Leakage test device for double door transmission system

Abstract

A device for testing the sealing performance of at least a portion of a double-door sealed transmission system between two closed volumes, the system comprising: a first flange and a second flange (18), the first flange and the second flange being capable of being rigidly connected to each other; and a first door body and a second door body (22), the first door body and the second door body typically sealing openings defined by the first flange and the second flange, respectively, the device comprising: a shell (36), the shell comprising a cavity (38) provided with an opening (44); a mechanical connecting member (50) for mechanically connecting to the flange (18) so that the cavity (38) is closed by the flange (18) and the door body (22); and an inflatable pad (48), the inflatable pad being in contact with the flange (18) in an inflated state and ensuring sealing, thereby enabling the sealing performance between the flange (18) and the door body (22) to be checked.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seal testing device for a double-door transmission system with improved reliability. Background Art

[0002] In some industrial sectors (including the nuclear, medical, pharmaceutical and agri-food sectors), it is necessary or desirable to carry out certain tasks in a pressurized environment in order to protect the environment, for example from radiation, toxicity, etc., or conversely to be able to carry out these tasks in a sterile or dust-free environment, or finally to be able to carry out these tasks in a sterile or dust-free environment while protecting the environment, for example from radiation, toxicity, etc.

[0003] The transfer of equipment or products from one closed volume to another without the sealing of each of these volumes relative to the outside being violated at any moment presents a rather complex problem to solve. This problem can be overcome by a double door connection.

[0004] Such a double door system, equipped with a multi-layered safety control, is known, for example, from patent document FR 2695343. Each volume is closed by a door mounted in a flange. Each door is rigidly connected to its flange by a bayonet connection, and the two flanges are rigidly connected to each other by means of the bayonet connection.

[0005] For example, one of the enclosed volumes is formed by an insulator and the other volume is formed by a container.

[0006] Generally speaking, the connection carried by the insulation is designated as the α component, and the connection carried by the container is designated as the β component.

[0007] Before connecting two closed volumes, it is desirable to verify that the respective volumes comply with sealing standards in order to avoid any risk of internal or external contamination during the connection of the two closed volumes.

[0008] The technique used to verify the tightness of each closed volume uses a device comprising a cavity whose opening is bounded by a thin, relatively rigid O-ring. The joint is intended to be applied against the microscopic surface of the flange of the α-component or β-component, thereby defining a test volume whose tightness relative to the internal volume of the container or insulating element is to be tested. For example, a given pressure level is generated in this volume, and it is verified whether this pressure remains stable over time.

[0009] The device is fixed to the α-component or β-component, for example via screws, so as to press the engagement portion against the surface of the α-component or β-component.

[0010] The surface of the α- or β-component, against which the joint is intended to contact and ensure the sealing of the test volume from the outside, is exposed to impacts during operation. Consequently, there is a significant risk of degradation of this surface, and the tightness of the test volume from the outside could be impaired, leading to a negative sealing test result, which is erroneous due to the lack of sealing between the joint and the surface. However, the small size of the O-ring and its rigidity do not allow for any mitigation of surface degradation. Summary of the Invention

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for testing the tightness of at least a part of a double door connection system which has reliable functioning.

[0012] The above objects are achieved by a seal test device comprising a cavity provided with an opening bounded by an expandable joint and means for fixing the device to a component to be tested.

[0013] The device is mounted on the component to be tested, and the joint is inflated to contact the sealing surface of the component to be tested. The implementation of an inflatable joint makes it possible to mitigate the degradation experienced by the sealing surface. In fact, the implementation of an inflatable joint provides good elasticity and can thus conform to surface defects.

[0014] Furthermore, in a housing where the device is fixed to the component to be tested by a snap-fit ​​system, the implementation of an expandable joint has the advantage of reducing friction and facilitating the connection. Furthermore, there is no risk of the joint deteriorating during fixing.

[0015] Advantageously, the fixing means use means implemented to lock the flanges of two closed volumes to each other, such as snap-fit ​​means or locking lever means. The fixing is facilitated and the use of unique means, such as screws, is avoided.

[0016] The test device is suitable for verifying two enclosed volumes.

