Clamp for securing vessel internals

Abstract

A vessel tray clamp is provided. The vessel tray clamp includes a distal end lying in a first plane and having a first width. The vessel tray clamp also includes a proximate end lying in a second plane that is not the first plane. The proximate end has a second width greater than the first width and has an elongated opening therethrough. An arcuate intermediate portion interconnects the distal end and proximate end. The arcuate intermediate portion has the first width adjacent the distal end and the second width adjacent the proximate end to form a shoulder therebetween.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to clamps for use in vessels, and more particularly relates to clamps for securing trays to support structures of vessels.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Vessels, such as, hydroprocessing vessels, reactors, absorbers, strippers, and distillation columns, typically utilize trays for vapor-liquid contacting. Often, trays are installed during initial construction of the vessel, as well as removed and installed during vessel downtime for maintenance or refurbishing. Bolts and nuts may be used to secure the tray to a support ring positioned along an internal circumference of the vessel. Typically, such fasteners are used with J-shaped clamps.[0003]However, traditional bolts and nuts and J-shaped clamps can suffer from several disadvantages when used in vessels. Particularly, installing a nut and bolt arrangement without a clamp can require extensive time and labor. Further, lining up a bolt with a J-shaped clamp while h...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a clamp for securing a tray to a support structure in a vessel. The clamp is designed to increase the compression force on the support structure and limit movement of the clamp to within a single plane. This improves the stability and safety of the vessel.

Problems solved by technology

However, traditional bolts and nuts and J-shaped clamps can suffer from several disadvantages when used in vessels.

Particularly, installing a nut and bolt arrangement without a clamp can require extensive time and labor.

Further, lining up a bolt with a J-shaped clamp while holding the J-shaped clamp in position before fastening can be very difficult.

Also, keeping the J-shaped clamp in proper orientation with the support structure while tightening the fastener can be difficult when the installer is positioned on one side of a tray.

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