Manual micro-gap flange separator

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of petroleum refining and chemical equipment, and particularly relates to a manual micro-gap flange separator. The crowbar comprises a first crowbar body, a second crowbar body, a third crowbar body, a connecting piece, a fixing plate and a pushing mechanism. The first crowbar, the second crowbar and the third crowbar are arranged in parallel; one end of the first crowbar and one end of the second crowbar are fixedly connected to the two ends of the connecting piece. One end of the third crowbar is rotatably connected to the connecting piece and is arranged between the first crowbar and the second crowbar; the fixing plate is arranged on one side of the first crowbar, the second crowbar and the third crowbar and fixedly connected with the first crowbar and the second crowbar. The pushing mechanism is vertically and rotatably connected to the plate face of the fixing plate, and the bottom end of the pushing mechanism penetrates through the fixing plate and then makes contact with the third crowbar. The utility model has the advantages of compact structure, small volume, light weight, simple operation and flexible operation; the device is suitable for separation operation requirements of most micro-gap flanges, and the efficiency, quality and safety of related maintenance operation of the flanges are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of petroleum refining and chemical equipment technology, and specifically relates to a manual micro-gap flange separator. Background Technology

[0002] In daily operations in the petroleum refining and chemical industries, situations involving the addition of blind flanges or the replacement of gaskets often present challenges due to the small flange gaps. Traditional prying methods have numerous drawbacks. The contact area between the pry bar and the flange is extremely limited, resulting in a small point of leverage that cannot apply sufficient and effective force to the flange gasket. Furthermore, during prying, uneven force on the pry bar easily leads to slippage. This unstable operating condition not only causes scratches and wear to the flange sealing surface and surrounding equipment, affecting the sealing performance and service life of the equipment, but also, due to the uncontrollability of the operation, easily leads to safety accidents, posing a serious threat to the personal safety of operators, such as injuries caused by the pry bar slipping during operation. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model provides a manual micro-gap flange separator, which aims to provide a solution that can be applied to scenarios such as flange gaps being too small, operating environments being confined and harsh, where large or complex tools cannot be used, flange gaps needing to be separated, and blind flanges or gaskets needing to be added, thereby effectively overcoming the shortcomings of existing pry bar operations.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0005] A manual micro-gap flange separator includes a first pry bar, a second pry bar, a third pry bar, a connector, a fixing plate, and a pushing mechanism. The first, second, and third pry bars are arranged in parallel. One end of the first and second pry bars is fixedly connected to both ends of the connector. One end of the third pry bar is rotatably connected to the connector and positioned between the first and second pry bars. The fixing plate is positioned on one side of the first, second, and third pry bars and is fixedly connected to them. The pushing mechanism is vertically and rotatably connected to the surface of the fixing plate, and its bottom end penetrates the fixing plate and contacts the third pry bar.

[0006] The first, second, and third pry bars have the same structure and length; one end of the first pry bar is a free end, and the other end of the first pry bar is fixedly connected to a first nut; the first and second pry bars are fixed to the two ends of the connector by the first nut; the third pry bar is rotatably connected to the connector between the first and second pry bars by the first nut at its end.

[0007] The free ends of the first, second, and third crowbars are flat.

[0008] The first, second, and third pry bars are all made of steel rods with a diameter of 20mm and a length of 100mm.

[0009] The connector is a screw.

[0010] The connector uses an M16×120mm screw.

[0011] The fixing plate is a rectangular steel plate; its length is the same as the distance between the outer sides of the first and second pry bars; a threaded through hole is opened in the middle of the fixing plate to connect the jacking mechanism.

[0012] The length, width, and thickness of the fixing plate are 100mm, 80mm, and 10mm, respectively.

[0013] The pushing mechanism includes a screw and two third nuts; one end of the screw is vertically threaded onto a fixed plate; the two third nuts are fixedly connected to the other end of the screw.

[0014] It also includes a second nut; the second nut is threaded onto the screw and fixedly connected to the fixing plate.

[0015] Beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. Portability: This utility model is organically composed of a first crowbar, a second crowbar, a third crowbar, a connector, a fixing plate, and a jacking mechanism. Its overall structure is compact, small in size and lightweight, making it easy to carry to various work sites. Whether in narrow areas with dense pipes or on high-altitude work platforms, it can be easily operated, greatly improving the flexibility of the operation.

