Connection device for detachable connection to an access unit of a process line

Abstract

Connection device (10) for detachable connection to an access unit (50) of a process line (12) through which medium flows for the addition of media or chemicals, the taking of samples of the medium or the introduction of sensors into / from the interior of the process line (12), with - a first flange (14) which can be connected to a second flange (16) of the access unit (50) in the assembled state of the connecting device (10), - a dip tube (20) which, when the connecting device (10) is connected to the process line (12), extends into the interior of the process line (12), characterized in that - the immersion tube (20) screwed into the first flange (14) has an external thread (40) in the longitudinal direction (L) below the first flange (14), - a threaded sleeve (18) with its internal thread (42) is screwed onto the external thread (40), - in the longitudinal direction (L) below the threaded sleeve (18) there is a clamping sleeve (26) on which the threaded sleeve (18) acts directly or indirectly via a spring unit (32), wherein by rotating the threaded sleeve (18) the clamping sleeve (26) carries out a spreading movement, so that the clamping sleeve (26) is clamped to the access unit (50) in the mounted state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection device for detachable connection to an access unit of a process line through which a medium flows for the addition of media, chemicals or the like, the taking of samples of the medium or the introduction of sensors or the like into / from the interior of the process line, with a first flange which can be connected to a second flange of the access unit when the connection device is in the mounted state, and a dip tube which projects into the interior of the process line when the connection device is connected to the process line. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Such connection devices can be optionally selected from the applicant's product range "VariAS blocks". One such known connection device is described in Fig. 10 shown in a state connected to an access unit of a process line.

[0003] As in Fig. 10, an access is provided radially via an access unit 50 at a suitable point in the industrial process line, for example to take samples from a process line 12 or to feed in chemicals. The access unit 50 consists, for example, of a Weldolet 62 and a second flange 16. These are welded to the process line via a radial bore. A special connection device 10.1 or shut-off valve (known as the VariAS block) can then be mounted on the second flange 16 (weld neck flange), which has been welded to the Weldolet 62, in which shut-off valve an immersion tube 20 for taking samples or adding chemicals is located. The immersion tube 20 is immersed in the process line 12. The connection device 10.1 has a first flange 14 on the underside, which is sealingly connected to the second flange 16 of the access unit 50 via a screw connection 64.The immersion tube 20 with its longitudinal direction L runs within a second continuous recess 34 of the access unit 50 into the interior of the process line.

[0004] The flow direction of the medium within the process line 12 is in Fig. 10 is schematically represented by arrow F. Since the immersion tube 20 is immersed in the process line, it is subjected to stress by the fluid flow and can fail relatively quickly if incorrectly designed. On the one hand, the flow causes bending moments that can cause strain, and vibrations can occur, which, especially when the natural frequency is reached, result in extremely high loads and can potentially lead to failure.

[0005] Therefore, in order to stabilize the pipe 20 and ensure long-term functionality, it is often necessary to provide a support ring 30 between the inner wall of the second continuous recess 34 of the access unit 50 and the outer wall of the immersion pipe 20. Such support rings 30 must be assembled on site or welded to the immersion pipe 20. One problem here is that the inner bore of the flanges 16 and the weldolets 62 have relatively large tolerances, and therefore the support ring 30 must be adapted to the specific situation on site at the construction site, which is a great deal of effort. This leads to a relatively complex and very time-consuming assembly process.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 20 2011 000 102 U1 and US 4 096 754 A are known from the prior art. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Based on the cited prior art, the present invention is based on the object or technical problem of providing a connecting device of the type mentioned at the outset which can be manufactured economically, ensures permanently reliable function, can be installed easily and safely and avoids complex adaptation measures for the support ring for the immersion tube.

[0008] The connecting device according to the invention is defined by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of claims 2 to 15, which are directly or indirectly dependent on the independent claim 1.

