TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The subject matter in general relates to heat exchangers. More
particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to providing a system
and method for tilting and holding a hemispherical dished end of a heat exchanger
during welding and inspection.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present subject matter. It is not an admission that any of the
information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject
matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] In large diameter heat exchanger, a dished end is an integral and
important part. This dished end is hemispherical in shape and has one curved profile
divider plate inside it. This plate is welded inside the hemispherical dished end.
Since both the dished end and the divider plate have a curved profile to be matched
for welding, a device and method is required to hold, rotate and position both these
items together for a comfortable and safe welding, and inspection activity.
[004] Conventionally, the hemispherical dished end is placed on ground using
crane. After that the divider plate (a curved shaped plate) is kept from top and
positioned inside the hemispherical job manually. Tack weld is carried out between
these two jobs in crane hold position. The operator has to position himself/herself
inside the curved surface and carry out the operation of welding. Due to this
practice, operator fatigue is high, the consistency of the job is low and productivity
is low, safety is decreased and overall quality of job is low.
[005] US6575443B2 discloses a swivel-base work platform that comprises a
hemisphere unit rotatable disposed within a base unit, wherein a work piece is
secured to a work surface of the hemisphere unit and is manipulated to a variety of
positions. The swivel-base work platform further comprises a hard-stop disk
disposed at a lower end of the hemisphere unit, which engages the base unit in order
to limit rotation of the hemisphere unit and the work piece. Further, the size of the

hard-stop disk may be varied to adjust the range of motion of the hemisphere unit.
Preferably, the work piece is secured to the work surface of the hemisphere unit
using a vacuum source. However, US6575443B2 fails to disclose a welding facility
for the curved shape job inside the large diameter hemispherical job with multiple
nozzle protrusions.
OBJECT OF INVENTION
[006] 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.
[007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for tilting
and holding a hemispherical dished end of a heat exchanger.
[008] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a method for
tilting and holding a hemispherical dished end of a heat exchanger.
[009] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide very limited
engagement of crane facility for welding and inspection of divider plate within a
hemispherical dished end.
[0010] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to rotate a
hemispherical dished end in its axis to facilitate critical welding.
[0011] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to provide
indexable positioning of the hemispherical dished end to suit welding position.
[0012] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to provide
indexable positioning of the hemispherical dished end to decrease welder fatigue.
[0013] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to increase operator
safety while performing welding and inspection on the hemispherical dished end.
[0014] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to rigidly fix the
hemispherical dished end, thereby improving weld consistency and quality of

inspection.
[001] 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.
SUMMARYOF INVENTION
[0015] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to providing a
system and method for tilting and holding a hemispherical dished end of a heat
exchanger during welding and inspection. 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.
[0016] The present disclosure relates to a system for tilting and holding a
hemispherical dished end of a heat exchanger. The system comprises a circular ring,
a plurality of ring supports and a plurality of base structures. The circular ring is
configured to hold a hemispherical dished end. The plurality of ring supports are
attached to the circular ring. The plurality of base structures are configured to
receive the plurality of ring supports. The circular ring is held between the plurality
of base structures.
[0017] The present disclosure further relates to a method for tilting and holding
a hemispherical dished end of a heat exchanger. The method comprises holding a
hemispherical dished end using a circular ring. The hemispherical dished end is
rotated for welding and inspection, using a plurality of ring supports. The plurality
of ring supports are attached to the circular ring. The plurality of ring supports are
received using a plurality of base structures such that the circular ring is held
between the plurality of base structures.
[0018] 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
[0019] 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:
[0020] FIG. 1 discloses an isometric view of a system for tilting and holding a
hemispherical dished end of a heat exchanger, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 2 discloses an isometric view of a circular ring, in accordance with
an embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 3 discloses an isometric view of a rectangular flange, in
accordance with an embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 4A discloses a ring support, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 4B discloses a connector flange of the ring support, in accordance
with an embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 5 discloses a base structure, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 6 discloses an isometric view of the hemispherical dished end of
the heat exchanger, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 7 discloses an isometric view of a divider plate, in accordance
with an embodiment;
[0028] FIGs. 8A, 8B and 8C disclose various view of the divider plate, in
accordance with an embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 9 discloses the attachment of the divider plate to the hemispherical
dished end, in accordance with an embodiment; and
[0030] FIGs. 10, 11 and 12 disclose the isometric views of the hemispherical
dished end attached to the system, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0031] 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
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in
the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be
construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly
indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first"
and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
[0037] 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.
SYSTEM 100 FOR TILTING AND HOLDING A HEMISPHERICAL
DISHED END 600 OF A HEAT EXCHANGER
[0038] Referring to FIG. 1 disclosed is a system 100 for tilting and holding a
hemispherical dished end 600 (shown in FIG. 6) of a heat exchanger. The system
comprises a circular ring 102, a plurality of ring supports 104 and a plurality of base
structures 106.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the circular ring 102 comprises two semi-circular
rings 202. The circular ring 102 is configured to hold the hemispherical dished end
600. Ends of each of the two semi-circular rings 202 comprise a rectangular flange