[0017] Therefore, a subject of the present invention is a device for testing the sealing of at least a part of a double-door sealed transmission system between two closed volumes, the system comprising a first flange and a second flange that can be rigidly connected to each other, and a first door body and a second door body, the first door body and the second door body generally sealing an opening defined by the first flange and the second flange respectively, the device comprising: a shell comprising a cavity provided with an opening; a mechanical connecting member for mechanically connecting to at least one of the first flange and the second flange so that the cavity is closed by one of the first flange and the second flange and one of the first door body and the second door body; and an expandable joint, which is intended to contact one of the first flange and the second flange in an expanded state and ensure sealing, thereby making it possible to verify the sealing between the first flange and the first door body or the sealing between the second flange and the second door body.

[0018] Advantageously, the device comprises means for inflating the inflatable joint, and means for controlling the pressure in the cavity.The device may advantageously comprise a pressure switch which monitors the pressure in the inflatable joint.

[0019] For example, the housing comprises a groove, the groove surrounding the opening of the cavity and accommodating the expandable joint. Preferably, the expandable joint is entirely accommodated in the groove in the deflated state.

[0020] For example, the first flange and the second flange of the transmission system include means for locking each other, and the mechanical connection means advantageously cooperates with the locking means of at least one of the first flange and the second flange. Thus, no additional connection means are required to perform the sealing test.

[0021] The mechanical connection means are, for example, of the snap-fit ​​type.

[0022] In an embodiment, the groove opens into a face of the housing such that the expandable joint, in the expanded state, contacts a face of the first or second flange that is substantially parallel to a face of the first or second door body.

[0023] In another embodiment, the groove opens into the cavity of the housing such that the expandable joint contacts the radially outer periphery of the second flange in the expanded state.

[0024] For example, the first flange and the first door body are made of an insulating member, and the second flange and the second door body are made of a container.

[0025] Another subject of the present invention is a method for testing the tightness of at least a portion of a double-door sealed transport system between two closed volumes, the method implementing the leak testing device according to the invention, the method comprising the following stages:

[0026] - mechanically connecting the seal test device to the first flange or the second flange;

[0027] - inflating the inflatable joint until the inflatable joint has a given pressure;

[0028] - Periodically controlling the pressure in the cavity;

[0029] - Sending a message about the tightness between the first flange and the first door body or between the second flange and the second door body.

[0030] The method advantageously includes the step of monitoring the pressure in the expandable joint throughout the test. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The present invention will be more clearly understood based on the following description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 The longitudinal cross-section schematically shows a container connected to a single piece via a double-door sealed transport system by means of a snap-on member.

[0033] Figure 2A FIG1 schematically shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a sealing test device before being mounted on an insulating member, wherein the joint is in a non-expanded state.

[0034] Figure 2B The diagram schematically shows the Figure 2A Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sealing test device with the joint in a non-expanded state.

[0035] Figure 2C The diagram schematically shows the Figure 2A Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sealing test device with the joint in an expanded state.

[0036] Figure 3A FIG1 schematically shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a sealing test device before being mounted on a container, wherein the joint is in a non-expanded state.

[0037] Figure 3B The schematic diagram shows the Figure 3A Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sealing test device with the joint in a non-expanded state.

[0038] Figure 3C The schematic diagram shows the Figure 3A Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sealing test device with the joint in an expanded state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an example of a dual-door transmission system.

[0040] In the following description, two enclosed volumes correspond to the insulating member 10 and the container 12, respectively, and the sealing of these two enclosed volumes is intended to be tested before they are connected. However, it should be understood that the present invention can also be applied to a housing in which the enclosed volumes are, for example, a glove box and the other is a container or glove box, in a non-limiting manner.

[0041] The insulating element 10 is delimited by a wall 14, only a portion of which is visible in the drawing. Typically, the insulating element is equipped with a remote manipulation means, such as a remote manipulator and / or a glove (not shown), firmly connected to the wall 14, via which the central control unit can manipulate the unit from the inside of the unit 10. The container 12 is also delimited by a wall 16, in particular Figure 1 As shown in .

