, passing through the flat valve and the fitting, and to be subsequently operated in order to occlude the pipeline at the beginning and at the end of the section to be insulated, for example with the ™ radial expansion of sealing rings.

A conventional flat valve essentially consists of two half-shells in which there is a through hole intended to be coaxial with the fitting; between the half-shells there is a blade with a circular sector, pivoted in the center of its radius and able to oscillate between an open position in which the hole and the fitting are communicating, and a closed position in which they are divided.

The flat valves remain closed as long as the respective tamping machines are not installed and are opened by acting on a pin, for example with a square or hexagonal section, integral with the fulcrum of the blade and protruding from the half-shells, to be engaged with a tool, a key or similar.

The actuation of the blade, both in opening and in closing, is quite difficult, due to the fact that acting on the fulcrum there is an unfavorable lever arm, aggravated by the pressure of the fluid which insists perpendicularly on the blade, increasing friction.

Furthermore, the seat in which the blade moves is in communication with the pipeline and is invaded by the fluid that passes through it so that, once the intervention is completed, an accurate cleaning maintenance of the flat valve is necessary.

The described conformation proves to be problematic under the constructive aspect, as the need to obtain elements of semicircular shape that must be coupled to others with very tight tolerances, both dimensional and shape, while ensuring the necessary seal against leakage, it requires the use of very precise machine tools, with the inevitable increase in costs.

The purpose of the present invention is therefore to propose a device for closing a pipeline which, although counting as a flat valve, is shaped in an original and innovative way and can overcome the limits and drawbacks complained of with the prior art achievements, in particular to reduce the effort required for operation.

Another object of the invention consists in obtaining a device in which the fluid in transit does not affect areas adjacent to the communication hole with the pipeline, thus limiting the dispersion of polluting material and the maintenance of the device itself.

Another object of the invention relates to the desire to produce a device of compact dimensions and consisting of elements of simple shape, so that construction is easier and cheaper.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device that can be used in combination with fittings and tamping machines of the known type, without requiring any adaptation.

These and other purposes are fully achieved by means of a device for closing a pipeline, with the latter applied as a derivation to a pipeline for the transport of fluids, with said device of the type able to be maneuvered from the outside for the definition of an open and a closed position, respectively to allow or prevent the flow of said fluid towards the aforementioned branch pipe, and comprising:

â 'a box-like body, consisting of two half-shells, lower and upper, coupled removably and sealed, between which a gap is defined communicating with two openings, each of which made in the wall of one of said half-shells, coaxially to the ™ other;

∠’a first flange, made integral with said lower half-shell at the relative opening, suitable for connecting the aforementioned device with the underlying branch of said branch pipe;

∠’a second flange, made integral with said upper half-shell at the relative opening, suitable for connecting the aforementioned device with the overlying branch of said branch pipe;

∠’a guillotine shutter, slidably inserted in the aforementioned cavity and movable between two extreme positions, open and closed, in which the aforementioned underlying and overlying branches of the branch pipe are, respectively, communicating and separate;

∠’rack and pinion maneuvering devices, designed to be operated from the outside of said box-like body to move said guillotine shutter between the two relative aforementioned positions.

The characteristics of the invention will become evident from the following description of preferred embodiments of the device for closing a conduit in question, in accordance with what is reported in the claims and with the aid of the attached drawing tables, in which:

- Fig. 1 illustrates, in an axonometric view, the device in question, in a first embodiment;

∠’Fig. 2 illustrates the device of Fig. 1 in top view, with an internal organ in hatching;

∠’Fig.3 illustrates a vertical section of the device, according to plan IIII of Fig.2;

∠’Fig. 4A, 4B illustrate, in schematic views similar to Fig. 2, two characteristic positions of an organ inside the device;

∠’Fig. 5 illustrates, in an axonometric view, a second embodiment of the device;

∠’Fig.6 illustrates the device of Fig.5 in top view;

∠’Fig. 7 illustrates a vertical section of the device, according to the plan VII-VII of Fig.6;

∠’Fig. 8A, 8B illustrate, in schematic views similar to Fig. 2, two characteristic positions of an organ inside the device.

