5 TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure, in general, relates to a field of metallurgy. Particularly, but not
exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a blast furnace. Further, embodiments
of the present disclosure relate to a device for installing a seal in a bleeder valve of
the blast furnace.
10
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Pressure vessels, like blast furnaces, in a plant typically have safety valves to vent
out gases and maintain required pressure in the pressure vessels. In a blast furnace,
the safety valves are provided typically at a top of the blast furnace, where the blast
15 furnace is defined with a duct extending vertically upward from the blast furnace.
The safety valves are connected to the duct to vent out the gases from the blast
furnace. Whenever, the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure, within the blast
furnace, this excess pressure must be relieved to avoid a catastrophic burst.
Whereas, when the blast furnace is operational at or below the predetermined
20 pressure, it must be sealed in order to maintain the working pressure. In order to
maintain the pressure, safety valves such as bleeder valves, connected at an end of
the duct, include a seal fitted in the valve.
Generally, the seal is a rubber type seal frequently replaced by an operator either
25 due to damage or as preventive maintenance to avoid leakage of pressure from the
blast furnace. As the bleeder valves are positioned above the blast furnaces, the
operator is required to reach a height in a range of 80 meters from ground or more
based on design of the blast furnace to replace and install the seal in the bleeder
valves. At such place, the operator may be affected by the gases released from the
30 bleeder valves or may be harmed during operation of the bleeder valves while
replacing and installing the seal. Attending and rescuing the operator from any
haphazard event at such height is difficult due to the height and time taken to reach
or lower the operator. Further, the hot gases are hazardous to the operator as the hot
gases contain harmful components such as carbon dioxide and the like.
3
5 Furthermore, installing or replacing seal requires halting the operation of the blast
furnace, thereby reducing the production
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above
or any other limitations associated with the conventional mechanisms.
10
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a method and a device
as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the method and the
15 device as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are
realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and
aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of
the claimed disclosure.
20 In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a device for installing a
seal in a bleeder valve of a blast furnace is disclosed. The device comprises a
column fixedly positioned near to the bleeder valve. A carriage is displaceable
vertically along the column and comprises a first connecting portion having a first
end and a second end. The first end is slidably coupled to the column. Further, at
25 least one blow pipe is coupled to the second end of the first connecting portion and
is defined with a bottom end having at least one provision configured to receive the
seal. The device includes at least one displacing mechanism configured to displace
the blow pipe. The displacing mechanism comprises at least one actuator and a
second connecting portion. The actuator disposed on the column is configured to
30 vertically move the blow pipe by displacing the carriage relative to the column. The
second connecting portion is connected to the first connecting portion by at least
one extension and coupled to at least one actuator to displace the carriage upon
actuation of at least one actuator. Further, at least one sleeve is rotatably mounted
on the column and coupled to the displacing mechanism. The sleeve is configured
35 to rotate the carriage relative to the column for pivotally displacing the blow pipe
to align with the bleeder valve. The displacing mechanism and at least one sleeve
4
5 are adapted to position the blow pipe within the bleeder valve to transfer and install
the seal from the provision to the bleeder valve.
In an embodiment, the blow pipe is structured to define at least one hollow portion
to guide gases away from the bleeder valve.
10
In an embodiment, the actuator is coupled to the sleeve.
In an embodiment, the actuator is configured to displace the blow pipe along the
column.
15
In an embodiment, the hollow portion of the blow pipe is aligned with the bleeder
valve, where the provision is proximal to a groove of the bleeder valve.
In an embodiment, the provision is structured as a flange extending across the
20 bottom end of the blow pipe.
In an embodiment, the displacing mechanism includes a lead screw coupled to the
actuator positioned along the column, the lead screw is configured to engage with
the second connecting portion to displace the carriage vertically.
25
In an embodiment, the displacing mechanism comprises a plurality of gears coupled
between the lead screw and the actuator.
In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for
30 operating a device for installing a seal in a bleeder valve of a blast furnace is
disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing the seal on at least one provision
defined on at least one blow pipe of the device, where the blow pipe is coupled to
a carriage slidably positioned on a column. Next, the blow pipe is rotated by at least
one sleeve, for pivotally displacing the blow pipe to align with the bleeder valve.
