Seal for a three-clamp joint and three-clamp joint comprising such a seal

Abstract

The invention relates to a seal (34) for a three-clamp joint (12), where the three-clamp joint (12) comprises a first flange (14) of a first pipe end (10) and a second flange (16) of a second pipe end (11), where the seal comprises a sealing body (36), the sealing body (36) can be placed on a first end face (18) of the first flange (14) or on a second end face (22) of the second flange (16), where the sealing body (36) comprises a fastening portion (38) for form-fitting connection with the first flange (14) or the second flange (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seal for a tri-clamp joint and a tri-clamp joint having the seal. Background Art

[0002] The tri-clamp connector is used to releasably connect a first pipe end to a second pipe end. In this case, the pipe ends to be connected include tri-clamp flanges of a special shape, which are interconnected by tri-clamp brackets. Tri-clamp flanges are also called tri-clamp couplings, which are particularly configured as standard tri-clamp couplings. For example, standard tri-clamp couplings are standardized in ISO 2852 1993-06 (published in June 1993, now withdrawn) or in DIN 32676, the version valid on the priority date. Standard tri-clamp couplings are often used in biotechnology and pharmaceutical applications in particular.

[0003] In order to be able to sealably interconnect the pipe ends using a Tri-Clamp joint, a seal is used which is arranged between a first end face of a first Tri-Clamp flange and a second end face of a second Tri-Clamp flange. In the process, the Tri-Clamp bracket moves the first Tri-Clamp flange and the second Tri-Clamp flange towards each other, as a result of which the seal is compressed and can thus achieve its sealing effect. However, a reliable sealing effect can only be achieved if the seal is accurately positioned relative to the first end face and the second end face.

[0004] Depending on the application, the first pipe end is connected to the second pipe end only for a short time, for example when the reactor is to be filled with starting material, which is converted into product material in the reactor. The three-clamp joint is closed and opened again accordingly frequently. The first pipe end is often rigidly connected to the reactor and is oriented so that closing and opening the first pipe end requires a certain degree of flexibility for the relevant operator. When closing the three-clamp joint, the operator needs both hands, so it is impossible to correct the position of the seal (if necessary) here. As mentioned above, the seal may be incorrectly positioned, so leakage may occur. If the operator notices that the positioning is incorrect, the closed process must be repeated, which means a waste of time. Summary of the invention

[0005] The problem addressed by one embodiment of the present invention is therefore to propose a seal for a Tri-Clamp joint, by means of which the above-mentioned disadvantages can be remedied in a simple and cost-effective manner. In particular, a seal for a Tri-Clamp joint is provided which can be arranged in a simple manner in the correct position relative to a first Tri-Clamp flange or relative to a second Tri-Clamp flange and in particular maintains this position when closing the Tri-Clamp joint.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features specified in claims 1 and 4. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a seal for a tri-clamp joint, wherein the tri-clamp joint includes a first flange at a first pipe end and a second flange at a second pipe end, the seal including

[0008] A sealing body, which can be placed on the first end surface of the first flange or on the second end surface of the second flange, wherein

[0009] The sealing body includes a fastening portion, and the fastening portion is used to be connected to the first flange or the second flange in a form-fitting manner.

[0010] It is proposed that the sealing body comprises a fastening part, by means of which the seal can be connected in a form-fitting manner to the first flange or the second flange before the first pipe end and the second pipe end are interconnected to form a tri-clamp joint. The form-fitting connection can be designed in the form of a snap-on connection or a snap-in connection. In this case, the sealing body and in particular the connecting part are made of an elastically deformable material in order to provide a form-fitting connection and release it again. To this end, the sealing body can consist of or include an elastomer.

[0011] Since the sealing body can be connected to the first flange or the second flange in a form-fitting manner, the sealing body maintains its position relative to the first flange or the second flange once the form-fitting connection is completed. In this case, the seal is designed so that the sealing body is in the desired position when the form-fitting connection is completed. This makes it easier for the operator to close the tri-clamp joint, speeding up the process and avoiding incorrect positioning.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the fastening portion may include a protrusion which, for a form-fitting connection,

[0013] engages in a first recess in the first flange or engages in a second recess in the second flange, or

[0014] The flange is connected to the rear side of the first flange or the rear side of the second flange.

