Tank base for pressure vessels

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tank base (1) for a pressure vessel (2) comprising a tank base body (3) made in a single piece. The tank base body (3) has an annular connecting edge (4) and a sloped bottom wall (5) for connecting the tank base (1) to a pressure vessel (2), the annular connecting edge (4) and the sloped bottom wall (5) defining a tank bottom cavity (6) having an edge surface (7) and a bottom wall surface (8) converging towards a lowest portion (9). The lowest portion (9) has an outlet (10), the sloped bottom wall (5) has no openings formed therein, and the outlet (10) is surrounded by a valve flange (11) for connecting a clamp connection adapter portion (12) for converting a bolt pressure connection into a clamp pressure connection for interchangeably connecting a valve device (13) to the tank base (1).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention is generally in the field of tank bases for pressure vessels.

[0002] For example, the present invention relates to a tank base for a tank of a pressurized reactor having a tank bottom designed to have no accumulation zones of process fluids, the tank base having a slope that converges towards an outlet for complete drainage of the process fluids.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to an assembly having a tank base and a clamp connection adapter part for connecting a shut-off device, for example a valve. [Background technology]

[0004] A mixer for liquids contained in a sterile container having a wall with a welding pin having a distal end on the inside of the wall and a proximal end on the outside of the wall is known from US 2004 / 076076. The welding pin has a hole through which the proximal end of the welding pin extends. A motor-operated magnet actuation unit is arranged in the hole of the welding pin. A hub supporting a rotor is rotatably mounted on the welding pin. A magnet actuation complex is mounted on the hub and is arranged close to the magnet actuation complex but separated therefrom by a liquid seal gasket. The magnet actuation assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced permanent actuation magnets, which are caged with bars to prevent the permanent actuation magnets from moving relative to the hub. This solution does not constitute an outlet for the liquid contained in the container.

[0005] For an opening in the wall of a jacketed pressure vessel, a group of interchangeable nozzles is known from GB 2097081, comprising a flange arranged to extend outwardly from the vessel wall around the opening and connected to the jacket of the vessel and adapted to define a passage through the jacket, a nozzle having a first part extending through the passage in use and extending outwardly from the passage and a second part arranged inside the passage and having an outer surface complementary to the inner surface of the flange, a gasket arranged between the complementary flange and the surface of the nozzle providing a fluid sealing surface therebetween, and clamping means cooperating with the jacket and the first part of the nozzle to fix the nozzle in the passage against the gasket. This known solution does not have a vessel bottom connected to the vessel, and furthermore does not suggest the possibility of connecting a mixer adjacent to the vessel, which is separate from the opening. Moreover, this solution has in all its embodiments an element body defining the opening connected to the vessel, forming a wide liquid pool which cannot be drained except by completely dismantling the vessel and separating this body from the vessel wall.

[0006] WO 2009 / 149511 shows a support for use in a pump unit having a number of components including a seal housing, a drive shaft having an axis of rotation, an impeller and a pump housing, the pump housing having a main jacket. The pump housing support has a base and an assembly element having a part of a body to which a part of the pump housing parts is assembled and a locating flange extending therefrom, the locating flange having first and second locating surfaces on opposite sides, the main jacket being located on the first locating surface and the seal housing being located on the second locating surface.

[0007] In tanks for chemical systems, such as reactors, it is known to use a welded base having an inner surface that converges towards an outlet valve.

[0008] Tank bases are components for manufacturing small and ultra-small volume mixing vessels at counter and pilot scale for, for example, critical biotech and pharmaceutical mixing applications.

[0009] To meet the processing needs, the tank base can be provided with openings for mixer connections. These known bases are designed and manufactured from a single piece of full bar incorporating the bottom wall of the tank, the connection flange of the mixer and the body of the outlet valve.

[0010] The main problem with such small bases is that they are completely specific to each mixer type and size, and each valve type and size.

[0011] In fact, for example, with regard to the miniaturization of tanks, the European Union Directive 2014 / 68 / UE, the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), requires that pressure vessels manufactured by welding various components such as mixer flanges and valve flanges must maintain a minimum distance of 25 mm. If welding is required at a distance of less than 25 mm, complex and expensive analyses must be carried out for each manufactured part to check the integrity and complete sealing of the parts.

[0012] As a result of this limitation, these tank bases are formed in a single piece by machining from the ground up, and the connecting flanges of the mixers are obtained through machining with chip removal and part of the valve body of the process fluid shutoff device.

[0013] Selecting the type, shape, model and impeller configuration of the agitator requires a long verification time to study the effect of mixing the product. If the bottom of the tank is to be fully custom-made, such studies must be completed before it can be realized, resulting in a very long tank realization time.

[0014] Furthermore, it is often necessary to provide a further connection to the conduit for the cleaning fluid inlet valve, i.e. a conduit which converges into a valve body which is usually formed integrally with the tank base, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 which show prior art solutions.

