Pipe isolation joint for electrical isolation of heating pipe sections in electrical impedance furnace

Abstract

The present disclosure includes an isolated joint connection assembly that creates an electrically isolated / isolated connection between two electrically conductive structures (e.g., two pipe flanges, pipe flanges, and a piece of equipment such as a transfer line exchanger (TLE), header, manifold, mixer, or other fitting). Some such connection assemblies include an electrically conductive first flange, an electrically conductive second flange, an insulative disc including a non-conductive material that will remain solid and non-conductive at a temperature of up to at least 300 DEG C and a voltage of up to at least 200 volts; a plurality of fastener isolators comprising a non-conductive material, each fastener isolator defining one or more fastener holes; one or more insulating bushings, each comprising a non-conductive material and defining an internal fastener channel; and one or more electrically conductive fastener assemblies having enlarged securing portions (e.g., nuts, bolt heads). In such an assembly, a first flange is configured to be coupled to a second flange with an insulating disc between the first flange and the second flange such that a fastener assembly extends through the two flanges and the insulating disc, an insulating sleeve is disposed between a portion of the fastener assembly and the flanges, and the insulating sleeve is coupled to the first flange and the second flange. And the fastener isolators are each disposed between one of the flanges and a respective one of the enlarged fixation portions of the fastener assembly such that the isolation disc, the isolation sleeve, and the fastener isolators prevent conductive material of the fastener assembly from contacting any one of the flanges and prevent the flanges from contacting each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to industrial furnaces and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to pipe isolation joints for electrically isolating pipe sections, such as heating pipes in an impedance furnace. Background Art

[0002] Chemical synthesis equipment is used to provide a variety of chemicals.Usually, burning (burn) or burning (combust) special fuel is to provide the energy of reaction heat for chemical synthesis, the energy of heating one or more process streams, the energy of evaporating liquid (such as boiling water as diluent), the energy of doing work (such as driving compressor or pump) or the energy for other process operations in whole chemical synthesis equipment.This burning (burning) or burning (combustion) of fuel cause the generation of flue gas containing CO2, which can be harmful to the environment, and also cause the loss of energy efficiency of process.Similarly, steam is conventionally used as heat and / or energy transfer fluid of equipment range in chemical synthesis equipment.The steam for heat and / or energy transfer is often produced via the burning of fuel, causes during chemical synthesis, produces extra flue gas and further energy efficiency loss.

[0003] Some components could theoretically be driven electrically. However, electrification of some components in chemical synthesis equipment presents additional problems and challenges. For example, electrically heated pyrolysis furnaces in steam cracking processes and electrically heated reactor furnaces in steam methane reforming (SMR) processes can present problems or require consideration of factors that are different from, and / or not necessarily present in, combustion-driven pyrolysis furnaces. As an example, impedance furnaces typically utilize an electric current flowing through the tube walls to heat the fluid flowing through the tubes, making the tubes both the conduit for the process and the conductive element for the electrical heating.

[0004] However, such impedance furnaces can be economically challenging because the energized tubes are connected to unenergized upstream and downstream piping and / or manifold systems. A conventional method for energizing the tubes in such an electric furnace is to configure the circuit so that a high voltage or potential is in the middle of each tube, and a low voltage or potential (e.g., very close to ground) is at each end of the tube (near the upstream / downstream connections). In this configuration, energizing the upstream / downstream piping is avoided by having the current flow into and out of the furnace tubes within the furnace itself. However, this arrangement allows each furnace tube to have its own circuit, and using conventional tube materials of construction (typically various high-alloy metals), the voltage drop across the circuit is very low—typically 10 volts (V) to 50 V. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Using a small voltage drop of 10V to 50V to deliver the heating load of a large industrial furnace (e.g., 10 megawatts (MW) - 250 MW (e.g., 100 MW)) requires enormous currents. For example, a 20 MW furnace would require 1,000,000 amperes at 20V, and its electrical equipment (e.g., step-down transformers, switchgear, thyristors, connection panels, copper conductors, and related components) can be prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, the complexity of the electrical equipment required for such large currents results in heat losses, which can make low-voltage impedance furnaces relatively inefficient. Therefore, higher voltages would help make impedance furnaces commercially viable.

[0006] One way to achieve higher voltages is to electrically isolate the furnace tubes from their upstream / downstream piping connections. With the heater tubes electrically isolated, a circuit can be configured with series-connected furnace tubes so that the voltage drop can be much higher, such as 480V, 4160V, or 13,200V (13.2kV), standard voltages already used (and therefore available) in industrial sites. At these higher voltages, the required current is correspondingly lower, as is the cost and complexity of the required electrical equipment. For example, a 20MW furnace requires only 4800 amps at 4160V (compared to 1,000,000 amps at 20V), significantly reducing the complexity and cost of the required electrical equipment relative to the much higher current and lower voltage required. Heat losses are also reduced, making high-voltage furnaces significantly more efficient.

[0007] Electrical isolation can be achieved through isolating joints, each of which mechanically couples two conductive structures while preventing electrical communication between the structures, at least under certain conditions (e.g., below a breakdown voltage at a given temperature). For example, such isolating joints can provide an electrically isolated / insulated connection between two pipe flanges, or between a pipe flange and a piece of equipment, such as a transmission line exchanger (TLE), a header, a manifold, a mixer, or other accessory. In the pipe-to-pipe example, a pipe isolating joint (PIJ) can couple a conductive furnace pipe to a conductive upstream or downstream pipe or manifold, where a sealed connection is formed between the pipe and pipe / manifold's respective flow paths, without allowing electrical connection or current flow between the pipe and pipe / manifold. For example, a dielectric or other electrically insulating material can be positioned between the pipe and pipe / manifold to prevent physical contact between their respective materials. Different dielectric or other electrically insulating materials can be selected for different applications. For example, as temperature increases, at least some dielectrics change in their dielectric properties, which can allow current to flow, such as at higher voltages. In other words, as temperature increases, the dielectric's ability to withstand a voltage difference without current flow decreases, ultimately leading to breakdown. In addition to properly selecting the dielectric material for the PIJ, other properties can also be selected to ensure the desired electrical isolation properties; for example, increasing the thickness of the dielectric material can increase the breakdown voltage at which the dielectric will begin to allow current to flow (and therefore can increase the temperature at which the breakdown voltage drops below the desired threshold).