[0009] The connection device according to the invention is accordingly characterized in that the immersion tube has an external thread below the first flange, a threaded sleeve with its internal thread is screwed onto the external thread, a clamping sleeve is present below the threaded sleeve, on which the threaded sleeve acts directly or indirectly via a spring unit, wherein by rotating the threaded sleeve the clamping sleeve performs a spreading movement, so that the clamping sleeve is clamped to the access unit in the mounted state.

[0010] A particularly preferred embodiment of the connection device according to the invention is characterized in that the immersion tube has an external thread below the first flange, a threaded sleeve with its internal thread is screwed onto the external thread, below the threaded sleeve there is a thrust sleeve mounted on the immersion tube which is longitudinally displaceable and on which the threaded sleeve acts via a spring unit, below the thrust sleeve there is a clamping sleeve on which the thrust sleeve acts, below the clamping sleeve a support ring is firmly connected to the immersion tube which forms a stop for the clamping sleeve, wherein by rotating the threaded sleeve the thrust sleeve acts on the clamping sleeve and this thereby carries out a spreading movement so that the clamping sleeve is clamped to the access unit in the mounted state.

[0011] Because the immersion tube is securely clamped / supported within the access unit by simply turning the threaded sleeve during assembly, complex on-site machining of the support ring is completely eliminated. Instead, the support ring can be reliably connected to the immersion tube during the manufacturing of the connection device in the factory, as the support ring only serves as a support for the clamping sleeve during use, and the clamping sleeve can be activated on-site by simply turning the threaded unit. Therefore, on-site adjustment of the support ring—as was the case with the prior art—is no longer necessary.

[0012] According to the invention, two variants are therefore possible, namely to dispense with the thrust sleeve, i.e. that the threaded sleeve acts directly on the clamping sleeve via the spring unit, or to arrange a longitudinally displaceable thrust sleeve between the threaded sleeve and the clamping sleeve, which is activated via the spring unit.

[0013] A particularly advantageous embodiment with regard to simple production and high functionality is characterized in that the clamping sleeve is designed in segments and has at least two, in particular three, part-circular expansion ring units.

[0014] To ensure a uniform assembly unit of the connecting device, a preferred development is characterized by the expansion ring units being surrounded by an elastic ring unit. This measure ensures that the expansion ring units are permanently attached to the connecting device before and during assembly, while simultaneously ensuring their functionality. The elastic ring unit can preferably be designed as an O-ring unit.

[0015] At the same time, it is particularly advantageous to arrange the elastic ring unit in a groove of the expansion ring units so that the ring unit is securely supported before and after assembly.

[0016] A particularly simple design variant, which ensures high functionality, is characterized by the fact that the expansion ring units are designed in such a way that they perform a tilting movement when pressure is applied by the thrust sleeve or threaded sleeve.

[0017] To further improve functionality, a particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized in that each expansion ring unit has a flank contour inclined to the longitudinal direction on the upper side in cross-section and a second rounded contour in the opposite end region. The line of action of the compressive force acting on the clamping sleeve from the thrust sleeve or threaded sleeve exhibits an eccentricity relative to the compressive force acting on the support ring. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous to design the expansion ring unit in such a way that a first rounded contour adjoins the inclined flank contour.

[0018] In order to further increase the functionality and the sealing function, a particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized in that at least one spacer element is arranged between the upper side of the threaded sleeve and the underside of the first flange, wherein the spacer elements are advantageously designed as segmented partial circular ring segments which are subsequently attached during the assembly process.

[0019] The support ring is preferably connected to the immersion tube by means of a weld, screw or adhesive connection.

[0020] In order to further increase the functionality in terms of tightness and permanently reliable function, a particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized in that a flange sealing ring is arranged below the first flange, i.e. in the assembled state between the first flange and the second flange.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the spring unit is designed as a spring package.

[0022] In order to increase assembly safety, an advantageous further development is characterized in that the thrust sleeve has a stop surface on the top side and the threaded sleeve has a counter stop surface on the bottom side to limit the maximum relative movement between the thrust sleeve and the threaded sleeve or to limit the maximum spring travel of the spring unit.

