DEVICE FOR INSERT A PACKAGE SECTION

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of gas / liquid separation columns and their assembly and it relates more particularly to a device for inserting packing sections for a gas / liquid separation column into a shell in order to form said gas / liquid separation columns.

[0002] Gas / liquid separation columns have been known for many years and allow, for example, the separation of different chemical elements entering into the composition of a homogeneous fluid, for example by distillation or by absorption.

[0003] The manufacture of a gas / liquid separation column includes in particular a step of inserting a plurality of packing sections into a shell. Packing sections are used in particular in columns to ensure the exchange of material and heat between a rising gas and a descending liquid. These packing sections, which are notably made up of a superposition of several corrugated strips, are often called "packs". The packing sections are conventionally stacked on top of each other, if necessary with interposed separators, in order to participate in the separation of the components of the fluid over the axial dimension of the column.

[0004] It is known to insert the packing sections for a gas / liquid separation column into a shell held vertically, the force of gravity greatly facilitating the progression of the packing section inserted into the shell. However, such a method can prove restrictive when the gas / liquid separation columns to be assembled have a large diameter and an axial dimension requiring the use of very long shells, of the order of several tens of meters. Indeed, such methods with vertical insertion of the packing sections then require tooling capable of lifting the packing sections over a great distance in order to place them opposite the end of the shell as well as a production site with a ceiling height greater than the length of the shell.Patent JP-H01-242102-A discloses a device for inserting at least one section of packing into a cylindrical shell, comprising a base provided with attachment means configured to grip a section of packing and arranged regularly around a main axis.

[0005] It is therefore desirable, for long shells, to provide an assembly method in which the insertion of the packing sections is carried out with the shell arranged horizontally. Such a position makes it difficult to insert the packing sections because said insertion requires a considerable thrust force over the entire length of the shell, gravity no longer intervening as a force accompanying the movement of the packing section within the shell. On the contrary, the force of gravity tends to press the packing section against a portion of the shell so that the friction forces between the annular wall of the shell and the peripheral periphery of the packing section are not uniform, which contributes to preventing a linear and smooth insertion of the packing section and which can potentially damage the packing section during its insertion.Such constraints are particularly apparent when the lining sections and the shell have a diameter of several meters.

[0006] In this context, the present invention aims to facilitate the horizontal insertion of packing sections within a shell by proposing a device for inserting at least one packing section for a gas / liquid separation column within a cylindrical shell, comprising a base provided with attachment means configured to grip a packing section and arranged regularly around a main axis, characterized in that the insertion device comprises at least two telescopic devices secured to the base and at least one pushing means secured to one end of each of the two telescopic devices, the telescopic devices being configured to deploy and cause a movement of the pushing means.

[0007] According to the invention, the deployment of the telescopic devices contributes to the thrust of the packing section for a gas / liquid separation column and the plurality of these devices contributes to homogenizing the thrust forces to avoid a local concentration of stresses due to friction forces as mentioned above. The telescopic devices are configured to deploy over a length substantially equal to the length of the shell, the deployment length and the length of the shell being considered here in a direction parallel to an axis of revolution of the shell.

[0008] According to the invention, the thrust means is interposed between the end of the telescopic devices and the packing section. The thrust means makes it possible to distribute the forces exerted by the telescopic devices over the entire surface of said thrust means and therefore to increase the contact surface between the insertion device and the packing section being inserted. The presence of the thrust means thus avoids forces exerted too locally by the ends of the telescopic devices directly on the packing section, which could damage the latter.

[0009] The insertion device therefore participates in packing a shell with a plurality of packing sections in order to form a separation column. The base of the insertion device, more particularly its attachment means, are capable of gripping a packing section by the sides thereof. The packing sections having a circular shape that can be up to 5 m in diameter, the base must therefore be dimensioned so that the attachment means can grip such a packing section by the sides. The main axis around which the attachment means are arranged may for example pass through the center of the packing section and / or be parallel or coincident with the axis of revolution of the shell. Once the packing section is gripped, the latter is positioned at the entrance of the shell, and the thrust of the packing section within the shell, via the telescopic devices, can be implemented.

[0010] The telescopic devices are at least two in number in order to avoid a single thrust at the center of the packing section which does not allow the friction forces at the periphery of the packing section to be correctly compensated by the wall of the shell. Advantageously, the insertion device comprises at least three telescopic devices distributed so as to minimize the friction forces exerted by the shell on the packing section during the thrust. The insertion device according to the invention is thus capable of ensuring a horizontal thrust of a packing section within a shell, while minimizing the friction forces exerted on the packing section.

