Claims:We Claim:
1. A universal fixture (100) for marking of location of a plurality of carrier plates (12) upon a pipe (13), the universal fixture (100) comprises:
? a handle (1), wherein the handle is attached to a frame (2),
? a plurality of supporting plates (4), wherein the plurality of supporting plates (4) are attached to the frame (2) with the help of a fastener (3),
? a hinge (5) is provided at one end of the plurality of supporting plates (4) for connecting it to a multiple job holding plates (6),
? the job holding plates (6) are connected and supported by a job positioning plate (8) on one of its sides and connected to a spring (9), a round bush (10) and an inner wingnut (11) on the other side, and
? the plurality of carrier plates (12) are held on both sides of the universal fixture (100) in between the job holding plate (6) and the wingnut for job setting (7).

2. The universal fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (2) has slots along its length on both sides that enables the plurality of supporting plates (4) to regulate over the range of length.

3. The universal fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (2) is made of material including metal.

4. The universal fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastener (3) is a mounting bolt.

5. The universal fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wingnut for job setting (7) is attached to the job positioning plates (8).

6. The universal fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier plates (12) of same height are fitted at an equal distance around the outer periphery of the pipes (13).

7. The universal fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of carrier plates (12) ranges from 2 to 8.

Dated this 22nd day of March, 2022

SOMA RANI MISHRA
PATENT AGENT
IN/PA – 1159
OF L. S. DAVAR & CO.,
APPLICANT’S AGENT
, Description:FIXTURE FOR MARKING AND LOCATING CARRIER PLATES IN HIGH-PRESSURE STEAM GENERATOR PIPES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a design of a universal fixture for marking and placing of a carrier plates on a pipe of a steam generator. More particularly, the present invention relates to a design of the universal fixture for carrying out marking of location of the carrier plates upon the pipes of the High-Pressure Steam Generator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Conventionally the process of marking the carrier plates over the pipe encounters many difficulties. Here, a boiler which is a steam generator is used for generation of steam by applying heat energy to water. The typical 600 MW boiler weighs around 14000 Tons, the lines and links (that are pressure parts) contribute to 1850 Tons in the boiler. Also, the working temperature and pressure in the lines and links is 566.8-degree centigrade (max.) and 281.2 kg/sq.cm (max.).

[003] The lines and links form circulation system of the boiler. It is one of the important parts in the boiler assembly. It consists of the pipes of various diameters and thicknesses. These pipes carry high pressure and high-temperature steam and water from one region to another region in the boiler. To position the pipes in the boiler, the carrier plates are fitted and welded keeping the circular bracket in the various axis of the pipe. The function of carrier plates is positioning and any small deviation in positioning of the pipes may disturb the equilibrium of the entire boiler structure.

[004] Marking of the carrier plates over the pipes comprises axis marking, grinding the surface, spot welding, measuring the distance between the two carrier plates manually, and marking them on the pipes by rotating the pipes through crane and repeating the entire above set of operations in sequence for all the other carrier plates.

[005] With the help of crane, the pipes are loaded on the V Block and tack welding is carried out after fitting it in an accurate position. The usage of tongs and arc welding may disturb the alignment sometimes. Due to the change in the alignment, the carrier plates needs to be hammered and removed but as the carrier plates needs to be joined again, thus the process is repeated, taking more time and manpower. In the same way, all the carrier plates are fitted on the axis and crane is used throughout the process.

[006] Thus, the difficulties encountered by conventional method is the cumbersome process in which, the number of axes increases. Also, the requirement of cranes and the time required in the process increases. Moreover, in case of high alloy P91 material the required temperature increases. In pursuit of the above discussion, the present subject matter focuses on a universal fixture which simplifies the marking process and reduces the cycle time with a substantial saving in manpower and cost.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[007] It is an object of the present subject matter to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks existing in the systems and methods conventionally.

[008] It a principal object of the present subject matter to design and develop a universal fixture to simplify the process of marking of a carrier plate in line and link of a boiler.

[009] It is another object of the present subject matter to avoid dependency on the electric overhead travelling crane.