[0008] In some cases, such a PIJ may also include additional gaskets or sealing materials between the dielectric material and the material of the tube or pipe / manifold to provide or supplement a sealed connection. Such gaskets or sealing materials need not be electrically insulating, as long as the dielectric material is configured to provide electrical isolation between the conductive materials of the heater tube and the pipe / manifold, and between those materials and the material of any fasteners extending therebetween. In other words, the gasket or sealing material may be electrically conductive as long as it does not complete the electrical circuit between the heater tube and the pipe / manifold separated by the PIJ.

[0009] The present disclosure includes pipe isolation joints that can be used, for example, in industrial-scale impedance furnaces (e.g., for steam cracking, steam methane reforming, and / or various other applications) to electrically isolate furnace tube sections and thereby enable such industrial-scale impedance furnaces to use higher voltages and improve efficiency.

[0010] Some configurations of the connection assembly of the present invention include: a conductive first flange defining a first opening; a conductive second flange defining a second opening; an insulating disk defining a disk opening, the insulating disk comprising a non-conductive material that will remain solid and non-conductive at temperatures up to at least 300°C and voltages up to at least 200 volts; a plurality of fastener insulators comprising a non-conductive material, each fastener insulator defining one or more fastener holes; one or more insulating sleeves comprising a non-conductive material, each insulating sleeve defining an internal fastener channel and having an outer profile configured to extend through the first opening and the second opening and into the disk opening; and one or more fastener assemblies, each fastener assembly having a longitudinal medial portion and a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion, each retaining portion having a lateral dimension greater than a corresponding lateral dimension of the medial portion. In some such configurations of the connection assembly of the present invention, the first flange is configured to be coupled to the second flange with an isolating disk between the first and second flanges such that: (1) the isolating sleeve extends through the first and second openings and into the disk opening; (2) the fastener assembly extends through the isolating sleeve with one of the fastener isolators between the first retaining portion and the first flange and the other of the fastener isolators between the second retaining portion and the second flange; (3) the non-conductive material of each of the isolating disk, the isolating sleeve, and the fastener isolators will remain solid and non-conductive at temperatures up to at least 300°C and voltages up to at least 200 volts; and / or (4) the isolating disk, the isolating sleeve, and the fastener isolators prevent the conductive material of the fastener assembly from contacting either flange and prevent the flanges from contacting each other.

[0011] In some configurations of the present connection assembly, the non-conductive material of each of the insulating disc, insulating sleeve, and fastener insulator will remain solid and non-conductive at temperatures up to at least 600°C and voltages up to at least 500 volts.

[0012] In some configurations of the present connection assembly, each of the fastener isolators is integral with a corresponding one of the isolating sleeves.

[0013] In some configurations of the present connection assembly, each of the isolation sleeves includes two sub-sleeves, a first sub-sleeve configured to extend through the first opening and into the disk opening, and a second sub-sleeve configured to extend through the second opening and into the disk opening.

[0014] In some configurations of the present connection assembly, each of the barrier sleeves comprises a single sleeve configured to extend through the first opening, the disc opening, and the second opening.

[0015] In some configurations of the connection assembly of the present invention, each of the fastener holes in the plurality of fastener isolators is sized to receive an end of one of the isolating sleeves, and wherein the first flange is configured to couple to the second flange, with the isolating disk between the first flange and the second flange, such that the first end of each isolating sleeve extends into the fastener hole of one of the fastener isolators and the second end of the isolating sleeve extends into another of the fastener isolators.

[0016] In some configurations of the connection assembly of the present invention, the plurality of fastener isolators include a plurality of washers.

[0017] In some configurations of the present connection assembly, the first flange is coupled to the pipe and the second flange is coupled to the support structure.

[0018] In some configurations of the connection assembly of the present invention, a first flange defines a primary first passageway and a plurality of first openings spaced apart from one another about the first passageway; a second flange defines a primary second passageway and a plurality of second openings spaced apart from one another about the second passageway; a barrier disc defines a primary disc passageway and a plurality of disc openings spaced apart from one another about the disc passageway; a plurality of barrier sleeves; and a plurality of fastener assemblies. In some such configurations, the first flange is configured to be coupled to the second flange, with the barrier disc between the first flange and the second flange, such that: (1) the first primary passageway, the disc primary passageway, and the second primary passageway are aligned; (2) each of the barrier sleeves extends through one of the first openings and one of the second openings and into one of the disc openings; (3) each of the fastener assemblies extends through a corresponding one of the barrier sleeves, with one of the fastener insulators between the first retaining portion and the first flange, and another of the fastener insulators between the second retaining portion and the second flange; and / or (4) the barrier disc, the barrier sleeves, and the fastener insulators prevent conductive material of the fastener assemblies from contacting any of the flanges and prevent the flanges from contacting each other. Some such configurations further include: two gaskets, each gasket defining a primary gasket passage and a plurality of gasket openings spaced apart from one another about the gasket passage; wherein the first flange is configured to be coupled to the second flange, wherein the isolating disc is between the first and second flanges, and the two gaskets are disposed between the isolating disc and a respective one of the first and second flanges such that: each of the isolating sleeves extends through one of the first and second openings, through one of the gasket openings, and into one of the disc openings; and the gaskets are compressed to prevent fluid from leaking from the first, disc, and second passages between the isolating disc and the flanges. In some such configurations, the first, disc, and second passages each have an inner diameter of 1 inch to 10 inches.

[0019] In some configurations of the present connection assembly, the non-conductive material of each of the isolation disk, the fastener isolation body, and the isolation sleeve comprises ceramic (eg, high purity alumina (>98%)).

[0020] In some configurations of the connection assemblies of the present invention, each fastener assembly includes a bolt and a nut.

[0021] Some configurations of the present invention pipe fittings include: a pipe having a first end, a second end, and a central passage extending from the first end to the second end; a first flange coupled to the first end of the pipe and defining a first passage in fluid communication with the central passage of the pipe, the first flange defining a plurality of first fastener openings spaced apart from one another around the first passage; and a second flange coupled to the second end of the pipe and defining a second passage in fluid communication with the central passage of the pipe, the second flange defining a plurality of second fastener openings spaced apart from one another around the second passage; wherein the pipe, the first flange, and the second flange comprise a non-conductive material that remains solid and non-conductive at temperatures up to 300° C. and voltages up to at least 200 volts. Some such configurations further include: a conductive reinforcement member coupled to and extending along at least a portion of the pipe; wherein the reinforcement member does not extend to a mating surface of either flange.

[0022] The components of the present invention can be configured so that adjacent portions of the conductive surfaces are separated by a minimum thickness of solid non-conductive material or a minimum space or air gap. For example, the minimum thickness can be 0.15 inches or greater (e.g., greater than any one of or between any two of the following: 0.15 inches, 0.20 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.30 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.40 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.50 inches, or greater); and / or the minimum space or air gap can be 0.15 inches or greater (e.g., greater than any one of or between any two of the following: 0.15 inches, 0.20 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.30 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.40 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.50 inches, or greater).