[0011] According to a characteristic of the invention, the telescopic devices are arranged regularly around the main axis. The regular distribution of the telescopic devices avoids uneven compensation of the friction forces exerted on the entire lining section.

[0012] According to a characteristic of the invention, the telescopic devices and the attachment means are arranged on a peripheral upright of the base. The base may thus comprise a plurality of peripheral uprights, all arranged and distributed regularly around the main axis. A peripheral upright may thus carry a single attachment means, a single telescopic device, or both at the same time, the essential thing being that the attachment means and the telescopic device do not create mechanical interference with each other which could impair the proper functioning of the function of one and / or the other.

[0013] Just like the telescopic devices, the attachment means are preferably regularly distributed around the main axis, in order to ensure optimal and secure holding of the lining section.

[0014] According to a feature of the invention, each telescopic device has a thrust force of at least 1t. As mentioned previously, the packing sections have a diameter of up to 5m. Pushing packing sections of such a size into the shell therefore requires a very high thrust force. The telescopic devices must therefore be capable of applying such a thrust force, preferably a thrust force of between 1t and 1.5t.

[0015] According to a feature of the invention, the telescopic devices are controlled individually relative to one another. Individual control of each of the telescopic devices may prove useful, for example, when a friction force exerted on the lining section is locally higher. A thrust force may then be increased at the telescopic device closest to the friction force in question in order to balance the forces during insertion and make the insertion process optimal. In order to determine whether there is an imbalance in the friction forces, each of the telescopic devices may, for example, comprise a resistance sensor for measuring the friction forces and adjusting the thrust force of each of the telescopic devices accordingly.

[0016] According to a feature of the invention, the telescopic devices may be linear chain actuators. As such, each of the telescopic devices may comprise a housing, fixed to a peripheral upright of the base and within which a chain is wound. When the thrust of the filling section must be carried out, the chain unwinds in the telescopic device and it is this chain which deploys said telescopic device in order to ensure the thrust of the filling section. Other types of telescopic devices may be used, such as for example a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

[0017] According to a characteristic of the invention, the thrust means is configured to be in contact with the packing section for a gas / liquid separation column in at least one peripheral annular zone. The peripheral annular zone corresponds to a virtual zone at the level of the packing section where the positioning of the thrust means is optimal. The annular zone is called peripheral because it is located near a peripheral edge of the packing section. It is in fact at the level of the periphery of the packing section that the friction forces exerted by the wall of the shell are exerted. The end of the telescopic devices is therefore preferably located opposite this peripheral annular zone and the thrust means which participates in distributing the thrust force of the telescopic devices is preferably also opposite this peripheral annular zone.

[0018] According to a characteristic of the invention, the thrust means has an annular shape, a radial dimension of the annular shape corresponding to a radial dimension of the peripheral annular zone. The thrust means therefore corresponds to a thrust ring, and the dimensions of this thrust ring are such that it is fully arranged in contact with the peripheral annular zone. The thrust ring has a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the packing section in order to avoid any mechanical interference with the walls of the shell. The diameter of the thrust ring must here be considered as the external diameter, namely the largest diameter of said thrust ring. Such a characteristic allows the thrust ring not to extend radially beyond the dimensions of the packing section.

[0019] According to a feature of the invention, the insertion device comprises a member for holding the telescopic devices, said holding member mechanically connecting the telescopic devices together. The telescopic devices can be deployed over a length of several tens of meters depending on the length of the ferrule. Despite their attachment to the peripheral uprights on the one hand and by means of thrust on the other hand, the potential long length resulting from their deployment associated with a high thrust force can cause the telescopic devices to bend. The holding member stabilizes the telescopic devices and tends to keep them in the thrust axis, at an equal distance from each other. The holding member can for example be in the form of a metal structure connecting all of the telescopic devices.The shape of the metal structure depends on the number of telescopic devices, for example a triangular shape if the insertion device includes three telescopic devices.

[0020] The invention also covers a system for inserting at least one section of packing into a cylindrical shell, comprising a supporting structure and an insertion device as described above, the insertion device being carried by the supporting structure so that the telescopic devices are able to deploy in a horizontal direction. The insertion system as a whole provides additional functions such as moving the insertion device. The insertion system makes it possible to chain the insertion of a plurality of sections of packing.

[0021] The supporting structure is in the form of a gantry capable of moving in at least one direction while carrying the insertion device gripping a section of packing. To carry out such a movement, the supporting structure can for example be arranged on rails so that the movement is carried out in the most precise direction possible.

[0022] As mentioned, the objective of the insertion system according to the invention is to insert packing sections into a horizontally arranged shell. The insertion system is therefore configured so that the telescopic devices are able to deploy in a horizontal direction in order to ensure horizontal insertion of the packing sections.

