Device for custom-fit sealing of equipment openings surrounded by non-planar sealing surfaces

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for precise-fitting sealing of an opening (2) surrounded by a non-planar sealing surface (3) of an apparatus (1), the device comprising an adapter (4) having as a contact surface a first end face (5) with a first surface profile (6) corresponding to the precise-fitting negative profile of the non-planar sealing surface (3), and at least one flat seal (8) disposed between the non-planar sealing surface (3) of the apparatus (1) and the first end face (5) of the adapter (4). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a sealing system including such a device, the use of such a device, a method for manufacturing such a device, and a method for manufacturing an adapter (4) for such a device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for custom-fit sealing of an opening in an apparatus surrounded by a non-planar sealing surface, the device comprising an adapter having as a contact surface a first end surface with a first surface profile corresponding to a custom-fit negative profile of the non-planar sealing surface.The present invention also relates to a device for custom-fit sealing of an opening in an apparatus surrounded by a non-planar sealing surface, the device comprising an adapter having as a contact surface a first end surface with a first surface profile, the first surface profile being irregular. [Background technology]

[0002] It is generally known that there are seals for openings in equipment surrounded by non-flat sealing surfaces. For example, there are annular sealing elements, which are generally mass-produced as standard products. The dimensions of annular seals and flange seals are generally the subject of corresponding standards. Flat seals are generally used as flange seal rings. When using flange seal rings or related flanges, the key criterion is the surface pressure acting on the sealing surface, which must be appropriately adjusted depending on the sealing material. Too high a surface pressure generally risks damaging the flange seal ring, while too low a surface pressure results in insufficient sealing. Furthermore, seals can also be exposed to harsh chemical conditions, so their chemical resistance is also very important.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a method for manufacturing a sealing element for sealing the connection between two flanges, at least one of which has a non-planar sealing surface, located in the circumferential direction of at least one flange and in a direction perpendicular to a circumferential tangent, wherein distance values between the sealing surfaces of opposing flanges are determined at a plurality of circumferential positions, particularly in the radial direction, and a single thickness value is determined from the plurality of distance values at each circumferential position, and the sealing element is manufactured according to all thickness values that depend on the circumferential position, and the sealing element has a thickness that depends on the circumferential position, and the thickness is constant in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential tangent, particularly in the radial direction, at each circumferential position corresponding to the flanges, and corresponds to the determined thickness value at each circumferential position.

[0004] The disadvantage of this embodiment is that if there is a significant deviation in the distance values perpendicular to the circumferential tangent, leak tightness generally cannot be achieved because only one thickness value is considered per radial circumferential position. Furthermore, the sealing elements may wear or fatigue due to physical or chemical stress, which requires the manufacture and installation of new sealing elements, which is a complex process.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a flange seal ring having an annular metal base body and a sealing surface formed by a portion of the base body, the metal base body being formed into at least three sections: an upper section, a lower section, and a middle section, the middle section having at least one cavity into which a non-electrical pressure sensor is inserted, the pressure sensors being disposed on both sides of the middle section so as to be covered by the upper and lower sections and sealed against the inner circumference of the flange seal ring, whereby the pressure sensors can determine the local pressure within the flange seal ring, thereby determining the local surface pressure.

[0006] The disadvantage of this embodiment is that if there is a significant deviation in the radial and / or perpendicular distance values relative to the circumferential tangent, leak tightness cannot be achieved, even if the surface pressure can be optimally adjusted by the pressure sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] German Patent No. 102013002753 [Patent Document 2] German Patent No. 102011056835 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The objective was therefore to provide a device for sealing non-planar sealing surfaces that can be replaced easily, quickly, inexpensively, and without significant misalignment in the event of chemical degradation, significant wear, or material fatigue. A further objective was to provide a generally required replacement part easily, quickly, and inexpensively when repairing the device. An additional objective was to provide a device for reliable sealing of non-planar sealing surfaces, even if the radial and / or perpendicular distance values relative to the circumferential tangent of the non-planar sealing surface are significantly misaligned. Ensuring mechanical integrity is a fundamental requirement for a reliable seal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] These objects are achieved according to the invention by a device for a custom-fit seal according to claim 1 or 2, a sealing system according to claim 11, the use of the device according to claim 17, a method for manufacturing the device or sealing system according to claim 18, and a method for manufacturing an adapter suitable for the device according to claim 19. Advantageous embodiments of the device are given in claims 3 to 10, and advantageous embodiments of the sealing system are given in claims 12 to 16.

[0010] A device according to the present invention for custom-fit sealing of an opening in an apparatus surrounded by a non-planar sealing surface comprises an adapter having as a contact surface a first end face with a first surface profile that corresponds to the custom-fit negative profile of the non-planar sealing surface or is irregular, and at least one flat seal disposed between the non-planar sealing surface of the apparatus and the first end face of the adapter.

[0011] This offers the advantage that excessive surface pressure, which would cause physical damage to the flat seal due to custom-fit negative or irregular surface profiles, is not achieved locally. Therefore, the flat seal placed between the adapter and the non-planar sealing surface can be pressed across its entire surface with a uniform surface pressure appropriate for the specific type of seal, resulting in a technically leak-proof sealing surface. Furthermore, flat seals are readily available on the market because they do not require special manufacturing for non-planar sealing surfaces.