[0023] The term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are "coupled" can be integral with each other. Unless otherwise expressly required by the present disclosure, the terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more. As understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the term "substantially" is defined as being largely, but not necessarily completely, what is specified (and includes what is specified; for example, substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees, and substantially parallel includes parallel). In any embodiment of the apparatus, kit, and method of the present invention, the term "substantially" can be replaced with "within [percentage] of what is specified," where percentages include 0.1%, 1%, 5%, and / or 10%.

[0024] The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of having, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of including, such as "includes" and "including"), and "contain" (and any form of containing, such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs. Thus, a device or set that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those elements. Similarly, a method that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.

[0025] Further, an apparatus, device, or system that is configured in some way is configured in at least that way, but it may also be configured in other ways besides those specifically described.

[0026] Any embodiment of any of the present apparatus and methods may consist of or consist essentially of any of the described steps, elements, and / or features, rather than comprising / including / containing / having any of the described steps, elements, and / or features. Thus, in any claim, the term "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" may replace any of the above recited open-ended linking verbs in order to alter the scope of a given claim from that which would otherwise be used.

[0027] Details and others associated with the above-described embodiments are presented below.

[0028] Some details associated with aspects of the present disclosure are described above, and others are described below. Other implementations, advantages, and features of the present disclosure will become apparent after reviewing the entire application (including the accompanying drawings, detailed description, and claims). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The following figures illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, not every feature of a given structure is labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. The same reference numeral or reference numeral does not necessarily indicate the same structure. On the contrary, the same reference numeral may be used to indicate similar features or features having similar functions, as may different reference numerals. Dimensional drawings are drawn to scale (unless otherwise indicated), meaning that the sizes of the depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at least the embodiments depicted in the figures.

[0030] Figure 1 A block flow diagram depicting a general steam cracking plant or process.

[0031] Figure 2 describe Figure 1 A flow chart of the pyrolysis reaction section of the device or process.

[0032] Figure 3 Description used in Figure 2 Conceptual diagram of a first example of an impedance furnace used in a pyrolysis reaction section.

[0033] Figure 4 Describes the use of a Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of a first example of a pipe isolation joint of the present invention used in an example of FIG.

[0034] Figure 5 Description and Figure 4 Plan view of the isolation disc used with the pipe isolation joint.

[0035] Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B and 6B Description is configured for use with Figure 4 Partial cutaway cross-sectional views of different configurations of fastener isolators used in pipe isolation joints.

[0036] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view depicting an electrically isolated connection for a pipe or tubing hanger.

[0037] Figure 8A and 8B Depicts a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an electrically isolated pipe joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figure 1, a block flow diagram of an example of a general steam cracking apparatus or process is shown, which includes one or more of the following process sections for converting a feed stream 5 into a desired olefin product stream 50: a feed pretreatment section 10, a pyrolysis reaction section 20, a primary fractionation and compression section 30, a product fractionation (separation) and compression section 40, or a combination thereof. Such sections will be briefly described in the next few paragraphs and described in more detail below.

[0039] The feed pretreatment section 10 can be configured to regulate the pressure of the feed 5, possibly remove undesirable components from the feed (e.g., carbon dioxide (CO2), mercury, sulfur (H2S)), combine the incoming feed with stored feed to minimize variations in the feed to the pyrolysis reaction section 20, and / or preheat the feed 5 to provide a pretreated feed stream 15.

[0040] The pyrolysis reaction zone 20 may comprise at least one steam cracker or "pyrolysis" furnace configured to crack hydrocarbons in the presence of steam to produce a cracked gas stream and a transport line exchanger (TLE) or other heat transfer device for quenching (and optionally harvesting heat from) the cracked gas stream to provide a cooled cracked stream 25. Conventionally, the furnace of a steam cracking plant generates a high temperature environment by the combustion of fuel (e.g., methane and hydrogen), which produces carbon dioxide emissions from conventional steam cracking plants / processes. However, in the present embodiment, the furnace is instead an electrical impedance furnace in which an electric current heats the tubes through which the feed stream flows.

[0041] The primary fractionation and compression section 30 can be configured to provide further heat recovery from the cooled cracked gas stream 25 and quench the cooled cracked gas stream 25, remove one or more components (e.g., fuel oil, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, water, or a combination thereof) from the cracked gas stream 25, and / or compress the cracked gas stream 25, thereby providing a compressed cracked gas stream 38.

[0042] The product fractionation or separation section 40 can be configured to fractionate the compressed cracked gas stream 38, selectively hydrogenate one or more streams produced during the fractionation, and provide one or more olefin (e.g., ethylene, propylene) product streams 50. The product fractionation or separation section 40 can also provide one or more by-product streams 60, such as, but not limited to, a C1 stream, a C2 saturated stream, a C3 saturated stream, a C4 saturated stream, an acetylene stream, a butadiene stream, a 1-butene stream, an isobutylene stream, an aromatics stream, a hydrogen stream, a pyrolysis gasoline stream, and / or a fuel oil stream, or a stream comprising a combination of these components. Some of these streams can be recycled to one or more sections of the steam cracking unit. For example, but not limited to, a C2, C3, and / or C4 saturated stream may be recycled to one or more pyrolysis furnaces of the pyrolysis reaction zone 20, and the hydrogen may be purified (e.g., via a pressure swing adsorption unit (PSA) and a methanation reactor to remove CO) and recycled to a hydrogenation reactor (e.g., a C2, C3, acetylene, or diolefin hydrogenator) and / or used as a fuel source (e.g., via a fuel cell). The C1 stream may also be recycled for use as a fuel (e.g., for producing hydrogen therefrom).

[0043] Now refer to Figure 2 As also noted above, the pyrolysis reaction zone 20 may comprise at least one steam cracker or "pyrolysis" furnace 100 configured to crack hydrocarbons in the presence of steam to produce a cracked gas stream, and a quenching unit 200 (e.g., a transport line exchanger (TLE) or other heat transfer device) for quenching the cracked gas stream (and optionally harvesting heat from the cracked gas stream) to provide a cooled cracked stream 25. Figure 2 As shown, the furnace generally includes a fluid inlet 104 and a fluid outlet 108 , wherein the fluid outlet 108 is in fluid communication with a fluid inlet 204 of a quench unit 200 .

