ANTI-LOOSEN LOCK FOR FLANGED JOINTS

Abstract

Anti-loosening lock for flanged joints, characterized by comprising two caps -1- and -2- for opposing nuts of the same flange bolt, a traction cap -1- housing a screw mount and a cap -2- with a passage groove -18-, both caps secured by a rack band, each cap -1- and -2- having a grooved cylindrical cavity -3- for housing and fixing said nuts, said grooves -3- fixing the nuts of the flange, said cap -1- having a mount -11- for a worm screw -14- that is coupled to a rack band -15-.

Description

-DESCRIPTION TITLE AND TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION The flange is a fundamental accessory for joining different parts of the piping system, valves, pumps, or other elements. Flange unions are composed of four main elements: the flanges, the gasket, the threaded studs, and their respective nuts. Therefore, their selection and application are very important, as they must be properly connected to each other to prevent leaks. This pipe union design also allows for easily disassembled assemblies, which enables rapid assembly of parts or the easy removal of equipment from a line. In general, all flanges are subject to numerous agents that loosen the nuts and cause losses / leaks, resulting in the separation of the union. Pipe union flanges, especially those used to convey liquid and / or gaseous fluids at high pressure and / or high temperatures, pose a significant maintenance challenge due to the high risk of failure.The effectiveness and durability of the joint is essential for the safety of operators. Pressure, vibration, movement, pipe temperature versus ambient temperature sooner or later loosen the nuts, so it is necessary to provide a device that prevents the nut from turning and keeps the flange faces firmly joined. For this purpose, the present invention provides an "ANTI-LOOSNESS LOCK FOR FLANGED JOINTS." This prevents loosening due to pressure, vibration, temperature and provides certification of flange elements; it is applicable to any joining flange in pipes. 2223728 of 6 PRIOR ART In the state of the art, we find few designs for caps or security locks for nuts, and even fewer for flange nuts. Among these, we find numerous designs for vehicle wheel nuts and other related accessories that do not involve connecting two nuts at the ends of a single bolt, but rather use anti-theft nuts. Regarding industry-related products that aim to provide solutions to the problem of flange nuts, we can highlight the one offered by Brady, which they call the "Blind Valve / Flange Lockout Device." In their commercial offer, they emphasize that "...it can be applied to the widest variety of pipes, temporarily and easily locking blind valves in place. With the blind valve lockout, users can prevent the release of hazardous gas, vapor, and liquids while performing maintenance work."The blanking valve lockout provides a highly visual physical barrier that acts as a deterrent against anyone touching blanking valves while performing maintenance. When used with a properly installed blanking valve, the lockout device and a padlock alert the operator that the element must not be touched, thus reducing the risk of accidental release of pipe contents. This allows companies to improve workplace safety and also enhance compliance with EU Directive 89 / 655 and European Standard EN 1037. Secure blanking valve lockout device for the widest variety of pipes. The blanking valve lockout has been tested by UL to ISO 80079-36:2016 for Explosive Atmospheres and meets the parameters of that standard.The device is made of heavy-duty 304 stainless steel with sturdy cast aluminum locking bars and a powder-coated polyester finish. The device's extendable locking arm allows users to optionally lock not just one but two sets of pipe locks for added security. Up to four workers can apply a padlock directly to the device. The device can be used for standard and recessed bolts. This device is for lockout purposes, meaning it is attached when required. 2223728 of 6 maintenance and is a single device per flange as seen in the photo and has a padlock to indicate that maintenance is being carried out or requires maintenance (consignment / maintenance device) ...”