CULLINANE DONALL (IE)
TOMASKO JOHN (US)
BRAZIER GEOF (US)
CULLINANE DONALL (IE)
TOMASKO JOHN (US)
US5437482A | 1995-08-01 | |||
US3730537A | 1973-05-01 | |||
US4073402A | 1978-02-14 |
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A flange adapter assembly for positioning an insert device within a pressurized fluid system having a conduit of a nominal size, comprising: a pressure containing boundary; and a flange adapter configured to be selectively connected to the pressure containing boundary, the adapter configured to interchangeably fit a plurality of flange standards for the same nominal size. 2. The flange adapter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the adapter is further configured to fit a plurality of pressure ratings at the same nominal size. 3. The flange adapter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the adapter is configured to fit two or more of ANSI/ASME, BS, DIN, EN and JIS standards for at least one nominal size. 4. The flange adapter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the pressure containing boundary includes: an inlet safety head defining an inlet bore for conducting a pressurized fluid; and an outlet safety head defining an outlet bore for relieving the pressurized fluid. 5. The flange adapter assembly of claim 4, wherein the flange adapter is positioned on an inlet side of the inlet safety head member. 6. The flange adapter assembly of claim 4, wherein the flange adapter is positioned on an outlet side of the outlet safety head member. 7. The flange adapter assembly of claim 4, wherein the flange adapter is positioned between the inlet and outlet safety head members. 8. The flange adapter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flange adapter is integral to the insert device and formed along an exterior perimeter of the insert device. 9. The flange adapter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flange adapter is selectively connected to the pressure containing boundary by screws. 10. The flange adapter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flange adapter is selectively connected to the pressure containing boundary by spring clip fasteners. 11. The flange adapter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flange adapter is permanently connected to the pressure containing boundary after manufacture and before installation within the pressurized fluid system. 12. The flange adapter assembly of claim 4, wherein the flange adapter further includes side lugs formed integrally therewith, the side lugs having a pair of openings aligned with the inlet and outlet safety heads to facilitate connection of the adapter with the inlet and outlet safety heads. 13. The flange adapter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the pressure containing boundary is formed of a first material and the adapter is formed of a second different material. 14. The flange adapter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the insert device is a rupture disk device designed to open at a predetermined pressure and wherein the flange adapter is dimensioned such that the adapter aligns a rupture disk opening with an opening of the conduit in the pressurized fluid system. 15. A flange adapter assembly for positioning an insert device within a pair of flange members, of a particular nominal size, that are adapted to be connected together by a plurality of bolts forming a bolting pattern, comprising: a safety head member; and an adapter configured to be selectively connected to the safety head member, the adapter having an exterior perimeter with a plurality of recesses formed therein, the plurality of recesses being configured to receive a plurality of different flange bolting patterns. 16. The flange adapter assembly of claim 15, wherein the adapter is further configured to fit a plurality of different bolting patterns associated with different pressure ratings. 17. The flange adapter assembly of claim 15, wherein the adapter is configured to fit a plurality of different bolting patterns associated with at least two of the ANSI/ASME, BS, DIN, EN and JIS standards. 18. The flange adapter assembly of claim 15, wherein the flange adapter is positioned on an inlet side of the safety head member. 19. The flange adapter assembly of claim 15, wherein the flange adapter is positioned on an outlet side of the safety head member. 20. The flange adapter assembly of claim 15, wherein the flange adapter is enclosed by the safety head member. 21. The flange adapter assembly of claim 15, wherein the flange adapter is integral to the insert device and formed along an exterior perimeter of the insert device. 22. The flange adapter assembly of claim 15, wherein the flange adapter is selectively connected to the safety head member by screws. 23. The flange adapter assembly of claim 15, wherein the flange adapter is selectively connected to the safety head member by spring clip fasteners. 24. The flange adapter assembly of claim 15, wherein the flange adapter is connected to the safety head member by welding, crimping, or adhesive bonding. 25. The flange adapter assembly of claim 15, wherein the flange adapter is permanently connected to the safety head member after manufacture and before installation within the pressurized fluid system. 26. The flange adapter assembly of claim 15, wherein the flange adapter further includes side lugs formed integrally therewith, the side lugs having openings aligned with the safety head member to facilitate connection of the adapter with the safety head member. 27. The flange adapter assembly of claim 15, wherein the safety head member is formed of a first material and the adapter is formed of a second different material. 28. The flange adapter assembly of claim 15, wherein the insert device is a rupture disk designed to open at a determined pressure and wherein the flange adapter is dimensioned such that the adapter aligns a rupture disk opening with an opening of the flange members. 