35 The sleeve is rotatably mounted on the column and coupled to the displacing
mechanism. Then, the carriage is vertically displaced by at least one displacing
mechanism to displace the blow pipe relative to the column. The displacing
5
5 mechanism is disposed on the column and coupled to the carriage. Lastly, the seal
from the provision is installed on to the bleeder valve.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way
limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described
10 above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
15 The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended
claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further
objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in
conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now
20 described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures
wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 is a layout with a blast furnace, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
25
Figure 2a illustrates different views (side view and top view) of a bleeder valve of
the blast furnace, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2b illustrates a sectional view of the bleeder valve of the blast furnace, in
30 accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2c illustrates a rear view of the bleeder valve of the blast furnace, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
35 Figure 3a is a sectional view of a device for installing a seal of the bleeder valve, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
6
5 Figure 3b is a sectional top view at section A-A of the device of Figure 3a, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3c is another sectional top view at section B-B of the device of Figure 3a, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
10
Figure 3d is another sectional top view at section C-C of the device of Figure 3a
depicting an actuation mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
15 Figure 3e is a detailed view at section X of a bottom end of at least one blow pipe
of the device of Figure 3a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
Figure 3f is a sectional view of the device for installing the seal of the bleeder valve
20 depicting vertical displacement of a carrier, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
Figure 3g is a sectional view of the device for installing the seal of the bleeder valve
depicting rotational displacement of the carrier, in accordance with an embodiment
25 of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a method for operating the device of Figure 3a, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
30 The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only.
One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that
alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be
employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
35 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and
alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example
7
5 in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that
it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the
contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative
falling within the scope of the disclosure.
10 The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the
disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device,
assembly, mechanism, system, method that comprises a list of components does not
include only those components but may include other components not expressly
listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or
15 more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more
constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the
system or method.
Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a device for installing a seal in a
20 bleeder valve of a blast furnace is disclosed. The device comprises a column fixedly
positioned near to the bleeder valve. A carriage is displaceable vertically along the
column and comprises a first connecting portion having a first end and a second
end. The first end is slidably coupled to the column. Further, at least one blow pipe
is coupled to the second end of the first connecting portion and is defined with a
25 bottom end having at least one provision configured to receive the seal. The device
includes at least one displacing mechanism configured to displace the blow pipe.
The displacing mechanism comprises at least one actuator and a second connecting
portion. The actuator disposed on the column is configured to vertically move the
blow pipe by displacing the carriage relative to the column. The second connecting
30 portion is connected to the first connecting portion by at least one extension and
coupled to at least one actuator to displace the carriage vertically upon actuation of
at least one actuator. Further, at least one sleeve is rotatably mounted on the column
and coupled to the displacing mechanism. The sleeve is configured to rotate the
carriage relative to the column for pivotally displacing the blow pipe to align with
35 the bleeder valve. The displacing mechanism and at least one sleeve are adapted to
position the blow pipe within the bleeder valve to transfer and install the seal from
8
5 the provision to the bleeder valve. The device corresponds to an arrangement for
safely installing a seal in the bleeder valve. With such configuration, the device may
reduce time consumed for installing the seal in a cost-effective manner and may
eliminate requirement to halt operation of the blast furnace for installing or
replacing the seal in the bleeder valve. Further, the device protects the operator from
10 gases from the blast furnace at elevated temperatures and which may be hazardous
to the operator.
The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1
to 4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are
15 indicated by the same reference signs. One skilled in the art would appreciate that
the device and the method as disclosed in the present disclosure may be used in any
vehicle including but not liming to blast furnaces having bleeder valves and the like.
The device and the method of the present disclosure may also be implemented in
pressure vessels having venting conduits with seals for suitably venting gases from
20 the vessel without deviating from the principles of the present disclosure.
In the present disclosure, the term “gases” refers to blast furnace gases exiting from
a blast furnace or any other pressure vessel, where such gases are released to
maintain pressure in the blast furnace or the pressure vessel.
25
Referring now to Figure 1, which illustrates a blast furnace (400) layout. The blast
furnace (400) is mounted on a floor [not shown explicitly in Figures] where the
blast furnace (400) is usually set up. Moreover, the floor includes at least one
platform (401) to allow an operator (500) to climb for performing maintenance
30 operations on components of the blast furnace (400). The blast furnace (400) is
defined with a vent extending vertically away from a top portion of the blast furnace
(400). The vent is connected to a bleeder valve (200) mounted proximal to the
platform (401). The platform (401) is configured to allow the operator (500) to
reach the bleeder valve (200).