[0023] According to a characteristic of the invention, the insertion device is capable of performing a translational movement as a whole relative to the supporting structure. Independently of the supporting structure, the insertion device can move, for example, vertically. This vertical movement is useful, for example, for positioning the insertion device directly above a stack of packing sections, then for lowering it in order to grip the packing section placed at the top of the stack. The vertical movement of the insertion device relative to the supporting structure is also useful for adjusting the position of the gripped packing section in order to correctly position it at the entrance to the shell and thus to promote the thrust of the packing section within the shell.The relative movement of the insertion device with respect to the supporting structure can for example be done using a motor embedded in the supporting structure and configured to move a supporting element of the insertion device along the supporting structure.

[0024] According to a feature of the invention, the insertion device is capable of performing a rotation as a whole relative to the supporting structure. The rotation makes it possible in particular to tilt the insertion device, with a supporting structure which remains fixed, between a position where the insertion device is arranged vertically for the purpose of gripping a section of packing on a vertical stack of sections of packing, and a position where the insertion device is arranged horizontally for the purpose of inserting the gripped section of packing into the shell. The rotation elements must therefore be configured to allow a rotation of the insertion device of approximately 90°, so that the insertion device can tilt between the vertical and horizontal positions mentioned above.The relative rotation of the insertion device with respect to the supporting structure can, for example, be achieved using a motor capable of driving a gear system driving the rotation of the insertion device, or even via a chain system or a hydraulic system.

[0025] The invention also covers a method for inserting at least one section of packing into a cylindrical shell implemented by an insertion system as described previously, comprising: a step of gripping a section of packing by the gripping means of the insertion device, a step of rotation of the insertion device as a whole relative to the supporting structure, a step of moving the insertion system to the shell using the supporting structure, a step of positioning the section of packing at an entrance to the shell, a step of pushing the section of packing into the shell by a translational movement of the telescopic devices and the pushing means relative to the base.

[0026] The steps of the method are carried out using the various elements mentioned above of the insertion system. Thus, the gripping step is carried out using the hooking means of the insertion device and the means for translating the insertion device relative to the supporting structure, the rotation step using the rotation elements embedded on the supporting structure, the displacement step via the supporting structure, the positioning step using the means for translating the insertion device relative to the supporting structure, and the pushing step using the telescopic devices and the pushing means. It should be noted that this is a non-exhaustive list of steps for the proper performance of the method for inserting packing sections within the shell according to the invention.By way of non-limiting example, it is possible to provide in the method according to the invention a step of checking the correct positioning of the packing section once inserted into the shell. This additional step, here following the pushing step, then consists of checking and recording the correct position of the packing section which has just been inserted, using a measuring device accurate to the millimeter.

[0027] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] is a general view of the system for inserting packing sections comprising an insertion device according to the invention, when gripping a packing section, [ Fig. 2 ] is a general view of the packing section insertion system when inserting a packing section into a shell, [ Fig. 3 ] shows in detail a telescopic device of the insertion system, [ Fig. 4 ] represents a step of gripping a packing section of a method of inserting packing sections, [ Fig. 5 ] represents a step of rotation of the insertion device and movement of the insertion system of the method of inserting packing sections, [ Fig. 6 ] represents a step of inserting the packing section of the method of inserting packing sections, [ Fig. 7 ] is a detail view of a thrust means of the insertion system and a section of packing against which the thrust means is intended to be in contact.

[0028] There figure 1 represents a system for horizontal insertion 1 of packing sections 2 within a shell in order to form a gas / liquid separation column. Such separation columns are for example in a cylindrical shape with a circular or substantially circular section. The separation columns may have a main dimension of several tens of meters and a cylindrical section of several meters. The packing sections 2 to be inserted within these separation columns may have a circular or substantially circular section with a diameter of the order of 2.5m to 5m.

[0029] For reasons of mechanical space requirement in terms of height making the insertion operation impossible when the ferrule is arranged vertically, said operation is carried out here with the ferrule in a horizontal position, the insertion of the packing sections 2 also being carried out in a horizontal direction.

[0030] The system 1 for inserting packing sections 2 according to the invention makes it possible to carry out a method of inserting said packing sections 2 within the shell, although the latter is in a horizontal position and therefore may cause mechanical stresses. Such an insertion system 1 makes it possible in particular to grip a packing section 2 on a vertical stack 24 of packing sections as illustrated in the figure 1 The insertion system 1 then allows rotation in order to arrange the packing section 2 opposite an inlet of the shell, to move to the inlet of the shell, then to push the packing section 2 to the bottom of the shell or against another packing section 2 already inserted within the shell, ensuring the smoothest possible advance, i.e. with the least possible jolts, of the packing section 2 within the shell.

