U.S. patent application number 13/215828 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-28 for clamp for securing vessel internals.
This patent application is currently assigned to UOP LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Steven Lesniak. Invention is credited to Steven Lesniak.
Application Number | 20130048525 13/215828 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47742083 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130048525 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lesniak; Steven |
February 28, 2013 |
CLAMP FOR SECURING VESSEL INTERNALS
Abstract
A vessel tray clamp is provided. The vessel tray clamp includes
a distal end lying in a first plane and having a first width. The
vessel tray clamp also includes a proximate end lying in a second
plane that is not the first plane. The proximate end has a second
width greater than the first width and has an elongated opening
therethrough. An arcuate intermediate portion interconnects the
distal end and proximate end. The arcuate intermediate portion has
the first width adjacent the distal end and the second width
adjacent the proximate end to form a shoulder therebetween.
Inventors: |
Lesniak; Steven; (Chicago,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lesniak; Steven |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
UOP LLC
Des Plaines
IL
|
Family ID: |
47742083 |
Appl. No.: |
13/215828 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/477 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 2/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/477 |
International
Class: |
B65D 73/00 20060101
B65D073/00 |
Claims
1. A vessel tray clamp comprising: a distal end lying in a first
plane and having a first width; a proximate end lying in a second
plane that is not the first plane, wherein the proximate end has a
second width greater than the first width, and wherein the
proximate end has an elongated opening therethrough; and an arcuate
intermediate portion interconnecting the distal end and proximate
end, wherein the arcuate intermediate portion has the first width
adjacent the distal end and the second width adjacent the proximate
end and has a shoulder therebetween.
2. The vessel tray clamp of claim 2, wherein the elongated opening
is bounded completely by the proximate end.
3. The vessel tray clamp of claim 2, wherein the proximate end
terminates at a proximate edge, and wherein the elongated opening
is formed by the proximate edge.
4. The vessel tray clamp of claim 1 wherein the clamp is configured
to secure a tray to a support structure in a vessel, wherein the
support structure includes a topside and an underside, wherein the
tray includes an upper surface and a lower surface for resting on
the topside of the support structure, and wherein the distal end of
the clamp is configured to be inserted from the upper surface of
the tray through the tray for abutment with the underside of the
support structure.
5. The vessel tray clamp of claim 4 wherein the intermediate
portion of the clamp is configured to be received in and engage the
tray, and wherein engagement with the tray substantially limits
movement of the clamp to within a single plane.
6. The vessel tray clamp of claim 5 wherein the proximate end of
the clamp is configured for engagement with the tray by a
selectable engagement force; and wherein the clamp is configured to
increase compression force on the support structure by the clamp
and the tray when the engagement force is increased.
7. The vessel tray clamp of claim 6 wherein the shoulder is
configured to abut the upper surface of the support structure.
8. The vessel tray clamp of claim 7 wherein the clamp has a single
orientation for installation between the tray and the support
structure.
9. A clamp for securing a tray to a support structure in a vessel,
wherein the support structure includes a topside and an underside,
and wherein the tray includes an upper surface and a lower surface
for resting on the topside of the support structure, the clamp
comprising: a distal end configured to be inserted from the upper
surface of the tray through the tray for abutment with the
underside of the support structure; an intermediate portion
configured to be received in and engage the tray, wherein
engagement with the tray substantially limits movement of the clamp
to within a single plane; and a proximate end configured for
engagement with the tray by a selectable engagement force; wherein
the clamp is configured to increase compression force on the
support structure by the clamp and the tray when the engagement
force is increased.
10. The clamp of claim 9 wherein the clamp is configured to
intersect the tray along an intersecting line, and wherein the
single plane is substantially perpendicular to the intersecting
line.
11. The vessel tray clamp of claim 10 wherein the clamp is
configured to be pivotable about the intersecting line when the
intermediate portion is received in the tray.
12. The vessel tray clamp of claim 9 wherein the clamp includes a
shoulder adjacent the intermediate portion, and wherein the
shoulder is configured to abut the upper surface of the support
structure when the intermediate portion is received in the
tray.
13. The vessel tray clamp of claim 9 wherein the clamp has a single
orientation for installation between the tray and the support
structure.
14. The vessel tray clamp of claim 9 wherein the proximate end is
configured to receive a fastener to engage the clamp and the tray
and to control the engagement force therebetween.
