KR102415124B1 - Refractory Composite Flange Cover and Method of Manufacturing Same - Google Patents

Abstract

A cover assembly for a flange joint and a method related thereto are disclosed. In one embodiment, the cover assembly includes a single cover box including a first open end and an interior cavity. The single cover box is configured to receive the flange joint in the interior cavity through the first open end. The cover assembly also includes a first end cap including an axially extending through hole, the first end cap being configured to engage the first open end.

Description

Refractory Composite Flange Cover and Method of Manufacturing Same

Cross-referencing of related applications

non-applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

non-applicable

Pipelines are typically used to transport fluids between two different locations in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing facilities, oil and/or chemical production or processing sites, and the like. Pipelines are generally made from a plurality of individual pipes or tubular members connected end to end. A variety of different types of joints may be used to connect the ends of the two pipes. One common type of joint is a flange joint formed by bolting flanges placed together at opposite ends of a pipe.

Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a cover assembly for a flange joint. In one embodiment, the cover assembly includes a single cover box including a first open end and an interior cavity. The single cover box is configured to receive the flange joint in the interior cavity through the first open end. The cover assembly also includes a first end cap including an axially extending through hole. The first end cap is configured to couple to the first open end.

Another embodiment is directed to a method for installing a cover assembly. In one embodiment, the method comprises (a) translating a single cover box along the first tubular member towards a flange joint joining the first and second tubular members. The single cover box includes a first open end. The method also includes (b) receiving the flange joint within the interior cavity of the single cover box. Moreover, the method includes (c) translating the first end cap along the second tubular member towards the flange joint. Moreover, the method includes (d) engaging the first open end of the single cover box and the first end cap.

Another embodiment disclosed herein is directed to a tool assembly for manufacturing a cover box assembly for a flange joint. In one embodiment, a tool assembly includes a driveshaft and a first plate coaxially mounted to the driveshaft. The tool assembly also includes a drum positioned coaxially about the driveshaft. The drum includes a first end proximate the first plate and a second end axially opposite the first end. Furthermore, the tool assembly includes a second plate mounted coaxially to the driveshaft. The second plate engages the second end of the drum. The tool assembly also includes a third plate mounted coaxially to the driveshaft. The third plate includes an axial projection that engages the second plate.

Embodiments described herein include combinations of features and advantages that are adapted to address various disadvantages associated with certain conventional apparatus, systems, and methods. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages disclosed herein in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Various characteristics as well as other characteristics described above will be readily understood by those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the concepts and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes as the disclosed embodiments. It should also be understood by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a flange cover assembly according to the principles disclosed herein disposed about a flange joint;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the flange cover assembly of Fig. 1 taken along portion II-II of Fig. 1;
3 and 4 are sequential perspective views of the flange cover assembly of FIG. 1 installed on the flange joint of FIG. 1;
5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tool assembly for manufacturing the flange cover assembly of FIG. 1 ;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the tool assembly of Fig. 5 taken along section VI-VI of Fig. 5;
7 is a graphical illustration of one embodiment of a method for manufacturing and installing the flange cover assembly of FIG. 1 ;
Fig. 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flange cover assembly of Fig. 1 formed from the tool assembly of Fig. 5;
9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of a flange cover assembly according to the principles disclosed herein;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the flange cover assembly of Fig. 9 installed on the flange joint of Fig. 1;
11 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a tool assembly for manufacturing the flange cover assembly of FIG. 9 ;
Fig. 12 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flange cover assembly of Fig. 9 formed on the tool assembly of Fig. 11;

The following description relates to various exemplary embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments disclosed herein have a wide range of uses, and that the description of any embodiment is merely illustrative of the embodiment, and is not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims, to that embodiment. will understand

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or elements. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, different people may refer to the same feature or element by different names. This specification is not intended to distinguish between components or features that have different names but have the same function. The drawn drawings are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and components within this specification may be shown in exaggerated or somewhat schematic form, and the details of some of conventional elements may not be shown for the benefit of clarity and brevity.

In the following description and claims, the term "comprises" is used in an expandable form and therefore should be construed as meaning "including but not limited to". Also, the term “coupled” refers to an indirect or direct connection. Thus, when a first device is coupled to a second device, the connection may be through a direct connection or through an indirect connection through other devices, components, and connections. Also, as used herein, the terms “axial” and “axially” mean generally along or parallel to a central axis (eg, the central axis of a body or port), while The terms “radial” and “radially” mean generally perpendicular to a central axis. For example, axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to a central axis, and radial distance refers to a distance measured perpendicular to the central axis. Uses of the terms "radial", "radially", "axial", "axially", etc. are used herein to refer to the shape, orientation, etc. of a structure, surface, component, etc. with respect to a central axis. and the use of these terms should not be construed as necessarily requiring or suggesting a circular, cylindrical, or other curved surface, orientation, shape, or the like. For example, a rectangular column has a central axis and a radially outer surface that is rectangular (ie, not cylindrical) about the central axis. Moreover, as used herein, “single,” “an integral,” and “formally formed” refer to a structure or component consisting of or consisting of a single solid and unbroken member. Also, as used herein, the term "fireproof" refers to a material or component that meets the testing requirements as found, for example, in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14692 (first edition, 2002). .

Due to the nature of the fluids transported within the pipeline (eg, flammable fluids, chemicals that may pose a hazard to the environment, etc.), It is desirable that structural integrity be maintained so that these fluids can continue to flow through the pipeline even after the pipeline has been exposed to fire for a significant period of time. In many pipelines, flange joints between pipes are most susceptible to fire. Specifically, when exposed to fire and associated thermal energy, the bolts joining the flanges can expand (i.e. thermally expand), which reduces the compressive load holding the mating surfaces of the flanges in sealing engagement. . Also, some flange joints include an elastomeric gasket between the two mating flange surfaces to provide a seal between the flanges. In the event of a fire, these elastomeric gaskets can lose their structural sealing integrity. Therefore, fire resistant flange covers are often used in pipelines to cover and protect flange joints in the event of a fire.

