Device for supporting and holding the gate of a wedge valve during a maintenance operation

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (D) for supporting and holding the gate of a valve during a maintenance operation. It comprises two identical tools (8), each comprising a plate (80) in the form of a half-disc delimited by a generally rectilinear edge (800) and a semi-circular edge (801), the upper surface (802) of which plate (80) has a first radius, while the lower surface thereof, parallel to the upper surface (802), has a second radius which is smaller than the first radius, thereby forming a semi-circular peripheral shoulder (804), a through-cut (81) being made in the thickness of the plate (80), which through-cut, seen from above, is inscribed in a rectangle and opens onto the generally rectilinear edge (800), the side wall (810) of this cut (81) which extends parallel to the generally rectilinear edge (800) being inclined and forming an acute angle with a line perpendicular to the upper surface (802).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Device for supporting and holding the cover of a wedge valve during a maintenance operation

[0003] GENERAL TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The field of the present invention is that of the maintenance of taps in industrial installations.

[0005] It relates more specifically to maintenance on internal components and / or elements ensuring the tightness of the flow of a fluid circulating from upstream to downstream in isolation valves, in particular so-called “one-piece flexible wedge” valves.

[0006] CONTEXT OF THE INVENTION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0007] During a maintenance operation on the upstream and downstream sealing components of an R valve of the type mentioned above and schematically represented in figure 1, it is necessary to partially dismantle it by removing its upper part consisting of:

[0008] - an actuator 1 and its operating rod 2, which allow the valve R to be operated;

[0009] - an arch 3, which is a part connecting the actuator 1 to the cap 4 of the valve R, the latter ensuring the external sealing of the valve;

[0010] - a cover 5 which ensures the seal from upstream to downstream of the body 6 of the valve R (when it is in the closed position of course).

[0011] On the majority of valve technologies such as valves, parallel seats, ball valves, cage valves, butterfly valves and diaphragm valves, the disc is held securely by a mechanical connection to the operating stem.

[0012] On the taps concerned by the present invention, the cover 5, which is shown in detail in Figure 2, is also called a “corner” insofar as its two large opposite lateral faces 50 form an acute angle a. The expression “large opposite faces” means the two faces which come to bear on the seat 60 of the body 6 of the tap, the seat itself defined by two inclined sides which form between them an angle B (see Figure 3), substantially equal to a, in order to guarantee perfect sealing of the tap in the closed position.

[0013] Such a cover is described as "flexible" because the two faces 50 provided with sealing surfaces accept a certain flexibility in order to be able to fit perfectly onto the sealing surfaces of the seat in the valve body. The cover is made of stainless steel and the central part between its aforementioned faces is machined in the shape of a cylinder, in order to give it the required flexibility.

[0014] Its two front and rear faces are in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid.

[0015] Furthermore, in these taps, the cover 5 is connected to the stem 2 by a sliding connection using a tenon 20 - mortise 51 assembly which is through, as shown in figure 4.

[0016] If, as illustrated in Figure 5, during removal, that is to say extraction of the aforementioned elements 1 to 5 from the body 6 of the tap R, the cover 5 were to slip from its tenon 20 / mortise 51 connection and fall to the bottom 7 of the body 6 of the tap R, the latter could become mechanically jammed by its shape and the complementary shape of the seat 60, as illustrated in Figure 6, making its extraction very difficult, with a marked risk of damage to the tap.

[0017] Consequently, maintenance operations on these valves require operators to hold the cover 5 with their hands so that it does not slip from its tenon / mortise connection with the stem 2, more precisely by positioning them under the cap 4 which is moved by a lifting means such as a hoist.

[0018] In addition to the fact that the cover 5 could become mechanically stuck in the bottom 7 of the valve R if it were to fall, an additional risk lies in the fact that the workers' hands could be crushed if the means for lifting the cap 4 breaks.

[0019] Apart from the maintenance practice known and carried out to date, which is to hold the seal on the stem with the hands during its removal, no tools exist to meet the need for personnel safety during maintenance operations.

[0020] Of course, one solution to avoid the practice of holding the cover with the hands would have been to modify the type of connection that connects it to rod 2.

[0021] However, the current design of seals makes the through-mortise / tenon joint preferable. This allows the seal to slide into the joint when inserted into the valve seat and to position itself optimally to ensure perfect upstream / downstream sealing of the valve on the industrial installation.

