MXPA99007149A - Remotely operable pressure vessel system - Google Patents
Remotely operable pressure vessel systemInfo
- Publication number
- MXPA99007149A MXPA99007149A MXPA/A/1999/007149A MX9907149A MXPA99007149A MX PA99007149 A MXPA99007149 A MX PA99007149A MX 9907149 A MX9907149 A MX 9907149A MX PA99007149 A MXPA99007149 A MX PA99007149A
- Authority
- MX
- Mexico
- Prior art keywords
- container
- opening
- joint connector
- flange
- channel
- Prior art date
Links
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Abstract
A system for remotely operating a vessel comprising:a closure transport for removing a vessel closure from an opening in the vessel;a joint connector with clamping means for sealing or unsealing the vessel;a removal system for allowing material to be emptied from the vessel. The clamping means comprising:a plurality of clamp segments, wherein the clamping segments have an energized state when storing energy and a free state when not storing energy, the energized state being associated with either a first position or second position, and the free state being associated with other;the clamp segments adapted for and conjoined by segment fastners, the segment fastners comprised of segment fastner elements, the segment fastners adapted to be lockable for storing energy within the clamp segments;the clamp segments conjoined such that the failure of any single segment fastner elements will not unconjoin the clamp segments or cause failure to the apparatus;one or more actuable powered drive members for applying energy to the clamp segments and adapted to energize at least a portion of the segment fastners.
Description
PRESSURE CONTAINER SYSTEM,
OPERATED REMOTELY
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to pressure vessel units, automatic or remotely operated. The present invention is directed to cokers, which have coke drums, which are useful in hydrocarbon refineries; however, the invention can be applied to sealing devices and joint connectors for pipes, tangents and other various conduits, where dangerous conditions exist or, in situations where the rapid opening and closing of a joint is convenient. The present invention, in part, comprises a remotely operable seal connector, which is especially useful in cogifiers, where there are extremely high temperatures and relatively high pressures. In particular, this connector is especially suitable for exposing harmful effects or other "dirty" operations.
2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Coke drums are structures in hydrocarbon refineries where, within these coke drums, moderate heat and pressures convert hydrocarbon residues into lighter products and a hard, carbon-like substance - coke. A couple of coke drums go through a cycle of coking and decoking. A coke drum is in the coking (joints connected and operating at about 5242C), while the other is in decoking (rapid cooling, followed by the opening of the joints after decoking the drum). In the decoking phase, the coke is removed from the drums by the high pressure hydrostatic drilling. A drill hole descends into the coke drum through an opening in a wall of this coke drum, and the coke, cut by the drilling action, falls through an opening in the bottom of this coke drum. The safe preparation of a coke drum for decoking will involve the following steps: (1) remove the opening cover from the work surface, if present, create an opening in this work surface for the coke to pass; (2) remotely align and couple the closing movement element to the bottom of the drum; (3) power supply remotely to the bottom closure of the drum, for this coke drum; (4) unlock, disconnect and remotely separate the coke drum from the inlet tube; remotely locking the bottom of the drum from the coke drum; (6) remotely uncoupling the bottom closure of the drum from the coke drum in a controlled manner; (7) Remotely removing the bottom of the drum from the opening in the bottom of the coke drum; (8) remotely producing and securing a passage between the bottom opening of the coke drum to or around the opening in the work surface; (9) unlocking and remotely moving the closure of the upper part of the drum from the opening in the upper part of the coke drum; (10) lower the drill hole inside the coke drum, through the opening in the upper part of this coke drum; and (11) remotely coupling a drilling head or possibly a centralizer of the drilling rod to the coke drum. The safe and efficient preparation of a decoked coke drum for coking would involve the following steps: (1) remotely replacing, aligning and locking the closure of the upper drum to this coke drum, once the Drill hole is removed from the coke drum; (2) remotely disable the decoking channel and replace the opening cover of the locking surface; (3) remotely align and unlock the open ends of the inlet pipe together, which reconnects the coke drum to the inlet pipe; (4) Remotely replacing, aligning and latching the bottom of the drum to the opening in the bottom of the coke drum. Currently, most cokers use workers to manually perform some or all of the previous steps. Any of these steps can be dangerous to workers, but by far the most dangerous steps are the transition from the coking phase to the decoking phase. Here, a coke drum, closed and rapidly cooled, must be opened to allow the coke to be evacuated from the coke drum. Workers are injured more frequently while performing the following steps: (1) unlock, disconnect and manually separate the coke drum from the inlet tube; (2) manually unblocking the bottom closure of the drum from the coke drum; or (3) manually uncouple the bottom closure of the drum from this coke drum. Generally, coke is created to be supported by itself within the coke drum, when an operation is created in the bottom of the drum; however, this can not be ensured in its realization. The flow of loose coke and cooling water or other materials from other types of containers can be very dangerous for workers performing functions during the opening of containers. This danger exists until there is a safe passage between the opening of the container, where the material is finally destined. In the case of a coking unit, the material must fall into a hole in the work surface, placed under the unit and to a final destination below the work surface. An even more dangerous environment is a coker designated to produce "pellet coke", where the coke will not be supported by itself in the coke drum, thus creating an immediate release of the material, when the container is opened in the external environment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE In many cases, the safety of the prior art is sacrificed to provide a quick-acting joint connection element. The prior art illustrates single-point failure mechanisms, where the failure of only one member can cause the integrity of the joint to be catastrophically compromised. A higher standard of security is dictated in today's world. The present invention provides multiple fasteners, thus, provides greater safety. There is a need in the industry to be able to open and close, automatically and remotely, a board, and, as ordinary experts in the field can appreciate, the supply of redundancy in the fastener elements adds difficulty to the operation.
Many companies have developed quick-action connectors, but they do not provide security. The failure of these mechanisms prompted the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to develop rules in their boiler and pressure vessel codes, which give specific rules for adding safety to "Quick Action" devices. Single-action clamp elements and single-point failure devices must have secondary backup retaining elements, which ensure joint integrity in the failure of the single-action clamp element or single-failure devices point. Such retention elements will complicate the automatic operation. In some installations, pressure vessels, pipes and structural joints are opened and closed manually, under hazardous conditions to the people performing the operation. Most of the installations use connection elements of bolted flange joints, which are very intense hand-held. The nature of the basic closure of bolted flanges is illustrated in the publication of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B16.5. Another prior, manually operated technique for connecting joints consists of threaded, clamped and break-lock mechanisms. These intense labor designs are not very suitable in hazardous environments. Coke drums are pressure vessels, which have openings in the top and bottom, which are closed and sealed periodically. Most coke drums have manually screwed connections, which connect the closures of the vessel and other structural units to the coke drum to close and seal the internal environment of the coke drums. These coke drums also have manually screwed connections, which connect the pipes upstream and downstream to the coke drum. The manual operation of these connections has proven to be detrimental to workers. Although the prior art provides simplicity, it does not provide sufficient security. When analyzing fault paths, the prior art contains fault paths of simple, unsafe components, which upon failure will catastrophically cause the opening of the connected board. A logical method of creating a secure connection element is to incorporate redundancy in the fasteners and remove all fault devices from a single point from the connection element. The provision of redundancy in an automatic connection element can be difficult and expensive. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the benefit of the simple automatic operation of the present invention, which provides simple redundant clamp elements. The system must be manually operable as well, when necessary, due to power failures or other interruptions. When compared to another automatic joint connection element, it can be noted that a significant economic benefit is realized with the present invention, due to its simplicity. This simplicity refers to lower operating costs and shorter interruption times. In some processes, a day of lost time can result in an economic loss that far exceeds the initial cost of the automatic connection elements. The simplicity in the design is highly valued by the end users of this technology. The automatic joint connection devices of the prior art, provide redundancy in the fastener elements contain very complex mechanisms, compared with the present invention. In the process of providing redundancy, the prior art sacrifices simplicity, reliability and economy. A number of common coke drum devices are known in the prior art. Most of these devices do not apply to a remotely operable connector. Thus, they are not completely automatic and thus are insecure. All these devices, in one way or another, are not truly completely automatic and all are functionally associated with the preparation of a coke drum for decoking and / or coking; therefore, these devices are semiautomatic and insecure. Some systems only address the placement of the bottom closure of the drum. By far the most dangerous manual operation is the unlocking of the bottom of the drum from the coke drum. Thus, a completely remote unlocking system is convenient. Other remote unlocking systems are complex and use a large number of moving parts, which contribute to complexity, lost time and maintenance requirements. A system, where bolted flanges, currently available, can be reassembled for remotely controlled connection and disconnection, is convenient. Typically, a pair of manually sealed, existing flanges will have to be arranged in the container or tube, such as in a coke drum. A remotely controlled connector, which can use the manual flange already arranged on the units, can realize significant cost savings as well as improved security for the unit. The prior art systems contain a drilling rod that enters an opening in the upper part of the coke drum, after a closure is manually unscrewed and removed, a centering device for a drilling rod is sent and fixed manually to the coke drum. A remote element to perform these functions is necessary, in order to increase the safety of workers in the neighborhood. When designing true remote operation, the designer must completely rule out the possibility of local intervention. A person may think that outer space is a place that unloads local intervention, but workers are sent into the space to locally repair systems that have lost their remote reliability. We also know about the dangers associated with this effort. This invention, partly and completely, inherently provides reliable remote operation to the coking units in many ways. The present invention, in whole or in part, will have ramifications in a number of industries, such as in airspace, nuclear, refinery, chemical, petroleum, food process and submarine industries.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION All aspects of the embodiments of the present invention direct attention to safety, simplicity, reliability and ease of safe maintenance. The present invention provides a unique and safe system for remotely preparing a container for the entry and removal of material. It is only adapted to be completely remotely operable for the coking and decoking of a coke drum. Other systems of the prior art require some manual step and thus pose a risk to the workers who serve them. One goal is to develop a coke drum system that can operate remotely, that is completely automatic. This system must comprise a joint connection element, which incorporates: safety, an element to supply a uniformal sealing force to isolate internal volumes from the external environment, the automatic primary operation, remotely controlled, the secondary manual operation, the backrest of the manual operation a predictable operation, using simple parts and a small number of parts, and a cost-effective design. The present invention provides a unique and secure joint connection mechanism that can operate at a distance out of danger, and can be used to reassemble or replace the existing manually bolted flanges.
In coke drums, a structural unit, named an inlet pipe, may be attached to another structure unit, called a bottom lock, and they must be disconnected somewhere along the inlet pipe by a joint connecting element. The present invention provides a unique and secure mechanism for remotely connecting, disconnecting, aligning and joining the bottom closure to the inlet tube, which further comprises: a clamp device for securing the first structural unit and the second structural unit; a movable clamp member, attached to the clamp device and attached, movably, to the first structural unit, to translate the clamp device along the longitudinal axis of the first structural unit; and an alignment element, attached to the first structural unit and clamp device, whereby this aligner aligns the clamp device with the first structure unit in one position, whereby the clamp device will capture and secure the first unit structural. Part of the system for remotely preparing a container, for the entry and removal of the material in a mobile element of the closure of the container, to place this closure of the container from and towards the opening of the container. The mobile closing elements of the present invention are remotely operable and comprise a table to support the closure, a movement mechanism attached to the table for the movement of the same, a guiding mechanism, to guide the table to and from the container . The motor of the closure can, in combination, flip, pivot, rotate, slide, raise or lower the closure of the container. Some applications will require moving the closure of the container to the interface of the container support cover and others will allow the container closure to move to the interface of the work surface or the coke drum. Part of the system remotely prepares a container for the entry and removal of the material in a device to guide the material out of the container. Beneath an opening in the bottom of the coke drum is a work surface containing an opening. This opening opens to allow material leaving the coke drum to pass through the work surface and close so that a worker can not pass through it. An outlet channel can be deployed and folded through the opening, from the work surface to the bottom of the coke drum, which forms a passage to guide the material out of the container.
The present invention provides a unique and safe system for opening and closing the opening and unfolding and folding the outlet channel. The present invention also applies, in combination, to opening and closing the opening and unfolding and folding the output channel. When the outlet channel is deployed to the coke drum, it must be secured so that it is not prematurely folded, while the material exits through it. The present invention provides a safety mechanism in which the connector used to attach the closure to the bottom opening also connects the outlet channel to the coke drum, when the closure is placed away from the bottom opening by a closing motor . The material in the coke drums sometimes has to be drilled before removing it from this coke drum. A vessel penetration tool, a bore, must descend through the opening in the upper part of the coke drum, after the closure has been released from the coke drum, and transported away from the opening. The present invention provides a unique and safe container penetration tool adapted to the interface of the seal connector for sealing the container, when the upper seal connector engages in the closed position. The present invention also provides a single centralizing flange of the drilling rod, which allows this drilling rod to be centered substantially in an opening in the coke drum. This is achieved remotely. The centralizing flange can be drive to the coke drum by the interface of the joint connector remotely. The present invention incorporates a joint, remotely operable, which connects a mechanism ("connector"), which is essential for the secure connection of the coke drum to the inlet tube, the closing of the bottom of the drum to the coke drum and the closure of the coke. the upper part of the drum to the coke drum. The present invention provides a unique and safe system for remotely preparing a pressure vessel for the entry and removal of material. It is only adapted to be completely operable remotely. Also, the embodiments of the present invention are also adapted for manual operation in the case of failure of the remote operation system. A multiple, standard bolted flange described in ASME B16.5 and the present invention produces a closing force of the axial seal necessary to sustain the seal integrity of the joint. The present invention is designed to supply the closing force with a large enough magnitude to produce a contact tension on a gasket, which creates a sealing sweep between the internal and external environments of the gasket. In a preferred embodiment, the clamp of the present invention, which retains the flange, includes a clamp whose perimeter is divided into a plurality of segments, in conjunction with segment fasteners, so that failure of any single segment fastener element does not will disengage the clamp segments or cause the joint connection system to fail. The perimeter of the clamp can be cylindrical, but is not limited to this cylindrical profile. For example, the joints may be rectangular or other known configuration. The board can be opened and closed remotely or manually. A preferred embodiment involves clamp segments, remotely operable, which can operate from a separate site for some distance from the joint. The nature of the present invention provides the primary remote operation without compromising the secondary manual operation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the self-contained nature of the fasteners, which allow the clamp retaining the flange to be manually opened and closed quickly, with only the use of a standard tool. One meaning of the clamp retaining the flange of the present invention is its ease of transition and operation from a manual remote operation to an automatic one. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a remotely operated pulse element, which supplies a connecting force to a plurality of redundant fasteners. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fasteners are threaded bolts. There are a number of other joint devices, which will be sufficient to perform the function of the threaded bolt fasteners. Cams, hooks, cables, spring-loaded locking tabs, joints, gear-driven members, rack and pinion members, chain links and other known devices can act as a fastener to move the clamp segments in a closed sealing position. The supply of power to the redundant fasteners causes the perimeter of the clamp to expand and contract in an opening and closing movement, releasing or retaining the flange members. When the perimeter of the clamp segments is increased, the female tapered inner diameter of the fastener segments disengages the tapered male outer periphery of the flange hubs. The tapered male-to-female interface, between the flange hubs and the clamp segments, allows these clamp segments to act as a constraint to effectively supply energy and lock the flange members together, allowing to create a seal barrier. In addition, the tapered flange hubs can create an axial compression force, which tends to drive the flange members together when the clamp is closed against the flange hubs. This closure occurs when the diameter of the clamp is contracted by the plurality of clamp segment clamping elements. Therefore, packages that require compression of the joint contact surface and / or settling force can be energized between the flange members, creating a seal barrier to seal the internal environment of the container from its external environment . The energy stored in the clamping segment clamping device ensures a leak tight seal. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the conical supports is replaced by a substantially straight support, not angled, such that the flanges are arranged or screwed in manually, as described in ASME B16.5. This arrangement allows an existing manually screwed flange to be reassembled for remotely controlled operation by removing the hand pins and arranging the present invention around an existing flange. Typically, a pair of existing, manually sealed flanges will have been arranged on a pair of structural units to be joined. Dangerous conditions of or around the joint of this pair of flanges or the benefit of the shorter time to connect and / or disconnect the joint, give rise to the need for remotely controlled devices, such as in the present invention. Since the present invention can utilize a manual flange already in use, significant cost savings are realized. A preferred embodiment of the fastener of the present invention provides a mechanism, remotely operable, to ensure a uniform closing force, along the entire perimeter of the fastener segment to the interface of the contact surface of the flange member. This unique feature incorporates clamp segments adapted to make a controlled contact ("DC clamp segment") at or around the midpoint of the fastener segment, away from the fastener devices of the fastener segment and also utilizes guide members, adapted for acting on the clamp segments, to guide the contact of the fastener segments with respect to the flange members, which produce a predictable controlled contact. This controlled contact, together with the DC clamp segments, uniformly preload the entire joint by initiating contact between the clamp segments and the flange members, substantially near or around the clamp segments at the mid point away from the fasteners of the clamp segment. The member of the drive device, which acts on the clamp segment clamping device, providing a clamping force, transmitted in the clamp segments, which reduces the clamp perimeter and which causes the clamp segments of CC to bend resiliently in substantial form, near or around the midpoint of the clamp segments. This resilient bending occurs as the DC clamp segments are energized and forced to engage the flange members by the fastener devices of the clamp segment. This closing force is first provided by substantially connecting the preload at or near the mid point of the DC clamp segments, then continually supplying the preload force closer and closer to the clamp segment clamping device, according to this clamp segment of the clamp segment. CC bends around its midpoint. This unique feature causes the force of the clamping segment clamping device to be uniformly distributed along the entire clamp segment against the contact surface of the flange hubs. The uniform preload on the contact surface, in turn, provides a uniform sealing force on the flange member to the contact surface of the packing member, creating a barrier between the environments, internal and external of the joints. Also, a unique way of ensuring uniform preload can be effectively incorporated with the gasket opening and closing mechanism, operated remotely, shown in a preferred embodiment, which utilizes guide pins attached to the clamp segments. These guide pins are restricted to travel in the fixed passages with respect to at least one flange member. The fixed movement of the guide pins, in turn, guides the radial movement of the clamp segments relative to the flange members. This movement causes the midpoint of the clamp segments to return to the flange members in a predictably controlled location, each time the clamp segments are remotely driven from the open position of the clamp segments to the closed position of the clamp segments. the clamp segments. When the clamp segments are secured by flange members, friction between the flange hubs and the clamp segments tend to lock the clamp segments in the flange members. These DC clamp segments are resilient and when energized and flexed in engagement with the flange members, energy is stored. This energy tends to return the clamp segments to their free state away from the flange members, whereby, it produces a relative unclamping force between the fastener segments away from the flange members, which exceed the friction force that keeps them together Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the substantial benefit of this feature, which reliably exceeds the friction force of interlocking between the clamp segments and the flange hubs, and the importance of this feature to effectively connect and disconnect a joint, remotely controlled In the cylindrical geometry, the fasteners that retain the flange members with an internal diameter smaller than 91.44 cm will preferably have two clamp segments. The larger diameter flange members will preferably be retained by fasteners having several segments. Each clamp segment is adapted for, and in conjunction with the fastening devices of the clamp segment are adapted, in turn, for remote and / or manual action. In some connection applications, remotely operable, such as gaskets in a coke drum, the low number of cycles (measured for half days), coupled with low contact voltages in the clamp segment to the flange hub interface, makes the wear of this interface an insignificant factor, when the life of the drum is determined. coke. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the fastener retaining the flange, according to the present invention, reduces wear on the mating surfaces, between the flange hubs and the fastener segments. This feature is aimed at reducing wear by decreasing the dynamic coupling length on the matching surfaces, together with a reduction in contact tension at the matching surface coupling. The CC clamp segments, adapted to maximize the contact of the initial area that coincides with the flange members, creates a contact interface for the fastener that retains the flange, controlled remotely. In the closed position of the fastener of the present invention, the flange hubs have a generally tapered male profile, which corresponds to the underlying, generally conical female profile, through a substantial portion of the 360 degree conical contact length.; in which the corresponding contact surfaces available from the fastener segments come into contact with the surface of the flange hubs. In the prior art, wear was of interest when the clamp segments moved dynamically on the flange hubs from the open position to the closed position. Such wear is not observed in the present invention. The fastener retaining the flange, according to the present invention, decreases wear with a unique contact behavior. The clamp segments of DC that coincide with the flange members, in effect, significantly align the conical apex of the state of the clamp with the conical contact interface of the flange hubs. This closing alignment significantly reduces the length of the dynamic coupling between the clamp segments and the flange hubs, and rotates the initial line contact, associated with the matching members of the prior art, into a large area contact. These two effects eliminate the wear of the clamp segment to the contact surface of the flange hub, as the clamp segments are forced into the flange hubs that drive the conical apex of the flange hubs and the conical apex of the flange segments. clamp, in substantial alignment with the clamp closures and the packing is compressed in a sealed manner by the flange members. The fastener retaining the flange, according to the invention, is a self-contained mechanism. In order to function properly, the fastener of the present invention does not require external devices, such as foundation reaction points or devices that limit movement.