Conventional flange covers typically include two halves joined together with bolts and corresponding nuts. As a result, these conventional flange covers include a central seam or joint (between the two halves) extending circumferentially about the entire cover. Such a seam generally forms a weak point between the two halves of the cover near the flange joint itself that can pass the flames and/or heat of a nearby fire. Further, the bolt joining the two halves of the cover is susceptible to the same problem as the bolt of the lower flange joint (ie, loss of compression due to thermal expansion of the bolt). Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein include a protective fire resistant flange joint cover assembly capable of providing improved protection in the event of a fire and a method of making the same.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a flange cover assembly disposed around a flange joint 20 connecting a first tubular member or pipe 13 and a second tubular member or pipe 15 of a pipeline end-to-end ( 100) is shown. The pipes 13 , 15 , and thus the pipelines, extend along a common central or longitudinal axis 25 . Each pipe 13 , 15 includes a central flow bore 17 , 19 respectively that allows the passage of fluid in use. The flange joint 20 includes a first flange 22 connected to the end of the first pipe 13 and a second flange 24 connected to the end of the second pipe 15 . The flanges 22 and 24 may be secured to the pipes 13 and 15 respectively via any suitable method such as, for example, welding, gluing, threading, or the like. In some embodiments, flanges 22 and 24 are integrally formed on pipes 13 and 15, respectively. To form and configure the joint 20 , the flanges 22 , 24 are coaxially aligned (with respect to the axis 25 ) and axially opposed mating surfaces 27 , 29 of the flanges 22 , 24 . are compressed together by a plurality of circumferentially spaced bolts (not visible in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 ), thereby connecting the pipes 13 and 15 . When the joint 20 is constructed, the flow bores 17 and 19 are aligned and installed in fluid communication so that the fluid can freely flow between the pipes 13 and 15 . In this embodiment, an annular gasket 30 is disposed between the mating surfaces 27 , 29 to inhibit and/or prevent the flow of fluid between the mating surfaces 27 , 29 .

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the flange cover assembly 100 is a single cover box 120 of a single member extending around a flange joint 20 , a first attached to the cover box 120 . an end cap 140 , and a second end cap 141 attached to the cover box 120 . The cover box 120 has a central axis 125 aligned with the axis 25 of the joint 20, a first end 120a, a second end 120b opposite to the first end 120a, ends ( a radially outer surface 120c extending axially between 120a, 120b, and a radially inner surface 120d extending axially between ends 120a, 120b. In this embodiment, radial outer surface 120c is a cylindrical surface extending circumferentially about axis 125 . The radial inner surface 120d defines an inner cavity 123 that extends axially between the ends 120a, 120b. As will be described in greater detail below, the interior cavity 123 receives the flange joint 20 when the cover assembly 100 is mounted on the flange joint 20 . In the present embodiment, the radial inner surface 120d has a first cylindrical surface 124 extending axially from the first end 120a, and a second cylindrical surface 128 extending axially from the second end 120b. ), and an intermediate frustoconical intermediate surface 126 extending axially between the cylindrical surfaces 124 , 128 .

The first cylindrical surface 124 is disposed at a radius R124 measured radially from the axis 125 , and the intermediate surface 126 is disposed at a radius R126 measured radially from the axis 125 , The second cylindrical surface 128 is disposed at a radius R128 measured radially from the axis 125 . Since the intermediate surface 126 is truncated as described above, the radius R126 changes as it is moved axially along the intermediate surface 126 . In the present embodiment, the radius R126 increases when moving axially from the first end 120a toward the second end 120b. Also, in this embodiment, the radius R124 is equal to the radius R128, and each of the radii R124 and R128 is greater than any value of the radius R126. As a result, the first shoulder 130 extends radially inward from the first cylindrical surface 124 to the proximal end 120a of the frusto-conical intermediate surface 126 , and the second shoulder 132 extends on the second cylindrical surface. It extends radially inward from 128 to the proximal end 120b of the intermediate frustoconical intermediate surface 126 . In this embodiment, each shoulder 130 , 132 comprises an annular plane. Also shown in FIG. 1 , as will be described in greater detail below, upon installation of the flange cover assembly 100 , the joint 20 is axially within the cavity 123 of the cover box 120 . In order to be able to be inserted, the flange joint 20 has an outer radius R20 that is less than the radii R124, R126, R128.

The end caps 140 , 141 are coupled to the ends 120a , 120b of the cover box 120 . Specifically, in this embodiment, the end caps 140 , 141 are sized and shaped to be placed within the cavity 123 in contact with the respective shoulders 130 , 132 adjacent the ends 120a and 120b , respectively. In this embodiment, surfaces 124 and 128 are cylindrical and shoulders 130 and 132 are annular. Consequently, in this embodiment, the end caps 140 , 141 are generally circular plates. The end caps 140 , 141 include a corresponding central axis 145 that, when the assembly 100 is fully installed on the flange joint 20 , is coaxially aligned with the axes 25 , 125 . In addition, each end cap 140 , 141 is disposed between a first plane or side 142 , a second plane or side 144 , axially opposite to the first side 142 , between the sides 142 , 144 . a cylindrical radially outer surface 146 extending axially at The frustoconical radial inner surface 148 defines a through hole 143 extending axially through the end caps 140 , 141 between the sides 142 , 144 . As shown in FIG. 1 , when the end caps 140 , 141 are secured to the cover box 120 within the inner cavity 123 , the first side 142 of each cap 140 , 141 is hollow. The second side 144 of each cap 140 , 141 faces the cavity 123 and is referred to herein as the “outer face” as it faces axially outward of 123 or away from cavity 123 . As it faces axially inward, it is referred to herein as "inner surface". Further, when the end caps 140 , 141 are secured to the cover box 120 within the interior cavity 123 , the frusto-conical surface 148 may be axially outside or inside the interior cavity 123 of the interior cavity 123 , respectively. As it faces away from it, it may be referred to herein as a "outward-facing" frustoconical surface 148 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , the cylindrical radial outer surface 146 of the first end cap 140 is disposed at a radius R140 measured from the corresponding central axis 145 , and the second end cap 141 . A cylindrical radially outer surface 146 of is disposed at a radius R141 measured from the corresponding central axis 145 . In this embodiment, radius R141 is equal to radius R140. Moreover, the radius R140 is greater than the value of the radius R126 of the intermediate surface 126 at the shoulder 130 , and less than the radius R124 of the surface 124 , and the radius R141 is the intermediate surface 126 at the shoulder 132 . greater than the value of the radius R126 of the face 126 and less than the radius R128 of the surface 128 .

As noted above, the cover box assembly 100 is designed to protect the flange joint 20 from fire and associated thermal energy. Accordingly, the cover box 120 and the end caps 140 , 141 are preferably made of a fire resistant material and a flame resistant material. In this embodiment, the cover box 120 and the end caps 140 and 141 are each made of a fireproof material including an epoxy resin, a flame retardant, and a curing agent. More specifically, the fire resistant material constituting the cover box 120 and the end caps 140 and 141 is made of 100 parts per hundred (PPH) of an epoxy resin, 10-100 PPH of a flame retardant, and 20-35 PPH of an amine curing agent. include The flame retardant may include, for example, a refractory compound such as melamine polyphosphate, ammonium phosphate, or a combination of some thereof. Specifically, in one formulation, the flame retardant comprises melamine polyphosphate having a nitrogen content of 40%, a phosphorus content of 14% to 17%, and a water content of about 0.5%. In another formulation, the flame retardant comprises ammonium polyphosphate having a nitrogen content of 14% to 15%, a phosphorus content of 31% to 32%, and a water content of about 0.2%. In some embodiments, these flame retardant compounds may be in powder form when mixed with the aforementioned epoxy resins and amine curing agents.