35
9
5 Referring now to Figures 2a to 2c, the bleeder valve (200) is fluidly coupled to the
vent and defines a conduit (204) to guide gases from the vent to surroundings. The
bleeder valve (200) comprises a valve body (205) pivotally coupled to the conduit
(204) to allow gases from the blast furnace (400) to the surroundings. The conduit
(204) is defined by a cylindrical portion (206) having a groove (203) to
10 accommodate a seal (201) as can be seen in Figure 2b. The cylindrical portion (206)
is connected to a base frame (202) of the bleeder valve (200) connecting the
cylindrical portion (206) to the vent of the blast furnace (400). The valve body (205)
is configured to pivot relative to the cylindrical portion (206) to close the cylindrical
portion (206) to retain pressure in the blast furnace (400). The valve body (205) is
15 configured to pivot relative to the cylindrical portion (206) to open the cylindrical
portion (206) to surroundings to allow venting of the gases as can be seen in Figure
2a.
Figures 3a and 3b illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
20 which illustrates a device (100) for installing the seal (201) in the bleeder valve
(200). The device (100) may be fixedly or slidably positioned on the platform (401)
to displace between multiple bleeder valves. The device (100) comprises a column
(1) shown in Fig. 3f, a carriage (4), at least one blow pipe (2), at least one displacing
mechanism (3) and at least one sleeve (5). The device (100) may comprise a base
25 (6) connectable to the base frame (202) and is coupled to the column (1). The base
(6) may be fixedly positioned or may be slidably positioned on the platform (401)
between multiple bleeder valves. In the illustrative embodiment, the column (1) is
depicted to be fixedly positioned near to the base frame (202) for precise positioning
of the blow pipe (2) relative to the cylindrical portion (206) as can be clearly seen
30 in Figure 3a.
The carriage (4) is displaceable vertically along the column (1) and comprises a
first connecting portion (41) having a first end (41a) and a second end (41b). In an
embodiment, the first connecting portion (41) may be a ring shaped member
35 slidably disposed on the column (1), where the first connecting portion (41) may
displace vertically along the column (1) in a vertically upward direction as can be
10
5 seen in Figure 3f or a vertically downward direction as can be seen in Figure 3a.
The second end (41b) of the first connecting portion (41) may be defined away from
the first end (41a). In the illustrative embodiment, the first end (41a) and the second
end (41b) are depicted to be defined diametrically opposite on the first connection
portion to connect the carriage (4) to the second connecting portion (42) as can be
10 seen in Figure 3a. The carriage (4) may be structured to hold and displace the blow
pipe (2) vertically relative to the column (1). The carriage (4) may be defined by
one of a fork shaped member, a U-shaped member, and the like defined with at least
two extending portions (43) extending away from the column (1) to accommodate
the blow pipe (2) between the at least two extending portions (43) as can be seen in
15 Figure 3b.
Further, the first end (41a) of the first connecting portion (41) is slidably coupled
to the column (1) and the blow pipe (2) as can be seen in Figure 3a. In an
embodiment, the first connecting portion (41) may be defined with one of at least
20 one aperture (41c), at least one slot, at least one groove and the like. The first
connecting portion (41) may be slidably coupled to the column (1) by one of the
aperture, at least one slot, at least one groove and the like. In the illustrative
embodiment, the first connecting portion (41) is depicted with at least one aperture
(41c) to be slidably mounted on the column (1) as best seen in Figure 3b.