The clamp segments can also be self-contained by incorporating the passages for the pivot pins, and other clamp support passages, into a self-contained support ring or plate, which can be spring loaded to the clamp segments at the locations of the guide pins. Such self-contained rings fix the orientation of the passages, so that the clamp segments are guided from the open position to the closed position, relative to the flange members and in mutual relation, to ensure the proper connection and disconnection of board. This self-contained clamp assembly can be removed as a single unit from the flange members, quickly and easily, for preventive maintenance. This approach is especially useful in an underwater environment, where remotely piloted vehicles can retrieve this modular clamp assembly layer for easy transport to the surface and replace the assembly with a new assembly, which leaves the flange members in their underwater location. The clamp segment fastening device is the entire device used to connect to each other and actuate the clamp segments, securely maintaining the gap between the enclosed fastener segments, and can be of any construction. For safety reasons, the clamp segment fastening device elements must not contain a fault path that could cause an opening of the gap in the failure of any component. There are a number of fastener devices of the clamp segment, which will perform this function sufficiently. Cams, hooks, cables, spring-loaded locking tabs, articulations, driven gear members, rack and pinion members, chain links, oscillating bolts and other known devices, which can act as a clamping segment clamping device, for take the clamp segments together. Although the present inventor realizes that there are a number of clamp segment clamping devices available, these current clamp segment clamping devices are selected due to their many benefits listed below. In the prior art, the transition between remote and manual operation is complicated. Some remotely operated mechanisms must be disconnected before manual operation can occur. This manual operation of the prior art is both labor intensive and complicated by remote operation. The clamping device of the current clamp segment can be energized by opening the clamp gap or closing and locking this clamp gap, by actionable pulse members, either automatically or remotely or by manual operation, with ease and without disconnecting any component. The primary remote operation is coupled with the secondary manual operation in a unique and simple manner. Those skilled in the art will understand the ease in the transition between remote and manual operation and the ease of manual operation of the present bracket segment clamping device. The clamp segments can be opened remotely in a single manner and then closed remotely, and then locked remotely, to retain, in a sealed manner, the flange members. Without local intervention, you can then unlock remotely and then also open remotely. This process can be repeated ad infinitium over long distances. The energy supplied to the bracket segment clamping device by the remotely operable pulse member is positively stored by the clamping segment clamping device, thus securing the gaps between the clamping segments and locking the clamp retaining the clamp in the clamping segment. the flange members, even if the impulse member, remotely actuable, is disconnected. This feature is required to ensure, in a secure way, the sealed joint, independent of the impulse member, which can be operated remotely. The energy stored in the clamping segment clamping device can be increased or decreased manually, even after it has been locked. The fastener elements can be energized by any known actionable drive member, such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders or motors. Devices with known mechanical advantages, such as gears, wedges, joints and cams can be incorporated with the drive member operable. The fastener device of the clamp member acts internally with the clamp segment in a self-contained assembly. This set does not require external anchors or reaction structures to operate. Likewise, the bracket segment clamping device will self-limit the opening movement of the clamp segments; therefore, devices that limit movement are not required. To securely join and secure the clamp segments in the closed position, the clamp segment clamping device has redundant joining elements. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, these redundant joining elements are a plurality of threaded bolts. If one bolt fails, there will be a backup or substitute. The plurality of seal elements can be supplied with energy by a single, remotely operable impulse member. The design of the fastener retaining the flange of the present invention, allows the dry assembly of the component parts of the fastener, that is, it is not required during the assembly of grease or other lubricant. Furthermore, depending on the material from which the components are manufactured, the present device can be used in environments up to a temperature of 982sc.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an elevation view of a vertical container with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, having attached sections of flange retention clamps of the vertical container; Figure 2 is a partial sectional view, similar to Figure 4, illustrating a preferred embodiment of a self-aligning feature of the flange members. Bolts 8 are rotated in view from their true position; Figure 3 is a partial sectional view, similar to Figure 4, illustrating a preferred embodiment of a self-aligning feature for the flange members, which consist of box and pin members, equally spaced around the flange members . Bolts 8 are rotated in view from their true position; Figure 4 is a partial sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the clamp segments and flange members, as seen along lines 2-2. Bolts 8 are rotated in view from their true position; Figure 4a is a partial sectional view, similar to Figure 15, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the clamp segments and the flange members, wherein at least one flange member for contact support of the clamp segment is not substantially at an angle. Bolts 8 are rotated in view from their true position; Figure 4b is a partial sectional view, with separate pieces, similar to Figure 4a. This Figure 4b illustrates a preferred embodiment of the clamp segments and flange members, where a force adjuster 176 interfaces with the clamp segments and further interfaces with the flange members through the bearing 177;
Figure 5 is a sectional view of the contracted position of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as seen along lines l-1. Figure 5 shows the top plan view of the clamp that automatically retains the flange, partially in section. For clarity, Figure 5 has a bracket support bracket, removed radially from its true position by the distance 6; Figure 6 is a partial side view, partly in section, of the clamp that automatically retains the flange along lines 3-3. The partial section shows the relationship between the bolts 8 and the locking devices 33, while in the closed position; Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the partial section shown in Figure 5, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention, directed to a preferred embodiment of the redundant clamping device of the clamp segment, as seen along the lines 5-5; Figure 8 is a partial side view, partially in section, as seen along lines 4-4, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is directed to a preferred embodiment of the redundant fastener device of the segment of clamp;
Figure 8a is a partial side view, similar to Figure 8, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention that focuses on a gap controller; Figure 9 illustrates an expanded position of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figure 5. Figure 9 shows the top plan view of the clamp that automatically retains the flange, partially in section. For clarity, Figure 9 has a bracket support bracket, removed radially from its true position by distance 52; Fig. 10 is a partial side view, partly in section, of the automatic clamping bracket of the flange, according to Fig. 9, as seen along lines 6-6. The partial section shows the relationship between the fastener 8, the locking device 33, and the fork nut 24, while in the open position; Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the partial section, shown in Figure 9, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which focuses on a preferred embodiment of the redundant fastener device of the clamp segment, as seen throughout of lines 8-8;
Figure 12 is a partial side view, partially in section, as seen along lines 7-7, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which focuses on a preferred embodiment of the redundant fastener device of the segment of clamp; Figure 13 is a partial side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, limiting the movement of the fastener device of the clamp segment shown in Figure 12. It is one of the many possible ways to perform the device's limiting function of movement 37; Figure 14 is a sectional view of the contracted position of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is similar to Figure 5 and shows the top plan view of the flange self-retaining clamp, partially in section. Here, the multiple bolted standard flange is reassembled in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 is a partial sectional view, with part separated, as seen along the line 9-9 and is similar to Figure 4a. Figure 15 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the clamp segments and flange members, wherein at least one flange member is not substantially angled with the contact support of the clamp segment. A spring support adapted for the interface is shown with a standard flange bolted in multiple form. Bolts 8 are rotated in the view from their true position. Figure 16 is an elevation view of a coker, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the automatic coke drums, with a drill rig in the upper part, a preferred embodiment of an automatic system without a lid in the upper part of the drum, a preferred embodiment of an automatic connection system of the inlet tube, a preferred embodiment of a channel of an automatic decoder and the opening cover, and a preferred embodiment of a system without automatic cover of the drum bottom, with a preferred embodiment of the closing movement element; Figure 16a, similar to Figure 16, is an elevation view of a coker, illustrating a preferred embodiment of automatic coke drums with a drilling rig above, a preferred embodiment of a system without automatic top cover of the drum, a preferred embodiment of an automatic inner tube connection system, a preferred embodiment of an automatic decoking channel and the opening cover, and a preferred embodiment of a system without automatic lid of the drum bottom, with a preferred embodiment of an element of movement of the closure;
Figure 17 is an elevational view, with separate parts, of a preferred embodiment of an automatic system without a lid on the bottom of the drum, shown in the closed position. Figure 17 contains a partial section illustrating the relationship between the movable opening cover and the decoking channel; Figure 18 is an elevation view, with separate pieces, similar to Figure 17, showing a preferred embodiment of a system without automatic lid of the drum bottom, in the open position. The view has a partial section, which illustrates the decoking channel and the movable opening cover, which interacts as the decoking channel ascends out of the work piece, to find the coke drum; Figure 19 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a closing movement element, shown in the raised position; Figure 19a is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a closing movement element, shown in the lowered position; Figure 20 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of a system without automatic cover of the drum bottom, shown in the closed position. Figure 20 contains a partial section illustrating the relationship between the movable opening cover and the decoking channel. It also illustrates an impulse mechanism that can remotely operate the decoder channel movement and the aperture cover; Figure 21 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of a system without automatic cover of the drum bottom. Illustrates the action of Figure 20. Here, the coke drum 56 is prepared to de-coke; whereby the connector 62 expands to the open position, pending the capture of the decoking channel, as it is raised by the pulse mechanism. On the upper right is a partial section view, with separate pieces, showing the connector 62 that captures the decoking channel. The flange member 5 is resting on the mobile element 61 of the closure. Figure 21 contains a partial section, illustrating the relationship between the movable opening cover and the decoking channel. Here, the opening cover is actuated by a separate impulse element that the decoking channel; however, they can be deployed by the same actuator; Figure 21a is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of a system without automatic cover of the drum bottom, similar to Figure 21. Here, the decoking channel is deployed by an operable magnet, mounted on the cables 114. The drum 56 of coke is being prepared for decoking;
Figure 21b is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of a system with no automatic cover of the drum bottom, similar to Figure 21 and Figure 21a. Here, the actionable magnet is stored out of the way of the workers. The coke drum 56 is prepared for coking; wherein the movement element 61 of the closure moves the flange member 5 in position through the connector 62 and 63, to connect the inlet tube to the coke drum; Figure 21c is similar to Figure 21a. Here the action of a different magnet is shown; Figure 21d is similar to Figure 21b. Here the action of a different magnet is shown; Figure 22 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of a system without automatic lid of the drum bottom. Here, the coke drum 56 is being prepared for decoking; whereby the connector 62 expands to the open position, pending the capture of the decoking channel, as it is raised by the actuators 116. The flange member 5 bears on the movement element 61 of the closure. Here, the opening cover and the decoking channel can be deployed by the same actuators; Figure 23 is an elevation view of an unfolding opening cover, comprising a plurality of layered floor plates. When the system is deployed, the floor plates create a passage for the coke to pass through. An oscillating flange member 5 may comprise a side of this passage; Figure 24 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A movement element of the closure is illustrated in the lowered position, as seen by lines 12-12; Figure 25 is a sectional plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A movement element of the closure is illustrated in the lowered position, as seen along lines 10-10; Figure 26 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A movement element of the closure is illustrated in the lowered position, as seen along lines 11-11; Figure 27 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A closing movement element is illustrated in the raised position, as seen along lines 14-14; Figure 28 is a sectional plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A movement element of the closure is illustrated in the raised position, as seen along lines 13-13; Figure 29 is a plan view, partially in section,. of a coker, illustrating the interaction of a movement element of the closure with respect to a pair of coke drums. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coke drum 56a is prepared for decoking. The system that connects the inlet tube has been removed for clarity; Figure 30 is a plan view, partially in section, of a co-uctor, illustrating the interaction of the movement element of the closure with respect to a pair of coke drums. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coke drum 56a is prepared for decoking. Here, the unfolding of the floor plates and the movement of the element that moves the closure are illustrated. The connection system of the inlet tube has been removed for clarity; Figure 31 is a plan view, partially in section,. of a coker, illustrating the interaction of a closing movement element, with respect to a pair of coke drums. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coke drum 56a is prepared for decoking. Here the decocking channel display is illustrated. The connection system of the inlet tube has been removed for clarity; Fig. 32 is a plan view, partially in section, of a coguizer, illustrating the interaction of a mobile element of the closure, with respect to a pair of coke drums. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coke drum 56a is prepared for decoking. Here is an illustration of a mobile oscillating closing element. The connection system of the inlet tube has been removed for clarity; Figure 33 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the inlet tube connection system. The view illustrates the connector 63 in the coking position (closed joints); Figure 34 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the inlet tube connection system. The view illustrates connector 63 in the decoking position (open joints). Here, the connector 63 and the inlet tube 57 are retracted by the actuator 85. Figure 35 is a sectional view of the connection system of the inlet tube, as seen along the lines 15-15. Figure 36 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a system without a lid of the upper part of the drum. The view illustrates this mode in the coking position (closed joints). Figure 37 is a partial elevational view of a preferred embodiment of a system with no cap on top of the drum, as seen along lines 16-16. The view illustrates this modality in the coking position (closed joints);
Figure 38 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the capless system of the upper part of the drum. The view illustrates this mode in the decoding position (open joints); Figure 39 is a partial elevation view of a preferred embodiment of a system with no cap on top of the drum, as seen along lines 17-17. The view illustrates this modality in the decoding position (open joints); Figure 40 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of a system with no cap on top of the drum and illustrates its interaction with a drilling rod and the flange of the drill head; Figure 41 is an elevation view, with parts separated, partially in section, of a drill head flange; Figure 41a is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a centralizing flange as seen along lines 19-19, illustrating its interaction with a drilling rod; Figure 41b is an elevation view, partially in section,. of a preferred embodiment of the centralizing flange of Figure 41a; Figure 41s is an elevational view of a system without a lid of the upper part of the drum, with clamp members connecting a centralized flange to a container; Figure 42 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of a connector heat transfer system, as applied to a coke drum. This Figure 42 contains a partial sectional view, with separate pieces, as viewed along lines 18-18; and Figure 43 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of a water vapor purge. This Figure 43 is a partial sectional view, with separate pieces, similar to the sectional view, with separate pieces, illustrated in Figure 42. The external doors 185 are rotated from the true position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to containment containers, remotely operable. The present invention provides a secure system for remotely preparing a containment vessel, such as a coke drum, for the removal of material or the insertion of material therein. This invention incorporates a remotely operable seal connection mechanism for securely connecting the container to an inlet tube, closing the bottom of the drum to the container, or closing the top of the drum to the container.
