Abstract:
A shutter for large pressure vessels comprises a lid assembly (Y) constituted of a seal plate (1) formed of a flexible material of a size fit for the opening of a pressure vessel and a multitude of beam members (2) attached to the outer surface of the plate (1) and extending widthwise. The beam members are connected to the seal plate in such a manner as to be parallel to each other along a reference line for connection, extending in the widthwise direction of the seal plate, and advance or retreat while flexing along a guide member (7) having at least one bending portion (71). The guide member extends between a closing position (A) disposed in front of the opening portion and a storage position (B) disposed on an outer housing of the pressure vessel, so that the assembly can be housed in a relatively small space. This shutter is most suitable for use on a medical autoclave and a retort for food processing.
Abstract:
A closure device for a lower opening of a coke drum pressure vessel is quick acting. The opening has an annular flange. An annular movable support encircles the pressure vessel above the flange. A stationary support secures to the flange below the movable support. A number of coil springs are evenly spaced around the stationary support between the stationary support and the movable support. Hydraulic cylinders between the movable and stationary support move the movable support axially relative to the stationary support. A head will abut the flange. Hooks mounted to the movable support will engage the head and pull the head tightly upward into engagement with the flange when the retracting cylinders are released. Pivotal cylinders will pivot the hooks between engaged and disengaged positions.
Abstract:
An inner lid is attached to a vacuum chamber, covering an inner region of the vacuum chamber. An outer lid, also attached to the vacuum chamber, covers the inner lid, leaving a region between the inner lid and the outer lid. A gas conduit allows gas to flow between the inner region of the vacuum chamber and the region between the inner lid and the outer lid. A filter is placed in or immediately outside the gas conduit to prevent particles from entering the inner region of the vacuum chamber from the region between the inner lid and the outer lid. Since the pressure is the same on the top and bottom of the inner lid, the inner lid does not flex and thus does not rub against the vacuum chamber when the vacuum chamber is pumped down or vented up.
Abstract:
An automated top head cover and stem guide assembly adapted for covering a top opening in vertical vessels such as coking drums, and a method for remotely operating the assembly. The top head assembly includes a flanged connector unit attached pressure-tightly to a top flange opening of a coking drum and a top cover device including a cover unit pivotally attached to the flanged connector unit, so that the cover unit can be pivotally lifted and moved aside. A stem guide device is also pivotally attached to the top flange unit, so that a stem guide unit can be pivotally moved downwardly into place over the top flange unit opening, after a stem member is inserted into the vessel. Following coke removal from the drum, the stem member is withdrawn, the stem guide unit is pivotally moved upwardly, and the head cover unit is moved downwardly to cover the coking drum flanged unit. The invention also discloses method steps for operating the head cover and stem guide devices of the assembly.
Abstract:
An apparatus for moving a chamber door between open and closed positions relative to the opening in a sterilizer or an autoclave chamber. The apparatus is adapted to be used with a door system wherein the door is slidably attached to the chamber by support brackets that are affixed to the end of the chamber. A first set of pulleys are attached to the lower corners of the door and a second set of pulleys, arranged perpendicular to and directly above the first pulleys, are attached to the chamber. A cable, having one end thereof attached to a motorized take-up drum that is attached to the chamber, is received on the first and second pulleys so that the door is suspended on two sides by the cable. The pulley and cable arrangement supports and controls the vertical movement of the door without interfering with the support brackets that are affixed to the chamber. The other end of the cable is attached to a weight for creating tension in the cable.
Abstract:
A method for fabricating evacuated panels for use in cooling apparatus, such panels being particularly well suited for use in refrigerators. The method includes a preconditioning step in which the powder filler of the panel is heated and agitated, prior to placement in an air permeable pouch for compression and then in a barrier container for evacuation.
Abstract:
A sealer (10) for vacuum containers comprises a valve unit (12) and a removable vacuum-pump head (14). The valve unit consists of a valve housing (24) which can be connected to a vacuum container to be evacuated, for example through a flange (16), and a cylindrical valve element (42) inserted into the valve housing. The valve element has a top transverse opening (46) for interaction with a driving tool, a middle transverse hole (48) for connection to a source of vacuum through the above-mentioned vacuum pump head when the latter is fitted onto the valve element, a bottom transverse hole (52), and an axial bore (50) which connects the middle transverse hole to the bottom transverse hole. The valve element also has a threaded portion (44) which engages an inner thread (36) formed in the valve housing, so that the valve element can be screwed into the valve housing, and can interact with saddle (40) in the valve housing. When the valve element forms a predetermined gap G with the saddle, the vacuum container is connected to the source of vacuum through the above-mentioned gap, bottom transverse hole, axial opening, middle transverse hole, and vacuum pump head. One can evacuate, seal, transport and deliver the container to an installation site, or perform any other operation with the container in its evacuated and sealed state.
Abstract:
A pressure and temperature reaction vessel is constructed from substantially microwave-transmissible materials. The vessel includes pressure-relief vents and a sliding seal which isolates a pressure reaction chamber from the vents. A visual indicator is operatively associated with the sliding seal to indicate pressure within the reaction chamber. At pressures above a preselected limit, the sliding seal becomes unsupported and the reaction chamber is fluidly communicated with the vents.
Abstract:
A quick actuating closure for a pressure vessel 80 in which a wedge ring 30 with a conical outer surface 31 is moved forward to force shear blocks 40, with conical inner surfaces 41, radially outward to lock an end closure plug 70 within an opening 81 in the pressure vessel 80. A seal ring 60 and a preload ramp 50 sit between the shear blocks 40 and the end closure plug 70 to provide a backup sealing capability. Conical surfaces 44 and 55 of the preload ramp 50 and the shear blocks 40 interact to force the seal ring 60 into shoulders 73 and 85 in the end closure plug 70 and opening 81 to form a tight seal. The end closure plug 70 is unlocked by moving the wedge ring 30 rearward, which causes "T"-bars 32 of the wedge ring 30 riding within "T" -slots 42 of the shear blocks 40 to force them radially inward. The end closure plug 70 is then removed, allowing access to the interior of the pressure vessel 80.
Abstract:
A door closure system for a pressurized chamber is provided. The door system includes a hinge affixed to the chamber housing which supports a transverse door beam of the door. An inner door plate is supported by a handwheel driven screw rotatably mounted to the door beam. As such, the door plate is displaceable between sealing, chamber opening confronting and open positions by the handwheel. A cam finger is provided on the door plate and the free end of the door beam is formed into latch hooks. A spring-biased swing latch is provided adjacent the chamber opening on the side of the chamber opposite the hinge means. The swing latch includes a latch bar and a recessed cam area. Accordingly, when the door plate is rotated into its confronting position and the handwheel is turned thereby advancing the door plate relative to the chamber opening, the cam finger is caused to ride in the recessed cam area of the swing latch. Such movement causes the swing latch to be rotated thereby causing the latch bar to engage and retain the latch hooks. Further rotation of the handwheel causes a sealing means on the door plate to sealingly engage the chamber opening.