Adaptor assembly and process vessel

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector assembly for process connections, in particular for fittings or sensors (5), having a fixed first connector piece (1) and a replaceable second connector piece (2), which is configured to be at least partially received by a receiving opening (4) of the fixed first connector piece (1), wherein the replaceable second connector piece (2) has an external thread (6) for a locking nut (8) for mounting a fitting or sensor (5), and wherein at least one holding mechanism (3) is provided, which is configured for holding the fixed first connector piece (1) and the replaceable second connector piece (2) together; the invention also relates to a process vessel having a corresponding connector assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe assembly according to the preamble of independent claim 1 and a process container having such a pipe assembly.

[0002] This type of pipe assembly with fixed fittings is commonly used in equipment in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, and food industries, such as in tanks, boilers, reactors, pipelines, and similar process vessels. Background Technology

[0003] As a standard connection device for mounting sensors or accessories in process vessels, the so-called Ingold connector is well-known. The Ingold connector has a connector element fixedly welded to the vessel wall, which typically includes a through-hole with an inner diameter of 25 mm or 40 mm and an H7 tolerance (“25H7” or “40H7”). This through-hole receives the sensor or accessory, which is screwed onto the external thread on the process side of the Ingold connector using a lock nut on the sensor or accessory base.

[0004] However, known ingold fittings pose a high safety risk because, when disassembling the fitting while process pressure is still present in the process vessel, the O-ring responsible for sealing remains on the fitting as it is pulled out of the through-hole until it is clear of the inner wall of the through-hole. This could cause the fitting to be ejected suddenly like a bullet when the lock nut is finally loosened, potentially resulting in serious consequences as the process medium leaks out under pressure from the open through-hole. To avoid this safety risk, safe ingold fittings are also known, for example, from DE 102012 203355B4, in which process pressure is first relieved before the lock nut is fully loosened.

[0005] Furthermore, during the installation, removal, or replacement of individual fittings or sensors, undesirable deformation or damage to the 25H7 or 40H7 inner diameter, or through-hole, or fitting edge of the welded ingold fitting always occurs. This can result in a failure to properly connect fittings or sensors or compromise the seal of the connection, which poses significant challenges, especially in sterile process vessels. To prevent or overcome this, the damaged fitting must typically be cut off and replaced with a new, undamaged welded fitting. This often requires a high level of technical skill, necessitating specialized assembly personnel and causing a relatively long interruption to the operation of the process vessel.

[0006] Furthermore, during the welding of the connecting pipe, the inner diameter, or the shape of the through hole, changes undesirably, typically requiring specialized measuring tools to verify the circularity of the through hole. To overcome this change, a slightly smaller connecting pipe with an inner diameter of, for example, 24.8 mm or 39.8 mm is often used, and after welding, the hole is enlarged to 25H7 or 40H7 using specialized tools such as a reamer. This incurs additional processing costs and requires specially trained personnel. Typically, during this enlargement process, a preferably smooth surface for forming the through hole cannot be achieved.

[0007] Furthermore, in known fittings, product contamination can occur due to damaged or loose nuts, or due to debris, such as from the seal, entering the process container. This presents significant challenges in maintaining sterility. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide a pipe assembly that has better process safety, ensures relatively accurate geometry, can be manufactured efficiently, and enables reliable and simple operation and maintenance.

[0009] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by the receiver assembly as defined in independent claim 1 and the processing container as defined in independent claim 13. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are derived from the related claims.

[0010] The essence of this invention lies in the fact that the connector assembly for process connections, particularly for fittings or sensors, includes a fixed first connector and a replaceable second connector, the replaceable second connector being configured to be received at least partially by a receiving opening of the fixed first connector. The replaceable second connector has external threads for a locking nut for mounting the fitting or sensor. Furthermore, the connector assembly includes at least one retaining or clamping mechanism configured to hold the fixed first connector and the replaceable second connector together.