29. The flange adapter assembly of claim 28, wherein the rupture disk and safety head member are provided as an integral single piece unit. 30. A method of assembling a rupture disk assembly for insertion in a pressurized fluid system having a conduit of a nominal size, comprising: providing a support member; providing a rupture disk for installation with the support member; and selectively connecting a flange adapter to the support member, the adapter being configured to interchangeably fit a plurality of flange standards for the same nominal size. 31. The method of assembling a rupture disk assembly of claim 30, wherein the support member comprises separate inlet and outlet support members connected together to sealingly engage the rupture disk therebetween. 32. The method of assembling a rupture disk assembly of claim 30, further comprising; providing side lugs formed integrally with the flange adapter, the side lugs having openings aligned with the support member to facilitate connection of the adapter with the support member. 33. The method of assembling a rupture disk assembly of claim 30, wherein the member is formed of a first material and the flange adapter is formed of a second different material. 34. The method of assembling a rupture disk assembly of claim 30, wherein the support member comprises separate inlet and outlet support members and the flange adapter is formed separate from the inlet and outlet support members, the flange adapter being permanently attached to at least one of the inlet and outlet support members prior to installation within the pressurized fluid system. 35. The method of assembling a rupture disk assembly of claim 30, wherein the support member, rupture disk, and flange adapter are connected by welding, crimping, or adhesive bonding. 36. The method of assembling a rupture disk assembly of claim 30, wherein the rupture disk and support member are provided as an integral single piece unit. 37. A pressure relief assembly, comprising: an inlet flange member having bolt recesses forming a bolting pattern and a centralized conduit for directing pressurized fluid therethrough; an outlet flange member having bolt recesses and a centralized conduit for relieving pressurized fluid therethrough, the bolt recesses and centralized conduit of the outlet flange member corresponding with those of the inlet flange member; a plurality of bolts for drawing the inlet and outlet flange members together, the bolts extending through the bolt recesses of the inlet and outlet flange members; a safety head assembly installed between the inlet and outlet flange members including: a safety head member; a rupture disk for placement in association with the safety head member; and a flange adapter configured to be selectively connected to the safety head member, the adapter having an opening and an exterior perimeter with a plurality of recesses formed therein, the plurality of recesses being configured to receive a plurality of different flange bolting patterns; and wherein the adapter is aligned within the inlet and outlet flange members by receiving the plurality of bolts through the plurality of recesses. 38. The pressure relief assembly of claim 37, wherein the adapter is further configured to fit a plurality of different bolting patterns associated with different pressure ratings. 39. The pressure relief assembly of claim 37, wherein the adapter is configured to fit a plurality of different bolting patterns associated with a plurality of different bolting patterns associated with at least two of the ANSI/ASME, BS, DIN, EN and JIS standards. 40. The pressure relief assembly of claim 37, wherein the flange adapter is positioned on an inlet side of the safety head member. 41. The pressure relief assembly of claim 37, wherein the flange adapter is positioned on an outlet side of the safety head member. 42. The pressure relief assembly of claim 37, wherein the rupture disk and safety head member are provided as an integral single piece unit. 43. The pressure relief assembly of claim 37, wherein the flange adapter is enclosed by the safety head member. 44. The pressure relief assembly of claim 37, wherein the flange adapter is selectively connected to the safety head member by screws. 45. The pressure relief assembly of claim 37, wherein the flange adapter is selectively connected to the safety head member by spring clips fasteners. 46. The pressure relief assembly of claim 37, wherein the flange adapter is integral to the rupture disk and formed along an exterior perimeter of the rupture disk. 47. The pressure relief assembly of claim 37, wherein the flange adapter is permanently connected to the safety head member after manufacture and before installation within a pressurized fluid system. 48. The pressure relief assembly of claim 37, wherein the flange adapter further includes side lugs formed integrally therewith, the side lugs having openings aligned with the safety head member to facilitate connection of the adapter with the safety head members. 49. The pressure relief assembly of claim 37, wherein the safety head member is formed of a first material and the flange adapter is formed of a second different material. 50. The pressure relief assembly of claim 37, wherein the rupture disk is designed to open at a predetermined pressure and wherein the flange adapter is dimensioned such that the flange adapter aligns a rupture disk opening with the centralized conduits of the flange members. 51. A flange adapter assembly for positioning an insert device within a pair of flange members, of a particular nominal size, that are adapted to be connected together by a plurality of bolts forming a bolting pattern, comprising: a pressure containing boundary; an adapter configured to be selectively connected to the pressure containing boundary, the adapter having an exterior perimeter with a plurality of recesses formed therein, the plurality of recesses being configured to receive a plurality of different flange bolting patterns; and the adapter having an asymmetrical design for facilitating removal of the assembly from the flange members, the asymmetrical design including recesses of a first size and shape on a first side of the adapter and recesses of a second size and shape on a second opposing side of the adapter. 