15. A clamp for securing a tray to a support structure in a vessel,
wherein the support structure includes a topside and an underside,
and wherein the tray includes an upper surface and a lower surface
for resting on the topside of the support structure, the clamp
comprising: a distal end configured to be inserted from the upper
surface of the tray through the tray for abutment with the
underside of the support structure; an intermediate portion
configured to be received in and engage the tray; and a proximate
end configured to receive a fastener to engage the clamp and the
tray to control a selectable engagement force therebetween; wherein
the clamp is configured to have a single orientation for
installation and to hold a stationary position when the fastener is
received during installation.
16. The vessel tray clamp of claim 15 wherein the clamp is
configured to having its movement substantially limited to within a
single plane when the intermediate portion is received in the
tray.
17. The vessel tray clamp of claim 16 wherein the clamp is
configured to intersect the tray along an intersecting line, and
wherein the single plane is substantially perpendicular to the
intersecting line.
18. The vessel tray clamp of claim 17 wherein the clamp is
configured to be pivotable about the intersecting line when the
intermediate portion is received in the tray.
19. The vessel tray clamp of claim 18 wherein the clamp includes a
shoulder adjacent the intermediate portion, and wherein the
shoulder is configured to abut the upper surface of the support
structure when the intermediate portion is received in the
tray.
20. The vessel tray clamp of claim 19 wherein the clamp is
configured to increase a compression force on the support structure
by the clamp and the tray when the engagement force is increased.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to clamps for use in
vessels, and more particularly relates to clamps for securing trays
to support structures of vessels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Vessels, such as, hydroprocessing vessels, reactors,
absorbers, strippers, and distillation columns, typically utilize
trays for vapor-liquid contacting. Often, trays are installed
during initial construction of the vessel, as well as removed and
installed during vessel downtime for maintenance or refurbishing.
Bolts and nuts may be used to secure the tray to a support ring
positioned along an internal circumference of the vessel.
Typically, such fasteners are used with J-shaped clamps.
[0003] However, traditional bolts and nuts and J-shaped clamps can
suffer from several disadvantages when used in vessels.
Particularly, installing a nut and bolt arrangement without a clamp
can require extensive time and labor. Further, lining up a bolt
with a J-shaped clamp while holding the J-shaped clamp in position
before fastening can be very difficult. Also, keeping the J-shaped
clamp in proper orientation with the support structure while
tightening the fastener can be difficult when the installer is
positioned on one side of a tray.
[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a clamp for securing
trays inside a vessel that overcomes these disadvantages.
Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the
present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed
description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of
the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Vessel tray clamps for securing a tray and a support
structure in a vessel are provided. In accordance with one
exemplary embodiment, the vessel tray clamp includes a distal end
lying in a first plane and having a first width. The vessel tray
clamp also includes a proximate end lying in a second plane that is
not the first plane. The proximate end has a second width greater
than the first width and is formed with an elongated opening
therethrough. An arcuate intermediate portion interconnects the
distal end and proximate end. The arcuate intermediate portion is
formed with the first width adjacent the distal end and the second
width adjacent the proximate end to form a shoulder
therebetween.
[0006] In another embodiment, a vessel tray clamp for securing a
tray to a support structure in a vessel is provided. The support
structure includes a topside and an underside, and the tray
includes an upper surface and a lower surface for resting on the
topside of the support structure. The vessel tray clamp has a
distal end configured to be inserted from the upper surface of the
tray through the tray for abutment with the underside of the
support structure. Also, the vessel tray clamp includes an
intermediate portion configured to be received in and engage the
tray. Engagement of the intermediate portion with the tray
substantially limits movement of the clamp to within a single
plane. Further, the vessel tray clamp has a proximate end
configured for engagement with the tray by a selectable engagement
force. The vessel tray clamp is configured to increase compression
force on the support structure by the clamp and the tray when the
engagement force is increased.
[0007] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a clamp for
securing a tray to a support structure in a vessel is provided. The
support structure includes a topside and an underside, and the tray
includes an upper surface and a lower surface for resting on the
topside of the support structure. The vessel tray clamp has a
distal end configured to be inserted from the upper surface of the
tray through the tray for abutment with the underside of the
support structure. Also, the vessel tray clamp includes an
intermediate portion configured to be received in and engage the
tray. Further, the vessel tray clamp has a proximate end configured
to receive a fastener to engage the clamp and the tray to control a
selectable engagement force therebetween. The vessel tray clamp is
configured to have a single orientation for installation and to
hold a stationary position when the fastener is received during
installation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like
numerals denote like elements, and wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a vessel using a
vessel tray clamp in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vessel tray clamp of
FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0011] FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of a vessel tray
clamp during and after installation in a vessel for securing a
vessel tray to vessel support structure in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate vessel tray
clamp in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side view of the vessel tray clamp of FIG. 5
shown engaging a tray; and
[0014] FIG. 7 is an end view of the vessel tray clamp of FIG. 5
shown engaging a tray.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The following detailed description of the invention is
merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the
invention or the application and uses of the invention.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory
presented in the preceding background of the invention or the
following detailed description of the invention.