[0042] The double-door sealed conveyor mainly includes an insulator flange 18; a container flange 20; an insulator door 22, which generally seals the circular opening defined by the insulator flange 18; and a container door 24, which generally seals the opening defined by the container flange 20. The insulator flange 18 and the container flange 20 are respectively fixed to the wall 14 of the unit 10 and the wall 16 of the container 12. In this example, the insulator door 22 is connected to the insulator flange 18 by a hinge 26.

[0043] Components generally indicated by the reference numeral 28 enable the opening and closing of the doors 22 and 24 to be controlled.

[0044] For example, the container door 24 is secured to the container flange 20 by means of a snap-fit ​​connection 30, as described in patent document FR 2695343. For example, to enable the container flange 20 to be connected to the insulator flange 18 and the container door 24 to be connected to the insulator door 22, the double-door sealed transport system further comprises two other snap-fit ​​connections, designated by reference numerals 32 and 34, respectively. These three snap-fit ​​connections 30, 32, and 34 are configured such that, after the container flange 20 has been attached to the insulator flange 18, rotating the container 12 about its axis, for example in a clockwise direction, has the following consequences: connecting the container flange 20 to the insulator flange 18, connecting the container door 24 to the insulator door 22, and disconnecting the container door 24 from the container flange 20. These latter two operations are performed sequentially, so that the container can only be opened after the container door 24 has been connected to the insulator door 22 to form a double door.

[0045] The assembly formed by the insulator flange and the insulator door is conventionally designated as the "α component." The assembly formed by the container flange and the container door is conventionally designated as the "β component."

[0046] Generally speaking, the double-door transmission system has a rotational symmetry around an axis X, where the axis X is the axis of the flange of the insulation.

[0047] Figures 2A to 2C The seal test device D1 is shown mounted on the α component in two different states.

[0048] Figures 2A to 2C The door 22 of the α component is shown in detail. Door 22 includes a joint 23, which is attached to its outer face 22.1 and to the outer periphery of flange 18. Joint 23 extends both along outer face 22.1 and along its lateral edges 22.2. Joint 23 ensures a seal between insulator door 22 and insulator flange 18, and between the outer face of insulator door 22 and the outer face of container door 24, insulating these outer faces from the interior of the enclosed volume.

[0049] The insulating portion 23 is fixed to the insulator door 22 via an annular weld bead 25 , designated “heel”, which is mounted in an annular groove 21 formed in the insulator door 22 .

[0050] Potential leakage that may occur between the joint 23 and the insulator flange 18 is indicated by arrows F1 , and potential leakage that may occur between the door 22 and the joint 23 where the heel 25 is mounted is indicated by arrows F2 .

[0051] The test device D1 is made to allow the detection of leaks F1 and F2. The test device D1 comprises a housing or head 36 defining a cavity 38 comprising a bottom 40, lateral walls 42 and an opening 44 opposite the bottom. The cavity 38 extends along a longitudinal axis X1.

[0052] The housing 36 includes a groove 46 surrounding the opening 44, and an expandable joint 48 mounted in the groove 46. Figure 2A and Figure 2B ), expandable joint 48 advantageously does not protrude from this groove, thereby reducing friction during connection of test device D1 to component α. Furthermore, the joint is protected. For example, expandable joint 48 may be glued to the surface of the expandable joint opposite the surface intended for expansion.

[0053] The expandable joint is made of, for example, an elastomer such as silicone, styrene-butadiene or styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), a fluoropolymer such as FKM, hydrogenated nitrile or hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR).

[0054] The diameter of the cavity is selected so that, in its expanded state, the expandable joint 48 does not cover areas of potential leakage F1 and F2 of the insulation. Preferably, the housing therefore does not contact the joint 23. The housing is dimensioned so that the edge of the recess 46 is adjacent to the opening 44; in other words, the wall between the recess 46 and the opening 44 does not contact the joint 23. The positioning of the test device D1 is ensured by a fixing member, such as a snap-fit ​​fixing member; in the connected state, the inner edge of the housing, and in particular of the recess 46, is short enough not to contact the joint 23.

[0055] The test device D1 comprises means 50 for mechanically connecting the housing 36 to the α component, in particular to the insulator flange 18 , so that the joint 48 contacts the outer face 18 . 1 of the insulator flange 18 in the expanded state.