[0011] In the context of this invention, the concept of "fixed" generally refers to a connection between the first connecting member and the process vessel that is fixed or inseparable. Thus, a connection is said to be inseparable when it can only be broken by damaging or destroying a portion of the connection or the corresponding connecting element. Typically, the first connecting member is welded to the process vessel and fixed in this manner.

[0012] In conjunction with this invention, the concept of "replaceable" generally refers to a detachable connection in which the connection can be broken without damaging or destroying the corresponding connecting elements. In other words, the second connector can be removed / released from the first connector, or inserted into the first connector, substantially without significant force and without the use of tools, when (when removing the retaining mechanism).

[0013] The concept of "fixed together" is understood here as at least one retaining mechanism engaging in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner with respect to the first and second connecting pipes. Here, depending on the construction scheme of the connection structure between the fixed first connecting pipe and the replaceable second connecting pipe, one, two or more retaining mechanisms may be provided, such as retaining rings, clamping rings, clamping hooks, pipe clamps, manual clamping mechanisms and / or spring clamps.

[0014] The nozzle assembly according to the invention ensures that when replacing fittings or sensors at the process vessel (which in practice requires periodic replacement to control different process parameters), it is not necessary to apply forces large enough to damage or deform the nozzle fixedly mounted on the vessel. At least one retaining mechanism enables the safe and simple detachable holding of the first and second nozzles together.

[0015] The structure of the multi-piece, clampable, and preferably additionally form-locking connected nozzle assembly according to the invention also effectively prevents loose parts (e.g., mounting nuts) or contaminants (e.g., debris from the seals) from entering the process container. Furthermore, the second nozzle can be replaced as needed in a simple manner without removing the first nozzle from the process container. This replacement can be achieved without tools by loosening the retaining mechanism, removing the damaged or faulty second nozzle, inserting a new, intact second nozzle, and retightening the retaining mechanism. Therefore, no special assembly or expertise is required, or only minimally required. This replacement can also be performed relatively quickly, thereby significantly reducing or even eliminating operational interruptions.

[0016] Furthermore, by using a second connecting fitting, damage to the geometry of the through-hole, such as 25H7 or 40H7 geometry, can be avoided. There is no need to enlarge the second connecting fitting after assembly, which further reduces assembly costs and time. By specifically manufacturing the second connecting fitting with an almost perfect internal geometry, the surface of the through-hole can also be achieved with extremely high dimensional precision and smoothness. For example, grinding can be performed. The precise dimensions or shape of the second connecting fitting ensures reliable sealing and near-100% roundness of the through-hole.

[0017] The connector assembly, and especially its second connector, can be configured as an ingold connector, and particularly as a safety ingold connector. Such an ingold connector is advantageous for a variety of process vessels, as well as the fittings and sensors used therein. In particular, the ingold connector enables the efficient and hermetically sealed assembly or disassembly of sensors and fittings in a standard manner.

[0018] Preferably, the fixed first connector is equipped with a surrounding flange. In particular, the first connector can be configured as a so-called TC connector according to German Industrial Standard (DIN) 32676. This first connector allows for the direct attachment of another component, such as a fitting or sensor, to the first connector as an alternative to the second connector. In this case, the component can be secured to the first connector using a retaining mechanism or other means.

[0019] The replaceable second connecting member preferably has a circumferential flange, which preferably includes at least one protrusion or at least one recess, forming a form-locking engagement with at least one mating recess or at least one mating protrusion of the circumferential flange of the fixed first connecting member. In this way, an optimal retaining structure is achieved for the retaining mechanism, resulting in particularly good clamping action. Furthermore, this form-locking engagement prevents movement transverse to the connecting member axis, which provides a significant advantage, especially when the connecting member axis is horizontal or inclined. The protrusion and corresponding recess can be designed to be circumferential, but two or more individual, spaced apart from each other, protrusions and recesses can also be provided, configured to correspond to each other. The protrusion and recess enable a tongue-and-groove connection between the two circumferential flanges of the first and second connecting members.