By mixing the flame retardant with the epoxy resin, the resin is impregnated with the flame retardant, thereby mimicking the fire resistance properties of the flame retardant during operation (eg, in a fire). Further, without wishing to be bound by this theory or any other theory, when the material constituting the cover box 120 and the end caps 140 , 141 is exposed to a fire, the outermost surface of these components (ie, a fire A carbonized layer is formed on the surface that is exposed to heat and/or flame upon exposure. This carbonized layer acts as a thermal barrier that limits the amount of combustible gases that can pass through. Further, without wishing to be bound by this theory or any other theory, as described above, since the flame retardant is mixed with the epoxy resin and the curing agent, the formed carbonized layer is formed in the cover box ( 120) and the end caps 140, 141 are more tightly coupled. Moreover, the use of certain flame retardants described above (eg, melamine polyphosphate and ammonium phosphate) may reduce oxidation on the exterior surfaces of cover box 120 and caps 140 , 141 during operation.

In general, cover box 120 and end caps 140 , 141 may be cast or otherwise formed from a refractory material. As will be described in more detail below, in this embodiment, a resin, a flame retardant, and a curing agent are impregnated into a glass fiber filament, which in turn forms the cover box 120 and the end caps 140 , 141 . It is wound around the tool assembly to form all.

In this embodiment, the cover box 120 and the end caps 140 , 141 are made of a fire resistant material comprising an epoxy resin, a flame retardant, and a curing agent, but in another embodiment the cover box (eg, the cover box 120 ) ) and different refractory material(s) may be used to form the end caps (eg, end caps 140 , 141 ). Also, although in this embodiment the cover box 120 and the end caps 140 , 141 are made of the same fire resistant material, in other embodiments the cover box and the end caps may be made of a different fire resistant material.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the inner surfaces 144 of the end caps 140 and 141 axially abut the shoulders 130 and 132 , respectively. As best seen in FIG. 2 , between the inner surfaces 144 of the end caps 140 , 141 and the shoulders 130 , 132 to secure the end caps 140 , 141 to the cover box 120 . A fire resistant adhesive 150 is disposed. Also in this embodiment, between the cylindrical radially outer surface 146 of the end caps 140 , 141 and the cylindrical surfaces 124 , 128 , and between the cylindrical surfaces 124 , 128 and the end caps 140 , 141 . An adhesive 150 is disposed between the radially outer portions of the outer surface 142 of the .

Referring again to FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, an adhesive 150 is also disposed between the pipes 13 , 15 and the frusto-conical surface 148 forming the through-holes 143 of the end caps 140 , 141 . do. Without wishing to be bound by this theory or any other theory, the adhesive ( 150), it is possible to effectively seal and isolate the inner cavity 123 and the joint 20 from the flame existing outside the flange cover assembly 100 in the event of a fire, as well as thermal energy from the flame It can be suppressed from being transmitted to the joint (20). Without wishing to be bound by this theory or any other theory, the seam or junction of the cover flange assembly 100 is at the junction between the cover box 120 and the end caps 140 , 141 , the proximal ends 120a , 120b . By positioning the whole, this seam is positioned distal to the flange joint 20 . This is in contrast to conventional flange cover assemblies that typically include a central circumferential seam or joint radially adjacent to a flange joint 20 disposed therein.

In general, adhesive 150 may include any suitable refractory adhesive configured to maintain a bond between two or more surfaces or components at elevated temperatures (eg, 1200° C.). For example, in some embodiments, adhesive 150 includes a flame retardant such as, for example, melamine polyphosphate, ammonium phosphate, or a combination of some thereof. Also, in some embodiments, adhesive 150 comprises a resin (eg, epoxy), silica, calcium silicate, colloidal silica, methanol, and/or metal fibers (eg, stainless steel). In one particular formulation, the adhesive 150 is mixed with a commercial adhesive (eg, epoxy-based) available, for example, from National Oilwell Varco (NOV) (Houston, Texas). It contains a refractory material. In at least some embodiments, the curing agent is added to the adhesive 150 immediately prior to applying the adhesive within the assembly 100 .

3 and 4 , in order to install the flange cover assembly 100 on the flange joint 20 , first a cover box 120 is disposed around one of the pipes 13 and 15 . For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3 , cover box 120 is disposed around pipe 13 such that pipe 13 extends through cavity 123 . Next, the cover box 120 moves the pipe 13 (or in the direction of the arrow 160 ) towards the joint 20 until the joint 20 is received within the cavity 123 as shown in FIG. 1 . In another embodiment it is translated axially with respect to the pipe 15 ). Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 4, the end caps 140 and 141 are respectively disposed around the pipes 13 and 15, so that the pipes 13 and 15 are formed through the through-holes of the end caps 140 and 141, respectively. 143) is extended. The end caps 140 , 141 are then axially relative to the pipes 13 , 15 respectively in the direction of arrows 170 , 180 towards the cover box 120 until received within the cavity 123 in the manner described above. translated in the direction Specifically, the end cap 140 is translated in the direction of the arrow 170 until its inner surface 144 engages or abuts with the first shoulder 130 , and the end cap 141 has its inner surface 144 . It is translated in the direction of arrow 18 until it engages or abuts with this second shoulder 132 . An adhesive (eg, adhesive 150 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is then applied to end caps 140 , 141 , cover box 120 , and pipes 13 , 15 in the manner described above. Through this, the end plates 140 and 141 and the cover box 120 are fixed to complete the configuration of the flange cover assembly 100 . Specifically, the adhesive 150 is applied between the inner surface 144 of the end caps 140 , 141 and the respective shoulders 130 , 132 , and the frusto-conical surface 143 of the end caps 140 , 141 and each pipe. It is applied between 13 and 15 to effectively seal the cavity 123 from the external environment surrounding the flange cover assembly 100 as described above.