[0015] Therefore, a strong need is felt to provide flexibility so that the mixer connection flange and the valve connection flange do not form adjacent welds at the same tank bottom. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and to achieve the aforementioned needs by proposing a tank base for a pressure vessel that allows sufficient flexibility when changing the type and / or size of the mixers and / or process fluid shut-off valves.

[0017] This and other objects are achieved by an assembly as claimed in claim 1.

[0018] Some advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0019] Furthermore, this and other objects are achieved by an assembly according to claim 19, a set of assemblies according to claims 20 and 21, a method for manufacturing a tank base according to claim 24 and a method for manufacturing a tank base assembly according to claim 25.

[0020] The general embodiment and the variants described above and below make it possible to obtain the following advantages:

[0021] The proposed tank base allows the use of different types of mixers and different types of fluid shut-off valves.

[0022] In particular, the proposed solution makes it possible to avoid welds being close to each other, i.e. less than 25 mm apart from each other, whilst allowing the use of mixer connection flanges which are much larger than those permitted by the prior art tank bases, in other words the mixer openings which form the housing for the mixer flanges can be very large and close to the valve connection seats.

[0023] The proposed tank base body has an area with a relatively large thickness or stem that allows the load cell to be directly connected to the base.

[0024] Furthermore, it is possible to keep the drainage angle of the inclined bottom wall optimal and uniform for all solutions and types of mixers and valves that it is desired to connect with the tank base.

[0025] The proposed solution significantly reduces manufacturing costs compared to conventional solutions in which both the mixer connection flange and the valve body are manufactured in a single piece with a sloping bottom wall.

[0026] The proposed solution allows for a much shorter supply time (indeed, size-wise, it is possible to keep fewer tank bases in stock) and for a faster supply of tanks or tank-using devices (solutions with full production of all parts have an average delivery time of 8-10 weeks, which creates problems for tank manufacturers), or tank manufacturers can keep tank bases manufactured according to the invention in stock, since these tank bases can be selected to obtain any tank configuration.

[0027] The proposed solution allows for a simpler tank structure, and the absence of process fluid shutoff devices in the tank realization allows for easier machining and reduces the probability of valve body failure.

[0028] It also becomes easier to pressure test the tank since the valve can be replaced with a cap in order to perform the pressure test.

[0029] As a function of the process carried out, pharmaceutical companies generally "validate" some specifications regarding the mixing or mixer to be used or its features (minimum speed, minimum mixable volume, etc.), and in fact often validate brands and specific models. With such a tank base solution, the tank manufacturer does not have to purchase a specific base for a single application (costly and time-consuming), but can always select the tank base with the right size for the tank, weld the correct mixer flanges (mixer manufacturer standard) according to the specifications set by the customer, and reselect the shut-off valves in keeping with the customer's specifications.

[0030] Standardized tank bases can be used, so that standardized supports for any agitators and mixers can be welded. Construction based on standard parts speeds up the tank manufacturing time and meets the same technical requirements as the production of fully manufactured tanks. Versatility is increased, since different types of agitators and discharge valves can be combined. Moreover, if the tank is reused for another purpose, the discharge valve can be exchanged to complete the new application, provided that the mixers are compatible with the new application.

[0031] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description given below of preferred embodiments thereof, given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art tank base drawn in continuous lines with the tank drawn in dashed lines. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tank base of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] Cross-sectional view of the tank base of Figure 1. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tank base according to the present invention as viewed from the tank bottom cavity side. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tank base assembly as viewed from the side of the weld pocket and clamp connection adapter portion. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the tank base assembly of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a side view of the tank base assembly of FIG. [Figure 7] 5 is a top (tank side) view of the tank base assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] An underside (outside of tank) view of the tank base assembly of Figure 4. [Figure 9] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tank base assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tank side of the tank base assembly with a mixer opening formed therein. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a tank base assembly with a mixer opening formed therein. [Figure 12] A detailed view of the tank base connected to the clamp connection adapter part that clamps the connection flange of the valve device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a tank side perspective view of a tank base assembly with a clamp connection adapter part and a welded mixer flange according to a first modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an exterior perspective view of a tank base assembly with a clamp connection adapter part and a welded mixer flange according to a first variant. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a tank base assembly with a clamp connection adapter part and a welded mixer flange according to a first variant. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a tank base assembly with a clamp connection adapter part and a welded mixer flange according to a second variant. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a tank base assembly with a clamp connection adapter part and a welded mixer flange according to a third variant. [Figure 18]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a tank base assembly with a clamp connection adapter part and a welded mixer flange according to a fourth variant. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a tank base assembly with a clamp connection adapter part and a welded mixer flange according to a fifth variant. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a tank base assembly with a clamp connection adapter part and a welded mixer flange according to a fifth variant. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 shows three perspective views of the tank base assembly with the mixer, process fluid shut-off valve arrangement, and secondary valves for cleaning fluids. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 shows three perspective views of the tank base assembly with the mixer, process fluid shut-off valve arrangement, and secondary valves for cleaning fluids. [Diagram 23] FIG. 1 shows three perspective views of the tank base assembly with the mixer, process fluid shut-off valve arrangement, and secondary valves for cleaning fluids. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a side view of a process fluid shut-off valve device and a separate piece of a tank base assembly to which the mixer is connected, according to another embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 1 is a side view of an assembly having a pressure vessel connected to a tank base with a valve arrangement connected thereto, a mixer connected via a mixer flange as well as a temperature probe and a sampling valve. [Figure 26] 25 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 24, taken orthogonally to FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 25 with the pressure vessel removed from the tank base. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the separated parts of the assembly of FIG. 27; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can realize and use the present invention. Various modifications to the described embodiments are readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the described general principles can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention defined in the appended claims. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the described and shown embodiments, but should be accorded the broadest scope of protection consistent with the features described herein and claimed.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly used by ordinary skilled artisans in the field of the present invention.In case of discrepancy, the present specification, including the definitions provided, is binding.In addition, the examples are provided merely for illustrative purposes and should not be considered as limiting examples.

