EA001857B1 - Remotely operable pressure vessel system - Google Patents

Abstract

1. A system for operating a vessel comprising: at least one closure transport for removing a vessel closure from an opening in the vessel, the closure transport at least partially remotely operable; at least one joint connector for sealing or unsealing the vessel, the joint connector at least partially remotely operable; and at least one removal system for guiding material being emptied from the vessel, the removal system at least partially remotely operable; wherein the joint connector further comprises: a plurality of clamp segments, the clamp segments movable from a first position to a second position and vice versa, whereby the joint connector is put into an open state when the clamp segments are in the first position, and put into a closed, clamping state when the clamp segments are in the second position; 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 the first position or second position, and the free state being associated with the other; the clamp segments adapted for and conjoined by segment fasteners, the segment fasteners comprised of segment fastener elements, the segment fasteners adapted to be lockable for storing energy within the clamp segments; the clamp segments conjoined such that the failure of any single segment fastener elements will not unconjoin the clamp segments or cause failure of the joint connector; and 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 fasteners; wherein the drive members are operable from a location separated by distance from the joint connector. 2. A method for using the system of Claim 1 comprising the steps of: remotely guiding and engaging an input conduit to the vessel; remotely sealing the input conduit to the vessel by actuating at least one joint connector. 3. A method for using the system of Claim 1 comprising the steps of: remotely unsealing the vessel from an external environment by actuating at least one joint connector; remotely removing the closure from the opening on the vessel by using at least one closure transport. 4. The method of Claim 3 further comprising the step of remotely removing material from the vessel. 5. The method of Claim 4 further comprising the step of remotely engaging the removal system comprising an exit chute to the vessel for the purpose of guiding material out of the vessel. 6. The method of Claim 5 further comprising the step of inserting a vessel penetrating tool into the vessel through the vessel opening. 7. The system of Claim 1 wherein the joint connector is adapted to interface at least one structural unit. 8. The system of Claim 7 wherein the structural unit is a coke drum or joined to a coke drum. 9. A method of using the system of Claim 1 comprising the steps of: positioning the a second structural unit next to a vessel; joining the second structural unit to the vessel by engaging the joint connector on the vessel and the second structural unit. 10. The system of Claim 1 further comprising a vessel closure adapted to fit the joint connector, for sealing the vessel opening when the joint connector is engaged in the first closed position. 11. The system of Claim 10 further comprising: a vessel penetrating tool adapted for placement within the vessel through the vessel opening; whereby the vessel penetrating tool is adapted to be sealed to the vessel when the joint connector is engaged in the closed position. 12. The system of Claim 11 further comprising an apparatus for centering a vessel penetrating tool comprising: a flange having an opening, the flange adapted to fit on the vessel opening, the flange further restricting the movement of a vessel penetrating tool, whereby at least a portion of the vessel penetrating tool passes through the flange opening and through the vessel opening and into the vessel, and whereby the flange is remotely fixed to the vessel. 13. The system of Claim 12 whereby the remote fixing of the flange to the vessel serves to center the vessel penetrating tool. 14. The method of Claim 2 wherein the step of sealing the input conduit further comprises engaging the joint connector on the closure and the vessel. 15. The system of Claim 1 wherein the removal system comprises: a working surface having a surface opening; at least one opening cover at least partially covering the surface opening and movably attached to the working surface; a chute movably stored on a side of the working surface opposite the vessel when in an undeployed position; an actuator, connected to the chute, for moving the chute from the undeployed position to a deployed position, and vice versa, wherein the chute forms a passage from an opening in the vessel through the surface opening, whereby the deploying and undeploying of the chute deploys and decommissions the opening covering. 16. The method of Claim 3 further comprising the steps of: remotely engaging an actuator, connected to a chute, for moving the chute from an undeployed position to a deployed position, and vice versa; the actuator deploying the chute, the chute movably stored on a side of a working surface opposite the vessel when in an undeployed position to a vessel opening and through a surface opening in the working surface, the surface opening at least partially covered by at least one opening cover movably attached to the working surface, and wherein the chute forms a passage from the opening to the vessel when in the deployed position; the chute opening the surface opening as the chute passes through the surface opening. 17. The system of Claim 1 wherein the removal system comprises: a working surface having a surface opening; a chute movably stored on a side of the working surface opposite the vessel when in an undeployed position; at least one opening cover at least partially covering the surface opening and movably attached to the working surface; an actuator, connected to the opening cover, for moving the opening cover to and away from the surface opening, whereby the moving of the opening cover transitions the chute from the undeployed position to a deployed position, and vice versa, wherein the chute forms a passage from an opening in the vessel through the surface opening. 18. The system of Claim 1 wherein the removal system comprises: a chute; one or more cords adapted to be attached to the chute for deploying or undeploying the chute; one or more actuators for applying a force to the chute for either deploying or undeploying the chute. 19. The system of Claim 18, further comprising: a deck containing an aperture, whereby the chute is able to translate through the aperture upon being deployed or undeployed by the actuator; at least one floor plate movingly attached to the deck and positioned to at least partially cover the aperture; whereby the deploying and undeploying of the chute opens and closes, respectively, the floor plate. 20. The system of Claim 1 wherein the removal system comprises: a chute; one or more actuators for applying a force to the chute, whereby the force either deploys or undeploys the chute; a working surface containing an aperture, whereby the chute is able to translate through the aperture upon being deployed and undeployed by the actuator; at least one floor plate movingly attached to the deck and positioned to at least partially cover the aperture; whereby the deploying and undeploying of the chute opens and closes, respectively, the floor plate. 21. The system of Claim 1 wherein the removal system comprises: a chute; a working surface containing an aperture, whereby the chute is able to translate through the aperture; one or more floor supports movingly attached to the working surface and positioned over the aperture; one or more actuators for applying a force to the floor supports, whereby the force moves the floor supports relative to the working surface; the floor supports connected to the chute, whereby the movement of the floor supports deploys or undeploys the exit chute from the aperture. 22. The system of Claim 1 wherein the removal system comprises: a working surface having an opening; a plurality of overlapping remotely operable floor plates at least partially covering the opening and movingly attached to the working surface; an actuator for remotely opening and closing the floor plates, whereby when the floor plates are opened the floor plates create a diversion barrier for a flow of material from the vessel. 23. The system of Claim 22, wherein the opened floor plates form a passageway for material to pass between the vessel and the working surface. 24. The system of Claim 1 wherein the closure transport comprises: a table for supporting the closure; a movement mechanism attached to the table for moving the table; a guiding mechanism for guiding the table to and from the vessel. 25. The system of Claim 24 wherein the table further comprises a restraint for restraining and securing 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 the closure, the closure transport comprising: a table for supporting the closure; a movement mechanism attached to the table for moving the table; a guiding mechanism for guiding the table to and from the closure; disconnecting the closure from the vessel, whereby the closure is supported by the closure transport; moving the portion of the closure transport supporting the closure away from vessel. 27. The system of Claim 1 further comprising: an inlet pipe having first and second flanged members and longitudinal axes; a joint connector for securing the first flanged member and second flanged member; a clamp mover attached to the joint connector and movingly attached to the first flanged member for translating the joint connector s

Description

The present invention relates to automatically or remotely controlled units with pressure vessels. The present invention is directed to coke oven batteries with coke drums that are used in hydrocarbon refining furnaces; however, it may relate to gates and connectors for pipes, tanks and all kinds of channels in which dangerous conditions exist, or to situations where it is necessary to quickly disconnect and connect the joints.

The present invention, in particular, contains a remotely controlled connection node, especially useful in coke oven batteries in which there is extremely high temperature and relatively high pressure. In particular, this connection unit is particularly suitable for eliminating the harmful effects of unloading coke or other dirty operations.

2. Background of the invention.

Coke drums are designs in hydrocarbon refining furnaces where heating and high pressure inside these coke drums turn the hydrocarbon residue into lighter products and a solid carbon-like substance - coke. A pair of coke drums cycle between coking and coke removal. Coking takes place in one of the coke drums (the joints are connected and operate at approximately (975 ° P), while in the other coke removal is carried out (hardening, accompanied by separation of the joints and unloading of the drum). The head of the drill is introduced into the coke drum through an opening in one of the walls of the coke drum, and coke, crushed by drilling, is poured through the hole in the bottom of the coke drum.

A safe preparation of a coke drum for unloading would include the following steps: (1) removing a hole cover in the working surface, if any, creating an opening in the working surface to release coke; (2) remote centering and docking of the shutter movement mechanism to the lower drum shutter; (3) remote actuating the bottom shutter of the coke drum; (4) remote unlocking, disconnecting and separating the coke drum and inlet pipe; (5) remote unlocking of the lower shutter and coke drum; (6) remote undocking of the lower shutter and coke drum in a controlled manner; (7) remote removal of the lower shutter from the hole in the bottom of the coke drum; (8) the remote creation and fixation of the outlet channel from the bottom of the coke drum to the hole in the working surface; (9) remotely disconnecting and moving the upper shutter from an opening in the upper part of the coke drum; (10) lowering the drill head into the coke drum through an opening in the upper part of the coke drum; and (11) remote docking of the centering device of the drill head, or possibly the drill rod, to the coke drum.

Safe and effective preparation of a coke drum from which coke is removed for coking should include the following steps: (1) remote movement, alignment of the top gate and locking of the coke drum as soon as the drill head is removed from the coke drum; (2) remotely disconnecting the outlet sleeve to remove coke and restoring the lid on the opening in the work surface; (3) remote alignment and connection of the open ends of the supply pipe system, which again connects the coke drum to the inlet pipe; (4) remote movement, alignment of the lower shutter and locking the holes in the bottom of the coke drum.

Currently, most coke oven batteries use the labor of workers to manually complete part or all of the above steps. Any of these steps can be dangerous for workers, but so far the most dangerous steps are in the transition from the coking stage to the coke removal stage. Here, the closed and cooled coke drum should be open to remove coke from it.

Workers are most often harmed during the following steps: (1) manually unlocking, disconnecting and separating the coke drum from the inlet pipe;

(2) manually opening the lower shutter from the coke drum; or (3) manually disconnecting the bottom shutter of the coke drum.

As a rule, coke is formed in such a way that it retains itself when a hole is opened in the bottom of the coke drum; however, this is not guaranteed. The flow of bulk coke and cooling water or other materials from other types of vessels can be very dangerous for workers performing work while opening the vessels. This danger exists until a safe channel is established between the opening of the vessel and the place where, in the end, the material is delivered. In the case of a coke block, the contents may fall through an opening in the work surface under the unit and on the way to the destination under the work surface. Much more dangerous conditions are in coke oven batteries intended for the production of explosive coke, in which coke does not support itself in a coke drum, and the contents immediately spill out when the vessel is opened into the external environment.

Description of the prior art

In many instances, in prior art devices, security is sacrificed in favor of the speed of the connecting means. Known devices illustrate mechanisms with point failure, in which failure of only one part can lead to a catastrophic violation of the integrity of the joint. Today's time dictates higher safety standards. The present invention introduces numerous latches, providing higher security. In industry, there is a need to automatically and remotely connect and disconnect joints, and specialists understand that an excess of locking means complicates the design.

Many companies have developed connection nodes that are fast-acting but not secure. Failures of such mechanisms provoked the American Society of Mechanical Engineers to develop rules in the codes for boilers and pressure vessels, introducing special requirements to increase the safety of high-speed devices. Single connection retainers and point failure devices must have secondary safety elements that guarantee joint integrity in the event of failure of single fixation devices or point failure devices. Such safety elements complicate automatic control.

In a number of installations, pressure vessels, pipes and joints are manually connected and disconnected under conditions hazardous to people performing these operations. In most known installations, connecting nodes are used, consisting of flanges tightened by bolts, which is very laborious. The basics of flange connections are described in Release 16.5 of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (AOIM). Other well-known technical solutions for joining the separation of components manually are based on threaded, clamping or closure devices. These time-consuming connecting nodes are not very suitable for use in a hazardous environment for humans.

Coke drums are pressure vessels having openings in the upper and lower parts that are periodically closed and sealed. Most coke drums have manual bolt-on joints connecting bolts and other structural blocks to the coke drum to close and seal the internal environment of the coke drum. Coke drums also have bolted connecting nodes connecting the inlet and outlet pipes to the coke drum. Working with these connectors manually is terrible for staff.

Although known devices are simple, they do not provide sufficient security. If you analyze the consequences of failures, in the known devices there are dangerous consequences that failure of one of the components can lead to the separation of the components. The logical way to create a secure means of connection is to reserve the locking elements and eliminate all point failure devices from the connecting means.

Providing redundancy in automatic connectivity can be complex and expensive. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the advantage of the simple automation of this invention, which introduces secure additional locking elements. The system should also be manually controlled when necessary due to a power failure or other failure. Compared with other automated means of connection, it should be noted that due to the simplicity of this invention, significant economic benefits are realized. This simplicity is directly related to reduced operating costs and reduced downtime. In some processes, one day of downtime can result in economic losses far exceeding the initial cost of automated connecting tools. Ease of development is highly appreciated by users of this technology. Known automated connecting devices with additional locking elements have excessively complex devices compared to this invention. With the introduction of additional latches in known devices sacrifice simplicity, reliability and efficiency.

Many coke drum opening devices are known. Most opening devices do not use a remotely controlled connection. Thus, they are not fully automated and, therefore, unsafe. All these devices in one way or another do not fully automate all operations related to the preparation of a coke drum for unloading coke and / or coking; therefore, these devices are unsafe semi-automated systems.

Some opening systems relate only to the placement of the bottom shutter of the coke drum. By far the most dangerous manual operation is unlocking the bottom cover of the coke drum. Thus, a fully remotely controlled opening system is required. Other remotely controlled opening systems use a large number of moving parts that lead to complexity, downtime and high maintenance requirements.

A system is needed in which existing bolt flanges could be fitted for remotely controlled connection and disconnection. Typically, an existing, hand-sealed flange pair should be located on a vessel or pipe, such as a coke drum. A remotely controlled connection, in which the manual flange already available on the units can be used, significantly reduces costs and also increases the safety of the unit.

Known systems include a drill rod that lowers through a hole in the upper part of the coke drum after the bolt bolts are unscrewed manually and removed. The drill rod centering device is manually fed and manually fixed to the coke drum. Remote-controlled means of performing these functions are needed in order to increase the safety of workers in the vicinity.

When providing truly remotely controlled operation, the developer must fully consider the possibility of on-site intervention. Someone might think that space is a place that excludes interference on the spot, but workers are launched into space to repair systems that have lost the ability to be remotely controlled. We all know the dangers associated with these attempts. This invention partially and fully, in essence, provides reliable remote operation of coke oven batteries in several ways. This invention can be fully or partially used in many industries, such as aerospace, nuclear, processing, chemical, petroleum, food and underwater.

Subject of invention

In all aspects of the embodiments of the present invention, attention is paid to safety, simplicity, reliability and ease of maintenance.

The present invention provides a unique and safe device for remotely preparing a vessel for external access and removal of contents. It is exclusively adapted for fully remote control of loading and unloading of coke drum. Other known devices require some kind of manual operation, which is dangerous for the workers performing it.

The goal is to develop a remotely controlled coke drum opening system that is fully automated. This system should consist of safe means of connection, ensuring safety, uniformity of sealing of the internal volume from the external environment, the main automatic remote control, emergency manual control, switching to manual control, the predicted operation due to the simplicity and scarcity of the constituent parts and be a cheap design.

The present invention provides a unique and safe connecting device that can be controlled at a safe distance and which uses or replaces bolt-tightened flange connections.

In coke drums, a structural unit called an inlet pipe can be connected to another structural unit called a lower shutter, and must be separated at some point by a connecting unit. This device introduces an original and safe mechanism for remotely connecting, disconnecting, centering, and docking the lower shutter to the inlet pipe, comprising:

a clamping device for fixing the first and second structural blocks;

a clamp moving device attached to the clamping device and movably attached to the first structural unit for moving the clamping device substantially along the longitudinal axis of the first structural unit;

a centering device attached to the first structural block and the clamping device and setting the clamping device in such a position with respect to the first structural block in which the clamping device captures and fixes the first structural block.

A part of the device for remote preparation of the vessel for access from the outside and removal of the contents is a shutter movement mechanism for bringing the shutter of the vessel to the opening in the vessel and leading away from it. The shutter movement mechanisms of the present invention are remotely controlled and have a table for supporting the lid, a movement mechanism attached to the table for moving the table, a guide device for bringing the table to and away from the vessel. The shutter movement can tilt, rotate, rotate, slide, raise or lower the lid of the vessel in any combination. In some embodiments, it is necessary that the shutter movement mechanism be located on the coating supporting the vessel, and in others on the work surface or on the coke drum.