[0017] 2. Ease of operation: This utility model requires only one operator to easily drive the screw with an ordinary wrench, thereby realizing the flange opening action. The operation process is simple and easy to understand, without the need for complicated training or professional skills, which reduces labor costs and operation difficulty.

[0018] 3. Wide adaptability: This utility model can adapt to the separation operation needs of most micro-gap flanges. For flanges of different specifications, materials and working conditions, as long as their gaps are within the applicable range of this separator, they can be effectively opened up, providing reliable preparation for subsequent work such as adding blind flanges or replacing gaskets. It significantly improves the efficiency and quality of flange-related maintenance operations in the petroleum refining and chemical industries, and ensures the safe and stable operation of the production process.

[0019] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the preferred embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a top view of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a side view of the present invention.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. First crowbar; 2. Second crowbar; 3. Third crowbar; 4. First nut; 5. Connector; 6. Fixing plate; 7. Second nut; 8. Screw; 9. Third nut. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] Example 1:

[0026] according to Figure 1 A manual micro-gap flange separator, as shown in Figure 2, includes a first pry bar 1, a second pry bar 2, a third pry bar 3, a connector 5, a fixing plate 6, and a pushing mechanism. The first pry bar 1, the second pry bar 2, and the third pry bar 3 are arranged in parallel. One end of the first pry bar 1 and the second pry bar 2 are fixedly connected to both ends of the connector 5. One end of the third pry bar 3 is rotatably connected to the connector 5 and is positioned between the first pry bar 1 and the second pry bar 2. The fixing plate 6 is placed on one side of the first pry bar 1, the second pry bar 2, and the third pry bar 3 and is fixedly connected to the first pry bar 1 and the second pry bar 2. The pushing mechanism is vertically and rotatably connected to the surface of the fixing plate 6, and the bottom end of the pushing mechanism penetrates the fixing plate 6 and contacts the third pry bar 3.

[0027] In actual use, the first pry bar 1, the second pry bar 2, and the third pry bar 3 in the manual micro-gap flange separator, which is in standby mode, are on the same horizontal plane, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the flat, free ends of three pry bars are simultaneously inserted into the micro-gap flange. One person uses a wrench to drive the jacking mechanism above the third pry bar 3. Under the action of the jacking mechanism, the third pry bar 3 is pushed radially outward to open the flange face. Meanwhile, the positions of the first pry bar 1 and the second pry bar 2, located on both sides to maintain the stability of the entire tool during operation, remain unchanged. The first pry bar 1 and the second pry bar 2 prevent displacement or shaking due to uneven force, ensuring that the opening force is applied evenly and stably to the flange. The third pry bar 3 can open the flange to a maximum of about 70 mm, thus creating safe, convenient, and efficient operating conditions for smoothly adding blind flanges or replacing gaskets.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first crowbar 1, the second crowbar 2, and the third crowbar 3 have the same structure and length; one end of the first crowbar 1 is a free end, and the other end of the first crowbar 1 is fixedly connected to a first nut 4; the first crowbar 1 and the second crowbar 2 are fixed to the two ends of the connector 5 by the first nut 4; the third crowbar 3 is rotatably connected to the connector 5 between the first crowbar 1 and the second crowbar 2 by the first nut 4 at its end.

[0029] In this embodiment, the other end of the first pry bar 1 is fixedly connected to the first nut 4, which simplifies the manufacturing process and makes the materials readily available. The first nut 4 can be directly welded to the end of the first pry bar 1. In practical applications, a connecting through hole can also be opened at the end of the first pry bar 1, and then the connector 5 can be inserted into the through hole and welded to complete the process. However, this design would be relatively more complex to manufacture.

[0030] In practical applications, the distance between the third crowbar 3 and the first crowbar 1 and the second crowbar 2 is equal, which ensures that the force is evenly distributed.

