Claims:We Claim:

1. An apparatus 100 for holding a fuel pipes horizontally in a radial drilling machine comprising
a frame, which includes a base 204, a center support plate 210 and a side support rigid plate 208, wherein the center support plate 210 and the side support rigid plate 208 configured with the base 204 of the frame;
a ring shaped opening structure 206 accommodate on the center support plate 210 and the side support rigid plate 208, wherein the ring shaped opening structure 206 includes a locating point 124, a pitch locating pin 202, a handle 108, a handle locater and a mounting hole 126 accommodate on top side of the ring shaped opening structure 206;
a fuel line pipe 302 is placed in between the ring shaped opening structure 206 and the flexible flat belt 114;
a twist drill 102 is configured on the top side of the mounting hole 126 of the ring shaped opening structure 206;
plurality of circular roller 120 configured on the base 204 of the frame to place and rotate a fuel line pipe, wherein a fine adjustment unit 122 connected to the circular rollers 120 to provide longitudinal movement to the circular roller 120; and
a flat belt 114 is placed parallel to the ring shaped opening structure 206.

2. The apparatus 100 for holding a fuel pipes horizontally as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base 204 of the frame includes plurality of locking bolts 110 and plurality of screws 112.

3. The apparatus 100 for holding a fuel pipes horizontally as claimed in claim 2, wherein the height of the frame is fixed by plurality of locking bolts 110 and the height of fixture is adjusted by plurality of screws 112.

4. The apparatus 100 for holding a fuel pipes horizontally as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pitch locating pin 104 lock the handle 108 with the handle locater bolt 106 though nut, which is mounted on the top of the ring shaped opening structure 206.

5. The apparatus 100 for holding a fuel pipes horizontally as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fine adjustment unit 122 is adapted to adjust height of a pipe to achieve a drill position.

6. A method for holding a fuel pipe horizontally in a radial drilling machine by an apparatus 100 comprising steps of;
placing a fuel line pipe 302 on a fixture facing the ring shaped opening structure 206 to provide an accurate position for hole center and reference point punching;
supporting the fixture by a center support plate 210 and side supporting rigid plates 208;
clamping the fuel line pipe 302 with a flat belt 114 accommodated in the ring shaped opening structure 206 of the frame and determining their drilling position;
determining the parallelism of the fuel line pipe 302 and adjusting the drill position of the fuel line pipe 302 by the fine adjustment unit 122;
positioning the hole on the opening structure 206 by twist drill 102 and marking the position by hammering the coupling pin for locating the position drill 124.

7. The process for holding a fuel line pipe horizontally as claimed in claim 6, wherein the flat belt 114 is connected with the frame by a belt locking mechanism 202.

8. The process for holding a fuel line pipe horizontally as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pitch locating pin act as jig on the fuel line pipe to align and placed the drill position accurately.

9. The process for holding a fuel line pipe horizontally as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fuel line pipe is clamped firmly by the flat belt 114 and a belt locking mechanism 202, and drilling is repeated till all the required marked position are drilled.
, Description:AN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HOLDING A FUEL PIPE HORIZONTALLY IN A RADIAL DRILLING MACHINE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to an apparatus for holding a fuel line pipe horizontally in a radial drilling machine. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method to facilitate an easy fit-up for holding a fuel pipes horizontally in a radial drilling machine and eliminating the measuring, marking related works.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter.

[0003] Generally, a boiler is a steam generator that is used to generate steam by applying heat energy to water. A typical Once-Through Super Critical (OTSC) 600 MW boiler weighs around 14000 Tons in which the pressure part's weight is 6000 Tons.

[0004] In fuel line pipes are of standard size of Outer Diameter (OD) 660 mm d with thickness 12.7 mm. The fuel line pipes were cut to the required length and holes are drilled at the end of the pipe to facilitate the joining of pipes at the site. These fuel line pipes are joined using coupling Rockwell coupling (RC) which consists of holes around the periphery. The holes are to be drilled on the fuel line pipes which should match the size and pitch of the holes in RC coupling.