[0031] To do this, the insertion system 1 comprises a supporting structure 4, as well as an insertion device 5 arranged on the supporting structure 4, and comprising in particular attachment means 6 making it possible to grip the packing sections 2. The supporting structure 4 is in the form of a gantry comprising two pillars 7 between which the insertion device 5 rests. The supporting structure 4 can for example be mounted on rails so that the insertion system 1 can carry out a linear movement between the stack 24 of packing sections 2 and the shell.

[0032] The insertion system 1 further comprises a first motor 25 enabling the insertion device 5 to perform a translational movement as a whole relative to the supporting structure 4. The insertion system 1 also comprises a second motor 26 enabling a gear system 27 to be actuated enabling the insertion device 5 to be moved as a whole so as to perform a rotation relative to the supporting structure 4. This rotation enables the insertion device to be moved from a vertical position to a horizontal position, so as to be able to arrange the lining section 2 opposite the inlet of the shell as mentioned previously.

[0033] The insertion device 5 comprises a base 8 carried by the supporting structure 4 and provided with attachment means 6 allowing the insertion device 5 to grip a section of packing 2, regardless of the diameter of said section of packing 2. On the figure 1 , there are six means of attachment 6.

[0034] The base 8 comprises a main upright 9 and a plurality of peripheral uprights 10 parallel to the main upright 9. The main upright 9 extends mainly along a main axis 11 passing through the center or substantially through the center of the gripped trim section 2. The peripheral uprights 10 are arranged circumferentially and regularly around the main upright 9. It is at the level of the peripheral uprights 10 that the previously mentioned attachment means 6 are arranged. The base 8 comprises at least two peripheral uprights 10. Advantageously, and as illustrated in the figure 1 , the base 8 comprises at least six peripheral uprights 10. Such a base 8 makes it possible to grip a section of filling 2 of a defined diameter.

[0035] Alternatively, the base 8 may be able to deploy to cover a plurality of diameters of the lining section 2. To do this, each peripheral upright 10 may be mechanically connected to the main upright 9 by two branches 12 forming a pair of branches 13. Each of the two branches 12 comprises a first end 14 connected to the main upright 9, and a second end 15 connected to the peripheral upright 10. In addition, the two branches 12 of the pair of branches 13 intersect each other and are connected to each other at their point of intersection, that is to say substantially at their center, by a pivot connection 16. The main upright 9 comprises two fixed rings 17, each of the fixed rings 17 being arranged at each end portion of said main upright 9. The main upright 9 comprises a telescopic body 18 capable of modifying a main dimension of the main upright 9.Thus, by modifying the length of the main upright 9, it is possible to increase or reduce the distance between the two fixed rings 17. The length of the main upright 9 can be adjusted manually or via a control member not shown. The telescopic body 18 makes it possible to modify the length of the main upright 9 by deploying or retracting at least one of the terminal portions thereof.

[0036] The first end 14 of each branch 12 of the pair of branches 13 connecting the main upright 9 to one of the peripheral uprights 10 is more particularly connected to one of the fixed rings 17 arranged on the main upright 9. Each pair of branches 13 thus comprises a first branch 12a whose first end 14 is connected to a first fixed ring 17a, and a second branch 12b whose first end 14 is connected to a second fixed ring 17b. The second end 15 of the two branches 12 is fixed to the peripheral upright 10 and at least one of them can slide along it, for example using a slide 19 formed at one of the faces of the peripheral upright 10.

[0037] Thus, when the length of the main upright 9 is modified by the telescopic body 18, the distance between the fixed rings 17 and therefore the distance between the first ends 14 of each of the two branches 12 are also modified. The branches 12 being connected at a point forming a pivot connection 16, this point tends to move closer to or further away from the main upright 9 depending on the spacing or the approaching of the first ends 14 to each other. The movement of the telescopic body 18 thus causes a modification of the inclination of the branches 12 of each of the pairs of branches 13 and thus modifies the radial distance between the main upright 9 and the peripheral uprights 10.