[0035] To facilitate an understanding of the embodiments described herein, reference will be made to certain specific embodiments and specific terminology will be used to describe the same. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0036] According to one embodiment, an assembly of a pressure vessel 2 and a valve device 13 is provided. The assembly comprises a tank base 1 for the pressure vessel 2 having a tank base body 3. The tank base body 3 is made in a single piece.

[0037] The tank base body 3 has an annular connecting edge 4 for connecting the tank base 1 to the pressure vessel 2, and a sloping bottom wall 5 for allowing fluid to flow by gravity toward the lowest portion 9. The annular connecting edge 4 and the sloping bottom wall 5 define a tank bottom cavity 6 having an edge surface 7 and a bottom wall surface 8 that converge toward the lowest portion 9.

[0038] The lowest portion 9 has a drain 10 for completely draining the fluid contained within the pressure vessel 2 by gravity.

[0039] The inclined bottom wall 5 has no other outlets.

[0040] The outlet 10 is surrounded by a valve flange 11 for connection of a clamp connection adaptor part 12 which converts the bolted pressure connection into a clamped pressure connection for interchangeably connecting the valve device 13 to the tank base 1 .

[0041] According to one embodiment, the valve flange 11 defines, in a portion opposite the tank bottom cavity 6, a valve coupling seat 15 defined adjacent the outlet 10 by at least one direct valve support surface 16 opposite the tank bottom cavity 6.

[0042] The valve support surface 16 is delimited externally by a valve seat edge 17 , in the thickness of which is provided a blind threaded bore 18 capable of receiving a threaded stem 19 projecting from the valve seat edge 17 .

[0043] According to one embodiment, the tank base 1 comprises a clamp connection adapter part 12 .

[0044] According to one embodiment, the clamp connection adapter portion 12 is a zero dead leg connection flange or ZDL connection and has at least two clamps 20, 21 that extend around the outlet 10. Each clamp 20, 21 subtends an arc of 180 degrees or less.

[0045] Each clamp 20, 21 has an arched connecting portion 22 and a bent fastening portion 23.

[0046] The bent clamping portion 23 enters the valve connection seat 15 and faces the valve support surface 16 which forms a support and clamping counter surface 24 .

[0047] The seat edge 17 has a blind threaded bore 18 which receives a threaded stem 19 which projects from the seat edge 17 .

[0048] The arched connection portion 20 faces the valve seat edge 17 and its connection seat 25 receives part of the threaded stem 19 .

[0049] A clamping bolt 26 is threaded onto the free end of the threaded stem 19 and tightens the clamps 20, 21 to sandwich a valve flange 27 of the valve assembly 13 between its support and clamping counter surface 24 and the valve support surface 16.

[0050] According to one embodiment, mixer openings 28 that are not intended to drain fluids are formed in the inclined bottom wall 5.

[0051] The mixer opening 28 is a through opening that connects the weld pocket 29 with the tank bottom cavity 6, or

[0052] or

[0053] The mixer opening 28 is a circular through opening that connects the weld pocket 29 with the tank bottom cavity 6 .

[0054] The mixer flange 32 is rigidly connected to the mixer opening 28 to provide a sealing connection for the mixer 34 .

[0055] The mixer flange 32 and the mixer 34 close the mixer opening 28 .

[0056] According to one embodiment, the assembly includes a mixer flange 32 that is inserted into and welded to the edge of the mixer opening 28 .

[0057] According to one embodiment, the weld pocket 29 has a "D" shaped planar configuration.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the weld pocket 29 is defined by a sloped bottom wall 5 and a weld pocket edge 30 that forms a weld pocket inner surface 31 .

[0059] The weld pocket inner surface 31 diverges in a direction away from the sloped bottom wall 5 .

[0060] According to one embodiment, the mixer flange 32 has a mixer flange body 33 for supporting a mixer 34 .