It should be noted that, while this remotely operable connector, which is described in terms of vertically oriented vessels and openings, it can also secure joints in other vessels or tubes in any orientation. While generally applicable to any kind of container, this description is of particular interest in coke drums and their mode of operation. It should be noted that the invention is directed to fastening or joining other types of structural units, such as supports, metal towers, conduits, pipes, other containers, terminators or other types of structures. Figure 1 shows two such orientations. Referring to Figure 1, in a first orientation (upper portion of Figure 1), a joint, between sections, 53 and 54, of the vertical container, are connected by an embodiment of the present invention. The sections, 53 and 54, of the container have flange members 10, secured, in sealed form, by clamp segments 7. These clamp segments 7 are supported by springs 48 on guide pins, 44 and 49, which are attached, movably, to the supports 45 and 51. Similarly, in a second orientation (lower portion of Figure 1). a seal, between the section 53 of the container and a flange member 5, is secured by an embodiment of the present invention. The section 53 of the container and the flange member 5 have ends 11 and 21 of the flange hub, secured in a sealed manner by the clamp segments 7. These, in turn, are supported by the springs 48 on guide pins 44 and 49, which are movably attached to the brackets 45 and 51. The relationship between the flange members, 5 and 10, and the clamp segment 7 , are best shown in Figures 2 and 4. The second structure unit, the flange member 5, is applied in a sealed, packed relationship to the first structural unit, the flange member 10 and acts as a cover that closes the internal volume of section 53 of the container. Other preferred embodiments of the clamp retaining the flange, may be connected by any plausible external perimeter gasket configuration, such as, but not limited to, cylindrical, elliptical, parabolic, oval or polygonal, or any other perimeter having the ends of flange cube. Figure 4 shows two flange members, 5 and 10, in a coupling adjacent to the clamp segments 7. The flange member 10 is attached to the section 53 of the container in a neck 4. The flange member 5 is the closure in the section 53 of the container. Figure 4 illustrates a container closure device in which two flange members, 5 and 10, both have mating surfaces with the outer clamp in a matching manner and are secured by the clamp segments 7. The flange member 10 is normally attached to the neck 4 by welding. If not shown in Figure 4, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the flange member 10 can be secured to the neck 4 by any number of fastening mechanisms, such as a threaded connection such as a bolt. The neck 4 and the flange member 10 preferably have an internal perimeter 12, which is substantially collinear. As shown in Figure 4, each flange member, 5 and 10, has at least one flange hub, 11 and 21, extending radially to the outside. Each cube contains supports 13a and 13b. In this mode, the supports that make up the cube are conical in nature, but it should be noted that other forms of the support can be spherical, convex or concave, among others. The structure supports can be flat, as shown in Figure 4a, thus allowing an existing, manually screwed flange member disposed over a container 53, such as a container 56, to be reassembled for remote controlled operation. Each member, 5 and 10, of flange may contain a plurality of flange hub ends 11 and 21, each with brackets 13a, 13b, of structure. The clamp segments 7 will have the same number of supports, 13a and 13b, of structure, like each member, 5 and 10, of flange. The internal perimeter of the clamp segments 7 and the external perimeter of the flange members 5 and 10 can interface with each other in a tapered fit, male to female. The structure supports 13a and 13b are contact surfaces between clamp segments 7 and the flange members 5 and 10. The contact surfaces can make a sliding contact or can be adapted with rollers to make a rolling contact on the roller bearing surface. When no energy is present in the clamp segments, they are said to be in the free state. In this free state, the clamp segments can place the clamp mechanism in the open or closed position, depending on the orientation of the segments used. When energy is stored in the clamp segments, the clamp mechanism will change the state to either the open or closed state, once again depending on whether the segments are oriented openly or closed. For illustrative purposes, a fastening apparatus, using the open oriented segments, is used. That means that, in the free state, the clamp device is placed in the open state. When the energy is stored in the clamp segments, these segments are bent and the clamp is placed in the closed state. A person skilled in the art will understand that a clamp oriented in closed form can just be easily designed, using the techniques described here. When the assembly elements ("bolts 8") of the clamp segment are tightened, they force the perimeter of the clamp segments 7 to contract at the flange members, 5 and 10. This contraction is illustrated by the movement of the clamp segments 7 from an open perimeter, shown at position 2 in Figure 4, to a closed perimeter, shown at position 1 in Figure 4. The supports, 13a and 13b, of conical structure, transmit and multiply the force applied to the bolts 8 through the ends, 11 and 21, of the flange hub. This force drives the members, 5 and 10, together, causing a large compressive load on the package 9, in a sealed relationship between the ends of the flange hub, thus isolating the internal environment from the external environment of the container. Referring to Figure 4, in order to release the flange members, 5 and 10, from the clamp segments 7, these clamp segments 7 move away from their closed position 1 to their open position 2, creating a clearance 3, which allows the outer perimeter of the flange members 5 and 10 to be separated from the internal perimeter of the clamp segments 7. This allows the gasket, between the container 53 and the flange member 5, to be disassembled. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamp segments 7 are mounted to a flange member, 5 or 10. One of the flange members, to which the clamp segments 7 are mounted, is generally attached to a structure, which is typically expected to be substantially stationary, i.e., the section 53 of the container. In one embodiment of the present invention, the flange mobile member 5 or 10 coincides with the substantially stationary flange member 5 or 10. An alignment feature causes the movable flange member 5 or 10 to return to a substantially colinear relationship with respect to the substantially stationary flange member 5 or 10, so the clamp segments 7, when closed, can ensure , in sealed form, flange members coinciding with each other. The internal perimeter of the clamp segments 7 have a receiving taper 14, which interfaces with the outer perimeter of the member, 5 or 10, of the mobile flange, along a taper 15, creating an element to accommodate a severe misalignment during the initial alignment of the flange members. The interaction between the taper 15 and the taper 14 will force the member, 5 or 10, of the mobile flange in a non-collinear relationship with respect to the member, 5 or 10, of substantially stationary flange. Referring to Figure 4a, the apparatus in this figure is substantially similar to the apparatus of Figure 4. Here the support 13a of conical structure is replaced by a support of substantially non-angled structure, such as arranged over the typical flanges manually screwed . These structure supports can make a sliding contact or can be adapted with rollers to make a rolling contact on the bearing surface of the roller. Figure 4b is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention, adapted to manually screw the flange member 10a. A plurality of force adjusters 176 are disposed along the clamp segments 7 and spaced apart from each other. The force adjusters 176 can form a threaded interface with the clamp segments 7; however, some other force reaction interface would suffice. When the force adjusters 176 are adjusted, the force between the clamp segments 7 and the flange members 5 and 10a change, causing the stored energy to change. This force adjustment can occur differentially by the length of the clamp segments 7.
A bearing 177 can be placed between the bolts 176 and the flange member 10a and / or the flange member 5. The force adjusters 176 can make a rolling contact with the bearing 177 or the surface 13c of the flange member 10a. These force adjusters 176 may also be incorporated with connectors, similar to Figure 4. The embodiments of Figures 4a and 4b, allow an existing manually screwed bolt to be re-assembled for remotely controlled operation, removing the manual bolts and by adapting the present invention around an existing flange 10a having a flange hub end Ia. Figure 14 illustrates a preferred arrangement for adapting the present invention around a typical, manually bolted flange. In general, an existing pair of manually screwed flanges is disposed on the container 53 or a tube. The dangerous conditions of or around the joint of this pair of flanges or the benefit of decreasing the time of connection and / or disconnection, gives rise to the need for remotely controlled devices, such as the present invention. Since the present invention can use a manually screwed flange 10a, already disposed on a container 53, such as the container 56, significant cost savings are obtained as follows: retention of investment in the flange 10a, which avoids the expense of removing this flange 10a manually, avoiding the cost of a replacement flange 10, avoiding the expense of manufacturing a new flange to the container and the saving of the lost time available and the loss of production during this downtime. In the above arrangement, it is beneficial that the open position of the clamp segment be armed with springs, such as to create a distance 3a between the structure support 13c of the open position and its closed position, thus ensuring reliable contact of the segments 7 clamp with the end of the flange hub. Guide angle 13d is applied to ensure more reliable prior contact. The positioning of the bolts 8 can be directed towards the tapered support 13b, in further away from the support 13c, as shown in Figure 4a and Figure 14. This placement will differ from the relatively equal distal placement of the bolts 8 between two supports of structure, with equal angle, such as 13b and 13c. Referring to Figure 21, one embodiment of the present invention includes a fine alignment mechanism. An alignment plate 16, preferably constructed of a laminated plate, is attached to the flange member 5 or 10. The alignment plate 16 has a receiving taper 17 along its internal perimeter to receive the flange member 5. The opposite flange member, to which the alignment plate 16 is attached, will have an interface taper 18, which interacts with the taper 17. Referring to Figure 3, another embodiment of a fine alignment feature consists of an arrangement of box type and pin. A pin 19 has a tapered projection 20, which interfaces with the saddle 22 to align the flange member 5 to the flange member 10. This box-to-pin arrangement will be used to align other devices embodying the present invention, and will be referred to by these numbers without particular reference to the flange-to-flange alignment. Referring to Figures 5 to 8, most of the numbers identifying the labels are shown in Figures 7 and 8, because they are enlarged partial views of Figure 5. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIGS. Figure 5, the clamp retaining the flange is divided into three separate clamp segments 7 in the recesses 36. Each division of the clamp segment is defined by the recesses 36. The clamp segment clamping device 55 joins and interacts with the clamp segment. the clamp segments 7 through the holes 36, which control the magnitude of the gaps 36 and secure these gaps 36 so that the clamp segments 7 are positively locked on the flange members 5 and 10. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each fastening device 55 of the clamp segment comprises a plurality of threaded bolts 8 with a locking nut 30, a locking device 33, a fork nut 24, a device 37 that limits movement , a shackle 25, pins 26 and 28, and at least one pulse member 27, which can act remotely. An operator in a remote control panel can activate the power pulse member 27, which can act remotely, which causes the bracket segment clamping device 55 to automatically drive the clamp segments 7 to an expanded open position or to a closed position contracted and locked. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamp retaining the flange is divided into a plurality of segments 7. Three clamp segments 7 are generally a preferred embodiment for large joints and two clamp segments 7 are generally acceptable for minor joints. It should be noted that the clamp segments may have reduced sections, such as notches, for supplying the subsequent bending to the clamp segments. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a passage 23 in the clamp segments 7 is made to accept the bolts 8. As shown in Figure 5, the passage 23 and the bolts 8 are substantially tangent and pass through the clamp segments 7. Attached to the bolts 8 are the threaded nuts 24 of the fork. Attached to the fork nut 24, by a pin 26, is a shackle 25. In turn, the shackle 25 is attached to a driving member '27, energized, which can be actuated remotely, by a pin 28. A passage 29 , substantially collinear to passage 23, is made to accept the nut 24 of the fork, the locking nut 30 and the locking device 33. Since the various locking elements 24, 30 and 33 can not pass through the passage 23 , the seal of the passage 29 and 23 forms the reaction supports 31 and 32 (Figures 7 and 8). To remotely close and lock the clamp segments 7 and thus produce an effective sealing barrier between the internal and external environment of the container, a signal is sent from the remote control panel (not shown) that causes a power supply (not shown) to activate energized pulse member 27, which can act remotely. This energized impulse member 27, which can act remotely, pulls the shackle 25 towards the width 38, attached to the clamp segments 7. The shackle 25 evenly distributes a stretching force on the bolts 8. Since the locking nut 30 can not pass through the passage 223, this locking nut 30 makes contact with the clamp segments 7 in the reaction supports 31, pulling the adjacent clamp segments together, thereby effectively reducing the perimeter of the clamp segments. This reduction in the perimeter of the clamp segments, forces the members, 5 and 10, of flange together and supplies a compressive sealing force on the package 9. The locking nut 30 and the reaction supports 31 interface with each other in a male-to-female spherical radius adjustment, so as to prevent a significant bending stress on the bolts 8. When the energized driving member 27, which can act remotely, causes a significant stretching force on the bolts 8, these Bolts elongate sufficiently to allow the locking devices 33 to fit between the yoke nuts 24 and the reaction supports 32. The locking devices 33 have passages 33a (Figure 10) to allow the passage of the bolts 8, but not allow the passage of the fork nuts 24, thereby positively locking the stored energy in the bolts 8 stretched and allowing the isolation of the energized pulse member 27, which can act remotely. Since the energized pulse member 27, which can act remotely, is energized by a remote power source, the energized pulse member 27, which can act remotely, generally does not have a safe operation to act as a continuous fastener to retain stored energy. It is beneficial to terminate the power source after energizing and locking the bolts 8 with the locking devices 33. As shown in Figure 6, the locking devices 33 have sections configured in "C", which allow the bolts 8 fit within the opening 33a of the sections configured in "C". In the openings in the "C" shaped sections of the locking devices 33, the cones produce misalignment of the bolts 8, the fork nut 24, and the passages 29 with the locking devices 33. During tightening, when a sufficient clearance is achieved under the fork nuts 24, the actuator 41 of the locking device, which can act remotely, advances the locking device 33 under the fork nut 24, and the power supply to the driving member 27, which It can act remotely, it can be disconnected. The fork nut 24 reacts on the locking device 33. Since the bolts 8 are significantly stretched from their original length, they will now retain a substantial stored energy which will secure the clamp segments 7 over the flange members, 5 and 10. The springs 39 contribute to the movement of the locking device 33 in the locked position, when the energized driving member 27, acting remotely, has created a sufficient clearance between the fork nut 24 and the locking device 33. This locking device 33 is a positive locking element that locks the energy stored in the clamping device 55 of the clamp segment, without relying on friction or power supply, to maintain the stored energy. The locking devices 33 can be simple structural elements with flanges. A cam lock made to interface 7 and 33 can also keep the locking device 33 in the closed and locked position. This locking device 33 can also make a slight angle contact with the fork nut 24, allowing the fastening device 55 to be further remotely tightened once the locking device is locked by bolts 8 of simple stretching and advanced to the locking device. locked 33 in an angle contact. This action also engages the fork nut 24 and results in further stretching in the bolts 8. The magnitude of the angled contact may be less than the contact friction angle, thus producing a self-locking or positive locking effect. This contact surface can also be serrated with internal locking teeth. In another embodiment, the clamp segments 7 are comprised of a segmented ring with external protrusions. Each external projection contains the passages 23 and has the reaction supports 31 and / or 32. The projections are located near the ends of the clamp segments farthest from the midpoint of the clamp segment. The fastener device 55 of the clamp segment 55 is operable both remotely and manually, without changing or disconnecting any part of the clamp. This provides a very fast transition between remote and manual operation. To manually close the connector, the user can simply tighten the threaded locknuts 30 onto the bolts. A standard key interface 40 is provided to the locking elements 30 to allow manual tightening of the bolts 8. Alternatively, the user can attach a portable power supply to the energized pulse member 27., which can act remotely. The ease of transition between remote and manual operation is a very useful feature. In another embodiment of the fastener device 55 of the clamp segment, the force applied to the bolts 8 can be increased, decreased or verified at any time, without the disconnection of any of the members, simply by turning the lock nut 30 with a standard key. . In another embodiment, the bolts 8 are adapted to the spring centralizers that centralize the bolts 8 in the passages 23 in a forced manner. In another embodiment, the bolts 8 or passages 232 are adapted to the bearings to facilitate the relative movement of these components. . The energized impulse members 27, which can act remotely, are connected in series, so a source of energy, connected to the energized impulse members 27, which can act remotely, supplies the same amount of energy to each individual pulse member 27. This ensures that the clamp segments 7 act simultaneously to connect and disconnect the joint. The energized latching device, acting remotely, and the actuator 41 are similarly interconnected to ensure proper operation of the latching devices 33. If required, a mechanism that produces a compressible force can be adapted between the clamp segments 7, ensuring that each recess 36 is closed substantially uniformly. Referring to Figure 8a, to control the amount of the preload observed in the package 9 and to control the similarity of the gaps 36, the hollow controllers 181 limit the minimum distance of the gaps 36 between the clamp segments 7. