Method and apparatus for non-intrusive on-line leak sealing of flanged piping connections
US6244630A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L23/003
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pressurized leaking flange joint is sealed with a 1/4 circle load support structure, a jacking bolt extending therethrough and applying a radial load to a sealing plug between the flange gap. The sealing plug is a graphite packing ring placed into the flange gap on either side of a gasket centering ring, and a carbon steel compression ring (two 1/8 circles placed end-to-end) placed on top of the packing ring on either side of the gasket centering ring. The load support structure is installed such that the jacking bolt is centered over the flange gap. The jacking bolt is torqued and subsequently applies a radial load to the compression ring, which radial load is transferred to the load support structure and then to two flange bolts against which the load support structure bares. The radial load on the compression rings compresses the packing material into the pathway of the leak, thereby sealing the same. The jacking bolt is locked into place to maintain the radial load until a more permanent repair can be made during the subsequent maintenance or other shut down.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.