A part of the remote control system for preparing a vessel for loading and unloading material is a device for directing material from the vessel.

Under the hole in the bottom of the coke drum is a working surface with an opening. The opening opens to allow the material exiting the coke drum to pass through the work surface, and closes so that workers do not fall into it. The outlet sleeve can be deployed and folded through this opening from the working surface to the bottom of the coke drum, forming a channel for withdrawing material from the vessel.

The present invention introduces a unique and safe system for opening and closing an opening and deploying and folding an exhaust sleeve. The invention also applies in combination the opening and closing of the opening and the deployment and folding of the exhaust sleeve.

When the outlet sleeve is deployed to the coke drum, it must be secured so that it does not prematurely curl while material is discharged through it. The present invention provides a safe device in which an outlet sleeve is connected to the coke drum using a connecting unit used to attach the shutter to the bottom opening, when the shutter is removed from the bottom opening using a shutter movement mechanism.

Sometimes the contents in a coke drum need to be crushed before it can be removed from the drum. The instrument penetrating the vessel, the drill, must be lowered through the hole in the upper part of the coke drum after the lid is removed from the coke drum and moved from the hole. The present invention provides a unique and safe tool for immersion in a vessel, adapted for docking with the connection node, to seal the vessel when the upper connection node is fixed in the closed state. The present invention also introduces a unique flange centering the drill rod and allowing the drill rod to practically center in the hole of the coke drum. This is done remotely. The centering flange can be attached to the coke drum by remote control of the connecting unit.

This invention embodies a remotely controlled connecting device (connector), which is necessary for the safe connection of the coke drum to the inlet pipe, the lower shutter to the coke drum and the upper shutter to the coke drum.

The present invention provides a unique and safe system for remotely preparing a pressure vessel for loading and unloading contents. It is uniquely adapted for full remote control. Moreover, variants of the present invention are also suitable for manual control in the event of a failure of the remote control system.

The multi-bolt standard flange described in Release B 16.5 of the AOIM and the present invention provide an axisymmetric force to close the joint necessary to maintain the joint tightness. This invention is intended to provide a sufficiently large closing force to produce contact pressure on the gasket, which creates a sealed barrier between the medium inside the connecting unit and the external environment.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flange holding clamp includes a clamp whose perimeter is divided into a plurality of segments pulled together by segment retainers, so that failure of any individual segment retainer does not disengage the clamp segments and does not entail a failure of the connection system. The clamp perimeter may be cylindrical, but not limited to a cylindrical contour. For example, the compounds may be rectangular or other known shapes. The connection can be opened and closed remotely or manually. A preferred embodiment includes remotely controlled clamping segments driven from a location remote from the connection node.

The idea of this invention is primarily remote control without the involvement of secondary manual control. Experts will appreciate the autonomous nature of the clamps, which allow you to quickly open and close manually the clamp holding the flange, using only a standard wrench. The value of the clamp holding the flange of the present invention is the ease of transition from manual to automatic remote control.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes remotely controlled drive means that apply a connecting force to a plurality of duplicate clips. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, threaded bolts are used as clamps. There are many other connecting devices that are enough to perform the function of bolt locks. Cams, hooks, cables, spring-loaded clamping plates, couplers, gear elements, rack and pinion elements, chain ties and other known devices can serve as clamps to move the clamping segments into a closed sealing position. Energy communication to the duplicate clamps causes the clamp perimeter to expand and contract during opening and closing movement, releasing or holding the flanges. When the clamp perimeter is enlarged, the female conical contour of the inner diameter of the clamping segments releases the male conical contour of the outer perimeter of the flange rim. Corresponding conical surfaces between the flange rims and the clamping segments allow the clamping segments to serve as a clamping element, effectively bringing and closing the flanges together, creating a tight barrier. Moreover, the cone-shaped rim of the flanges can create an axially compressive force, which tends to direct the flanges inside each other when closing the clamp on the rim of the flanges. This closure occurs when the clamp diameter is pulled together by a plurality of clamp segment clamps. Therefore, gaskets requiring clamping of the contact surfaces of the joint and / or sealing force can be clamped between the flanges, creating a tight barrier to seal the internal environment of the vessel from the external environment. The energy stored in the clamping device of the clamping segment prevents leakage.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the conical ledges is replaced with an almost straight, non-beveled ledge, such as that found on manually fastened flanges, such as those described in AOIM Release B 16.5. This configuration allows the use of existing hand-held flanges for remotely controlled operation by removing manually tightened bolts and placing the device of this invention on an existing flange. Typically, existing manually-sealed flange pairs are located on a pair of structural blocks that need to be connected. Dangerous conditions for the attachment of such a flange pair or the benefit of reducing the time of fastening or disconnecting create the prerequisites for the use of remotely controlled devices, such as according to this invention. Since the hand-held flanges already used can be used in this invention, a significant cost advantage is realized.

A preferred embodiment of the clamping device of the present invention provides a remotely controlled device that guarantees uniform pressing force along the entire perimeter of the clamping segment to the contact surface of the flange. This unique property is provided by clamping segments adapted to create a controlled clamp (CP clamping segments) in the center or near the center of the clamping segment furthest from the clamping devices of the clamping segment using guides adapted to act on the clamping segments to ensure that the clamping segments are in contact with the flanges, creating a controlled and predictable contact. This controlled contact, together with the CP clamping segments uniformly loads the entire connection by creating contact between the clamping segments and flanges near or around the center of the clamping segments farthest from the clamps of the clamping segments. The actuator acting on the clamp fixation device produces a closing force transmitted to the clamp segments, reducing the clamp perimeter and causing the CP clamp segments to elastically compress near or around the center of the clamp segments. This elastic compression occurs when energy is supplied to the CP clamping segments, and they engage the flanges using clamping segment locking devices. The locking force first provides a connecting force almost in the center of the gearbox of the clamping segments (or next to it), then sequentially communicates the load force closer and closer to the clamping device of the clamping segment as the clamping segment is pulled to its center. This unique property leads to the fact that the clamping force of the clamp of the clamping segment is uniformly distributed along the entire clamping segment along the contact surface of the rim of the flanges. The uniform force on the contact surface, in turn, ensures the uniformity of the sealing force of the flange on the contact surface of the gasket, creating a barrier between the internal and external environment of the connecting node.

Moreover, a unique way to ensure uniform force can be effectively combined with a remotely controlled device for opening and closing the connection unit, as demonstrated in the preferred embodiment, which uses guide pins attached to the clamp segments. The movement of these guide pins is limited by channels fixed in relation to at least one flange. The fixed movement of the guide pins, in turn, directs the radial movement of the clamping segments relative to the flanges. This movement causes the center of the clamping segments to return to the flanges in a predetermined controlled position each time the lock segments are remotely moved from the open position to the closed position.

When the clamp segments are fixed on the flanges, the friction between the flange rims and the clamp segments seeks to block the segments on the flanges. KP clamping segments are resilient and when energy is applied to them and they are pushed to the flanges with force, they store energy. This energy seeks to return the clamping segments to their free position (moved away from the flanges); thereby creating a corresponding breaking force between the clamping segments and the flanges, which overcomes the friction force holding them together. Specialists will appreciate the significant gain from this feature, which reliably overcomes the locking frictional force between the clamping segments and the rim of the flanges, as well as the importance of this feature for effective remote controlled connection and disconnection.

In cylindrical geometry, it is preferable that the clamps holding the flanges with an inner diameter less than 36 inches consist of 2 clamping segments. Larger flanges will preferably be held by clamps with multiple clamping segments. Each clamping segment is adapted and connected by clamps of the clamping segments, which, in turn, are adapted for remote and / or manual control.

In some remotely controlled joints, such as joints in coke drums, a small number of cycles (occupying half a day), accompanied by low contact stresses on the interface between the clamping segments and the rim of the flange, makes wear on this surface a negligible factor in determining the life of a coke drum. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the flange holding clamp of the present invention, which reduces such wear on mating surfaces between the flange rims and the clamping segments. This property reduces wear by reducing the length of the dynamic capture of mating surfaces, which is associated with a decrease in contact stresses during the capture of mating surfaces. KP clamping segments adapted to increase the initial grip area upon contact with the flanges create a contact surface for a remotely controlled clamp holding the flanges.

In the closed clamping position of the present invention, the flange rim has a generally protruding conical profile that corresponds to the generally opened conical profile of the clamping segments. The possession of the same conical apex determines the overlap of the mating surfaces over a significant part of the length of the 360 ° conical contact, and the available corresponding contact surfaces of the clamping segments come into contact with the matching surface of the rim of the flanges. In known devices, wear was important when the clamping segments were dynamically moved on the rim of the flanges from the open position to the closed position. Such wear is not observed in the present invention.

The flange holding clamp of the present invention reduces wear due to the unique nature of the contact. KP clamp segments corresponding to the flanges essentially center the free-standing conical top of the clamp and the conical contact surface of the flange rim. This precise alignment significantly reduces the length of the dynamic contact between the clamping segments and the rim of the flanges, and translates the initial linear contact of the mating surfaces in known devices into contact over a large area. These two effects prevent the wear of the clamping segments when in contact with the surface of the flange rim, since the forces acting on the flange rims act on the clamping segments, bringing the conical top of the flange rims and the conical top of the clamping segments to almost coaxial position when closing the clamp and tightly compressing the gasket by the flanges.

The flange holding clip of the present invention is a self-supporting device. In order to operate correctly, the clamp of the present invention does not need external devices, such as support reaction points or displacement limiting devices.

The clamping segments can be made independent by making channels for the pivot pins, and other channels supporting the clamp, in an independent support ring or plate that can be immersed by the spring in the clamping segments at the locations of the guide pins. Such independent rings fix the direction of the channels so that the clamping segments are moved from the open position to the closed position with respect to the flanges and with respect to each other, to ensure proper connection and disconnection. This independent clamping device can then be quickly and easily removed from the flange for preventative maintenance as a unit. This approach is especially useful in an underwater environment where for remotely controlled vehicles this modular clamping device can be used for easy transportation to the surface, and can be replaced with a new device, leaving the flanges in the underwater position.

The flange segment retainer is a whole device for bringing together and actuating the clamping segments, reliably holding the gap between the closed clamping segments, and can be of any design. For safety reasons, the elements of the device securing the clamping segments should not give rise to malfunctions that could cause the opening of the gap due to the failure of any of the components. There are many locking devices for clamping segments that can perform this function. Cams, hooks, cables, spring loaded clamping plates, couplers, gear elements, rack and pinion elements, chain ties, bolt-on bolts and other known devices can serve to fasten clamping segments, bringing clamping segments together. Although the inventor understands that a plurality of devices for fastening the clamping segments are available, these devices for fastening the clamping segments have been selected due to their advantages listed below.

In known devices, the transition between remote and manual control is complicated. Some remotely controlled devices must be disconnected before they can be manually controlled. In known devices, manual control is both laborious and difficult due to remote control. The proposed device, fastening the segments of the latch, can be supplied with energy to open the clamping gap or close and fix the clamping gap both automatically using remote drives, and manually easily and without disconnecting any component. Primary remote control is combined with secondary remote control in a unique and simple way. Experts will appreciate the ease of transition between remote and manual control and the ease of manual control of this device, fixing the clamping segments.

The clamping segments can be uniquely remotely opened, then remotely closed, tightly holding the flanges. Without any intervention on site, they can be remotely unlocked and then remotely opened. This process can be repeated endlessly from a long distance.

The energy supplied to the clamping segment fixing device by the remote drive is stored in the clamping segment fixing device, thereby fixing the gaps between the clamping segments and closing the clamp holding the flange on the flange, even if the remote control is disconnected. This property is necessary for reliable fixation of the tight connection regardless of the remote drive.

The energy stored in the device, fixing the clamping segments, can be increased or decreased manually, even after its closure.

The locking means may be actuated by any known remote actuator, for example hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders or motors. Known mechanical advanced devices, such as gears, wedges, linkages and cams, can be used in conjunction with a remote drive.

The clamping segment fixing device interacts with the clamping segment in an independent assembly. Such an assembly eliminates the need for external latches or opposing elements. In addition, the clamping segment fixing device restricts the opening movement of the clamping segments; therefore, devices to limit movement are not required.

In order to securely connect and lock the clamp segments in the closed position, the clamp clamp fixing device has additional connecting elements. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, these additional connecting elements are threaded bolts. There is duplication in the event of failure of one of the bolts.

Many connecting elements can be powered from a single remote drive.

The design of the clamp holding the flanges according to this invention provides a dry assembly of the components of the clamp. That is, no grease or any other lubricant is required during assembly. Moreover, depending on the material from which the components are made, this device can be used in conditions of up to 1800 R.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a vertical projection of a vertical vessel with a preferred embodiment of the present invention using flange clamps fastening sections of a vertical vessel.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of a structure similar to FIG. 4, showing a preferred embodiment with self-centering flanges. Bolts 8 are deployed in the image from their actual position.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of a structure similar to FIG. 4, showing a preferred embodiment with self-centering flanges, consisting of groove-spike elements evenly spaced around the flanges. Bolts 8 are deployed in the image from their actual position.

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view taken along line 2-2 of a preferred embodiment of clamping segments and flanges. Bolts 8 are deployed in the image from their true position.

FIG. 4a is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 15, showing a preferred embodiment of the clamping segments and flanges in which at least one flange and the shoulder of the clamping segment do not have bevels. Bolts 8 are deployed in the image from their true position.

FIG. 4b is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 4a. FIG. 4b shows a preferred embodiment of the clamping segments and flanges in which the force regulator 176 is adjacent to the clamping segments and then contacts the flanges through a bearing 177.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 1-1 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a compressed position. FIG. 5 shows a top view of an automatic clamp holding flanges with a partial cutaway. For clarification, in FIG. 5, the clamp support bracket is radially moved from its true position by a distance of 6.

FIG. 6 is a side view in section along the line 3-3 of the automatic clamp holding the flanges and shown in FIG. 5. A partial section shows the interaction between the bolts 8 and the locks 33 in the closed position.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 5, showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention with emphasis on a preferred embodiment of a device for fastening clamping segments with additional clamping segments.

FIG. 8 is a side view in partial section along line 4-4 showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with emphasis on a preferred design of a locking device securing additional clamping segments.

FIG. 8a is a side view similar to FIG. 8, showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention, paying attention to the clearance adjuster.

FIG. 9 shows the diluted position of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 9 shows a top view of an automatic clamp holding flanges partially dissected. For clarification, in FIG. 9, the clamp support bracket is radially moved from its true position to a distance of 52.

FIG. 10 is a side view in partial section along line 6-6 of an automatic clamp holding flanges shown in FIG. 9. A partial section shows the relationship between the latch 8, the clamp 33, and the slotted nut 24 in the open position.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 9, showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention, paying attention to a preferred embodiment of a locking device fastening additional clamping segments.

FIG. 12 is a side view, partially in section, taken along line 7-7, showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention, paying attention to a preferred embodiment of a locking device fastening additional clamping segments.

FIG. 13 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention, in which the movement of the locking device fastening the clamping segments and shown in FIG. 12. This is one of many possible means to limit the movement of the device 37.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in a reduced position. FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 5 and shows a top view of an automatic clamp holding the flanges in partial section. In this case, the standard bolt flange is modified according to this invention.

FIG. 15 is an exploded partial sectional view taken along line 9-9, similar to FIG. 4a. FIG. 15 shows a preferred embodiment of the clamping segments and flanges, where at least one flange and the contacting arm of the clamping segment are not beveled. A spring support adapted to a standard bolt flange is also shown. Bolts 8 are deployed in the image from their true position.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a coke oven battery showing a preferred embodiment of automatic coke drums with a drilling tool at the top, a preferred embodiment of an automated top opening system, a preferred embodiment of an inlet pipe connection system, a preferred embodiment of an automated sleeve for discharging coke and aperture cover, and a preferred embodiment automated lower opening system with preferred implementation shutter movement mechanism.

FIG. 16a, similar to FIG. 16 is a side view of a coke oven battery showing a preferred embodiment of automated coke drums with a drilling tool at the top, a preferred embodiment of an automated upper opening system, a preferred embodiment of an automated inlet pipe connection system, a preferred embodiment of an automated sleeve for discharging coke and aperture cover, and a preferred embodiment implement automated lower opening system with preferred Yelnia embodiment of the shutter moving mechanism.

FIG. 17 is an exploded side view of a preferred embodiment of an automated lower opening system shown in a closed position. FIG. 17 contains a partial cross section showing the relationship between the movable opening cover and the coke discharge sleeve.