[0005] In addition, the reference line is marked parallel to the fuel pipe axis then the centerline of the holes to be drilled is marked and circumference of the fuel pipe is measured and after the marking and measurement the circumference is divided by the number of holes for pitch calculation and then the center of the hole is marked as per the pitch size. Once the marking and size of hole is finish then these punch marks are remarkable by paint for easy identification of the marked holes or position. Further the drill hole marking is analyzed by the sprit level for parallelism and the hole is drilled in a radial drilling machine. In addition, afterward of marking of the hole is drilled it is rotated for drilling the next hole manually. The process of rotating of heavy pipe fit-up by fitters leads to more fatigue and frequent exposure to similar kinds of such jobs leads to backache, spinal cord deterioration, etc.

[0006] Further, these activities consume more cycle time and require more manpower. Workers are exposed to the risk of discomfort and pain resulting from injuries. These occupational risk factors are the most common entity to cause health problems. Exposure to occupational hazards adversely affects the functioning of the human body and in turn, reduces worker productivity and product/work quality and increases musculoskeletal problems. These are painful and often occur as disabling injuries. Such injuries generally develop gradually over weeks, months, and years. These causes MSDs or musculoskeletal disorders usually result from exposure to multiple risk factors that can cause or accelerate the disorders. The MSDs or musculoskeletal disorders are not caused by a single event or trauma such as a fall, collision, or entanglement. Frequently, workers lose time from work to recover; some never regain full health. Furthermore, the MSDs can cause several conditions, including pain, numbness, tingling, stiff joints, difficulty moving, muscle loss, and sometimes paralysis and MSDs, or musculoskeletal disorders, are injuries and disorders of the soft tissues of the human body (muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage) including the nerves and tendon sheaths, and most frequently involve the arms and back.

[0007] However, the conventional designs for drilling in fuel pipes are carried out by reference line marking, drill hole center marking, dividing the pipe circumference for pitch hole which leads to cumbersome process, reworks, and occupational health vulnerabilities. Further, it takes more rotating cycle time for drilling. Furthermore, it causes fatigue to workforce, requires more man force and more work hours.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to provide a simple and cost-effective apparatus to hold fuel line pipes on the horizontal axis, to facilitate an easy marking process, to avoid related reworks, to provide ergonomically better working conditions, and to avoid occupational health vulnerabilities like MSDs, or musculoskeletal disorders to employees.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] In view of the foregoing limitations inherent in the state of the art, some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus to facilitate an easy fit-up for holding a fuel pipes horizontally in a radial drilling machine.

[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for positioning and to carry out drilling in a manageable, convenient manner.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus that alleviates MSDs, or musculoskeletal disorders in workforce and reduces the time cycle.

[0013] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus to fabricate fixture to cut down the number of activities involved to achieve the drilling process and increase the output.

[0014] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus to reduce major workforce and fatigue of workers.

[0015] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus to facilitate an easy job set up and to abolish the rework process.

[0016] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to front body structure of a vehicle to protect anti-theft alarm. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0018] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for holding a fuel pipes horizontally in a radial drilling machine comprising a frame, which includes a base, a center support plate and a side support rigid plate, wherein the center support plate and the side support rigid plate configured with the base of the frame. The apparatus includes a ring shaped opening structure accommodate on the center support plate and the side support rigid plate, wherein the ring shaped opening structure includes a locating point, a pitch locating pin, a handle, a handle locater and a mounting hole accommodate on top side of the ring shaped opening structure. The apparatus includes a fuel line pipe is placed in between the ring shaped opening structure and the flexible flat belt. The apparatus includes a twist drill is configured on the top side of the mounting hole of the ring shaped opening structure. The apparatus includes plurality of circular roller configured on the base of the frame to place and rotate a fuel line pipe, wherein a fine adjustment unit connected to the circular rollers to provide longitudinal movement to the circular roller and a flat belt is placed parallel to the ring shaped opening structure.