[0061] According to one embodiment, the mixer flange 32 has a mixer flange body 33 for receiving a mixer shaft 34 and for rotatably supporting a mixer head 35 at least partially within the tank bottom cavity 6 .

[0062] According to one embodiment, the mixer flange 32 includes a mixer flange body 33 .

[0063] The mixer flange body 33 has a first mixer flange body portion 37 that extends into the tank bottom cavity 6 .

[0064] The mixer flange body 33 has a second mixer flange body portion 38 extending away from the sloped bottom wall 5 .

[0065] According to one embodiment, the second mixer flange body portion 38 is at least partially received within the weld pocket 29 .

[0066] According to one embodiment, the mixer flange 32 has at least one lateral mixer weld extension 39 .

[0067] At least one side mixer weld extension 39 has a weld edge 40 adapted to be welded to the edge of the mixer opening 28 .

[0068] According to one embodiment, the assembly 14 includes a mixer 34 .

[0069] The mixer 34 has a mixer head 36 supported on the side of the sloped bottom wall 5 which defines the tank bottom cavity 6 .

[0070] The mixer 34 has a gear motor unit 41 arranged to move the mixer head 36 , the gear motor unit 41 being fixed by a mixer flange 32 welded to the sloping bottom wall 5 .

[0071] According to one embodiment, the assembly comprises a tank base 1, a mixer 34 and a valve device 13 for isolating the process fluid.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the assembly comprises a tank base 1, a mixer 34, a valve device 13 for blocking the process fluid, and a secondary valve 42 for blocking the cleaning fluid, the secondary valve 42 being fluidly connected to the valve device 13.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the annular connecting edge 4 has a temperature probe port 43 for fluid-sealably connecting a temperature probe 44 to detect the temperature of the fluid contained in the tank bottom cavity 6 without allowing the fluid to escape.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the annular connecting edge 4 has a sampling valve port 45 for fluid-sealably connecting a sampling valve 46 to take samples from even very small amounts of residual fluid without allowing complete drainage of the fluid.

[0075] According to one embodiment, a valve device assembly 13 and a tank base 1 are provided.

[0076] The tank base 1 is adapted to be connected to a pressure vessel 2 .

[0077] The tank base 1 has a tank base body 3. The tank base body 3 is formed as a single part.

[0078] The tank base body 3 has an annular connecting edge 4 for connecting the tank base 1 to the pressure vessel 2, and a sloping bottom wall 5 for allowing fluid to flow by gravity toward the lowest portion 9. The annular connecting edge 4 and the sloping bottom wall 5 define a tank bottom cavity 6 having an edge surface 7 and a bottom wall surface 8 that converge toward the lowest portion 9.

[0079] The lowest portion 9 has a drain 10 for completely draining the fluid contained within the pressure vessel 2 by gravity.

[0080] The inclined bottom wall 5 does not have any other drainage grooves formed therein.

[0081] The outlet 10 is surrounded by a valve flange 11 for connection of a clamp connection adaptor part 12 which converts the bolted pressure connection into a clamped pressure connection for interchangeably connecting a valve device 13 to the tank base 1 .

[0082] The sloping bottom wall 5 is formed with mixer openings 28 which are not adapted to discharge fluid.

[0083] The mixer opening 28 is a through opening that communicates the weld pocket 29 with the tank bottom cavity 6 .

[0084] The mixer flange 32 is rigidly connected to the mixer opening 28 to provide a sealing connection for the mixer 34 .

[0085] The mixer flange 32 and the mixer 34 close the mixer opening 28 .

[0086] According to one embodiment, there is provided a set of assemblies according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments, the set of assemblies comprising a plurality of tank base assemblies 14, each tank base 14 having a mixer opening 28. The mixer openings 28 of different tank bases 14 have different extension sizes.

[0087] Each mixer flange 32 is rigidly connected to a respective mixer opening 28 to provide a sealing connection to a mixer 34 .

[0088] According to one embodiment, there is provided a set of assemblies according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments, the set of assemblies comprising at least one tank base 14. The tank base 14 comprises a mixer opening 28.

[0089] A mixer flange 32 , selected from a set of different sized mixer flanges, is firmly connectable to the mixer opening 28 for a sealed connection of a mixer 34 .

[0090] According to one embodiment, a set of assemblies according to one of the above described embodiments is provided in which all mixer flanges 32 have lateral mixer weld extensions 39 with weld edges 40 of the same size.

[0091] Each mixer flange 32 has a mixer flange body 33 having a first mixer flange body portion 37 adapted to extend into the tank bottom cavity 6, and the mixer flange body 33 has a second mixer flange body portion 38 adapted to extend away from the sloped tank base 1 bottom wall 5, the second mixer flange body portion 38 adapted to be at least partially received within the tank base 1 weld pocket 29.

[0092] Each mixer flange 32 has a first mixer flange body portion 37 that is sized and / or shaped differently from the other mixer flanges 32 in the same set of mixer flanges.