FIG. 18 is a side view similar to FIG.

and showing a preferred (disassembled) embodiment of an automated lower opening system in an open position. The image contains a partial cross-section, showing a coke unloading sleeve and a movable opening cover that are interconnected when the coke unloading sleeve rises from under the working surface towards the coke drum.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a shutter movement mechanism shown in an upright position.

FIG. 19a is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a shutter movement mechanism shown in a lower position.

FIG. 20 is a side view showing a preferred embodiment of an automated lower opening system shown in a closed position. FIG. 20 contains a partial cross section showing the relationship between the movable cover of the hole and the sleeve for unloading coke. It also shows a drive that remotely controls the movement of the coke discharge sleeve and the opening cover.

FIG. 21 is a side view showing a preferred embodiment of an automated lower opening system. It shows the operation of the devices depicted in FIG. 20. Here, the coke drum 56 is prepared for unloading coke; however, the connecting node 62 is in the open state pending docking with the sleeve for the release of coke, lifted by the drive. Above right is a partially enlarged sectional image showing the grip of the coke outlet sleeve by the connecting unit 62. Flange 5 rests on the shutter movement mechanism

61. FIG. 21 contains a partial cross section showing the relationship between the movable opening cover and the coke discharge sleeve. Here, the opening cover is driven by a drive separate from the drive of the coke outlet; however, they can be driven by the same drive.

FIG. 21a is a side view of a preferred embodiment of an automated lower opening system similar to that of FIG. 21. Here, the sleeve for the release of coke is deployed using an excited magnet hanging on a cable (s) 114. A coke drum 56 is prepared for unloading coke.

FIG. 21b is a side view of a preferred embodiment of an automated lower opening system similar to that of FIG. 21 and FIG. 21a. Here, the excited magnet is located away from the workers' path. Coke drum 56 is prepared for coking; however, the mechanism for moving the shutter 61 moves the flange 5 to a position in which the connecting nodes 62 and 63 connect the inlet pipe to the skew drum.

FIG. 21c is similar to FIG. 21a. Here, a different magnet actuation is shown.

FIG. 216 is similar to FIG. 21b. Here, a different magnet actuation is shown.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of an automated lower opening system. Here, the coke drum 56 is prepared for unloading coke; in this case, the connecting unit 62 is opened in anticipation of the capture of the sleeve for the output of coke raised by the actuators 116. The flange 5 rests on the mechanism for moving the shutter 61. The cover of the hole and the sleeve for the release of coke can be opened by the same drives.

FIG. 23 is a side view of a drop-down cover of an opening that contains a plurality of layered flooring panels. When this system is opened, the flooring panels create a channel for the passage of coke. A rotating flange 5 may constitute one of the sides of this channel.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The shutter movement mechanism, as seen along line 12-12, is depicted in the lower position.

FIG. 25 is a sectional plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The shutter movement mechanism, as seen along line 10-10, is shown in a lower position.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The shutter movement mechanism, as seen along line 11-11, is shown in a lower position.

FIG. 27 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The shutter movement mechanism, as seen along line 14-14, is shown in the up position.

FIG. 28 is a sectional plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The shutter movement mechanism, as seen along line 13-13, is shown in the upper position.

FIG. 29 is a partial sectional side view of a coke oven battery showing the interaction of a shutter movement mechanism with a pair of coke drums. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the coke drum 56a is prepared for discharge. Inlet pipe connection system removed for clarity.

FIG. 30 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a coke oven battery showing the interaction of a shutter movement mechanism with a pair of coke drums. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the coke drum 56a is prepared for discharge. Shown here is the dilution of the flooring panels and the movement of the shutter movement mechanism. Inlet pipe connection system removed for clarity.

FIG. 31 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a coke oven battery showing the interaction of a shutter movement mechanism with a pair of coke drums. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the coke drum 56a is prepared for discharge.

Shown here is the deployment of a sleeve for coke recovery. Inlet pipe connection system removed for clarity.

FIG. 32 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a coke oven battery showing the interaction of a shutter movement mechanism with a pair of coke drums. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the coke drum 56a is prepared for discharge. Shown here is a rotary shutter movement mechanism. Inlet pipe connection system removed for clarity.

FIG. 33 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of an inlet pipe connection system. The view shows the connection unit 63 in the coking position (connections closed).

FIG. 34 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of an inlet pipe connection system. The view shows the connection unit 63 in the unloading position (connections open). Here, the connecting unit 63 and the inlet pipe 57 are separated by the drive 85.

FIG. 35 is a cross section of a connecting system of the inlet pipe along line 15-15.

FIG. 36 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an upper opening system. This option is shown in the coking position (connections closed).

FIG. 37 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the upper opening system along lines 16-16. The view shows this option in the coking position (connections closed).

FIG. 38 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an upper opening system. The view shows this option in the coke unloading position (connections open).

FIG. 39 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the upper opening system along lines 17-17. The view shows this option in the coke unloading position (connections open).

FIG. 40 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of an upper opening system showing its interaction with a drill rod and a drill head flange.

FIG. 41 is a side view in partial cross-section of a drill head flange.

FIG. 41a is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a centering flange along lines 1919 showing its interaction with the drill rod.

FIG. 41b is a side view, in partial section, of a preferred embodiment of the centering flange shown in FIG. 41a.

FIG. 41c is a side view of the upper opening system with clamps securing the centering flange to the vessel.

FIG. 42 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a heat exchange system showing its use on a coke drum. FIG. 42 contains a sectional section along line 18-18.

FIG. 43 is a side view of a preferred steam cleaning option. FIG. 43 is a partial section similar to that shown in FIG. 42. External conclusions 185 are deployed from their true position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to remotely controlled sealed vessels.

The present invention provides a safe system for remotely preparing a sealed vessel, such as a coke drum, for removing or loading material into this vessel. The present invention provides a remotely controlled connecting mechanism necessary for safe connection of a vessel to a supply pipe, a bottom shutter of a vessel, or an upper shutter of a vessel.

It should be noted that, despite the fact that this remotely controlled connecting node is described in terms of vertically oriented vessels and holes, it can also fix parts of other vessels or pipes of any orientation. Although this invention is generally applicable to any type of vessel, it is of particular interest to coke drums and their mode of operation.

It should be noted that the invention is aimed at fixing or joining other structural blocks, such as supports, pylons, sleeves, pipes, other vessels, end couplings, or other types of structures.

FIG. 1 shows two such orientations. In FIG. 1 in a first orientation (upper part of FIG. 1) of the present invention, sections 53 and 54 of a vertical vessel are connected. The sections 53 and 54 of the vessel have flanges 10 hermetically fixed by the clamping segments 7. They, in turn, are supported by springs 48 on the guide pins 44 and 49, which are movably attached to the supports 45 and 51. Similarly, in the second orientation (lower part of Fig. 1 ) according to the present invention, the section of the vessel 53 and the flange 5 are fixed. The section of the vessel 53 and the flange 5 have rims 11 and 21, hermetically fixed by the clamping segments 7. They, in turn, are supported by springs 48 on the guide pins 44 and 49, which are movably attached to supports 45 and 51.

The interaction between the flanges 5 and 10 and the clamping segment 7 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2-4. The second structural block, flange 5, is tightly, hermetically connected to the first structural block, flange 10, and serves as a cover covering the internal volume of the vessel section 53. Other preferred flange holding clamps may connect part configurations to any possible external perimeter, such as (but not limited to), cylindrical, elliptical, parabolic, oval, polygonal, or any other having end rims on the flange.

In FIG. 4 shows two flanges 5 and 10 in contact with the clamps 7. The flange 10 is attached to the section 53 of the vessel on the neck 4. The flange 5 is a shutter of the hole in the section 53 of the vessel. Figure 4 illustrates a vessel locking device in which both flanges 5 and 10 have outer surfaces that are suitable for each other and are fastened with clamps 7.

The flange 10 is usually attached to the neck 4 by welding. Although this is not shown in FIG. 4, those skilled in the art will understand that the flange 10 can be attached to the neck 4 by any fixing device, such as a screw connection such as a bolt. Preferably, the neck 4 and the flange 10 have an inner perimeter 12, which would be practically collinear. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the flanges 5 and 10 has at least one radial rim 11 and 21. On each rim there are bevels 13a and 13b. In this embodiment, the chamfers are conical, but it should be noted that other chamfer options can be spherical, curved or concave, and many others. The chamfers can be flat, as shown in FIG. 4a, thereby allowing adaptation of an existing flange manually bolted to a vessel 53, such as vessel 56, for remotely controlled operation.

Each of the flanges 5 and 10 may comprise a plurality of rims 11 and 21, each of which has bevels 13a and 13b. The clamping segments 7 must have the same number of chamfers 13a and 13b as each flange 5 and 10. The inner perimeter of the clamps 7 and the outer perimeter of the flanges 5 and 10 can be joined to each other according to the principle of conical grip. Chamfers 1 3a and 1 3b are contact surfaces between clamps 7 and flanges 5 and 10. These contact surfaces can create a sliding contact or be provided with rollers, forming a rotating contact on the surface of the roller bearing.

If the energy is not stored in the clamps, then they are said to be in a free state. In the free state, the clamps can support the clamping mechanism either in the open or in the closed state, depending on the displacement of the clamp segments used. When energy is stored in the clamps, the clamping mechanism changes state to either open or closed, again depending on whether the clamp segments are shifted to open or closed.

For illustration purposes, a clamping device with an open displacement of segments is used. This means that the free state of the clamping device is open. When energy is accumulated in the clamps, the segments deviate and put the clamp in a closed state. Those skilled in the art will understand that an equilibrium-closed clamp can also be easily designed using the methods described herein.

When the elements bringing together the clamping segments (bolts 8) are tightened, they force the perimeter of the clamps 7 to compress towards the flanges 5 and 10. This compression is explained by the movement of the clamps 7 from the open perimeter, designated as 2 in FIG. 4 to the closed perimeter shown as position 1 in FIG. 4. The conical chamfers 13a and 13b transmit and increase the force applied to the bolts 8 to the rims 11 and 21 of the flanges. This force moves the flanges 5 and 10 together, exerting a large compressive load on the gasket 9 and hermetically sealing the ends of the flanges, thereby isolating the internal environment of the vessel from the external.

Turning to FIG. 4. In order to release the flanges 5 and 10 from the clamping segments 7, the clamping segments are moved from the closed position 1 to the open position 2, creating a gap 3, which allows the outer perimeter of the flanges 5 and 10 to separate from the inner perimeter of the clamp 7. This allows open the connection between the vessel 53 and the flange 5.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is one in which the clamping segments 7 are mounted on a flange 5 or

10. One of the flanges on which the clamping segments 7 are mounted is attached to a structure that is usually substantially stationary, that is, to the vessel section 53.

In the presented embodiment of the invention, the movable flange 5 or 10 fits into an almost stationary flange 5 or 10. The centered property causes the movable flange 5 or 10 to return to an almost collinear position with respect to the stationary flange 5 or 10, so that the clamping segments 7 can be closed hermetically connect the flanges 5 and 10. The inner perimeter of the clamping segments 7 has a receiving cone

14, which is in contact with the outer perimeter of the movable flange 5 or 10 along the cone

15, creating a means to eliminate large displacements during the initial alignment of the flanges. The interaction between the cones 15 and 14 pushes the movable flange 5 or 10 to a more collinear position relative to the stationary flange 5 or 10.

The device shown in FIG. 4a, almost similarly to the device in FIG. 4. Here, the conical chamfer 13a is replaced by a practically non-chamfered chamfer 13e, such as that found on typical hand-bolted flanges. These chamfers can create a sliding contact or can be provided with rollers, forming a rolling contact on the surface of the roller bearing.

Fig. 4b illustrates an embodiment of the present invention for manually bolted flange 10a. Many load controllers 176 are located along the clamping segments 7 and are separated from each other. The load regulators 176 may have a threaded connection with the clamping segments 7; however, some other load-creating connections may be used. When the load controllers 176 are configured, the force between the clamping segments 7 and the flanges 5 and 10a changes, causing the stored energy to change. This adjustment of the force may be different in length of the clamping segments 7.

A bearing 177 may be located between the bolts 176 and the flange 10a and / or the flange 5. The load regulators 176 can create a rolling contact with the bearing 177 or the chamfer 13c of the flange 10a. These knobs 176 can also be combined with latches similar to those shown in fig. 4.

The options shown in figa and 4b allow you to remake the existing hand-bolted flange for remotely controlled operation by removing manually tightened bolts and applying the present invention to the existing flange 10a having a rim 11a. FIG. 14 illustrates how the present invention is applied to a typical, manually bolted flange. Typically, a manually existing flanged pair of bolts may be located on the vessel 53 or pipe. Hazardous conditions associated with the connection or existing near this flange pair, or the benefits of reducing the connection time and / or disconnection creates the need for a remotely controlled device, such as the present invention. Since in the present invention, a ready-made bolt-on flange 10a, already fixed on a vessel 53, such as vessel 56, can be used, a noticeable cost gain appears, namely: no investment in manufacturing a flange 10a, no costs for replacing a flange 10, no the cost of manufacturing the flange 10 for the vessel 53, the gain from the absence of downtime and non-release of products during this time.

In the device described above, it is convenient that the open state of the clamp is spring-loaded in order to create a distance 3a between the position of the chamfer 13c in the open and closed state, thereby guaranteeing a secure grip by the clamps 7 of the flange rim 11a. The input angle 136 is selected so as to further increase the guarantee of the specified secure grip.

The arrangement of the bolts 8 can be shifted towards the conical chamfer 13b even further from the chamfer 13 s, as shown in FIG. 4a and FIG. 14. This arrangement is different from the relatively equidistant arrangement of the bolts 8 between the two chamfered bevels shown in FIG. 4. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this offset arrangement smooths out the eccentricity of the load created by chamfers, beveled at different angles, such as 13b and 13c. In FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention comprising an accurate centering device. The centering plate 16, preferably rolled, is attached to the flange 5 or 10. The centering plate 16 has a receiving cone 17 along the inner perimeter for receiving the flange 5. The opposite flange, to which the centering plate 16 is attached, has a counter cone 18 that interacts with the cone 17.

In FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of an exact centering device consisting of a groove and a spike. The stud 19 has a tapered end 20 that fits into the groove 22 to center the flange 5 relative to the flange 10. This combination of the groove-type can be used for centering and other devices of the present invention, and will be denoted by the same numbers without special reference to the method of centering the flanges .

Turning to FIG. 5-8. Most of the numerals are shown in FIG. 7 and 8, as they show fragments of FIG. 5 on an enlarged scale. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5, the clamp holding the flange is divided into three separate clamp segments 7 with gaps 36. The gaps 36 define each part of the clamp. The clamping segment fixing device 55 is connected and interacting with the clamping segments 7 through the gaps 36, controlling the size of the gaps 36 and the fixing gaps 36, so that the clamping segments 7 are unconditionally closed on the flanges 5 and 10. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each clamping segment fixing device 55 comprises a plurality of threaded bolts 8 with a locking nut 30, latches 33, a clip nut 24, a travel stop 37, a plug 25, pins 26 and 28, and at least one remote drive 27.

The operator on the remote control can actuate the remote actuator 27, causing the device 55 for fixing the clamping segments automatically put the clamping segment 7 in the open open position or closed closed position.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamp holding the flange is divided into a plurality of segments 7. Three clamping segments 7 are usually preferred for large joints, and two are acceptable for smaller ones. It should be noted that the clamping segments can have reduced sections, such as teeth, for better adaptability of the clamping segments.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hole 23 in the clamping segments 7 is made for the bolts 8. As shown in FIG. 5, the hole 23 and the bolts 8 almost touch and pass through the clamping segments 7. The threaded ear nuts 24 are attached to the bolts 8. To the ear nuts 24 pin 26 secures the plug

25. In turn, the plug 25 is attached to the remote actuator 27 with a pin 28. The hole 29, which is almost collinear with the hole 23, is made for hook nuts 24, locking nuts 30 and retainer 33. Since several locking devices 24, 30 and 33 do not can pass into the hole 23, then the transition of the hole 29 to 23 forms the locking shoulders 31 and 32 (Fig.7 and 8).

To remotely close and lock the clamping segments 7 and thereby create an effective airtight partition between the external environment and the internal environment of the vessel, a signal is sent from the remote control panel (not shown), which supplies power (not shown) and drives the remote actuator 27 . Remote actuator 27 pulls the clamp 25 towards the anchor 38 attached to the clamp segments 7. The fork 25 evenly distributes the tensile force to the bolts 8. Since the locking nut 30 cannot Through the hole 23, the locking nut 30 abuts against the clamping segments 7 on the locking arms 32, pulling the locking clamping segments together and thereby effectively reducing the perimeter of the clamping segments. This reduction in the perimeter of the clamping segments shifts the flanges 5 and 10 together and applies a compressive sealing force to the gasket 9.