[010] It is another object of the present subject matter to develop the universal fixture capable of carrying out the marking in various size of the pipes.

[011] It is still another object of the present subject matter to improve productivity and safety.

[012] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taking into consideration with accompanied drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[013] The present invention relates to development of design of a universal fixture to simplify the process of marking of a carrier plate in line and links of the boiler. The universal fixture is used for marking and locating the carrier plates of lines and links of high pressure steam generator pipes of various diameters.

[014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a universal fixture for marking of location of a plurality of carrier plates upon a pipe is provided. The universal fixture comprises, a handle, wherein the handle is attached to a frame, a plurality of supporting plates, wherein the plurality of supporting plates are attached to the frame with the help of a fastener, a hinge is provided at one end of the plurality of supporting plates, a multiple job holding plates, are connected and supported by a job positioning plate on one of its sides and connected to a spring, a round bush and an inner wingnut on the other side, and the plurality of carrier plates are held on both sides of the universal fixture in between the job holding plate and the wingnut for job setting.

[015] In an aspect the frame has slots along its length on both sides that enables the plurality of supporting plates to regulate over the range of length.

[016] In an aspect the frame can be a metal, a wood or like material.

[017] In an aspect the fastener is a mounting bolt or alike.

[018] In an aspect a wingnut for job setting is attached to the job positioning plates.

[019] In an aspect the carrier plates of same height are fitted at an equal distance around the outer periphery of the pipes.

[020] In an aspect the plurality of carrier plates ranges from 2 to 8.

[021] To further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.

[022] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING(S)

[023] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which

[024] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of an isometric view of a universal fixture (100) for marking and fitting of a plurality of carrier plates on a pipe in accordance with the present embodiment.

[025] Figure 2 (a, b) illustrates a schematic of a side view of the universal fixture (100) and the isometric view of the carrier plates with the universal fixture in accordance with the present embodiment.

[026] Figure 3 (a, b and c) illustrates a schematic of an isometric view of the universal fixture (100) and the pipe arrangement at two different angles and a side view of the universal fixture (100) while being used on the pipe in accordance with the present embodiment.

[027] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

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

[028] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered 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.

[029] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example 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.

[030] 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, system, assembly 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 more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

[031] The present disclosure relates to an invention pertaining to a universal fixture for marking of a carrier plate in line and link of a boiler. The principle of working involves a pipe to be marked with a plurality of carrier plates. The distance where the carrier plates are to be fixed is marked and measured. The carrier plates are held on both the side of the universal fixture and are placed on the pipe with the help of a fastener.

[032] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a developed design of a universal fixture (100) to simplify the process of marking of a carrier plate in line and links of the boiler. The universal fixture (100) comprises of a handle (1) which is attached to a frame (2), a fastener (3), a plurality of supporting plates (4), a hinge (5), a multiple job holding plates (6), a wingnut for job setting (7), a multiple job positioning plates (8), a spring (9), a round bush (10), an inner wingnut (11) on the other side and a plurality of carrier plates (12).

[033] In an embodiment, the handle (1) is attached to the frame (2) and is used to lift and place the fixture easily on the pipe (13) surface. The frame (2) has slots along its length on both sides that enables the plurality of supporting plates (4) to regulate over the range of length. The plurality of supporting plates (4) are attached to the frame (2) with the help of the fastener (3).

[034] In a preferred embodiment, the fastener (3) is a mounting bolt. The fastener (3) helps to secure the plurality of supporting plates (4) firmly to the frame (2) after adjusting the length between the job holding plates (6). The frame (2) can be metallic, wooden or of like material.

[035] In a preferred embodiment, the hinge (5) is provided at one end of the plurality of supporting plates (4) for connecting it to the job holding plates (6). The job holding plates (6) are connected and supported by the job positioning plates (8) on one of its sides.

[036] In a preferred embodiment, the job supporting plates (6) support the plurality of carrier plates (12) to be fixed on the pipe (13). The plurality of carrier plates (12) are held firmly with the help of the wingnut for job setting (7) and the job positioning plates (6). The wingnut for job setting (7) is attached to the job positioning plates (8). These job holding plates (6) are connected with the spring (9), the round bush (10), and the inner wingnut (11) on the other side.