[0038] The base 8 therefore has the function of modifying a radial distance between the main upright 9 and each of the peripheral uprights 10, the hooking means 6 for gripping the section of trim being arranged on said peripheral uprights 10. The hooking means 6 can thus be spaced apart so that they can be engaged around sections of trim 2 of different diameters. The greater the length of the main upright 9, the further the fixed rings 17 are from each other, and the closer the peripheral uprights 10 are to the main upright 9, adapting the insertion device 5 to a small diameter of the packing section 2. Conversely, the shorter the length of the main upright 9, the closer the fixed rings 17 are from each other, and the further the peripheral uprights 10 are from the main upright 9, adapting the insertion device 5 to a large diameter of the packing section 2.The base 8 as just mentioned therefore makes it possible to adapt the insertion device 5 to a plurality of diameters of packing sections 2 and ferrules.

[0039] Once the desired radial distance has been established, it can be fixed by a locking means 20. The locking means 20 can for example be associated with a plurality of deployable rods 21 extending between two adjacent peripheral uprights 10, as illustrated in the figure 1 .

[0040] With a base 8 capable of being deployed as described previously, the attachment means 6 can be adjusted to correctly grip the section of filling 2, regardless of its diameter.

[0041] Due to the gripping of the packing section 2 by the edge, associated with the fact that the packing sections 2 have a cylindrical shape with a circular or substantially circular section, the attachment means 6 have a circular arc shape, and this so that the entire attachment means 6 intended to be in contact with the packing section 2 follows a radius of curvature thereof. The gripping of the packing section 2 is thus facilitated and more stable. In order for the gripping of the packing section 2 by the attachment means 6 to be optimal, the curvature of the circular arc formed by the attachment means 6 is adjustable in order to adapt to all diameters of packing sections 2.

[0042] After gripping the packing section 2 by the gripping means 6, the latter can be controlled individually relative to each other in order to push on a specific point of the packing section 2 and locally deform the latter. Such local deformation can be recommended when a shape differential exists between the packing section 2 and the shell within which the packing section 2 is intended to be inserted. The local deformation thus makes it possible to slightly modify the shape of the packing section 2 so that it can subsequently be inserted into the shell more easily.

[0043] At least two of the peripheral uprights 10 are provided with telescopic devices 22. The telescopic devices 22 may be arranged on a peripheral upright 10 also provided with a hooking means 6, the essential thing being that all of these elements do not interfere mechanically with each other. The telescopic devices 22 make it possible to push the packing section 2 once it is in place opposite the shell. This push is carried out as soon as the hooking means 6 have been commanded to release the packing section 2. The telescopic devices 22 are deployed in order to push the packing section 2 to the end of the shell, regardless of the length of the latter.If one or more packing sections 2 have already been previously inserted into the shell, the telescopic devices push the packing section 2 until the latter is in contact with the previously inserted packing section 2. The telescopic devices 22 can be integrated into the base 8 previously described. On the . figure 1 , the insertion device 5 being in the process of gripping a section of packing 2 on the stack 24, the telescopic devices 22 are therefore folded.

[0044] In order for the insertion of the lining section 2 into the shell to be carried out uniformly, with the minimum of jolts, the insertion device 5 comprises a pushing means 23 fixed to the end of each telescopic device 22, as is more particularly visible on the figure 7 , this pushing means being intended to be in direct contact with the lining section 2 during insertion. The pushing means 23 mechanically distributes the forces exerted by each of the telescopic devices 22 by pressing on the entire periphery of the lining section 2, so as to avoid the localization of the forces only at the end of the telescopic devices 22. The pushing means 23 thus makes it possible to avoid damaging the inserted lining section 2 due to a localized pushing force. When the telescopic devices 22 are folded, the pushing means 23 is arranged in the vicinity of the peripheral uprights 10.

[0045] There figure 2 represents the insertion system as illustrated in the figure 1 but during a step of inserting the section of packing 2 into the shell 3. On the figure 2 , the telescopic devices 22 are therefore deployed. On the figures 1 And 2, the insertion device 5 comprises six peripheral uprights 10, three of which are provided with telescopic devices 22. The distribution of the telescopic devices 22 is carried out regularly around the main axis 11.

[0046] The insertion system 1 is structured so that the telescopic devices 22 can be deployed in the horizontal direction, in order to carry out the insertion step within the shell 3 arranged horizontally. In other words, the telescopic devices 22 are able to be deployed parallel to the main axis 11 and to an axis of elongation of the peripheral uprights 10.

[0047] There figure 2 also allows to observe that at least two peripheral uprights 10 each comprise a hook 28. When the insertion device 5 is arranged close to the ferrule 3 for the purpose of subsequently inserting a section of packing 2 therein, the hooks 28 close on the ferrule 3, for example on a collar 29 extending circumferentially around the ferrule 3 at the end of the ferrule 3 through which the sections of packing 2 are inserted. The hooks 28 thus ensure mechanical support of the ferrule 3 opposite the insertion device 5, including during the insertion of the section of packing 2 within the ferrule 3. The presence of these hooks 28 makes it possible to provide sufficient counterweight to retain the ferrule 3 despite the forces exerted on it during the insertion of the sections of packing 2.The hooks 28 thus avoid the presence of a bulky counterweight placed at the rear of the ferrule 3 to block it when the section of packing 2 is pushed.