52. The flange adapter assembly of claim 51 , wherein the recesses on the first side of the adapter are configured to more closely surround the plurality of bolts than the recesses on the second opposing side of the adapter, thereby facilitating a sliding removal of the assembly from within a pair of flange members, in a direction opposite the second side, upon removal of less than all of the plurality of bolts. 53. The flange adapter of claim 51 , further including a plurality of protrusions formed along the exterior perimeter of the adapter, the protrusions configured to extend between each of the plurality of bolts forming a bolting pattern. 54. The flange adapter of claim 53, wherein the protrusions on the first side of the adapter include outwardly extending flares. 55. A gasket assembly for insertion within a pair of flange members, of a particular nominal size, that are adapted to be connected together by a plurality of bolts forming a bolting pattern, comprising: a pressure containing boundary; a gasket having an exterior perimeter with a plurality of recesses formed therein, the plurality of recesses being configured to receive a plurality of different flange bolting patterns; and the gasket having an asymmetrical design for facilitating removal of the gasket from the flange members, the asymmetrical design including recesses of a first size and shape on a first side of the gasket and recesses of a second size and shape on a second opposing side of the gasket. 56. The gasket assembly of claim 55, wherein the recesses on the first side of the gasket are configured to more closely surround the plurality of bolts than the recesses on the second opposing side of the gasket, thereby facilitating a sliding removal of the assembly from within a pair of flange members, in a direction opposite the second side, upon removal of less than all of the plurality of bolts. 57. The gasket assembly of claim 56, further including a plurality of protrusions formed along the exterior perimeter of the gasket, the protrusions configured to extend between each of the plurality of bolts forming a bolting pattern. 58. The gasket assembly of claim 57, wherein the protrusions on the first side of the gasket include outwardly extending flares. 59. The gasket assembly of claim 55, further comprising a rupture disk device for installation in association with the pressure containing boundary, the rupture disk designed to open at a predetermined pressure. 60. The gasket assembly of claim 59 wherein the gasket is integral to the rupture disk device and formed along an exterior perimeter of the rupture disk device such that the gasket aligns a rupture disk opening with an opening of the conduit in the flange members. 61. A flange adapter assembly for positioning an insert device within a pair of flange members, of a particular nominal size, that are adapted to be connected together by a plurality of bolts forming a bolting pattern, comprising: a pressure containing boundary; an adapter configured to be selectively connected to the pressure containing boundary, the adapter having an exterior perimeter with a plurality of recesses formed therein, the plurality of recesses being configured to receive a plurality of companion flange assembly bolts; and the adapter having a partial ring shape for receiving only a portion of the bolting pattern of a corresponding flange member. 62. The flange adapter assembly of claim 61 , wherein the adapter is further configured to fit a plurality of different bolting patterns associated with different flange standards. 63. The flange adapter assembly of claim 61 , wherein the adapter is further configured to fit a plurality of different bolting patterns associated with different pressure ratings. 64. The flange adapter assembly of claim 61 , wherein the adapter is configured to fit a plurality of different bolting patterns associated with at least two of the ANSI/ASME, BS, DIN, EN and JIS standards. 65. The flange adapter assembly of claim 61 , wherein the adapter includes spring clips positioned in alignment with the recesses and configured for engagement with the flange bolts received within the recesses. 66. The flange adapter of claim 61 , further comprising an insert device for installation in association with the pressure containing boundary wherein the insert device is positioned and centered within the flange members by positioning an external outer diameter of the insert device against an inner diameter of the partial ring shaped adapter. 67. The flange adapter of claim 66, wherein the adapter includes tab supports providing a predetermined thickness to the adapter such that installation of the insert device against the adapter assures a particular orientation of the insert device. 68. The flange adapter of claim 66, wherein an exterior shape of the insert device is configured for engagement with a corresponding portion of the adapter to ensure a particular orientation of the insert device upon installation. 69. A method of installing an insert device within a pair of flange members, of a particular nominal size, that are adapted to be connected together by a plurality of bolts forming a bolting pattern, comprising: providing a pressure containing boundary and an insert device; providing a flange adapter having a partial ring shape and an exterior perimeter with a plurality of recesses formed therein, the plurality of recesses being spaced along the perimeter and configured to receive a plurality of bolts; installing the flange adapter within the pair of flange members by aligning the plurality of recesses of the adapter to each receive one of the plurality of bolts; installing and centering the pressure containing boundary and insert device by positioning an external outer diameter of the pressure containing boundary against an inner diameter of the partial ring shaped adapter; and securing the adapter and pressure containing boundary within the pair of flange members by bolting the pair of flange members together. 