25
Referring again to Figures 3a and 3b, the first connecting portion (41) may be a ring
shaped member slidably disposed on the column (1). The blow pipe (2) may be
defined by one of a cylindrical profile, a semi-spherical profile, structured to define
at least one hollow portion (21) for guiding the gases from the cylindrical portion
30 (206) to appropriate location above height of the operator. In the illustrative
embodiment, the blow pipe (2) is depicted as a cylindrical profile to guide the gases
vertically away from the operator (500) and avoid exposure of hot gases. However,
the blow pipe (2) may also be defined by any other profile which guides the gases
away from the conduit (204) to the surroundings to avoid exposure of hot gases to
35 the operator (500). The blow pipe (2) is defined with a bottom end (22) having at
least one provision (2a) configured to receive the seal (201) as can be seen in Figure
11
5 3a. In an embodiment, the seal (201) received by the at least one provision (2a) is a
new seal (201) and the seal in the bleeder valve is an existing seal (201a). The
provision (2a) may be defined by at least one of a flange, a groove, a slot, and the
like structured to accommodate the new seal (201) on the blow pipe (2). In the
illustrative embodiment, the provision (2a) is depicted as a flange extending on
10 periphery at the bottom end (22) of the blow pipe (2) for suitably accommodating
the new seal (201) and easy removal of the new seal (201). In an embodiment, the
bottom end (22) may be designed to fit into the bleeder valve (200) to fluidly
connect the blow pipe (2) to the cylindrical portion (206) and dimensions of the
blow pipe (2) may be designed such that the bottom end (22) fits into the cylindrical
15 portion (206) without any leakage of the gases towards the operator (500). In an
embodiment, the blow pipe (2) may be designed with a specific length to guide the
gases to surroundings above average height of operators such as above 5.5 feet to 6
feet from the platform (401). Further, the profile and design of the blow pipe (2)
may be varied based on design requirements of the device (100).
20
Referring now to Figures 3a, 3c and 3d, the device (100) comprises at least one
displacing mechanism (3) disposed on the column (1) and is configured to displace
the blow pipe (2). The displacing mechanism (3) is rotatably disposed on the
column (1) and is rotatable relative to the column (1). The displacing mechanism
25 (3) comprises a frame [not shown explicitly in figures], at least one actuator (31)
and a second connecting portion (42). The frame may be structured to accommodate
the actuator (31). The frame may be rotatably disposed on the column (1) to rotate
the displacing mechanism (3) relative to the column (1). The frame may be one of
a plate, a cuboidal casing, and the like coupled to the column (1) and structured to
30 accommodate the actuator (31). The displacing mechanism (3) is configured to
vertically move the blow pipe (2) by displacing the carriage (4) relative to the
column (1). The actuator (31) is disposed on the frame coupled to the column (1)
The actuator (31) is positioned on the frame and is engageable with the second
connecting portion (42) to displace the carriage (4) vertically relative to the column
12
5 (1). The actuator (31) is configured to displace the second connecting portion (42)
to displace the carriage (4) relative to the column (1).
Further, the second connecting portion (42) is connected to the first connecting
portion (41) by at least one extension (44) and is coupled to the actuator (31) to
10 displace the carriage (4) upon actuation of the actuator (31). In an embodiment, the
second connecting portion (42) may be integrally connected to the first connecting
portion (41) or may be detachably coupled to the first connecting portion (41) by
the extension (44). The actuator (31) may include one of a motor, a linear hydraulic
actuator, a linear pneumatic actuator and the like coupled to the second connecting
15 portion (42) for vertically displacing the carriage (4) relative to the column (1). The
actuator (31) may displace the second connecting portion (42) vertically upwards
or vertically downwards parallel to the column (1). The displacing mechanism (3)
may include a lead screw (32) coupled to the actuator (31) and positioned along the
column (1) as can be seen in Figure 3a. The lead screw (32) is configured to engage
20 with the second connecting portion (42) to vertically displace the carriage (4). For
sake of explanation, the displacing mechanism (3) is depicted with a motor as the
actuator (31) coupled to the lead screw (32) to engage with the second connecting
portion (42) and displace the carriage (4) vertically as can be seen in Figures 3c and
3d. The second connecting portion (42) may be defined with a plurality of threads
25 to engage with the lead screw (32). The actuator (31) may rotate the lead screw (32)
about an axis (Z-Z’) , where the second connecting portion (42) displaces vertically
based on rotation of the lead screw (32). In an embodiment, the carriage (4) is
positioned parallel to the column (1) and the axis (Z-Z’) as can be seen in Figure
3a. For example, the second connecting portion (42) may displace vertically
30 upwards along the lead screw (32) on rotation of the lead screw (32) in an anticlockwise direction and the second connecting portion (42) may displace vertically
downwards along the lead screw (32) on rotation of the lead screw (32) in a clockwise direction. The direction of vertical displacement may be varied by varying
profile of the lead screw (32) and corresponding threads on the second connecting
35 portion (42) based on design requirements. Further, the displacing mechanism (3)
13
5 may include a plurality of gears [not shown explicitly in Figures] coupled between
the lead screw (32) and the actuator (31) to regulate rotation speed and torque of
the lead screw (32). In an embodiment, the lead screw (32) may be directly coupled
to the actuator (31). In an embodiment, the actuator (31) may include a plurality of
gears coupled to the lead screw (32) and having a handle (10) coupled to one of the
10 plurality of gears to allow operation of the displacing mechanism (3). In an
embodiment, the plurality of gears may include a set of worm gears coupled
between the handle (10) and the lead screw (32) to rotate the lead screw (32) upon
rotation of the handle (10).