[0093] According to one embodiment, each mixer flange 32 has a mixer flange body 33 having a first mixer flange body portion 37 adapted to extend into the tank bottom cavity 6, and the mixer flange body 33 has a second mixer flange body portion 38 adapted to extend away from the sloped tank base 1 bottom wall 5, the second mixer flange body portion 38 adapted to be at least partially received within the tank base 1 weld pocket 29.

[0094] Each mixer flange 32 has a second mixer flange body portion 38 that is sized and / or shaped differently from the other mixer flanges 32 within the same set of mixer flanges.

[0095] The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the tank base 1, which is alternatively provided below:

[0096] The method includes the following steps:

[0097] A tank base having the features of claim 1 is machined by melting and chip removal, or

[0098] or

[0099] A tank base having the features of claim 1 is machined by chip removal from a full piece.

[0100] The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the tank base assembly 14, which includes the following steps:

[0101] Providing an assembly 14 according to any one of claims 1 to 23,

[0102] A clamp connection adaptor part 12 is connected to the valve flange 11 for converting a bolted pressure connection into a clamped pressure connection for interchangeably connecting the valve device 13 to the tank base 1 .

[0103] The present invention also relates to a method further comprising the steps of:

[0104] A mixer opening 28 is formed in the inclined bottom wall 5;

[0105] A mixer flange 32 is welded to the edge of the mixer opening 28 .

[0106] The present invention also relates to a method further comprising the steps of:

[0107] A mixer 34 is connected to the mixer flange 32.

[0108] A valve device 13 is connected to the clamp connection adapter portion 12 .

[0109] According to a general embodiment, a tank base 1 for a pressure vessel 2 comprises a tank base body 3 made in a single piece.

[0110] The tank base body 3 has an annular connecting edge 4 for connecting the tank base 1 to the pressure vessel 2 and a sloped bottom wall 5 .

[0111] The annular connecting edge 4 and the sloping bottom wall 5 define a tank bottom cavity 6 having an edge surface 7 and a bottom wall surface 8 that converge towards a lowest portion 9 .

[0112] The lowest portion 9 has an outlet 10 .

[0113] The inclined bottom wall 5 has no other openings formed therein.

[0114] The outlet 10 is surrounded by a valve flange 11 for interchangeably connecting the valve device 13 to the tank base 1, connecting a clamp connection adapter part 12 that converts the bolt pressure connection to a clamp pressure connection, and for clamping the valve device 13 to the tank base 1.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the valve flange 11 defines, opposite the tank bottom cavity 6 , a valve coupling seat 15 .

[0116] A valve coupling seat 15 is defined adjacent the outlet 10 by at least one direct valve support surface 16 opposite the tank bottom cavity 6 .

[0117] The valve support surface 16 is externally defined by a valve seat edge 17 which is provided with a blind threaded bore 18 in its thickness capable of receiving a threaded stem 19 projecting from the valve seat edge 17 .

[0118] According to a general embodiment, the tank base assembly 14 comprises a tank base 1 according to any of the embodiments described above. The tank base 1 comprises a clamp connection adapter part 12.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the clamp connection adapter portion 12 is a zero dead leg connection flange or ZDL connection and has at least two clamps 20, 21 extending around the outlet 10, each clamp 20, 21 tracing an arc of 180 degrees or less (less than or equal to 180 degrees).

[0120] Each clamp 20, 21 has an arched connecting portion 22 and a bent fastening portion 23.

[0121] The bent clamping portion 23 enters the valve connection seat 15 and faces the valve support surface 16 which forms a support and clamping counter surface 24 .

[0122] The seat edge 17 has a blind threaded bore 18 which receives a threaded stem 19 which projects from the seat edge 17 .

[0123] The arched connection portion 20 faces the valve seat edge 17 and its connection seat 25 receives a portion of the threaded stem 19 .

[0124] A clamping bolt 26 is threaded onto the free end of the threaded stem 19 and tightens the clamps 20, 21 to sandwich a valve flange 27 of the valve assembly 13 between its support and clamping counter surface 24 and the valve support surface 16.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the mixer openings 28 are formed in the sloping bottom wall 5 .

[0126] According to one embodiment, the mixer opening 28 is a through opening that connects the weld pocket 29 with the tank bottom cavity 6 .

[0127] According to one embodiment, the mixer opening 28 is a circular through opening that communicates the weld pocket 29 with the tank bottom cavity 6 .

[0128] According to one embodiment, the weld pocket 29 has a "D" shaped planar configuration.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the weld pocket 29 is defined by a sloped bottom wall 5 and a weld pocket edge 30 that forms a weld pocket inner surface 31 .

[0130] The weld pocket inner surface 31 diverges in a direction away from the sloped bottom wall 5 .

[0131] According to one embodiment, the assembly includes a mixer flange 32 .

[0132] The mixer flange 32 is inserted and welded to the edge of the mixer opening 28 .