Without wishing to be bound by this theory or any other theory, engagement of the inner surfaces 144 of the caps 140 , 141 with the respective shoulders 130 , 132 improves the structural integrity of the flange cover assembly 100 in the event of a fire. offers the potential to Specifically, in the event of a fire, the environment surrounding the flange joint 20 and assembly 100 may increase in pressure (eg, due to the pressure generated by the fire itself). As a result of this pressure increase, the end caps 140 and 141 (particularly the surface 144 ) facilitate engagement with the shoulders 130 and 132 , respectively, so that this increase in pressure increases the overall integrity of the structure of the cover assembly 100 . is not a threat to This is in contrast to conventional flange cover assemblies that are prone to implosion due to increased pressure in the event of a fire.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 , a manufacturing tool assembly 200 for forming the components of the flange cover assembly 100 (eg, cover box 120 , end plates 140 , 141 , etc.) is is shown. The tool assembly 200 includes a driveshaft 210 and a form or mold 202 mounted to the driveshaft 210 . In the present embodiment, the mold 202 includes a drum 220 disposed around the drive shaft 210 , a first plate 230 disposed around the drive shaft 210 adjacent to the drum 220 , and a drum a second plate 240 disposed around the drive shaft 210 adjacent to 220 , a third plate 250 disposed around the drive shaft 210 adjacent to the second plate 240 , and and a fourth plate 260 disposed around the drive shaft 210 adjacent to the third plate 250 .

Referring specifically to FIG. 6 , the driveshaft 210 is an elongate member and has a central or longitudinal axis 215 , a first end 210a, a second end 210b opposite to the first end 210a; and a radially outer surface 210c extending axially between the ends 210a, 210b. The outer surface 210c includes an annular shoulder 212 that extends radially outward with respect to the axis 215 adjacent the end 210a. Also, a threaded counterbore 214 coaxially aligned with axis 215 extends axially from second end 210b.

A support or connecting flange 216 is fixedly fixed to the first end 210a of the drive shaft 210 . Flange 216 includes a central through-hole 218 extending axially through flange 216 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures or holes 217 . Shoulder 219 extends radially inward from flange 216 into through hole 218 . As shown in FIG. 6 , the first end 210a of the drive shaft 210 is received in the through hole 218 to engage or abut in the axial direction with the shoulder 219 . In general, the end 210a of the driveshaft 210 may be coupled to any suitable suitable, such as, for example, an engaging thread, welding, adhesive(s), etc., within the through-hole 218 and the outer surface 210c of the driveshaft 210 . manner to the flange 216 in the through hole 218 . Regardless of the fixing method used, driveshaft 210 is secured to flange 216 such that driveshaft 210 and flange 216 are configured to rotate together about axis 215 (ie, flange 216 ). ) is fixed to the first end 210a, the driveshaft 210 cannot rotate about the axis 215 relative to the flange 216).

The first plate 230 is a generally circular member, which is a central axis 235 coaxially aligned with the axis 215 , a first face or side 230a , a second axially opposite side of the first side 230a . two sides or side surfaces 230b, and a through hole 232 extending in the axial direction between the side surfaces 230a and 230b. Driveshaft 210 extends axially through through hole 232 such that plate 230 is disposed concentrically on driveshaft 210 between ends 210a and 210b. The first side 230a includes an engagement surface 234 that engages and rests with the annular shoulder 212 of the driveshaft 210 , and the second side 230b separates from the engagement surface 236 and the engagement surface 236 . and an axially extending axial projection 238 . Engagement surface 236 extends from axis 215 , 235 equal to radius R124 of first cylindrical surface 124 of cover box 120 ( FIG. 1 ) to outer radius R236 measured from axis 215 , 235 .

A support plate 231 rests against an engagement surface 236 and a projection 238 in the drum 220 . Specifically, the support plate 231 extends axially between a first surface or side surface 231a, a second surface or side surface 231b opposite to the first side surface 231a, and the side surfaces 231a and 231b. and a through hole 233 that is The drive shaft 210 extends axially through the through hole 233 such that the support plate 231 is concentrically disposed on the drive shaft 210 between the first plate 230 and the second end 210b. . The first side 231a includes an engagement surface 237 and an axial recess 239 extending axially from the engagement surface 237 . The second side 231b includes an annular engagement plane 235 . When the support plate 231 is installed on the drive shaft 210 , the engagement surface 237 of the support plate 231 is the first plate 230 seated in the mating recess 239 of the support plate 231 . Engage or engage the protrusion 238 and the engagement surface 236 of the first plate 230 .

Still referring to FIG. 6 , the second plate 240 is also a generally circular member, which includes a central axis 245 coaxially aligned with the axis 215 of the driveshaft 210 , a first face or side 240a; a second surface or side surface 240b on an axially opposite side of the first side surface 240a, and a through hole 242 extending axially between the side surfaces 240a and 240b. The drive shaft 210 extends axially through the through hole 242 such that the plate 240 is concentrically disposed on the drive shaft 210 between the drum 220 and the end 210b. The first side 240a includes an engagement surface 244 and an axial projection 246 extending axially from the engagement surface 244 . The second side 240b includes an annular plane 248 and an axial recess 249 extending axially from the annular plane 248 .

Drum 220 is a cylindrical, tubular member, which has a central axis 225, first end 220a, axially aligned with axis 215 of driveshaft 210, in the axial direction of first end 220a. Opposite second end 220b, radial outer surface 220c extending axially between ends 220a, 220b, and radial inner surface 220d extending axially between ends 220a, 220b ) is included. The radial inner surface 220d includes a pair of radially inwardly extending annular shoulders 222 and 224, the annular shoulder 222 disposed proximate the first end 220a, the annular shoulder 224 being disposed proximate to the first end 220a. is disposed proximate to the second end 220b. The radially outer surface 220c includes a first cylindrical surface 226 extending axially from the second end 220b and a second frustoconical surface 228 extending axially from the first end 220a. . Cylindrical surface 226 is disposed at radius R226 and surface 228 is disposed at radius R228 , both measured from axes 215 and 225 . As noted above, the surface 228 is frustoconical, so that the radius R228 changes as it is moved axially along the surface 228 . In this embodiment, the radius R228 increases as it moves axially from the first end 220a toward the second end 220b. Also, in this embodiment, the radius R226 is equal to the radius R128 of the surface 128 of the cover box 120 ( FIG. 1 ), and all values of the radius R228 are smaller than the radius R226 . Also, the radius R228 is equal to the radius R126 of the frustoconical intermediate surface 126 of the cover box 120 along the entire portion of the cover box 120 . As a result, radial outer surface 220c includes an annular shoulder 227 proximate to second end 220b extending radially between cylindrical surfaces 226 , 228 . Also, since all values of radius R228 are less than radius R238 of engagement surface 236 of first plate 230, tool assembly 200 as shown in FIGS. In this case, an annular shoulder 243 is formed between the surface 228 and the engagement surface 236 .

The drum 220 is disposed concentrically around the driveshaft 210 , the first end 220a engages the surface 236 of the first plate 230 , and the annular shoulder 222 supports the support plate 231 . ), the second end 220b engages the surface 244 of the second plate 240 , and the annular shoulder 224 engages the protrusion 246 of the second plate 240 and interlock As a result, the drum 220 is compressed axially between the first plate 230 and the second plate 240 .