[0020] Preferably, the flange surrounding the fixed first connecting pipe and the flange surrounding the replaceable second connecting pipe each have an inclined portion, so that the assembled flanges taper outwards in the assembled state. This further improves the fit of the retaining mechanism and thus its clamping effect.

[0021] The retaining mechanism of the pipe assembly can be configured as a clamping mechanism. Preferably, the retaining mechanism clamps around the flange of the fixed first pipe assembly and the flange of the replaceable second pipe assembly, firmly pressing the two components together. This measure further improves the operational safety of the pipe assembly.

[0022] Preferably, the receiving opening of the fixed first connector has an inlet configured to allow a fitting or sensor to be guided through it. Preferably, the inlet is located on the process side in the bottom of the fixed first connector and forms a passage through the wall of the process container.

[0023] Preferably, the replaceable second connector has a through-hole that corresponds to the inlet of the fixed first connector. This ensures reliable insertion of fittings or sensors into the process container.

[0024] Preferably, the through-hole of the replaceable second connector has an inclined transition region between a hole section with a larger inner diameter and a hole section with a smaller inner diameter, wherein the hole section with the smaller inner diameter is aligned with the inlet of the fixed first connector. Preferably, the smaller inner diameter is 25 mm with a tolerance of H7 or 40 mm with a tolerance of H7. This is typically the case when used as an Ingold connector. Thus, the larger inner diameter is preferably about 27 mm. This type of design provides a safety feature that ensures that when removing the fitting or sensor, the fitting or sensor is slowly pushed out of the through-hole of the replaceable second connector when the locking nut is tightened accordingly.

[0025] In this situation, the O-ring, which normally seals radially to the inner wall of the through-hole of the fitting or sensor, shifts from the sealing area (25H7 or 40H7 inner diameter) to the connection area, which is enlarged in terms of inner diameter. Now, any potential overpressure and process media may escape around the O-ring, which is no longer sealing the inner wall relative to the through-hole and is located further out. However, because the lock nut of the sensor or fitting base is still screwed onto the external thread of the replaceable second connector at this moment, and this thread functions as a throttling labyrinth seal, the overpressure and / or process media can escape in a controlled manner, thus no longer posing a high risk. Therefore, the operator can promptly notice that there is still overpressure in the system and, if necessary, tighten the lock nut again to reseal the process.

[0026] Preferably, the outer diameter of the portion of the replaceable second connector that receives the fixed first connector is smaller than the inner diameter of the receiving opening of the fixed first connector. This design allows for the insertion of a sealing element or a portion thereof between the outer wall of the replaceable second connector and the inner wall of the fixed first connector.

[0027] Preferably, an annular sealing element is arranged at least partially in the annular gap between the fixed first connector and the replaceable second connector. The annular sealing element preferably forms a seat for the replaceable second connector, wherein, in the assembled state, the annular sealing element sealably surrounds the sidewall of the replaceable second connector at least in its lower region. More preferably, the annular sealing element has a surrounding bulge that is sealably received by corresponding grooves at the underside of the replaceable second connector and at the receiving bottom of the fixed first connector. With the above-described design of the annular sealing element, a highly effective seal can be achieved between the fixed first connector and the replaceable second connector, thereby preventing, in particular, the process medium from flowing out between the two components.

[0028] Another aspect of the invention relates to a process vessel having at least one nozzle assembly as described above, and possible fittings or sensors. Here, a fixed first nozzle is welded to the wall of the process vessel.

[0029] The process container according to the invention can effectively achieve in practice the advantages and effects described above in combination with the pipe fitting assembly according to the invention and its preferred embodiments.

[0030] Preferably, a retaining ring is arranged at the end of the accessory or sensor facing its base, which is used to retract the accessory or sensor when the locking nut is unscrewed. This feature contributes to the safety function described above because it enables controlled retraction of the accessory or sensor.