[0133] According to one embodiment, the mixer flange 32 has a mixer flange body 33 for supporting a mixer 34 .

[0134] According to one embodiment, the mixer flange 32 has a mixer flange body 33 for receiving a mixer shaft 34 and for rotatably supporting a mixer head 35 at least partially within the tank bottom cavity 6 .

[0135] According to one embodiment, the mixer flange 32 includes a mixer flange body 33 .

[0136] According to one embodiment, the mixer flange body 33 has a first mixer flange body portion 37 that extends into the tank bottom cavity 6 .

[0137] According to one embodiment, the mixer flange body 33 has a second mixer flange body portion 38 that extends away from the sloped bottom wall 5 .

[0138] According to one embodiment, the second mixer flange body portion 38 is at least partially received in the weld pocket 29 .

[0139] According to one embodiment, the mixer flange 32 has at least one lateral mixer weld extension 39 .

[0140] According to one embodiment, at least one lateral mixer weld extension 39 has a weld edge 40 adapted to be welded to the edge of the mixer opening 28 .

[0141] According to one embodiment, the assembly 14 includes a mixer 34 .

[0142] According to one embodiment, the mixer 34 includes a mixer head 36 supported on a side of the sloping bottom wall 5 that defines the tank bottom cavity 6 .

[0143] According to one embodiment, the mixer 34 comprises a gear motor unit 41 adapted to move the mixer head 36 , the gear motor unit 41 being fixed by a mixer flange 32 welded to the sloping bottom wall 5 .

[0144] According to one embodiment, the assembly comprises a tank base 1, a mixer 34 and a valve device 13 for isolating the process fluid.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the assembly comprises a tank base 1, a mixer 34, a valve device 13 for blocking the process fluid, and a secondary valve 42 for blocking the cleaning fluid, the secondary valve 42 being fluidly connected to the valve device 13.

[0146] The invention further relates to a set of assemblies 14 comprising a plurality of assemblies according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments, each tank base 1 having a mixer opening 28 with a different expansion size from each other.

[0147] The present invention further relates to a set of mixer flanges 32 .

[0148] In this set, all mixer flanges 32 have side mixer weld extensions 39 with weld edges 40 of the same size.

[0149] Each mixer flange 32 has a mixer flange body 33 having a first mixer flange body portion 37 adapted to extend into the tank bottom cavity 6, and the mixer flange body 33 has a second mixer flange body portion 38 adapted to extend away from the sloped tank base 1 bottom wall 5, the second mixer flange body portion 38 adapted to be at least partially received within the tank base 1 weld pocket 29.

[0150] Each mixer flange 32 has a first mixer flange body portion 37 that is sized and / or shaped differently from the other mixer flanges 32 within the same set of mixer flanges.

[0151] According to one embodiment, each mixer flange 32 has a second mixer flange body portion 38 that is sized and / or shaped differently from the other mixer flanges 32 within the same set of mixer flanges.

[0152] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the tank base 1. The following steps are alternatively provided:

[0153] A tank base having the features of claim 1 is melted and machined by chip removal or

[0154] or

[0155] A tank base having the features of claim 1 is machined by chip removal from a full piece.

[0156] According to another alternative and optional procedure for carrying out the method, the following steps are provided.

[0157] The assembly 14 according to any one of claims 3 to 10,

[0158] A clamp connection adaptor part 12 is connected to the valve flange 11 for converting a bolted pressure connection into a clamped pressure connection for interchangeably connecting the valve device 13 to the tank base 1 .

[0159] According to another alternative and alternative way of carrying out the above method, the following steps are further provided:

[0160] A mixer opening 28 is formed in the inclined bottom wall 5;

[0161] A mixer flange 32 is welded to the edge of the mixer opening 28 .

[0162] According to another alternative and alternative way of carrying out the above method, the following steps are further provided:

[0163] A mixer 34 is connected to the mixer flange 32;

[0164] The valve device 13 is connected to the clamp connection adapter part 12 .

[0165] In order to meet specific contingency needs, those skilled in the art may make some modifications and adaptations to the above-described embodiments, whereby elements may be replaced with other functionally equivalent ones without departing from the scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 1 Tank Base 2. Pressure vessels (tanks) 3 Tank base body 4 Annular connecting edge 5 Slanted bottom wall 6 Tank bottom cavity 7 Edge surface 8 Bottom wall surface 9 lowest part 10 Outlet 11 Valve flange 12 Clamp connection adapter part 13 Valve gear 14 Tank Base Assembly 15 Valve connection seat 16 Valve support surface 17 Valve seat edge 18 Threaded Blind Holes 19 Threaded stem 20 Clamp 21 Clamp 22 Arched joint 23 Bent fastening part 24 Support and fastening counter surface 25 Connection seat 26 Fastening bolt 27 Valve flange 28 Mixer opening 29 Welded Pocket 30 Welded pocket edge 31 Welded pocket inner surface 32 Mixer flange 33 Mixer flange body 34 Mixer 35 Mixer shaft 36 Mixer Head 37 First mixer flange body 38 Second mixer flange body 39 Side mixer weld extension 40 Welded Edge 41 Gear motor unit 42 Secondary valve 43 Temperature Probe Port 44 Temperature Probe 45 Sampling valve port 46 Sampling valve

