Flange spreader
US4027373A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 1976 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53848
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for removing a flow control device mounted between two opposed flanges of a pipeline wherein the flanges are clamped together by a plurality of studs. The method comprises the steps of clamping a pair of axially expandable flange spreaders to hold the opposed flanges in axial aligned position. Next, all of the studs are removed or loosened to permit access to the flow control device. Stop means are appended to the flange spreaders at the inside basis of the flanges. Lastly, the flange spreaders are expanded to permit removal of the flow control device from the pipeline. Reversal of the procedure will permit reassembly of the pipeline. Each of the flange spreaders comprises a pair of interconnected members that are axially expandable or contractable, and initially are clamped in position to hold the opposing flanges in axial alignment. The stop means will be appended to the members to engage the inner face of the opposing flanges whereby on axially expanding the flange spreaders the opposing flanges will be axially forced apart. The flange spreaders may include a jackscrew threadedly connected to a base having a portion abutting the inner face of one of the fl…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.