[0016] Various exemplary embodiments contemplated herein are
directed to clamps for securing trays to a support structure in a
vessel. The clamps are configured for easy installation in the
vessel, and for fewer clamps per tray. Specifically, an increased
compression force exhibited by the clamps herein allows for a
reduced number of clamps per tray.
[0017] An exemplary vessel 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1. vessel 10
can be any suitable vessel, for example, a hydroprocessing vessel,
a reactor, an absorber, a stripper, a distillation column, or the
like. Generally, such a vessel 10 facilitates mass transfer
operations in a flow orientation, such as downflow, upflow,
co-current flow, and counter-current flow for one or more fluid
including a vapor, a liquid, and/or a mixed-phase of vapor and
liquid. As shown, vessel 10 includes vapor and/or liquid mixing,
contacting, collecting, and/or redistributing tray 12. While only
one tray 12 is shown for illustrative purposes, it will be
appreciated that vessel 10 can have any number of trays suitable
for a particular application. As shown, tray 12 rests on, and is
typically secured to, support structure 16. Usually, tray 12 has
several openings for permitting the passage of fluid there-through,
such as allowing liquid to flow downward and gas to rise upwards to
facilitate mass transfer operations. Tray 12 can include other
structures, such as bubble caps, tray valves, downcomers, and weirs
to facilitate desired operations.
[0018] In FIG. 1, vessel 10 forms an enclosure 14 provided with an
internal support structure 16 which includes a support ring 18
and/or one or more beams 20. As shown, clamps 22 are used to secure
tray 12 to support structure 16, such as support ring 18 or support
beams 20 that may underlie tray 12. Typically, support ring 18
encircles the internal volume of the vessel 10 and is secured by
any suitable means, such as welding, to the walls of enclosure 14.
Beams 20 can also be coupled to the walls of enclosure 14, using
any suitable means, such as welding.
[0019] An exemplary embodiment of clamp 22 is illustrated in FIG.
2. Clamp 22 is generally S-shaped and includes a midline 24 that
defines a longitudinal plane 26. Clamp 22 has a distal end 28, an
intermediate portion 30, and a proximate end 32. As shown,
intermediate portion 30 is arcuate while distal end 28 and
proximate end 32 are substantially planar and parallel. Depending
on the desired use, distal end 28 may be arcuate or planar and
non-parallel to proximate end 32. As shown, distal end 28 and
intermediate portion 30 have a width 34. Further, clamp 22 is
formed with a shoulder 36 that has a shoulder width 38. Shoulder
width 38 is greater than width 34. Clamp 22 is also formed with an
elongated opening 40 that has a longitudinal axis 42 coincident
with midline 24. In FIG. 2, elongated opening 40 is completely
bound by clamp 22.
[0020] Clamp 22 is preferably made of stainless steel, and most
preferably stainless steel 321 and stainless steel 347. Grades 321
and 347 are the basic austenitic 18/8 steel stabilized by titanium
(321) or niobium (347) additions. These grades are used because
they are not sensitive to intergranular corrosion after heating
within the carbide precipitation range of 425-850.degree. C. Grade
321 is the grade of choice for applications in the temperature
range of up to about 900.degree. C., combining high strength,
resistance to scaling and phase stability with resistance to
subsequent aqueous corrosion. A limitation with 321 is that
titanium does not transfer well across a high temperature arc, so
is not recommended as a welding consumable. In this case grade 347
is preferred--the niobium performs the same carbide stabilization
task but can be transferred across a welding arc. Grades, 321 and
347 have excellent forming characteristics, are readily brake or
roll formed and have outstanding welding characteristics. Post-weld
annealing is not required. They also have excellent toughness, even
down to cryogenic temperatures. For installation in vessels having
less severe conditions, lower grade materials such as Killed Carbon
Steel may be used for the clamps. Regardless of the specific
material used, during fabrication of clamps 22, the clamp 22 is
typically stamped from a standard 6 mm thick plate. The shoulders
36 and elongated opening 40 are then cut and the material is bent
into the desired S-shape.
[0021] As may be seen in reference to FIG. 3, clamp 22 is designed
for facilitating installation and engagement with tray 12 and
support structure 16 (i.e., support ring 18). In FIG. 3, tray 12
includes an edge 50, a slot 52 located proximate to edge 50, an
upper surface 54, a lower surface 56 resting on support structure
16, a hole 58, and optionally a nut 60 aligned with hole 58 and
tack welded to lower surface 56. Tray 12 may be circular, with a
tangent line at 61. Support structure 16 includes a topside 62 and
an underside 64. Also, a gasket or seal blanket 66 is positioned at
the interface 68 between tray 12 and support structure 16.