[0019] In an aspect, the base of the frame includes plurality of locking bolts and plurality of screws.

[0020] In an aspect, the height of the frame is fixed by plurality of locking bolts and the height of fixture is adjusted by plurality of screws.

[0021] In an aspect, the pitch locating pin lock the handle with the handle locater bolt though nut, which is mounted on the top of the ring shaped opening structure.

[0022] In an aspect, the fine adjustment unit is adapted to adjust height of a pipe to achieve a drill position.

[0023] Accordingly, in an embodiment a method for holding a fuel pipe horizontally in a radial drilling machine by an apparatus comprising steps of placing a fuel line pipe on a fixture facing the ring shaped opening structure to provide an accurate position for hole center and reference point punching; supporting the fixture by a center support plate and side supporting rigid plates; clamping the fuel line pipe with a flat belt accommodated in the ring shaped opening structure of the frame and determining their drilling position; determining the parallelism of the fuel line pipe and adjusting the drill position of the fuel line pipe by the fine adjustment unit; positioning the hole on the opening structure by twist drill and marking the position by hammering the coupling pin for locating the position drill.

[0024] In an aspect, the flat belt is connected with the frame by a belt locking mechanism.

[0025] In an aspect, the pitch locating pin act as jig on the fuel line pipe to align and placed the drill position accurately.

[0026] In an aspect, the fuel line pipe is clamped firmly by the flat belt and a belt locking mechanism, and drilling is repeated till all the required marked position are drilled

[0027] Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the present subject matter, it is believed that the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals designate like structural and other elements, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for holding a fuel pipes horizontally in a radial drilling machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an apparatus for holding a fuel pipes horizontally in a radial drilling machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of an apparatus and front side sectional view along AA, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 illustrates front side sectional view along BB of an apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 illustrates right-side sectional view of an apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0034] Figure 6 illustrates isometric view of the drilled fuel line pipe and reference point marked, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0036] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0037] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “consisting” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

[0038] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0040] The present invention makes a disclosure regarding a technology pertaining to an apparatus and method for holding a fuel pipe horizontally in a radial drilling machine.

[0041] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, is a perspective view and isomeric view of an apparatus 100 for holding a fuel pipes horizontally in a radial drilling machine. The apparatus having a frame which includes a base 204, a center support plate 210 and a side support rigid plate 208. The center support plate 210 and the side support rigid plate 208 configured with the base 204 of the frame. The base 204 of the frame includes plurality of locking bolts 110 and plurality of screws 112. In addition, the frame is fixed by plurality of locking bolts 110 and the height of fixture is adjusted by plurality of screws 112. The base 204 of the frame is made up of material including steel metal. Further, a ring shaped opening structure 206 accommodate on the center support plate 210 and the side support rigid plate 208, wherein the ring shaped opening structure 206 includes a locating point 124, a pitch locating pin 202, a handle 108, a handle locater and a mounting hole 126 accommodate on top side of the ring shaped opening structure 206. wherein the pitch locating pin 104 lock the handle 108 with the handle locater bolt 106 though nut, which is mounted on the top of the ring shaped opening structure 206. This structure can be fixed to the drilling machine with the help of the locking bolt 110.

[0042] In addition, the base 204 of the frame defines plurality of circular rollers 120 that is configured on the base 204 of the frame to place and rotate a pipe and a fine adjustment unit 122 configured to the longitudinal movement of the plurality of circular rollers 120. The fine adjustment unit 122 is adapted to adjust height of a pipe to achieve a drill position. The plurality of circular rollers 120 for pipe seating and easy rotation of pipes. Further, a flat belt 114 placed parallel to the ring shaped opening structure 206. The flat belt 114 is connected with the frame by a belt locking mechanism 202. The fuel line pipe to be drilled can be supported with the help of the flat belt 114 and this belt attached with the help of the belt locking mechanism 202. This structure has plurality of machine locking bolts 110, plurality of adjusting screws 112, and plurality of circular rollers 120.