[0023] A particularly effective design, which significantly simplifies assembly, is characterized by the fact that the outer circumferential contour of the threaded sleeve has a form-fitting contour for the attachment of a turning tool.

[0024] A process line according to the invention with an access unit which enables access to the interior of the process line is characterized in that a connection device of the type described above is connected to the access unit.

[0025] An assembly method for connecting the above-described connection device to an access unit of a process line, wherein the access unit has a second through-hole and a second flange, is implemented by the following method steps: - partial insertion of the connecting device into the second through-hole of the access unit, to such an extent that the support ring, the clamping sleeve and the thrust sleeve, the latter at least partially, are immersed in the second through-hole and the threaded sleeve is still accessible from the outside, - Rotating the threaded sleeve in such a way that it performs a movement in the longitudinal direction of the immersion tube in the direction of the process line, whereby a compressive force is exerted on the clamping sleeve via the spring unit and the thrust sleeve, so that it sprays open and the immersion tube is clamped in the second continuous recess, - Tightening a screw connection between the first flange of the connection device and the second flange of the access unit so that the connection unit is clamped to the access unit.

[0026] An advantageous embodiment of the method is characterized in that after the immersion tube has been clamped by the clamping sleeve, as a result of the rotation of the threaded sleeve, at least two insert washers are inserted from the outside between the gap created thereby between the top side of the threaded sleeve and the underside of the first flange, which insert washers essentially fill the gap height of the resulting gap, and then the threaded sleeve is rotated in the opposite direction of rotation to clamp the insert washers between the threaded sleeve and the first flange.

[0027] Further embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the features further recited in the claims and from the exemplary embodiments given below. The features of the claims may be combined with one another in any way, provided they are not obviously mutually exclusive. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0028] The invention, as well as advantageous embodiments and further developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features shown in the description and the drawings can be used individually or in any combination according to the invention. They show: Fig. 1 schematic side view with detailed section of a connection device with an immersion tube, a threaded sleeve, a thrust sleeve, a clamping sleeve and a support ring in the state connected to an access unit of a process line, Fig. 2 schematic representation of the connection device according to Fig. 1 in an assembled state with the immersion tube partially inserted into the process line and the clamping sleeve not clamped, Fig. 3 schematic detailed representation of detail A according to Fig. 2 with the immersion tube partially inserted and the clamping sleeve not yet clamped, Fig. 4 schematic representation of detail A according to Fig. 2 in the clamped state of the clamping sleeve with spacer elements to be inserted, Fig. 5 schematic side view (upper half) and section (lower half) through a sliding sleeve, Fig. 6 schematic section through a threaded sleeve, Fig. 7 schematic plan view of two semicircular spacer elements, Fig. 8a schematic plan view of a clamping sleeve with three part-circular segmented clamping ring elements, Fig. 8b schematic cross-section through a clamping ring element showing the forces acting on the clamping ring element in the clamped state, Fig. 8c schematic perspective view of the clamping sleeve as a whole, Fig. 9 schematic perspective view of a support ring to be attached to the immersion tube as a support for a clamping sleeve, Fig. 10 schematic representation of a connection unit connected to a process line via an access unit according to the prior art. WAYS TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION

[0029] In the Fig. 1 to 7, a constructive embodiment of a connecting device 10 according to the invention is shown, which in terms of construction basically corresponds to the known connecting device 10.1 of Fig. 10. This connection device 10 also provides access to a process line 12 via an access unit 50, wherein the access unit 50 consists of a welded-on Weldolet 62 and a second flange 16 welded to the Weldolet 62 and has a continuous second recess 34. A first flange 14, which is a component of the connection device 10, is clamped to the second flange 16 via a screw connection 64. The connection device 10 and the first flange 14 have a first continuous recess 36.

[0030] On the upper side of the first flange 14, the connecting device 10 is surrounded by a housing 66, to which one or more shut-off units 54a, 54b, 54c are connected to open or close the first through-hole 36 of the connecting device 10. A connection unit 52 is provided at the upper end region of the housing 66, by means of which, for example, a discharge device or addition device (not shown in detail) can be connected.