Still referring to FIG. 6 , third plate 250 and fourth plate 260 are each a circular member, which has central axes 255 and 265 coaxially aligned with axis 215 of driveshaft 210 . each includes In addition, the third plate 250 has a first surface or side surface 250a, a second surface or side surface 250b axially opposite to the first side surface 250a, and an axis between the side surfaces 250a and 250b. and a through hole 252 extending in the direction. The fourth plate 260 has a first side or side 260a, a second side or side 260b axially opposite to the first side 260a, and axially between the side surfaces 260a and 260b. and an extending through hole 262 . The first sides 250a , 260a of each plate 250 , 260 each include an annular plane 254 and an axial projection 256 extending axially from the plane 254 . Additionally, each side 250a , 260a also includes a frusto-conical surface 257 extending between the engagement surface 254 and the projection 256 . The second side 250b , 260b of each plate 250 , 260 includes an annular plane 258 and a central recess 259 extending axially from the annular plane 258 .

The third plate 250 is positioned axially adjacent the second plate 240 , and the fourth plate 260 is positioned axially adjacent the fourth plate 250 . Specifically, the axial projection 259 of the third plate 250 is an annular gap or recess 264 between the surface 248 of the second plate 240 and the surface 254 of the third plate 250 . is received in the axial mating recess 249 of the second plate 240 so as to be formed in the axial direction. Gap 264 extends radially outward from frustoconical surface 257 of plate 250 . Further, the axial projection 259 of the fourth plate 260 has an annular gap or recess 266 between the surface 258 of the third plate 250 and the surface 254 of the fourth plate 260 . It is received in the axial mating recess 256 of the third plate 250 to be formed axially. Gap 266 extends radially outward from frustoconical surface 257 of fourth plate 260 .

Still referring to FIG. 6 , support sleeve 270 is mounted on second end 210b of driveshaft 210 , drum 220 and plates 230 , 231 , 240 , 250 of tool assembly 200 . , 260) in the axial direction. The sleeve 270 is an elongate tubular member, which has a central axis 275 coaxially aligned with the axis 215 of the driveshaft 210 , a first end 270a , axially opposite the first end 270a . a second end 270b of , and a central cavity 272 extending axially between the ends 270a, 270b. The inner partition 274 extends radially into the cavity 272 , and through which the cavity 272 extends axially from the first end 270a to the partition 274 , a first portion 272a and a second and a second portion 272b extending axially from end 720b to partition 274 . A central bore 276 extends axially through partition 274 along axis 275 , 215 , thereby engaging portions 272a , 272b of cavity 272 . The support sleeve 270 is such that the second end 210b is received within the first portion 272a of the cavity 272 , and the threaded counterbore 214 aligns with the central bore 276 within the partition 274 . It is installed on the drive shaft 210 as much as possible. Further, the first end 270a of the sleeve 270 axially engages or abuts the fifth plate 260 . Connecting member 280 , which in this embodiment is an elongated threaded bolt, is inserted through aligned bores 276 , 214 , and a head 282 on connecting member 280 engages partition 274 , as described above. Likewise, the drum 220 and plates 230 , 231 , 240 , 250 , 260 are screwed into the threaded counterbore 214 to compress against the annular shoulder 212 . For clarity, in FIG. 6 the connecting member 280 is shown removed from the bores 214 and 276 .

Referring now to FIG. 7 , one embodiment of a method 300 of manufacturing a refractory flange cover assembly 100 having a tool assembly 200 and then installing the cover assembly 100 over a flange joint 20 . is shown. Reference will also be made to the tool assembly 200 and the flange cover assembly 100 as previously described in the following description of the method 300 .

The method 300 begins at block 305 by assembling the manufacturing tool assembly 200 . In particular, with reference to FIG. 6 , to assemble the tool assembly 200 , the driveshaft 210 is a drive (not shown), for example a motor configured to rotate the output shaft about a central axis. is mounted on Specifically, the flange 216 is mounted to the output shaft (not shown) of the drive (eg, via a bolt extending through the opening 217 ). Thereafter, a mold 202 (eg, drum 220 , plates 230 , 231 , 240 , 250 , 260 , and sleeve 270 ) is assembled onto driveshaft 210 in the manner described above. A tool assembly 200 is formed.

Referring again to FIG. 7 , the method 300 next includes, at block 310 , wrapping or winding a refractory material around the drum 220 to form the cover box 120 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , glass fibers impregnated with a refractory material (eg, the refractory material described above) are disposed on the drum 220 between the first plate 230 and the second plate 240 . Rotation of flange 216 and propeller shaft 10 rotates tool assembly 200 while being wrapped or wound to form cover box 120 . In this process, annular shoulders 243, 227 on tool assembly 200 form respective annular shoulders 130, 132 on cover box 120, and frusto-conical surfaces 228 on drum 220 cover Form a frustoconical intermediate surface 126 on box 120 (see FIG. 1 ).

Referring to FIG. 7 , the method 300 then proceeds at block 315 of the surface 257 within the respective recesses 264 , 266 between the plates 240 , 250 and the plates 250 , 260 . End by rotating flange 216 and driveshaft 210 while wrapping or winding glass fibers impregnated with a refractory material (eg, refractory material described above) around it to form end caps 140 and 141 respectively. and forming caps 140 , 141 . In this process, frusto-conical surface 257 forms a frusto-conical surface 148 on each end plate 140 , 141 (see FIG. 1 ).

Referring again to FIG. 7 , the method 300 next includes curing the refractory material of the cover box 120 and end caps 140 , 141 at block 320 . In particular, after the cover box 120 and the end plates 140 , 141 are formed on the tool assembly 200 as described above, these components (ie the box 120 , the plates 140 , 141 ) are cured. . In general, cover box 120 and end plates 140 , 141 may be cured on tool assembly 200 using any suitable curing method known in the art. For example, box 120 and end caps 140 , 141 may be cured with, for example, radiant energy (eg, in an oven), ultraviolet light, heat, or a combination of some thereof. In addition, box 120 and end caps 140, 141 may be cured using passive curing techniques (eg, long-term light exposure of newly formed box 120 and plates 140, 141 at room temperature). have.

Referring back to FIG. 7 , after curing at block 320 , the method 300 includes a newly formed and cured cover box 120 and end caps 140 , 141 from the tool assembly 200 at block 325 . including the step of removing Specifically, the end caps 140 , 141 may, for example, sequentially remove the sleeve 270 , then remove the plates 260 , 250 from the assembly 200 , through which the recess 264 , It is removed from the tool assembly 200 by releasing the end caps 140 , 141 from 266 . Thereafter, the drum 220 and the cover box 120 may be removed from the driveshaft 210 and thereafter separated (eg, by sliding the cover box 120 axially away from the drum 220 ). so that the second plate 240 is removed from the drive shaft 210 .