The locking nut 30 and the locking arms 31 are closed to each other along a counter spherical radius, thereby preventing significant bending stresses on the bolt 8. When the remote actuator 27 creates a strong tensile force on the bolts 8, the bolts 8 are extended enough to allow the latches 33 to enter between earrings 24 and retaining arms 32. The latches 33 have holes 33a (Fig. 10), allowing bolts 8 to pass, but not allowing earrings 24 to pass, and thus certainly ensure energy of the closure in the stretched bolts 8 and allow you to isolate the remote power drive 27. Since the remote power drive 27 is excited by a remote energy source, it is generally not assumed that the remote power drive 27 is continuously powered. It is more advantageous to turn off the energy source after the excitation and locking of the bolts 8 with latches 33.

As shown in FIG. 6, the latches 33 have C-shaped sections that allow bolts 8 to pass into the hole 33a of the S-shaped sections. In the holes in the C-shaped sections of the retainers 33, the cones are responsible for the alignment of the bolts 8, the hook nuts 24 and the holes 29 with the aforementioned retainers

33. During the tightening process, when sufficient clearance is achieved under the ear nuts 24, the latch remote actuator 41 advances the latch 33 under the ear nut 24, after which the power of the remote actuator 27 can be turned off. The ear nut 24 acts on the latch 33. Since the bolts 8 were substantially stretched relative to their original length, they can now store significant stored energy, which closes the clamping segments 7 on flanges 5 and 10. The springs 39, although not required, are inserted as safety elements and prevent the movement of the latches 33 when the power is disconnected from the remote power actuator 41 of the latch. The springs 39 facilitate the movement of the latch 33 to the closed position when a sufficient clearance is created between the lug nut 24 and the latch 33 by the remote actuator 27. The latch 33 is a positive locking element that holds the stored energy in the locking device 55 of the clamp segments without having to rely on friction or feeding nutrition to maintain stored energy.

The latches 33 may simply be rigid structural elements. A cam lock made to bind 7 and 33 can also hold the latch 33 in the closed and locked position. The latch 33 can also form a small angle contact with the ear nut 24, allowing you to remotely tighten the locking device 55 if the latch is closed by simply tightening the bolts 8 and moving the angular contact of the latch 33. This action leads to further advancement of the ear nut 24 and leads to an even greater tension of the bolts 8. The magnitude of the angular contact may be less than the contact angle of friction, thereby producing an auto-closing or positive locking effect. This contact surface may also have oncoming teeth.

In another embodiment, the clamping segments 7 consist of a segmented ring with external bulges. Each external bulge contains holes 23 and has retaining arms 31 and / or 32. The bulges are located near the ends of the clamping segments farthest from the midpoint of the clamping segment.

The locking device 55 of the clamping segment is controlled both remotely and manually, without changing or breaking any parts of the clamp. This allows a very quick transition between remote and manual operation. To manually close the connection27, the user can simply tighten the threaded locking nuts 30 to the bolts 8. The locking means 30 are provided with a standard wrench surface 40 to allow manual tightening of the bolts 8. Alternatively, the user can connect a portable power source to the remote actuator 27. Ease of transition From manual to remote control is a very useful feature.

In another embodiment of the locking device 55 of the clamping segment, the force exerted on the bolts 8 can be increased, decreased or checked at any time without disconnecting any parts simply by turning the locking nut 30 with a standard wrench.

In another embodiment, the bolts 8 are adapted for spring alignment, which with great effort centers the bolts 8 in the holes

23.

In another embodiment, the bolts 8 or holes 23 are adapted for bearings to facilitate relative movement of these components.

The remote actuators 27 are connected in series so that a power source connected to the remote actuators 27 delivers the same energy to each individual actuator 27. This ensures that the clamping segments 7 operate simultaneously, connecting and disconnecting the assembly. The remotely controlled power locking device and the actuator 41 are connected in a similar manner to ensure the correct operation of the locking devices 33. If necessary, a compression force mechanism can be integrated between the clamping segments 7, thereby guaranteeing an almost uniform closure of the gaps 36.

Turning to FIG. 8a, in order to control the amount of force applied to the gasket 9 and to control the uniformity of the clearances 36, the clearances adjusters 181 limit the minimum clearances 36 between the clamping segments 7. In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the cleavers include at least one adjusting element 182 located on one of the clamps 7. The amount of force applied to the gasket 9 depends on the size of the gaps 36 between the clamping segments 7. A suitable amount of force on the gasket can be applied freely of closing gaps 36, after which the lash adjuster can be adjusted so as to prevent gaps 36 decrease. Thus, the force on the gasket will always reach the specified maximum value.

An alternative displacement limiting device 37b is shown in FIG. 8a.

In FIG. 9-13 to automatically open the clamping segments 7, the signal is sent from a control panel (not shown) remote from the clamping segments 7. The signal activates a remote power source (not shown) to actuate the remote power drive 27 and pull out the bolts 8 until until the clamps 33 are unloaded and can be separated when the remote power actuator 41 of the clamp is turned on. Alternatively, the movement of the clamp 33 is provided in the required direction by the guiding elements 42, which pass through the channels in the uprights 43. When the clamps are released from the ear nuts 24, a channel is formed that allows the ear nuts 24 to move under the action of the remote power drive 27 to the shoulders 32. When the remote power the drive moves the bolts 8 through the channels 23, the gap 35 (Fig. 8) disappears. The movement restricting means 37, attached to the bolts 8, comes into contact with the clamp segments 7 on the contact surface 34. The movement causes the clamp segments to separate, expanding the perimeter of the clamp 7 until the ear nuts 24 come into contact with the opposing arms 32. On the opposing shoulders 32, the ear nuts 24 cannot pass through the channels 23, restricting the expansion of the clamping segments 7 in the form of self-locking. So, due to the restriction on the movement of the parts making up the clamp 55 of the clamp segments, the clamp opening movement is blocked. Therefore, no tracking means are required. Movement limiting devices 37 are adjustable mounted on bolts 8. FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of a travel restricting device 37, designated 37a. The movement restricting device 37a is attached to the clamping segments 7 on top of the locking nut 30 and performs the same functions as the movement restricting device 37. Moreover, the movement restricting devices 37a are designed to provide unhindered access to the standard surface 40 of the nut under a key to allow fast tightening of the clamp lock 55 by hand.

Each specialist can understand that it is necessary to use a sensor to indicate whether the clamping device is in the closed and closed state or, conversely, in the open. This sensor can monitor and prevent the state of the clamping device from changing when the environment requires it.

A manually controlled regulator can also be added to the device to provide a spare mechanism for adjusting the stored energy in the clamping segments. To manually open the connecting devices, you only need to unscrew the locking nut 30 on the bolts 8 and remove the locking device with an easily mounted device. Then, unscrew the bolts 8 with an easily mounted device until the clamping segments 7 open, as described in the previous paragraph. In order to open the connection, a portable power source can be used to power the remote actuator 27 and the remote actuator 41 of the locking device. The remote actuator can use any type of energy, such as electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic energy.

The preferred embodiment has clamping segments 7 that radially stretch and contract to release and compress flanges 5 and 10. When clamping segments 7 are tightly closed, they fasten flanges 5 and 10 so that the weight of clamping segments 7 is supported by flanges 5 and 10. When clamping segments 7 are open, their weight is supported by springs 48 and guide pins 44 and 49 attached to the supporting frames 45 and 51 of the guide pins.

In FIG. 1, 5 and 9, alternatively, the guide pins 44 are located in the center of each clamping segment, preferably equally spaced from the clamping clearances 36. Each of the support frames 45 and 51 of the guide pins comprises a channel 46. The guide pins 44 and 49 are attached to the clamping segments 7 and are limited in movement by the channels 46 and 50 through which the guide pins 44 and 49 move, whereby the movement of the clamping segments is controlled. The guide pins 44 and 49 have shoulders 47 (FIG. 12), which have a diameter larger than the channels 46 and 50 so that the guide pins 44 and 49 cannot completely pass through the support frames of the guide pins. Since the guide pins 44 and 49 are attached to the clamping segments 7 and cannot completely pass through the bearings 45 and 51, the length of the guide pins 44 and 49 localizes the clamping segments 7 in the axial direction at a certain distance from the supports 45 and 51. This distance is maintained by the springs 48 The pins 44 and the channels 46 in the bearings 45 play an important role in the centering of the parts of the clamping segments 7 at their first point of contact with the flanges 5 and 10. In place of the pins 44 and 49, the springs 48 enclosed between the clamping segments 7 and the supports 45 and 51 are held clamping segments 7 in this position That the inner cone section desk clamping segment 7 is positioned outside the centering flange 5 and rim 10. Thus, the present invention provides a self-supporting clamp retention flange that no alterations may operate in any orientation relative to the direction of gravity.

Moreover, the guide pins 44 and 49, limited in movement by the channels 46 and 50, control the movement of the clamping segments 7 relative to each other and relative to the flanges 5 and 10.

The function of the guide pins 44 and 49 and the supports 45 and 50 can also be carried out by guide rods attached to the stationary neck 4 and moving through or near the clamping segments 7 or near the guide rods attached to the clamping segments 7 and limited in movement by the slots in the neck 4.

The guide channels 46 and 50 can be made as part of the support plate 74, and not in separate support frames 45 and 51. The support plate 74 is then mounted on one of the flanges 5 or 10, as described in the previous paragraphs. FIG. 14 and 20 show alternatives. In FIG. 20, the support plate 74 is attached to the vessel 56 by pins 124. The pins 44 and 49, the springs 48 and the support frame having channels 46 and 50 and, thereby, clamping segments 7, clamps 55 of the clamping segments, remote actuators 27, locking devices 33 and remote actuators 41 of the locking devices can all be functionally integrated into a portable stand-alone unit, which can then be mounted or attached to the flange 5 or 10.

The devices shown in FIG. 14 and 15 are almost identical to the device in FIG. 5. FIG. 14 shows how an embodiment of the present invention can be adapted to a manually bolted flange 1 0a. This option is adapted to the flange 10a without attaching the supports 45 or 51 to the vessel 53, thereby eliminating the tension between the parts of this structure and its effect on the vessel 53. Empty bolt holes 110 of the hand-bolted flange 10a are clearly visible. In this embodiment, the channels 46 and 50 are made in the support plate 74, which in this embodiment is a solid ring.

The springs 108 cooperate with the flange 10a and the support plate 74 and create a gap 3a, springing the clamping segments 7 in the vertical direction from the flange 10a, thereby ensuring reliable positioning of the clamping segments 7 relative to the flange 10a. Moreover, this ensures reliable operation under remote control of the clamping segments 7 from open to closed.

The nozzle 109 interacts with the flange 10a and the springs 108 to fix the position of the springs 108 on the flange 1 0a. This option can be introduced between coking and coke removal cycles, which creates significant savings for coke drum owners.

The spillway 111 and the chamfer 13b on the clamping segment 7 facilitate the removal of contents from the vessel and create a self-cleaning jamming31 between all flange configurations and many configuration options of the clamping segments 7, when this space is washed out when the integrity of the gasket 9 is violated.

Alternatively, the clamping segments 7 are adapted to create a controlled clamp (CP clamping segments) at or near the center of the clamping segment farthest from the locking device of the clamping segment. These clamping segments 7 are located remotely from the flanges 5 and 10 by the amount of clearances 36 when they are not actuated by the locking device 55 of the clamping segments. The locking device 55 clamping segments with great effort and gently pushes the gearbox clamp segment into engagement with the flanges. As shown in FIG. 9, for the CP of clamping segments 7, the clearances 3 at the end of each clamping segment 7 increase rapidly when the clamping segments 7 open when the grip 55 is released. When the clamping segments 7 are released, the end segments of the clamping segments 7 radially move away from the flanges 5 and 10. Each clamping segment 7 has the ability to move near its center, farthest from the gaps 36. This leads to the fact that the gaps 3 quickly become pronounced. This movement significantly reduces the distance that is necessary so that the clamping segments 7 can move from the flanges 5 and 10 as much as a certain length of channels 46 allows.

Compared with the mating of known clamping segments with substantially cylindrical flanges, the CP clamping segments of the present invention significantly reduce the distance that the clamping segments 7 must travel to open. The conical tops of the conical contact surfaces 13 of the gearbox of the clamping segments 7, consistent with the practically cylindrical flanges 5 and 10, are effectively brought together in the open position, which allows the gaps 36 to be smaller in the open position. In addition, the initial contact area between the clamping segments 7 and the flanges 5 and 10 is significantly larger than in the corresponding previously known mating components. Smaller openings 36 reduce costs since the components of the locking device 55 of the clamping segments can be much shorter. The open perimeter of the clamping segments 7 is much smaller, saving space. In addition, the friction force holding the clamping segments 7 on the flanges 5 and 10 is partially overcome by the outwardly repulsive action of the CP clamping segments 7 from the flanges 5 and 10 when they are initially open.

Alternatively, the clamping segments 7 are further adapted to maximize the initial contact area between the flanges and the clamping segments 7. In this embodiment, the CP clamping segments connecting the flanges 5 and 10 or 10a eliminate wear on the contact surfaces 13. When the CP clamping segments 7 move to or from the flanges 5 and 10, the contact stresses on the surface 13 are significantly reduced, since the contact area between the clamping segments 7 and the flanges 5 and 10 is significantly increased.

Since the CP clamping segments 7 are resiliently brought together to close the flanges 5 and 10, a force to close the gaps 36 is generated. This ensures that the remote actuators 27 connected to the locking devices 55 of the clamping segments move the clamping segments 7 almost simultaneously and that There is uniform closure resistance between the gaps between the segments.

The connecting nodes 62.63 and 88 are part of a common drum bottom opening system 5a, an inlet pipe connecting system 72 and a drum opening system 90, respectively.

The holding flange clamp is described as a device that is adapted to exert a force on the flanges to hold them. It contains a clamping segment 7 of the channel shape for docking with the contact surface of the flange. This device can also be used without flanges. That is, the clamping segments may not have a channel shape. For example, it can be used to carefully apply a force around the circumference of the outside of an almost smooth pipe to seal a transmission hole in the pipe.

Components containing a clamp holding the flange can be adapted by optimizing the geometry and design to develop a maximum force-to-weight ratio. For example, the body of the clamping segments 7 may have locally reduced or remote sections. These locally reduced sections can also be designed in such a way as to increase the flexibility of the clamping segments 7.

In FIG. 16 shows one of the options. The design of the vessel of the coke oven battery, as shown, has drilling devices 106 depicted above the vessels 56a and 56b, a connecting unit 88 on the upper part of the vessels 56a and 56b, opening the bottom of the drum system 5A between the vessel supporting the overlap 105 and the working surface 107.

Vessels 56a and 56b are used as closed vessels to isolate the coking process in the coke oven battery from the external environment. We can consider the transition between the coking process (compounds are closed) and the coke removal process (compounds are open). In this case, coking occurs in vessel 56a, and vessel 56b is prepared for discharge.

When comparing what is observed in the vessel 56a with what is observed in the vessel 56b, a greater understanding of the mechanical processes that occur during the preparation of the vessel for coking and, conversely, in the process of preparation for unloading is achieved.

Consider the vessel 56b. Drill head

103, attached to the drill rod 89, loosens the coke 6 in the vessel 56b, i.e. the process of coke removal takes place. The flange 91, disconnected from the vessel 56b by opening the connecting node 88, is removed from the hole in the upper part of the vessel 56b. The drill rod 89 is sealed in the vessel 56B at the level of the drill head 104, which is attached to the drum 56B by a closed connecting unit 88. Note that the centering flange 178 can replace the drill head 104. Loose coke 64 pours out on the outlet sleeve 59, which is attached to the vessel 56B closed connecting node

62. The cover 60 is opened due to the movement of the exhaust sleeve 59 towards the vessel 56b. The flange 5, disconnected from the vessel 56B by opening the connecting node 62, rests on the mechanism for moving the shutter 61, away from the hole in the bottom of the vessel 56B. The connecting unit 63 is open, freeing the flanges 77 and 78. The connecting node 63 and the inlet pipe 57 are pulled back, away from the longitudinal axis of the vessel 56b drive 85.

Consider vessel 56a. Drill head

104, released from the vessel 56a by opening the connection unit 88, rests on the extracted drill rod 89.