[0015] Providing a recess is a relatively simple manufacturing process, so that a form-fitting connection can be provided without a lot of additional work. In this case, it makes sense to provide a recess on the circumferential surface of the first flange or the second flange. Alternatively, a projection can be provided on the above-mentioned circumferential surface, which engages in a recess in the fastening part.

[0016] If the protrusion engages with the rear side of the first flange or the rear side of the second flange, the first recess and / or the second recess may be omitted.

[0017] In an improved embodiment, the sealing body may include

[0018] a first sealing protrusion, which engages in a first sealing recess arranged on the first end face when the sealing body is connected to the first flange in a form-fitting manner, and / or

[0019] A second sealing protrusion is engaged in a second sealing recess arranged on the second end surface when the sealing body is connected to the second flange in a form-fitting manner.

[0020] The first sealing protrusion and the first sealing recess or the second sealing protrusion and the second sealing recess both increase the sealing effect of the seal, since this increases the sealing surface area, and also facilitates the correct positioning of the seal.

[0021] One configuration of the invention relates to a Tri-Clamp joint comprising a first flange of a first pipe end and a second flange of a second pipe end, wherein the Tri-Clamp joint is sealed by a seal according to any of the embodiments discussed above.

[0022] The technical effects and advantages that can be achieved by the proposed Tri-Clamp joint correspond to those already discussed for the present seal. In summary, it should be noted that the seal can be arranged in a desired position relative to the first flange or the second flange using relatively simple means, wherein the desired position is maintained in particular when closing the Tri-Clamp joint. This makes closing the Tri-Clamp joint much easier, speeds up the process and reduces the likelihood of incorrect positioning and the resulting leakage.

[0023] In another configuration, it can be provided that the first flange comprises a first recess and / or the second flange comprises a second recess, wherein the projection of the fastening portion engages in a form-fitting manner in the first recess or in the second recess.

[0024] Providing a recess is a relatively simple manufacturing process, so that a form-fitting connection can be provided without a lot of additional work. In this case, it makes sense to provide a recess on the circumferential surface of the first flange or the second flange. Alternatively, a projection can be provided on the above-mentioned circumferential surface, which engages in a recess in the fastening part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1AA first pipe end and a second pipe end are shown, which can be interconnected to form the proposed tri-clamp joint,

[0027] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An enlarged view of the detail X defined in,

[0028] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A an enlarged view of detail Y defined in, and

[0029] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of a tri-clamp bracket used to form a tri-clamp joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a first pipe end 10 and a second pipe end 11 which are to be interconnected to form a tri-clamp joint 12. In this case, the first pipe end 10 comprises a first flange 14 and the second pipe end 11 comprises a second flange 16, which are formed in the manner of a tri-clamp flange or tri-clamp coupling. In this case, the first flange 14 forms a first end face 18 which comprises a first sealing recess 20 (see FIG. Figure 1B ), and the second flange 16 forms a second end face 22, the second end face 22 includes a second sealing recess 24 (see Figure 1C ). In addition, the first flange 14 includes a first circumferential surface 26 on which the first recess 28 is arranged. Correspondingly, the second flange 16 includes a second circumferential surface 30 on which the second recess 32 is arranged.

[0031] In addition, a seal 34 is arranged on the first end face 18 (see Figure 1A and Figure 1B ). The seal 34 includes a seal body 36, which includes a fastening portion 38. When the seal 34 is arranged on the first end surface 18, the fastening portion 38 extends substantially parallel to the first circumferential surface 26 and surrounds the first circumferential surface 26. The fastening portion 38 forms a protrusion 40, which points to the longitudinal axis L defined by the first pipe end 10 (see Figure 1A ). When the seal 34 is arranged on the first end face 18, the projection 40 engages in the first recess 28 and thus connects the seal 34 in a form-fitting manner to the first flange 14 of the first pipe end 10. The seal 34 is positioned relative to the first pipe end 10 as intended and no longer changes its position.

[0032] For a form-fitting connection with the first pipe end 10, the seal 34 is first positioned concentrically with the longitudinal axis L and then moved along the longitudinal axis L towards the first flange 14. In this case, when the projection 40 comes into contact with the first flange 14, the fastening portion 38 is first slightly moved radially outwards until the projection 40 can engage in the first recess 28. In this case, the fastening portion 38 is moved back to its original position again, as a result of which a form-fitting connection is provided.