[0031] In some embodiments, the free ends of the first crowbar 1, the second crowbar 2, and the third crowbar 3 are flat. This design makes it easier to insert the free ends of the present invention into the micro-gap flange.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first pry bar 1, the second pry bar 2, and the third pry bar 3 are all steel bars with a diameter of 20mm and a length of 100mm. This configuration of the first pry bar 1, the second pry bar 2, and the third pry bar 3 can basically meet the operational strength requirements of conventional micro-gap flanges. In specific applications, the specifications of the first pry bar 1, the second pry bar 2, and the third pry bar 3 can be selected according to specific circumstances.

[0033] In some embodiments, the connector 5 is a screw.

[0034] The adoption of this technical solution makes it easier to rotate and position the third crowbar 3 on the connector 5.

[0035] Furthermore, the connector 5 uses an M16×120mm screw.

[0036] The above solution can basically meet the strength requirements for separation of conventional micro-gap flanges.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fixing plate 6 is a rectangular steel plate; its length is the same as the distance between the outer sides of the first pry bar 1 and the second pry bar 2; a threaded through hole is opened in the middle of the fixing plate 6 to connect the jacking mechanism.

[0038] Furthermore, the length, width, and thickness of the fixing plate 6 are 100mm, 80mm, and 10mm, respectively.

[0039] In practical applications, the fixing plate 6 serves to connect and fix the first crowbar 1, the second crowbar 2, the third crowbar 3, and the jacking mechanism. The fixing plate 6 is a rectangular steel plate, and its length is the same as the distance between the outer sides of the first crowbar 1 and the second crowbar 2, making the shape of this utility model regular and less likely to cause accidental injury to the operator.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pushing mechanism includes a screw 8 and two third nuts 9; one end of the screw 8 is vertically threaded onto the fixing plate 6; and the two third nuts 9 are fixedly connected to the other end of the screw 8.

[0041] In practical application, an operator uses a wrench to tighten the third nut 9 in the jacking mechanism, driving the screw 8 to move axially and push the third pry bar 3. Through the contact between the screw 8 and the third pry bar 3, and the thrust, the end of the screw 8 pushes the third pry bar 3 radially outward to open the flange face. Meanwhile, the positions of the first pry bar 1 and the second pry bar 2, located on both sides of the connector 5, remain fixed to prevent displacement or shaking due to uneven force, ensuring that the opening force is applied evenly and stably to the flange. The third pry bar 3 can be raised by a maximum of approximately 70 mm, creating safe, convenient, and efficient operating conditions for smoothly adding blind flanges or replacing gaskets. Two third nuts 9 are provided to increase the contact area between the third nut 9 and the wrench, facilitating locking and tightening.

[0042] Furthermore, it also includes a second nut 7; the second nut 7 is threaded onto the screw 8 and fixedly connected to the fixing plate 6.

[0043] The second nut 7 makes the screw 8 more stable when it is screwed vertically up and down on the fixed plate 6.

[0044] Example 2:

[0045] according to Figure 1 As shown in Figure 2, the manual micro-gap flange separator has the same specifications for the first pry bar 1, the second pry bar 2, and the third pry bar 3, all with a width of 20mm and a length of 265mm. In specific applications, the size of the three pry bars can be determined according to the flange size and gap. One end of the first pry bar 1 is flat, and the other end is rounded. An M27 first nut 4 is welded to the rounded end. The three pry bars with the first nut 4 are traversed by an M16*120 threaded rod 5. The nuts 4 at one end of the first pry bar 1 and the second pry bar 2 are welded and fixed to the connecting piece 5. The third pry bar 3, located in the middle, is rotatably connected to the connecting piece 5 via the first nut 4. A steel fixing plate 6 with a length, width, and thickness of 100mm, 80mm, and 10mm respectively is welded flatly onto the first pry bar 1 and the second pry bar 2, and is located 10mm away from the first nut 4 end of the first pry bar 1 and the second pry bar 2. A 20mm diameter hole is cut in the middle of the fixing plate 6, directly opposite the third pry bar 3. A second M34 nut 7 is welded to the upper end of the hole in the fixing plate 6. An M20*100 screw 8 with two M34 third nuts 9 at the top is passed through the hole in the middle of the fixing plate 6, directly opposite the third pry bar 3.