[0044] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a steam cracking system is described for illustrative purposes, but the pipe isolation joint (PIJ) and electrical impedance furnace of the present invention can be used in industrial-scale impedance furnaces for any of a variety of industrial processes, such as steam cracking systems and processes, equipment and processes for reforming synthesis gas to produce methanol and / or ammonia, heaters and processes for dehydrogenation, and various other applications.

[0045] Now refer to Figure 3 , shown for the Figure 2 A conceptual diagram of a first embodiment of an impedance furnace 100a for use in a pyrolysis reaction zone of a pyrolysis reactor. In this configuration, furnace 100a includes a shell 112 and a plurality of furnace tubes 116 extending therethrough. Each tube 116 includes a sidewall 120 defining a flow passage extending from an inlet end 124 to an outlet end 128, and each tube includes a flange 132.

[0046] In the depicted configuration, the furnace 100a is coupled to first and second inlet manifolds 136a, 136b, and first and second outlet manifolds 140a, 140b. Specifically, the inlet ends 124 of the tubes 116 are each coupled to a respective one of the inlet manifolds 136a, 136b, and the outlet ends 128 of the tubes 116 are each coupled to a respective one of the outlet manifolds 140a, 140b. Each inlet manifold 136a, 136b includes a plurality of connectors having flanges 144 that are coupled to a respective flange 132 via pipe isolating fittings 148 at the inlet ends 124 of the tubes 116, and each outlet manifold 140a, 140b includes a plurality of connectors having flanges 144 that are coupled to a respective flange 132 via pipe isolating fittings 148 at the outlet ends 128 of the tubes 116. As described in more detail below, the tube isolation joints 148 electrically isolate the furnace tubes 116 from the manifolds ( 136a , 136b , 140a , 140b ) and, thus, prevent electrical current from flowing between the tubes and the manifolds.

[0047] Because the furnace tubes 116 are electrically isolated from the manifolds (136a, 136b, 140a, 140b), an electrical potential can be applied across multiple furnace tubes connected in series. For example, in the depicted configuration (which includes a relatively small number of tubes 116 for illustrative purposes), the tubes are electrically connected in series to apply a voltage difference across all of the tubes in series, such that the voltage difference applied across the tubes causes current to flow through each tube sequentially. In particular, point 156a closer to the outlet end 128 of the first tube 116a is electrically connected to point 152b closer to the inlet end 124 of the second tube 116b, point 156b closer to the outlet end 128 of the second tube 116b is electrically connected to point 152c closer to the inlet end 124 of the third tube 116c, point 156c closer to the outlet end 128 of the third tube 116c is electrically connected to point 152d closer to the inlet end of the fourth tube 116d, point 156d closer to the outlet end 128 of the fourth tube 116d is electrically connected to point 152e closer to the inlet end 124 of the fifth tube 116e, and point 156e closer to the outlet end 128 of the fifth tube 116e is electrically connected to point 152f closer to the inlet end 124 of the sixth tube 116f. Thus, when a voltage difference is applied across the furnace tubes (116), with a high potential (indicated by a + circle) at point 152a closer to the inlet end 124 of the first tube 116a and a low potential (indicated by a - circle) at point 156f closer to the outlet end 128 of the sixth tube 116f, current flows sequentially through points 152a, 156a, 152b, 156b, 152c, 156c, 152d, 156d, 152e, 156e, 152f, and 156f, as indicated by the dashed arrows next to the tubes (116). While a small number of furnace tubes 116 are shown for illustrative purposes, an industrial furnace will typically include a greater number of tubes through which fluid can flow and be heated, such that the voltage drop along each tube will typically be around 50V. For example, a furnace with a voltage drop of 4160V across all tubes 116 and eighty (80) furnace tubes 116 would exhibit an average voltage drop of about 50V per tube. Thus, the electrical isolation of the tubes 116 from upstream and downstream piping or manifolds (e.g., 136a, 136b, 140a, 140b) and the resulting ability to connect the tubes sequentially allow for a much greater overall voltage drop, thereby significantly reducing the current required to generate a heating load sufficient for industrial applications. For example, a 20 MW impedance heater at 4160V would require only 4800 amps (compared to 1 million amps for a similar heater at only 20V).

[0048] Now refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment 148a of a pipe isolation joint of the present invention for use in an impedance furnace (e.g., furnace 100a), and Figure 5A plan view of an isolation disc for use with pipe isolation fitting 148a is depicted. In the depicted configuration, pipe isolation fitting 148a is an assembly comprising conductive first flange 132, conductive second flange 144, isolation disc 200, a plurality of fastener isolators 204, one or more isolation sleeves 208, and one or more fastener assemblies 212.

[0049] The flange 132 defines a first opening 216, and the flange 144 defines a second opening 220 that is configured to align with the first opening 216 as shown. In the depicted configuration, the flange 132 defines a plurality of first openings 216 that surround a primary first passage 224 (similar to Figure 5 The insulating disc 142 is provided on the outer surface of the second flange 144, and the second flange 144 defines a plurality of second openings 220 surrounding the main second passage 228 so that the passage 228 is configured to be aligned with the passage 224, and each of the second openings 220 is configured to be aligned with a corresponding one of the first openings 216.

[0050] The isolating disk 200 comprises a non-conductive material and defines one or more disk openings 240. For example, in the depicted example, the isolating disk 200 defines a primary disk passage 236 and a plurality of disk openings 240 that surround the primary disk passage 236 and are spaced apart from one another (e.g., at equal angular intervals) such that the primary disk passage 236 is configured to align with the primary first and second passages 224, 228, and the disk openings 240 are configured to align with a respective one of the first and second openings 216, 220. The primary disk passage 236 and the primary first and second passages 224, 228 (and their respective tubes or pipes) can have an inner diameter of 1 to 10 inches (e.g., between any two of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and / or 10 inches). For example, in some configurations, such an inner diameter is between 1 and 3 inches, and in other configurations, between 5 and 7 inches.

[0051] Each fastener isolator 204 comprises a non-conductive material and defines one or more fastener holes 244. For example, in the depicted configuration, each fastener isolator 204 has a conventional washer shape to define a single fastener hole 244; however, in other configurations, each fastener isolator 204 may be shaped as a disk to define multiple fastener holes, similar to Figure 5 Isolation plate.

[0052] Each isolation sleeve 208 comprises a non-conductive material and defines an internal fastener passage 248. Figure 4As shown in , each isolating sleeve 208 has an outer profile configured to extend through the first opening 216 of the flange 132 and the corresponding second opening 220 of the flange 144 and into (eg, through) the disk opening 240 of the isolating disk 200 .

