Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of line blinds and more particularly to an equipment for providing isolation in a pipeline and a method thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0001] Valves are used to control fluid flow through a pipeline while performing construction activities, or maintenance activities in and around the pipeline. The valves may include gate valves, globe valves, pinch valves, diaphragm valves, needle valves and the like. Even though, minute leakage of the valves are permitted by design, leaking of the valves may cause several problems, including product waste, and fire hazards. Leaking of the valve may also cause contamination of environment when fluid passing through the pipeline is poisonous or hazardous. Hence, once the valves are closed, metal plates are inserted between the pipeline to provide isolation or blinding thereby restricting the fluid flow through the pipeline. Employing the metal plates to restrict the fluid flow may cause a plurality of problems. The plurality of problems includes requirement of huge manpower, time consuming process, safety issues while effecting the blinding using the metal plates, chances of misalignment of the pipeline during installation of the metal plates, creation of stresses in the pipeline due to constant spread every time the blinding is done, need of heavy machinery to move the pipeline and the like.
[0002] A line blind associated with a cam mechanism provided a way to restrict the fluid flow without disturbing alignment of the pipeline. The line blind includes a spectacle plate assembly. The spectacle plate assembly consists of a solid metal part at one end to restrict the fluid flow through the pipeline. The spectacle plate assembly also includes a channelized portion at another end of the spectacle plate assembly to allow the fluid to flow through the pipeline. The spectacle plate assembly is rotated about a fixed axis to align the solid metal part or the channelized portion against the fluid flow by restricting or allowing the fluid flow through the pipeline. In such a scenario, the spectacle plate assembly is held against the pipeline by the cam mechanism. Disengagement of the cam mechanism when the channelized portion is aligned against the fluid flow may cause movement of the solid metal part in the downward direction. Movement of the solid metal part in the downward direction is due to asymmetrical weight distribution of the spectacle plate as the solid metal part is weighing more than the channelized portion. Uncontrolled movement of the solid metal part may cause accidents during the line blind operation.
[0003] Hence, there is a need for an improved equipment for providing isolation in a pipeline and a method thereof to address the aforementioned issue(s).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0004] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an equipment for providing isolation in a pipeline is provided. The equipment includes a spectacle plate assembly bisecting a pipeline into a first part and a second part. The spectacle plate assembly includes a circular plate located at a first end of the spectacle plate assembly. The circular plate is adapted to restrict fluid flow between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline when the circular plate is positioned between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline. The spectacle plate assembly also includes an elliptical spacer located at a second end of the spectacle plate assembly. The elliptical spacer is adapted to channelize the fluid flow between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline when the elliptical spacer is positioned between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline, thereby the elliptical spacer is counterbalancing weight of the circular plate. The spectacle plate assembly is adapted to rotate along an axis parallel to longitudinal axis of the pipeline to position the circular plate and the elliptical spacer between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline, thereby providing isolation in the pipeline.
[0005] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for providing isolation in a pipeline is provided. The method includes providing a circular plate at a first end of the spectacle plate assembly. The circular plate is adapted to restrict fluid flow between a first part of the pipeline and a second part of the pipeline when the circular plate is positioned between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline. The method also includes providing an elliptical spacer at a second end of the spectacle plate assembly. The elliptical spacer is adapted to channelize the fluid flow between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline when the elliptical spacer is positioned between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline. The method further includes pivoting, by a double head stud bolt, the spectacle plate assembly between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline to enable rotation of the spectacle plate assembly for positioning the circular plate and the elliptical spacer between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline.
