NUT GUIDE

Abstract

The present invention aims at solving the difficulty of coupling a subsea torque tool, which is usually used by ROVs, to the nuts of cases used to join flanges in pipelines and pipes. In this way, a nut guide (3) is proposed, which is used in pre-assembly and which is coupled to the nut (2) through an adhesive means or any other appropriate joining means, wherein the torque tool is quickly and smoothly guided to the ideal position for tightening or loosening the flanges by using the screw (1) and nut (2) assembly, facilitating the fitting and minimizing the number of alignment maneuvers between the torque tool and the nut (2).

Claims

1. A nut guide, comprising a geometry that transitions from a conical shape at a first end to a hexagonal shape at a second end.

2. The nut guide according to claim 1, wherein the nut guide is configured to couple to a nut (using an adhesive material.

3. The nut guide according to claim 1, wherein the nut guide comprises a polymeric material.

4. The nut guide according to claim 1, wherein the nut guide, coupled to the nut, is configured to move as a single element between screws of a flange.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional screw and nut assembly.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates the nut guide that is the object of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates the screw and nut assembly with the nut guide inserted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention aims at solving the difficulty of coupling a subsea torque tool, which is usually used by ROVs, to the nuts of cases used to join flanges in pipelines and pipes. In this way, a nut guide 3 is proposed, which is used in pre-assembly and is coupled to nut 2, wherein the torque tool is quickly and smoothly guided to the position for tightening or loosening through the screw 1 and nut 2 assembly (illustrated in FIG. 1), facilitating the fitting and minimizing the number of alignment maneuvers between the torque tool and nut 2.

[0014] The proposed invention allows, briefly, to carry out such a coupling between the torque tool and the nut 2, wherein the nut guide assembly 3, coupled to the nut 2, moves as a single element between the screws of the flange.

[0015] The nut guide 3, as can be seen in FIG. 2, can be manufactured from a polymeric material, but is not limited to this type of material.

[0016] The coupling between the nut guide 3 and the nut 2 can be done through an adhesive means or any other joining means that is appropriate, in order to ensure that the nut guide 3 and nut 2 assembly remains fastened in a secure way.

[0017] Thus, the nut guide 3 is responsible for gradually guiding the coupling of the torque tool to the nut 2. Its general conical shape discloses the ease of approximation and initial alignment with the nut 2, avoiding more time spent and excessive alignment maneuvers by the operator.

[0018] Once the nut guide 3 is coupled to the nut 2 in the pre-assembly, as can be noted in FIG. 3, if there is the need of tightening or removing the nut 2, the coupling to be made between the torque tool and nut 2 will occur in a more agile, quick and smooth way, since the tool will be gradually guided by the geometry of the nut guide 3, which goes smoothly from the conical shape at one of its ends to the hexagonal shape at the other end, as illustrated in FIG. 2, thus preventing the operator from swinging or inadvertently moving.