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gap controllers comprise at least one adjustable member 182, disposed in one of the clamp segments 7. The amount of preload applied to the package 9 is a function of the magnitude of the gaps 36 between the clamp segments 7. The appropriate amount of the packing charge can be applied with the free recesses 36 to close, then the recess controllers can be adjusted to prevent the recesses 36 from becoming smaller. Thus, the packing load will always reach the predetermined maximum magnitude. An alternative element 37b for limiting movement is illustrated in Figure 8a. Referring to Figures 9 to 13, to automatically open the clamp segments 7, a signal is sent from a control panel (not shown) removed from the clamp segments 7. The signal activates a remote power supply (not shown) to activate the energized pulse members, which can act remotely, to stretch the bolts 8 until the locking devices 33 are discharged and can be retracted by driving the pulse element 41 of the locking device, energized, acting remotely. In one embodiment, the movement of the locking devices 33 is guided in a predictable manner by the guide members 42, which travel through the passages in the anchors 43. Once the locking devices 33 are released from the nuts 24 of fork, a passage is formed which allows these fork nuts 24 to be moved by the energized driving member 27, which acts remotely, towards the reaction supports 32. When the pulse member 27, energized, acting remotely, advances the bolts 8 through the passages 23, the gap 35 (Figure 8) becomes nullified. An element 37 limiting the movement, together the bolts 8, makes contact with the clamp segments 7 on a contact surface 34. The movement forces the clamp segments to move apart by expanding the parameter of the clamp segments 7, until the fork nuts 24 can not pass through the passages 23, limiting the expansion movement of the clamp segments 7 in a self-limiting way. A) YesDue to the limitations in the movement of the parts comprising the clamping device 55 of the clamp segment, the opening movement of the clamp is self-limited. Therefore, movement monitoring devices are not required. The element 37 limiting the movement is adjustably attached to the bolts 8. Figure 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the element 37 limiting the movement, identified as 37a. This element 37a limiting the movement joins the clamp segments 7 above the locking nut 30 and enhances the same functions as the element 37 which limits movement. In addition, this limiting element 37a is designed to allow unimpeded access to a standard key interface 40, to enable rapid manual tightening of the fastener device of the clamp segment. One skilled in the art will understand that a sensor can be used to indicate whether the fastening apparatus must remain in the closed and locked position, or alternatively in the open position. This sensor will control and inhibit the state transition of the clamping mechanism when dictated by environmental conditions. A manual operation controller may also be added to the device to provide a support mechanism for adjusting the energy stored in the clamp segments. To manually open the connecting element, one only needs to loosen the threaded nut 30 of locking on the bolts 8 and retract the locking device 33 by a common rigging element. Then, the bolts extended 8 by this common rigging element until the clamp segments 7 are opened, as discussed in the previous paragraph. A portable power supply can be used to move the energized, remotely actuated pulse member 27 and the energized, remote-action locking actuator 41 to open the connection. These energized, remote-acting impulse members can use any form of energy, such as electric, pneumatic or hydraulic. A preferred embodiment has clamp segments 7, which expand and contract radially to release and secure the flange members 5 and 10. When the clamp segments 7 are firmly clamped, they couple the flange members 5 and 10, such that the The weight of the clamp segments 7 is supported by the flange members 5 and 10. When the clamp segments 7 open, the weight of the clamp segments 7 is supported by the springs 48 and the guide pins 44 and 49, attached to the support frames, 45 and 51 of the guide pin. With reference to Figures 1, 5 and 9, in one embodiment, the guide pins 44 are located at the midpoint of each clamp segment, preferably with uniform spacing from the clamp recesses 36. The frames, 45 and 51, of the guide pin support include a passage 46. The guide pins 44 and 49 are joined to the clamp segments 7 and are restricted to the movement allowed by the passages 46 and 50, where the guide pins 44 and 49 travel, and thus control the movement of the clamp segments in a predictable manner. The pins,
44 and 49, of the guide have supports 47 (Figure 12) with a larger diameter than the passages 46 and 50, so that these pins, 44 and 49, can not pass completely through the support frames of the guide pins . Since the pins, 44 and 49, are attached to the clamp segments 7 and can not pass completely through the supports 45 and 51, the length of the guide pins 44 and 49 axially place the clamp segments 7. at a prescribed distance away from the supports 45 and 51. This distance is maintained by the springs 48. The pins 44 and the passages 46 in the supports 45 play an important role in aligning the segments 7 of the clamp to its first point of contact. contact with members, 5 and 10, of guidance. At the sites 44 and 49 of the pin, the springs 48 confined by the clamp segments 7 and the supports
45 and 51, maintain the position of the clamp segments 7, so that the internal female tapered section of the clamp segments 7 are held in position for alignment of the male flange hubs of the members, 5 and 10, of flange. Thus, the present invention provides a self-contained clamp, which retains the flange, which can be operated in any orientation with respect to gravity, without modification.
In addition, the guide pins, 44 and 49, are restricted to travel in passages 46 and 50, and control the movement of the clamp segments 7, both in relation to each other, and in relation to the members, 5 and 10, of flange. The function of the guide pins, 44 and 40, can be replaced by the guide rods attached to the stationary neck 4, which passes through or by the clamp segments 7 or by the guide rods attached to the clamp segments 7 and restricted to movement in a slit attached to the neck 4. The guide passages, 46 and 50 may be part of a support plate 74 d, rather than in separate support frames, 41 and 51. The support plate 74 is then mounted to one of the flange members 5 or 10, as discussed in the preceding paragraphs. Figures 14 and 20 show alternative modalities. In Figure 20, the support plate 74 is attached to the container 56 by the pins 124. These pins, 44 and 49, the springs 48 and the support plate which contains the passages 46 and 50 and, yes the clamp segments 7. , the devices 55 holding the clamp segment, the powered energized members 27, which act remotely, the locking devices 33, and the actuators 41, of the locking devices, acting remotely, can all be functionally assembled in a self-contained portable package, which can then be mounted or attached to the members, 5 or 10, flange. Referring to Figure 14 and Figure 15, the apparatus in these figures is substantially similar to the apparatus of Figure 5. Figure 14 is an illustration of how one embodiment is adapted to manually screw the flange member 10a. This embodiment is adapted to the flange member 10a without the attachment of the supports 45 or 51 to the container 53, whereby it eliminates the vertical tension tubes associated with this fabrication and its effect on the container 53. The bolt holes 110 abandoned the flanged member 10a manually screwed, are evident. In this embodiment, the passages 46 and 50 are adapted to a support plate 74, which, in this embodiment, is a continuous ring. The spring members 108 interface with the flange member 10a and the support plate 74 and produce a clearance 3a by springing the clamp segments 7 vertically upward, away from the flange member 10a, ensuring a reliable position of the clamp member 10a. the clamp segments 7 relative to the flange member 10a. This also ensures a predictable, remotely controlled operation between the open position and the closed position of the clamp segments 7.
The accessory 109 interfaces with the flange member 10a and the spring members 108, to fix the positioning of the spring members 108 to the flange member 10a. This modality can be installed between the coking and decoking cycles, which presents very significant cost savings to the owners of the coke drums. The spill route 11 and the structure support 13b in the clamp segment 7, facilitate the removal of the material from the container and create a self-cleaning coupling, between all the configurations of the flange members and the various configurations of the clamp segments 7, when this area is flush, when the seal 9 breaks. In one embodiment of the clamp segments 7, they are adapted to obtain controlled contact ("CC clamp segments") at or around the midpoint of the clamp segment furthest from the fastener devices of the clamp segment. These clamp segments 7 are predisposed separately from the flange members 5 and 10 in the recesses 36, where they are de-energized by the fastener device of the clamp segment. This device 55 fastens the double clamp segment, forcedly and elastically, the segment CC clamp 7 in engagement with the flange members. With the CC clamp segments 7, the recesses 3, as shown in Figure 9, become rapidly significant at the ends of each clamp segment 7, when these clamp segments 7 open, as the clamp 55 is released. loosen up When the clamp segments 7 are loosened, the end segments of the clamp segments 7 are folded radially outwardly away from the flange members 5 and 10. Each clamp segment 7 is bent around its middle point furthest from the recesses 36. This causes the recesses 3 to become pronounced rapidly. This movement significantly reduces the distance that the clamp segments 7 regulate to move the flange members 5 and 10 away, as can be measured by the required length of the passages 46. Comparing the corresponding clamp segments of the prior art to The substantially cylindrical flange members of the DC clamp segments of the present invention substantially reduce the distance that the clamp segments 7 must move to open. The tapered apices of the tapered contact surfaces 13 of the DC clamp segments 7 corresponding to the flange members, 5 and 10, substantially cylindrical, are effectively closed in the open position, which allows the gaps 36 of the position open are much smaller.
Likewise, the contact area between the clamp segments 7 and the clamp members 5 and 10 is significantly greater than in the corresponding components of the prior art. The smaller openings 35 of the open position result in savings in cost, because the components of the clamping segment clamp device 55 can be much shorter. The open perimeter of the clamp segments 7 is much smaller, saving space. Likewise, the frictional forces retaining the clamp segments 7 on the flange members 5 and 10 are partially overcome by the bending action on the outside of the CC clamp segments 7, away from the members 5 and 10, flange, when opened initially. In one embodiment, the clamp segments 7 are further adapted to maximize contact of the initial area between the flange members and the clamp segments 7. In this embodiment, the clamp segments 7 which are connected to the members, 5 and 10 or 10a, eliminate the wear of the contact surfaces 13. When the DC clamp segments 7 move on and off the flange members, 5 and 10, the contact tension on the surfaces 13 is significantly smaller because of the contact area between the clamp segments 7 and the members. of flange, 5 and 10, is greatly increased.
Since the CC clamp segments 7 resiliently bend in engagement with the closure on the flange members, 5 and 10, there is a resistance force that closes the gap, in these recesses 36. This ensures that the impulse members 27 energized, remotely acting, associated with the clamping devices 55, of the clamp segment, will move these clamp segments 7 substantially simultaneously and thus the uniform closing resistance in the gaps between the segments is present. The connectors 62, 63 and 88 are part of the total system 5a without cover of the bottom of the drum, the system 72 for connection of the inlet pipe and the system 90 without lid of the upper part of the drum, respectively, The clamp retaining the flange describes a device that is adapted to apply force to the flange members to retain them. It has a clamp segment 7, in the form of a channel, to correspond to the interface of the flange member. It can also be applied without flange members. That is, the clamp segments may not have a channel shape. For example, they can be used to securely apply to a force substantially encompassing the outside of the substantially smooth tube to seal a leak hole in this tube.
The components that comprise the clamp that retains the flange, can be adapted for an optimized construction and construction to produce the maximum resistance to weight ratios. For example, the body of the clamp segments 7 may have locally reduced or removed sections. This locally reduced section can also be designed to improve the flexibility of the clamp segments 7. Referring to Figure 16, another mode is shown. The structure of the container of a coker unit is illustrated, which has drilling rigs 106, shown above the containers 56a and 56b, a connector 88 on the upper part of the containers, 56a and 56b, a system without a lid of the bottom of the drum 5a, between the container support cover 105 and the work surface 107. The containers 56a and 56b are used as containment vessels to isolate the coking process from the external environment. The focus can be applied to the transition between the coking process (sealed joints) and the decoking process (open joints). Here, the container 56a is coking and the container 56b has been prepared for decoking. Making a comparison between what is observed in the container 56a to what is observed in the container 56b, facilitates the understanding of the mechanical functions involved in preparing a container for coking and in reverse, to prepare the decoking. Referring to the container 56b, the drill hole 103, attached to the drill rod 89, is cutting the cog 64 into the container 56b; that is, decoking. The flange member 91, released from the container 56b by opening the connector 88, is removed from the hole in the upper part of the container 56b. The drilling rod 89 is sealed to the container 56b in the drilling head 104, which is locked to the drum 56b by the closed connector 88. Note that the centralizing flange 178 can replace the drilling head 104. The loose coke 64 falls through the outlet channel 59, which is attached to the container 56b by the closed connector 62. The opening cover 60 is opened by oscillation, by the action of the exit channel 59 towards the container 56b. The flange member 5, released from the container 56b by opening the connector 62, rests on the mobile element 61 of the closure, away from the opening in the bottom of the container 56b. The connector 63 is opened by releasing the flange members 77 and 78. The connector 63 and the inlet tube 57 are retracted again, further away from the container 56b of the longitudinal centerline by the actuator 85.
