Method and apparatus for blinding non-energy sources

Abstract

This bleeder guard is used for blinding pipe flanges in refineries, chemical plants, and other fluid processing plants joined in many places by flanged joints. The bleeder guard is an elongated rod, having a first end with a threaded surface and a second end with a smooth surface. The bleeder guard preferably is a smooth elongated rod of uniform diameter. The elongated rod typically has a cylindrical shape.

Claims

1. A guard for blinding a non-energy pipe flanged joint of a fluid processing plant, the flanged joint including an aperture passing therethrough, said aperture having a threaded surface; the guard comprising an elongated rod having a first end with a threaded surface and an opposed second end having a smooth surface, wherein the threaded surface of the elongated rod is threaded into engagement with the threaded surface of the aperture thereby preventing the attachment of an energy source to the non-energy pipe flanged joint.

2. A guard according to claim 1 wherein the second end of the guard having a smooth surface is unthreaded and configured to be un-attachable to an energy source.

3. A guard according to claim 2 wherein the second end of the guard having a smooth surface has a distinctive color.

4. A guard according to claim 1 wherein the second end of the guard having a smooth surface has a hole therethrough.

5. A guard according to claim 4 further including a locking mechanism engaged with the hole.

Description

IN THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a view of the bleeder guard of this invention.

(2) FIGS. 2A and 2B are an end view and a side view of a locking device according to this invention.

(3) FIG. 3 is a view showing the bleeder guard of this invention attached to a flanged joint.

(4) FIGS. 4A and 4B are a top view and a side view showing a prior art blind.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(5) FIG. 1 is a view of the bleeder guard 10 of this invention. Bleeder guard 10 is an elongated rod 12. Elongated rod 12 has a first end having a threaded surface 14 and a second end having a smooth surface 16. FIG. 1 also shows a hole 18 through smooth surface 16 of bleeder guard 10.

(6) FIGS. 2A and 2B are an end view and a side view of lock 20 according to this invention. Lock 20 is placed through hole 18 of bleeder guard 10.

(7) FIG. 3 is a view showing bleeder guard 10 of this invention attached to flanged joint 22. Flanged joint 22 has an aperture (not shown) passing therethrough. The aperture has a threaded surface (not shown). Threaded surface 14 of bleeder guard 10 engages the threaded surface of the aperture. Threaded surface 14 and the threaded surface of flange 22 co-operate to reduce leaks and blind a vessel 24 attached to flange 22.

(8) FIGS. 4A and 4B are a top view and side view showing prior art blind 30. The blind 30 used is a flat pancake shaped device. The surface of the blind must be larger than the flange but of less diameter than that defined by the bolts to be blocked. The bolts around the flange are either loosened or removed and the blind is inserted to block the flow of product through the flange.

(9) When a valve is not attached to an energy source, the valve often has an exposed threaded opening. This threaded opening could be attached to an energy source at an inappropriate time such as, during maintenance or inspection of a vessel. The invention provides a bleeder guard to prevent attachments to exposed valves (non-energy sources). The bleeder guard is preferably, an elongated tube or cylinder having a threaded end and an unthreaded end. The unthreaded end may be painted a distinct color to illustrate that it is a bleeder guard. The bleeder guard may be solid or hollow depending on need. The bleeder guard may include a hole on the unthreaded end through which a lock can be placed. This lock prevents removal of the bleeder guard during inspection or maintenance of the vessel. The unthreaded end of the bleeder guard, having no threads, is incapable of being attached to an energy source, thus protecting operator from an unexpected exposure to energy sources.

(10) Referring now to FIG. 3, to blind a non-energy source or open valve, the bleeder guard is aligned so that the threaded end is aligned to enter the non-energy source. The non-energy source having threads capable of accepting the threaded end of the bleeder guard. The bleeder guard is turned in such a direction that the threads of the bleeder guard and the non-energy source join. A lock is placed through the non-energy source and the bleeder guard so that the bleeder guard may not be removed without removal of the lock. The bleeder guard may also be locked to an adjacent valve to prevent removal of the bleeder guard, or movement of the valve.

(11) Once the remaining energy sources and non-energy sources are blinded, personnel may enter the vessel to complete the desired task. Once the task is completed, the lock is removed from the bleeder guard. The bleeder guard is turned in such a direction that the threads of the bleeder guard and the non-energy source separate. The non-energy source is then returned to its original condition, the remaining blinds are removed, and the vessel may be brought online.

(12) The above detailed description of the present invention is given for explanatory purposes. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the whole of the foregoing description is to be construed in an illustrative and not a limitative sense, the scope of the invention being defined solely by the appended claims.