The centering flange 178 may also rest on the removed drill stem 89. The flange 91, moved so as to close the hole in the upper part of the vessel 56a, is secured to the vessel 56a by a closed connection unit 88. The cover 60, closed by retracting the outlet sleeve 59, covers the hole 112 in the working surface 107. The flange 5, moved by the shutter moving mechanism 61 so as to close the hole in the bottom of the vessel 56a, is mounted on the vessel: 56a, with a closed connection unit 62. The inlet pipe 57 and connection unit 63 are moved closer to the prod the axial axis of the vessel 56A with the drive 85, due to which the flanges 77 and 78 are aligned and closed together by a closed connecting node 63.

Imagine that coking occurred for several hours in vessel 56a (the compounds are closed), when inside the vessel 56a extremely high temperature and high pressure turned the hydrocarbon residue into lighter products and gradually filled the vessel with a much heavier hydrocarbon - coke 64. It should be noted that vessel 56 it can be any other sealed vessel, and instead of coke, any other material can be in such a vessel. In the case of a coking vessel, lower temperature cooling water is introduced into the vessel 56a through the inlet pipe 57 to cool a large volume contained in the vessel 56a. Under the influence of cooling, the heavy hydrocarbon solidifies in the form of solid coke 64. The vessel 56a is sealed with coke 64, which must be unloaded (coke removal) before the vessel 56a is ready for coking again.

In a coke module, vessel 56a typically has twenty-four feet in diameter and one hundred feet in height. A worker who opens the connecting unit 62 or 63 manually with a key has a real chance of being scalded with water boiling in the vessel, or that sintered coke held in the vessel due to the presence of a bottleneck effect may unexpectedly spill out of the vessel.

Safe unloading of the vessel 56a or 56b consists in: (1) opening and / or removing the lid 60, which closes the opening 112 serving as the outlet channel for coke 64 through the working surface 107, whereby an opening is created in the working surface 107 for passage of coke 64; (2) the remote alignment and engagement of the shutter movement mechanism with the flange 5, i.e. 61 or 113; (4) remote supply of the flange 5 to the vessel by the shutter movement mechanism 61 or 113 or by any other means; (5) remote unlocking and opening of the connecting node 63, whereby the connection between the inlet pipe 57 and the pipe 58 of the connecting node is disconnected and separated; (6) remote unlocking and opening of the connecting unit 62, whereby the connection between the flange 5 and the vessel is disconnected; (7) remote undocking of flange 5 and vessel in a controlled manner; (8) remotely removing flange 5 from an opening in the bottom of the vessel; (9) fixing the channel between the hole in the bottom of the vessel and the hole 112 in the working surface 107, i.e. exhaust sleeves 59; (10) remotely unlocking and opening the connecting unit 88 and moving the flange 91 from the hole in the upper part of the vessel; (11) lowering the drill head 103 into the vessel through the hole in the upper part of the vessel; and (12) attaching the drill head 104 to the connection node 88, followed by remote locking and locking of the connection node 88, thereby fixing the drill head 104 or centering flange 178 on the vessel.

Preliminary operations prior to opening the connection unit 62 or 63 can be performed on site, but for safety, any operations after any connection unit 62 or 63 is open and before the coke is removed from the vessel 56a must be performed remotely.

When all coke 64 has been removed from vessels 56a or 56b, they can be safely prepared to return to the coking phase: by: (1) removing the drill head 103 from the vessel and returning the flange 91 to the vessel; (2) closing and locking the connecting unit 88, with which the flange 91 is fixed to the vessel; (3) remotely removing the outlet sleeve 59 or 59a and returning the cover 60 to its place, thereby closing the opening 112 in the working surface; (4) returning the flange 5 to its place and aligning it in order to close the hole in the bottom of the vessel and close it on the vessel 56a by closing and locking the connection unit 62; and (5) remotely aligning the flanges 77 and 78 with the actuator 85 and closing them together by closing and locking the connection unit 63. When the vessel is cooled and unloaded from coke, it becomes less dangerous for workers. These five operations can be performed on site, but automatically controlled equipment such as connectors 62, 63, and 88 are useful to reduce the risk of injuries. All operations for the preparation of the vessel for coking or coke removal in more detail and are fully described in this description.

In FIG. 16a shows one embodiment. Here, the vessel 56a is prepared for unloading, and the vessel 56b is prepared for coking.

The main difference between FIG. 16a from FIG. 16 in that the shutter movement mechanism 61 is replaced by the movement mechanism 113. In addition, another feature is the deployment of the telescopic exhaust sleeve 59a.

As for the vessel 56a, the connecting unit 63 is extended to the open position, thereby freeing the flanges 77 and 78, undocking the inlet pipe 57 from the vessel 56a. The connecting unit 63 and the inlet pipe are pulled back from the vessel 56a. The shutter movement 113 has already gripped the flange 5 when the connection unit 62 has been opened and opened to the open position shown. Now, the flange 5, pushed down and removed by the shutter movement mechanism 113, rests on it far from the hole in the bottom of the vessel 56a, allowing the outlet sleeve 59a to be deployed. The outlet sleeve 59a is remotely raised and centered with respect to the flange 10 located on the vessel 56a. The connecting unit 62 at the appropriate time will close and close the outlet sleeve 59a to the vessel 56a.

Vessel 56b, completely closed and connected to the inlet pipe 57, is in the coking stage (connections are closed).

In FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the outlet sleeve 59 is raised from its idle position under the working surface 107 to connect to the vessel 56. When the outlet sleeve 59 is raised, the cover 60 is actuated by moving the outlet sleeve 59 and opens, allowing the outlet sleeve 59 to approach the vessel 56. In one of the options, the cover 60 contains a lattice, but it can be made of any material for coatings.

In FIG. 18, the connecting unit 62 is brought into the open position, making it possible to center and grip and fasten the outlet sleeve 59 to the vessel 56. When the connecting unit 62 is moved to the open position, the weight of the connecting unit 62 is supported by guide pins 44 and 49, which are connected to the supports 45 and 51 clamping segments. The supports 45 and 51 of the clamping segments, in turn, are attached to the vessel 56.

In the reverse process, the outlet sleeve 59 is lowered onto the work surface 107, as shown in FIG. 17. When the outlet sleeve 59 is lowered, it makes contact with the cover 60, causing the cover to close the opening in the working surface 107. When the cover 60 meets the working surface 107, the shutter 61 movement mechanism moves the flange 5 to a position in which it can be connected to the vessel 56. After the closure of the connecting node 62, the joint between the connecting pipe 58 and the inlet pipe 57 is fixed by the connecting node 63.

In FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the lower opening system 5a in the closed position. The lower opening system 5a is an integral system that prepares the bottom of the vessel 56 for coking and unloading.

The joint between the vessel 56 and the flange 5 is securely fastened by the connecting unit 62. The joint between the connecting pipe 58 and the inlet pipe 57 is securely fastened by the connecting unit 63. The outlet sleeve 59 is located in the working surface 107, and the cover 60 closes the hole in the working surface 107.

A device for moving the shutter to and from the vessel is shown in detail in FIG. 19 and FIG. 19a. The shutter movement includes a table or surface to support the shutter of the vessel. In one embodiment, the mechanism for moving the shutter 61 has a base 61d, which serves as a rigid structural frame. A plurality of 61H wheels are attached to the base 61d. a plurality of wheel drives 611, a plurality of stabilizing stops 61G, and a plurality of lifts 61c. The mechanism for moving the shutter 61 performs the separation of the gap 61_]. In one embodiment, the lifts 61c are hydraulic cylinders that vary the clearance 61_]. The function of 6C lifts can be performed by one lift. The movement allows the shutter movement mechanism 61 to feed the flange 5 up and down vertically. Vertical movement allows the flange 5 to move relative to the stationary vessel 56. This allows the flange 5 to be lowered so that the flange 5 opens the connection unit 62. The elevator 61c can be designed to press the flange 5 against the vessel 56 with sufficient force to overcome the load on the flange 5 from the side of the contents of the vessel 56. This ensures the tight connection of the flange 5 with the flange 10 on the vessel 56.

A plurality of rails 61b are attached to a plurality of bushings 616 on the upper side of the bushings 616. Crosses provide structural rigidity by linking the bushings 616 to the underside of the bushings 61b at the intersection. The bushings 61 b form a spike-groove connection with stabilizing stops 61ί. to ensure uniform variation of the slots 61) in each place of the separate stabilizing stop 61ί when the lift 61c is activated, thereby stabilizing the vertical separation movement of the shutter movement 61. Shown locking pins can be inserted into bushings 616 and stabilizing stops 61ί to manually fix the slit 61 ) in the required position.

Once actuated, a plurality of wheel drives 611 associated with wheels 6111. Forces the gate movement mechanism to move horizontally and directs it to and from the longitudinal axis of the vessel 56. by moving the axis of the flange 5 relative to the longitudinal axis of the vessel 56.

In one embodiment, the mechanism for moving the shutter 61 is a wheeled trolley that rolls along rails (not shown) laid on the working surface 107. The mechanism for moving the shutter 61 also provides vertical movement in order to completely tightly press the loaded flange 5 against the vessel 56.

In one embodiment, the mechanism for moving the shutter 61 comprises an inclining device. This tilting device in various ways tilts the flange 5 with respect to the flange 10. This is especially useful for controlling the magnitude and direction of flow of loose coke and cooling water from the vessel. In this case, tilting devices 61p. fixed on the basis of 61d. push the flange 5 so that one side of the flange 5 rises from the surface 61k. when the surface level 61k is lower than the top of the tilting devices 61p, as shown in FIG. 19a. The tilting devices 61p can be of any design and can be detached from the base 61d and operated remotely and separately.

When the shutter moving mechanism 61 is raised, as shown in FIG. 19. The top of the tilting devices 61p is below the surface 61k. thereby allowing the installation of the flange 5 parallel to the surface 61k. This is very useful since the flange 5 should be parallel to the flange 10. when the vertical movement of the shutter movement mechanism 61 presses the flange 5 against the flange 10.

When the level of the surface 61k decreases, the tilting devices 61 p begin to come into contact with the flange 5. by tilting it relative to the surface 61k. This vertical movement of the shutter moving mechanism 61 changes the angle of inclination, thereby controlling the magnitude and direction of the flow of loose coke and cooling water from the vessel 56.

Some coke oven batteries use rail carts to transport coke, however, the volume of coke is much larger than the capacity of one cart. Coke flow must be regulated. when a new cart moves under vessel 56.

In order to prevent the flange 5 from falling off the shutter movement, the tilting devices 61p and the pins 61t hold the flange 5 by the connection of the pin 19-groove type 22. As shown in FIG. 3.

The remotely controlled shutter movement 61 is suitable for controlling the magnitude and direction of the flow of contents from the vessel 56 and using only lifts 61c. No local intervention is required, and therefore it is much safer than other types.

It should be noted that the flange 5 can be rotatable, moving away from the vessel 56. Or vice versa, the flange 5 can be horizontally moved along the rails mounted on the vessel 56. using a hoist that feeds the rails vertically, thereby moving the bottom cover 5 to or from vessel 56.

We now turn to a more detailed consideration of the coke discharge system and use FIG. 18. which shows the lower opening system 5a in the open position. The outlet sleeve 59. which is shown partially extended from the working surface 107. shows the interaction between the exhaust sleeve 59 and the cover 60. In the normal unloading position, the exhaust sleeve forms a continuous closed channel for releasing coke from the vessel 56 to the working surface 107. to allow coke 64 to fall out of vessel 56. The connection between the connecting pipe 58 and the inlet pipe 57 is open, since the connecting node 63 of the inlet pipe is in the open position. The inlet pipe 57 and the connecting unit 63 are pulled back from the longitudinal axis of the vessel 56 by the drive 85. The connection between the vessel 56 and the flange 5 is also open. The flange 5 is removed from the vessel 56 and is located on the mechanism for moving the shutter 61. releasing a hole in the bottom of the vessel 56 for docking with the outlet sleeve 59. As you can see, the gap 6G) can completely close, so that the upper part of the mechanism for moving the shutter 61 is firmly on the bottom shutter movement 61.

The actuator 65 is remotely actuated, causing a vertical movement of the exhaust sleeve 59. The actuator 65 is attached to the exhaust sleeve 59 at point 66 and to the working surface 107 on the strut 70. In this embodiment, hydraulic cylinders are used as the actuator 65. Although not shown, the drive 65 may be any flexible drive having different advantages, for example, cable or chain.

When the exhaust sleeve 59 moves upward in the vertical direction, the upper bearings 67 of the sleeve come into contact with the floor panels 68 attached to the movable covers 60, causing the covers 60 to rotate around axis 69 until the covers 60 are fully deployed, allowing access to the exhaust sleeve 59 to the vessel 56. Since the outlet sleeve 59 is close to the vessel 56, it is possible to install bearings at the ends 71 of the flooring panels 68 and the uprights 70 to direct the movement of the outlet sleeve 59 to a position that creates a closed channel from the vessel 56 to the work surface 107. The bearings mounted on the ends of the 71, would work as a stop limiting the movement of the covers 60 and not allowing the cover 60 unnecessarily turn the open position.

Otherwise, when the outlet sleeve 59 is folded, the lower bearings of the sleeve 67 are in contact with the floor panels 68 at the ends 71, causing the covers 60 to rotate about an axis 69 until the covers 60 are attached to the working surface 107, as shown in FIG. 2. Moreover, the covers 60 and the flooring panels 68 are designed so that it is possible to manually open the covers 60 when the outlet sleeve 69 is located on the working surface 107. Secondary manual control is provided as a precaution for the outlet sleeve 59 to duplicate the remote control 65 .

An advantage of such a remotely controlled deployment of the outlet sleeve is that the outlet sleeve actuators 65 can also actuate the cap 60. No local intervention is required. In addition, in a similar manner, the outlet sleeve 59 or 59a is remotely deployed, centered, and connected to the vessel 56.

In FIG. 20 vessel 56 is prepared for unloading. Here, another embodiment of remote deployment of the exhaust sleeve 59a and opening of the cover 60, if any, is demonstrated. In this case, a single drive, gate 115, replaces a plurality of drives 65 in FIG. 18, simplifying the lower opening system 5a. The outlet sleeve 59a is a telescopic version of the outlet sleeve 59. The actuators 116 are shown, but are not necessary. At least one line of the cable 114, controlled by the gate 115, is in contact with the outlet sleeve 59a. When the gate 115 wraps the cable (s) 114, the exhaust sleeve 59a rises up to the vessel 56.

The cap 60 may be made to cover the outlet sleeve 59a, as discussed above. It can also be driven by drive 116.

FIG. 21 is a further illustration of the deployment of the exhaust sleeve 59a and the opening of the cover 60, if any, as well as the operation of the cable (s) 114, gate 115 and drive 116.

The outlet sleeve 59a is shown in an elevated position for subsequent articulation with the flange 10. The remote-controlled gate 115 selects the free length of the cable (s) 114, which is passed through a plurality of brackets 119 located around the perimeter of the outlet sleeve 59a, thereby lifting it. Staples 119 may contain rollers. A particular advantage of this variant of the device is its easy adaptability and self-centering. Self-centering is manifested in the fact that the gravitational force tends to shift the outlet sleeve to the lowest position allowed by the cable (s) 114. This ensures the relative alignment of the outlet sleeve 59a with the vessel 56 and, thus, with the connecting unit 62. When the outlet sleeve 59a reaches the open of the connecting unit 62, the beveled rim 117 enters the beveled groove 14 on the clamping segments 7. The flexibility of the cables 114 allows a rough alignment of the outlet sleeve 59 or 59a in a position corresponding to the closure of the connecting unit 62 along the rim 118 the flange of the exhaust sleeve 59. The nature of this type of connection predicts the reliability of the connection of the exhaust sleeve 59 or 59A with the vessel 56.

When closing the connecting unit 62, the beveled chamfer 13b of the clamping segments 7 together with the beveled rim flange 118 allows the connecting unit 62 to capture and fix the inaccurately centered outlet sleeve 59 or 59a. Such a gripping nature is particularly useful since it guarantees the reliability of the remote connection of the outlet sleeve 59 or 59a to the vessel 56. It is equally applicable to the options depicted in FIG. 21a and 21b, 21c and 216. and 22.

The cover 60 can be adapted to close the exhaust sleeve 59a, whereby they can be separated and parted by the same gate 115.

Until now, there have been no devices remotely connecting the exhaust sleeve to the vessel 56, and therefore they are semi-automatic and dangerous.

The cable (s) 114 can be picked up to free up space for workers by removing the cable (s) 114 in place from the brackets 119 when it is safe. Such an operation can also be performed remotely. This remote operation 41 is illustrated by one of the options shown in FIG. 21a, 21b, 21c and 216. FIG. 22 shows another method for remotely releasing an outlet sleeve that does not require in-place intervention.