[0022] Even if the skilled person were to modify the rod-operculum connection to avoid the aforementioned risk, two major drawbacks would result, namely:

[0023] The operator of the industrial plant would, at best, have to modify the internal components of all the valves in its fleet, in order to adapt the stem-to-seal connection, and at worst, have to change the valves in the fleet, which would generate prohibitive costs.

[0024] The first solution cited above, when possible, also requires requalification of the operating conditions of the valve functions, some of which are critical for safety, particularly in a nuclear power plant.

[0025] A state of the art of interest in this area is illustrated by documents US2005 / 086788, US4630347 and CN 114227615.

[0026] In any event, there remains an unmet need to date for a means of carrying out the maneuvers described above without risk to operators, and preventing the cover from falling inside the valve body.

[0027] The present invention aims to satisfy this need.

[0028] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Thus, the present invention relates to a device for supporting and holding the cover of a tap during a maintenance operation of said tap during which the actuator, operating rod, yoke, cap, and cover, as well as said cover, have been previously separated from the body of said tap, so as to make accessible the upper opening of diameter M of said body, said cover, which has a cross-section which fits into an isosceles trapezoid, being positioned at the free end of said operating rod, characterized in that it comprises two identical tools, each of them comprising a plate in the form of a half-disc delimited by a generally rectilinear edge and an edge in the shape of an arc of a circle, the upper face of which has a first radius r1, while its lower face, parallel to said upper face, has a second radius r2 less than said first radius r1,thus providing a peripheral shoulder in the shape of an arc of a circle, in the thickness of said plate being provided a through cutout which, seen from above, fits into a rectangle and opens onto said generally rectilinear edge, the flank of this cutout which extends parallel to said generally rectilinear edge being inclined and forming with a perpendicular to said upper face an acute angle, said radii r1 and r2, as well as said acute angle being dimensioned in such a way that said two identical tools can be positioned in said upper opening of said body, making their respective rectilinear edges adjoining, these tools resting on the edge of said upper opening by said shoulder while their lower face is engaged in said opening, said through cutouts together providing a housing for receiving said cover, while said inclined flanks of said cutouts form means for retaining said cover.,

[0030] Thanks to the characteristics of this device, it is possible to make the usual maintenance operation safer, since it is no longer necessary for the operator to position his hands under the load.

[0031] This keeps the seal in position, without the risk of it falling inside the valve body.

[0032] Moreover, the structure of this device is such that it does not require any modification to existing taps.

[0033] Furthermore, the intervention time is significantly reduced and the time saved is all the more satisfactory when the tap is installed in an area with radioactive emissions or contamination.

[0034] According to other advantageous and non-limiting characteristics of this device, taken alone or according to a technically compatible combination of at least two of them:

[0035] - the sides of said cutout which extend perpendicular to said generally rectilinear edge are perpendicular to said upper and lower faces;

[0036] - each tool has a handle for gripping and handling;

[0037] - said handle is connected to a fixing part secured to said upper face of said tool;

[0038] - the position of said fixing part is adjustable, in particular by sliding it;

[0039] - the position of said handle, relative to said fixing part, is adjustable in inclination and / or depth.

[0040] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear from the description which will now be given, with reference to the appended drawings, which represent, for informational but non-limiting purposes, at least one possible embodiment.

[0041] On these drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 is, as previously indicated, a front diagram of a "one-piece flexible wedge" valve known from the prior art;

[0043] Figure 2 is a front view of the cover fitted to the tap in Figure 1

[0044] Figure 3 is a front and sectional view of the body of the tap of Figure 1, intended to visualize the seat against which said cover is positioned;

[0045] Figure 4 is a view similar to the previous one, in which the cover and its connecting rod are also shown;

[0046] Figure 5 is a front and sectional view of a tap similar to that of Figure 1, which illustrates the extraction of several of its components, prior to an operation aimed at checking the tightness of this tap;

[0047] Figure 6 is a view similar to the previous one, which illustrates the situation in which the valve cover has inadvertently become detached from its connecting rod;

[0048] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention, formed from two identical tools which are shown joined;

[0049] Figure 8 is a side view of the same device;

[0050] Figure 9 is a top view of the device of Figure 7, the tools being shown at a distance from each other;