70. The method of claim 68, further comprising: removing the adapter from between the flange members after centering the pressure containing boundary and prior to securing the pressure containing boundary. 71. A method of installing a rupture disk assembly within a pair of flange members, of a particular nominal size, that are adapted to be connected together by a plurality of bolts forming a bolting pattern, comprising: providing a rupture disk assembly including pressure containing boundary and a rupture disk, the rupture disk designed to provide an opening upon exposure to a predetermined pressure; selectively connecting a flange adapter to the pressure containing boundary, the adapter having an exterior perimeter with a plurality of recesses formed therein, the plurality of recesses being spaced along the perimeter and configured to receive a plurality of different flange bolting patterns; installing the pressure containing boundary and flange adapter within the pair of flange members by aligning the plurality of recesses of the adapter to each receive one of the plurality of bolts; rotating the adapter until each recess engages at least one side of one of the plurality of bolts to align the rupture disk opening with a central opening of the flange members; and securing the adapter and pressure containing boundary within the pair of flange members by bolting the pair of flange members together. 72. A flange adapter assembly for positioning an insert device within a pair of flange members, of a particular nominal size, that are adapted to be connected together by a plurality of bolts forming a bolting pattern, comprising: an insert device configured for placement within a pair of flange members; a flange adapter having an interior perimeter, an exterior perimeter, and apertures formed wholly within the adapter between the interior and exterior perimeters, the apertures being configured to receive a plurality of companion flange assembly bolts to thereby position the insert device within the flange members; and wherein the flange adapter is manufactured separate from the insert device. 73. The flange adapter assembly of claim 72, wherein the flange adapter is further configured to fit a plurality of pressure ratings at the same nominal size. 74. The flange adapter assembly of claim 72, wherein the flange adapter is configured to fit two or more of ANSI/ASME, BS, DIN, EN and JIS standards for at least one nominal size. 75. The flange adapter assembly of claim 72, wherein the flange adapter is formed in a ring shape and the apertures of the adapter are evenly spaced around the circumference of the ring to receive a plurality of companion flange assembly bolts corresponding to at least one flange bolting pattern. 76. The flange adapter assembly of claim 72, wherein the flange adapter is selectively connected to the insert device for combined installation of the assembly within a pair of flange members. 77. The flange adapter assembly of claim 72, wherein the insert device is a rupture disk device designed to open at a predetermined pressure and wherein the flange adapter is dimensioned such that the adapter aligns a rupture disk opening with an opening of the conduit in the pressurized fluid system. 78. The flange adapter assembly of claim 72, wherein the insert device is formed of a first material and the flange adapter is formed of a second different material. |
[048] The construction of the flange adapter 50 allows for both the precise insert device centering and a standardized universal design. In order to reach an optimal balance between these goals, there will occasionally be a range of variation with respect to the precise level of centering depending upon the particular flange rating. [049] FIGS. 7A-7B disclose an additional aspect of the flange adapter. In certain flange geometries such as the one represented in FIGS. 7A-7B, the adapter device 50 will have a design tolerance which results in a looser fit with a pipe flange. In such an instance, more precise centering can still be accomplished. As seen in FIG. 7B, the user may simply rotate the adapter 50 (and an associated attached safety head assembly) until contact is made with the bolt members 42. Once contact is made, the first and second pipe flange members 24 and 26 can be firmly bolted together thereby providing a more precisely centered safety head assembly 20. The end result will then resemble the configuration represented in FIG. 1. In FIG 7A and 7B second flange 26 is removed for clarity. [050] The particular spacing of the adapter bolt recesses 52 and protrusions 58 provides for the preferred balance between precise centering and compatibility. This design provides an additional advantage with respect to the system's overall installed orientation. Past safety head assemblies had multiple orientation directions when installed within inlet and outlet pipe flange members 24 and 26. This inconsistency in placement orientation was a consequence of safety head assembly geometries, which could result in distinct orientations depending upon the standard and rating of the system's flanges. [051] The present invention results in consistent orientation of the installed pressure relief assembly. As seen in FIGS. 7A-7B, the rotation of the installed safety head assembly 20 will be the only potential change in orientation of the system. Such a design will in turn allow for consistent positioning of accessory devices to access the safety head assembly 20 and