Outlet sleeves 59 or 59a may include a rim 118 on the flange that allows the connecting unit 62 to center and dock to the vessel 56. The remotely controlled deployment, alignment and docking of the outlet sleeve 59a to the vessel 56 is much safer than in previous versions.

The drawing of FIG. 21a, substantially similar to FIG. 21, illustrates another embodiment of the deployment of the outlet sleeve 59a and the opening of the cover 60, if any, as well as the action of the cable (s) 114, gate 115 and drive 116.

The outlet sleeve 59a is shown elevated for subsequent articulation with the flange 10. A gate 115 with a remote drive selects the free length of the cable (s) 114, which (e) passes through at least one excited magnet 137, mounted on platforms 138 located around the perimeter exhaust sleeves 59a. Shortening the cable leads to the rise of the exhaust sleeve 59a.

Pad 138 is shown with a notch to show its attachment to the outlet sleeve 59a. Its design allows the exhaust sleeve to be fully extended with a collar 115 to the flange 10.

The cover 60 can be adapted to close the exhaust sleeve 59a, and they can be separated and parted by the same gate 115.

In FIG. 21b shows a magnet 137, an outlet sleeve 59a, and a cover 60 brought into an idle state without interfering in place.

The cable 114 in FIG. 21a 21b covers the magnet 137, passing through the roller and allowing the magnet 137 to move to the midpoint of the cable 114 and center relative to the pad 138 on the sleeve.

In FIG. 21c and 216, substantially similar to FIGS. 21a and 21b, respectively, another embodiment is shown. Magnets 137 simply attach to the ends of cable 114 and remain movable.

An advantage of remotely controlled deployment of the outlet sleeve 59a and opening of the cover 60, if any, is that the drives of the outlet sleeve 59a and the cover 60 can be the same. In addition, the same gate 115 may open the cover 60 and deploy the exhaust sleeve 59a, replacing multiple exhaust sleeve drives and cover drives. This makes maintenance easier and reduces cost. In FIG. 22 the lower opening system is similar to the system in FIG. 21. The figure shows the vessel 56 in preparation for unloading and illustrates another embodiment of the remotely controlled deployment, alignment and docking of the outlet sleeve 59a to the vessel 56, as well as the remotely controlled opening of the cover 60, if any.

Remote operation of the cable (s) 114 and gate 115 in FIG. 21 is replaced by a cable (s) 120 and a shoulder 121 of a hinge 122. The cable (s) 120 encircles the outlet sleeve 59a through a plurality of brackets 119 placed around the outlet sleeve 59a. When the actuators 116 rotate the hinge arms 121 up to the vessel 56, the cable (s) 120 move out of their unused position under the working surface 107. As the center of gravity of the device 123 on the cable 116 rises due to the actuation of the hinge arms 121, the hinge arms catch the brackets

119 on the outlet sleeve 59a, lifting it up to the vessel 56 in an adaptable, self-centering manner.

The outlet sleeve 59a is partially raised by the actuators 116 and will fit into the coupling assembly 62. It will be centered and docked to the vessel 56 in the previously described manner. The actuators 116 rotate the arms 121 around the hinge 122, and the force through the arms 121 of the hinges is transmitted to the cable (s) 120. The shoulders of the hinges can be of any design, including a trellis cover or simply tabs that can open outside the area of the connecting node 62. The cable (s) 120 and the corresponding bracket 119 are connected to the shoulders 121 of the opposite hinges. They rotate upward toward the joint 62, thereby raising the outlet sleeve 59a for fitting to the flange 10. When the connecting unit 62 closes around the flanges 10 and 118, the outlet sleeve 59a is centered and joined to the flange 10 located on the vessel 56.

The difference between this embodiment and the embodiment in FIG. 20 and 21 consists in the deployment and folding of the cable (s). The cable (s) 120 themselves go under the work surface 107 when the actuators 116 are actuated to lower the outlet sleeve 59a and close the cover 60, if any. Cable (s) 120 may be loaded and / or spring loaded by device 123 to wind opposite ends of cable

120 to or to device 123, enabling their remote deployment or coagulation.

The advantage of such a remotely controlled deployment of the exhaust sleeve 59a and cover 60, if present, is that separate drives for the exhaust sleeve 59a and cover 60 are not needed. In addition, in a passive state, the system is located under the work surface 107, without interfering with the workers, and interference not required on site.

In FIG. 23 shows another remote opening cover 125. The cover 125, open by at least one drive 116, consists of at least one floor panel

126. A plurality of flooring panels 126, layered 43 on top of each other in a flattened state, can be opened to form a partial or full channel between the working surface 107 and the vessel 56 and allowing the material to be discharged.

This option is especially useful when applied with a shutter movement mechanism that tilts or rotates, thereby controlling the direction of material flow from the vessel 56 through the floor panels 126 and the lower opening 112.

At least one cover 125 must be retracted to deflect the flow 128 into the opening 112 in the working surface 107, as shown in FIG. 29. The cover 125 interacts with a valve movement mechanism 113, which tilts and lowers the flange 5. This movement controls the direction of flow from the vessel 56 through the cover 125 and the lower opening 112.

In another embodiment (not shown), at least two of the flooring panels 126, together with the flange 5, opening by turning on a hinge around the vessel 56, form a closed channel for flow 128. This design requires a space between the level of the flange 10 and the working surface 107, so that flange 5 could open by turning. This option is especially useful for vessels with bulk content.

To consider an alternative embodiment of the shutter movement mechanism 113, FIG. from 24 to 28. The mechanism for moving the shutter 113 is placed by the base 129 on the supporting platform 105 of the vessel. The shutter moving mechanism 113 can also be flipped over and placed on the working surface 107. However, the working surface 107 is sometimes not strong enough to withstand the force created by the shutter moving mechanism 113 when it presses the flange 5 against the flange 10, so it should be located in such circumstances on a supporting platform.

The movement of the flange 5 is similar to the movement of the shutter movement mechanism 113, which moves the flange 5 vertically up and down, as well as to and from the longitudinal axis of the drum 56. Its vertical movement automatically and metered deflects the flange 5 relative to the flange 10.

The flange 5 moves vertically relative to the practically stationary vessel 56. This allows the flange 5 to be lowered enough to release the connection unit 62. At least one elevator 145 can be constructed to press the flange 5 against the vessel 56 with a force sufficient to overcome the load of contents the vessel 56 to the flange 5. This force seals the connection of the flange 5 with the flange 10 or 10 0a on the vessel 56.

The base 129 may be fixed or rotatable. This, as shown in FIG. 25 allows the flange 5, resting on the shutter movement, to rotate in a direction 147 around the base 129. On the base 129 are a plurality of support brackets 131 that can form at least one support 139. These elements form a table or surface to support the cover .

Each console 131 has at least one slot 132 adjacent to a plurality of rollers 133 rotating around axles 136. The rollers are closed by a clip 134. FIG. 26 shows a cross section of the rollers 133. A plurality of axles, such as 136, may be passed from supports 135 to clips 134 through slots 132.

The coordinate system is shown in FIG. 24 to facilitate the subsequent discussion. The positive direction of the Ζ axis is toward the observer, and the planes ΧΖ and ΥΖ are perpendicular to the page.

The components of forces and moments applied to the rails 130 in the plane ΧΖ and / or плоскости experience the reaction of the rollers 142 rotating around the axes 140. The rollers 142 closed in FIG. 24 are clearly visible in FIG. 25 and 26. Rollers 142 are placed in multiple channels 146 on rails 130.

The components of forces and moments applied to the rails 130 in the plane ΧΖ experience the reaction of the rollers 143 located on the axles 141 in the channels 146. The axles 140 and 141 have heads 144 that prevent them from rotating, since they are attached to supports 135.

The components of forces and moments applied to the rails 130 and experiencing the reaction of the rollers 142 and 143 are transmitted on the axes 140 and 141, respectively. Since the axles 140 and 141 are located on the supports 135, the components of the forces and moments are transmitted further to them.

The components of forces and moments in the plane ΧΥ are transmitted to the rollers 133 and axis 136. The rollers

133 are in contact with slots 132 in the supporting consoles 131, transmitting these components of forces and moments to the base 129.

The components of forces and moments in the plane ΧΖ and / or ΥΖ are transmitted to the rollers 133, clips

134 and a support 135 onwards to the supporting consoles 131 and the base 129.

Lifts 145 are shown in FIG. 26 in a lower position. In practice, these are hydraulic cylinders fixed between the base 129 and the axles 136. Under the action of the hoists 145, almost all the parts containing the shutter 113 are raised or lowered vertically. Parts that do not move vertically are the base 129, the supporting arms 131 and the cross member 139.

The downward movement is limited by the interaction of the rollers 133 with the bottom of the slots 132. Thus, there is no need for movement stops.

FIG. 24, 25, and 26 show the lid transport device 113 in a lower position allowing the flange 5 to exit the connection unit 62 when it is displaced relative to the longitudinal axis of the vessel 56 by the actuator 148. FIG. 27 and 28 show the opposite, upper position of the transport device 113. FIG. 25 and 28 are almost the same, as in FIG. 24 and 27. When the shutter is placed on the shutter movement mechanism, the shutter movement mechanism is actuated moving from and to the vessel 56.

When the flange 5 is lowered by the gate movement mechanism 113, it can move relative to the longitudinal axis of the vessel 56, making a hole in the bottom of the vessel 56 for flow 128. This can be done by means of a hinged base 129, or it can be deflected by the drive 148. For example, the drive (s) 148 is a hydraulic pump that closes the rails 130 with the gear rack 149 with the gear 150. The gear rack 149 and the gear 150 are located at the top of the rails 130. However, in practice they can also be located at the bottom of the rail 130 to ensure cleanliness. FIG. 30 illustrates such a movement where the rails 130, in this case under the vessel 56a, can be fully actuated to extend under the vessel 56b, allowing the gate movement mechanism 113 to serve more than one vessel and expanding its purpose.

The movement of the shutter movement mechanism 113 from and to the longitudinal axis of the vessel 56 provided by the actuator (s) 148 is limited by stoppers 153, so there is no need for displacement sensors.

If the vessels 56a and 56b are far away, the plurality of bases 129 supporting the consoles 131 and supports 135 together with all the necessary rollers, axles and motors must be in contact with the rails 130.

The studs 165 meet with the flange 5 in a tenon-groove manner similar to that shown in FIG. 3. Such a device centers the shutter movement mechanism 113 relative to the flange 5 and prevents the shutter movement mechanism 113 from slipping off.

The springs 154 form a compression level for the top of the rails 130 when the flanges 5 and 10 come into contact and when the shutter movement mechanism 113 compresses them together. In FIG. 24, 25 and 26, the shutter movement mechanism is in the lowered position. Spring 154 is released to tilt flange 5, thereby controlling the magnitude and direction of flow 128. Such a function could also be enabled, but a reduced number of remote controls simplifies the present invention.

In FIG. 24, 25 and 26, cams 151 are apart. Their action is better seen when the shutter movement 113 is raised. The difference between FIG. 25 and 28 show the next moment. A vertical upward movement of the shutter movement 113 is used to automatically tighten and release the flange 5 with the handle 166, closing the lock 161. An advantage of this option is that the lock 161 automatically tightens the flange 5, preventing it from sliding off the rails 130, and automatically releases it when the transport device 113 positions it so that a lockable coupling unit 62 grips it. This tightening and releasing is activated by vertical movement of the shutter movement mechanism 113 and is carried out automatically without human intervention, which eliminates subjective errors that could injure a person or damage the shutter movement mechanism 113. Such a function could also be involved, but a reduced number of remote controls simplifies the present invention.

In FIG. 25, the flange 5 is tightened, since the lock 161, brought by the spring 163 into a gripping state, is in the closing position with respect to the handle 166 on the lower surface of the flange 5. In FIG. 28 shows a reverse open position. So, the lock 161 is pulled back from the handle 166.

When the held flange 5 is raised by the shutter 113 moving mechanism to the flange 10, the cam 151 closest to the cross member 139 comes into contact with it at the moment when the flange 5 is in the catching position of the locking joint 62. When the cam 151 engages, it pushes the lock 161 away from itself, releasing the flange 5 for engagement by the connecting unit 62, as shown in FIG. 28. The cam 151 rotates about an axis 152 on a stop 153.

When the flange 5 is fixed to the vessel 56 by the connecting unit 62, the shutter movement mechanism 113 is lowered. When lowering, the cam 151 disengages, and the springs 163 push the locks 161 back into the holding position. However, at this moment, the flange 5 is fixed on the vessel 56 and does not lower with the mechanism for moving the shutter 113. If the shutter is not fixed on the vessel 56, then it is held on the mechanism for moving the shutter 113 by the lock 161 and is lowered.

On the rods 156 put on sleeves 157, mounted on the rods 156 with screws 158 with the possibility of adjustment. Here, the linkage gears 159 are rotated about the axis 160 in accordance with the movement of the rod 156. The linkage gears 159 are connected to the pins 161 by a slot, therefore, they engage the pins 161 only at the end of the stroke 167. The linkage gears 159 also engage with the bushings 157 by the slot.

25, the support consoles 131, rail supports 135, clips 134 and lifts 145 are symmetrical with respect to the rails 130. Obviously, the rails 130 can serve two vessels 56, since the spring 154, the locks 161, the stops 153, the cams 151 and the studs 165 are symmetrical relative to the middle of the rails 130.

FIG. 29, 30, 31, and 32 are substantially similar and show the relative position of the mechanism for moving the shutter 113 and the vessel 56a and / or 56b. The connecting assembly 63, which fits into the flange 78, is not shown in these figures for simplicity.

In FIG. 29, the vessel 56a is prepared for unloading. The flange 5 is remotely released by the diluted connecting unit 62 and is fixed on the mechanism of movement of the shutter 113, which tilts and lowers the flange 5 from the hole in the bottom of the vessel 56A. The magnitude and direction of the flow 128 of bulk coke and water from the vessel 56a are controlled by the position of the flange 5. The change in position of the flange 5 produced by the movement of the shutter movement mechanism 113 controls the flow 128.

Stream 128 is directed to at least one floor panel 126 that has been opened by drive 116. Multiple floor panels 126 may be used to deflect stream 128 into opening 112.

The remotely controlled movement produced by the actuator 148 when the flange 5 is fed under the vessel 56a is stopped because the stop 153 has come into contact with the cross member 139.

For the vessel 56b, the flange 5 is hermetically joined to the flange 10 on the vessel 56B, with a closed and closed connection unit 62. The holding handle 166 is located on the flange 5 and extends below the connection unit 62.

Outlet sleeves 59 and 59a are stored under the working surface 107. The panel 127 is removable and designed to serve the drive 116.

FIG. 30 illustrates the remotely controlled opening of the flooring panel 126 and the remotely controlled movement of the flange 5 and the shutter 113 moving mechanism by the actuators 148 of the rails 130 and the flange 5 from the longitudinal axis of the drum 56a, thereby opening a hole in the bottom of the vessel 56a.

In FIG. 31, the flange 5 is moved further from the vessel 56 to deploy the outlet sleeve 59a to the flange 10 on the vessel 56a. The outlet sleeve 59a will be fully deployed, gripped, centered, and secured to the vessel 56a as described above.

Here, the hinge arms 121 and cables 120 are driven by actuators 116 to raise the exhaust sleeve 59a.

A coupling assembly 62 located around the vessel 56a is open to receive the outlet sleeve 59a. The connecting unit 62 on the vessel 56a is closed and closed.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 32. FIG. 32 is substantially similar to FIG. 29.

But here an additional degree of freedom of the transport device 113 allows you to rotate the flange 5 in the direction 168. This is achieved by splitting the support consoles 131 into many parts and hinging them together by hinges 170. The movement in direction 168 is remotely controlled by integrating at least one drive 169 between the base 129 and supporting consoles 131 or between different parts of consoles 131. In this embodiment, safety cables restrict movement in the direction of 168.

In FIG. 33 shows an embodiment of the present invention of a coking inlet pipe system 72. The connecting unit 63 is almost identical to the above-described connection 62, holding the flange and containing clamps. As noted above, this embodiment includes a clamp holding the flange, wherein the clamp is divided into a plurality of clamp segments. Those skilled in the art will see the practical identity of the embodiment of the connecting assembly 63 in comparison with the connecting assembly 62, which connects the flange 5 to the flange 10 at the bottom of the drum. Here, the connecting node 63 connects the inlet pipe 57 to the connecting pipe 58. The connecting node 63 contains a latch, a drive and a flange on the clamp, identical to the connection 62, although instead of joining the flange 5 and the flange 10, the connecting node 62 joins the two flanges 77 and 78, practically similar to flange 10. FIG. 2-4a are also suitable for the connecting unit

63. The connecting nodes 62 and 63 are the same, apart from the distinctive innovations and characteristics specific to the connecting node 62, which is discussed below. Since the connecting nodes 62 and 63 are almost the same, in FIG. 33 and 34, sections and small details already discussed above are not given. The same parts in FIG. 33 and 34 are denoted identically to the corresponding parts in FIG. 2-13.