[0051] Figure 10 is a sectional view of the device of Figure 9, seen along the section plane XX, the tools being shown not joined;

[0052] Figure 11 is a side view of one of the tools;

[0053] Figure 12 is a view similar to the previous one, the sheath of the handle which equips it not being shown;

[0054] Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of the tool of Figure 11;

[0055] Figure 14 is a first side view of the device of Figure 11, intended to illustrate how the handle is positioned in different orientations;

[0056] Figure 15 is a second side view of the device of Figure 11, intended to illustrate how the handle is positioned in different orientations;

[0057] Figure 16 is a third side view of the device of Figure 11, intended to illustrate how the handle is positioned in different orientations;

[0058] Figure 17 is a fourth side view of the device of Figure 11, intended to illustrate how the handle is positioned in different orientations;

[0059] Figure 18 is a side view of the handle of the tool of the preceding figures and the attachment to which it is attached;

[0060] Figure 19 is a view similar to the previous one, but seen from above;

[0061] Figure 20 is a top view of a tool of the device according to the invention;

[0062] Figure 21 is a side view of the device of the preceding figure, intended to illustrate the manner in which the aforementioned fixing part is adjusted;

[0063] Figure 22 is a first diagram intended to illustrate the manner in which a device according to the invention is installed on a tap;

[0064] Figure 23 is another diagram intended to illustrate the manner in which a device according to the invention is installed on a tap;

[0065] Figure 24 is a top view of the tools of the device according to the invention and of the valve cover supported and retained by said device;

[0066] Figure 25 is a schematic view of the cross-section of the valve cover;

[0067] Figure 26 is a view similar to Figure 24, the cover and the device being seen from the side;

[0068] Figure 27 is a third diagram intended to illustrate the manner in which a device according to the invention is installed on a tap, the body of the latter being shown equipped with studs which enable it to be fixed to the tap cap;

[0069] Figure 28 is a third diagram intended to illustrate the manner in which a device according to the invention is installed on a tap, the body of the latter being shown equipped with studs which enable it to be fixed to the tap cap;

[0070] Figure 29 is a view similar to the previous one, the actuator / operating rod / arch / cap assembly being shown in the translated position.

[0071] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] A non-limiting example of embodiment of the device D according to the invention will be described below, more particularly in figures 7 to 21.

[0073] We will then explain, with reference to figures 22 and following, how device D can be used.

[0074] According to a characteristic of the invention, the device D comprises two identical tools which are referenced 8 in the attached figures.

[0075] Under these conditions, the description which will be made for one of the tools 8 also applies to the other, unless otherwise stated.

[0076] Each of them comprises a thick plate 80, which has the shape of a half-disc, which is delimited by a generally rectilinear edge 800 and a curved edge 801, more precisely in an arc of a circle.

[0077] Advantageously, this plate is made of non-ferrous composite material so as not to mark the parts of the tap when it is positioned on the latter, as will be explained later.

[0078] The upper face 802 of the plate has a first radius r1. It will be noted, however, that its lower face 803, parallel to said upper face 802, has a second radius r2, less than said first radius r1, thus providing a peripheral shoulder 804 in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0079] In the thickness e of the plate 80 is formed a through cutout 81 which, seen from above, is inscribed in a rectangle and opens onto the generally rectilinear edge 800.

[0080] The flank 810 of this cutout 81 which extends parallel to said generally rectilinear edge 800 is inclined and forms with a perpendicular to said upper face 802 an acute angle δ (see in particular figure 10). As will be seen later, this angle is approximately equal to the angle α of the cover 5 of figure 2.

[0081] Advantageously, the other sides 811 of the cutout 81, which extend perpendicular to the generally rectilinear edge 800, are perpendicular to the upper and lower faces 802 and 803.

[0082] With reference to Figure 10 in which the two tools are positioned in a contiguous manner relative to each other by their rectilinear edges 800, the cutouts 81 together form and delimit a housing L for receiving the aforementioned cover 5. We will return to this aspect later in the description.

[0083] Finally, it should be noted, with regard to this figure 10, that c1 has been referenced as the dimension measured at mid-height of the housing L. Again, we will return to this aspect later in the description.

[0084] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, each tool 8 comprises a gripping and handling handle 82, for example made of metal, notably visible in FIGS. 7 to 11.