[0031] Preferably, the fixed first connecting member has an upward slope (slope) of approximately 15° relative to the vertical line of the container wall. The connecting member assembly, as the subject of this invention, is designed not only for horizontal mounting but also for inclined mounting. Inclined mounting is typically used in the case of vertically extending walls in process vessels. Since most liquid-based electrochemical sensors require a 15° inclined mounting, the fixed first connecting member is correspondingly inclined in its connection area on the process side. In liquid-based sensors (e.g., for pH measurement), this resulting tilt position of the sensor serves to prevent the formation of air bubbles at the sensor tip. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Other advantageous designs of the invention will be derived from the following description of embodiments of the invention with the aid of schematic diagrams. In particular, the pipe assembly according to the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 An exploded view of the fitting assembly and the fitting with a locking nut according to the invention is shown in cross-section;

[0034] Figure 2 The assembly according to the invention, with the inserted fitting and the screwed-on locking nut, is shown in cross-section in its assembled state.

[0035] Figure 3 A perspective external view of the pipe assembly according to the invention, with the inserted fitting (or sensor) and the screwed-on locking nut, in the assembled state is shown;

[0036] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly according to the invention, with the inserted fitting (or sensor) and the screwed-on locking nut, is shown in an inclined assembly state; and

[0037] Figure 5A process container according to the invention is shown, which has three inclined fittings with inserted fittings and screwed-on locking nuts for the connecting pipe assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In the following description, specific expressions may be used for practical reasons and should not be construed as limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “below,” and “above” indicate directions in the referenced figures. Expressions such as “downward,” “outward,” “below,” “above,” “left,” and “right,” etc., are used to describe the arrangement of the components relative to each other, the movement of the components relative to each other, and directions toward or away from the geometric center of the invention and known components of the invention, as shown in the figures. Relative descriptions of space also include positions and orientations different from those shown in the figures. For example, if a component shown in the figures is flipped, an element or feature described as “below” is “above.” Terminology includes the words explicitly stated above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings.

[0039] To avoid repetition of different aspects and embodiments in the accompanying drawings and dependent descriptions, identified features should be understood as commonly used in different aspects and embodiments. An aspect omitted in the description or drawings should not be inferred to be absent from a dependent embodiment. Rather, such omission is for clarity and to prevent repetition. In this regard, the following provisions apply to all further descriptions: if reference numerals are included in the drawings for illustrative purposes but are not mentioned in the directly related description, reference should be made to their interpretation in the foregoing description of the drawings. Furthermore, if reference numerals not included in the dependent drawings are mentioned in the description directly relating to the drawings, reference should be made to the foregoing and subsequent drawings. Similar reference numerals in two or more drawings represent similar or identical elements.

[0040] Figure 1 The nozzle assembly according to the invention is shown in a disassembled state with the exemplary accessory 5. The nozzle assembly includes a fixed first nozzle 1, a replaceable second nozzle 2, and a retaining mechanism configured as a clamping mechanism 3, through which the accessory should be guided.

[0041] A fixed first connecting member 1 is welded into the wall 31 of the process vessel (not shown), as illustrated by weld 25. The fixed first connecting member 1 has a receiving opening 4 with an inner diameter d3. Furthermore, the fixed first connecting member 1 includes a receiving bottom 18, which in turn defines an inlet 14 allowing access to the interior of the process vessel. Preferably, the inlet 14 widens inwards towards the interior of the process vessel. The wall thickness of the receiving bottom 18 substantially corresponds to the wall thickness of the wall 31. The fixed first connecting member 1 has a surrounding flange 11 at its upper end, with a surrounding protrusion 12 on its upper side. The flange 12 has an outwardly extending inclined portion 11a on its lower side.

[0042] Furthermore, an annular sealing element 16 with a raised portion 16a is provided, which can be inserted into the receiving opening 4 and received by the receiving bottom 18. The annular sealing element 16 is used to seal relative to the replaceable second connector 2. The replaceable second connector is received by the receiving opening 4 of the fixed first connector 1, at least in its lower region. Here, the replaceable second connector typically has an outer diameter d4, which is smaller than the inner diameter d3 of the receiving opening 4. Preferably, a slight gap is maintained between the area where the replaceable second connector 2 is received and the inner wall of the fixed first connector 1.