[0053] Each fastener assembly 212 includes a longitudinal inner portion 252 and first and second retaining portions 256, with each retaining portion having a transverse dimension 260 that is greater than the corresponding transverse dimension 264 of the inner portion. In at least some configurations, each fastener assembly 212 comprises a conductive material, such as steel or another metal alloy. In the depicted configuration, each fastener assembly includes a threaded stud 268, with nuts 272 threaded onto opposite ends of the stud, as shown. In other configurations, each fastener assembly may have any configuration that allows for the described functionality. For example, in other configurations, each fastener assembly may include a stud with an enlarged head on one end and a nut 272 threaded onto the opposite end.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG, flange 132 is configured to be coupled to flange 144 with isolating disc 200 between the flanges. In use, each isolating sleeve 208 extends through first opening 216 of flange 132, through corresponding second opening 120 of flange 144, and into (e.g., through) corresponding disc opening 240. A corresponding fastener assembly 212 also extends through the isolating sleeve (208), with one of the fastener isolators (204) disposed between first retaining portion 256 and flange 132, and another of the fastener isolators (204) disposed between second retaining portion 256 and flange 148.

[0055] As shown, isolation disk 200 , isolation sleeve 208 , and fastener isolation body 204 are configured so that once assembled, they prevent fastener components from contacting either flange and prevent flanges 132 , 144 from contacting each other, thereby electrically isolating flange 132 from flange 144 .

[0056] The non-conductive material of each of the insulating disc 200, insulating sleeve 208, and fastener insulator 204 is selected to remain solid and non-conductive at desired operating temperatures and voltages, for example, at voltages up to 200 V and temperatures up to 300° C. In some configurations, the non-conductive material of the insulating disc 200, insulating sleeve 208, and / or fastener insulator is selected to remain solid and non-conductive at voltages greater than 100 V (e.g., greater than any one or any two of the following: 100 V, 200 V, 300 V, 400 V, 500 V, 600 V, 700 V, 800 V, 900 V, and / or 1000 V) and temperatures exceeding 300° C. (e.g., greater than any one or any two of the following: 300° C., 400° C., 500° C., 600° C., 700° C., 800° C., 900° C., and / or 1000° C.). For example, in some such configurations, the non-conductive material of each of the insulating disk, insulating sleeve, and fastener insulating body will remain solid and non-conductive at temperatures up to at least 600° C. and voltages up to at least 500 volts.

[0057] Various polymers (e.g., polyetherimide (PEI)), copolymers (e.g., PEI copolymers), and ceramics (e.g., alumina, zirconia, silicon nitride, tricalcium phosphate, and silicon-based materials) can be configured to exhibit these properties and be sufficiently formable (e.g., via molding, machining, and / or other methods) to provide at least some of the shapes described herein for the isolation disks, isolation sleeves, and fastener isolation bodies. For example, in some embodiments, high purity alumina (>98%) is used. Some such non-conductive materials (e.g., polymers) can exhibit physical changes (e.g., melting) with increasing temperature (around 300°C to 400°C). For example, some PEIs exhibit melting temperatures as high as 340°C to 360°C. Therefore, as long as the PEI is chemically stable in the presence of the fluids to which it will be exposed, the PEI can be a suitable non-conductive material for the desired operating temperature of around 250°C or 275°C. For some non-conductive materials, the breakdown voltage (the voltage potential at which the material begins to allow current to flow) can ultimately decrease with increasing temperature. For example, some dielectric materials may exhibit a breakdown voltage exceeding 5000 V at temperatures up to 900° C., but exhibit a reduced breakdown voltage as the temperature increases above 900° C. Examples of non-conductive materials suitable for higher temperature applications include some ceramics, such as alumina (e.g., high purity alumina (>98%)).

[0058] In the depicted configuration, the isolation disk 200, the fastener isolation body 204, and the isolation sleeve 208 comprise a ceramic, such as alumina (e.g., high purity alumina (>98%)). Such ceramics are typically very hard and do not deform under the pressure of tightening the fastener assembly (212). Accordingly, the depicted embodiment of the pipe isolation joint 148 further comprises two gaskets 276 disposed on opposite sides of the isolation disk 200, each gasket 276 defining a primary gasket passage 280 and a plurality of gasket openings 284 spaced apart from one another (e.g., at equiangular intervals) about the passage 280. In this configuration, the gaskets 276 are configured such that the gasket openings 284, in use, can be aligned with the corresponding first opening 216, second opening 220, and disc opening 240, such that each fastener assembly 212 extends through the first opening 216 of the flange 132, the corresponding gasket opening 284 of the first gasket 276, the corresponding disc opening 240, the corresponding gasket opening 284 of the second gasket, and the corresponding second opening of the flange 144. Thus, when the fastener assembly 212 is tightened, the gasket 276 is compressed between the respective sides of the isolation disk 240 and the respective sides of the flange 132 or the flange 144 to provide a sealed flow path between the flange 132 and the flange 144 to prevent fluid from leaking from the main first passage 224, the disk passage 236 and the main second passage 228 between the isolation disk and the flange.

[0059] For voltages of approximately 100V and greater (e.g., 1000V) across the pipe isolation joint, the minimum thickness of the non-conductive material of the isolation disk (200), fastener insulator (204), and isolation sleeve 208 (e.g., the vertical thickness of each of the isolation disk (200) and fastener insulator (204), and the horizontal thickness of the sidewall of the isolation sleeve) can be 0.15 inches or greater (e.g., greater than any one of or between any two of the following: 0.15 inches, 0.20 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.30 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.40 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.50 inches, or greater). In some configurations, the thickness of the isolation disk is greater than the thickness of each fastener insulator (204) and / or greater than the thickness of the sidewall of the isolation sleeve (208). For example, in some configurations, the fastener insulator (204) and the insulation sleeve (208) each have a first minimum thickness (e.g., greater than any one or between any two of: 0.15 inches, 0.20 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.30 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.40 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.50 inches, or more); and the isolation disc (200) has a second minimum thickness greater than the first minimum thickness (e.g., greater than any one or between any two of: 0.20 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.30 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.40 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.50 inches, or more). By way of specific example, in one such configuration, the first minimum thickness is 0.25 inches, and the second minimum thickness is 0.5 inches. In addition to directly preventing contact between conductive surfaces, the configuration of the isolating disk (200) and the isolating sleeve (208) also ensures spacing between the conductive surfaces, and the isolating disk (200) and the isolating sleeve (208) can be configured to ensure sufficient minimum spacing (air gap) to avoid arcing between portions of the conductive surfaces that are not directly separated or interposed by a portion of either the isolating disk (200) or the isolating sleeve (208).