204. Each of the semi-circular rings 202 define a plurality of hemispherical dished
end through-holes 206. The hemispherical dished end through-holes 206 are
configured to be attached to an attachment protrusion 604 (shown in FIG. 6) of the
hemispherical dished end 600.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, each of the rectangular flange 204 defines a
plurality of through-holes 302 configured to connect the rectangular flange 204 to
each other, thereby connecting the two semi-circular rings 202 to form a single
circular ring 102.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 4, the plurality of ring supports 104 are configured to
be attached to the circular ring 102 (as shown in FIG. 2). Each of the ring support
104 comprises a ring connector 402, a support flange 404 and a connector flange
406.
[0042] In an embodiment, the ring connector 402 is cylindrical in shape and
the support flange 404 and the connector flange 406 are affixed coaxially to the ring
connector 402.
[0043] In an embodiment, the ring connector 402 is configured to connect the
ring support 104 to the circular ring 102. The ring connector 402 defines a slit 208
(shown in FIG. 2), wherein the circular ring 102 is configured to be received by the
slit 208. The circular ring 102 is fastened to the ring connector 402 using
conventionally known mechanical jigs and fixtures such as nut bolt, rivets, among
others.
[0044] In an embodiment, the support flange 404 defines a plurality of through-
holes (not shown) to attach the ring connector 402 to the circular ring 102.
[0045] In an embodiment, the connector flange 406 defines a plurality of
connector flange through-holes 408 along the circumference of the connector flange
406.
[0046] In an embodiment, the connector flange through-holes 408 defined
along the circumference of the connector flange 406 are 24 in number.

[0047] In an embodiment, the connector flange 406 defines a plurality of
through-holes (not shown) to attach the ring connector 402 to the circular ring 102.
[0048] In an embodiment, the support flange 404 and the connector flange 406
are circular in shape.
[0049] In an embodiment, a space 410 is defined between the support flange
404 and the connector flange 406.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of base structures 106 are configured
to receive the plurality of ring supports 104, such that the circular ring 102 is held
between the plurality of base structures 106. The plurality of base structures 106
are connected to each other using connecting rods 108 (shown in FIG. 1).
[0051] In an embodiment, the base structure 106 comprises a base plate 502, a
vertical plate 504, a plurality of vertical supports 506 and a plurality of side supports
508.
[0052] In an embodiment, the base plate 502 is configured to rest the system
100 on a flat surface.
[0053] In an embodiment, the vertical plate 504 is affixed to the base plate 502
such that the vertical plate 504 is transverse to the base plate 502. The vertical plate
504 defines a plurality of vertical plate through-holes 512 that are coaxially
corresponding to the connector flange through-holes 408 defined by the connector
flange 406. The plurality of vertical plate through-holes 512 are semi-circular in
arrangement.
[0054] In an embodiment, the vertical plate through-holes 512 defined by the
vertical plate 504 are 12 in number.
[0055] In an embodiment, the connector flange through-holes 408 and vertical
plate through-holes 512 are configured to allow the circular ring 102 to rotate about
axis AA (shown in FIG. 1). This allows the rotation of the hemispherical dished
end 600 in various angles required by the user for welding and inspection purposes.