Referring again to FIG. 7 , the method 300 includes, at block 330 , installing a cover box 120 and end caps 140 , 141 on a flange joint (eg, flange joint 20 ). includes Specifically, after the cover box 120 and the end caps 140 , 141 are removed from the tool assembly 200 , for example, in the manner shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 described above, the flange joint 20 ( FIG. 4 ). It can be installed on the same flange joint as 1).

In the embodiment of the cover box assembly 100 described above, a pair of end caps 140 , 141 are attached to the cover box 120 . However, in other embodiments, only one end cap (eg, end caps 140 , 141 ) is provided. For example, referring now to FIG. 9 , there is shown one embodiment of a flange cover assembly 400 for placement around a flange joint (eg, flange joint 20 ). The flange cover assembly 400 includes a cover box 420 and a single end cap 450 (rather than the two end caps 140 , 141 of assembly 100 described above).

In this embodiment, the cover box 420 is an elongate generally cylindrical member, which is a central or longitudinal axis 425 , a first or closed end 420a , a second or axially opposite end of the closed end 420a , or an open end 420b, and an interior cavity 423 extending axially from the open end 420b toward the closed end 420a. The cover box 420 also has a radial outer surface 420c extending axially between the ends 420a and 420b and a radial inner surface extending axially from the open end 420b toward the closed end 420a. (420d). Annular flange 442 extends radially inward from end 420a and at least partially closes end 430a therethrough.

Still referring to FIG. 9 , outer surface 420c is a cylindrical surface extending axially between ends 420a and 420b. The inner surface 420d has a first cylindrical surface 428 axially extending from the open end 420b , a second frustoconical surface 426 axially extending from the flange 442 , and a surface from surface 426 . and an annular shoulder 432 extending radially to 428 . The first cylindrical surface 428 is disposed at a radius R428 measured radially from the axis 425 and the second frustoconical surface 426 is disposed at a radius R426 measured radially from the axis 425 . are placed Since surface 426 is truncated as described above, radius R426 changes as it is moved axially along surface 426 . In this embodiment, radius R426 increases as it moves axially from flange 442 towards cylindrical surface 428 . However, all values of radius R426 are less than radius R428. As a result, the shoulder 432 extends radially inward from the first cylindrical surface 428 to the second frusto-conical surface 426 . In this embodiment, the shoulder 432 is an annular plane. Flange 442 includes through holes 433 disposed concentrically about axis 425 . In this embodiment, the through hole 433 is formed by a frusto-conical radial inner surface 438 extending axially between the inner and outer sides or faces of the flange 442 . The frusto-conical surface 438 faces outward or away from the cavity 423 and thus may be referred to herein as a “outward-facing” frusto-conical surface.

End cap 450 is substantially identical to end plate 140 , 141 described above. Specifically, end cap 450 is an annular member sized and shaped to be positioned within cavity 123 in contact with shoulder 432 adjacent open end 420b when assembly 400 is fully constructed. End cap 450 is axially opposite to central axis 455 , first face or side 454 , first side 454 coaxially aligned with axis 425 when assembly 400 is fully constructed. A second face or side surface 452 of a radial inner surface 453 of The frustoconical radial inner surface 453 defines a through hole 456 extending between the sides 454 and 452 . When the end cap 450 is installed within the interior cavity 423 , the first side 452 faces the axially inward or cavity 423 and thus may be referred to herein as “the interior side” and the second side ( 454 may be referred to herein as “outer side” as it faces axially outward or away from cavity 423 . Also, when the end cap 450 is installed within the interior cavity 423 as shown, the frusto-conical surface 453 faces either axially outward or away from the interior cavity 423 and thus is referred to herein as “outwardly facing.” "It can be referred to as frusto-conical surface 453 . As shown in FIG. 9 , the cylindrical radially outer surface 458 of the end cap 450 is disposed at a radius R458 measured radially from the axis 425 , which is the radius R426 of the surface 426 . ) and less than the radius R428 of the surface 428 . When assembly 400 is fully constructed, end cap 450 may engage or abut inner surface 452 with shoulder 432 in a manner similar to that described above for end caps 140 , 141 and cover box 120 . until inserted into cavity 423 .

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10 , in order to install the flange cover assembly 400 on the flange joint 20 (see FIG. 1 ), the cover box 420 is first installed around one of the pipes 13 , 15 . is placed on For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 10 , cover box 420 extends through hole 433 of flange 442 and cavity 423 at closed end 420a such that pipe 15 is ) is disposed around (see FIG. 9). The cover box 420 then moves the pipe 15 in the direction of the arrow 460 towards the flange joint 20 (not shown in FIG. 10 ) until the joint 20 is received within the cavity 423 . ) (or pipe 13 in another embodiment) in the axial direction. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10 , an end cap 450 is placed around the pipe 13 such that the pipe 13 extends through the through hole 456 . The end cap 450 is then placed in the cover box 420 until the cap 450 is received within the cavity 423 and the inner surface 452 engages or abuts the shoulder 432 in the manner described above. axially translated with respect to the pipe 13 in the direction of the arrow 470 towards A fire resistant adhesive 150 as described above is then applied between the mating opposing surfaces of the cover box 420 and the end cap 450 in a manner similar to that described above for assembly 100 . For example, the adhesive 150 may be applied between the shoulder 432 of the cover box 420 and the radially outer portion of the inner surface 452 of the end cap 450 . Adhesive 150 may also be applied between the first cylindrical surface 428 on the cover box 420 and the cylindrical outer surface 458 and the outer surface 454 of the end cap 450 . In this embodiment, the adhesive 150 is also applied between the frusto-conical surface 433 of the cover box 420 and the outer surface of the pipe 13 and between the frusto-conical surface 453 and the outer surface of the pipe 15 . Without wishing to be bound by this theory or any other theory, an adhesive 150 may be applied around the flange cover assembly 100 to protect the flange joint 20 from flames and heat generated by a nearby fire as described above. It is applied to assembly 400 in the manner described above to effectively seal and isolate cavity 423 from its external environment.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , a manufacturing tool assembly 500 for manufacturing the components of the flange cover assembly 400 (eg, cover box 420 , end cap 450 , etc.) is shown. Since the tool assembly 500 includes components similar to those of the tool assembly 200 described above, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and the following description describes the differences between the tool assembly 200 and the tool assembly 500 . is focused on In particular, the tool assembly 500 includes a driveshaft 210 and a form or mold 502 mounted to the driveshaft 210 . In this embodiment, the mold 502 includes a drum 220 disposed around the drive shaft 210 , a first plate 530 disposed around the drive shaft 210 adjacent to the drum 220 , and a drum A second plate 240 disposed around the drive shaft 210 adjacent to 220, and a third plate 550 disposed around the drive shaft 210 around the second plate 240 include

The first plate 530 is a generally circular member, which is a central axis 535 coaxially aligned with the axis 215 , a first face or side 530a , a second axially opposite side of the first side 530a . two sides or side surfaces 530b, and a through hole 532 extending axially between the side surfaces 530a and 530b. Driveshaft 210 extends axially through through hole 532 such that plate 530 is disposed concentrically on driveshaft 210 between ends 210a and 210b. The first side 530a includes an engagement surface 534 that engages the annular shoulder 212 of the driveshaft 210 . The second side 530b has an annular plane 536 , an axial projection 538 axially spaced from the annular plane 536 , and a frustoconical shape extending between the surface 536 and the projection 538 . and a surface 537 .