[0043] Furthermore, the replaceable second connector 2 includes a surrounding flange 9 with a surrounding recess 10 machined on its underside, which corresponds in a form-locking manner to a protrusion 12 on the upper side of the flange 11 of the fixed first connector 1. The flange 9 has an outwardly extending inclined portion 9a on its upper side. Above the flange 9, the replaceable second connector 2 has an external thread 6, which should interact with the corresponding internal thread 20 of the locking nut 8 of the fitting or sensor 5 to be fixed.

[0044] The replaceable second connector 2 includes a through-hole 15, which comprises an upper region with an inner diameter d1 and a lower region with an inner diameter d2. Here, the inner diameter d1 is slightly larger than the inner diameter d2. A corresponding transition slope 19 is provided between the two regions. This design serves as a protection against premature and potentially uncontrolled loosening of the lock nut 8 (i.e., when overpressure is still present in the system), as explained in the general section of the specification. The inner diameter d2 is typically 25 mm with a tolerance of H7 or 40 mm with a tolerance of H7 (i.e., in the case of using an Ingold connector). Thus, the inner diameter d1 is approximately 27 mm. Furthermore, the through-hole 18 is aligned with the inlet 14, specifically with the upper side of the inlet away from the process.

[0045] Fitting 5 includes a base 24 on which a locking nut 8 is mounted. A retaining ring 13 is provided on the upper end of fitting 5, which moves fitting 5 back when the locking nut is unscrewed. Subsequently, an O-ring 23 arranged on the lower end of fitting 5 leaves the area of ​​the through hole 15 with a (small) inner diameter d2, thus eliminating the sealing effect and allowing for controlled release of overpressure or process media if necessary. A handle 7 is introduced into the upper side of the fitting, by means of which fitting 5 can be moved.

[0046] The clamping mechanism 3 is used to reliably clamp the first connecting pipe 1 and the replaceable second connecting pipe 2 in the regions of the inclined portions 9a and 11a of the two flanges 9 and 11. Finally, x indicates the longitudinal axis of the fitting 5.

[0047] Figure 2 The assembly of the pipe assembly and fittings 5 ​​according to the invention is shown in its assembled state.

[0048] As can be seen, the flange 11 of the fixed first connecting member 1 and the flange 9 of the second connecting member 2 are now form-locked together, that is, the flange 9 is located on the flange 11, and the protrusion 12 of the flange 11 is form-locked into the recess 10 of the flange 9. The clamping mechanism 3 holds and presses the two flanges 9 and 11 together from the outside, wherein the aforementioned inclined portions 9a and 11a of the two flanges 9 and 11 ensure the optimal clamping fit of the clamping mechanism 3.

[0049] Between fitting 5 and replaceable second connecting pipe 2, an annular gap 26 is formed in the region of through hole 15. This annular gap is due to the different inner diameters d1 and d2 of through hole 15 (see...). Figure 1 (Above). Here, the O-ring 23 of fitting 5 is also located below the transition slope 19 and thus seals the through hole 15 relative to the inlet 14. Furthermore, it can be seen that the raised portion 16a of the annular sealing element 16 is now received by the groove 21 in the lower side of the replaceable second connector 2 and the groove 22 in the receiving bottom 18 of the fixed first connector 1, and thus achieves a particularly effective seal between the fixed first connector 1 and the replaceable second connector 2. Here, the annular sealing element 16 can be said to serve as a seat for the replaceable second connector 2. Therefore, the annular sealing element preferably also extends partially into the annular gap 27 formed between the replaceable second connector 2 and the inner side of the fixed first connector 1.

[0050] Figure 3 A perspective view is shown of a fitting 5 (or sensor) assembled in the container wall 31 by means of a connecting pipe assembly according to the invention. In particular, the hinge unit 3a of the clamping mechanism 3 and the corresponding tightening screw 3b can be seen, by which the clamping force applied to the flange can be adjusted. A retaining ring 31 is arranged on the upper end of the fitting or sensor 5, that is, slightly above the upper side of the locking nut 8. A handle 7 extends outward from the fitting 5.