[0048] In order to be able to close on the collar 29 of the ferrule 3, the hooks 28 must extend along each of the peripheral uprights 10, beyond the attachment means 6 also carried by the peripheral uprights 10. This extension can create mechanical hindrance when the attachment means 6 grip a section of packing 2 on the stack of sections of packing as illustrated in the figure 1 , particularly when the last section of packing 2 of the stack is gripped, the hooks 28 being able to abut on the ground. To overcome this, each of the hooks 28 is mounted on a retractable jack 30 in order to retract the hooks 28 and avoid any mechanical stress linked to a deployed hook 28. The hooks 28 are thus movable between a retracted position, in particular when the insertion device 5 is in a vertical position to grip the sections of packing 2 and a deployed position making it possible to fix the insertion device 5 to the ferrule 3 at the moment when the gripped section of packing 2 is held at the end of the ferrule 3. When the hooks 28 are in the deployed position, they are configured to avoid any mechanical interference with the attachment means 6 arranged on the same peripheral upright 10.In order to avoid said mechanical interference, the hooks 28 may have a particular shape and / or retract and extend by pivoting around the peripheral upright 10 in question, the pivoting being done opposite the main upright so as not to come into contact with the attachment means 6.

[0049] In order to insert sections of packing 2 which can reach substantial diameters, each of the telescopic devices 22 has a thrust force of at least 1 t. This thrust force is distributed over the entire circumference of the section of packing 2 using the thrust means 23.

[0050] The telescopic devices 22 are deployed at the moment when the packing section 2 is positioned opposite the entrance of the shell 3. When the insertion of the packing section 2 is initiated, the pushing means 23 is driven by the deployment of the telescopic devices 22 and comes into contact with the packing section 2. The contact zone of the pushing means 23 at the level of the packing section 2 corresponds at least to a peripheral annular zone 31 attached to the pushed packing section 2. The peripheral annular zone 31 is thus opposite a periphery of the lining section 2, that is to say in the vicinity of an edge of the lining section 2. The dimensions of the thrust means 23 are such that the thrust means 23 does not extend radially beyond the diameter of the pushed lining section 2, so as not to interfere mechanically with a wall of the shell 3.It is thus understood that the peripheral annular zone 31 is entirely included in the area of ​​one face of the lining section 2, corresponding to the face in contact with the thrust means 23.

[0051] When pushing the packing section 2, the force exerted by the telescopic devices 22, and by analogy by the pushing means 23, is preferably located at the periphery of the packing section 2 because it is at the periphery that the forces opposing the pushing are manifested, in particular the friction forces of the packing section 2 against the walls of the shell 3. The pushing carried out at the peripheral annular zone 31 therefore makes it possible to compensate for the friction forces exerted on the packing section 2 during its insertion into the shell 3. The compensation of the friction forces is particularly effective with the insertion device 5 according to the invention because the pushing means 23 is arranged as close as possible to the location of these friction forces. As illustrated in the figure 2 , the thrust means 23 advantageously has an annular shape whose radial dimension corresponds to the dimension of the peripheral annular zone 31 of the lining section 2.

[0052] In the case where the base 8 is configured to deploy radially and adapt to different diameters of the lining section 2, several pushing means 23 of different dimensions are designed and the installation of the appropriate pushing means 23 is carried out after determining the radial distance between the main upright and the peripheral uprights 10.

[0053] Despite the regular distribution of the telescopic devices 22 and the presence of the thrust means 23, it is possible that a friction force exerted on the packing section 2 during insertion is more intense locally. This localized friction force may be due to the horizontal position of the shell 3 and / or that of the packing section 2. Gravity may indeed cause a more forceful contact of the packing section 2 against the wall of the shell 3, thus causing an asymmetry of the forces resulting from the contact of the packing section 2 against the shell 3. Other factors generating a localized friction force may come into account, such as for example a surface condition of the wall of the shell 3 or a surface condition of the edge of the packing section 2.In order to balance the thrust force, each telescopic device 22 can be individually controlled relative to each other in order to intensify one or the other of the thrust forces so as to compensate for a high local friction force. In order to detect these local friction forces, each end of each telescopic device 22 can for example comprise a resistance sensor measuring the friction forces and thus capable of detecting a high friction force.

