F16L23/12

FLANGE FITTING FOR TUBULAR STRUCTURES

Devices, systems, and methods are directed to automated techniques for fitting flanges to tubular sections used to form tubular structures, such as large-scale structures used in industrial applications (e.g., wind towers and pipelines). As compared to manual techniques for fitting flanges to tubular sections, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure facilitate faster attachment of flanges, which may be useful for achieving cost-effective throughput. By way of further comparison to manual techniques, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure may, further or instead, facilitate achieving tighter dimensional tolerances. In turn, such tighter dimensional tolerances may be useful for forming thinner-walled, lighter, and lower cost tubular structures. Still further or in the alternative, automated techniques for fitting flanges to tubular sections may facilitate attachment of multipiece flanges or other non-traditional flange geometries.

FLANGE FITTING FOR TUBULAR STRUCTURES

Devices, systems, and methods are directed to automated techniques for fitting flanges to tubular sections used to form tubular structures, such as large-scale structures used in industrial applications (e.g., wind towers and pipelines). As compared to manual techniques for fitting flanges to tubular sections, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure facilitate faster attachment of flanges, which may be useful for achieving cost-effective throughput. By way of further comparison to manual techniques, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure may, further or instead, facilitate achieving tighter dimensional tolerances. In turn, such tighter dimensional tolerances may be useful for forming thinner-walled, lighter, and lower cost tubular structures. Still further or in the alternative, automated techniques for fitting flanges to tubular sections may facilitate attachment of multipiece flanges or other non-traditional flange geometries.

Joint seal system and method

A joint seal system and method may include a seal and a band. The seal may be positioned between abutting flanges of two adjacent duct sections. A band may be positioned over the two flanges and the flange interface. The joint seal system and method may be configured to mitigate and/or eliminate leakage of pressure, flue gases, condensate, and/or any other fluid, gas, and/or vapor between abutting flanges of duct sections at a flange interface.

Joint seal system and method

A joint seal system and method may include a seal and a band. The seal may be positioned between abutting flanges of two adjacent duct sections. A band may be positioned over the two flanges and the flange interface. The joint seal system and method may be configured to mitigate and/or eliminate leakage of pressure, flue gases, condensate, and/or any other fluid, gas, and/or vapor between abutting flanges of duct sections at a flange interface.

Joint structure

A joint structure connecting a first and second double pipe, includes a male bayonet at an end portion of one of the pipes, the male bayonet including a first flange; a female bayonet at an end portion of the other of the pipes, the female bayonet including a second flange fastened to the first; a first positioning member mounted on the first double pipe; a second positioning member mounted on the second double pipe, the second positioning member being positioned with respect to the first so that a center axis of the male bayonet and the female bayonet conform to each other; and a slide mechanism which supports the first positioning member so the first positioning member is slidable in an axial direction of the first double pipe or supports the second positioning member so the second positioning member is slidable in an axial direction of the second double pipe.

Joint structure

A joint structure connecting a first and second double pipe, includes a male bayonet at an end portion of one of the pipes, the male bayonet including a first flange; a female bayonet at an end portion of the other of the pipes, the female bayonet including a second flange fastened to the first; a first positioning member mounted on the first double pipe; a second positioning member mounted on the second double pipe, the second positioning member being positioned with respect to the first so that a center axis of the male bayonet and the female bayonet conform to each other; and a slide mechanism which supports the first positioning member so the first positioning member is slidable in an axial direction of the first double pipe or supports the second positioning member so the second positioning member is slidable in an axial direction of the second double pipe.

FEEDER DUCT ASSEMBLY WITH FLEXIBLE END FITTINGS

A feeder duct assembly for a gas turbine engine, which negates the need for a ball or axial joint in the duct for required for flexibility under thermal loading. The feeder duct assembly of the present innovation comprises an end fitting designed to meet flexibility requirements without compromising dynamic performance of the system with added weight from ball or axial joints in the ducts.

EMERGENCY RELEASE MECHANISM FOR FLUID LOADING EQUIPMENT

Each of a pair of couplers includes: a vacuum double-pipe structure main part; a valve seat forming an opening through which a fluid flows; and a valve body in the main part. The valve body is configured such that, when separating the couplers, in each coupler, the body is brought into contact with the seat by a spring to close the opening, and when coupling the couplers, the body of each coupler is pressed by the body of the other coupler to move away from the seat and open the opening. The valve body includes: a holding member holding a sealing material sealing between the body and the seat when the body is in contact with the seat; a resin block covering a distal end surface of the holding member; and a metal operating member accommodating the block and protruding from the holding member to pass through the opening.

Feeder duct assembly with flexible end fittings

A feeder duct assembly for a gas turbine engine, which negates the need for a ball or axial joint in the duct for required for flexibility under thermal loading. The feeder duct assembly of the present innovation comprises an end fitting designed to meet flexibility requirements without compromising dynamic performance of the system with added weight from ball or axial joints in the ducts.

Feeder duct assembly with flexible end fittings

A feeder duct assembly for a gas turbine engine, which negates the need for a ball or axial joint in the duct for required for flexibility under thermal loading. The feeder duct assembly of the present innovation comprises an end fitting designed to meet flexibility requirements without compromising dynamic performance of the system with added weight from ball or axial joints in the ducts.