15 Referring now to Figures 3f and 3g, the sleeve (5) is rotatably mounted on the
column (1) and coupled to the displacing mechanism (3). The sleeve (5) is
connected to the frame to fixedly couple the displacing mechanism (3) to the sleeve
(5). The sleeve (5) is configured to rotate the carriage (4) relative to the column (1)
for pivotally displacing the blow pipe (2) to align with the bleeder valve (200). As
20 the second connecting portion (42) is coupled to the carriage (4) through the first
connecting portion (41), rotation of the sleeve (5) relative to the column (1) rotates
the carriage (4) relative to the column (1) as can be seen in Figure 3g. The displacing
mechanism (3) and the sleeve (5) are adapted to position the blow pipe (2) within
the bleeder valve (200) to transfer and install the new seal (201) from the provision
25 (2a) on the blow pipe (2) to the bleeder valve (200). The displacing mechanism (3)
is configured to displace the carriage (4) vertically as can be seen in Figure 3f and
the sleeve (5) is configured to rotate the carriage (4) relative to the column (1) to
align the blow pipe (2) precisely into the bleeder valve (200), where the blow pipe
(2) and the cylindrical portion (206) are in fluid communication. With such
30 configuration, the device (100) may guide the gases from the bleeder valve (200)
away from an operator (500) to avoid exposure of hot gases and enhance ease of
installing the new seal (201) in the bleeder valve (200).
In an embodiment, to replace the existing seal (201a) of the bleeder valve (200) as
35 shown in Fig, 2b, the valve body (205) is pivoted relative to the cylindrical portion
(206) as can be seen in Figure 2a [in shaded lines] to access the existing seal (201a)
14
5 by the operator (500). The operator (500) may remove the existing seal (201a) on
the groove (203) of the bleeder valve (200). The new seal (201) which is to be
installed on the bleeder valve (200) is then placed on the provision (2a) of the blow
pipe (2) by the operator (500). The seals(201 and 201a) being elastic in nature could
be pulled easily. In an embodiment, the new seal (201) may be placed on the
10 provision (2a) either manually or using an external positioning mechanism such as
a manual or automatically operated arm and the like. Next, the displacing
mechanism (3) is operated by the operator (500) to displace the carriage (4)
vertically to raise or lower the blow pipe (2) relative to the bleeder valve (200) and
to position the blow pipe (2) above the bleeder valve (200). The sleeve (5) is rotated
15 relative to the column (1) to rotate the carriage (4) for aligning the bottom end (22)
of the blow pipe (2) with the cylindrical portion (206). The vertical position and
angular position of the carriage (4) may be varied relative to the column (1) multiple
times by the operator (500) sequentially to align the blow pipe (2) into the
cylindrical portion (206) as can be seen in Figure 3a. upon aligning the blow pipe
20 (2) into the bleeder valve (200), the new seal (201) is installed from the provision
(2a) on to the groove (203) of the bleeder valve (200).
In an embodiment, the blow pipe (2) may be defined with at least one high pressure
seal (7) fitted at the bottom portion as can be seen in Figure 3e. The high pressure
25 seal (7) may be mounted on the provision (2a) and may be fixedly positioned
between a pressure plate (8) fastened to the provision (2a) by one or more fasteners
(9) as can be seen in Figure 3e. The high pressure seal (7) to engage with the
cylindrical portion (206) to avoid leakage of the gases from the bleeder valve (200)
upon alignment with the blow pipe (2).
30
In an embodiment, the displacing mechanism (3) may be coupled to a control unit
for remote operation of the displacing mechanism (3) or for automatic operation for
alignment of the blow pipe (2) into the cylindrical portion (206).
35 In an embodiment, the sleeve (5) may be coupled to the column (1) by one or more
gears coupled between the sleeve (5) and the actuator (31) to rotate the sleeve (5)
15
5 based on rotation of one of the lead screw (32) and the actuator (31). In an
embodiment, the displacing mechanism (3) may include a first actuator to displace
the carriage (4) vertically and a second actuator to rotate the sleeve (5) on the
column (1). In an embodiment, the control unit may be communicatively coupled
to the first actuator and the second actuator to regulate vertical and angular
10 displacement of the carriage (4).