[0051] according to Figure 4 The preferred, upwardly tilted mounting position of the nozzle assembly and fitting or sensor 5 according to the invention is shown. As can be seen, in this position, the vertical line s of the container wall 31 forms a 15° angle with the longitudinal axis x of the fitting or sensor 5. This is also referred to herein as a 15° tilt. The fixed first nozzle 1 and its inlet 14, which expands inward toward the inside of the process container, are correspondingly geometrically matched to the mounting position. The advantages of this tilt have already been explained in the preceding description. However, apart from this, there is no change in the functionality of the nozzle assembly according to the invention.

[0052] Finally, in Figure 5 The diagram also shows a process container 30 according to the invention, having connection areas provided in the container wall 31 for multiple (in this case three) possibly different fittings or sensors 5, 5', 5" . Here, this may, for example, involve sensors or inductors for measuring pH, temperature, oxygen, or CO2. For example, a pressure gauge 29 is arranged on the lid of the process container 31. In addition, bolted connections 28 for the lid can also be seen.

[0053] Although the invention has been shown and described in detail with the aid of accompanying drawings and dependent descriptions, these drawings and detailed descriptions should be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. In order not to over-explain the invention, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown and described in detail in some instances. It is understood that those skilled in the art will be able to make changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the following claims. In particular, the invention includes other embodiments having any combination of features different from those explicitly described.

[0054] This disclosure also includes embodiments having any combination of the features described or shown above or below for different embodiments. Even if a single feature is shown in combination with other features in the figures and / or not mentioned above or below, this disclosure also includes that single feature in the figures. Alternatives to the embodiments described in the figures and description, and individual alternatives to their features, may not be included in the subject matter of this invention or the disclosed subject matter. This disclosure includes embodiments having only the features described in the claims or embodiments, as well as embodiments having additional other features.

[0055] Furthermore, the expression "comprising" and its derivatives do not exclude other elements or steps. Similarly, the indefinite article "a" and its derivatives do not exclude a majority. The function of multiple features set forth in the claims can be satisfied by a single unit or step. The presence of specific quantities / sizes set forth in different dependent claims does not mean that combinations of these quantities / sizes cannot be advantageously used. Concepts such as "substantially," "almost," "about," etc., combined with a characteristic or value, especially also define exactly that characteristic or value. Concepts such as "almost" and "about," combined with a given numerical value or range, can refer to values ​​or ranges within 20%, 10%, 5%, or 2% of the given value or range. All reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0056] List of reference numerals

[0057] 1. Fixed first connecting member

[0058] 2 Replaceable second connecting pipe

[0059] 3 clamping mechanism

[0060] 3a hinge unit

[0061] 3b Tighten the screws

[0062] 4. Reception opening (fixed first connecting part)

[0063] 5 accessories / sensors

[0064] 6. External thread (replaceable second connecting pipe)

[0065] 7 handle parts

[0066] 8 Locking Nuts

[0067] 9. Surrounding flange (replaceable second connection fitting)

[0068] 9a Inclined section

[0069] 10 notches

[0070] 11. Surrounding flange (fixed first connecting part)

[0071] 11a Inclined section

[0072] 12 protrusions

[0073] 13 clasps

[0074] 14 entrances

[0075] 15 through holes (replaceable second connecting pipe fitting)

[0076] 16-ring sealing element

[0077] 16a raised portion

[0078] 17 surrounding ridges

[0079] 18. Accepts the bottom (fixed first connecting piece).