[0006] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an equipment for providing isolation in a pipeline in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the equipment of FIG. 1, depicting relative positions of the spectacle plate assembly during rotation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the equipment of FIG. 1, depicting engaged position of the cam assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the equipment of FIG. 1, depicting disengaged position of the cam assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the equipment of FIG. 1, depicting detailed view of the gradually sloping tooth provided on the one or more cams in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the equipment of FIG. 1, depicting clearance between the one or more cams and the spectacle plate assembly when the cam assembly is in engaged position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the equipment of FIG. 1, depicting clearance between the one or more cams and the spectacle plate assembly when the cam assembly is in disengaged position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0015] FIG. 8 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for providing isolation in a pipeline in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0018] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[0020] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an equipment for providing isolation in a pipeline and a method thereof. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an equipment for providing isolation in a pipeline and a method thereof is provided. The equipment includes a spectacle plate assembly bisecting a pipeline into a first part and a second part. The spectacle plate assembly includes a circular plate located at a first end of the spectacle plate assembly. The circular plate is adapted to restrict fluid flow between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline when the circular plate is positioned between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline. The spectacle plate assembly also includes an elliptical spacer located at a second end of the spectacle plate assembly. The elliptical spacer is adapted to channelize the fluid flow between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline when the elliptical spacer is positioned between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline, thereby the elliptical spacer is counterbalancing weight of the circular plate. The spectacle plate assembly is adapted to rotate along an axis parallel to longitudinal axis of the pipeline to position the circular plate and the elliptical spacer between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline, thereby providing isolation in the pipeline.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an equipment (10) for providing isolation in a pipeline in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The equipment (10) includes a spectacle plate assembly (20) bisecting a pipeline into a first part (30) and a second part (40). In some embodiments, the spectacle plate assembly (20) may include symmetrical weight with respect to midpoint of the spectacle plate assembly (20) along a longitudinal axis (90) of the spectacle plate assembly (20). In one embodiment, the spectacle plate assembly (20) may be interfaced with the pipeline via one or more seal rings (80). In such an embodiment, the one or more seal rings (80) may include a silicon lining, or a graphite lining adapted to provide vacuum tight sealing between the spectacle plate assembly (20) and the one or more seal rings (80). In one embodiment, choice of lining may be based on temperature of fluid passing through the pipeline.
[0023] Further, the spectacle plate assembly (20) includes a circular plate (50) located at a first end of the spectacle plate assembly (20). The circular plate (50) is adapted to restrict fluid flow between the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline when the circular plate (50) is positioned between the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline. The spectacle plate assembly (20) also includes an elliptical spacer (60) located at a second end of the spectacle plate assembly (20). In one embodiment, the circular plate (50) and the elliptical spacer (60) may be located at diametrically opposite side of the spectacle plate assembly (20).
[0024] Furthermore, in one embodiment, size of the spectacle plate assembly (20) may be between 150 milli meters and 600 milli meters. As the case may be, we can supply Line Blind sized more than 600 MM also. In an exemplary embodiment, pressure rating of the spectacle plate assembly (20) is at least 10 kilo grams per square centimeters. The spectacle plate (20) assembly may be composed of at least one of a material including, carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex, super duplex and the like. In some embodiments, the spectacle plate assembly (20) may be actuated by actuators including at least one of a hydraulic actuator, electrical actuator, electrohydraulic actuator and the like. In one embodiment, the spectacle plate assembly (20) may be mounted vertically or horizontally corresponding to alignment of the pipeline.
[0025] Furthermore, the elliptical spacer (60) is adapted to channelize the fluid flow between the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline when the elliptical spacer (60) is positioned between the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline, thereby the elliptical spacer (60) is counterbalancing weight of the circular plate (50). The spectacle plate assembly (20) is adapted to rotate along an axis (70) parallel to longitudinal axis of the pipeline to position the circular plate (50) and the elliptical spacer (60) between the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline, thereby providing isolation in the pipeline.
[0026] Moreover, in one embodiment, the equipment (10) may include a double head stud bolt (100) coupled between the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline. In such an embodiment, the double head stud bolt (100) may be adapted to act as a pivot for the spectacle plate assembly (20) during rotation. In some embodiment, the double head stud bolt (100) may be coupled between the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline via one or more flanges (110) associated with the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline. In such an embodiment, the one or more flanges (110) may include triangular shape with chamfered vertices.
[0027] Also, in one embodiment, the equipment (10) may include a cam assembly (120) operatively coupled to the spectacle plate assembly (20). In such an embodiment, the cam assembly (120) may include one or more cams (130) adapted to engage the spectacle plate assembly (20) with at least one of the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline. In one embodiment, the cam assembly (120) may include a lead screw coupled to a handwheel. In such an embodiment, the lead screw may be adapted to transmit rotary motion of the handwheel (140) to the one or more cams (130) by undergoing a translatory motion. In one embodiment, the equipment (10) may be fabricated. In some embodiments, the equipment (10) may be casted. In some embodiments, the equipment (10) may be provided with drain ports and purging valves. In a specific embodiment, the equipment (10) may be provided with dedicated seat rings to enable operation of the equipment (10) with corrosive media or media having high temperature. In one embodiment, protective coating may be provided to the equipment (10) for making the equipment (10) suitable for various applications. In some embodiments, a sensor for indicating relative position of the spectacle plate assembly (20) may be provided with the equipment (10). Relative position of the spectacle plate assembly (20) during rotation is shown in FIG.2. Working of the cam assembly (120) is explained in FIG. 3.