The support plate 531 is disposed around the drive shaft 210 axially adjacent to the first plate 530 in the drum 220 . The support plate 531 engages the protrusion 538 of the first plate 530 . Specifically, the support plate 531 includes a first surface or side surface 531a, a second surface or side surface 531b on the axially opposite side of the first side surface 531a, and an axis between the side surfaces 531a and 531b. and a through hole 533 extending in the direction. The drive shaft 210 is disposed in an axial direction through the through hole 533 such that the support plate 531 is concentrically disposed around the drive shaft 210 between the first plate 530 and the second end 210b. is extended to The first side 531a includes an annular plane 521 and an axial recess 539 extending axially from the annular plane 521 . The second side 531b includes an annular engagement plane 535 . When the support plate 531 is installed on the drive shaft 210, the protrusion 538 of the first plate 530 is seated in the mating recess 539, the plane 521 on the support plate 531, the drum A recess 564 is formed between the first end 220a of 220 and the surface 536 on the first plate 530 . Recess 564 extends radially outwardly from frusto-conical surface 537 .

Still referring to FIG. 11 , the drum 220 is disposed concentrically around the driveshaft 210 , the shoulder 222 engages or abuts the engagement surface 535 of the support plate 531 , the second end 220b engages or abuts the engagement surface 244 of the second plate 240 , and the annular shoulder 224 engages or abuts the protrusion 246 of the second plate 240 . As a result, the drum 220 is compressed axially between the plates 531 and 240 .

The third plate 550 is a generally circular member, which is a central axis 555 coaxially aligned with the axis 215 , a first face or side 550a , a second axially opposite side of the first side 550a . two sides or side surfaces 550b, and a through hole 552 extending axially between the side surfaces 550a and 550b. The drive shaft 210 extends axially through the through hole 552 such that the plate 550 is concentrically disposed on the drive shaft 210 between the plate 240 and the end 210b. The first side 550b has an annular plane 554 , an axial projection 556 axially spaced from the annular plane 554 , and extending between the annular plane 554 and the projection 556 . and a frustoconical surface 557 . The second side 550b includes an annular plane 558 . The protrusion 556 is such that a gap or recess 566 is formed between the surface 248 of the second plate 240 and the annular plane 554 of the third plate 550 . It is seated within the mating recess 249 . Gap 566 extends radially outward from frustoconical surface 557 .

Upon construction of the tool assembly 500 , the second end 210b of the driveshaft 210 is received within the first portion 272a of the cavity 272 within the sleeve 270 and is relative to the tool assembly 200 . It is fixed therein by the fixing member 280 in the same manner as described above. Also, as the securing member 280 is advanced within the counterbore 214 of the driveshaft 210 , the first end 270a engages or abuts the surface 558 on the third plate 550 , which The plates 530 , 531 , 240 , 550 and the drum 220 are axially compressed between the sleeve 270 and the shoulder 212 through the axial direction.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , the steps of manufacturing the flange cover assembly 400 are similar to the manufacturing method 300 described above for the flange cover assembly 100 . Specifically, the cover box 420 is formed by rotating the tool assembly 500 about the axis 215 of the drive shaft 210, and between the first plate 530 and the second plate 240, the drum ( Forming the cover box 420 by wrapping or winding the glass fiber impregnated with the above-described fire resistant material around 220 . In this process, the annular shoulder 227 on the tool assembly 500 forms an annular shoulder 432 on the cover box 420 , and the flange 442 of the cover box 420 is in the recess 564 . A frustoconical surface 228 on the drum 220 forms the frustoconical surface 426 of the cover box 120 (see FIG. 9 ). Also, the frusto-conical surface 537 on the first plate 530 forms a frusto-conical surface 438 on the cover box 420 . To form end cap 450 , the same refractory material used to form cover box 120 is wrapped or wound into recess 566 between plates 240 , 550 . In this process, the frusto-conical surface 557 within the recess 566 forms a frusto-conical surface 453 on the end plate 450 (see FIG. 9 ).

Once the cover box 420 and end cap 450 are formed per the winding process described above, these newly formed components are cured in the same manner as described above for the components of the flange cover assembly 100 . Next, cover box 420 and end cap 450 are removed from tool assembly 500 in a manner similar to that described above for assembly 100 . Thereafter, the cover box 420 and the end cap 450 may be installed on the flange joint (eg, the flange joint 20 ) as described above.

Embodiments of a flange cover assembly (eg, cover assembly 100 , 400 ) described herein may provide a flange joint (eg, joint 20 ) along a pipeline from flame and/or heat generated in a fire. )) provides the possibility to strengthen the protection of In particular, an embodiment of a flange cover assembly as described herein provides an underside of the seams and joints such that any potential leak points within the cover assembly are spaced from the flange joint itself for flame and heat generated in a nearby fire. Position it away from the flange joint. Also, in some embodiments described herein, the flange cover assembly is bonded or constructed as a single piece or as a single component bonded together with a fire resistant adhesive. Accordingly, no bolts or other connecting members are used to connect the components of the flange cover assembly, which can be broken in the event of a fire (eg, due to thermal expansion). Also, in some embodiments described herein, the flange cover assembly has one or more engagements that resist collapse or implosion of one or more end caps secured thereto (eg, end caps 140 , 141 , 450 ). It includes a shoulder, thereby improving the durability and structural integrity of the flange cover assembly. Further, while surfaces 126 and 426 on flange cover assemblies 100 and 400 have been described and shown as frustoconical surfaces, these surfaces may be formed as cylindrical surfaces while still complying with the principles disclosed herein. Embodiments disclosed herein also provide an end cap (eg, end cap 140 ) disposed within an interior cavity (eg, cavities 123 , 423 or respective cover boxes 120 , 420 ) of a cover box. . may be formed as a lid comprising a cylindrical surface extending in a direction).