[0043] Further, a fuel line pipe 302 to be drilled is placed on a fixture as contrary to the ring shaped opening structure 206 to provide an accurate position for hole center and reference point punching. The fixture is supported by a center support plate 210 and side supporting rigid plates 208. The fuel line pipe 302 is clamped firmly with a flexible flat belt 114 and a belt locking mechanism 202 to the ring shaped opening structure 206 of the frame and investigate their drilling position. In addition, determine the parallelism of the fuel line pipe 302 and adjusting the drill position of the fuel line pipe by the fine adjustment unit 122. Once the fuel line pipe 302 is positioned the drill position is adapted to carry by twist drill 102 and marking the position by hammering the coupling pin for locating the position drill. The twist drill 102 is configured on the top side of the mounting hole 126 of the ring shaped opening structure 206. Afterward, the fuel line pipe 302 is unclamped if the hole is drilled and rotating manually by the plurality of circular rollers 120. The manual rotation of fuel line pipe is made easy with the help of the plurality of circular rollers 120. The pipe is rotated till the drilled hole coincides and engaged with the pitch locating pin. In addition, this pitch locating pin acts as a jig for easy alignment and accurately placed holes. The fuel line pipe 302 is clamped firmly with the help of the flexible flat belt 114, a belt locking mechanism 202 and drilling is carried out. This process is repeated till all the required holes are drilled.

[0044] The materials given above are as example without restricting scope of the invention to the same. Thus, other materials readily apparent to a person skilled in the arts are understood to be within purview of the invention.

WORKING OF THE INVENTION

[0045] As shown in Fig 3, 4, 5 and 6 a method for holding a fuel pipe horizontally in a radial drilling machine by an apparatus 100, The method defines placing a fuel line pipe 302 on a fixture facing and the ring shaped opening structure 206 to provide an accurate position for hole center and reference point punching. Afterward, supporting the fixture by a center support plate 210 and side supporting rigid plates 208. Further, clamping the fuel line pipe 302 with a flat belt 114 accommodated in the ring shaped opening structure 206 of the frame and determining their drilling position. Once the clamping is completed afterward determining the parallelism of the fuel line pipe 302 and adjusting the drill position of the fuel line pipe 302 by the fine adjustment unit 122. The position is determine then positioning the hole on the opening structure 206 by twist drill 102 and marking the position by hammering the coupling pin for locating the position drill 124.

[0046] In addition, the plurality of holes to be drilled on the fuel lines pipe are fixed and the fuel line pipe 302 requires an angle of for example 22.5 degrees to drill every alternate hole 502 to the adjacent hole. Hence, the pitch locating pin 126 is designed and fixed exactly to suit this requirement. Similarly, the center of the holes to be drilled and its distance from the edge of the pipe to the center of the hole. In addition, the reference punch locating point is also fixed. So, the ring shaped opening structure 206 has a protruding flat surface that acts as a stopper for the pipe to be drilled. The center point of the hole to be placed at that position where marking is available for drilling and the drilling locating point that is also designed and fabricated accordingly to provide fool proof marking. The rotation of the fuel line pipe is in anti-clock direction which makes the rotation easy.

TEST RESULT

[0047] Furthermore, the marking and drilling of fuel line pipes using the developed apparatus and method results in the following:

- The cycle time reduced to 92 minutes from 172 minutes and the number of activities reduced to 9 from 15.
- The cycle time reduction up to 46 % and the cost savings up to Rs. 6 lakhs annually.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0048] The present disclosure provides an apparatus to facilitate an easy fit-up for holding a fuel pipes horizontally in a radial drilling machine

[0049] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that reduce the drilling cycle time and number of steps.

[0050] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that reduces health issues and fatigue of the workforce.

[0051] The present disclosure provides an apparatus with enhanced safety and quality of product.

[0052] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that decreases the complexity and cost.

[0053] Furthermore, each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0054] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

[0055] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.

[0056] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

[0057] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.