[0060] Now refer to Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B and 6C , shown configured for use with Figure 4Partially cutaway cross-sectional views of different configurations of fastener isolators and isolating sleeves for use with pipe isolating joints. For illustrative purposes, in each of these views, the nut 272 is omitted from the fastener assembly 212; and the flanges (132, 144), isolating disc 200, and gasket 276 are cut away and shown only on the left side of the isolating sleeve. For ease of description and understanding, the assemblies in these views are shown with some spacing and without the nut of the fastener assembly (212); however, it should be understood that when the fastener assembly is tightened or "torqued" to seal the interface between the flanges, the gasket (276) will be slightly compressed between the isolating disc (200) and the corresponding flange (132, 144), resulting in a minimum seal thickness (MSD) 300 between the opposing outer surfaces 304, 308 of the two flanges. Similarly, in configurations that do not include a separate gasket (in addition to the isolation disc), the isolation disc itself may be slightly compressible or incompressible (e.g., if sealing is not required, or if tolerances or operating pressures are low enough that compression of the seal is not required), such that the MSD 300 is not affected by the omission of the gasket (276). As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, for different configurations or embodiments of the pipe isolation joint of the present invention, the MSD 300 will be different (e.g., for different applications (e.g., operating pressures), gasket materials, and specific dimensions of the flanges, isolation discs, and gaskets), but it is within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art to determine the MSD 300 for a particular set of circumstances. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, for configurations that include a gasket, the MSD 300 will typically not represent the minimum size to which the gasket can be compressed, but rather will represent the degree of compression of the gasket that reliably achieves a seal while taking into account manufacturing tolerances.

[0061] As described in more detail below, the MSD 300 can be an important reference point for configuring the fastener isolator 204 and the isolation sleeve 208. For example, it is generally desirable that the fastener isolator and isolation sleeve prevent contact between any surfaces of conductive material (e.g., the surfaces of the flange and the fastener assembly). Additionally, it is important that the fastener isolator and isolation sleeve do not physically prevent or impede the fastener assembly from being sufficiently tightened to secure the joint (e.g., and to sufficiently compress a gasket to seal the joint). Finally, at least for some of the harder or brittle materials that can be used for the fastener isolator and isolation sleeve (e.g., ceramics), it is important that the fastener isolator and isolation sleeve themselves are not subjected to forces during the tightening process that would fracture or otherwise compromise the structural integrity of the fastener isolator and isolation sleeve. For example, in a fastener isolator having a single isolation sleeve extending between two flat washer-shaped fasteners, Figure 3In a configuration where the inner opening of the fastener isolator is smaller than the diameter of the isolation sleeve, the length of the fastener sleeve will typically be equal to or slightly less than the MSD 300. In this particular example, tolerances are very close to achieve the desired seal and avoid compressing the isolation sleeve between the fastener isolators, which can be expected to increase cost. Even if the isolation sleeve 208 does not extend all the way to contact both fastener isolators 204, electrical conduction is still prevented when the isolation sleeve (208) is configured so as to provide an air gap of sufficient size between portions of the conductive surface that are not directly separated or interposed by the isolation disk (200) or a portion of the isolation sleeve (208).

[0062] Although Figure 4 and 5 The examples described show some shapes, but the isolating joint of the present invention can take any of a variety of forms. Figure 4 and 5 The gasket used with the spacer disc and flange can take the form of an annular washer-like shape, with its outer diameter completely located within the opening 240. Alternatively, the gasket or sealing material can comprise one or more components and / or one or more layers, or can be applied in a liquid or gel form that solidifies, hardens, or cures upon contact with the flange and / or spacer disc. By way of further example, the inner surface of the flanges 132, 144 can be conical (e.g., facing inward or outward relative to the longitudinal axis of the pipe), can include one or more ridges and / or valleys (e.g., for indexing or aligning the flanges relative to each other), and / or can take any other suitable mating shape for a given application.

[0063] Figure 6A Shown for Figure 4FIG2 illustrates another example of a configuration of a fastener isolator 204a and a barrier sleeve 208a for use with a pipe isolator joint. This configuration includes a single barrier sleeve 208a and two fastener isolators 204a. As shown, the barrier sleeve 208a has an inner diameter 312, an outer diameter 316, and a barrier sleeve longitudinal length 320. Also shown, each fastener isolator 204a is in the shape of a flat washer, having an inner diameter 324, an outer diameter 328, and a thickness 332. Similar to conventional washers, the outer diameter 328 (which, for non-circular shapes, may be an outer transverse dimension rather than a diameter) is greater than the diameter (or other inner transverse dimension) of the first and second openings 216, 220. In this configuration, the inner diameter 324 of each fastener isolator 204a is greater than the outer diameter 316 of the barrier sleeve 208a to allow the end of the barrier sleeve 208a to extend into the opening defined by each fastener isolator 204a. Additionally, the length 320 of the isolation sleeve 208a is greater than the sum of the MSD 300 and the thickness 332 of one fastener isolator 204a, but less than the sum of the MSD 300 and the thickness 332 of both fastener isolators 204a. At this length, when the fastener assembly is tightened or torqued to achieve the MSD 300 between the outer surfaces 304, 308 of the flanges, the isolation sleeve 208a will extend beyond or overlap the inner surface of the fastener isolator 204a to prevent contact between the conductive components, but will also not be longitudinally compressed between the nut (or bolt head and nut) of the fastener assembly.

[0064] Figure 6B Shown for Figure 41. FIGURE 2 illustrates another example of a configuration of a fastener isolator 204b and an isolation sleeve 208b for use with a pipe isolation joint. As shown, isolation disc 200 has a thickness 336. In this configuration, isolation sleeve 208b includes two sub-sleeves 340, each of which is integral with one of the fastener isolators 204b (this may be referred to as a sleeve-gasket configuration). In this configuration, the length 344 of the first (lower in the depicted orientation) sub-sleeve 340 is greater than the sum of the thickness 348 of flange 132 and the thickness 352 of the first (lower) gasket 276 in the minimum seal dimension (MSD) configuration of the pipe isolation joint. Similarly, in this configuration, the length 356 of the second (upper in the depicted orientation) sub-sleeve 340 is greater than the sum of the thickness 360 of flange 144 and the thickness 364 of the second (upper) gasket 276 in the MSD configuration of the pipe isolation joint. Additionally, in this configuration, the sum of length 344 and length 356 is less than MSD 300, but greater than the remainder of MSD 300 minus thickness 336 of isolating disk 200. At these lengths of sub-sleeves 340, when the fastener assembly is tightened or torqued to achieve MSD 300 between the outer surfaces 304, 308 of the flanges, each sub-sleeve 340 will extend beyond or overlap the respective upper or lower surface of isolating disk 200 to prevent contact between the conductive components, but will also not be longitudinally compressed between the nut (or bolt head and nut) of the fastener assembly.