In the figures listed above, reference 1 indicates the closure device object of the present invention, as a whole.

Device 1 identifies what in the relevant sector is known as a flat valve which, as already described in the introduction, is designed to be associated, in couple with another, to a pipe C applied as a derivation to a pipe T for the transport of fluids.

The branch pipe C, in the example in question, includes two fittings R (one of which is shown in broken lines in Fig. 3) which are made integral and communicating with said pipe T, upstream and downstream of the section of this isolate.

A corresponding device 1 is fixed above each of the fittings R, on which, in turn, a tamping machine M is associated (not illustrated in detail as it is known); the upstream and downstream plugging machines are joined by a connection pipe (not shown).

Of course, the specific application mentioned above does not exclude that the device 1 can be used on other pipes to close or open the same.

The device 1 comprises a box-like body 2, consisting of two half-shells, lower 3 and upper 4, removably coupled to seal, between which a gap 5 is defined.

To ensure the aforementioned seal, a gasket 90, for example of the â € œORâ € ring type, is interposed between the half-shells 3, 4 according to the known technique.

In each of the walls 30, 40 of the half-shells 3, 4, respective openings 31, 41 are made, preferably with a circular section, which are coaxial and communicating with said interspace 5.

First fixing means 6 are made integral with the wall 30 of the lower half-shell 3, designed to connect the aforementioned device 1 with the underlying branch of said branch pipe C, defined in the example by the aforementioned fitting R. In particular, in the embodiment shown, these first fixing means 6 consist of a first flange, arranged coaxial to the relative opening 31.

In a per se known manner, between the first flange 6 and the fitting R an unmarked sealing ring is interposed.

Similarly, the device 1 comprises second fastening means 7, intended to connect the aforementioned device 1 with the overlying branch of the aforementioned branch pipe C, defined in the example by the plugging machine M. In the embodiment illustrated, these second fastening means consist by a second flange, made integral with the wall 40 of the upper half-shell 4 and arranged coaxial with the relative opening 41.

Also between the second flange 7 and the tamping machine M is suitably interposed a sealing ring, not highlighted.

According to a preferred constructive solution, the diameter of the openings 31, 41 corresponds to that of the holes 60, 70 of the flanges 6, 7 and to the internal diameter of the conduit C.

A guillotine shutter 50 is slidably inserted in the aforementioned interspace 5, which is movable between two extreme positions, open H and closed K, in which the aforementioned underlying and overlying branches of the branch pipe C are respectively communicating and separate.

The device 1 also comprises maneuvering members 8 with pinion 80 and rack 81, adapted to be operated from the outside of said box-like body 2 to move said guillotine shutter 50 between the two relative aforementioned positions H, K.

In a first embodiment of the device, as per Figures 1 to 4B, the box-like body 2 has, in plan, a rectangular shape with rounded corners and with a trapezoidal-shaped protrusion 20 located in the center of one of its longer sides ; the openings 31, 41 and therefore the flanges 6, 7 are in the middle of the rectangle, centered with respect to the projection 20.

For this embodiment, it is advantageously provided to removably fix the flanges 6, 7 to the box-like body 2, for example by means of screws; this is to be considered a known technique and meets the technical task of allowing their replacement with others, should it be necessary to connect the device 1 to particular types of conduit C or to other equipment.

The aforementioned guillotine shutter 50 also has, in plan, a rectangular profile with rounded corners, and is affected by a through hole 51, arranged asymmetrically with respect to the longer sides of said profile, so as to be close to one of the minor sides of the latter.

The through hole 51 preferably has the same diameter as the openings 31, 41.

The aforementioned rack 81 of said operating members 8 is made in a single body with the guillotine shutter 50, in correspondence with the relative longer side 52 facing the trapezoidal projection 20 of the box-like body 2.

The rack 81 is engaged in gear with said pinion 80, arranged in the same interspace 5, in correspondence with the aforementioned trapezoidal projection 20.