[0054] When the telescopic devices 22 are deployed to push the packing section 2 into a shell 3 having a significant length, for example several tens of meters, the telescopic devices 22 are deployed until they reach a significant length which may impair their stability. The insertion device 5 may therefore comprise a holding member 32 connected to all the telescopic devices 22 and arranged so as to be substantially equidistant between the pushing means 23 and the entrance to the shell 3. The holding member 32 has the function of maintaining the position of each of the telescopic devices 22 as well as the distance between each of them. The holding member 32 therefore participates in the distribution of the forces exerted on the inserted packing section 2.The holding member 32 also ensures the stability of the telescopic devices 22, by avoiding potential flexions of the latter which could occur in the event of extension to a great length of said telescopic devices 22. As illustrated in . figure 2 , the holding member 32 has a triangular shape in order to hold three telescopic devices 22 equally distributed around the main axis 11. The shape of the holding member 32 may however vary depending on the number of telescopic devices 22 included in the insertion device 5. In a variant not shown, the holding member 32 may comprise a set of rollers, each arranged in the extension of the branches of the holding member, beyond the telescopic devices, which are respectively in contact with the internal face of the peripheral wall of the shell. The aim is then to ensure continuous guidance of the holding member within the shell during the deployment of the telescopic devices and the insertion of a section of packing.This continuous guidance, by contact of at least one of the rollers against the ferrule, makes it possible to facilitate insertion despite the weight of the assembly formed by the telescopic arms and the pushing means 23 which could cause the assembly to become misaligned. Alternatively or additionally, the pushing means may also comprise one or more rollers arranged on the periphery to be in contact with the internal face of the tubular wall of the ferrule during insertion of the packing sections within the ferrule. The . figure 3 is a detailed representation of a telescopic device 22 integrated into the insertion device described above. The telescopic device 22 may for example be a linear chain actuator. In other words, the telescopic device 22 comprises a chain 33 wound within a housing 34 when said telescopic device 22 is folded.

[0055] When the telescopic devices 22 are to be deployed, the chain 33 unwinds and stiffens within the telescopic device 22 in order to deploy it. The unwinding of the chain 33 is carried out as long as the telescopic device 22 can exert its pushing force on the packing section. Once the packing section is inserted to the bottom of the shell or against another previously inserted packing section, the chain 33 winds within the housing 34 in order to retract the telescopic device 22. The retraction of each of the telescopic devices 22 of the insertion device is done simultaneously so that the pushing means can be removed from the shell without mechanical interference.

[0056] THE figures 4 à 6 schematically illustrate an example of the process for inserting a section of packing 2 according to the invention.

[0057] As described above, it is the insertion system 1 as a whole, i.e. the insertion device 5 and the supporting structure 4, which makes it possible to implement the insertion method. Thus, the figure 4 represents in particular a step of gripping a section of packing 2 on the vertical stack 24 of sections of packing 2. For this, the insertion system 1 can move as a whole to the stack 24 of sections of packing, for example using rails 34 as mentioned previously.

[0058] The insertion device 5 is capable of performing as a whole a translational movement 35 relative to the supporting structure 4, for example a translation along the pillars 7 vertically, that is to say parallel to said pillars 7. This translational movement 35 can be provided for example by the first motor 25 actuated remotely. This translational movement 35 is for example used so that the insertion device 5 reaches the top of the vertical stack 24 of sections of packing 2 and overhangs it, as illustrated in the figure 4 . This being done, and once the supporting structure 4 is arranged around the vertical stack 24 of packing sections 2, the translational movement 35 makes it possible to bring the insertion device 5 closer to the stack 24 of packing sections 2 in order to grip the packing section 2 at the top of said stack 24 via the gripping means 6. Once a packing section 2 is gripped, the insertion device 5 is again moved vertically in order to lift the gripped packing section 2.

[0059] There figure 5 illustrates a step of rotation of the insertion device 5 and a step of movement of the insertion system 1 to the shell 3. These two steps occur after a section of lining 2 has been gripped by the gripping means 6. To ensure the step of rotation of the insertion device 5 relative to the supporting structure 4, the insertion device 5 comprises rotation means, here via the gear system illustrated in the figure 1 , ensuring at least one rotation 36 to 90° or substantially 90° of the insertion device 5 relative to the supporting structure 4. The second motor 26 can be carried by the supporting structure 4 and driven so that the motor output shaft actuates the gear system and therefore the rotation 36 of the insertion device 5 relative to the supporting structure 4. This rotation device driven by the second motor 26 thus allows the insertion device 5 to switch between a first so-called vertical position, allowing the sections of packing 2 to be gripped on the stack 24 of sections of packing 2 as illustrated in figure 4 , and a second position called horizontal in order to arrange the gripping section of packing 2 opposite the horizontal shell 3 as illustrated in the figure 5 .