[0065] Figure 6C Shown for Figure 41 and 2. The present invention provides another example of a configuration of a fastener isolator 204c and an isolation sleeve 208c for use with a pipe isolation joint. As shown, isolation disc 200 has a thickness 336. In this configuration, isolation sleeve 208b includes two sub-sleeves 340, each of which is integral with one of the fastener isolators 204b (this may be referred to as a sleeve-gasket configuration). In this configuration, the length 344 of the first (lower in the depicted orientation) sub-sleeve 340a is greater than the sum of the thickness 348 of the flange 132 and the thickness 352 of the first (lower) gasket 276 in the minimum seal dimension (MSD) configuration of the pipe isolation joint. Similarly, in this configuration, the length 356 of the second (upper in the depicted orientation) sub-sleeve 340b is greater than the sum of the thickness 360 of the flange 144 and the thickness 364 of the second (upper) gasket 276 in the MSD configuration of the pipe isolation joint. Additionally, in this configuration, the sum of length 344 and length 356 is greater than MSD 300, such that the inner ends of sub-sockets 340a and 340b overlap when the PIJ is assembled. Specifically, in this configuration, first sub-socket 340a includes a groove extending from the distal end toward the proximal end (downward in the depicted direction) to define an internal shoulder, while second sub-socket 340b includes a narrowed portion extending toward the proximal end (upward in the depicted direction) to define an external shoulder. Given these respective end configurations and lengths of sub-sockets 340a and 340b, when the fastener assembly is tightened or torqued to achieve MSD 300 between the outer surfaces 304 and 308 of the flanges, the narrowed portion of second sub-socket 340b extends into the groove of first sub-socket 340a (without the distal end of either sub-socket contacting the corresponding shoulder of the other sub-socket), thereby preventing contact between conductive components and preventing longitudinal compression between the nut (or bolt head and nut) of the fastener assembly. While in the depicted configuration, the sub-sleeves 340a, 340b longitudinally overlap one another within the isolation disk 200, in other configurations, the sub-sleeves may be of different lengths such that their respective ends overlap at different longitudinal locations, such as within the flange 132 or within the flange 144.

[0066] Now refer to Figure 7 , shows a cross-sectional view of an electrically isolated connection 400 for a pipe or tubing hanger. The assembly 400 is similar in structure and function to the reference Figure 4 The pipe isolation joint 148a described and can be used with reference to Figure 6A and 6BThe fastener isolator and isolating sleeve are depicted, except that assembly 400 omits gasket 276 because its flange or protrusion does not surround the pipe or tube, against which a seal is required within assembly 400 itself. As shown, the assembly includes a conductive first flange 132a defining a first opening 216a; a conductive second flange 144a defining a second opening 220a; an isolating disc 200a defining a disc opening 240a; a plurality of fastener isolators 204; and an isolating sleeve 208. In this configuration, isolating disc 200a has a substantially rectangular (e.g., square) shape, but in other variations, it may have a conventional circular washer shape with an outer diameter, an inner diameter, and a thickness. As described above, the thickness of isolating disc 200a may vary for different applications and will generally be selected to provide a sufficient breakdown voltage for the specific application conditions (e.g., disc material, operating voltage, temperature, etc.). Additionally, while the isolating disk 200a is generally coextensive with the edges of the flange 132a and the edges of the flange 144a, in other configurations, the isolating disk 200a may extend beyond all edges of the flanges 132a and / or 144a to provide additional protection against arcing and / or electrical conduction. In the depicted configuration, the first flange 132a is coupled to the conduit 404, and the second flange 144a is coupled to a support structure, such as a wall or ceiling (not shown). In this configuration, an isolating sleeve (e.g., sleeve 208 or a different configuration, such as similar to Figure 6A or Figure 6B The length of the flange 132a, the isolation disk 200a, and the flange 144a is equal to or slightly less than the sum of the thicknesses of the flange 132a, the isolation disk 200a, and the flange 144a so that the fastener assembly 212 can be tightened to secure the assembly 400 without cracking or structurally weakening the sleeve 208 while still preventing current from flowing between the flanges (132a, 144a) or between either flange and the fastener assembly (212).

[0067] Now refer to Figure 8A and 8D, Figure 8A depicts a perspective view of an electrically isolated pipe joint 500, and Figure 8BA cross-sectional view of a pipe fitting 500 is depicted. In this configuration, the pipe fitting 500 includes a tube 504 having a first end 508, a second end 512, and a central passage 516 extending from the first end to the second end. A first flange 520 is coupled to the first end 508 of the tube and defines a first passage in fluid communication with the central passage 516 of the tube. As shown, the first flange 520 further defines a plurality of fastener first openings 524 spaced apart from one another (e.g., at equiangular intervals) about the first passage. A second flange 528 is coupled to the second end 512 of the tube and defines a second passage in fluid communication with the central passage 516 of the tube. As shown, the second flange 528 defines a plurality of fastener second openings 532 spaced apart from one another (e.g., at equiangular intervals) about the second passage. In this configuration, the tube 504, the first flange 520, and the second flange 528 each comprise (e.g., are made of) a non-conductive material that is selected to remain solid and non-conductive at desired operating temperatures and voltages (e.g., at voltages up to 200 V and temperatures up to 300° C.). In some configurations, the non-conductive material of the tube 504, the first flange 520, and the second flange 528 is selected to remain solid and non-conductive at voltages greater than 100 V (e.g., greater than any one or any two of the following: 100 V, 200 V, 300 V, 400 V, 500 V, 600 V, 700 V, 800 V, 900 V, and / or 1000 V) and temperatures exceeding 300° C. (e.g., greater than any one or any two of the following: 300° C., 400° C., 500° C., 600° C., 700° C., 800° C., 900° C., and / or 1000° C.). For example, in some such configurations, the non-conductive material of each of tube 504, first flange 520, and second flange 528 will remain solid and non-conductive at temperatures up to at least 600°C and voltages up to at least 500 volts.

[0068] In some configurations (such as the configuration shown), the pipe coupling 500 further includes one or more strengthening members 536 that are coupled to and extend along at least a portion of the pipe 504 to strengthen the pipe coupling (increase the overall strength, stiffness, toughness, and / or durability of the pipe coupling). In some such configurations, the strengthening members 536 comprise an electrically conductive material, such as a metal alloy, and in such cases, any strengthening members preferably do not extend to the mating surface (e.g., 540) of either flange to avoid electrical communication with the pipe or tube to which the pipe coupling 500 is coupled. For example, in Figure 3 In furnaces with a 1000 CMOS process, the pipe joint 500 may be used between the flanges 132 and 144 (even with conductive fasteners and gaskets) to prevent electrical communication between the flanges 132 and 144 and their respective furnace tubes 116 or manifolds 136a, 136b, 140a, 140b.