In an embodiment, the column (1) may be rotatable relative to the base (6) to rotate
the carriage (4), where the sleeve (5) may be fixedly mounted on the column (1).
15 Referring now to Figure 4, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure illustrating a method (300) for operating the device (100) for installing a
new seal (201) in a bleeder valve (200) of a blast furnace (400).
The method (300) may describe in the general context of processor executable
20 instructions in the control unit. Generally, the executable instructions may include
routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and
functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data
types.
25 The order in which the method (300) is described is not intended to be construed as
a limitation, and any number of the described method (300) blocks may be
combined in any order to implement the method (300). Additionally, individual
blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the
subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method (300) can be implemented
30 in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.
To replace the existing seal (201a) of the bleeder valve (200), the valve body (205)
is pivoted relative to the cylindrical portion (206) as can be seen in Figure 2a [in
shaded lines] to access the existing seal (201a) by the operator (500). The operator
35 (500) may remove the existing seal (201a) on the groove (203) of the bleeder valve
(200). At block 301, the new seal (201) is placed on at least one provision (2a)
16
5 defined on at least one blow pipe (2) of the device (100), where the blow pipe (2)
is coupled to a carriage (4) slidably positioned on a column (1).
Next at block 302, the blow pipe (2) is rotated by at least one sleeve (5), for pivotally
displacing the blow pipe (2) to align with the bleeder valve (200). The sleeve (5) is
10 rotated relative to the column (1) to rotate the carriage (4) for aligning the bottom
end (22) of the blow pipe (2) with the cylindrical portion (206). The sleeve (5) is
rotatably mounted on the column (1) and coupled to the displacing mechanism (3).
In an embodiment, the vertical position and angular position of the carriage (4) may
be varied relative to the column (1) multiple times by the operator (500)
15 sequentially to align the blow pipe (2) into the cylindrical portion (206) as can be
seen in Figure 3a. Then at block 303, the carriage (4) is vertically displaced by at
least one displacing mechanism (3) to displace the blow pipe (2) relative to the
column (1). The displacing mechanism (3) is disposed on the column (1) and
coupled to the carriage (4). The displacing mechanism (3) is operated by the
20 operator (500) to displace the carriage (4) vertically to raise or lower the blow pipe
(2) relative to the bleeder valve (200) and to position the blow pipe (2) above the
bleeder valve (200). At block 304, upon aligning the blow pipe (2) into the bleeder
valve (200), the new seal (201) is installed from the provision (2a) on to the groove
(203) of the bleeder valve (200).
25
In an embodiment, the size, configuration of the components of device (100) may
be varied according to the application requirement.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides the device (100) that is simple,
30 robust, and compact.
In an embodiment, the device (100) of the present disclosure protects the operator
(500) from gases from the blast furnace (400) at elevated temperatures and which
may be hazardous to the operator (500).
35
17
5 In an embodiment, the device (100) according to the present disclosure provides a
cost-effective solution to installation and replacement of seals in bleeder valves of
blast furnaces.
In an embodiment, the device (100) according to the present disclosure is fitted with
10 the high temperature seal that avoids leakage of gases from the blast furnace (400)
and directs the gases to surroundings.
In an embodiment, the device (100) according to the present disclosure is designed
to guide gases above height of operators to avoid any contact of the operator (500)
15 with the gases.
EQUIVALENTS
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein,
20 those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from
the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The
various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of
clarity.
25 It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and
especially in the appended claims are generally intended as “open” terms. It will
be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an
introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in
the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For
30 example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce
claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to
imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an”
limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions
35 containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the
introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as
“a” or “an”; the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce
18
5 claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim
recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such
recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited
number. Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least
one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the
10 sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention having at least
one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone,
B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,
B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at
least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in
15 the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention having at least
one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone,
B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,
B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that
virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative
20 terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to
contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or
both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the
possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
25 In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of
Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also
thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of
the Markush group.
30 While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects
and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects
and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not
intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the
following claims.