While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, modifications may be made therein to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teachings of the present invention. The embodiments described herein are illustrative only and not restrictive. Many changes or adaptations of the systems, devices, and processes described herein are possible and fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but only by the claims that follow, which scope should include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the steps in a method claim may be performed in any order. The citation of an identifier such as (a), (b), (c) or (1), (2), (3) before a step in a method claim is intended to specify a specific order of the step. It is not intended to be specific or explicit, and is used to simplify subsequent references to these steps.

Claims (20)

A cover assembly comprising:
a single cover box comprising a central axis, a first open end, a second end opposite the first open end, and an interior cavity extending axially between the first open end and the second end; a cover box configured to receive a flange joint through the first open end into the interior cavity, the interior cavity defined by a radial inner surface comprising a first shoulder axially adjacent the first open end; and
A first end cap including an axially extending through hole
including,
the first end cap is disposed within the interior cavity and seated against the first shoulder;
wherein the first end cap is a fire resistant adhesive at the first open end, wherein the fire resistant adhesive is disposed axially between the first end cap and the first shoulder and radially between the first end cap and the single cover box. Deployed as - which is fixed to the single cover box as
cover assembly. delete The method of claim 1,
wherein the first end cap comprises a truncated cone-shaped radial inner surface defining the through hole;
cover assembly. 4. The method of claim 3,
wherein the single cover box comprises a cylindrical outer surface extending axially from a first open end to a second end of the single cover box;
The radial inner surface of the single cover box has a first cylindrical surface extending axially from the first end to the first shoulder and a second frustoconical surface extending axially from the first shoulder toward the second end. comprising a surface,
the first cylindrical surface is disposed at a first radius and the second frustoconical surface is disposed at a second radius at the first shoulder less than the first radius;
wherein the first end cap is circular and has an outer radius less than the first radius and greater than a second radius at the first shoulder;
cover assembly. 4. The method of claim 3,
a second end cap;
a second end of the single cover box is open, the interior cavity extending axially through the second end into the single cover box, the radial inner surface axially adjacent the second end a second shoulder;
the second end cap is disposed within the interior cavity of the single cover box at the second end and rests against the second shoulder, the second end cap being disposed at the second end of the single cover box with a fire resistant adhesive - a fire resistant adhesive disposed axially between the second end cap and the second shoulder and disposed radially between the second end cap and the single cover box;
the second end cap comprises an axially extending through hole, the through hole of the second end cap being defined by a truncated conical radial inner surface;
cover assembly. 6. The method of claim 5,
wherein the single cover box comprises a cylindrical outer surface extending axially from a first open end to a second end of the single cover box;
The radial inner surface of the single cover box has a first cylindrical surface extending axially from the first end to the first shoulder, and a second frustoconical surface extending axially from the first shoulder to the second shoulder. and a third cylindrical surface extending axially from the second shoulder to the second end;
The first cylindrical surface is disposed at a first radius, the second frustoconical surface is disposed at a second radius, the third cylindrical shoulder is disposed at a third radius, and the first radius is at the first shoulder greater than the second radius, and the third radius is greater than the second radius at the second shoulder;
the first end cap is circular and has an outer radius less than the first radius and greater than the second radius at the first shoulder;
wherein the second end cap is circular and has an outer radius less than the third radius and greater than the second radius at the second shoulder;
cover assembly. 7. The method of claim 6,
The first shoulder is an annular plane extending radially from the first cylindrical surface to the second cylindrical surface, and the second shoulder is an annular plane extending radially from the third cylindrical surface to a second cylindrical surface. is flat,
wherein the first cylindrical surface, the second frustoconical surface, the third cylindrical surface, the first annular plane, and the second annular plane are coaxially aligned with a central axis of the single cover box;
cover assembly. The method of claim 1,
wherein the single cover box and the first end cap are each made of a fire resistant material comprising a flame retardant and an epoxy resin;
cover assembly. A method of installing a cover assembly comprising:
(a) translating the single cover box along the first tubular member towards a flange joint joining the first and second tubular members, the single cover box having a first open end;
(b) receiving the flange joint within an interior cavity of the single cover box, wherein the interior cavity of the single cover box is defined by a radial inner surface;
(c) translating the first end cap along the second tubular member towards the flange joint; and
(d) engaging the first end cap within a first annular shoulder of the radially inner surface, wherein a fire resistant adhesive is axially disposed between the first end cap and the first shoulder and the first end cap and securing the first end cap to a first open end of the single cover box with a radially disposed therebetween;
How to install the cover assembly. delete 10. The method of claim 9,
(e) translating a second end cap along the first tubular member towards the flange joint; and
(f) engaging a second annular shoulder of the radially inner surface and the second end cap, wherein a fire-resistant adhesive is axially disposed between the second end cap and the second shoulder and the second end cap and securing the second end cap to the second end of the single cover box with - disposed radially between the single cover box.
further comprising,
How to install the cover assembly. 12. The method of claim 11,
(c) includes receiving the second tubular member through a through hole extending through the first end cap;
wherein (e) comprises receiving the first tubular member through a through hole extending through the second end cap;
How to install the cover assembly. delete 13. The method of claim 12,
the through hole of the first end cap is formed by a first frusto-conical surface and the through-hole of the second end cap is formed by a second frusto-conical surface;
The method is
(i) installing a fire resistant adhesive between the first frustoconical surface and the first tubular member; and
(J) installing the fire resistant adhesive between the second frusto-conical surface and the second tubular member;
How to install the cover assembly. A tool assembly for manufacturing a cover box assembly, comprising:
a driveshaft having a central axis;
a first plate coaxially mounted to the drive shaft;
a drum positioned coaxially about the driveshaft, the drum including a first end proximate the first plate and a second end axially opposite the first end;
a second plate mounted coaxially to said driveshaft, said second plate engaging a second end of said drum; and
a third plate mounted coaxially to the driveshaft, the third plate including an axial projection engaging the second plate;
A tool assembly for manufacturing a cover box assembly. 16. The method of claim 15,
wherein the third plate comprises a frusto-conical surface extending from an axial projection of the third plate;
A tool assembly for manufacturing a cover box assembly. 17. The method of claim 16,
further comprising a fourth plate mounted coaxially to said driveshaft, said fourth plate comprising an axial projection engaged with said third plate;
A tool assembly for manufacturing a cover box assembly. 18. The method of claim 17,
wherein the fourth plate comprises a frusto-conical surface extending from an axial projection of the fourth plate;
A tool assembly for manufacturing a cover box assembly. 16. The method of claim 15,
further comprising a support plate coupled to the first end of the drum, the first plate comprising an axial projection engaging the support plate;
A tool assembly for manufacturing a cover box assembly. 20. The method of claim 19,
wherein the first plate further comprises a frusto-conical surface extending from an axial projection of the first plate;
A tool assembly for manufacturing a cover box assembly.

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