Claims

1. An assembly of a pressure vessel (2) and a valve device (13), comprising: The assembly comprises a tank base (1) for the pressure vessel (2) having a tank base body (3), the tank base body (3) being formed in a single piece, the tank base body (3) has an annular connecting edge (4) for connecting the tank base (1) to the pressure vessel (2) and a sloping bottom wall (5) for allowing a fluid to flow by gravity toward a lowest portion (9), the annular connecting edge (4) and the sloping bottom wall (5) defining a tank bottom cavity (6) having an edge surface (7) and a bottom wall surface (8) converging toward the lowest portion (9); The assembly, wherein the bottom part (9) has an outlet (10) for completely discharging by gravity the fluid contained in the pressure vessel (2), The inclined bottom wall (5) has no other outlets, The outlet (10) is surrounded by a valve flange (11) for connecting a clamp connection adapter part (12) that converts a bolted pressure connection to a clamped pressure connection for interchangeably connecting a valve device (13) to the tank base (1). An assembly comprising:

2. the valve flange (11) defines, in its part opposite the tank bottom cavity (6), a valve connection seat (15) adjacent the outlet (10) bounded by at least one direct valve support surface (16) opposite the tank bottom cavity (6); 2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve support surface (16) is delimited externally by a valve seat edge (17) in a thickness portion provided with a threaded blind hole (18) adapted to receive a threaded stem (19) protruding from the valve seat edge (17).

3. 2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tank base (1) comprises a clamp connection adapter part (12).

4. the clamp connection adapter portion (12) is a zero dead leg connection flange or ZDL connection and has at least two clamps (20, 21) extending around the outlet (10), each clamp tracing an arc of 180 degrees or less; Each clamp (20, 21) has an arched connecting portion (22) and a bent fastening portion (23); The bent clamping portion (23) enters the valve connection seat (15) and faces the valve support surface (16) to form a support and clamping counter surface (24); The seat edge (17) having the blind threaded hole (18) accommodates a threaded stem (19) protruding from the seat edge (17); the arched connection portion (20) faces the valve seat edge (17), and the connection seat (25) of the arched connection portion (20) receives a portion of the threaded stem (19); 4. An assembly as claimed in claim 3 dependent on claim 2, wherein a clamping bolt (26) is threadedly engaged with the free end of the threaded stem (19) and clamps the clamp (20, 21) to clamp a valve flange (27) of a valve device (13) between the support and clamping counter surface (24) and the valve support surface (16).

5. The inclined bottom wall (5) is formed with mixer openings (28) that are not intended to discharge fluids, and may alternatively be referred to as: the mixer opening (28) is a through opening that communicates a weld pocket (29) with the tank bottom cavity (6), or The mixer opening (28) is a circular through opening that connects the weld pocket (29) with the tank bottom cavity (6); a mixer flange (32) rigidly connected to said mixer opening (28) for sealingly connecting the mixer (34); The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mixer flange (32) and the mixer (34) close the mixer opening (28).

6. 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the assembly comprises the mixer flange (32), the mixer flange (32) being inserted into and welded to an edge of the mixer opening (28).

7. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said weld pocket (29) has a "D" shaped planar configuration.

8. the weld pocket (29) is defined by the sloped bottom wall (5) and a weld pocket edge (30) that defines a weld pocket inner surface (31); 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the weld pocket inner surface (31) diverges in a direction away from the sloped bottom wall (5).

9. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the mixer flange (32) has a mixer flange body (33) for supporting the mixer (34).

10. 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the mixer flange (32) comprises a mixer flange body (33) for receiving a mixer shaft (34) and for rotatably supporting a mixer head (35) at least partially within the tank bottom cavity (6).

11. The mixer flange (32) has a mixer flange body (33), The mixer flange body (33) has a first mixer flange body portion (37) that extends into the tank bottom cavity (6); 6. An assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the mixer flange body (33) has a second mixer flange body portion (38) extending away from the sloped bottom wall (5).

12. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the second mixer flange body portion (38) is at least partially received within the weld pocket (29).

13. The mixer flange (32) has at least one lateral mixer weld extension (39); 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one lateral mixer weld extension (39) has a weld edge (40) adapted to be welded to an edge of the mixer opening (28).

14. The assembly (14) comprises a mixer (34); The mixer (34) has a mixer head (36) supported on the side of the inclined bottom wall (5) that defines the tank bottom cavity (6), The mixer (34) comprises a gear motor unit (41) adapted to move the mixer head (36), 2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the gear motor unit (41) is fixed by the mixer flange (32) welded to the inclined bottom wall (5).