In another form, the clamps 7 may consist of two segments with external protrusions. Experts will appreciate that due to the small size of the parts of the inlet pipe, the weight of the workpiece and, consequently, the cost will decrease in the manufacture of clamping segments 7 by forming forging. The forgings will look like a segmented ring with external protrusions. Channels 23 terminate at shoulders 31 and 32 formed by these external protrusions. The shoulders 31 and 32 are necessary, since the energy stored in the bolts 8 acts on the shoulders 31 and 32, thereby making an airtight dock. The connecting nodes 62 and 63 have clamping segments 7, machined from an annular forging with a slot without external protrusions.

The shoulders 31 and 32 are formed by the transition of the hollow channels 23 and 29.

The connecting nodes 62, 63 and 88 can be made by manufacturing external protrusions on an annular forging with a slot, giving it a shape with external protrusions. The design of the arms 31 and 32 in the inner or outer protrusions is usually determined by the reaction of parts or stress analysis.

The conical portion of the vessel 56, shown in several figures and extending below the vessel support platform 105, experiences significant thermal expansion between the unloading and coking processes. The process of unloading (decoking) is a hardening process, while the coking process is a process with an exceptionally high temperature (900-1000 ° P). This thermal expansion shifts the inlet pipe closer to the working surface 107. Therefore, a device is needed to accommodate this thermal expansion.

Turning to FIG. 33-35. A plurality of spring pendants 79 are designed to support the weight of the inlet pipe 57 and the connecting unit 63. The spring pendants 79 are adjustable to provide a suitable balancing force. Suspension brackets 79 serve to vertically center flanges 77 and 78 when they are free and open. They also serve to allow the flanges to move closer to the working surface 107 due to thermal expansion. Spring suspensions (not shown) can also be used in a similar manner on the inlet pipe to ensure that the axial parts are aligned horizontally. These suspensions will be deployed approximately 90 ° from the vertical suspensions 79. They should provide an adjustable centering force that centers the horizontal flanges 77 and 78 in the open state. Two suspensions 79 can be used in the vertical and horizontal planes, ensuring the alignment of the flanges 77 and 78 in both planes. In addition, the suspensions can be remotely actuated remotely from the suspensions, automatically aligning the flange 77 on the inlet pipe with the flange 78 on the side of the drum in horizontal and vertical planes so that these flanges can be reliably remotely joined by the connecting unit 63. The exact alignment shown in FIG. 2 and 3 can be introduced by means of suspensions in order to more reliably guarantee automatic alignment of flanges 77 and 78.

Turning to FIG. 33-35 and focus on FIG. 35. Suspension brackets 79 may be of any known design providing an adjustable balancing force to center flanges 77 and 78. In addition, it is preferable that the brackets allow distance alignment. The centering pendants 79 of the present embodiment consist of a threaded rod 79a, a bearing 79b, springs 79c, a spherical bearing 796, a spherical bearing 79e, a coupling device 79 £ and an adjusting device 79d. The adjusting device 79d connects the inlet pipe 57 to the suspensions 79. The springs 79c providing the balancing force are clamped by the bearings 79b and the spherical bearings 796. The balancing force is controlled by the rotation of the threaded mechanism 79d around the threaded rod 79a, which compresses and loosens the springs 79c. Parts 796 and 79e are in contact on opposite spherical surfaces 7911. Spherical surfaces reduce bending stresses in parts 79a when they are rotated on a spherical surface. The rotation occurs due to the movement of the inlet pipe 57, mounted on a connecting mechanism £ 79, relative to parts 79e, which, in turn, are mounted on a fixed supporting frame 80. The fastener allows the separation of the connected parts.

The support frame 80 has channels for the support rods 79a. The channels are designed so that there is sufficient clearance to ensure that the support rods 79a do not coincide with the corresponding channels when the support rods rotate relative to parts 79e. Frame 80 acts as an anchor. The frame 80 is designed to resist the forces acting on the frame from the side of the suspensions 79 and the drive 85. The frame 80 is screwed to the elevated platforms 82 with bolts 83, rigidly fixed to the working surface 107.

The pendants 79 are attached to the pusher rails 84 with a £ 84 beam and projections 84e. The pusher guides 84 are securely attached to the inlet pipe 57 as a result of one-piece fabrication, or in another acceptable manner. In one embodiment, the pusher guides 84 comprise bushings 84a, pins 84b, front stops 84c, rear stops 846, protrusions 84e and the mounting beam 84 £ The mounting beam 84 £ is a structural unit that rigidly fixes the parts 84 to each other and to the inlet pipe 57. The mounting beam made as a whole with the inlet pipe 57, but can be attached to the inlet pipe 57 with a removable lock. The cylindrical rods 84b run in cylindrical bushings 84a and transmit the movement to the inlet pipe 57. The front stops 846 and the rear stops 84c are attached to the rods 84b with the possibility of adjustment. The rods are attached to the base 74. The rods 84b support the weight of the connecting unit 63 and direct its movement back and forth along the inlet pipe 57. This makes it possible to move the clamping segments 7 fixed to the base 74 and the inlet pipe 57. Thus, the inlet pipe 57 and the connecting the assembly 63 can be shifted to or away from the connecting pipe 58. Moving away from the connecting pipe 58, the inlet pipe 57 and the connecting assembly 63 are moved away from the interface plane of the flanges 77 and 78, thereby freeing the rim 11 of the flanges. The movement causes the flanges 77 and 78 to move relative to each other and either seal or disconnect the channel. An actuator 85 connected to the base 74 on the protrusions 74a and to the frame 80 by a mounting mechanism 85a serves to transmit movement to the inlet pipe docking system 72 described above. The drive 85 is controlled mainly remotely.

The inlet pipe 57 and the connecting unit 63 are driven by the same drive 85. The drive 85 moves the clamping segments 7 relative to the flanges 77 and 78. This action separates the rims of the flanges 77 and 78 from each other. When the actuator 85 is remotely turned on, the rods 84b go back and forth in the bushings 84a and hold the weight of the connecting unit 63. The front stops 846 and the rear stops 84c, which are adjustable on the rods 84b, limit the movement of the rods 84b in the bushings 84a. The inlet pipe 57 is moved forward and backward by the actuator 85 so that the clearance 86 shown in FIG. 34 is controlled. This clearance 86 is necessary to disconnect the inlet pipe 57 from the vessel 56 and move the flange 5 and the connecting pipe 58 away from the bottom opening of the vessel 56. The clearance 86 increases when the actuator 85 pushes the connection unit 63 until the front stops 846 touch the bushings 84a, fixed to the inlet pipe 57. The stops 84b cannot pass through the bushings 84a. The movement of the actuator 85 is transmitted to the inlet pipe 57, thereby increasing the gap 86. The size of the gap 86 becomes smaller when the connecting unit 63 is moved forward so that the rear stops 84c reach the bushings 84a, thereby moving the inlet pipe 57 forward.

In FIG. 36-41 provides a detail of the upper opening system 90. It comprises a connection unit 88, which in turn contains the same clamps holding the flange as the connection units 62 and 63 described previously.

The connecting unit 88 has a latch, a drive and a flange for gripping the surface of the segments. These parts are almost identical to those of the connecting unit 62. The connecting nodes 62 and 88 are the same, with the exception of the distinctive innovations and characteristics specific to the connecting node 88, which will be discussed below. Since compounds and 88 are almost identical, FIG. 36-41 do not contain cuts and small parts already described above. Similar details are indicated in FIG. 3641, as in FIG. 2-15.

The upper opening system 90 is shown in a plan view in FIG. 36 and a side view in FIG. 37. The clamping segments 7, securely fixed by bolts 8, are in the closed position, creating a tight barrier between the flange 91 and the adapter flange 92.

Removing and returning the top drum cover occurs by folding the flange 91 from and to the vessel 56 on the hinge. It should be noted that other forms of removal and return are possible, such as a shift of the flange 91 or a crane type device for raising and lowering the flange 91. It should also be noted that there is no need for the lid to be on top of the vessel 56, it can be on any outer surface of the vessel 56.

In the present embodiment, the flange 91 is rotated around the axis 93 by the actuator 94. The actuator 94 moves the flange 91 from the coking position, FIG. 36 and 37 to the loading position shown in FIG. 38 and FIG. 39. The flange 91 is connected to the actuator 94 by the rocker arms 95. The rocker arms 95 and the flange 91 are advantageously manufactured as a unit, but they can be fastened in any other reliable way, for example with bolts. The actuator 94 is a hydraulic cylinder with a front stem having lateral axes entering the slots 96 on the edge of the rocker arm 95. End plates 97 are attached to the rocker arms, fixing the actuator 94 to the rocker arms 95. When the actuator 94 is turned on, the slots 96 and the axes on the actuator 94 rotate each other relative to a friend. Axis 93 is attached to beam 95 and rests in sockets 96a. Axis 93 is held in sockets 96a by end plates 97a. The axis 93 rotates relative to the fixed sockets 96a, which are cut in the uprights 98. The uprights 98 are attached to the base 74, thereby fixing the position of the axis 93 relative to the center of the adapter flange 92. This ensures that the flange 91 will return to its original closed position after turning. The posts 99 attached to the base 74 have openings 99a for the drive pin 94a. However, it should be noted that for the actuation of the flange 91 there are several methods and means that should be obvious to specialists.

The connection unit of the upper opening system 90 is opened by a remotely actuated drive 27 unscrewing the bolts 8. This weakens the pressure between the ear nuts 24 and the locking plates 33. This action allows the actuator 41 to remotely turn the locking plates 33 to the open position, as shown in FIG. 38 and 39. When the locking plates 33 are released from the nuts 24, the actuators 27 move the clamping segments 7 to the open position, as shown in FIG. 38 and 39. When the clamping segments 7 are open, they release the upper transition flange 92 and the upper flange of the drum 91, allowing the flange 91 to rotate freely around the axis socket 96a when the actuator 94 is remotely turned on.

In FIG. 37, it can be seen that the equipment described above and containing the clamp base 74 or attached to the clamp base 74 is a self-contained unit that can be removed and installed as a unit. The assembly is attached to the upper transition flange 92 and the upper flange 100 by the fastener 101. As shown in FIG. 38, the channel 102 in the support plate is sufficient to pass through the adapter flange 92 when the aforementioned self-contained unit is removed.

In FIG. 38 and 39, the upper opening system 90 is shown in a plan view of FIG. 38 and in side view of FIG. 39. The upper opening system 90 is shown in the open position. The upper flange 91 is hinged to the open vertical position by the actuator 94. Remote activation of the actuator 94, movably attached to the rocker arms 95, causes the rocker arm 95 and flange 91 to rotate from horizontal to vertical.

The contents 64, which will be removed from the vessel 56, are visible through the hole 92a in the vessel. The flange 91 is removed from the hole 92a of the drum. The clamping segments 7 are in the open state, allowing the flange 104 of the drill head or the centering flange 178 to be lowered onto the upper transition flange 92.

FIG. 40 illustrates a unique device for inserting a tool into a vessel and for sealing and operating the tool inside the vessel. An instrument inserted into the vessel is sealed from the outside atmosphere and operates in the vessel.

In FIG. 40, the drill head flange 104 and the drill head 103 are lowered into the drum bore 92a (shown in FIG. 38) when the drill rod 89 is lowered. When the drill head 103, mounted on the drill rod 89, enters the vessel 56 through the hole 92a in the drum, the drill head flange 104 located on the drill head comes into contact with the upper adapter flange 92. The drill head flange 104 or centering flange 178 cannot go through the hole 92a in the drum and they are separated from the drill head 103. The drill head 103 continues to lower into the vessel 56 through the hole 92a in the drum. The drill head flange 104 and the centering flange 178 have a rim 11 and a chamfer 13a or 13c, allowing the clamping segments 7 to fix the drill head flange 104 or the centering flange 178 on the adapter flange 92. It, in turn, is fixed on the vessel 56. FIG. 2 and 3 illustrate a centering configuration that can be used on the drill head flange 104 and the upper adapter flange 92 that are involved in the alignment. FIG. 40 shows the clamping segments 7 closed on the upper transition flange 92 and the drill head flange 104 when the drill rod 89 passes through the upper opening system.

The drill rod 89 has measuring marks 89a that allow the operator to determine the position of the drill head 103 in the vessel 56. When the vessel 56 is empty of contents 64, the measuring marks 89a show the position of the drill head 103 relative to the upper adapter flange 92. This allows the operator to open the clamping segments 7. when the drill head 103 is lowered.

When the clamping segments 7 are opened, the drill head 103 slowly rises to touch the drill head flange 104, lifting the drill head flange 104 and separating it from the upper adapter flange 92. When the drill head 103 and the drill head flange 104 are raised high enough and released from the upper flange 91 drum, the remote drive 94 rotates the upper flange 104 of the drum to the upper transition flange 92, so that the remote drives 27 can close the clamping segments 7, closing the upper flange 91 of the drum on the upper transition flange 92 e, which closes the receptacle 56. Centering flange 178 is removed from the upper flange 91 in a similar manner.

Despite the fact that the drill is illustrated, the specialist will understand that any type of instrument can be introduced into the vessel and controlled remotely, while the vessel is sealed from the external environment. Gas detectors, agitators, heaters, cooling devices or similar devices can replace the drill in the previous discussion.

The upper opening system 90, described here, is connected to the vessel 56 through the upper transition flange 92. In new installations, the upper transition flange 92 will not be used. This adapter flange allows the modification of previously known hand-bolted flanges.

In FIG. 41, drill head flange 104 is shown in detail. The drill head flange 104 consists of an upper segment 104a, a lower segment 104b, clips 104c and a rubber shock absorber 1046 of the drill head. When tightening, the latches 1 04c tend to close the gap 104 G. directing the rubber shock absorber 1046 of the drill head to the truncated conical surface 104e in the lower segment 104b. The rubber shock absorber 1046 of the drill head is flexible and fills the annular space formed by the outer diameter of the drill rod 89 and a truncated conical surface 1 04e. This acts as a sealing barrier, isolating the internal environment of the vessel from the external environment. The flange 104 of the drill head is easily fixed on the upper transition flange 92, when the clamping segments 7 are closed on the rim 11 of the flange.

The drill head 103 does not pass through the lower segment 1 04b. In order to install the drill head flange 104 on the drill rod 89, the drill rod 89 and the drill head 103 are separated, the drill rod 89 is passed through the drill head flange 104, and the drill head 103 is again mounted on the drill rod 89.

When the shock absorber 1046 of the drill head wears out, it must be replaced. To replace the shock absorber 1046 of the drill head, the drill head flange 104 is removed from the rod 89 and the clips 104c are released so that the upper segment 104a can be easily separated from the lower segment 1 04b. After that, the shock absorber 1046 of the drill head is removed and replaced.

In FIG. 41a, 41b and 41c show in detail the arrangement of the centering flange 178. The centering flange 178 is similar to the drill head flange 104. The centering flange 178 consists of a lower segment 178a, an upper segment 178b and latches 178c. The latches 178c fasten the lower segment 178a and the upper segment 178b. It should be noted, however, that the centering flange 178 may be integral.

The centering flange 178 is mounted on the adapter flange 92 or on the vessel 56 when the drill rod begins to lower into the vessel 56, and is separated from the adapter flange 92 or on the vessel 56 when the drill rod is removed from the vessel 56. The interaction of the centering flange 178 with the upper opening system 90 almost analogous to the interaction of the drill flange 104, which was discussed above. The centering flange 178 is placed and fixed on the vessel 56 or to the adapter flange 92, and then, on the contrary, is opened and removed from the vessel 56 or from the adapter flange 92. The drill head 103 or other structural element, such as lifting plates 186 attached to the drill rod 89 is used so that the centering flange 178 can at some point be lifted from the vessel 56 or adapter flange 92 by moving the drill rod 89 upward. When the drill head 103 and drill rod 89 are lowered into the vessel 56, this structural element T is separated from the centering flange 178 when the alignment flange 178 is installed on the vessel 56 or on the adapter plate 92, as shown in FIG. 41s

Lift plates 186 located on the drill rod 89 center and support the centering flange 178 when the drill rod 89 is outside the vessel 56. Cones 187 on the lift plates 186 center the centering flange 178 relative to the drill rod 89, ensuring proper connection to the upper opening system 90.