[0028] FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting engaged position of the cam assembly (120). In some embodiments, the cam assembly (120) may be present in the second part (40) of the pipeline. In such an embodiment, the cam assembly (120) may include the handwheel (140) coupled to the lead screw (150). When the handwheel (140) is rotated in clockwise direction, rotation of the hand wheel is transmitted to the one or more cams (130) by the lead screw (150) thereby increasing clearance between the one or more cams (130). Increase in the clearance between the one or more cams (130) may force the one or more seal rings (80) and the spectacle plate assembly (20) against the first part (30) of the pipeline. Increase in the clearance between the one or more cams (130) is due to mutual contact of the gradually sloping tooth provided on the one or more cams (130) at points relatively higher up in the gradual slopes. In one embodiment, a torque indicator may be associated with the handwheel (140) to display torque acting on the handwheel (140).
[0029] Similarly, rotation of the handwheel (140) in anticlockwise direction, may decrease clearance between the one or more cams (130) thereby allowing the free rotation of the spectacle plate assembly (20) about the double head stud bolt (100). Decrease in the clearance between the one or more cams (130) is due to mutual contact of the gradually sloping tooth provided on the one or more cams (130) at points relatively lower in the gradual slopes as shown in FIG. 4. Detailed view of the gradually sloping tooth provided on the one or more cams (130) is shown in FIG. 5. Clearance between the one or more cams (130) and the spectacle plate assembly (20) when the cam assembly (120) is in engaged position and in disengaged position is shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 respectively,
[0030] FIG. 8 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (160) for providing isolation in a pipeline in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (160) includes providing a circular plate at a first end of the spectacle plate assembly in step 170. The circular plate is adapted to restrict fluid flow between a first part of the pipeline and a second part of the pipeline when the circular plate is positioned between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline.
[0031] The method (160) also includes providing an elliptical spacer at a second end of the spectacle plate assembly in step 180. The elliptical spacer is adapted to channelize the fluid flow between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline when the elliptical spacer is positioned between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline.
[0032] Furthermore, in one embodiment, size of the spectacle plate assembly may be between 150 milli meters and 600 milli meters and may be more in future developments. In an exemplary embodiment, pressure rating of the spectacle plate assembly is at least 10 kilo grams per square centimeters and may be designed for higher pressures also. The spectacle plate assembly may be composed of at least one of a material including, carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex, super duplex and the like. In some embodiments, the spectacle plate assembly may be actuated by actuators including at least one of a hydraulic actuator, electrical actuator, electrohydraulic actuator and the like. In one embodiment, the spectacle plate assembly may be mounted vertically or horizontally corresponding to alignment of the pipeline.
[0033] The method (160) further includes pivoting the spectacle plate assembly between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline to enable rotation of the spectacle plate assembly for positioning the circular plate and the elliptical spacer between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline in step 190. In one embodiment, pivoting the spectacle plate assembly between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline to enable rotation of the spectacle plate assembly for positioning the circular plate and the elliptical spacer between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline includes pivoting the spectacle plate assembly between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline to enable rotation of the spectacle plate assembly for positioning the circular plate and the elliptical spacer between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline by a double head stud bolt.
[0034] Further, in some embodiments, the spectacle plate assembly may include symmetrical weight with respect to midpoint of the spectacle plate assembly along a longitudinal axis of the spectacle plate assembly. In one embodiment, the spectacle plate assembly may be interfaced with the pipeline via one or more seal rings. In such an embodiment, the one or more seal rings may include a silicon lining adapted to provide vacuum tight sealing between the spectacle plate assembly and the one or more seal rings. In one embodiment, the equipment may include a double head stud bolt coupled between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline. In such an embodiment, the double head stud bolt may be adapted to act as a pivot for the spectacle plate assembly during rotation.
[0035] Also, in some embodiment, the double head stud bolt may be coupled between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline via one or more flanges associated with the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline. In such an embodiment, the one or more flanges may include triangular shape with chamfered vertices. In one embodiment, the equipment may include a cam assembly operatively coupled to the spectacle plate assembly. In such an embodiment, the cam assembly may include one or more cams adapted to engage the spectacle plate assembly with at least one of the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline. In one embodiment, the cam assembly may include a lead screw coupled to a handwheel. In such an embodiment, the lead screw may be adapted to transmit rotary motion of the handwheel to the one or more cams by undergoing a translatory motion.
[0036] In one embodiment, the equipment may be fabricated. In some embodiments, the equipment may be casted. In some embodiments, the equipment may be provided with drain ports and purging valves. In a specific embodiment, the equipment may be provided with dedicated seat rings to enable operation of the equipment with corrosive media or media having high temperature. In one embodiment, protective coating may be provided to the equipment for making the equipment suitable for various applications. In some embodiments, a sensor for indicating relative position of the spectacle plate assembly may be provided with the equipment.