[0033] like Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the first end face 18 of the first pipe end 10 points downward. However, the seal 34 can be connected to the first pipe end 10 without falling off.

[0034] The seal 34 can also be connected to the second flange 16 of the second pipe end 11 in a similar manner. However, since the fastening portion 38 comprises only one protrusion 40, it must be decided before forming the Tri-Clamp joint 12 whether the seal 34 is first connected to the first flange 14 of the first pipe end 10 or to the second flange 16 of the second pipe end 11. This means that it is not necessary to provide both the first flange 14 comprising the first recess 28 and the second flange 16 comprising the second recess 32. One of the two recesses 28, 32 is sufficient.

[0035] In addition, Figure 1B 2. The sealing body 36 is particularly shown to include a first sealing protrusion 46 that protrudes into the already mentioned first sealing recess 20. The sealing body 36 also includes a second sealing protrusion 48 that engages in the sealing recess 24 in the second flange 16 when the tri-clamp joint 12 is formed (see FIG. Figure 1C ).

[0036] For example, an embodiment is not shown in which the fastening portion 38 engages the rear side of the first flange 14. To this end, a protrusion 40 can be arranged at the free end of the fastening portion 38 and can abut against the first inclined surface 42 of the first flange 14 when the seal 34 is arranged on the first end surface 18.

[0037] To close the Tri-Clamp joint 12, the second pipe end 11 is first positioned concentrically with the longitudinal axis L and then moved along the longitudinal axis L toward the first pipe end 10 until the second end face 22 contacts the seal 34. The second sealing protrusion 48 then engages in the second sealing recess 24 (not shown). Figure 1DThe three-clamp bracket 44 shown in the figure is placed around the first flange 14 and the second flange 16 and tightened by a closing device (not shown), which can include a screw connection. As a result, the three-clamp bracket 44 is at least partially moved radially inwards, which causes the first pipe end 10 and the second pipe end to move axially relative to each other. The seal 34 is thus compressed and achieves its sealing effect.

[0038] To release the tri-clamp fitting 12, the process is performed in reverse order.

[0039] Reference numerals list

[0040] 10First pipeline end

[0041] 11 Second pipeline end

[0042] 12 Tri-Clamp Connectors

[0043] 14First flange

[0044] 16 Second flange

[0045] 18 first end surface

[0046] 20First sealing recess

[0047] 22 Second end surface

[0048] 24Second sealing recess

[0049] 26 First circumferential surface

[0050] 28 first recess

[0051] 30 Second circumferential surface

[0052] 32 second recess

[0053] 34 Seals

[0054] 36 Sealing body

[0055] 38 Fastening part

[0056] 40 protrusions

[0057] 42 first inclined surface

[0058] 44 Triple Clamp Bracket

[0059] 46 first sealing protrusion

[0060] 48 second sealing protrusion

[0061] L Longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A seal (34) for a tri-clamp joint (12), wherein the tri-clamp joint (12) comprises a first flange (14) of a first pipe end (10) and a second flange (16) of a second pipe end (11), the seal comprising A sealing body (36) which can be placed on the first end face (18) of the first flange (14) or on the second end face (22) of the second flange (16), wherein The sealing body (36) comprises a fastening portion (38) for being connected to the first flange (14) or the second flange (16) in a form-fitting manner.

2. The seal (34) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The fastening part (38) comprises a protrusion (40) which, for a form-fitting connection, engages in a first recess (28) of the first flange (14) or engages in a second recess (32) of the second flange (16), or The flange is connected to the rear side of the first flange (14) or the rear side of the second flange (16).

3. The seal (34) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The sealing body (36) comprises a first sealing protrusion (46) which engages in a first sealing recess (20) arranged on the first end face (18) when the sealing body (36) is connected to the first flange (14) in a form-fitting manner, and / or A second sealing protrusion (48) is engaged in a second sealing recess (24) arranged on the second end surface (22) when the sealing body (36) is connected to the second flange (16) in a form-fitting manner.

4. A Tri-Clamp joint (12), comprising a first flange (14) of a first pipe end (10) and a second flange (16) of a second pipe end (11), wherein the Tri-Clamp joint (12) is sealed by a seal (34) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The tri-clamp connector according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The first flange (14) comprises a first recess (28) and / or the second flange (16) comprises a second recess (32), wherein the projection (40) of the fastening portion (38) engages in a form-fitting manner in the first recess (28) or in the second recess (32).

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