[0056] Advantageously, the mechanical connection means 50 cooperate with the means for firmly connecting the container flange 20 to the insulator flange 18. In the example described, these means are snap-fitting means. Thus, since the device D1 is mounted on the flange rather than on the container, the mechanical connection means 50 are identical to those carried by the container flange 20.

[0057] exist Figures 2A to 2C In the example shown in FIG, the mechanical connection means thus comprise a projection 52 which penetrates into a groove 54 of the insulator flange 18 and locks the two flanges 18, 20 in translation.

[0058] Alternatively, the mechanical connection member may be a snap-on type mechanical connection member, coupled by screw threads.

[0059] Device D1 may also include means 56 for inflating expandable joint 48 .

[0060] This member 56 comprises a fluid connection 60 between the expandable joint 48 and, for example, a pneumatic pump. Advantageously, the member 56 comprises a monitoring member 64 for monitoring the pressure in the expandable joint 48 relative to a predetermined setpoint, making it possible to verify the state of the expandable joint and / or the installation of the device on the insulation flange 18.

[0061] For example, the monitoring member 64 comprises a pressure switch. The pressure switch controls the pressure loss. The predetermined set value corresponds to a previously set pressure value for expansion in the joint. The pressure switch compares the predetermined set value with the actual pressure measurement of the joint. When the difference between the set value and the measured value exceeds a critical value, for example when the joint is penetrated, the pressure switch transmits a signal, for example a warning in the form of a light indicator. Thus, it is possible to verify whether the pressure remains stable throughout the test and whether the test conditions are correct. During the expansion period, when the expansion pressure of the joint is reached, the pressure switch commands the pump to stop.

[0062] Device D1 includes, for example, a pump 62 for generating a certain pressure level in the sealed cavity, and a component 58 for monitoring the change in the pressure level in cavity 38 over time and performing a sealing test, component 58 being associated with a component for notifying the operator of the pressure change in the form of a screen or a light signal, the color of the light signal changing depending on whether a leak is detected.

[0063] The operation of the sealing test device will now be described below.

[0064] First, the test device D1 is moved close to the α component ( Figure 2A ), then firmly connected to the α component ( Figure 2B ), the expandable joint 48 is in the deflated state. The mechanical connection member 50 cooperates with the insulator flange 18. In this example, the connection is obtained by means of snap-fitting members. For example, the device is moved axially close to the insulator flange 18, with the axis X and the axis X1 being substantially collinear, and the housing of the device is then pivoted about the axis X, thereby ensuring that the housing 36 is axially locked on the insulator flange 18. Since the expandable joint 48 does not protrude from the groove 46, it does not rub against the insulator flange 18, which reduces friction, thereby facilitating installation and reducing the risk of damage to the joint, such as the risk of penetration of the joint ( Figure 2B ).

[0065] The inflatable joint 48 is then inflated and brought into contact with the outer face 18.1 of the insulation flange 18 and ensures a sealing contact in the groove 46 and on the outer face 18.1. The pressure in the joint is advantageously monitored ( Figure 2C The housing and the expandable joint 48, using the α-component, define a volume V, the sealing of which relative to the inside of the insulating element is verified. The control member 58 is actuated. A certain pressure is established in the cavity 38, and its changes in value are monitored. The volume V is typically several cubic centimeters.

[0066] If the pressure value in the cavity 38 changes, it is considered that there is one or more leaks between the joint and the insulation door 22 and / or flange 18. In the event of a positive or negative seal test, a signal is provided to alert the operator.

[0067] During the seal test, the expandable joint 48 is inflated to approximately 2.10 5 The maximum pressure of Pa is 1000 Pa, and the pressure in the cavity drops to about 4000 Pa relative to the outside.

[0068] The device D1 according to the invention allows for more reliability tests to be performed.

[0069] Indeed, the expandable joint is more elastic than an O-ring. As it expands, it conforms to the bearing surface of the insulator flange. In the event of imperfections in the bearing surface, such as notches or recesses, the expandable joint adapts and compensates for these surface imperfections to a certain extent. Consequently, the risk of false negative results due to imperfections in the seal between the test device and the α-component is significantly reduced.