[0060] Subsequently, the supporting structure 4 can move while carrying the insertion device 5 in order to bring the gripped lining section 2 closer to the shell 3 in order to insert it there, for example using the rails 34 as mentioned previously. In order to stabilize the shell 3, it can be placed on supports 37.

[0061] There figure 6 illustrates the step of positioning the insertion device 5 at the entrance of the shell 3 as well as the step of pushing the packing section 2 into the shell 3. In order to correctly position the packing section 2 at the entrance of the shell 3, the vertical position of the insertion device 5 can possibly be adjusted by means of the vertical translational movement along the pillars 7 of the supporting structure 4 so that the gripped packing section 2 is perfectly opposite the entrance of the shell 3. This being done, the hooks 28 close on the collar 29 of the shell 3 in order to maintain the insertion device 5 opposite the entrance of the shell 3.

[0062] The pushing step begins after the gripping means 6 release the packing section 2. After the packing section 2 has been released by the gripping means 6 and before the telescopic devices 22 are deployed to insert the packing section 2, the latter may, for example, rest on a holding support 38 so that the packing section 2 remains correctly positioned opposite the entrance to the shell. The telescopic devices 22 then deploy so that the pushing means 23 inserts the packing section 2 into the shell 3, as previously described. Once the packing section 2 has been inserted, the telescopic devices 22 can retract, and the insertion system 1 can move again to recover the next packing section 2. The insertion method then starts again from the gripping step described in figure 4 .

[0063] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0064] The invention, as just described, achieves the aim it set itself, and makes it possible to propose a device for horizontal insertion of a section of packing into a shell comprising a thrust means driven by telescopic devices and ensuring a limitation of the friction exerted on the inserted section of packing. Variants not described here could be implemented without departing from the context of the invention, provided that, in accordance with the invention, they comprise an insertion device in accordance with the invention.

Claims

1. Insertion device (5) for inserting at least one packing section (2) for a gas / liquid separation column into a cylindrical casing (3), comprising a base (8) provided with retaining means (6) configured to grip a packing section (2) and disposed evenly around a main axis (11), characterized in that the insertion device (5) comprises at least two telescopic devices (22) secured to the base (8) and at least one pushing means (23) secured to one end of each of the two telescopic devices (22), the telescopic devices (22) being configured to deploy and to drive a movement of the pushing means (23).

2. Insertion device (5) according to Claim 1, wherein the telescopic devices (22) are arranged evenly around the main axis (11).

3. Insertion device (5) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the telescopic devices (22) and the retaining means (6) are arranged on a peripheral member (10) of the base (8).

4. Insertion device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each telescopic device (22) has a pushing force of at least 1 t.

5. Insertion device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the telescopic devices (22) are controlled individually in relation to one another.

6. Insertion device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the telescopic devices (22) are linear chain actuators.

7. Insertion device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pushing means (23) is configured to be in contact with the packing section (2) in at least one peripheral annular area (31).

8. Insertion device (5) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pushing means (23) has an annular shape, a radial dimension of the annular shape corresponding to a radial dimension of the peripheral annular area (31).

9. Insertion device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a holding member (32) for the telescopic devices (22), said holding member (32) mechanically connecting the telescopic devices (22) to each other.

10. Insertion system (1) for inserting at least one packing section (2) for a gas / liquid separation column into a cylindrical casing (3), comprising a bearing structure (4) and an insertion device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, the insertion device (5) being borne by the bearing structure (4) such that the telescopic devices (22) are able to deploy in a horizontal direction.

11. Insertion system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the insertion device (5) is able in its entirety to carry out a translational movement (35) relative to the bearing structure (4).

12. Insertion system (1) according to Claim 10 or 11, wherein the insertion device (5) is able in its entirety to carry out a rotation (36) relative to the bearing structure (4).

13. Method for inserting at least one packing section (2) for a gas / liquid separation column into a cylindrical casing (3), which method is implemented by an insertion system (1) according to any one of Claims 10 to 12 and comprises: • a step of gripping a packing section (2) by means of the retaining means (6) of the insertion device (5), • a step of rotating the insertion device (5) in its entirety with respect to the bearing structure (4), • a step of moving the insertion system (1) up to the casing (3) by virtue of the bearing structure (4), • a step of positioning the packing section (2) at an inlet of the casing (3), • a step of pushing the packing section (2) into the casing (3) by means of a translational movement of the telescopic devices (22) and of the pushing means (23) with respect to the base (8).