[0085] Advantageously, the handle 82 is connected to a fixing part 83 secured to said upper face 802 of the tool 8.

[0086] As is particularly visible in Figures 13 and 20, the fixing part 83 has the shape of an elongated strip which, in the position illustrated in the figure, extends exactly between the cutout 81 and the edge 801 in an arc of a circle.

[0087] The fixing part 83 is held by a pair of clips 84 fixed to the upper face 802 of the tool 8. The number of clips may be different. Thus, in the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, there is a single clip.

[0088] According to one embodiment, one of the riders is equipped with a non-removable, spring-mounted indexing finger 85.

[0089] In the position illustrated here, the finger 85 is engaged in one of the through holes 86 formed in the thickness of the fixing part 83, so that the latter is held in a fixed position.

[0090] However, by acting on the finger 85 against the spring which equips it, it is possible to slide the fixing part 83, so as to be able to modify its spacing with respect to the edge 801. This is symbolized by the arrows l and m in figure 21.

[0091] By doing this, the position of the handle 82 can be changed.

[0092] As is particularly visible in Figure 13, the fixing part 83 may comprise at its proximal end a yoke 87 with parallel wings 870 between which is mounted a small articulation axis (symbolized by the axis Y-Y') of the handle 82.

[0093] The handle 82, in one possible embodiment, is capable of occupying different angular positions, relative to the fixing part 83.

[0094] To do this, the free ends of the wings 870 have cut sides 871.

[0095] In addition, and as visible in figure 11, the handle 82 is made up of a threaded rod 820 directly secured to the articulation axis mounted on the yoke 87, and a threaded sheath 821 sized to engage by screwing onto the rod 820.

[0096] Thus, from an initial position (figure 14) in which the sheath 821 is screwed in fully so that it comes into abutment against the sides 871 of the wings 870 of the yoke 87 of the same orientation, it is possible to partially unscrew this sheath (arrow f in figure 14) so ​​as to release it from the yoke 87 (arrow g in figure 15).

[0097] As soon as the latter is no longer in contact with the yoke 87, it is possible to give the handle 82 a different orientation, as symbolized by the arrow h in figure 16.

[0098] Then, by screwing the sleeve (arrows j and k in figure 17) until the sheath 821 comes into abutment against another pair of sides of the same orientation, the new orientation of the handle 82 is “fixed”.

[0099] In total, it is possible to give the handle 82 two extreme positions in which it extends perpendicular to the yoke 87, as well as three intermediate positions given by the sides 871. Of course, the number of sides is not fixed. Furthermore, other means of immobilizing the handle in a given orientation can be envisaged.

[0100] This makes it possible to adjust the orientation of the handle 82 according to the configuration of use of the tools 8 and in particular the space available near the handle. And the possibility of sliding the fixing part 83 makes it possible to adapt even better to the configurations of use which are presented to the users.

[0101] Below will be described how the device D according to the invention can be used, particularly with reference to figures 22 and following.

[0102] Thus, with reference to Figure 22, we are in a situation close to that of Figure 5, namely that the elements 1 to 5 of the tap have been extracted. As soon as the cover 5 is partially or completely extracted from the body 6 of the tap R, there is a space a which is used to put in place the device D according to the invention.

[0103] In figure 22, M is the diameter of the vertical upper opening 62 of the body 6 which receives in particular the cover 5 and the rod 2.

[0104] According to the invention, the aforementioned radii r1 and r2 are chosen such that when the two tools 8 are made contiguous by their rectilinear edges 800, it is possible to position them on the top of the body 6, as shown in figure 23.

[0105] In practice, the diameter M is slightly greater than twice the radius r2, while it is less than twice the radius r1. Thus, the tools 8 rest on the edge of the upper opening 62 of the body 6 by the shoulder 804, while their lower face 803 is engaged in said opening.

[0106] This allows the two tools 8 to be positioned and held together without any action other than placing them on the body 6 of the tap R.

[0107] Furthermore, the handles 82 with their adjustment possibilities allow the operators' hands to be freed from the lifted load and allow perfect positioning between the studs 63 which, in normal times, allow the assembly of the cap 4 on the body 6.

[0108] Furthermore, the through cutouts 81 together form a housing for receiving the cover 5, while the inclined sides 810 of these cutouts form the means for retaining the cover.