The outer diameter 179 of the drill rod 89 is covered by an inner diameter 180 of the upper segment 178b, which is fixed practically in the center of the lower segment 178a by the latches 178c. The lower segment 178a is easily attached to the upper transition flange 92 or directly to the vessel 56 when the clamping segments 7 are closed on the rim 11 of the lower segment 178a. When the clamping segments 7 are closed on the lower segment 178a and the upper segment 178b is attached to the lower segment 178a, the drill rod 89 and the hole 92a in the drum are practically aligned. This is very useful for drilling unloaded coke drums, as it controls the displacement of the drill rod and ensures uniform crushing of coke.

The upper segment 178b is dynamically in contact with the drill rod 89. It would be desirable to make the upper segment 178b of a softer material, since the upper segment 178b is not a pressure holding member like the drill rod 89 and is easily replaced. At the end of the drill rod 189, a drill head 188 is shown.

In coke drums, the pressure stored in the coke layer can be dangerously released during drilling. In known devices, particles along with a jet entraining them dangerously fly out through a hole 92a at the top of the drum when such a release occurs. In the present invention, the centering flange 178 substantially covers the hole 92a in the drum, is secured to the vessel 56 by the clamping segments 7 during drilling, and has screens 1786 that do not interfere with the same release but prevent particles from escaping from the hole 92a.

Let us return to the flange lock containing the connecting nodes 62, 63 and 88. In FIG. 42, a heat exchange system 175 is illustrated. In many cases, manual and automatic couplers are subjected to severe thermal stress. Thermal-coupled joints affect very complex physics inside and out. Millions of dollars have been spent on the analysis and subsequent implementation of connectors designed to take into account the harsh thermal effects. Typically, most designers requiring rigid thermal processes expect an increase in cost. So, they completely abandon the connection nodes. They connect the elements, forming channels of a more constant form. In many cases, however, connecting nodes are necessary and are subject to severe thermal stress.

Thermal effects are of two types: heating in time and cooling in time. Each species creates its own problems. In a typical connection node, at least two elements are channels designed to hold the substance, which is usually the source of heat exposure. Other elements of the connecting unit (load elements) are designed to connect the channels, ensuring tightness.

Due to the fact that the channels are usually the first boundaries exposed to heat, they tend to expand and contract in various ways with respect to the load elements. To complicate matters even further, the individual channels and load elements may be of different materials, the expansion or contraction of which is different at the same temperature. Insulating some or all of the elements adds to the complexity.

Typically, with severe heat exposure, the channels expand more than the load elements. In practice, this leads to the stretching of the channels, which are held by weakly expanding load elements, and creates increased structural stresses in the connecting node. The reverse situation occurs with hard cooling. Then the channels are compressed more than the load elements, worsening the tightness and leading to metal fatigue.

Specialists find the advantages of the present invention and its originality in solving the problem of thermal effects in relation to the connecting nodes.

The invention solves the problem of thermal effects for connecting nodes simply and cheaply. According to the present invention, heat is supplied and removed to and from the elements constituting the connecting nodes in order to eliminate the effects of thermal effects using only a small valve and tubes.

The coke oven embodiment shown in FIG. 42 illustrates the idea of a heat exchange system 175. The heat exchange system 175 comprises an inlet tube 75, a radiator 174, a channel 172, a shield 171, and an outlet tube 76. The vessel 56 is in the coking phase at high temperature for several hours, filled with coke 64, and the quenching cycle is nearing, prior to unloading.

The first function of the heat exchange system 175 is to cool the clamping segments 7 relative to the flanges 5 and 10 without thermal shock. The result of the controlled cooling of the clamping segments 7 is an increase in the force on the flanges 5 and 10. Indeed, a substantial force can be obtained in this way, eliminating the need for retainers 55 that typically provide such force. The clamps 55 of the clamping segments are relatively insensitive to this cooling.

This is done by opening a small valve (not shown) that passes a stream of material with a normal ambient temperature through the inlet tube 75 and through the radiator 174. Since the vessel 56 at this time radiates heat, the substance in the radiator 174 will be heated to a predetermined temperature, less than the temperature of the clamping segments 7. Then this substance leaves the radiator 174 and enters the channel 172, formed by a partition 173 and the internal profile of the clamping segments 7. Heat is removed from the volume of the clamping segments 7 adjacent to the channel at 172, as the substance in the channel 172 receives their heat and leaves through the outlet tube 76. The screen (s) 171 directs the flow in the channel 172.

When the inner central volume of the clamping segments cools, it contracts, increasing the force between the clamp and the flange. The heat exchange system 175 can be used as a prophylactic solution for a short-term hard cooling cycle. In this case, the heat exchange system 175 is activated before cooling the channels (flanges 5 and 10). It cools and compresses the volume of the load elements (clamping segments 7) until the channels are compressed, while maintaining tightness during the cooling cycle. This is an advantage, as it provides a large locking force between the channels and load elements, without leading to a dome-shaped bending of the component elements.

Before heating, on the contrary, the load elements are heated, which prevents excessive structural stresses and thereby increases the service life of the connecting unit.

This option can be used not only for the cooling cycle, but also for sealing the leaking connection. Typically, a leaking joint is sealed by physically tightening the load elements. Here, the load elements are thermally tightened. By changing the number and position of inputs, outputs and screens, you can create a heterogeneous force if necessary.

The monitoring system can sense changes in the effluent, detect heating or cooling, and automatically turn on the heat exchange system to prepare the connection unit.

The design of the flange clamps of the present invention is particularly suitable for the heat exchange system 175, since they can be included in its design at low cost. It can be adapted to the size of the gap 36 between the clamping segments 7 by using an overlapping section in the channel. This overlapping section will reflect the stream 128 from the clamps 55 of the clamping segments, increasing reliability.

A heat exchange system can be designed for any type of connection, including standard bolt flanges. It can be designed to adjust the temperature of the load elements with respect to the channels or vice versa. Specialists will understand that this option can take many forms according to the type of compounds and conditions.

FIG. 43 shows a preferred embodiment of steam cleaning 183. A cleaning agent, such as steam, can be transferred through channel 172 to internal inlets 184 in partition 173. The internal entrances 184 lead the cleaning agent to the contacting surfaces between the clamping segments 7 and the flanges 5 and 10 or 10a and to the contacting surfaces between the gasket 9 and the flanges 5 and 10 or 10a. External leads 185 lead to areas where the latches 55 are in contact with the clamp segments 7, so that the contact surfaces between the elements of the clamp 55 and the clamp segments 7 can be cleaned. Inputs 184 and outputs 185 can be designed for different intensities and jet directions. The findings 185 are deployed relative to the horizontal position.

Specialists can give many examples where such a system can significantly reduce the cost of the structure.

All of the above options can be used together in whole or in part. A connection other than that described herein may also be used with other embodiments of the invention proposed in this application, and any type of conveying device for the flange may be used with the flange clamps described herein.

The above options can be adapted for remote control. They will remain applicable for manual control in case of automation failure.

With the description of the above invention, those skilled in the art will find various changes in methods, procedures, materials, and equipment. It is assumed that all such changes in the framework and spirit of the following claims are covered by it.

Claims (35)

CLAIM 1. A system for controlling a vessel, comprising: at least one mechanism for moving the shutter to remove the shutter of the vessel from the opening in the vessel, the mechanism for moving the shutter, at least partially, is remotely controlled; at least one connecting unit for sealing or depressurizing the vessel, and the connecting unit, at least partially, is remotely controlled; and at least one discharge system for withdrawing contents from the vessel, the discharge system, at least in part, being remotely controlled; and the connecting unit consists of a plurality of clamping segments, which can be moved from the first position to the second position and vice versa, whereby the connecting node is brought into the open state if the clamping segments are in the first position, and a closed, locking state if the clamping segments are in second position; moreover, the clamping segments are in the on state, storing energy, and in the free state, not storing energy, while the on state corresponds to either the first position or the second position, and the free state corresponds to the opposite state; the clamping segments are adapted to be connected by the clamps of the segments and are connected by them, the clamps of the segments consist of elements of the clamp of the segment and can be closed, storing energy in the clamping segments; the clamping segments are connected so that the failure of any individual segment retainer does not lead to the disconnection of the clamping segments or to the failure of the connecting node; and one or more links of the power drive for supplying energy to the clamping segments and the inclusion of at least part of the clamps of the segments; moreover, the links of the drive can be driven from a place remote from the connecting node. 2. The method of using the system according to claim 1, comprising the steps of remotely connecting and docking the inlet pipe to the vessel; remote creation of a hermetic connection of the inlet pipe with the vessel by actuating at least one connecting node. 3. The method of using the system according to claim 1, comprising the steps of remote depressurization of the vessel to the external environment by actuating at least one connecting node, remote removing the shutter from the hole in the vessel using at least one shutter movement mechanism. 4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of remotely removing the contents of the vessel. 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of remotely docking the discharge system containing the outlet sleeve with the vessel to remove contents from the vessel. 6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of introducing the working tool into the vessel through an opening in the vessel. 7. The system according to claim 1, in which the connecting node is adapted to interface with at least one structural unit. 8. The system according to claim 7, in which the structural unit is a coke drum or connected to a coke drum. 9. The method of using the system according to claim 1, comprising the steps of bringing the second structural unit to the vessel; connecting the second structural unit to the vessel by docking the connecting node on the vessel and the second structural unit. 10. The system according to claim 1, additionally containing a shutter of the vessel, adapted for snug fit to the connecting node in order to seal the holes in the vessel when bringing the connecting node into the first closed state. 11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a working tool adapted to be inserted into the vessel through an opening in the vessel; moreover, the working tool is tightly adjacent to the vessel when bringing the connecting node into a closed state. 12. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a device for centering the working tool, which consists of a flange with an opening, the flange being snug against the opening in the vessel and restricting the movement of the working tool, due to which at least part of the working tool passes through the hole in the flange and through the hole in the vessel into the vessel, and the flange is remotely fixed on the vessel. 13. The system according to p. 12, in which the remote fixation of the flange on the vessel serves to center the working tool. 14. The method according to p. 2, in which the step of creating a tight connection of the inlet pipe further includes docking the connecting node on the plug and the vessel. 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the discharge system comprises a work surface with an opening; at least one opening lid covering at least partially an opening in the working surface and movably attached to the working surface; a movable sleeve, in a folded state, located on the side of the working surface opposite to the vessel; an actuator connected to the sleeve for transferring the sleeve from the rolled-up state to the expanded state and vice versa, the sleeve forming a channel from the hole in the vessel through the hole in the surface, whereby the deployment and folding of the sleeve opens and reduces the hole cover. 16. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the steps of remotely turning on the drive connected to the sleeve to transfer the sleeve from the rolled state to the expanded state and vice versa; deploying the sleeve by means of a drive, the sleeve being folded up on the side of the working surface opposite the vessel with the possibility of movement towards the hole in the vessel and through the opening in the working surface, the opening in the working surface is at least partially blocked by at least one cover holes, movably attached to the working surface, and the sleeve in the expanded state forms a channel from the hole to the vessel; opening the sleeve with a hole in the working surface when the sleeve passes through the working surface. 17. The system according to claim 1, in which the unloading system comprises a working surface with a hole; a movable sleeve, in a folded state, located on the side opposite to the vessel from the working surface; at least one hole cover, at least partially, covering the hole in the working surface and movably attached to the working surface; an actuator connected to the hole cover and designed to move the hole cover to and from the hole in the working surface, whereby moving the hole cover transfers the sleeve from the folded state to the expanded state and vice versa, while the sleeve forms a channel from the hole in the vessel through the hole in the working surface. 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the discharge system comprises a sleeve; one or more cables that can be attached to the sleeve to deploy or collapse the sleeve; one or more actuators for applying force to the sleeve in order to either deploy or collapse the sleeve. 19. The system of claim 18, further comprising an overlap with the opening, whereby the sleeve is able to pass through the opening when folding or deploying the drive, at least one floor plate, movably attached to the overlap and located so that at least partially block the opening by means of which the deployment or folding of the co63 sleeve responsibly opens and closes the flooring plate. 20. The system of claim 1, wherein the discharge system comprises a sleeve; one or more drives for applying force to the sleeve, due to which the force either expands or collapses the sleeve; a working surface with an opening, thanks to which the sleeve is able to move through the opening when deployed or rolled up by the drive; at least one flooring plate, movably attached to the ceiling and located so as to at least partially overlap the opening; by which the deployment and folding of the sleeve respectively opens and closes the flooring plate. 21. The system of claim 1, wherein the discharge system comprises a sleeve; a working surface with an opening, due to which the sleeve is able to move through the opening; one or more floor supports movably attached to the working surface and located above the opening; one or more drives for applying force to the floor supports, whereby the force moves the floor supports relative to the working surface; moreover, the floor supports are connected to the sleeve, due to which the movement of the floor supports unfolds and collapses the outlet sleeve relative to the opening. 22. The system of claim 1, wherein the discharge system comprises a work surface with an opening; a plurality of overlapping remotely controlled flooring plates, at least partially covering the opening and movably attached to the working surface; an actuator for remotely opening and closing the flooring plates, and when the flooring plates are open, they form a deflecting screen for the flow of contents removed from the vessel. 23. The system according to item 22, in which the open flooring boards form a channel for the passage of contents between the vessel and the working surface. 24. The system according to claim 1, in which the mechanism for moving the shutter comprises a table for supporting the shutter, a transport mechanism attached to the table and designed to move the table, a guiding device for bringing the table to and away from the vessel. 25. The system according to paragraph 24, in which the table further comprises a grip for gripping and mounting the shutter on the table. 26. The method according to claim 3, in which the step of remotely removing the shutter further comprises the steps of directing and moving at least part of the mechanism for moving the shutter to the shutter, the mechanism for moving the shutter consists of a table for supporting the shutter; a transport mechanism attached to the table for moving the table; a guide device for bringing the table to the shutter and leading away from it; disconnecting the shutter from the vessel, while the shutter is supported by a shutter movement mechanism; moving part of the mechanism for moving the shutter supporting the shutter from the vessel. 27. The system of claim 1, further comprising an inlet pipe having first and second flanges and a longitudinal axis; a connecting unit for mounting the first and second flanges; a clamp moving device attached to the connecting unit and movably attached to the first flange for moving the connecting unit substantially along the longitudinal axis of the first flange; and a centering device attached to the first flange and the connecting unit, whereby the centering device aligns the connecting unit with the first flange in a position in which the connecting unit captures and fixes the first flange. 28. The system according to claim 1, additionally containing an inlet pipe having a first and second flange and a longitudinal axis; a connecting unit for mounting the first and second flanges; a clamp moving device attached to the connecting unit and movably attached to the first flange for moving the connecting unit substantially along the longitudinal axis of the first flange; and a centering device attached to the first flange and the connecting unit, whereby the centering device aligns the connecting unit with the second flange in a position in which the connecting unit captures and fixes the second flange. 29. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of connecting an inlet pipe having a first and second flanges and a longitudinal axis, this step including actuating a clamp moving device attached to the connecting unit and movably attached to the first flange to move the connecting unit almost along the longitudinal axis of the first flange, and the connecting node is adapted for fastening the first and second flanges; combining the connecting unit, the first flange and the second flange with a centering device attached to the first flange and the connecting unit, whereby the centering device aligns the connecting unit with the second flange in a position in which the connecting unit captures and fixes the second flange; connecting the first flange to the second flange by actuating the connecting unit. 30. The system according to claim 1, additionally containing a device for supplying heat to or from the loading mechanism in the connecting node, moreover, this device contains a source of heat-transfer agent having thermal contact with the loading mechanism; a device for supplying a coolant substance, designed to bring the coolant to the load mechanism, due to which the load mechanism is heated or cooled. 31. The system according to claim 1, in which the connecting node can be cleaned by introducing a cleaning substance into the channel for transporting the cleaning substance through the connecting node; supplying the cleaning agent through at least one outlet in the channel to at least one surface of the connecting assembly, whereby the cleaning agent cleans at least a portion of the connecting assembly. 32. The system according to claim 1, in which the connecting unit further comprises at least one channel for transporting the cleaning agent through the connecting node, the channel having at least one outlet for supplying the cleaning substance to the connecting node for cleaning, at least parts of the connecting node. 33. The system according to claim 1, additionally containing a device for adjusting the gap to set the distance between the clamping segments. 34. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of bringing the coolant from the source of the coolant to the connecting unit, whereby the heat exchange between the coolant and the connecting unit creates an effective force for docking or undocking the vessel and the second structural unit. 35. The system according to claim 1, additionally containing a source of coolant having thermal contact with the connecting node, a feeding device for supplying the coolant to the connecting node, due to which the heat exchange between the coolant and the connecting node creates an effective force for joining or undocking of the first and second structural blocks.