the underlying insert device. As a result, any tapped connection to the overall assembly will have a consistent insertion direction. This consistency will promote the overall safety of the system by saving time and preventing improper installation of additional accessory type devices. [052] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9 illustrate an additional embodiment of a multi-flange compatible adapter. Referring to FIG. 8A, adapter 50' is shown having a partial ring shape. Adapter 50' includes bolt recesses 52' formed on the exterior perimeter and located to correspond to the bolt pattern of pipe flange members within which it will be installed. Protrusions 58' are formed between the spaced bolt recesses 52' and are positioned to cooperate with flange bolt members upon installation between companion pipe flange members. In addition, adapter 50' includes spring clips 90 positioned in alignment with the bolt recesses 52'. The spring clips 90 and bolt recesses 52' are configured for engagement with a portion of the bolting between companion flange members. In configurations involving installation of an insert device in a horizontally situated pressurized system, spring clips 90 provide active engagement with flange bolts and allow an operator's hands to be free for handling additional components during installation and maintenance. Adapter 50' is sized such that upon connection of the adapter 50' with the flange bolting, an insert device may be positioned and centered within the pipe conduit by positioning the external outer diameter of the insert device against the inner diameter of the adapter 50'. [053] Referring to FIG. 8B, adapter 50' may include tab supports 92 positioned to extend downward in a direction normal to the illustration of FIG. 8B. Tab supports 92 provide a specific height to adapter 50' and are formed to extend normal to the view of FIG. 8B such that upon installation into a flange member, adapter 50' will sit at a predetermined height above the surface of the flange member. This predetermined height is selected to permit contact of adapter 50' with a predetermined corresponding portion of an insert device to assure that the insert device is installed with the proper orientation with respect to the inlet and outlet flow direction of the pressurized system. [054] FIG. 9 illustrates the installation of adapter 50' upon the surface of a flange member. Recesses 52' and spring clips 90 are shown engaging a number of the bolts of the corresponding flange member. Next an independent insert device or a safety head member designated 20' may be positioned in engagement with the adapter 50'. As noted above, the shape of adapter 50', as positioned in relation to the flange member, ensures proper centering of the safety head 20' upon engagement. The inlet side of the safety head member 20', which faces the flange depicted in FIG. 9, may have a smaller diameter than that of the outlet side of the safety head 20' (facing away from the flange of FIG. 9). This configuration ensures that only one end of the safety head member 20' will abut the adapter 50' in a manner that allows the safety head member to locate within the remaining companion flange bolts, thereby providing proper orientation of the safety head 20' within the pressurized system. [055] As noted above with respect to the previous embodiments, adapter 50' is sized to be compatible for use in flanges of multiple pressure ratings and differing international standards for a particular nominal size. In addition adapter 50' may potentially be made from inexpensive bar stock materials or sheet and can be manufactured cost effectively through a stamping process that provides significant cost savings in comparison to casting or similar techniques. [056] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a multi-flange compatible gasket design according to an additional embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, a one-inch nominal size gasket 94 and a four-inch nominal size gasket 96 are illustrated respectively. Both gaskets 94 and 96 are shown supported on the surface of a pipe flange for use in a pressurized system. Gaskets 94 and 96 are shaped to include bolt recesses and protrusions formed between the recesses to cooperate with flange bolt members. In accordance with the previous embodiments of the present invention, gaskets 94 and 96 are configured for placement within flanges of different pressure ratings and multiple international design standards. Similar to the design of FIG. 3, gaskets 94 and 96 include an asymmetrical design for facilitating removal of the gasket from the flange members. The asymmetrical design includes recesses of a first size and shape on a first side of the gasket and recesses of a second size and shape on a second opposing side of the gasket. The recesses on the left side of the gaskets as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B are configured to more closely surround the corresponding bolts than the recesses on the right side of the gaskets, thereby facilitating a sliding removal of the gaskets from within a pair of flange members, in a direction to the left in FIGS. 10A and 10B, upon removal of less than all bolts. [057] The gasket design of FIGS. 10A and 10B can be used to facilitate maintenance and removal of gaskets in all pressurized fluid applications utilizing gaskets. In addition, a multi-flange compatible gasket design may be used to install a one piece rupture disk and holder such as a graphite rupture disk machined from solid material. A single gasket design could be used to appropriately seal such graphite rupture disks for use in flanges of varying pressure ratings and international standards. [058] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the aforementioned embodiments without departing from the spirit of scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.
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