[0056] FIG. 6 discloses an isometric view of the hemispherical dished end 600
of the heat exchanger, in accordance with an embodiment. Edge 602 of the
hemispherical dished end 600 comprises a plurality of attachment protrusions 604.
Each of the plurality of attachment protrusions 604 define a through-hole 606. The
through-hole 606 is in alignment with the hemispherical dished end through-holes
206 defined by the circular ring 102. The through-hole 606 along with the
hemispherical dished end through-hole 206 allows for the mounting of the
hemispherical dished end 600 to the circular ring 102.
[0057] FIG. 7 discloses an isometric view of a divider plate 700, in accordance
with an embodiment. The divider plate 700 is configured to be attached within the
hemispherical dished end 600 (as shown in the FIG. 9)
[0058] FIGs. 8A, 8B and 8C disclose the divider plate 700 as seen from
direction 702 (shown in FIG. 7), direction 704 (shown in FIG. 7) and direction 706
(shown in FIG. 7), respectively. The divider plate 700 is semi-circular in shape and
is configured to be received by the hemispherical dished end 600 such that the
divider plate 700 divides inner surface of the hemispherical dished end 600 into two
parts. As seen in FIGs. 8A, 8B and 8C, the divider plate 700 has a curvilinear shape.
[0059] FIG. 9 discloses the attachment of the divider plate 700 to the
hemispherical dished end 600, in accordance with an embodiment.
METHOD FOR TILTING AND HOLDING A HEMISPHERICAL DISHED
END 600 OF A HEAT EXCHANGER
[0060] Referring to FIG. 9, the hemispherical dished end 600 of the heat
exchanger is initially placed on the floor. The divider plate 700 is then placed on
the inside the hemispherical dished end 600 using an overhead crane (not shown).
The divider plate 700 is tack welded to the hemispherical dished end 600 at the
surface contacts to make the divider plate 700 an integral part of the hemispherical
dished end 600.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 10, the hemispherical dished end 600 with the tack
welded divider plate 700 is attached to the circular ring 102 using the attachment

protrusion 604 provided on the hemispherical dished end 600 such that the divider
plate 700 is along the same axis as that of the ring connector 402 and the divider
plate 700 is vertical (90 degrees) with the base plate 502.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 11, the circular ring 102 along with the hemispherical
dished end 600 is rotated to 0 degrees such that the divider plate 700 is parallel to
the base plate 502 using a crane. The circular ring 102 is then locked to the base
structures 106 using mechanical fasteners.
[0063] In this stable condition, an operator 1002 (also shown in FIG. 10) can
comfortably sit on the divider plate 700 and carry out the welding operation of upper
edge 1102 of the divider plate 700 with the inner surface of the hemispherical dished
end 600. The same position is used for quality inspection and non-destructive
testing methods also.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 11, once the upper edge 1102 welding is over, the
circular ring 102 along with the hemispherical dished end 600 is rotated by 180
degrees so that the opposite side of the divider plate 700 is facing upwards. The
operator 1002 now carries the welding, inspection and testing operation of the edge
(not shown) opposite to the upper edge 1102.
[0065] Using the above discussed system 100 and method for welding and
inspection, the drawbacks said in the background of the invention are totally
eliminated and the objectives stated in the objects of the disclosure are achieved.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE
[0066] The present disclosure proposes a system for tilting and holding a
hemispherical dished end of a heat exchanger.
[0067] The present disclosure proposes a method for tilting and holding a
hemispherical dished end of a heat exchanger.
[0068] The present disclosure provides very limited engagement of crane
facility for welding and inspection of divider plate within a hemispherical dished
end.

[0069] The present disclosure proposes to rotate a hemispherical dished end in
its axis to facilitate critical welding.
[0070] The present disclosure proposes to provide indexable positioning of the
hemispherical dished end to suit welding position.
[0071] The present disclosure proposes to provide indexable positioning of the
hemispherical dished end to decrease welder fatigue.
[0072] The present disclosure proposes to increase operator safety while
performing welding and inspection on the hemispherical dished end.
[0073] The present disclosure proposes to rigidly fix the hemispherical dished
end, thereby improving weld consistency and quality of inspection.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] The term “automobile” and “vehicle” as used throughout this detailed
description and in the claims refers to any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying
one or more human occupants and is powered by any form of energy. The term
“automobile” and “vehicle” is a motor vehicle which includes, but is not limited to:
cars, trucks, vans, minivans, hatchback, sedan, MUVs, and SUVs.

WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for tilting and holding a hemispherical dished end (600) of a
heat exchanger, the system (100) comprising:
a circular ring (102) configured to hold a hemispherical dished end (600);
a plurality of ring supports (104) attached to the circular ring (102); and
a plurality of base structures (106) configured to receive the plurality of ring
supports (104), such that the circular ring (102) is held between the plurality
of base structures (106).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circular ring (102)
comprises two semi-circular rings (202), wherein ends of the two semi-
circular rings (202) comprise a rectangular flange (204), wherein the
rectangular flange (204) is configured to attach the two semi-circular rings
(202) to each other to form the circular ring (102).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the ring support
(104) comprises:
a ring connector (402) configured to connect the ring support (104) to the
circular ring (102);
a support flange (404); and
a connector flange (406), wherein the connector flange (406) defines a
plurality of connector flange through-holes (408) along the circumference of
the connector flange (406).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the base structure
(106) comprises:
a base plate (502) configured to rest the system (100) on a flat surface; and
a vertical plate (504) transverse to the base plate (502), wherein the vertical
plate (504) defines a plurality of vertical plate through-holes (512) that are
coaxially corresponding to the connector flange through-holes (408) defined
by the connector flange (406).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the base structure (106)
comprises:
a plurality of vertical supports (506) configured to be attached to the base
plate (502) and the vertical plate (504) such that the plurality of vertical
supports (506) extend from the base plate (502) along the length of the vertical
plate (504); and
a plurality of side supports (508) configured to be attached to the base plate
(502) and the vertical support (506) such that the side support (508) extend
transversely from the vertical support (506) towards the edge of the base plate
(502).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the circular ring (102)
defines a plurality of hemispherical dished end through-holes (206), wherein
the hemispherical dished end through-holes (206) are configured to be
attached to an attachment protrusion (604) of the hemispherical dished end
(600).
7. A method for tilting and holding a hemispherical dished end (600) of a heat
exchanger, the method comprising:
holding a hemispherical dished end (600) using a circular ring (102);
rotating the hemispherical dished end (600) for welding and inspection, using
a plurality of ring supports (104), wherein the plurality of ring supports (104)
are attached to the circular ring (102); and
receiving, using a plurality of base structures (106), the plurality of ring
supports (104), such that the circular ring (102) is held between the plurality
of base structures (106).
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the circular ring (102) comprises
two semi-circular rings (202), wherein ends of the two semi-circular rings
(202) comprise a rectangular flange (204), wherein the rectangular flange
(204) is configured to attach the two semi-circular rings (202) to each other
to form the circular ring (102).

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the ring support (104)
comprises:
a ring connector (402) configured to connect the ring support (104) to the
circular ring (102);
a support flange (404); and
a connector flange (406), wherein the connector flange (406) defines a
plurality of connector flange through-holes (408) along the circumference of
the connector flange (406).
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of the base structure (106)
comprises:
a base plate (502) configured to rest the system (100) on a flat surface; and
a vertical plate (504) transverse to the base plate (502), wherein the vertical
plate (504) defines a plurality of vertical plate through-holes (512) that are
coaxially corresponding to the connector flange through-holes (408) defined
by the connector flange (406).
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the base structure (106)
comprises:
a plurality of vertical supports (506) configured to be attached to the base
plate (502) and the vertical plate (504) such that the plurality of vertical
supports (506) extend from the base plate (502) along the length of the vertical
plate (504); and
a plurality of side supports (508) configured to be attached to the base plate
(502) and the vertical support (506) such that the side support (508) extend
transversely from the vertical support (506) towards the edge of the base plate
(502).
12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the circular ring (102) comprises
a plurality of hemispherical dished end through-holes (206), wherein the

hemispherical dished end through-holes (206) are configured to be attached
to an attachment protrusion (604) of the hemispherical dished end (600).