35
Referral Numeral:
19
Component Referral numeral
Device 100
Bleeder valve 200
Seal 201
Existing seal 201a
Column 1
At least one blow pipe 2
At least one provision 2a
At least one hollow portion 21
Bottom end 22
At least one displacing
mechanism
3
At least one actuator 31
Lead screw 32
Carriage 4
First connecting portion 41
First end 41a
Second end 41b
At least one aperture 41c
Second connecting portion 42
At least two extending
portions
43
At least one extension 44
Sleeve 5
Base 6
Base frame 202
groove 203
Conduit 204
Valve body 205
Cylindrical portion 206
Method 300
Blast furnace 400
At least one platform 401
Operator 500
Axis Z-Z’
High pressure seal 7
Pressure plate 8
One or more fasteners 9
Handle 10
5
20
5 We Claim:
1. A device (100) for installing a seal (201) in a bleeder valve (200) of a blast
furnace (400), comprising:
a column (1) fixedly positioned near to the bleeder valve (200);
a carriage (4) displaceable vertically along the column (1), the carriage
10 (4) comprising a first connecting portion (41) having a first end (41a) and a
second end (41b), wherein the first end (41a) is slidably coupled to the
column (1);
at least one blow pipe (2) coupled to the second end (41b) of the first
connecting portion (41), wherein the at least one blow pipe (2) is defined
15 with a bottom end (22) having at least one provision (2a) configured to
receive the seal (201);
at least one displacing mechanism (3), configured to displace the at
least one blow pipe (2), the at least one displacing mechanism (3)
comprising:
20 at least one actuator (31) disposed on the column (1), configured
to vertically move the at least one blow pipe (2) by displacing the
carriage (4) relative to the column (1); and
a second connecting portion (42) connected to the first
connecting portion (41) by at least one extension (44) and coupled to
25 the at least one actuator (31) to displace the carriage (4) upon actuation
of the at least one actuator (31);
at least one sleeve (5) rotatably mounted on the column (1) and
coupled to the at least one displacing mechanism (3), configured to rotate
the carriage (4) relative to the column (1) for pivotally displacing the at least
30 one blow pipe (2) to align with the bleeder valve (200), and
wherein the at least one displacing mechanism (3) and the at
least one sleeve (5) are adapted to position the at least one blow pipe
21
5 (2) within the bleeder valve (200) to transfer and install the seal (201)
from the at least one provision (2a) to the bleeder valve (200).
2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one blow pipe
(2) is structured to define at least one hollow portion (21) to guide gases
10 away from the bleeder valve (200).
3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator
(31) is coupled to the at least one sleeve (5).
15 4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one actuator
(31) is configured to displace the at least one blow pipe (2) along the column
(1).
5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one hollow
20 portion (21) of the at least one blow pipe (2) is aligned with the bleeder
valve (200), where the at least one provision (2a) is proximal to a groove
(203) of the bleeder valve (200).
6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one provision
25 (2a) is structured as a flange extending across the bottom end (22) of the at
least one blow pipe (2).
7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one displacing
mechanism (3) includes a lead screw (32) coupled to the at least one actuator
30 (31) positioned along the column (1), the lead screw (32) is configured to
engage with the second connecting portion (42) to displace the carriage (4)
vertically.
8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one displacing
35 mechanism (3) comprises a plurality of gears coupled between the lead
screw (32) and the at least one actuator (31).
22
5 9. A method (300) for operating a device (100) for installing a seal (201) in a
bleeder valve (200) of a blast furnace (400), the method (300) comprising:
placing, the seal (201) on at least one provision (2a) defined on at least
one blow pipe (2) of the device (100), the at least one blow pipe (2) is
coupled to a carriage (4) slidably positioned on a column (1);
10 rotating, by at least one sleeve (5), the at least one blow pipe (2) for
pivotally displacing the at least one blow pipe (2) to align with the bleeder
valve (200), the at least one sleeve (5) rotatably mounted on the column (1)
and coupled to the at least one displacing mechanism (3);
displacing, by at least one displacing mechanism (3), the carriage (4)
15 vertically to displace the at least one blow pipe (2) relative to the column
(1), the at least one displacing mechanism (3) is disposed on the column (1)
and coupled to the carriage (4), and
installing, the seal (201) from the at least one provision (2a) on to the
bleeder valve (200).
20
Dated this 31st of October 2023
Gopinath Arenur Shankararaj
25 OF K & S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT(S)
IN/PA-1852
DIGITALLY SIGNED AND FILED THROUGH E-FILING
23