[0031] A dip tube 20 is sealingly screwed into the first flange 14, which extends upwards over the entire length of the first continuous recess 36 up to the connection unit 52 and then extends downwards through the second continuous recess 34 of the access unit 50 into the interior of the process line 12.

[0032] The longitudinal direction of the dip tube 20 is indicated in the figures by L. Below the first flange 14, the dip tube 20 has an external thread 40, onto which a threaded sleeve 18 with a corresponding internal thread 42 is screwed.

[0033] Below the threaded sleeve 18, a thrust sleeve 22 is mounted on the immersion tube 20 so as to be displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. A spring unit 32 is arranged between the threaded sleeve 18 and the thrust sleeve 22, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a spring assembly.

[0034] Below the thrust sleeve 22, the immersion tube is surrounded by a segmented clamping sleeve 26, which is formed from a total of 3 part-circular expansion ring units 68 (see Fig. 8a and c respectively).

[0035] Immediately below the clamping sleeve 26, a support ring 30 is firmly attached to the outer wall of the plunger 20, which serves as an abutment for the clamping sleeve 36.

[0036] The support ring 30 is designed as a ring unit (see Fig. 9), which has a smaller outer diameter than that of the second through recess 34 of the access unit 50.

[0037] According to Fig. 5, the thrust sleeve 22 has a rounded contour 70 in its lower end region facing the clamping sleeve 26.

[0038] The threaded sleeve 18 with its internal thread 42 is in cross section in Fig. 6 shown.

[0039] The thrust sleeve 22 has a stop surface 46 in its upper edge region facing the threaded sleeve 18, with the threaded sleeve 18 having a counter stop surface 48 on the underside on the opposite side. The two stop surfaces 46, 48 limit the maximum relative displacement of the threaded sleeve 18 and the thrust sleeve 22, which will be described further below.

[0040] The geometry of the expansion ring units 68 is shown in the Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b and Fig. 8c. Each expansion ring unit 68 initially has, in its end region facing the thrust sleeve 22, a contour 60 that slopes upwards from the inside outward, which transitions into a first rounded contour 56. In the opposite end region, the expansion ring unit 68 has a second rounded contour 58 that bears against the support ring 30.

[0041] On the outside, the expansion ring unit 68 has a groove 44 into which an elastic ring unit 28 is inserted, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a circumferential O-ring. The elastic ring unit 28 secures the three expansion ring units 68 circumferentially in their position around the immersion tube 20, so that the clamping sleeve 26, consisting of the three expansion ring units 68, remains captive on the immersion tube 20 during the assembly process.

[0042] Due to the selected geometry of the expansion ring units 68, they can perform a tilting movement when pressurized by the thrust sleeve 22, so that the immersion tube 20 is clamped to the second continuous recess 34 of the access unit 50, which will be described further below as part of the assembly process.

[0043] The thrust sleeve 22 can be easily moved longitudinally on the immersion tube 20, also called the sampling tube or injection tube, and rests against the spring unit 32. The thrust sleeve 22 serves only to transmit the force generated by the spring unit 32 as a result of the pressure applied by rotating the threaded sleeve 18 to the clamping sleeve 26.

[0044] The clamping sleeve 26 is the only component in the entire structure that is divided into several segments, known as expansion ring units 68. The elastic ring unit 28 located in the groove 44 holds the individual expansion ring units 68 together before assembly. On its upper side, the clamping sleeve 26 rests tangentially against the third rounded contour 70 of the thrust sleeve 22, while on the opposite end, its second rounded contour 58 rests against the support ring 30, which is firmly attached to the immersion tube 20, for example, with a few spot welds.

[0045] At the construction site, after a flange sealing ring 24 has been installed, the connecting device 10 with the pre-assembled clamping mechanism on the immersion tube 20, namely the threaded sleeve 18, the thrust sleeve 22, the clamping sleeve 26, and the support ring 30, is inserted from above into the second through-hole 34 of the access unit 50. Ideally, the insertion is carried out far enough so that the flange screws of the screw connection 64 can already be applied, but the threaded sleeve 18 is still accessible from the outside.