Referring to the container 56a, the piercing head 104, released from the container 56a, by opening the connector 88, rests on the pierced drill rod 89. The centralized flange 178 can also rest on the drilling rod 89. The flange member 91, replaced to cover the hole in the upper part of the container 56a, is locked to the container 56a by the closed connector 88. The opening cover 60, closed by the retraction of the outlet channel 59, covers the hole 112 on work surface 107. The flange member 5, replaced to cover the hole in the bottom of the container 56a by the movement element 61 of the closure, is locked to the container 56a by the closed connector 62. The inlet tube 57 and the connector 63 are closer advanced to the longitudinal centerline of the container 56a by the actuator 85; whereby, flange members 77 and 78 are aligned and locked and locked together by the closed connector 63. Assume that vessel 56a has been coked (closed joints) for several hours, where extreme heat and moderate pressure within the vessel 56a, it has converted the hydrocarbon residues into lighter products and has been gradually filled with a much heavier waste - the coke 64. It should be noted that the container 56 can be of any other material and the coke can also be other material in such a container. In the case of a coker container, the cooling water at a lower temperature is introduced into the container 56a through the inlet tube 57, to dissipate the high heat in the large volume contained by the container 56a. As the heat dissipates, the heavy residue solidifies in the harder coke. The container 56a is sealed with the coke 64, which must be removed (decoked) before the container 56a can return to coking. In the coking units, the container 56a is generally 7.32 meters in diameter and 30.5 meters in height. A worker, with an impact wrench, who manually opens the connector 62 or 63, is at great risk of being injured by the water blanched in the container or by the fact that the self-supporting nature of the coke in the "bottom neck" "open, disposed at the bottom of the container 56a, can be compromised. The decoding, in a secure manner, of a container 56a or 56b involves: (1) opening and / or removing the opening cover 60, which covers the hole 112, which serves as a passage for the coke 64 through the surface of the container. work 107, thereby creating an opening in the working surface 107 for the coke 64 to pass: (2) remotely align and couple an element of movement of the closure to a flange member 5, i.e. 61 or 113; (4) remotely energizing the flange member 5 to the container, with the closing movement element, 61 or 113, or by some other method; (5) remotely unlocking and opening the connector 63, whereby the seal between the inlet tube 57 and the connector tube 58 is disconnected and separated; (6) unlocking and remotely opening the connector 62, whereby the seal between the flange member 5 and the container is disconnected; (7) remotely disconnecting the flange member 5 from the container, in a controlled manner; (8) remotely removing the flange member (5) from the opening in the bottom of the container; (9) securing a passage between the opening in the bottom of the container and the hole 112 in the working surface 107; that is, the output channel 59; (10) unlocking and remotely opening the connector 88 and removing the flange member 91 away from the opening in the upper part of the container; (11) lowering the drill bit (103) into the container, through the opening in the upper part of the container; and (12) coupling the piercing head 104 to the connector 88, then remotely locking and locking the connector 88, thereby securing the piercing head 104 or the centralizing flange to the container. The above functions, before opening the connector 62 or 63, can be performed locally, but for security, any of the functions, after opening the connector 62 or 63 and until all the cog 64 has been removed from the container 56a, must be performed remotely . Once the coke 64 has been removed from the container 56a or 56b, it can be safely prepared for its return to the cogifying phase, by: (1) removing the drill bit 103 from the container and replacing the flange member 91 with the container; (2) closing the locking connector 88, thereby locking the flange member 91 to the container; (3) remotely disabling the exit channel, 59 or 59a, and replacing the opening cover 60, whereby the hole 112 is covered on the work surface 107; (4) replacing the flange member 5 and aligning it to cover the hole in the bottom of the container and locking it to the container 56a by closing and locking the connector 62; and (5) remotely aligning the flange members 77 and 78 by activating the actuator 85 and locking these together, by closing and latching the connector 63. Once the container has cooled and decoded, there is much less danger to the workers. These five steps can be performed locally, however, an automatically controlled equipment, such as connectors 62, 63, will be useful in reducing incidents of injury. All the steps in the preparation of a coking and decocking vessel are more fully detailed in this specification. Referring to Figure 16sa, another mode is shown. Here, the container 56a is prepared for decoking and the container 56b is prepared for coking. The biggest difference in Figure 16a compared to Figure 16 is that the element 61 that moves the closure is replaced by an element 113 that moves the closure. Also another present feature is the telescopic unfolding of the output channel 59a. Referring to the container 56a, the connector 63 expands to the open position, thereby releasing the flange members, 77 and 78, by unhooking the inlet tube 57 from the container 56a. The connector 63 and the inlet tube 57 retract again away from the container 56a. The element 113 moving the closure has already captured the flange member 5, as the connector 62 was unlocked and expanded to its present open position. Now the flange member 5, which has been lowered and retracted by the element 113 that moves the closure, rests on it away from the opening in the bottom 56a of the container, whereby the unfolding of the outlet channel 59a is allowed. This outlet channel 59a is remotely hoisted and aligned to a flange member 10 disposed on the container 56a. The connector 62 will eventually close and lock the exit channel 59a to the container 56a. The container 56b has been completely closed and remotely connected to the inlet tube 57 in the coking (closed joints). Referring to Figure 17 and Figure 18, the outlet channel 59 rises from its position on the work surface 107 to the seal vessel 56. As the exit channel 59 rises, the aperture cover 60 is activated by movement of the exit channel 59 and opens, allowing this exit channel 59 to travel to the container 56. In one embodiment, the aperture cover 60 comprises grids, but can be comprised of any type of ornament material. In Figure 18, the connector 62 expands to the open position, allowing wave alignment, capture and locking of the outlet channel 59 to the container 56. When the connector 62 expands to the open position, the weight of the connector 62 is supported by the guide pins 44 and 49 that interface with the brackets 45 and 51 of the clamp member. These brackets 45 and 51 of the clamp member, in turn, are attached to the container 56. On the opposite transition, the outlet channel 59 is lowered into the work surface 107, as shown in Figure 17. According to the Outlet channel 59 is lowered, makes contact with opening cover 60, causing the cover to be flush with work surface 107. When the opening cover 60 is flush with the working surface 107, the element 61 which moves the closure moves the flange member 5 to a position where it can be connected to the container 56. After the joint was connected by the connector 62, this joint between the connecting tube 58 and the inlet tube 57 is secured by the inlet pipe connector 63. Referring to Figure 17, a system mode without lid 5a of the bottom of the drum is shown in the closed position. This system without cover 5a of the bottom of the drum is the complete system that prepares the bottom of the drum of the container 56 for coking and decoking. The joint between the container 56 and the flange member 5 is securely connected by the connector 62. The joint between the connection pipe 58 and the inlet pipe 57 is securely connected by the connector 63. The channel 59 of The outlet is placed on the working surface 107 and the opening cover 60 is therewith with the working surface 107. A mechanism for moving the closure to and from the container is detailed in Figure 19 and Figure 19a. The element that moves the closure has a table or surface to support the closure of the container. In one embodiment, the element 61 that moves the closure has a base 61g, which acts as a rigid structural frame. Attached to the base 61g are a plurality of wheels 61h, a plurality of 5 wheel drives 611, a plurality of stabilizing poles 61f and a plurality of lifts 61c. The element 61 moving the closure separates along the gap 61j. In one embodiment, elevators 61c are a plurality of hydraulic cylinders that change the magnitude
of the hole 61j. The function of elevators 61c can
II also be completed using a single elevator. The movement allows the element 61 that moves the closure to move the flange member 5 vertically up and down. Vertical movement allows member 5 of
The flange moves relative to a stationary vessel 56. This allows the flange member 5 to be lowered sufficiently, so that the flange member 5 can free the connector 62. The elevator 61c can be designed so that it can force the flange member 5 against the
container 56, with sufficient force to overcome the loads imposed on the flange member 5 by the contents of the container 56. This causes a sealing barrier imposed between the flange member 5 and the flange 10, disposed on the container 56.
A plurality of rails 61b are joined to the plurality of sleeves 61d at the top of the sleeves 61d. The transverse members provide structural rigidity by the interlacing of the sleeves 61d in which of the sleeves 61b. These sleeves 61b form a male to female fit with the stabilizing poles 61f, to ensure a uniform change in the gap 61j, at each location of the individual stabilizing pole 61f, as the lifter 61c is activated, stabilizing itself the vertical separation movement of the element. 61 that moves the closure. The locking pins, not shown, can be inserted through the sleeves 61d and the stabilizing poles 61f at the sites 61e, thereby manually locking the gap 6lj to a desired position. When activated, a plurality of wheel drives 611, linked to the wheels 61h, cause the element 61 that moves the closure to move horizontally and guide it to and from the longitudinal centerline of the container 56, which places the center line of the wheel. flange member 5 relative to the longitudinal centerline of the container 56. In one embodiment, the element 61 that moves the closure is a wheeled carriage, traveling through rails, not shown, sunk into the working surface 107. The element 61 moving the closure also provides a vertical movement for forcing the loaded flange member 5 to a fully sealed position against the container 56. In another embodiment, the element 61 that moves the closure contains a spout. This pourer variablely flips the flange member 5 with respect to the flange member 10. This is particularly useful for controlling the magnitude and direction of the flow of the loose coke and the cooling water from the container 56. Here, the spouts 61n, attached to the base 61g, engage the flange member 5, in a manner that elevates one side of this flange member 5 from the surface 61k, when the elevation of the surface 61k is below the top of the pourers 61n, as shown in Figure 19a. The pourers 61n can be of any construction and can be detached from the base 61g and remotely actuated separately. When the element 61 moving the closure rises, as shown in Figure 19, the top of the pourers 61n are below the surface 61k, thus allowing the flange member 5 to be parallel to the surface 61k. This is useful, because the flange member 5 must be parallel to the flange member 10, when the vertical movement of the cover member 61 forces the flange member 5 against the other flange member 10. According to the elevation of the surface 61k is lowered, the spouts 6ln begin to make contact with the flange member 5, by turning it relative to the surface 61k. The vertical movement of the element 61 which moves the closure will vary the turning degree, thus controlling the magnitude and direction of flow of the loose coke and the cooling water from the container 56. Some cokers use auto-rails to carry the loose coke 64 in remoteness , but the volume of the coke is much greater than the capacity of a car. The flow of the coke must be regulated as new rails move in position under the container 56. To prevent the flange member 5 from coming out of the element 61 which moves the closure, the pourers 61n and the pins 61m interface with this flange member 5 in a pin arrangement 19 and case 22, as shown in Figure 3. The remotely controlled element 61 that moves the closure is adapted to control the magnitude and direction of the flow of the material from the container 56, using only the elevators 61c. No local intervention is required, and it is then safer than other types.
It should be noted that the flange member 5 can also pivot in an oscillating movement away from the container 56. Alternatively, the flange member 5 can also be translated horizontally by the rails attached to the container 56 by an elevator that moves the rails in a vertical direction, thus placing the bottom closure 5 against or away from the container 56. Turning now in greater detail to the cogue discharge system and referring to Figure 18, a system embodiment 5a without a lid of the bottom of the drum It is shown in the open position. The exit channel 59, which is shown to extend partially out of the work surface 107, illustrates the relationship between the exit channel 59 and the aperture cover 60. In the normal decoking position, the exit channel 59 completes a closed passage of the coke, from the container 56 to the work surface 107, to allow the coke 64 to be evacuated from the container 56. The seal between the connecting tube 58 and the inlet tube 57 is disconnected, since the connector 63 of the inlet pipe is in the open position. The inlet tube 57 and the connector 63 are retracted again further away from the longitudinal centerline of the container 56 by the actuator 85. The joint between the container 56 and the flange member 5 is also disconnected. The connector 62 is vented to the open position, thereby allowing the flange member 5 to be disengaged. This flange member 5 is removed from the container 56 and rests on the element 61 that moves the closure, thereby freeing an opening in the bottom of the container 56 to be waxed by the outlet channel 59. As shown, the gap 61j can become null, so that the upper portion of the element 61 that moves the closure rests firmly on the bottom portion of the element 61 that moves the closure. In one embodiment, the actuator 65 is remotely activated to power movement of the output channel 59 in the vertical direction. The actuator 65 is attached to the outlet channel 59 at location 66 and to the work surface 107 to the anchor 70. One embodiment incorporates hydraulic cylinders like the actuator 65. Although not shown, this actuator 65 can be any plausible actuator having different actuators. benefits, such as a cable or chain winch. As the exit channel 59 travels in the vertical direction upward, the rollers 67 of the upper channel contact the floor plates 68, attached to movable opening covers 60, causing these covers 60 to rotate about the pivot 69 until they oscillate completely away, allowing the passage of the exit channel 59 to the container 56. As the exit channel 59 moves near the container 56, the rollers can be attached to the ends 71 of the floor plates 68 and the anchors 70, to guide the movement of the exit channel 59 to a position that creates a path enclosed from the container 56 to the work surface 107. The rollers attached to the ends 71 will act as positive stops limiting the movement of the covers 60, disabling the over-pivoting of the covers in the opening direction. In an inverse way, as the channel descends
59, the lower channel rollers 67 make contact with the floor plates 68 at the ends 71, causing the covers69 to rotate about the pivot 69 until these covers 60 become flush with the work surface 107, as shown in Figure 2. In addition, covers 60 and floor plates 68 are designed to allow covers 60 to be opened manually, while exit channel 59 remains on work surface 107. The output channel 59 will have provisions for secondary manual operation, in order to support the actuator 65 operable remotely. The benefit of this manually controlled output channel deployment is that the actuators 65 of the output channel can also drive the aperture cover 60. No local intervention is required.
Similarly, in a similar manner, the exit channel, 59 or 59a, is remotely deployed, aligned and latched to the container 56. The container 56 of Figure 20 is prepared for decoking. This illustrates another deployment mode, remotely operable from the output channel 59a and, if present, the deployment of the aperture cover 60. Agui, a simple actuator, a traction mechanism 115, replaces the plurality of actuators 65 of Figure 18, simplifying the capless system 5a of the bottom of the drum. The output channel 59a is a telescopic version of the output channel 59. FIG. The actuators 116 are shown, but not regulated. At least one line "cable" 114, controlled by the traction mechanism 115, interfaces with the output channel 59a. As the traction mechanism 115 drives the cable 114, the outlet channel 59a elevates upwardly to the container 56. The aperture cover 60 can be made for the interface with the exit channel 59a, as discussed above. They can also be activated by the actuators 116. Figure 21 further illustrates the unfolding of the outlet channel 59a and, if present, the deployment of the aperture cover 60, and the function of the cables 114, traction mechanisms 115 and actuator. 116
The outlet channel 59a is illustrated in an elevated position and on its way to coincide with the flange member 10. The traction mechanism 115, remote action, is shortened by the active length of the cables 114, which interface with the output channel 59a in a plurality of saddles (supports) 119, spaced around the outlet channel 59a, thus causing that rises. The saddles 119 may comprise rollers. Especially beneficial is the flexible and self-centered nature of this modality. Its self-centering nature develops as the force of gravity tends to cause the exit channel to be located at the lower elevation of the cables 114. This ensures that the outlet channel 59a is relatively concentric with the container 56 and, thus, both, the connector 62. As the outlet channel 59a approaches the open connector 62, the taper 117 interfaces with the taper 14 in the clamp segments 7. The flexibility of the cables 114 allows for the approximate alignment of the exit channel 59 or 59a to a position indicative of allowing the connector 62 to close around the flange hub end 118 of the exit channel 59. The inherent nature of the connection behavior predicts the reliable connection of the output channel 59 or 59a to the vessel 56.
When the connector 62 is closed, the tapered support 13b of the clamp segments 7, together with the end 118 of the tapered flange hub, allow the connector 62 to capture and secure a substantially unaligned outlet channel 59 or 59a, this nature of capture is especially useful because it ensures the reliability of the remote connection of the output channel 59 or 59a to the container 56. It also applies to the modes illustrated in Figure 21a and Figure 21b, Figure 21c and Figure 21d, and Figure 22. The opening cover 60 can be adapted to an interface output channel 59a; whereby both can be deployed and disabled by the single traction mechanism 115. Therefore, nothing in the prior art locks an outlet channel to the container 56 and, therefore, they are semi-automatic and unsafe. The cables 114 can be pulled up out of the workers' way, by the local decoupling wires 114 from the saddles 119, when it is safe to do so. This local step can also be done remotely. One embodiment illustrates this remote function in Figure 21a and Figure 21b, Figure 21c and Figure 2Id. Figure 22. illustrates another display of the output channel that does not require local intervention.
The output channels 59 or 59a can also be comprised of one end 118 of the flange hub, which allows the connector 62 to be aligned and secured to the container 56. The unfolding, remotely controlled, alignment and locking of the outlet channel 59a to the container 56, is much safer than in the previous versions. Figure 21a, substantially similar to Figure 21, further illustrates another embodiment related to the unfolding of the exit channel 59a and, if present, the deployment of the aperture cover 60, and the function of the cables 114, traction mechas 115 and actuator 116. Exit channel 59a is illustrated as raised and on its way to coincide with flange member 10. The traction mecha 115, operated remotely, shortens the active length of the cables 114, which interface with the output channel 59a by means of at least one energizable magnet 137, which interfaces with the output channel 59a in a plurality of cushions 138 of the channel, spaced around this channel 59a. This cutting of the cable causes the output channel 59a to rise. A channel cushion 138 is partially cut away to illustrate its attachment to the exit channel 59a. Its construction allows the pulling mecha 115 to pull the outlet channel completely above the flange member 10.