[0080] 19. Transitional inclined section (d1 / d2)

[0081] 20 Locking nut internal thread

[0082] 21. Lower groove (replaceable second connecting pipe fitting)

[0083] 22. Receiving groove at the bottom (fixed first connecting part)

[0084] 23 O-rings for sensors / accessories

[0085] 24 accessories / sensor base

[0086] 25 welds

[0087] 26 Annular Gap (Through Hole / Accessories)

[0088] 27. Annular gap (acceptance opening / replaceable second connector)

[0089] 28 Bolted connections for process container lids

[0090] 29 Pressure gauges

[0091] 30 process containers

[0092] 31 container wall

[0093] 32 connection areas

[0094] vertical lines of the container wall

[0095] x-axis (accessories / sensors)

[0096] The larger inner diameter of the d1 through hole

[0097] The smaller inner diameter of the d2 through hole

[0098] d3 Inner diameter of the receiving opening

[0099] d4 Outer diameter (the portion of the replaceable second connecting pipe that is received)

Claims

1. A connector assembly for a process connection fitting or sensor (5), the connector assembly comprising a fixed first connector (1), characterized in that, A replaceable second connector (2) is configured to be received at least partially by the receiving opening (4) of the fixed first connector (1), wherein the replaceable second connector (2) has external threads (6) for a locking nut (8) for mounting fittings or sensors (5), wherein, At least one retaining mechanism (3) is provided, which is configured to hold a fixed first connector (1) and a replaceable second connector (2) together; wherein the replaceable second connector (2) has a surrounding flange (9) including at least one protrusion or at least one recess (10) that forms a shape lock together with at least one matching recess or at least one matching protrusion (12) of the surrounding flange (11) of the fixed first connector (1).

2. The pipe assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The flange (11) surrounding the fixed first connecting part (1) and the flange (9) surrounding the replaceable second connecting part (2) have inclined portions (9a, 11a) respectively, so that the flanges assembled together taper outward in the assembled state.

3. The pipe assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The retaining mechanism (3) is configured to clamp the flange (11) of the fixed first connector (1) and the flange (9) of the replaceable second connector (2) together.

4. The pipe assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The receiving opening (4) of the fixed first connector (1) has an inlet (14) configured to allow the fitting or sensor (5) to be guided through the inlet.

5. The pipe assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The replaceable second connector (2) has a through hole (15) that corresponds to the inlet (14) of the fixed first connector (1).

6. The pipe assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The through hole (15) of the replaceable second connector (2) has an inclined transition region (19) between a hole section with a larger inner diameter (d1) and a hole section with a smaller inner diameter (d2), wherein the hole section with a smaller inner diameter (d2) is aligned and abutted against the inlet (14) of the fixed first connector (1).

7. The pipe assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The smaller inner diameter (d2) is 25 mm with a tolerance of H7, or the smaller inner diameter (d2) is 40 mm with a tolerance of H7.

8. The pipe assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The outer diameter (d4) of the portion of the replaceable second connector (2) that is received by the fixed first connector (1) is smaller than the inner diameter (d3) of the receiving opening (13) of the fixed first connector (1).

9. The pipe assembly according to claim 1, wherein, An annular sealing element (16) is arranged between the fixed first connecting pipe (1) and the replaceable second connecting pipe (2).

10. The pipe assembly according to claim 9, wherein, An annular sealing element (16) forms a seat for a replaceable second connector (2), wherein, in the assembled state, the annular sealing element sealably surrounds the sidewall of the replaceable second connector at least in the lower region.

11. The pipe assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The annular sealing element (16) has a surrounding bulge (17) which is sealed by a corresponding groove (21) on the underside of the replaceable second connector (2) and a corresponding groove (22) at the receiving bottom (18) of the fixed first connector (1).

12. A process vessel having at least one nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1-11 and fittings or sensors (5), wherein, The first connecting pipe (1) of the fixed connecting pipe assembly is welded to the wall (31) of the process vessel (30).

13. The process container according to claim 12, wherein, A retaining ring (13) is provided at the end of the accessory or sensor (5) facing its base (24), which is used to move the accessory or sensor (5) back when the locking nut (8) is unscrewed.

14. The process vessel according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The fixed first connecting pipe (1) is inclined upward at about 15° relative to the vertical line (s) of the container wall (31).

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