[0069] ***

[0070] Additional details regarding various components of the steam cracking equipment and process can be found in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2020 / 150244, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0071] Additional details regarding various components of the syngas synthesis apparatus and process can be found in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2020 / 150247, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0072] The above description and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although some embodiments have been described above to a certain extent or with reference to one or more separate embodiments, those skilled in the art may make many changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the different illustrative embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, they include all modifications and substitutions that fall within the scope of the claims, and embodiments other than the embodiments shown may include some or all of the features of the depicted embodiments. For example, components may be combined into an integral structure, and / or connections may be replaced. In addition, where appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any other examples described to form additional examples having comparable or different characteristics and solving the same or different problems. Similarly, it will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments.

[0073] The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted as including, means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations unless such limitations are explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase “means for” or “step for” respectively.

Claims

1. A connection component comprising: a conductive first flange defining a first opening; a conductive second flange defining a second opening; an insulating disk defining a disk opening, the insulating disk comprising a non-conductive material that will remain solid and non-conductive at temperatures up to at least 300° C. and voltages up to at least 200 volts; a plurality of fastener isolators comprising a non-conductive material, each fastener isolator defining one or more fastener holes; one or more isolation sleeves comprising a non-conductive material, each isolation sleeve defining an internal fastener passage and having an outer profile configured to extend through the first and second openings and into the disc opening; one or more fastener assemblies, each fastener assembly having a longitudinal inner portion and a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion, each retaining portion having a transverse dimension greater than a corresponding transverse dimension of the inner portion; wherein the first flange is configured to be coupled to the second flange, with the isolating disc being between the first flange and the second flange, such that: The isolation sleeve extends through the first opening and the second opening and into the disk opening; the fastener assembly extending through the isolation sleeve, wherein one of the fastener isolation bodies is between the first retaining portion and the first flange, and another of the fastener isolation bodies is between the second retaining portion and the second flange; the non-conductive material of each of the insulating disk, insulating sleeve, and fastener insulating body will remain solid and non-conductive at temperatures up to at least 300° C. and voltages up to at least 200 volts; and The isolating disc, isolating sleeve, and fastener isolator prevent the conductive material of the fastener assembly from contacting either flange and from contacting each other.

2. The connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein the non-conductive material of each of the isolation disk, isolation sleeve, and fastener isolation body will remain solid and non-conductive at temperatures up to at least 600°C and voltages up to at least 500 volts.

3. The connection assembly of any one of claims 1-2, wherein each of the fastener isolators is integral with a corresponding one of the isolating sleeves.

4. The connection assembly according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein each of the isolation sleeves comprises two sub-sleeves, a first sub-sleeve configured to extend through the first opening and into the disk opening, and a second sub-sleeve configured to extend through the second opening and into the disk opening. 5 . The connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the barrier sleeves comprises a single sleeve configured to extend through the first opening, the disc opening, and the second opening.

6. A connection assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein each of the fastener holes in the plurality of fastener isolators is sized to receive an end of one of the isolation sleeves, and wherein the first flange is configured to couple to the second flange, with the isolation disk between the first flange and the second flange, so that the first end of each isolation sleeve extends into the fastener hole of one of the fastener isolators and the second end of the isolation sleeve extends into another of the fastener isolators.

7. The connection assembly of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the plurality of fastener isolators comprises a plurality of washers.

8. The connection assembly of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the first flange is coupled to a pipe and the second flange is coupled to a support structure.

9. The connection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first flange defining a main first passage and a plurality of first openings spaced apart from one another about the first passage; the second flange defining a main second passage and a plurality of second openings spaced apart from one another about the second passage; The isolating tray defines a main tray passage and a plurality of tray openings spaced apart from one another about the tray passage; multiple isolation sleeves; a plurality of fastener assemblies; wherein the first flange is configured to be coupled to the second flange, with the isolating disc being between the first flange and the second flange, such that: the first primary pathway, the disc primary pathway, and the second primary pathway are aligned; Each of the barrier sleeves extends through one of the first openings and one of the second openings and into one of the disk openings; each of the fastener assemblies extending through a corresponding one of the isolation sleeves, with one of the fastener isolation bodies between the first retaining portion and the first flange, and another of the fastener isolation bodies between the second retaining portion and the second flange; and The isolating disc, isolating sleeve, and fastener isolator prevent the conductive material of the fastener assembly from contacting either flange and from contacting each other.

10. The connection assembly according to claim 9, further comprising: two shims, each shim defining a main shim passage and a plurality of shim openings spaced apart from one another about the shim passage; wherein the first flange is configured to be coupled to the second flange, wherein the isolating disc is between the first and second flanges, and the two gaskets are disposed between the isolating disc and a respective one of the first and second flanges, such that: Each of the barrier sleeves extends through one of the first openings and one of the second openings, through one of the gasket openings, and into one of the disc openings; The gasket is compressed to prevent fluid leakage from the first passage, the disc passage, and the second passage between the isolation disc and the flange.

11. The connection assembly of any one of claims 9-10, wherein the first passageway, the disk passageway, and the second passageway each have an inner diameter of 1 inch to 10 inches.

12. The connection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the non-conductive material of each of the isolating disc, fastener isolating body and isolating sleeve comprises ceramic, such as high purity alumina (>98%).

13. The connection assembly of any one of claims 1-12, wherein each fastener assembly comprises a bolt and a nut.

14. A pipe joint comprising: a tube having a first end, a second end, and a central passage extending from the first end to the second end; a first flange coupled to the first end of the tube and defining a first passage in fluid communication with a central passage of the tube, the first flange defining a plurality of fastener first openings spaced apart from one another about the first passage; and a second flange coupled to the second end of the tube and defining a second passageway in fluid communication with the central passageway of the tube, the second flange defining a plurality of fastener second openings spaced apart from one another about the second passageway; Wherein the tube, first flange and second flange comprise a non-conductive material that will remain solid and non-conductive at temperatures up to 300°C and voltages up to at least 200 volts.

15. The pipe joint according to claim 14, further comprising: an electrically conductive reinforcing member coupled to and extending along at least a portion of the tube; The reinforcement member does not extend to the mating surface of either flange.

Images