Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine comprising a mounting 5 plate (1) mounted with inductor assembly (12) and connected to a locking plate (5), wherein a plurality of columns (8) are placed between base frame (7) and Plummer block (4) at top, in which inlet and outlet hoses (17 and 18) are connected between the inductor assembly (12) and water tank (16). 10
2. The multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting plate (1) is connected to the locking 15 plate (5) by connecting shaft (13).
3. The multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine as claimed in claim 1 20 or 2, wherein the position of the vertical columns (08) is fixed by connecting multitude of interconnector (14) pipes between the columns (08).
4. The multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling 25 process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine as claimed in claim 1-3, wherein the inlet hose (17) is provided in connection with a pump (15), inlet valve (3) and pressure gauge (2).
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5. The multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in
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the incremental pipe bending machine as claimed in claim 1-4, wherein the outlet hose (18) is provided in connection with outlet valve (6).
6. The multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling 5 process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine as claimed in claim 1-5, wherein to conduct the leakage test, the inlet and outlet hoses (17 & 18) are connected, the pump (15) is switched ON and inlet valve (03) is opened to fill water in inductor (12) and 10 water goes back to the water tank (16) through outlet valve (06) and outlet hose (18), wherein the outlet valve (06) is gradually closed, which raises the water pressure in inductor (12) and water leakages (if any) are visually identified, wherein if any water leakages are observed in the inductor (12), the 15 leaking points are marked for brazing and the water in the circuit is fully emptied by opening the outlet valve (06) and sending the water back to tank (16), wherein in case of no leakage, the inductor (12) can be taken to the incremental pipe bending machine to start the bending process. 20
7. The multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine as claimed in claim 1-6, wherein brazing can be carried out by adjusting the 25 inductor mounting plate (01) in the locking device (10) by locking the locking plate (05) and with the help of locking pin (11).
8. The multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling 30 process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine as claimed in claim 1-
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7, wherein the inductor mounting plate (01) can be positioned at any orientation between 0o to 180o so that brazing can be carried out ergonomically, wherein prior to brazing, it is ensured that inlet water line (17) is closed either by closing the inlet valve (03) or by disconnecting the inlet water line (17). 5
9. The multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine as claimed in claim 1-8, wherein to conduct descaling operation, suitable chemical 10 (acid) is added in water tank (16) and water circuit is operated by operating the pump (15) and opening both inlet valve (03) and outlet valve (06), in which the acid added water is circulated for the required time for the descaling.
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10. The multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine as claimed in the claims 1-9 is associated with the advantageous features such as herein described. , Description:A multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine
FIELD OF INVENTION 5
[001] The present invention relates to a multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus employed for conducting leakage test in the inductor. Further the invention 10 relates to descaling and ergonomic positioning of the inductor for brazing work.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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[002] Normally, incremental bending machine is used to make smooth bends in pipes. These pipes carry high pressure steam and are used in high pressure steam generators at power plants. The incremental bending machine is employed to bend the pipes ranging from 163 mm to 1400 mm outside diameter and the thickness of the 20 pipes ranging from 6mm to 112 mm. In these machines, inductor is a main part which gives heat input to the pipe for bending operation. The inductor is made up of pure copper and has water cooling circuit for cooling purpose. During bending process, if the inductor leaks, it affects the work in progress and the whole assembly has to be 25 dismantled to replace the defective inductor.
[003] Further, there was no leak test procedure prior to assembling the inductor in machines for bending process. If the leakage is found in the inductor, there is no ergonomic access to braze the inductor.
[004] In addition to the above, scaling of the copper tube is another 30 problem for which no device is available for descaling process. Thus,
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in order to arrest the leakage portion in the inductor coil, prior to assembly in the machine for operation:
? A device is required to be developed to find the location of the leak spot in the inductor. 5
? A device / fixture is required to mount the inductor to perform brazing ergonomically.
? A device is required to conduct the descaling operation.
[005] To cater all the above needs one multipurpose device is devised by the present invention which can address issues of the 10 known technologies and serve the purpose efficiently.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[006] An object of the invention is to propose a multipurpose 15 apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine which obviates shortcomings of the prior art(s).
[007] Another object of the invention is to propose a multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic 20 positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine which is simple and efficient.
[008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe 25 bending machine for detecting leakages in cooling circuit of inductors prior to assembly in machines to start the heating process.
[009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe 30 bending machine for descaling of the inductor coil.
[010] Further object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and
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ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine which holds the inductor in any degree ranging from 0 to 180 degree to ease the brazing operation at any position convenient to the welder to arrest the leakage if found during leak test. 5
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[011] Accordingly, there is provided a multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of 10 inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine comprising a mounting plate mounted with inductor assembly and connected to a locking plate, wherein a plurality of columns are placed between base frame and Plummer block at top, in which inlet and outlet hoses are connected between the inductor assembly and 15 water tank.
[012] The mounting plate is connected to the locking plate by connecting shaft.
[013] The position of the vertical columns is fixed by connecting multitude of interconnector pipes between the columns. 20
[014] The inlet hose is provided in connection with a pump, inlet valve and pressure gauge.
[015] The outlet hose is provided in connection with outlet valve.