15. 2. The assembly according to claim 1, comprising the tank base (1), a mixer (34) and a valve device (13) for isolating a process fluid.

16. 2. The assembly according to claim 1, comprising the tank base (1), a mixer (34), a valve device (13) for blocking a process fluid, and a secondary valve (42) for blocking a cleaning fluid, the secondary valve (42) being fluidly connected to the valve device (13).

17. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the annular connecting edge (4) has a temperature probe port (43) for fluid-sealably connecting a temperature probe (44) to detect the temperature of a fluid contained in the tank bottom cavity (6) without allowing the fluid to escape.

18. 2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the annular connecting edge (4) has a sampling valve port (45) for fluid-sealably connecting a sampling valve (46) to take a fluid sample even from a very small amount of residual fluid contained in the tank bottom cavity (6) without allowing complete drainage of the fluid.

19. A valve device assembly (13) and a tank base (1), The tank base (1) is adapted to be connected to a pressure vessel (2), The tank base (1) has a tank base body (3), the tank base body (3) being formed in a single piece; the tank base body (3) has an annular connecting edge (4) for connecting the tank base (1) to the pressure vessel (2) and a sloping bottom wall (5) for allowing a fluid to flow by gravity toward a lowest portion (9), the annular connecting edge (4) and the sloping bottom wall (5) defining a tank bottom cavity (6) having an edge surface (7) and a bottom wall surface (8) converging toward the lowest portion (9); The lowest part (9) has a drain (10) for completely draining the fluid contained in the pressure vessel (2) by gravity, The inclined bottom wall (5) has no other outlets formed therein, the outlet (10) is surrounded by a valve flange (11) for connecting a clamp connection adapter part (12) which converts a bolted pressure connection into a clamped pressure connection for interchangeably connecting a valve device (13) to the tank base (1); said inclined bottom wall (5) being formed with mixer openings (28) which are not adapted to discharge fluids; The mixer opening (28) is a through opening that connects the weld pocket (29) with the tank bottom cavity (6); a mixer flange (32) rigidly connected to said mixer opening (28) for sealingly connecting the mixer (34); The mixer flange (32) and the mixer (34) close the mixer opening (28), a valve device assembly (13) and a tank base (1).

20. The set of assemblies includes a plurality of tank base assemblies (14), each of the plurality of tank bases (14) having a mixer opening (28); the mixer openings (28) of different tank bases (14) have different expansion sizes; 2. The set of assemblies of claim 1, wherein each mixer flange (32) is rigidly connected to a respective mixer opening (28) for a sealed connection of a mixer (34).

21. The set of assemblies comprises at least one tank base (14), the tank base (14) having a mixer opening (28); 2. The set of assemblies of claim 1, wherein a mixer flange (32) selected from a set of different sized mixer flanges is rigidly connectable to said mixer opening (28) for a sealed connection of a mixer (34).

22. All of the mixer flanges (32) have lateral mixer weld extensions (39) with the same sized weld edges (40); Each mixer flange (32) has a mixer flange body (33) having a first mixer flange body portion (37) adapted to extend into the tank bottom cavity (6), and the mixer flange body (33) has a second mixer flange body portion (38) adapted to extend away from the inclined tank base (1) bottom wall (5), the second mixer flange body portion (38) adapted to be at least partially received in a tank base (1) weld pocket (29); 21. The set of assemblies according to claim 20, wherein each mixer flange (32) has a first mixer flange body portion (37) of a different size and / or shape than other mixer flanges (32) within the same set of mixer flanges.

23. Each mixer flange (32) has a mixer flange body (33) having a first mixer flange body portion (37) adapted to extend into the tank bottom cavity (6), and the mixer flange body (33) has a second mixer flange body portion (38) adapted to extend away from the inclined tank base (1) bottom wall (5), the second mixer flange body portion (38) adapted to be at least partially received in a tank base (1) weld pocket (29); 21. The set of assemblies of claim 20, wherein each mixer flange (32) has a second mixer flange body portion (38) that is a different size and / or shape than other mixer flanges (32) within the same set of mixer flanges.

24. A method for manufacturing a tank base (1), comprising the steps of: Alternatively, A tank base having the features of claim 1 is melt-machined by chip removal, or A manufacturing method, comprising machining a tank base having the features of claim 1 by chip removal from a full piece.

25. A method of manufacturing a tank base assembly (14), comprising the steps of: An assembly (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, A clamp connection adapter part (12) is connected to the valve flange (11) to convert a bolt pressure connection to a clamp pressure connection for interchangeably connecting a valve device (13) to the tank base (1). A manufacturing method comprising:

26. A mixer opening (28) is formed in the inclined bottom wall (5); A mixer flange (32) is welded to the edge of the mixer opening (28). The method of claim 25 further comprising:

27. A mixer (34) is connected to the mixer flange (32); A valve device (13) is connected to the clamp connection adapter part (12). The method of claim 26 further comprising:

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