[0046] Initially, the first pry bar 1, the second pry bar 2, and the third pry bar 3 are on the same horizontal plane. In use, the flat free ends of all three pry bars are simultaneously inserted into the micro-gap flange. One person uses a wrench to drive the screw 8 above the third pry bar 3, i.e., to turn the third nut 9. As the screw 8 moves forward axially, the contact and thrust between the screw 8 and the third pry bar 3 pushes the third pry bar 3 radially outward to open the flange face. The positions of the first pry bar 1 and the second pry bar 2, located on either side of the connector 5, remain fixed. Their main function is to maintain the stability of the entire tool during operation, preventing displacement or shaking due to uneven force, ensuring that the opening force is applied evenly and stably to the flange, allowing the third pry bar 3 to open to the operable height. This creates safe, convenient, and efficient operating conditions for smoothly adding blind flanges or replacing gaskets. The third pry bar 3 can open to a maximum height of approximately 70 mm, greatly improving operational flexibility. The entire operation process is simple and easy to understand, requiring no complex training or professional skills, reducing labor costs and operational difficulty. This invention can adapt to the separation operation needs of most micro-gap flanges. For flanges of different specifications, materials and working conditions, as long as their gaps are within the applicable range of this separator, they can be effectively opened up, providing reliable preparation for subsequent work such as adding blind flanges or replacing gaskets. It significantly improves the efficiency and quality of flange-related maintenance operations in the petroleum refining and chemical industries, and ensures the safe and stable operation of the production process.

[0047] Where there is no conflict, those skilled in the art can combine the relevant technical features in the above examples according to the actual situation to achieve the corresponding technical effects. Specific details of the various combinations will not be elaborated here.

[0048] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0049] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this utility model is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Any simple modifications, equivalent variations, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A manual micro-gap flange separator, characterized in that: It includes a first crowbar (1), a second crowbar (2), a third crowbar (3), a connector (5), a fixing plate (6), and a pushing mechanism; the first crowbar (1), the second crowbar (2), and the third crowbar (3) are arranged in parallel; one end of the first crowbar (1) and the second crowbar (2) are fixedly connected to both ends of the connector (5); one end of the third crowbar (3) is rotatably connected to the connector (5) and placed between the first crowbar (1) and the second crowbar (2); the fixing plate (6) is placed on one side of the first crowbar (1), the second crowbar (2), and the third crowbar (3) and is fixedly connected to the first crowbar (1) and the second crowbar (2); the pushing mechanism is vertically and rotatably connected to the surface of the fixing plate (6), and the bottom end of the pushing mechanism passes through the fixing plate (6) and contacts the third crowbar (3).

2. The manual micro-gap flange separator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first crowbar (1), the second crowbar (2), and the third crowbar (3) have the same structure and length; one end of the first crowbar (1) is a free end, and the other end of the first crowbar (1) is fixedly connected to a first nut (4); the first crowbar (1) and the second crowbar (2) are fixed to the two ends of the connector (5) by the first nut (4); the third crowbar (3) is rotatably connected to the connector (5) between the first crowbar (1) and the second crowbar (2) by the first nut (4) at the end.

3. A manual micro-gap flange separator as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The free ends of the first crowbar (1), the second crowbar (2) and the third crowbar (3) are flat.

4. A manual micro-gap flange separator as described in claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: The first crowbar (1), the second crowbar (2) and the third crowbar (3) are all made of steel rods with a diameter of 20mm and a length of 100mm.

5. A manual micro-gap flange separator as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The connector (5) is a screw.

6. A manual micro-gap flange separator as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The connector (5) uses an M16×120mm screw.

7. A manual micro-gap flange separator as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The fixing plate (6) is a rectangular steel plate; its length is the same as the distance between the outer sides of the first pry bar (1) and the second pry bar (2); a threaded through hole is opened in the middle of the fixing plate (6) to connect the jacking mechanism.

8. A manual micro-gap flange separator as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The length, width and thickness of the fixing plate (6) are 100mm, 80mm and 10mm respectively.

9. A manual micro-gap flange separator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The pushing mechanism includes a screw (8) and a third nut (9); two third nuts (9) are provided; one end of the screw (8) is vertically threaded onto the fixing plate (6); the two third nuts (9) are fixedly connected to the other end of the screw (8).

10. A manual micro-gap flange separator as described in claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes a second nut (7); the second nut (7) is threaded onto the screw (8) and fixedly connected to the fixing plate (6).

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