[0022] With this understanding of the structure of tray 12, support
structure 16, and clamp 22, installation of clamp 22 may be
considered. As shown in an initial position 70 in FIG. 3, distal
end 28 of clamp 22 is inserted into and passed through slot 52 in
tray 12 in the direction of arrow 72. As intermediate portion 30
reaches slot 52, translational movement of clamp 22 continues in
the direction of arrow 72, while clamp 22 is also pivoted in the
direction of arrow 74 about slot axis or intersecting line 76. It
is noted that the alignment and tight fit between the slot 52 and
the distal end 28 of the clamp 22 limits both translational and
pivotable movement of the clamp 22 to within the longitudinal plane
26 (the plane of the drawing page in FIG. 3). Movement of clamp 22
in the direction of arrows 72 and 74 continues until clamp 22
reaches a stationary position 78 when shoulder 36 abuts upper
surface 54 of tray 12. In stationary position 78, in addition to
the contact between shoulder 36 and tray 12, distal end 28 of clamp
22 contacts underside 64 of support structure 16. Further, slot 52
and clamp 22 are sized to allow insertion of clamp 22 but to
prevent substantially any pivotable movement of clamp 22 other than
about slot axis 76.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, upon reaching stationary position 78, a
fastener 80, such as a threaded bolt or other known fasteners, may
be passed through elongated opening 40 in clamp 22 and through hole
58 and nut 60 in tray 12. The length of elongate opening 40
facilitates the alignment fastener 80 with hole 58 regardless of
differing distances between the support structure 16 and hole 58.
Further, when passing fastener 80 through elongated opening 40, the
necessary downward pressure of the action on proximate end 32 of
clamp 22 further holds clamp 22 in stationary position 78 and
reduces or eliminates slippage or unwanted movement of clamp 22
during installation.
[0024] After fastener 80 is engaged with clamp 22 and tray 12, it
may be selectably tightened with an engagement force in the
direction of arrows 82 to reduce the distance 84 therebetween. As
distance 84 is decreased, a compressive force in the direction of
arrows 86 is exerted onto support structure 16 (and gasket 66).
With the levering action of clamp 22, the engagement force 82 of
fastener 80 is multiplied by a factor dependent on the location of
the fulcrum (slot axis 76) and length of clamp 22 to exert
compressive force 86, which may be optimized to provide a desired
compressive force 86 depending on the anticipated operations in
vessel 10. In any event, compressive force 86 exhibited by clamp 22
is substantially increased over current tray clamps in commercial
use.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, an alternate embodiment of the
vessel tray clamp 22 is shown. It is noted that the view of FIG. 6
is taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5, and the view of FIG. 7 is taken
along line 7-7 in FIG. 5. In FIGS. 5-7, tray 12 includes a stud or
projection 90 that extends upward from and substantially
perpendicular to the upper surface 54 of tray 12. Preferably,
projection 90 is steel and is welded to the upper surface 54 of
tray 12. Projection 90 is formed with a vertically-extending
aperture 92. As shown in FIGS. 5-7, clamp 22 includes a distal edge
94 that forms elongated opening 40. In other words, elongated
opening 40 is not completely bounded by clamp 22. As a result,
clamp 22 may be positioned and slidingly engaged with projection
90. After clamp 22 is brought to stationary position 78, a fastener
80 such as a wedge pin is forced into aperture 92, exerting an
engagement force on clamp 22. Specifically, fastener 80 includes a
sloping surface 96 that contacts projection 90 to exert the
downward engagement force as fastener 80 is driven into aperture
92.
[0026] As may be imagined, there are a number of methods known in
the art for engaging the proximate end of the clamp with the tray.
While two specific types of fasteners are illustrated and discussed
herein, other fasteners and reciprocating proximate end and tray
designs are contemplated herein.
[0027] Accordingly, a vessel tray clamp for securing a tray to a
support structure in a vessel has been provided. From the
foregoing, it is to be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments
of the vessel tray clamp facilitate installation by limiting the
clamp to a single orientation for installation, by limiting
movement of the clamp to within a single plane during installation,
and by holding the clamp in a stationary position during fastening
of the clamp to the tray. Further, the vessel tray clamp exerts a
substantially increased compression force to secure the seal
between the tray and support structure.
[0028] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented
in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should
be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should
also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary
embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the
scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way.
Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those
skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that
various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of
elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing
from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims
and their legal equivalents.
* * * * *