[0070] Furthermore, since the expandable joint is protected in the groove, the test device is more robust and the risk of impacts, explosions, scratches, cuts that could be detrimental to the seal test is reduced.

[0071] The implementation of an expandable joint also has the advantage of having a larger contact surface and thus a sealing surface that is larger than that of an O-ring.

[0072] The installation of the test device is quick and relatively simple. The risk of incorrect testing is substantially reduced.

[0073] Figures 3A to 3C A seal test device D2 is shown which is particularly suitable for seal testing of beta components. The container flange 20 comprises an engagement portion 27 similar to the engagement portion 23 mounted on the insulator door 22.

[0074] The device D2 is very similar to the device D1, wherein the device D2 also implements an expandable joint to define a sealed cavity using a beta member. The device D2 differs from the device D1 in that the expandable joint 148 contacts the radially outer periphery of the container flange 20. The device D2 has a longitudinal axis X1'.

[0075] The housing 136 comprises a cavity 138 defined by a bottom 140 and lateral walls 142 , and an opening 144 having a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the cavity so as to define a radial groove 146 in the housing that houses an expandable joint 148 .

[0076] For example, the expandable joint 148 is glued via the face of the expandable joint opposite to the face intended for expansion. The expandable joint 148 is glued to the bottom of the radial groove 146. The material examples given for the joint 48 apply to the joint 148.

[0077] Advantageously, the opening 144 has an inclined radially inner edge, which facilitates mounting of the housing on the beta member.

[0078] The device is mounted on the beta element so as to leave a gap between the free surface of the beta element and the bottom 140 of the cavity 138, so as to create a test volume V' between the beta element and the device and to avoid sealing the areas of potential leaks F1' and F2'. The volume V' is typically a few cubic centimeters.

[0079] exist Figures 3A to 3C In the example shown in FIG, the test device D2 is configured to be connected to the beta component by a snap-on connection. In this example, the device D2 includes a protrusion 152 that is disposed in the radial groove 146 between the bottom of the cavity 138 and the engagement portion 148 and that cooperates with the peripheral edge of the container flange 20.

[0080] Alternatively, the mechanical connection member may be a snap-on type mechanical connection member coupled by thread.

[0081] Similar to device D1 , device D2 may also include a member 156 for inflating expandable joint 148 .

[0082] The means 156 comprise a fluid connection 160 between the inflatable joint 148 and, for example, a pneumatic pump. Advantageously, the means 156 comprise monitoring means 164 for monitoring the pressure in the inflatable joint 148 relative to a predetermined setpoint, thereby enabling verification of the state of the inflatable joint and / or the installation of the device on the container flange 20.

[0083] For example, the monitoring member 164 comprises a pressure switch. The pressure switch controls the pressure loss. The predetermined set value corresponds to a previously set pressure value for expansion in the joint. The pressure switch compares the predetermined set value with the actual pressure measurement of the joint. When the difference between the set value and the measured value exceeds a critical value, for example when the joint is penetrated, the pressure switch transmits a signal, for example a warning in the form of a light indicator. Thus, it is possible to verify whether the pressure remains stable throughout the test and whether the test conditions are correct. During the expansion period, when the expansion pressure of the joint is reached, the pressure switch commands the pump to stop.

[0084] Device D2 includes, for example, a pump 162 for generating a certain pressure level in the sealed cavity, and a component 158 ​​for monitoring the pressure level in cavity 138 over time and performing a seal test, component 158 ​​being associated with a component for notifying an operator of the pressure change in the form of a screen or a light signal, the color of the light signal changing depending on whether a leak is detected.

[0085] The sealing test of the beta component and the device D2 is carried out in substantially the same manner as the sealing test of the alpha component and the device D1. The device D2 is locked to the beta component ( Figure 3B ), the expandable joint 148 is inflated ( Figure 3C ) and defines a volume V', the pressure of which is controlled.

[0086] In the embodiment of device D2, the joint contacts a bearing surface housed at the bottom of a recess that is relatively protected from the impacts to which the container may be subjected during handling. Furthermore, this is a machined surface, thus having a good surface condition, and is wide relative to the flange surface against which prior art test devices come into contact. The risk of a poor seal between the flange of the beta component and the expandable joint during testing is substantially reduced.