[0037] Various embodiments of the equipment for providing isolation in a pipeline and a method thereof described above enable various advantages. Provision of the elliptical spacer to counterbalance the weight of the circular plate eliminates chances of uncontrolled movement of the spectacle plate assembly during disengagement of the cam assembly, which is a very big safety improvement and one of the key highlights of the equipment. The spectacle plate assembly capable blinding the pipeline by rotating about a fixed axis with minimum possible human intervention and less operational time. The cam assembly provides an easy way of securing the spectacle plate assembly between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline without disturbing alignment of the pipeline. The equipment is fabricated by readily available and cheap components thereby making the equipment affordable. The equipment is less complex and easy to operate.
[0038] Further, the equipment is capable of providing 100% positive isolation, thereby providing safety to plant and plant personals. The equipment provides instantaneous isolation of the pipeline thereby reducing pre purge time. The equipment may not require any tools, cranes, or wedges to operate, thereby enhancing productivity. Provision of a center locking system is capable of preventing accidental operation of the equipment. Also, possibility of minimum wear and tear during operation of the equipment provides longer service life to the equipment. The equipment may be used in various applications including coke oven gas lines, blast furnace gas lines, mixed gas or nitrogen gas lines, steam lines, tank farms, loading stations, ethylene furnaces, mixing stations, flares, chemical cleaning isolation, on board shipping vessels, pump isolation, product isolation, fcc units, filtration systems, and fertilizer plants.
[0039] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended.
[0040] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. , Claims:1. An equipment (10) for providing isolation in a pipeline comprising:
a spectacle plate assembly (20) bisecting the pipeline into a first part (30) and a second part (40), wherein the spectacle plate assembly (20) comprises:
a circular plate (50) located at a first end of the spectacle plate assembly (20), wherein the circular plate (50) is adapted to restrict fluid flow between the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline when the circular plate (50) is positioned between the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline; and
an elliptical spacer (60) located at a second end of the spectacle plate assembly (20), wherein the elliptical spacer (60) is adapted to channelize the fluid flow between the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline when the elliptical spacer (60) is positioned between the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline, thereby the elliptical spacer (60) is counterbalancing weight of the circular plate (50),
wherein the spectacle plate assembly (20) is adapted to rotate along an axis (70) parallel to longitudinal axis of the pipeline to position the circular plate (50) and the elliptical spacer (60) between the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline, thereby providing isolation in the pipeline.
2. The equipment (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spectacle plate assembly (20) is interfaced with the pipeline via one or more seal rings (80).
3. The equipment (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more seal rings (80) comprises a silicon lining adapted to provide vacuum tight sealing between the spectacle plate assembly (20) and the one or more seal rings (80).
4. The equipment (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circular plate (50) and the elliptical spacer (60) is located at diametrically opposite side of the spectacle plate assembly (20).
5. The equipment (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spectacle plate assembly (20) comprises symmetrical weight with respect to midpoint of the spectacle plate assembly (20) along a longitudinal axis (90) of the spectacle plate assembly (20).
6. The equipment (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a double head stud bolt (100) coupled between the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline, wherein the double head stud bolt (100) is adapted to act as a pivot for the spectacle plate assembly (20) during rotation.
7. The equipment (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the double head stud bolt (100) is coupled between the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline via one or more flanges (110) associated with the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline.
8. The equipment (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more flanges (110) comprises triangular shape with chamfered vertices.
9. The equipment (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a cam assembly (120) operatively coupled to the spectacle plate assembly (20), wherein the cam assembly (120) comprises one or more cams (130) adapted to engage the spectacle plate assembly (20) with at least one of the first part (30) of the pipeline and the second part (40) of the pipeline.
10. A method (160) comprising:
providing a circular plate at a first end of the spectacle plate assembly, wherein the circular plate is adapted to restrict fluid flow between a first part of the pipeline and a second part of the pipeline when the circular plate is positioned between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline; (170)
providing an elliptical spacer at a second end of the spectacle plate assembly, wherein the elliptical spacer is adapted to channelize the fluid flow between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline when the elliptical spacer is positioned between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline; (180) and
pivoting, by a double head stud bolt, the spectacle plate assembly between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline to enable rotation of the spectacle plate assembly for positioning the circular plate and the elliptical spacer between the first part of the pipeline and the second part of the pipeline. (190)

Dated this 07th day of July 2022

Signature

Jinsu Abraham
Patent Agent (IN/PA-3267)
Agent for the Applicant