The opening cover 60 can be adapted to the interface output channel 59a; whereby both can be deployed and disabled by a simple traction mechanism 115. Figure 21b shows a magnet 137, output channel 59a and aperture cover 60 in a disabled state without local intervention. The magnet 137 of Figure 21a and Figure 21b interface with the cable 114 in roller contact, thereby allowing the magnet to center itself at the midpoint of the cable 114 and to align itself to the channel cushion 138. Figure 21c and Figure 21d, substantially similar to Figure 21a and Figure 21b, respectively, illustrate another embodiment. The magnets 137 are simply attached to the ends of the cable 114 and remain flexible. One benefit of the unfolding and disabling of the exit channel 59a, if present, the unfolding of the aperture cover 60, causes the exit channel 59a and the actuators of the aperture cover 60, can operate with the same actuators. In addition, a simple pull mechanism 115 can deploy both the outlet channel 59a and the aperture cover 60, replacing the numerous actuators of the outlet channel and actuators of the aperture cover. This saves costs and maintenance. In Figure 22, the system 5a without cap of the bottom of the drum is similar to that shown in Figure 21. The container 56 is being prepared for decoking in this view, illustrating another display, t locked alignment, remotely controlled, exit channel 59a to vessel 56 and, if present, remotely controlled deployment of aperture cover 60. The remote operation of the cables 114 and the traction mechanism 115 of Figure 21 is replaced by the cables 120 and the hinge extensions 121 of the hinge 122. The cables 120 interface with the channel 59a of the output channel in a plurality of saddles 119, spaced around the exit channel 59a. When the actuators 116 oscillate the hinge extensions 121 upward to the container 56, the cables 120, by themselves, leave the support area below the working surface 107. As the midpoint of the apparatus 123 in the cable 116 rises with the actuation of the hinge extensions 121, these hinge extensions make contact with the saddles 119, arranged in the outlet channel 59a, elevating it towards the container 56, of a flexible way, self-aligning. The output channel 59a is partially raised by the actuators 116 and will interface the connector 62. It will be aligned and locked to the container 56, as previously described. The actuators 116 cause the hinge extensions 121 to rotate about the hinge 122 and the force is transmitted through the hinge extensions 122 to the cables 120. The hinge extensions can comprise any type of construction, including a cover opening with grids, or simple posts that can open to the outside of connector 62 that contains the envelope. The cables 120 and the interface saddle 119 are connected to the opposite hinge extensions 121. These oscillate upwards towards the connector 62, thus raising the outlet channel 59a to meet the flange member 10. When the connector 62 closes around the flange members 10 and 118, the outlet channel 59a is aligned and locked to the flange member 10 disposed on the container 56. A difference between this embodiment and that shown in FIGS. and 21, is the nature of the cables deployed and disabled. These cables 120 move apart themselves below the working surface 107, when the actuators are activated to the lower outlet channel 59a and, if present, the closure cover 60 of the closure. The cables 120 can be oriented by weight and / or spring by the device 123, to close the opposite ends of the cable 120, near or around the device 123, ensuring the remotely operable nature of its disabling and deployment.
A benefit of this remotely controlled deployment of the output channel 59a and, if present, the deployment of the aperture cover 60, if the actuators of the separate output channel 59a and the aperture cover 60 are not required. , this system is stored by itself under the work surface 107, out of the way of the workers, and local intervention is not required. Figure 23 shows an alternative aperture cover 125, which is remotely deployed. This opening cover 125, deployed by at least one actuator 116, is comprised of at least one floor plate 126. A plurality of floor plates 126, in layers, when disabled, can be deployed by forming a partial or complete passage between the work surface 107 and the container 56, allowing the loose material to pass through. This embodiment is particularly useful when associated with an element that moves the closure, which flips or oscillates, whereby it controls the direction of material flow from the container 56 against the floor plates 126 and the descending hole 112. At least one aperture cover 125 will be deployed to deflect the flow 128 in the hole 112 in the work surface 107, as shown in Figure 29. The aperture cover 125 interacts with the element 113 which moves the closure, which flips and lowers the flange member 5. This movement controls the direction of flow from the container 56 against the opening cover 125 and the down hole 112. In another embodiment (not shown), at least two unfolded floor plates 126, together with the flange member 5, adapted for swinging and opening at the hinge location around the container 56 will complete an enclosed passage for the flow 128. This arrangement requires space between the elevation of the flange member 10 and the work surface 107, so that this flange member 5 can oscillate and open up This mode is particularly useful in containers that contain unpacked, loose material. Directing attention to an alternative moving element 113, shown in Figures 24 to 28. The element 113 that moves the closure is disposed on a cover 105 of the container support by the base 129. The element 113 that moves the The closure may also be inverted and disposed on the work surface 107. However, this working surface 107 is sometimes not strong enough to withstand the force generated by the element 113 moving the closure, as it forces the flange member 5 against the flange member 10 will thus be disposed on the support cover in these cases. The movement of the element 113 that moves the closure is similar to the element 61 that moves the closure. It moves the flange member 5 vertically up and down and also to and from the longitudinal center line of the drum 56. Its vertical movement can automatically and measurably flip the flange member 5 relative to the flange member 10. The vertical movement allows the flange member 5 to move relative to the substantially stationary container 56. This allows the flange member 5 to be lowered sufficiently, so that the connector 62 is free. In addition, at least one elevator 145 can be designed, so that the force of the flange member 5 against the container 56, is sufficient to overcome the loads imposed on the flange member 5 by the contents of the container 56. This force causes a sealing barrier between the flange member 5 and the flange member 10 or 10a, disposed on the container 56. The base 129 can be fixed or can rotate This allows the flange member 5, which rests on the element that moves the closure, to move in a direction 147 of rotation about the base 129, as shown in Figure 25. Arranged in the base 129 there is a plurality of support arms 131, which can be attached to at least one table support 139. These elements form a table or surface to support the closure. Each support arm 131 has at least one slit, which interfaces with a plurality of rollers 133, adapted to roll around the pins 136. The rollers 133 are hidden behind the stabilizers 134. Figure 26 gives a cut-away view of the rollers 133. A plurality of pins, similar to 136 can be used to attach the table supports 135 to the stabilizers 134, through the slots 132. A reference frame is shown in Figure 24 to facilitate the following discussion. The positive axis Z is off the page and the XZ and YZ planes are perpendicular to the page. The component parts and moments imposed on the rails 130, in the XY plane and / or the YZ plane, are reacted by the rollers 142, which roll around the pins 140. The rollers 142, hidden from the view in Figure 24, are they show better in Figure 25 and Figure 26. The rollers 142 are constrained in a plurality of channels 146 in the rails 130. The component forces and moments imposed on the rails 130, which act in the XZ plane, are reacted by the rollers. 143, arranged on the pins 141, in the channels 146. The pins 140 and 141 have a face 144 which prevents them from rotating because they are fixed to the table support 135. The component forces and moments, imposed on the rails 130 , are reacted by rollers 142 and 143, are transferred to pins 140 and 141, respectively. Since the pins 140 and 141 are disposed in the supports 135 of the table, the component forces and moments are also transferred on them. The component forces and moments acting in the XY plane are transferred to the rollers 133 and the pins 136. These rollers 133 further interface with the slits 132 in the support arms 131 that transfer these component forces and moments to the base 129. The component forces and moments acting on the XZ and / or YZ plane are transferred to the rollers 133, the stabilizers 134 and the table supports 135 and further to support the arms 131 to the base 129. The elevators 145 are shown in Figure 26 in the lowered position. In one embodiment, they are hydraulic cylinders attached between the base 129 and the pins 136. The actuation of the elevators 145 vertically raises and lowers almost all the parts comprising the element 113 that moves the closure. The parts that do not move vertically are the base 129, the support struts 131 and the transverse members 139. The downward vertical movement is controlled by the interaction of the rollers 133 at the bottom of the slits 1132. Thus, some motion limiting device. Figure 24, Figure 25 and Figure 26 show the element 113 moving the closure, in a lowered position, indicating that it allows the flange member 5 to clean the connector 62, as it moves away from the longitudinal center line of the container 56 by the actuator 148. Figure 27 and Figure 28 show the opposite elevated position of an element 113 that moves the closure. Figure 25 and Figure 28 are substantially similar, as well as Figure 24 and Figure 27. When the closure is disposed on the closure movement element, this movement element is energized to move to and from the container 56. When the flange member 5 is lowered by the element 113 that moves the closure, it can then move relative to the longitudinal centerline of the container 56, thereby freeing the hole in the bottom of the container 56 for flow 128 to pass. In this embodiment, the actuators 148 are hydraulic motors that couple the rails 130 in a rack and pinion 150 interface. upper part of rails 130. However, when applied in practice, they may appear at the bottom of rail 130 for cleaning. Figure 30 illustrates this movement when the rails 130, currently under the container 56a, can be fully activated to extend under the container 56b, allowing the element 113 that moves the closure to provide service to more than one container, added to the functionality. The movement of the element 113 which moves the closure, towards and from the longitudinal centerline of the container 56, produced by the actuators 148, is controlled by the stops 153, whereby motion sensors are not required. When the containers 56a and 56b are widely separated, a plurality of bases 129, the support arms 131, and the table supports 135, together with all the necessary rollers, pins and motors, can interface with the rails 130. pins 165 of interface with the flange member 5, is a pin-and-box arrangement, similar to the one shown in Figure 3. This arrangement aligns the element 113 that moves the closure to the flange member 5 and prevents it from sliding out of the element 113 that moves the closure.
The springs 154 are compressed at the level of the upper part of the rails 130 when the flange member 5 and 10 make contact and when the element 113 that moves the closure forces them together. In Figure 24, Figure 25 and Figure 26, the element 113 that moves the closure is in the lowered position. The spring 154 is free to flip the flange member 5, thus controlling the magnitude and direction of the flow 128. This function can also be performed, but a smaller number of remote controls diminishes the complexity of the present invention. In Figure 24, Figure 25 and Figure 26, the cams 151 are decoupled. Its function is more evident when the closing movement element 113 is raised. The difference between Figure 25 and Figure 28 illustrates one more aspect. The upward vertical movement of the element 113 moving the closure is used to automatically restrict and release the flange member 5 in the handle 166, for the interlocking interface of the lock 161. One benefit of this embodiment is that the lock 161 restrains automatically the flange member 5 to prevent the inclination away from the rails 130. and automatically releases it when the closing movement element 113 places it so that the closure connector 62 captures the same. This nature of restriction and release is activated by the vertical movement of the element 113 that moves the closure and is performed automatically, without human intervention and avoids human error that could harm someone or the element 113 that moves the closure. This function can also be activated, pro with a smaller number of remote controls and less complicated in the present invention. In Figure 25, the flange member 5 is restricted because the lock 151, spring-oriented 163 to the restricted position, is in an internal locking position relative to the handle 166, which is disposed at the bottom of the member 5. of flange. In Figure 28, the inverse released position is shown. Thus, the lock 161 retracts again further away from the handle 166. When the restricted flange member 5 is raised by the closure element 113, towards the flange member 10, the cam 151, closest to the transverse member 139, makes contacting it at or around the moment when the flange member 5 is in position to close the connector 62 and capture it. When the cam 151 engages thereto, it causes the lock 161 to move further away from it to release the flange member 5, to be captured by the connector 62, as shown in Figure 28. The cam 151 rotates about the pin 152. , disposed on the stop 153. Once the flange member 5 is plugged into the container 56 by the connector 62, the movement element 113 of the closure is lowered. When it descends, the engaged cam 151 becomes uncoupled, and the springs 163 advance the locks 161 back into the restriction position. However, at this time, the flange member 5 is now locked to the container 56 and does not come down with the element 113 that moves the closure. If the closure has not locked to the container 56, it will have to be restricted to the element 113 that moves the closure through the lock 161, as it is lowered. Attached to the rods 156 are the collars 157, fixed in an adjustable manner to the rods 156 by sets of screws 158. Agui, the articulations 159 are rotated around the pin 160, according to the movement of the rod 156. The articulations 159 interface with pins 161 in a slotted array; whereby they engage the pins 161 only at the far end 167. The links 159 also interface with the collars 157 in a slotted arrangement. In Figure 25, the support arms 131, the rail supports 135, the stabilizers 134 and the elevators 145 are symmetrical around the rails 130. It is evident that the rails 130 are adapted to service two containers 56, due to that the spring 154, the lock 161, the stops 153, the cams 151 and the pins 165 are symmetrical about the average length of the rails 130.
Figure 29, Figure 30, Figure 31 and Figure 32, are substantially similar and illustrate the relationship of the movement elements 113 of the closure to the container 56a and / or
56b. The connector 63, which interfaces with the flange member 78, is not shown in these figures for clarity. As shown in Figure 29, vessel 56a is being prepared for decoking. Here, the flange member 5 has been remotely released by the expanded connector 62 and secured to the movement member 113 of the closure, which the flange member 5 inclines and descends, from the opening in the bottom of the container 56a. The magnitude and direction of the flow 128 of the loose coke and the cooling water from the container 56a is controlled by the placement of the flange member 5. The variance in the position of the flange member 5, produced by the movement of the element 113 that moves the closure, regulates the flow 128. The flow 128 is directed towards at least one floor plate 126. openly operated by the actuator 116. A plurality of floor plates 126 may be used to divert the flow 128 to the down hole 112. The remotely controlled movement, created by the actuators 148 in moving the flange member 5 under the container 56a, is has stopped since the stop 153 makes contact with the transverse member 139. Referring to the container 56b. the flange member 5 is secured, in sealed form, to the flange member 10, disposed in the container 56b, by the connector 62 closed and locked. The restriction handle 166 is disposed on the flange member 5 and extends below the connector 62. Here, the exit channels 59 or 59a are stored below the working surface 107. Panel 1127 is an access panel for service actuator 116. Figure 30 illustrates the remotely controlled opening of a floor plate 126 and the remotely controlled movement of the flange member 5 and the closing movement element 113 as the actuators 148 move the rails 130 and the locking member 5. flange away from the longitudinal centerline of the drum 56a, thereby ridding the hole in the bottom of the container 56a. In Figure 31, the flange member 5 again moves further away from the container 56, to allow deployment of the outlet channel 59a to coincide with the flange member 10, disposed on the container 56a. The output channel 59a will be fully deployed, captured, aligned and latched to the vessel 56a, as described in the previous discussion.
Here, hinge extensions 121 and wires 120 are actuated by actuators 116 to raise output channel 59a. The connector 62, arranged around the container 56a, opens to receive the outlet channel 59a. The connector 62 in the container 56a closes and latches. Another embodiment is shown in Figure 32. This Figure 32 is substantially similar to Figure 29. Here, another degree of freedom, added to the element 113 that moves the closure, allows the flange member 5 to oscillate in the 168 direction. is achieved by dividing the support arms 131 into a plurality of pieces and ablating them together on the hinges 170. The movement in the direction 168 is remotely controlled by adapting at least one actuator 169 between the base 129 and the support arm 131, or between different pieces of support arms 131. In this embodiment, safety cables limit movement in the direction 168. Referring to Figure 33, one embodiment of a connection system 72 of the inlet tube, according to the present invention, is shown in the coking position (together closed). The joint connector 63 is substantially identical to the clamp retaining the flange, which comprises the joint connector 62, previously described in this disclosure. As mentioned previously, one embodiment includes a flange retention clamp, wherein the clamp segments are separated into a plurality of segments. Those of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that the embodiment is substantially identical to the joint connector 63, as it relates to the connector 62, which connects the flange member 5 to the flange member 10 at the bottom of the drum. Here, the connector 63 connects the inlet tube 57 to the connector tube 58. The joint connector 63 has a faster member, actuator and flange, to the interface of the clamp member, identical to the joint connector 62, although here, Instead of connecting a flange member 5 to the flange member 10, the connector 62 connects two flange members, 77 and 78, substantially similar to the flange member 10. Figures 2-4a also apply to joint connector 63. The connectors, 62 and 63, of joints, should be considered equal, except for the novel and dissimilar features related specifically to connector 62 of joints that will be discussed later. Since the connectors 62 and 63 are almost identical, Figure 33 and Figure 34 are not sectioned and do not contain meticulous details already discussed in this disclosure. Similarly, the components in Figure 33 and Figure 34 are identically labeled as the corresponding components labeled in Figures 2-13.