[0046] The clamping sleeve 26 is activated, i.e., the expansion mechanism is set in motion by tightening the threaded sleeve 18, which is still accessible from the outside, using, for example, an open-end wrench, which is placed on the outside of the threaded sleeve 18 against a corresponding form-fitting contour. In doing so, the spring unit 32 moves axially with the threaded sleeve 18 in the longitudinal direction L toward the thrust sleeve 22 and, after reaching a certain spring force, also begins to move the thrust sleeve 22. The thrust sleeve 22 presses on the individual segments or expansion ring units 68 of the thrust sleeve 22 with a certain pressure force P1 (see Fig. 8b). However, the expansion ring units 68 cannot move axially, since their second rounded contour 58 rests against the support ring 30, which is firmly connected to the immersion tube 20. The pressure force P1 triggered by the thrust sleeve 22 generates a reaction force P2 on the support ring 30. Due to the selected contact geometry of the expansion ring units 68 (see Fig. 8b) an eccentricity e exists between the lines of action of the compressive forces P1 and P2. This causes the expansion ring units 68 to straighten up, since the thrust sleeve 22 moves with its third rounded contour 70 under the inclined contour 60 of the individual expansion ring units 68. During this process, the expansion ring units 68 can roll over the illustrated rounded contours on the support ring 30 and the dip tube 20. The threaded sleeve 18 is rotated further until resistance is detected during the screwing process. Once this point is reached, the expansion ring units 68 have reached the inner contour of the second through-passage 64 of the access unit 50, and the expansion ring units 68 are thus clamped between the outer contour of the dip tube 20 and the inner contour of the second through-passage 34 of the access unit 50 as a result of the pressing forces M1 and M2 occurring transversely to the longitudinal direction.In this state, the sliding sleeve 22 is moved onto the block and the spring unit 32 is maximally tensioned.

[0047] To protect the spring unit 32 from excessive loads, the previously described stop surfaces 46 on the thrust sleeve 22 and the counter-stop surfaces 48 on the threaded sleeve 18 are designed. Before the spring unit 32 is compressed too strongly, the two stop surfaces 46, 48 come into contact, preventing further movement of the threaded sleeve 18.

[0048] After this state has been reached, a small gap 80 has formed between the top side of the threaded sleeve 18 and the bottom side of the first flange 14 as a result of the rotation of the threaded sleeve 18 to clamp the clamping sleeve 26 (see Fig. 4).

[0049] The assembly state in which the immersion tube 20 is partially inserted into the access unit 50 and the clamping sleeve 26 has not yet been tensioned is shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0050] In this gap 80, spacer elements 38 (see Fig. 7) are inserted from the outside, which are designed as semicircular ring elements and almost fill the resulting gap 80. The spacer elements 38 (see Fig.7) are available in various, coordinated thicknesses and should each be selected so that as little space as possible remains between the threaded sleeve 18 and the first flange 14. This measure is intended to prevent the threaded sleeve 18 from turning back due to vibrations. Since the spacer elements 38 do not completely fill the gap 80 between the threaded sleeve 18 and the first flange 14, it is necessary for the assembly person to turn the threaded sleeve 18 back until it stops on the spacer elements 38. The back rotation is minimal, so that the spring force of the spring unit 32, which acts on the clamping sleeve 26, is almost maintained. Once this has been done, the first and second flanges 14, 16 can be screwed together. By tightening the screw connection 64, the connecting device 10 is pulled onto the access unit 50.In this case, the clamping sleeve 26, which is already clamped, is also pressed downwards into position along the inner wall of the second continuous recess 34 of the access unit 50.

[0051] The structural design of the described clamping mechanism eliminates the need for complex machining of the support ring known in the prior art to adapt to any tolerances present within the access unit 50. This enables simple, quick and safe assembly and, at the same time, ensures long-term, reliable function.