The number of teeth of the pinion 80 is established according to the reduction to be obtained in coupling with the rack 81.

The pinion 80 is keyed on a pin 82 supported by the aforementioned upper half-shell 4 and partially protruding from the latter; the protruding portion has a prismatic section (square, hexagonal or similar) to allow the engagement of a tool, for example a fork or star wrench, with which it can be operated in rotation.

The guillotine shutter 50, therefore, is moved parallel to its longer sides by means of the pinion 80 between the relative aforementioned open H and closed K positions, in which said hole 51 is coaxial (Fig. 4A) and to the side, respectively. of the aforementioned openings 31, 41 of the half-shells 3, 4 (Fig. 4B).

In a second embodiment of the device, as shown in Figures 5 to 8B, the box-like body 2 has, in plan, a rectangular shape with rounded corners; the openings 31, 41 and therefore the flanges 6, 7 are asymmetrical with respect to the longer sides of said profile, so as to be close to one of the smaller sides of the latter.

In this embodiment, only the first flange 6 is removable, while the second 7 is made in a single body with an upper half-shell 4.

The aforementioned guillotine shutter 50 has, in plan, a fork shape in which a portion of the head 53 is defined, shaped like an arch at the end, and two parallel rear wings 54, between which there is a niche 55 .

The rack 81 of said operating members 8 is made in a single body with the guillotine shutter 50, in correspondence with a side 54A of one of said wings 54, facing the niche 55.

The rack 81 is engaged in gear with said pinion 80, arranged in the same interspace 5, in correspondence with the aforementioned niche 55.

Also in this case, the number of teeth of the pinion 80 is established according to the reduction to be obtained in coupling with the rack 81, compatibly with the space available in the niche 55.

Similarly to what has been said for the first embodiment, the pinion 80 is keyed on a pin 82 supported by the aforementioned upper half-shell 4 and partially protruding from the latter with a portion with a prismatic section.

The guillotine shutter 50, therefore, is moved parallel to said wings 54 between the relative open H and closed K positions, in which the head portion 53 is, respectively, at the side (Fig. 8A) and in correspondence with said openings 31, 41 of the half-shells 3, 4 (Fig. 8B).

In both embodiments described above, sealing gaskets 100 are advantageously provided, for example of the â € œORâ € ring type, respectively interposed between said lower half-shell 3 and the aforementioned guillotine shutter 50, as well as between the latter and the aforesaid upper half-shell 4, adapted to circumscribe the openings 31, 41 of the same half-shells 3, 4 and to separate them from the aforementioned interspace 5.

From the previous description, the peculiar characteristics of the device in question stand out clearly, in which the guillotine shutter moves in a straight direction, therefore with the best geometry to obtain a regular movement and, at the same time, operated with a pinion system and rack that allows a limited effort, thanks to a favorable reduction ratio.

The presence of the sealing rings that close the gap between the shutter and the interspace, allows to drastically limit the possibility for the fluid to invade the latter, practically eliminating the dispersion of polluting material and reducing maintenance of the device itself.

It should be pointed out that the advantageous aspects of the invention are obtained with a device of compact dimensions and consisting of elements of simple shape; obviously this translates into greater ease and cost-effectiveness of construction.

The device maintains an important feature already present on the known art creations, namely the possibility of replacing the attachment flanges, so that, in addition to being suitable for coupling with known type fittings and plugging machines, it can be advantageously used for any other similar application.