[037] In an aspect, the carrier plates (12) are in various sizes (25x150x55, 40x170x50, 40x250x50, 16x80x80, 16x18x50, 20x120x55, 40x127x76 mm) L*B*H according to the dimension and weight of the pipes (13). All the pipes (13) in the boiler stand in the support of these carrier plates (12). In lines and links, various attachments are fitted and the carrier plates (12) are one among them.

[038] In another aspect, the carrier plates (12) ranges from two to eight. Also, the carrier plates (12) of same heights are fitted at an equal distance around the outer periphery of the pipes (13).

[039] In another aspect, a two set of supporting plates (12) are used which are rectilinear in shape.

[040] In another aspect, a two set of job positioning plates (8) and job holding plates (6) are used.

[041] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic of different view of the universal fixture (100). In an aspect, Figure 2 (a) refers to a side view and Figure 2 (b) refers to the isometric view of the carrier plates with the universal fixture (100).

[042] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic of the universal fixing (100) arrangement at different angles. In an, embodiment Figure 3 (a) and 3 (b) refers to of an isometric view of the universal fixture (100) and the pipe at two different angles and Figure 3 (c) refers to the side view of the universal fixture (100) while being used on the pipe.

[043] In an aspect, the pipe (13) to be marked with the carrier plates is loaded on a roller stand (14) with the help of crane. The circumference of the pipe (13) is divided equally into six axes, and angle between each axis is 60 degrees. The first axis is marked with the help of the channel spirit level (an instrument for determining whether a surface is exactly horizontal or vertical). The distance where the carrier plates (12) are to be fixed is measured with tape and marked. The second axis is marked by rotating the pipe by using crane. Similarly, all the axes are marked by rotating the pipe with the help of crane. The surface of the pipe (13) and the carrier plates (12) are coated with oil to prevent rust.

Working of the invention

[044] Herein, a pipe (13) which is to be marked is loaded on a roller stand (14) with the help of crane. The circumference of the pipe (13) is divided into six axes. The distance where a plurality of carrier plates (12) are to be fixed is marked and measured with tape. Then, the pipe (13) and the plurality of carrier plates (12) are preheated to a temperature of 220° C (if required). Now, the two carrier plates (12) are held on both sides of the developed adjustable universal fixture (100) in between the job holding plate (6) and the wingnut for job setting (7). This adjustment is supported by the job positioning plates (8).

[045] Now, the required distance between the two carrier plates (12) on the surface of the pipe (13) is determined. The obtained distance is set by sliding the plurality of supporting plates (4) and is locked in position by the fastener (3).

[046] Additionally, the plurality of supporting plates (4) can be given a minor vertical tilt adjustment, with the help of the inner wingnut (11) and the spring (9). Hence, an exact face over support with the plurality of carrier plates (12) can be achieved. The adjustable universal fixture (100) is used for marking the plurality of carrier plates (12). One of the carrier plate (12) is placed in alignment with the marked line and spot welding is performed. Now, the second carrier plate (12) which is on the other side of the fixture are also placed over the pipe and is spot welded. Thus, these two carrier plates (12) accurately adjust at a required distance.

[047] Similarly, by taking the reference support from the spot welded carrier plates (12) other carrier plates (12) can be located and welded easily using the developed fixture (100). In this method, the crane is used only to load the pipe (13) and the universal fixture (100) is used for all the other processes. Hence, by marking one axis, the entire process can be easily completed.

Advantages of the invention
[048] The fixture (100) described in the present disclosure is having the following advantages:

a) The fundamental advantage of the fixture (100) is to simplify the process of marking.
b) The fixture (100) reduces cycle time and operator fatigue.
c) The fixture (100) improves productivity.
d) The fixture (100) can be used for various range of pipe sizes.
e) The fixture (100) eliminates the preheating for bridge piece welding.
f) The fixture (100) eliminates grinding.

It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various systems that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.

Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to package features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/device of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., 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 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 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 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” (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 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 (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 analogous to “at least one of A, B, and 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, 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 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 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 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.”

It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.