[0087] However, alternatively, the device D2 can be configured for the expandable joint to contact the front face of the flange using a container flange having a larger surface area. Thus, it is possible that the device used to test the sealing of the α component can also be used to test the sealing of the β component.

[0088] In the example described, the connection between the test device and the α-component or the β-component is obtained by means of snap-fitting means, which are means for locking the insulating element and the container flange to each other.

[0089] On the one hand, the test device can be fastened to the component to be tested by means other than the means that allow the connection between the two flanges, which, however, complicates the process, in particular, of the β-component and / or the α-component. For example, the device can be fastened to the component to be tested by means of screws, a lever system, or snap-on technology.

[0090] Alternatively, the flanges may be locked to each other by means other than snap-fitting means, such as means having levers, cams, etc. Furthermore, these means may cooperate with the test device to ensure its fixation.

[0091] Using means embodied to lock the two flanges to one another for fixing the test device to the component to be tested has the advantage of avoiding the operator having to operate various locking / fixing techniques, which reduces the risk of improper operation.

Claims

1. A sealing test device for testing the sealing performance of at least a portion of a double-door sealed transmission system between two closed volumes, wherein the double-door sealed transmission system comprises a first flange (18) and a second flange (20) that can be firmly connected to each other, and a first door body (22) and a second door body (24), wherein the first door body and the second door body generally seal an opening defined by the first flange and the second flange, respectively. The sealing test device is configured to test the sealing performance between the first flange and the first door body and the sealing performance between the second flange and the second door body, respectively, and the device comprises: A shell comprising a cavity provided with an opening; a mechanical connecting member (50) for mechanically connecting to at least one of the first flange (18) and the second flange (20) so that the cavity is closed by one of the first flange (18) and the second flange (20) and one of the first door body (22) and the second door body (24); and an expandable joint, the expandable joint being intended to contact one of the first flange (18) and the second flange (20) in an expanded state and ensure sealing, thereby making it possible to verify the sealing between the first flange (18) and the first door body (22) or the sealing between the second flange (20) and the second door body (24).

2. The seal test device according to claim 1, comprising means (56) for inflating the expandable joint, and means (58) for controlling the pressure in the cavity.

3. The sealing test device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The housing includes a groove circumscribing an opening of the cavity and accommodating the expandable joint.

4. The sealing test device according to claim 3, wherein: The expandable joint is entirely accommodated in the groove in a deflated state.

5. The seal test device according to claim 2, comprising a pressure switch (64) for monitoring the pressure in the expandable joint.

6. The sealing test device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first flange and the second flange of the double door sealed transmission system include components for locking each other, and wherein the mechanical connection component (50) advantageously cooperates with the locking component of at least one of the first flange (18) and the second flange (20).

7. The sealing test device according to claim 6, wherein the mechanical connection member (50) is of a snap-fit ​​type.

8. The sealing test device according to claim 3, wherein: The groove opens into the face of the housing so that the expandable joint contacts a face of the first flange (18) or the second flange (20) in the expanded state that is substantially parallel to a face of the first door (22) or the second door (24).

9. The seal testing device according to claim 3, wherein the groove opens into the cavity of the housing so that the expandable joint contacts the radial outer periphery of the second flange (20) in the expanded state.

10. The sealing test device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first flange (18) and the first door (22) are made of an insulating member, and wherein the second flange (20) and the second door (24) are made of a container.

11. A sealing test method for testing the sealing performance of at least a portion of a double-door sealed transmission system between two enclosed volumes, the sealing test method implementing the sealing test device according to claim 2, wherein the first flange and the second flange are disconnected from each other, the method comprising the following steps: - mechanically connecting a device for testing the leak tightness to the first flange or the second flange; - inflating the inflatable joint until the inflatable joint has a given pressure; - periodically controlling the pressure in the cavity; and - Sending a message about the tightness between the first flange and the first door body or between the second flange and the second door body.

12. A seal testing method according to claim 11, comprising the step of monitoring the pressure of the expandable joint throughout the test.

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