However, it is understood that what has been described above has an exemplary and non-limiting value, therefore any detailed variations that may be necessary for technical and / or functional reasons, are considered from now on to fall within the same protective scope defined by the claims reported below.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Device for closing a pipeline, with the latter applied as a derivation to a pipeline (T) for the transport of fluids, with said device (1) of the type suitable for being operated from the outside for the definition of an open and a closed position, respectively to allow or prevent the flow of said fluid towards the aforementioned branch pipe (C), and characterized in that it comprises: ∠'a box-like body (2), consisting of two half-shells, lower (3) and upper (4), removably coupled to seal, between which a cavity (5) is defined, communicating with two openings (31, 41 ), each of which made in the wall of one of said half-shells (3, 4), coaxially to the other; ∠’first fastening means (6), designed to connect the aforementioned device (1) with the underlying branch of said branch pipe (C); ∠’second fixing means (7) designed to connect the aforementioned device (1) with the overlying branch of said branch pipe (C); ∠'a guillotine shutter (50), slidably inserted in the aforementioned cavity (5) and movable between two extreme positions, open (H) and closed (K), in which the aforementioned underlying and overlying branches of the branch pipe (C) are , respectively, communicating and separated; ∠'pinion (80) and rack (81) maneuvering members (8), adapted to be operated from the outside of said box-like body (2) to move said guillotine shutter (50) between the two relative aforementioned positions ( H, K). 2. Device according to rev. 1, characterized by the fact that the aforementioned guillotine shutter (50) has, in plan, a rectangular profile with rounded corners, and is affected by a through hole (51), arranged asymmetrically with respect to the longer sides of said profile, thus to be close to one of the shorter sides of the latter, and from the fact that the aforementioned rack (81) of said operating members (8) is made in correspondence with one of the aforementioned major sides, parallel to which it is moved , on command given by said pinion (80) meshed with the rack (81), the same shutter (50), between the relative aforementioned open (H) and closed (K) positions, in which said through hole (51) results, respectively, coaxial and to the side of the aforementioned openings (31, 41) of the half-shells (3, 4). 3. Device according to rev. 2, characterized by the fact that said box-like body (2) has, in plan, a rectangular shape with rounded corners and with a trapezoidal protrusion (20) located in the center of one of its longer sides, by the fact that the aforementioned openings ( 31, 41) as well as the relative flanges (6, 7) are in the middle of the rectangle, centered with respect to the same projection (20), and by the fact that said pinion (80) is housed in correspondence with the aforementioned trapezoidal projection (20) . 4. Device according to rev. 1, characterized by the fact that the aforementioned guillotine shutter (50) has, in plan, a fork shape in which a head portion (53) is defined, shaped like an arch at the end, and two parallel rear wings ( 54), between which there is a niche (55), and by the fact that the aforementioned rack (81) of said operating organs (8) is made in one of said wings (54), in correspondence with a relative side (54A) facing the aforementioned niche (55), with the same shutter (50) intended to be moved, on command impressed by said pinion (80) housed in the aforementioned niche (55) and meshed with the rack (81), parallel to said wings (54) between the relative open (H) and closed (K) positions, in which said head portion (53) is, respectively, at the side and in correspondence of said openings (31, 41) of the half-shells (3, 4). 5. Device according to rev. 4, characterized by the fact that the aforementioned box-like body (2) has, in plan, a rectangular shape with rounded corners and by the fact that said openings (31, 41) as well as the relative flanges (6, 7) are asymmetrical with respect to the sides greater than said profile, so as to be close to one of the smaller sides of the latter 6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aforementioned openings (31, 41) in the lower (3) and upper (4) half-shells have a circular profile, with a diameter similar to that of said branch pipe (C) . 7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that sealing gaskets (100) are provided, respectively interposed between said lower half-shell (3) and the aforementioned guillotine shutter (50), as well as between the latter and the aforesaid upper half-shell (4), adapted to circumscribe the openings (31, 41) of the same half-shells (3, 4) and to separate them from the aforementioned interspace (5). 8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in said operating members (8) a pin (82) is provided, on which said pinion (80) is keyed, supported by the aforementioned upper half-shell (4) and partially protruding from the latter, adapted to be activated in rotation with a tool. 9. Device according to rev. 8, characterized in that the aforementioned protruding portion of the pin (82) has a prismatic section. 10. Device according to rev. 1, characterized in that the aforementioned first (6) and second (7) fastening means respectively comprise a first flange, made integral with said lower half-shell (3) in correspondence with the relative opening (31), and a second flange, made integral with said upper half-shell (4) in correspondence with the relative opening (41).