Alternatively, the clamp segments 7 may contain two segments with external protrusions. Those skilled in the art can appreciate, due to the small size of the inlet pipe joint, the weight of the raw material and, therefore, the cost is reduced by the production of the clamp segments 7 with the forged configuration. The configured forged pieces will consist of a segmented ring with integral external protrusions. The passages 23 terminate in the reaction supports 31 and 32, formed in these external projections. The supports 31 and 32 are required, since the stored energy produced in the bolts 8 reacts in these supports 31 and 32, closing the joint securely. The connectors 62 and 63 have machined clamp segments 7 of a split ring forge, without external projections. The supports 31 and 32 are created by the joint of the machined passages 23 and 29. The connectors 62, 63 and 88 can be produced by making external projections to a split ring foil, producing an external projection configuration. The construction of supports 31 and 32 in integral or external projections is generally predicted by manufacturing restrictions or stress analysis. The conical section of the container 56, shown in several figures, extending below the container support cover 105, undergoes significant thermal expansion between the coker and coker process. The decoking process is a cooling process, while the coking process is a process at an extremely high temperature (482 to 5382C). This thermal expansion drives the inlet tube 57 closest to the work surface 107. A mechanism for accommodating this expansion is necessary here. Referring to Figures 33-35, a plurality of spring supports 79 are designed to support the weight of the inlet tube 57 and the joint connector 63. The spring supports 79 can be adjusted in order to provide an adaptive balancing force. The brackets 79 function to vertically align the flange members 77 and 78 when they are free and disconnected. They also function to allow the thermal expansion to propel the members closer to the working surface 107. The spring supports (not shown) can similarly be attached to the inlet pipe and align the hub members in the horizontal plane. These supports will rotate by approximately 90 degrees from the vertical supports 79. They will provide an adjustable centering force and will horizontally align the flange members, 77 and 78 in the open position. Two supports 79 can be adapted in relation to both the vertical and horizontal planes, thus allowing the alignment of the members, 77 and 78, of flange in both planes. In addition, the supports can be remotely operated from a location away from the supports to allow automatic alignment of the flange member 77 of the inlet pipe, with the flange member 78 on the drum side in horizontal and vertical planes, so These members can be remotely linked, reliably, by the connector 63. The fine alignment, shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 can be incorporated with the brackets to further predict the successful automatic alignment of the members, 77 and 78, flange. Referring to Figures 33-35 and with focus to Figure 35, the support 79 can be of any known useful construction, which causes an adjustable balance force to align the flange members, 77 and 78. In addition, the supports are preferably remotely adjustable. The alignment supports 79 of one embodiment consist of a threaded rod 79a, the bearing member 79b, the springs 79c, the spherical bearing member 79d, the spherical bearing member 79c, the linking mechanism 79f and the adjustment mechanism 79g . The connecting mechanism 79f connects the inlet tube 57 to the supports 79. The springs 79c that supply
The balancing force is confined by the bearing members 79b and the spherical bearing members 79d. The balancing force is adjusted by rotating the threaded adjustment mechanism 79g around the threaded rod 79a, which compresses and decompresses the springs 79c. The members 79d and 79e interface to match the female spherical surfaces 79h. These spherical surfaces reduce the bending stress in the members 79a, when they pivot around the spherical surface. The pivoting occurs due to the movement of the inlet tube 57, attached to the joining mechanism 79f, relative to the members 79c, which in turn are attached to the fixed support frame 80. The joints allow disconnection of the joined members. The support frame 80 contains sufficient passages to allow the support rods 79a to pass through them. The passages are designed to allow a clear enough to take into account any misalignment of the support rods 79a with the corresponding passages, when these support rods 79a pivot around the members 79c. The support frame 80 acts as an anchor. The support frame 80 is designed to react to the forces imparted in the frame by the brackets 79 and the actuator 85. The support frame 80 is pressed downwardly to the raised cushions 82 by threaded anchor bolts 83, securely secured in the 107 work surface. The supports 79 are attached to the guider 84 by retraction by the joining frame 84f and the projections 84e. The tube retraction guide 84 is securely attached to the inlet tube 57 by manufacture or some other acceptable means. In one embodiment, the tube retraction guide 84 consists of collars 84a, rods 84b, back stops 84c, front stops 84d, projections 84c and junction frame 84f. A tie frame 84f is a structural member that rigidly secures the members 84 to each other and to the inlet tube 57. The connecting frame 84f is made to the inlet tube 57, but may also be attached to the inlet tube 57 by a removable fastener. The cylindrical rods 84b travel in cylindrical collars 84a and impart movement in the inlet tube 57. The stops 84d forward and the rear stops 84c are attached, in an adjustable manner, to the rods 84b. These rods are attached to the bracket support plate 74. The rods 84b support the weight of the joint connector 63 and guide its movement back and forth along the inlet tube 57. This allows movement of the clamp segments 7, attached to the clamp support plate 74, and the inlet tube 57. This allows the inlet tube 57 and the connector 63 to move towards or away from the connector tube 58.
When moving away from the connector tube 58, this inlet tube 57 and the connector 63 move away from the separation plane of the flange members 77 and 78, thus exposing the hub ends 11 of the flanged members. The movement allows the flange members 77 and 78 to move in mutual relation, and to seal a complete passage or to interrupt the completed passage. The actuator 85, connected to the bracket support plate 74 and the projections 74a and the support frame 80, in a connection mechanism 85a, serve to impart the movement in the connection system 72 of the inlet tube, as described above. . The actuator 85 is preferably operable remotely. The inlet tube 57 and the connector 63 are driven by a simple actuator 85. This actuator 85 creates the movement of the clamp segments 7 relative to the flange members 77 and 78. This action separates the hub members, 77 and 78, from flange to each other, an actuator 85 is remotely actuated, the rods 84b travel back and forth on collars 84a and, the weight of the connector 63 is supported by the rods 84b and the collars 84a during the drive. 84d forward stops and backwards stops 84c, are attached adjustably to the rods 84b, to limit the movement of the rods 84b in the collars 84a. The inlet tube 57 is moved back and forth by the actuator 85, so as to control the magnitude of the clear distance 86, shown in Figure 34. This clear distance 86 is required to disconnect the inlet tube 57 from the container 56 and removing the flange member 5 and the connecting tube 58 away from the bottom opening of the container 56. The magnitude of the clearance 86 becomes larger when the actuator 85 moves the joint connector 63 backward. until the front stops 84d make contact with the collars 84a, attached to the inlet tube 57. The stops 84b can not pass through the collars 84a. The continued movement of the actuator 85 is imparted to the inlet tube 57, thereby increasing the clearance 86. The magnitude of the clear distance 86 becomes less when the connector 63 moves forward until the rear stops 84c are urged into the collars 84a, thereby urging the inlet tube 57 forward. Referring to Figures 36-41, one embodiment of the system without cap 90 of the upper part of the drum is detailed. It comprises the connector 88 which also includes the same clamp design retaining the flange, such as the connector 62 and the connector 63, previously described. The connector 88 has a member with faster actuating flange, to the interface of the clamp segment. These members are substantially identical to those of the joint connector 62. The joint connectors 62 and 88 should be considered equal, except for dissimilar innovations and features, specifically related to the connector 88, which are discussed below. Since the two connectors 62 and 88 are almost identical, FIGS. 36-41 are not sectioned and do not contain the meticulous details already discussed in this disclosure. Similar components are labeled identically in Figures 36-41, as the components labeled in Figures 2-15. One embodiment of the capless system 90 of the upper part of the drum is shown in the plan view, Figure 36, and in an elevation view, Figure 37. The clamp segments 7, securely fastened by the bolt members 8, they are in the closed position, forcing a seal barrier between the flange member 91 and the upper flange adapter 92 to occur. The removal of the upper cover of the drum and the replacement occurs by hinged flange member 91 to and from the container 56. It should be understood that other forms of removal and replacement are possible, such as a sliding flange member 91, or by using a Crane type device, for lowering and raising the flange member 91. It should also be noted that the cover does not need to be on the top of the container 56, it can not be on any exterior surface of this container 56. In one embodiment of the invention, the flange member 91 pivots about the journal 93 by the actuator 94. This actuator 94 moves the flange member 91 from the coker position, Figure 36 and Figure 37, to the decoking position, shown in Figure 38 and Figure 39. The flange member 01 is connected to the actuator 94 by an arm 95. of rocker. These rocker arms 95 are preferably attached to the flange member 91 by manufacture, but they can also be held together by any other secure fastening method, such as by bolts. The actuator
94 is a hydraulic cylinder mounted on a front journal, which has male journals that interface with the sockets 96 of female stumps at the end of the arms
95 of rocker. The end plates 97 of the trunnion are fastened to the rocker arms by fasteners, thus securing the actuator 94 to the rocker arms 95. When the actuator 94 is activated, the stump cups 96 and the journals mounted to the actuator 94 rotate in mutual relation. The journal 93 joins the rocker arms 95 and abuts the trunnion bushes 96a. This journal 93 is held in journal bushes 96a by the stump end plates 97a. The journal 93 rotates relative to the fixed stump casings 96a, which are machined in the stump mounts 98.
These trunnion assemblies 98 are manufactured to hold the support plate 74, thereby fixing the location of the trunnion 93 with respect to the center of the upper flange adapter 92. This ensures that the flange member 91 can be replaced to its original closed position, once the hinge is open. Anchor plates 99, made to hold the support plate 7, have holes 99a to allow the passage of the pivot pin 94a of the actuator. However, it should be noted that various methods and resources exist to drive the movement of the flange member 91 and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The system seal connector without cap 90 on the top of the drum opens by remotely activating the actuator 27, causing the bolts 8 to stretch. This relieves the contact tension between the fork nuts 24 and the locking plates 33. This action allows remote activation of the actuator 41 to move the locking plates 33 in their open position, as shown in Figure 38 and Figure 39. When the locking plates 33 are released from the fork nuts 24, the actuators 27 move the clamp segments 7 in their open position, shown in Figure 38 and Figure 39. When the clamp segments 7 open, the male to female interface of the clamp segments 7 to the adapter 92 of the upper flange and the member 91 of the flange of the upper part of the drum, are uncoupled, allowing the flange member 91 to pivot freely around the die sleeve 96a, when the actuator 94 is activated remotely. Referring to Figure 37, the above equipment, which includes the clamp support plate 74 or attached to this clamp support plate 74, is a self-contained assembly that can be removed and replaced as a whole. The assembly is secured to the upper flange adapter 92 and the upper flange 100 by the fasteners 101. As shown in Figure 38, the passage 102 of the support plate allows passage of the flange 92 of the upper adapter when the auto assembly -Content, mentioned above, is removed and replaced. Referring to Figure 38 and Figure 39, one embodiment of the system 90 without a lid of the upper part of the drum is shown in the plan view, Figure 38, and the elevation view, Figure 39. The system 90 without a lid. the upper part of the drum is shown in the open position. The flange member 91 of the top of the drum is hinged in an open vertical position 94. Remote activation of the actuator 94, pivotally attached to the rocker arms 95, causes these rocker arms 95 and the flange member 91 to rotate. from a horizontal position to a vertical one.
The material 64, which will be removed from the container 56, is visible through the container opening 92a. The flange member 91 is released away from the hole 92a of the drum. The clamp segments 7 are in the open position, allowing the flange 104 of the drill head or the centralizing flange 178 to descend over the adapter 92 of the top flange. Figure 40 illustrates a single apparatus for inserting a tool into the container and for sealing and operating the tool within the container. The tool inserted in the container is sealed against the external environment and works inside the container. In Figure 40, a flange 104 of the drilling head and drill bit 103, as shown in silhouette lines, descend towards the hole 92a of the drum (shown in Figure 38) as the drilling rod 89 lowers. A drill bit 103, attached to the drill rod 89, enters the container 56 through the hole 92a of the drum, the flange 104 of the drill head, rests on the drill bit 103, makes contact with the adapter 91 of the upper flange. The flange 104 of the drill head or flange 178 can not pass through the hole 92a of the drum and is separated from the drill bit 103. This drill bit 103 continues its descent into the container 56 through the hole 92a of the drum. The flange 104 of the drill head and the central flange 178 have a flange hub end 11 and a structure support 13 or 13a, which allows the clamp segments 7 to secure the flange 104 of the drill head or the flange 178 centralizer to adapter 92 of the upper flange. This, in turn, is attached to the container 56. Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate the alignment configurations which may be included in the flange 104 of the drill head and the adapter 92 of the upper flange which will aid in the alignment. Figure 40 shows clamp segments 7 closed in the adapter 92 of the upper flange and the flange 104 of the drilling head, as the drilling rod 89 passes through the system without cover 90 of the upper part of the drum. The drilling rod 89 has label marks 89a that allow the operator to identify the location of the drill bit 103 in the container 56. Once the material 56 is emptied of the container 56, the label marks 89a identify the location of the drill. the drill bit 103 in relation to the adapter 92 of the upper flange. This allows an operator to open the clamp segments 7, as the drill bit 103 ascends. When the clamp segments 7 open, the drill bit 103 slowly rises until it contacts the flange 105 of the drill head, raising this flange 104 to and away from the adapter 92 of the upper flange. When the drill bit 103 and the flange 104 of the drill head are sufficiently raised and free of the flange member 91 from the top of the drum, the remotely activated actuator 94 pivots the flange member 91 from the top in the adapter 92 of the upper flange, so that actuators 27, remotely activated, can close the clamp segments 7, securing the member 91 of the flange of the upper part of the drum to the adapter 92 of the upper flange, which closes the container 56. The centralizing flange 178 is removed from the upper flange member 91 in a similar manner. While illustrating a drill bit, one skilled in the art will understand that any type of tool can be inserted into the container and operated remotely, while this container is sealed to the external environment. Gas detection devices, mixing devices, heating units, cooling units or any such devices can replace the drill bit in the above discussion. The system 90 without lid of the upper part of the drum, described here, is connected to the container 56 by means of an adapter 92 with an upper flange. In new installations, adapter 92 of the upper flange will not be used. This adapter allows to reassemble the manually screwed flanges of the prior art. Referring to Figure 41, one embodiment of the drill head flange 104 is detailed. The flange 104 of the drill head consists of the upper segment 104a, the bottom segment 104b, the fasteners 104c and the rubber 104d of the drill head. When they squeeze, the fasteners 104c have to close the gap 104f, forcing the rubber 104d of the drilling head into a frusto-conical surface 104c in the bottom segment 104b. This rubber 104 of the drilling head can be bent and molded into the annular space created by the outer diameter of the drilling rod 89 and the frusto-conical surface 104e. This acts as a seal barrier, isolating the internal environment of the container 56 from its external environment. The flange 104 of the drill head is easily secured to the adapter 92 of the upper flange, when the clamp segments 7 close on the end 11 of the flange hub.
The drill bit 103 can not pass through the bottom segment 104. Therefore, in order to assemble the flange 104 of the drill head on the drill rod 89, this drill rod 89 and the drill bit 103 are detached, the drill rod 89 is passed through the flange 104 of the drill. drill head and rejoins this drill rod 89. When the rubber 104d of the drill head wears out, it must be replaced. To replace the rubber 104d of the drilling head, the flange 104 of this drilling head is removed from the drilling rod 89 and the fasteners 104c are loosened, so that the upper segment 104a can be separated from the bottom segment 104b. The rubber 104d of the drill head is then removed and replaced. Referring to Figure 41a, Figure 41b and 41c, one embodiment of the centralizing flange 178 is detailed. This centralizing flange 178 is similar to the drill head 104. The centralizing flange 178 comprises a bottom segment 178a, upper segment 178a and fasteners 178c. These fasteners 178c join the bottom segment 178a to the upper segment 178b. However, it should be noted that the centralizing flange 178 may comprise a one-piece construction.
The centralizing flange 178 will be deposited on the flange adapter 92 or the container 56, as the drilling rod is initially lowered into the container 56 and will separate the flange adapter 92 or container 56, when this drilling rod 89 is removed from the container. 56. The interaction of the centralizing flange 178 with the system 90 without lid of the upper part of the drum, is substantially similar to the aforementioned discussion with regard to the drilling flange 104. This centralizing flange 178 is deposited on and locked to the container 56 or the flange adapter 92 and then unlatched opposite and removed from the container 56 or the flange adapter 92. The drill bit 103, or other structure element, such as the lifting plates 186, is fixed to the drill rod 89 and used so that the centralizing flange 178 can at some point be lifted from the container 56 or the flange adapter 92 , by the upward movement of the drill rod 89. As the drill bit 103 and the drill rod 89 descend into the container 56, this structural element will separate from the centralizer flange 178, when this flange 178 is deposited on the container 56. or the flange adapter 92, as shown in Figure 41c.
The lifting plates 186, arranged in the drilling rod 89, centralize and support the centralizing flange 178 when the drilling rod 89 is located outside the vessel 56. The tapers 187 in the lifting plates 186 substantially centralize the centralizing flange 178. around the drilling rod 89, facilitating the proper coupling with the system 90 without lid of the upper part of the drum. The external diameter 179 of the drilling rod 89 is bordered by the inner diameter 180 of the upper segment 178b, which is substantially fixed at the center of the bottom segment 178a by the fasteners 178c. The bottom segment 178a is easily secured to the adapter 92 of the upper flange or directly to the container 56, when the clamp segments 7 close on the end 11 of the flange hub, disposed on the bottom segment 178a. When the clamp segments 7 close on the bottom segment 178a and the top segment 178b is fastened to the bottom segment 178a, the drill rod 89 and the hole 92a of the drum are substantially collinear. This is a useful aspect in the decoking drilling process of the coke drums, since it controls the dragging of the drilling rod and promotes the uniform cutting of the coke.