[0109] On each tool 8, the inclined flank 810 is machined with an angle δ corresponding to the angle a of the cover 5.

[0110] Preferably, dimension C1 of figure 10, at mid-height of the inclined sides 810 corresponds to the median thickness of the cover 5, as defined by dimension C2 of figure 25, making it possible to keep the cover centered in the tap body, and thus preventing it from falling when it is uncoupled from the stem 2 of the tap R.

[0111] Furthermore, this ensures that the seal does not touch any wall of the tap and does not suffer, or cause, damage to the tap.

[0112] The thickness e (figure 8) of the tools 8 is calculated so that they are capable of supporting the weight of the cover 5 and not tipping into the body 6 of the tap.

[0113] As shown in Figures 27 to 29, once the device D according to the invention is in place (Figure 28), with the cover resting on it, it is sufficient to translate the hat 4 / arch 3 / rod 2 assembly to release the cover 5 from the rod 2 (Figure 29) and thus leave the cover in place on the tool.

[0114] It is then easy to take the cover back without ever having to put the operator's hands under the suspended load.

[0115] The 8 tool positioning latitude allows adaptation to all conditions and work area footprints.

[0116] Each faucet size can correspond to a device size.

[0117] This device can be used for any intervention on taps requiring in particular the maintenance of the sealing surfaces of internal parts and the opening of the tap body.

[0118] Among the advantages provided by the device according to the invention, we can cite in particular:

[0119] - securing the maintenance operation, no longer requiring the operator to put his hands under the load;

[0120] - reduction of intervention time. Indeed, according to the prior art, it was necessary to place assembly studs of the bonnet on the body of the tap, to allow the upper part / stem / operculum assembly to be translated outside the vertical axis of the tap. It is estimated that the overall time saving is between 20 minutes and one hour. Furthermore, the time required to install the device is around 5 minutes.

[0121] - due to the reduction in intervention time, the radioactive dosimetry integrated by the responders is reduced accordingly, for any tap installed in an area with radioactive emission or contamination

[0122] All industries with processes using pressurized fluids are potentially interested in the device according to the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Device (D) for supporting and holding the cover (5) of a tap (R) during a maintenance operation of said tap (R) during which the actuator (1), operating rod (2), yoke (3), cap (4), and cover (5) have been previously separated from the body (6) of said tap (R), so as to make accessible the upper opening (62) of diameter M of said body (6), said cover (5), which has a cross-section which is inscribed in an isosceles trapezoid, being positioned at the free end of said operating rod (2), characterized in that it comprises two identical tools (8), each of them comprising a plate (80) in the form of a half-disc delimited by a generally rectilinear edge (800) and an edge in the shape of an arc of a circle (801), plate (80) whose upper face (802) has a first radius ri., while its lower face (803), parallel to said upper face (802) has a second radius r2 less than said first radius ri., thus providing a peripheral shoulder (804) in the shape of an arc of a circle, in the thickness of said plate (80) there is provided a through cutout (81) which, seen from above, fits into a rectangle and opens onto said generally rectilinear edge (800), the flank (810) of this cutout (81) which extends parallel to said generally rectilinear edge (800) being inclined and forming with a perpendicular to said upper face (802) an acute angle, said radii ri., and r2, as well as said acute angle being dimensioned such that said two identical tools (8) can be positioned in said upper opening (62) of said body (6), making their respective rectilinear edges (800) contiguous, these tools (8) resting on the edge of said upper opening (62) by said shoulder (804) while their lower face (803) is engaged in said opening (62), said through cutouts (81) together forming a housing for receiving said cover (5), while said inclined sides (810) of said cutouts (81) form means for retaining said cover (5).

2. Device (D) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sides (811) of said cutout (81) which extend perpendicular to said generally rectilinear edge are perpendicular to said upper (802) and lower (803) faces.

3. Device (D) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in fact each tool (8) has a handle (82) for gripping and handling.

4. Device (D) according to claim 3, characterized in that said handle (82) is connected to a fixing part (83) integral with said upper face (802) of said tool (8).

5. Device (D) according to claim 4, characterized in that the position of said fixing part (83) is adjustable, in particular by sliding it.

6. Device (D) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized by the fact that the position of said handle (82), relative to said fixing part (83), is adjustable in inclination and / or depth.

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