. Conclusions: this device is for consignment, that is, it is placed when maintenance is required or is carried out and is a single device per flange as seen in the photo and has a padlock to indicate that it requires maintenance (consignment / maintenance device). Its arrangement differs morphologically and functionally from the invention that is intended to be claimed. On the other hand, we have Radolid protective caps. These are used to prevent corrosion of bolts and nuts, making them easy to remove when necessary. They are made of UV-resistant low-density polyethylene and can be used from -64°C to 100°C, although upon special request they can be manufactured in a special material resistant to 220°C. Once in place, the cap compound internally releases molecules into the air that inhibit corrosion. We recommend filling a quarter of the cap with anti-corrosion grease or gel. The caps can be reused. Radolid caps are a practical and effective solution to your bolt and nut protection needs. This invention is an anti-loosening device with a grooved cavity for a perfect fit regardless of the nut's position / angle, and a worm gear mount with a rack-and-pinion band for joining both caps, preventing the nut from loosening. This device certifies the condition of the flange, flange / union joint, condition of studs and nuts, torque / tightening applied to the nuts, and completion date (anti-loosening and certification of union / flange components). 2223728 of 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As we explained at the beginning of this specification and in the section on prior art, flange nuts are subjected to numerous factors, such as temperature, pressure, and vibration, which causes them to loosen. The inventor's goal is to solve this problem, that is, to prevent the nuts from turning and thus prevent the flange joint from failing. To do this it is necessary to fix them in their adjustment position by providing an anti-rotation element. The purpose pursued by the present invention is achieved by means of an “ANTI-LOOSEN LOCK FOR FLANGED JOINTS”, characterized in that it is comprised of a traction cap -1 - that fixes one of the nut -8- of the flange -12- and a cap -2- with a passage slot -18- that fixes the opposite nut -9-, both threaded onto the bolt -10-, said caps -1- and -2 comprise a solid body predominantly of rectangular prism with a semi-cylindrical base, in this case of grilon or teflon material, graphitized teflon,metal according to the climatic and pipe requirements, inside said semi-cylindrical portion there is a cylindrical cavity -3- whose vertical faces are grooved, said grooves -3- fix the nuts once adjusted, to fix the lock, both caps -1- and -2 are placed on whose faces they have a circular perforation -4- through which said bolt -10- passes, said solid body extends with respect to its cylindrical base in an upper rectangular portion where said cap -1 has a semi-cylindrical cavity -7- that houses under pressure a mount -11- with a semicircular body that houses a worm screw -14- with a head for turning with a screwdriver or nut, said screw -14 is adjusted by means of a rack band -15- that has at its opposite end a stop -16- at ninety degrees to block the passage in the slot -18 of said cap -24, 2223728 of 6 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to make this patent understandable so that it can be easily put into practice, a detailed description of a preferred embodiment will be given in the following paragraphs, with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings, all of which are purely demonstrative, but not limiting, examples: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the flanged assembly showing the anti-loosening lock in place and adjusted. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective showing the complete lock with the flange bolt and its respective nuts. The flange has been removed for better observation of the invention. Figure 3 is an exploded view in perspective, showing the complete lock with the flange bolt and its respective nuts. The flange has been removed for better observation. Figure 4 is an exploded and perspective view, showing the complete lock and the flange with their respective bolts and nuts. Figure 5 is a schematic section, where the complete lock can be seen with the flange bolt and its respective nuts, the flange has been removed for better observation. Figure 6 is a schematic section showing the traction cap, highlighting the grooves that secure the nut and the worm screw mount. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-section showing both caps. Both highlight the grooves that secure the nuts and the circular rear cut for the flange bolt. The worm screw mounting in the traction cap and the slot for the rack band in the slotted cap are also highlighted. 2223728 of 6 CASTELLI & ASOCIADOS SAS - 30716037513 Digitally signed by PORTALTRAMITES - INPI Date: 2023.03.31 15:08:58 -03:00 Reason: Digitally signed by the INPI Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina 2223728

Claims

1. Anti-loosening device for flanged joints, characterized in that it comprises two caps -1- and -2- for opposing nuts of the same flange bolt, a tension cap -1- that houses a worm gear mount -11- and a cap -2- with a through groove -18- for a rack and pinion belt -15- that tightens said caps by means of a worm gear -14, each cap -1- and -2- having a grooved cylindrical cavity -3- for housing and securing said nuts. See Claim 1