[016] To conduct the leakage test, the inlet and outlet hoses are connected, the pump is switched ON and inlet valve is opened to fill 25 water in inductor and water goes back to the water tank through outlet valve and outlet hose, wherein the outlet valve is gradually closed, which raises the water pressure in inductor and water leakages (if any) are visually identified, wherein if any water leakages are observed in the inductor, the leaking points are marked for 30 brazing and the water in the circuit is fully emptied by opening the outlet valve and sending the water back to tank, wherein in case of
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no leakage, the inductor can be taken to the incremental pipe bending machine to start the bending process.
[017] Brazing can be carried out by adjusting the inductor mounting plate in the locking device by means of locking the locking plate and with the help of locking pin. 5
[018] The inductor mounting plate can be positioned at any orientation between 0o to 180o so that brazing can be carried out ergonomically, wherein prior to brazing, it is ensured that inlet water line is closed either by closing the inlet valve or by disconnecting the inlet water line. 10
[019] To conduct descaling operation, suitable chemical (acid) is added in water tank and water circuit is operated by operating the pump and opening both inlet valve and outlet valve, in which the acid is circulated for the required time, for the descaling.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[020] Further objects and advantages of this invention will be more apparent from the ensuing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the exemplary embodiments and 20 wherein:-
Fig. 1 shows: The elevation of a multipurpose apparatus for leak detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the 25 incremental pipe bending machine according to present invention.
Fig. 2 Shows: The view A of figure 1.
Fig. 3 shows: The developed apparatus of present invention with water connection details. 30
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DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[021] The incremental pipe bending machine is used to 5 manufacture smooth bends in pipes. The pipes are typically used for steam flow in power plants. The inductor coil made up of pure copper is main part used in the machine for heating the pipes. The inductor coils are hollow tubes. Water circulation through the inductors is provided in order to cool the inductors. In the known art, leakages 10 are found only after the inductor is put in the operation, which leads to more down time of machine. Dismantling the inductor after leakage detection, brazing operation to arrest leak and re-assembling in machine is a time consuming process that severely affects the operation schedules. Moreover, ergonomic positioning of 15 inductor for brazing operation was an issue. Another problem in the existing operation is scale formation inside the inductor tubes because of continuous usage.
[022] The present invention proposes a device developed for multipurpose usage to conduct leak test prior to assembling the 20 inductor in machine, to do the brazing operation at any positon to ease the welder and to conduct the descaling process in an easy manner.
[023] Thus, the present invention makes a disclosure regarding a technology pertaining to a multipurpose apparatus for leak 25 detection, descaling process and ergonomic positioning of inductor for brazing in the incremental pipe bending machine. Accordingly,
referring to Figure 1,2 and 3 the inductor assembly is mounted on inductor mounting plate (01). This mounting plate (01) is connected to the locking plate (05) by means of connecting shaft (13). A 30 plurality of vertical columns (08) fixedly secured at bottom with base frame (07) carry the plummer blocks (04) at top. The position of these
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vertical columns (08) is fixed by connecting multitude of interconnector (14) pipes between the columns (08).
[024] To conduct the leak test, the inductor (12) is mounted on the inductor mounting plate (01). The inlet and outlet hoses (17 & 18) are connected. The pump (15) is switched ON and inlet valve (03) is 5 opened to fill water in inductor (12) and water goes back to the water tank (16) through outlet valve (06) and outlet hose (18). The outlet valve (06) is gradually closed. This raises the water pressure in inductor (12) and water leakages (if any) are visually identified. If any water leakages are observed in the inductor (12), the leaking 10 points are marked for brazing. The water in the circuit is fully emptied by opening the outlet valve (06) and sending the water back to tank (16). In case of no leakage, the inductor (12) can be taken to the incremental pipe bending machine (not shown) to start the bending process. This ensures the avoidance of breakdown due to 15 existing inductor leakage. A pressure gauge (02) provided in the inlet water line (17) helps to monitor the raising pressure in inductor (12).
[025] Brazing can be carried out by adjusting the inductor mounting plate (01) in the locking device (10) by means of locking the locking plate (05) and with the help of locking pin (11). The inductor 20 mounting plate (01) can be positioned at any orientation between 0o to 180o so that brazing can be carried out ergonomically. Prior to brazing, it is ensured that inlet water line (17) is closed either by closing the inlet valve (03) or by disconnecting the inlet water line (17). 25
[026] In order to conduct descaling operation, suitable chemical (acid) is added in water tank (16) and water circuit is operated by operating the pump (15) and opening both inlet valve (03) and outlet valve (06). The acid added water is circulated for the required time, so that the descaling is fully carried out. The chemical process is not 30 part of this invention and the apparatus is used for acid cleaning in an easy manner.
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[027] The advantages of proposed application can be summarized as follows:-
- Multipurpose
- Conducts leak test prior to assembling the inductor in 5 machine
- Brazing operation at any positon to ease the welder
- Conducts the descaling process in an easy manner.
[028] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., 10 bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by 15 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 example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at 20 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 particulars claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even 25 when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even 30 if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation
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should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogues to “at least one of A, B and C, etc.” is used, in general such a 5 construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system 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 10 where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system 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 15 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 terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of 20 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”.
[029] It is to be noted that the present invention is susceptible to modifications, adaptations and changes by those skilled in the art. 25 Such variant embodiments employing the concepts and features of this invention are intended to be within the scope of the present invention, which is further set forth under the following claims:-