The upper segment 178b will dynamically engage the drill rod 89. It would be convenient to construct the upper segment 178b of a softer sacrificial substance, since the upper segment 178b is not a pressure-containing element, like this drilling rod 89 and is easily replaced. A drilling bit 188 is polished at the end of the drilling rod 189. On coke drums, the pressure trapped inside the coke bed can be violently released when drilling. In the prior art, projectiles together with trapped water vapor will exit the top of the vessel 56 through the hole 92a of the drum, when this release occurs. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the centralizing flange 178 substantially covers the hole 92a of the drum and is locked to the container 56 by the clamp segment 7, during the drilling process and comprises screens 178d that allow the same type of release of the same. pressure, but also restrict the projectiles from coming out of the hole 92a of the drum. Again attention is directed to the flange retention clamp, comprising the connectors 62, 63 and 88, and with reference to Figure 42, one embodiment illustrates a heat transfer system 175 of the manifold. In many applications manual and remotely operated connectors are subjected to several temporary thermal conditions. Connectors subject to thermal variations perform a very complex science by themselves. Millions of dollars have been spent on the analysis and application subsequent to the practice of connectors designed to handle the effects of severe transient thermal conditions. Routinely, most operators expect severe transient thermal conditions of high cost. Thus, they eliminate sets of connectors, linking elements that form conduits in a more permanent way. In many applications, however, the connectors may be present and, therefore, are subjected to various transient thermal conditions. Transient thermal conditions take two forms, heating in relation to time, and cooling in relation to time. Each form presents different problems. In a typical connector, at least two elements are elements of conduits ("conduits"), adapted to retain a substance, which are commonly the origin of transient thermal conditions. Other elements of the connector ("pre-loading elements") are adapted to couple the ducts creating the integrity of the seal.
Due to the fact that the ducts are generally the first limits exposed to the transient thermal condition, they tend to expand and contract differentially in relation to the preload elements. To complicate matters further, separate conduit elements and separate preload elements may be comprised of dissimilar materials, which expand or contract differentially, when subjected to the same temperature. The isolation of some or all of the elements is an additional complication. Usually, in a severe transient heating state, the conduit elements expand more than the preload elements. This substantially expands the conduits, which are restricted by the preload elements, which expand slightly, causing increased structural stresses in the connector. The opposite is true in a severe transient state of cooling. Aguí, the ducts contract more than the previous loading elements, reducing the integrity of the seal and giving rise to fatigue. Those skilled in the art will understand the benefits of this modality and its innovation in solving the problems of thermal transient states relative to connectors.
One modality solves the problems of the thermal transient states in relation to the connectors, in a simple and cost-effective way. Here, the present invention transfers the heat to and from the elements comprising the connector to displace the effect of the thermal transient state, using just a small valve and pipe. One embodiment, as applied to the cokers and shown in Figure 42, illustrates the nature of a connector heat transfer system 175. Agui, a heat transfer system 175 of the connector comprises the inlet pipe 75, a coil, the diverter 171 and the outlet pipe 76. Thus, vessel 56 has been co-incubated at high temperature for a number of hours, being filled with coke 64 and a cooling cycle is imminent before preparing it for decoking. The primary function of the connector heat transfer system 175 is to cool the clamp segments 7 relative to the flange member 5 and 10, without thermal shock of the clamp segments 7. The result of the controlled cooling of the clamp segments 7 is an increased preload on the flange members 5 and 10. In fact, a substantial preload can be produced in this manner, without clamping devices 55 of the clamp segment, which normally produce the increased preload. Clamping devices 55 of the clamp segment are relatively insensitive to this pre-cooling. This is achieved by opening a small valve (not shown), which allows the flow of a substance, usually at room temperature, through inlet tube 75 and around coil 174. Since vessel 56 is radiating heat at this time , the substance in the coil 174 will rise to the designated temperature, relatively less than the temperature of the clamp members 7. This substance then exits the coil 174 and enters the conduit 172, formed by the barrier 173 and the inner profile of the clamp segments 7. The heat will be dissipated from the volume of the clamp segment 7, the adjacent conduit 172, as the substance is in the conduit it takes its heat and exits through the outlet tube 76. One or more deviators 171 direct the flow within the conduit 172. As the inner central volume of the clamp segments 7 cools and contracts, it results in an increase in the preload of the clamp to the flange. The heat transfer system 175 of the connector can be used as a prophylactic solution to a severe short period cooling cycle. Here, the heat transfer system 175 of the connector will be initiated before the cooling of the conduits (flange members 5 and 10). They will pre-chill and contract the volume of the preload elements (clamp segments 7) before the contraction of the ducts, maintaining seal integrity through the cooling cycle. This is beneficial, because it produces a high closing force between the conduits and the preload elements, without altering the size of their constituent elements. Prior to a transitional state of severe heating opposite, the preload elements can be preheated by preventing excess structural stresses and thus increasing the life of the connector. This mode can not only direct a cooling cycle, it can also be used to force a leakage connector to the seal. Routinely, a leak connector is sealed by physically tightening its preload elements. Aguí, the preload elements are thermally tightened. By varying the number and location of the inputs, outputs and deviators, a preload differential effect can be produced, if desired. An inspection system can detect upstream change conditions, recognize an imminent heating or transient cooling and automatically initiate a connector thermal transfer system to prepare this connector.
The design of the clamp retaining the flange of the present invention is especially suitable for a connector heat transfer system 175, because it can be incorporated into its design at low cost. It will be adapted to direct the change in magnitude of the recess 36 between the clamp segments 7, by applying a section of conduit that overlaps. This overlapping section will also divert the flow 128 away from the fastener devices 55 of the clamp segment, resulting in increased reliability. One embodiment of the thermal transfer of the connector can be designed for each type of connector, which includes a standard bolted flange. It can be designed to regulate the relative temperature of the preload elements to the conduits or vice versa. Those skilled in the art will understand that this mode will take many forms as the types of connectors and conditions change. Figure 43 illustrates a preferred embodiment of water vapor cleaning 183. The conduit 172 can transfer a cleaning substance, such as steam, to the internal doors 184 in the barrier 173. The internal doors 184 will release this cleaning substance around the contact surfaces between the clamp segments 7 and the clamp segments 7. members, 5 and 10 or 10a, flange, and between the contact surfaces between the gasket 9 and the flange members 5 and 10 or 10a. The external doors 185 lead to areas where the segment fastener device 55 interacts with the clamp segments 7., so that the contact surfaces, between the elements of the fastener devices 55 of the segment and the clamp segments 7 can be cleaned . The internal doors 184 and the external doors 185 will be designed to be of variable and specific magnitude and with address spraying functions. The external doors 185 are rotated from the true position. Experts in the field may cite many examples where this modality can significantly reduce the cost of construction. Any of the aforementioned modalities can be combined in part or completely. A gasket connector, in addition to the one described above, may also be used with the other embodiments of the invention, presently described herein, and any type of element for moving the flange may be used with the clamps that retain the flange, described herein. . The modalities, mentioned above, can be adapted to be remotely operable. They can also be adapted for manual operation, in case of some failure of the remote operation.
Having described the invention in the foregoing, various modifications of the techniques, procedures, material and equipment will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that all such variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims be incorporated herein.
Claims (35)
1. A system for operating a container, this system comprises: at least one closing transport resource, for removing a container closure from an opening in the container, this closing transport is operable, at least partially, remotely; at least one joint connector, to seal and open the seal of the container, this joint conistor is operable, at least partially, remotely; and at least one removal system, to guide the material that is emptied from the container, this removal system is operable, at least partially remotely; wherein this joint connector further includes: a plurality of clamp segments, these clamp segments can be moved from a first position to a second position, and vice versa, whereby the joint connector is placed in an open state, when the clamp segments are in the first position, and is placed in the closed state, when the clamp segments are in the second position; in which these clamp segments have an energized state, when energy is stored, and a free state, when no energy is stored, this energized state is associated with either the first position or the second position, and the free state is associated with the other remaining position, these clamp segments are adjusted by, and associated with, the segment holders, these segment holders comprise fastener elements which are adapted to be able to lock and store energy within the clamp segments; The clamp members are coupled together, so that the failure of any single segment fastener element will not uncouple the clamp segments or cause the joint connector to fail, and one or more impulse members, which can be powered, to apply energy to the clamp elements and adjust them to energize at least a portion of the segment clamps, where these impulse members can be operated from a separate location by some distance from the joint connector.
2. A method for using the system of claim 1, which comprises the steps of: guiding and remotely coupling an inlet conduit to the container; remotely seal the inlet conduit to the container, by the action of at least one joint connector.
3. A method for using the system of claim 1, which comprises the steps of: remotely opening the seal of the container, from the external environment, by the action of at least one joint connector; remotely removing the closure from the opening in the container, by the use of at least one transport resource of the closure.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of remotely removing the material from the container.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of remotely coupling the removal system, which includes an outlet channel to the container, in order to guide the material out of the container.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of inserting a tool, which penetrates into this container, through an opening therein.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the joint connector is adapted to the interface of at least one structure unit.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the structural unit is a coke drum, or it is attached to a coke drum.
9. A method for using the system of claim 1, comprising the steps of: placing a next second structural unit to a container; joining this second structural unit to the container, coupling the joint connector on the container and the second structural unit.
The system of claim 1, further comprising a closure of the container, adapted to mount the joint connector, to seal the opening of the container, when this joint connector engages in the first closed position.
The system of claim 10, further comprising: a tool penetrating the container, adapted for placement within the container, through the opening thereof; whereby, this tool, which penetrates the container, is adapted to be sealed to the container, when the joint connector is engaged in the closed position.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising an apparatus for centering the tool penetrating the container, this system comprises: a flange, having an opening, this flange is adapted to be mounted in the opening of the container, the flange further restricts the movement of the tool penetrating the container, whereby at least a portion of the tool penetrating the container passes through the opening of the flange and through the opening of the container and into the same, and thus the flange is fixed remotely to the container.
13. The system of claim 12, by which the remote attachment of the flange to the container serves to center the tool penetrating this container.
The method of claim 2, wherein the step of sealing the inlet conduit further comprises engaging the joint connector on the closure and the container.
The system of claim 1, wherein the removal system comprises: a work surface, having an opening; at least one cover of the opening, which covers, at least partially, the opening of the surface and connected, movably, to the work surface; a channel, stored movably on one side of the work surface, opposite the container, when it is in an undeployed position; an actuator element, connected to the channel, for moving this channel from the undeployed position to a deployed position, and vice versa; in which the channel forms a passage from an opening in the container, through the opening in the surface; whereby the unfolding and not unfolding of the channel, deploys and disables the cover of the opening.
16. The method of claim 3, further comprising the steps of: remotely coupling an actuator, connected to a channel, to move the channel from an undeployed position to a deployed position, and vice versa; this actuator deploys the channel, this channel is stored, movably, on one side of the work surface, opposite the container, when it is in the undeployed position, to an opening of the container and through the opening of the surface in the working surface, this opening of the surface is covered, at least partially by at least one opening cover, attached, movably, to the work surface, and in which the channel forms a passage from the opening to the container, when it is in the deployed position; the channel opens the opening of the surface, as this channel passes through this opening in the surface.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the removal system comprises: a work surface, having an opening; a channel, stored, in a mobile manner, on one side of the work surface opposite the container, when it is in an undeployed position; at least one aperture cover, which at least partially covers the surface aperture and is attached, movably, to the work surface; an actuator, connected to the cover of the opening, for moving the opening cover towards and away from the opening of the surface; whereby movement of the aperture cover changes the channel from the undeployed position to a deployed position, and vice versa, in that this channel forms a passage from an aperture in the container, through the surface aperture.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the removal system comprises: a channel; one or more cords, adapted to be joined to the channel, to deploy or not to deploy it; one or more actuators, to apply a force to the channel to deploy or not to deploy it.
The system of claim 18, further comprising: a cover containing an opening, whereby the channel is capable of moving through the opening when deployed or not deployed by the actuator; at least one floor plate, attached, movably, to the cover and positioned to cover, at least partially, the opening; whereby, the unfolded and unfolded channel opens and closes, respectively, the floor plate.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the removal system comprises: a channel; one or more actuators, to apply a force to the channel, whereby this force deploys or does not deploy the channel; a working surface, which contains an opening, whereby the channel is capable of moving through the opening to be deployed and not deployed by the actuator; at least one floor plate, attached, movably, to the cover and positioned to cover, at least partially, the opening; whereby, the unfolded and unfolded channel opens and closes, respectively, the floor plate.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein the removal system comprises: a channel; a work surface containing an opening, whereby the channel is able to move through the opening; one or more floor supports, attached, in a mobile manner, to the work surface and placed over the opening; one or more actuators, to apply a force to the floor supports, whereby the force moves these floor supports relative to the work surface; the floor supports are connected to the channel, whereby the movement of the floor supports deploy or do not deploy the exit channel from the opening.
22. The system of claim 1, wherein the removal system comprises: a work surface, having an opening; a plurality of overlapping floor plates, which can operate remotely, covering, at least partially, the opening and joining, movably, to the work surface; an actuator, for remotely opening and closing the floor plates, whereby, when the floor plates are opened, they create a diversion barrier for a flow of material from the container.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the open floor plates form a passage through which the material passes between the container and the work surface.
24. The system of claim 1, wherein the transport of the closure comprises: a table to support the closure; a mechanism of movement, attached to the table to move it; a guiding mechanism, to guide the table to and from the container.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the table further comprises a restriction, to restrict and secure the closure to the table.
26. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of remotely removing the closure further comprises the steps of: guiding and moving at least a portion of a closure transport to this closure, this closure transport comprising: a table for supporting the closing; a movement mechanism, attached to the table, to move it; a guiding mechanism, to guide the table to and from the closure; disconnecting the closure from the container, whereby the closure is supported by the transport thereof; move the transport portion of the closure, which supports it away from the container.
27. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an inlet tube, having first and second members with flanges and longitudinal axes; a joint connector, for securing the first member with flanges and the second member with flanges; an element for moving the clamp, attached to the joint connector and attached, movably, to the first flanged member, to translate the joint connector substantially along the longitudinal axis of the first flanged member; and an alignment element, attached to the first member with flanges and to the joint connector, whereby the alignment element aligns the joint connector with the first member with flanges in one position, whereby the joint connector will capture and secure The first member with flanges.
28. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an inlet tube, having first and second members with flanges and longitudinal axes; a joint connector, to secure the first member with flanges and the second member with flanges; an element that moves the clamp, attached to the joint connector and connected, movably, to the first member with flanges, to translate the joint connector substantially along the longitudinal axis of the first member with flanges; and an alignment element, attached to the first member with flanges and to the joint connector, whereby the alignment element aligns the joint connector with the second member with flanges in one position, whereby the joint connector will capture and secure the second member with flanges.
29. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of connecting an inlet pipe, having first and second members with flanges, and longitudinal axes, this step comprises: driving an element that moves the clamp, attached to the joint connector and attached, in movable form, to the first flanged member, to translate the joint connector substantially along the longitudinal axis of the first flanged member, this joint connector is adapted to secure the first member with flanges and the second member with flanges; align the joint connector, the first member with flanges and the second member with flanges, with an alignment element joined to the first member with flanges and to the joint connector, and therefore, the alignment element aligns the joint connector with the second member with flanges in one position, whereby the joint connector will capture and secure the second member with flanges; connect the first member with flanges to the second member with flanges, by the performance of the joint connector.
30. The system of claim 1, further comprising an apparatus for transferring heat to or from a preload mechanism in a joint connector, this apparatus comprises: a source of a heat transfer medium, thermally connected to the loading mechanism previous; a mechanism for transferring the medium that transfers heat, to transfer this medium to the preload mechanism; whereby the preload mechanism is heated or cooled.
The system of claim 1, wherein the joint connector can be cleaned by: introducing a cleaning substance into a conduit, for transporting this cleaning substance around the joint connector; ejecting the cleaning substance from at least one exit port in the conduit on at least one surface of the joint connector, whereby the cleaning substance cleans at least a portion of the joint connector.
32. The system of claim 1, wherein the joint connector further comprises: at least one conduit, for transporting a cleaning substance around the joint connector, this conduit has at least one outlet door, for the expulsion of the substance from cleaning on the joint connector, to clean at least a portion of the joint connector.
33. The system of claim 1, further comprising a gap controlling element, for defining the distance of the gap between the clamp segments.
34. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of transferring the heat transfer medium from a source of this heat transfer medium to the joint connector, whereby the heat transfer between the heat transfer medium and The joint connector produces an action force to connect and disconnect the container and the second structural unit.
35. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a source of a heat transfer medium, thermally connected to the joint connector; a transfer mechanism, for transferring the heat transfer medium from the source of this heat transfer medium to the joint connector; whereby, the heat transfer between the heat transfer medium and the joint connector produces an action force to connect or disconnect the first and second structural units.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08790847 | 1997-02-03 | ||
| US08932419 | 1997-09-17 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| MXPA99007149A true MXPA99007149A (en) | 2000-06-01 |
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