Claims

[1] Connection device (10) for detachable connection to an access unit (50) of a process line (12) through which medium flows for the addition of media or chemicals, the taking of samples of the medium or the introduction of sensors into / from the interior of the process line (12), with - a first flange (14) which can be connected to a second flange (16) of the access unit (50) in the assembled state of the connecting device (10), - an immersion tube (20) which, when the connecting device (10) is connected to the process line (12), extends into the interior of the process line (12), characterized by , that - the immersion tube (20) screwed into the first flange (14) has an external thread (40) in the longitudinal direction (L) below the first flange (14), - a threaded sleeve (18) with its internal thread (42) is screwed onto the external thread (40), - in the longitudinal direction (L) below the threaded sleeve (18) there is a clamping sleeve (26) on which the threaded sleeve (18) acts directly or indirectly via a spring unit (32), wherein by rotating the threaded sleeve (18) the clamping sleeve (26) carries out a spreading movement, so that the clamping sleeve (26) is clamped to the access unit (50) in the mounted state. [2] Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized by , that - in the longitudinal direction (L) below the threaded sleeve (18) there is a thrust sleeve (22) mounted on the immersion tube (20) which is longitudinally displaceable and on which the threaded sleeve (18) acts via the spring unit (32), - in the longitudinal direction (L) below the thrust sleeve (22) there is the clamping sleeve (26) on which the thrust sleeve (22) acts, - in the longitudinal direction (L) below the clamping sleeve (26) a support ring (30) is firmly connected to the immersion tube (20), which forms a stop for the clamping sleeve (26), - wherein by rotating the threaded sleeve (18) the thrust sleeve (22) acts on the clamping sleeve (26) and the latter thereby carries out a spreading movement, so that the clamping sleeve (26) is clamped to the access unit (50) in the mounted state. [3] Connecting device according to claim 2, characterized by , that - the clamping sleeve (26) is segmented and has at least two, in particular three, partially circular expansion ring units (68). [4] Connecting device according to claim 3, characterized by , that - the expansion ring units (68) are surrounded by an elastic ring unit (28). [5] Connecting device according to claim 4, characterized by , that - the elastic ring unit (28) is arranged in a groove (44) of the expansion ring units (68). [6] Connecting device according to one or more of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that - the expansion ring units (68) are designed such that they perform a tilting movement when subjected to pressure by the thrust sleeve (22) or the threaded sleeve (18). [7] Connecting device according to claim 6, characterized by , that - each expansion ring unit (68) has, in cross-section, a flank contour (60) inclined to the longitudinal direction (L) and a second rounded contour (58) in the opposite end region, wherein the line of action of the compressive force (P1) acting on the clamping sleeve (26) from the thrust sleeve (22) or the threaded sleeve (18) has an eccentricity (e) to the compressive force (P2) acting on the support ring (30). [8] Connecting device according to claim 7, characterized by , that - in the area of ​​the inclined flank contour (60) a first rounding contour (56) adjoins outwards. [9] Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized by , that - at least one spacer element (38) is arranged between the threaded sleeve (18) and the first flange (14). [10] Connecting device according to claim 9, characterized by , that - the spacer element (38) consists of at least two separate partial circular ring elements. [11] Connecting device according to claim 2, characterized by , that - the support ring (30) is connected to the immersion tube (20) by means of a welded, screwed or adhesive connection. [12] Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized by , that - the spring unit (32) is designed as a spring package. [13] Connecting device according to claim 2, characterized by , that - the thrust sleeve (22) has a stop surface (46) and the threaded sleeve (18) has a counter-stop surface (48) for limiting the maximum relative movement between the thrust sleeve (22) and the threaded sleeve (18) for limiting the maximum spring travel of the spring unit (32). [14] Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized by , that - the outer peripheral contour of the threaded sleeve (18) has a form-fitting contour for the attachment of a turning tool. [15] Process line (12) with at least one access unit (50), characterized by , that - a connection device according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 14 is connected to the access unit (50).

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