Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for facilitating the internal inspection and repair of large pressure vessels

US5007501A · kind A · utility

20Cited by
12References
15Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 1, 1989
Grant dateApr 16, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 1, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE04G3/30
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

An apparatus for temporary installation within a relatively large pressure veseel, especially a boiler-furnace for generating electricity, for facilitating the manual inspection and (if necessary) the repair of things within said pressure vessel. The apparatus includes a generally horizontal platform upon which workers stand, and cables for raising and lowering the platform. The platform is fabricated from relatively small construction elements, each of which has a size that permits it to be inserted through a small access opening in the pressure vessel. The elements are manually assembled within the vessel by pinning them together, using high-strength pins which engage a plurality of prepared aperture. A relatively large platform is constructed in a vertical mode, and subsequenctly rotated to its horizontal and working orientation. In the preferred construction, adjustment of elevation of the platform is accomplished with an electro-hydraulic system which uses hydraulic fluid that is pressurized on the roof of the pressure vessel and utilized by winches mounted on or near the platform. After the vessel has been suitably inspected and repaired (as necessary), the platform is remove…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.