[0012] The term "apparatus" is to be understood herein as a general term for a technical device that is made up of several components and performs a specific function. Thus, an "apparatus" can be, for example, a mixer, a column, a reactor or a heat exchanger.

[0013] The expression "non-planar sealing surface" is understood herein to mean an uneven three-dimensional surface that can be connected to a corresponding device or component in such a way that technical leak tightness is achieved and thus no or only a negligible mass flow of fluid can escape through the non-planar sealing surface. Here, the negligible mass flow of escaping fluid can be understood to be the maximum mass flow permitted by the standard condition TA-Luft. The standard condition TA-Luft is provided by the Technical Directive on Air Quality Management, the new version of which is available at the Federal Environment Agency's First General Administrative Regulation on Federal Import Control Law: https: / / www.umweltbundesamt.de / (accessed July 4, 2022).

[0014] The device preferably has a coating at least partially. More preferably, the coating is an enamel layer. The non-planar sealing surface is in particular formed on the coating. The device in particular has an enamel layer, more preferably, the non-planar sealing surface is formed on the enamel layer. The non-planar sealing surface is in particular formed by the formation or application of a coating due to the manufacturing process. The non-planar sealing surface is therefore in particular a coated, in particular enamelled, surface of the device.

[0015] In this document, the expression "opening of the device" is understood to mean, for example, a manhole of the device or an opening of the device surrounded by a flange.

[0016] The term "adapter" is to be understood in this specification to mean a component that can be placed on a sealing surface provided with a flat seal so that technical leak tightness can be achieved after the adapter is pressed against the sealing surface.

[0017] In this specification, the expression "surface profile" is understood to mean, for example, the geometric surface of the non-planar sealing surface to be sealed. The first surface profile is particularly irregular. Thus, the first surface profile has, in particular, protrusions and recesses, which preferably deviate differently from the average level of the first surface profile. Furthermore, adjacent protrusions and / or recesses are preferably at different distances from each other. The difference between the maximum and minimum surface profile heights is preferably less than 10 mm, more preferably less than 7 mm. The first surface profile is typically determined by the surface of the coating of the device. Therefore, the first surface profile is particularly determined by the formation or application of the coating of the device.

[0018] The expression "negative profile" is understood herein to mean a calculated surface profile that corresponds to the mirrored profile of the non-planar sealing surface to be sealed. The height of the negative profile therefore corresponds to the depth of the surface profile, and vice versa. This calculated negative profile can be generated on the end face of the adapter using a machining tool, such as a CNC milling machine. After machining, the surface profile of that end face therefore corresponds to the calculated negative profile, taking into account measurement and manufacturing tolerances.

[0019] The expression "flat seal" is understood herein to mean a seal that can be fitted to machines, equipment, and pipeline structures, for example as a sealing element between two flanges of a component or device. Typically, flat seals are annular, preferably circular. Flat seals are primarily affected by pressure, temperature, and the fluid being sealed. Generally, chemical and physical stresses should be taken into account.

[0020] The expression "contact surface" is to be understood here to mean, for example, a surface or support surface on which a flat seal can be placed.

[0021] The fitting accuracy of the custom-fit negative profile is determined by the definite integral F of the indefinite integral f(r,phi), i.e., F=∫ AThe equation can be given by f(r,phi)dA, where dA is a surface element and the integral is taken over the adapter end face A. The indefinite integral determines the value of each local gap height formed between the non-planar sealing surface and the adapter end face when the adapter is placed over the non-planar sealing surface, and the location of each local gap height is defined by a radial coordinate r and a circumferential coordinate phi. In the indefinite integral, the thickness of the flat seal is preferably subtracted from each local gap height to calculate the fitting accuracy as if the adapter were placed over the non-planar sealing surface without the flat seal. The fitting accuracy value can be calculated by integrating the definite integral F over the adapter end face A.

[0022] In a further example for calculating the fitting accuracy value, the fitting accuracy value is the maximum local gap height that occurs between the non-planar sealing surface and the end face of the adapter when the adapter is placed on the non-planar sealing surface. The thickness of the flat seal can preferably be subtracted from the maximum local gap height here to calculate the fitting accuracy value as if the adapter were placed on the non-planar sealing surface without the flat seal.

[0023] The value of fitting accuracy is characterized primarily by the manufacturing tolerances in the manufacture of the adapter, and / or by the measurement accuracy of the non-planar sealing surface of the device, and / or by the positioning accuracy of the adapter. The maximum allowable value for fitting accuracy is specific to each application. The nature of the flat seal, the material of the flat seal, and the size of the non-planar sealing surface can affect the maximum allowable value of fitting accuracy.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the adapter is manufactured from a metal or metal alloy, or from a variety of metals or metal alloys, with austenitic, superaustenitic or austenitic-ferritic stainless steels or nickel-based alloys being preferred.

[0025] This offers the advantage that the adapter has greater hardness than the flat seal, and therefore the surface profile of the custom-fit negative profile on the adapter is maintained during sealing, while the flat seal is only substantially deformed. Furthermore, the adapter has high strength, which allows for high surface pressure and ensures a longer service life. Furthermore, a long service life can be achieved by using a sufficiently corrosion-resistant material, such as a metal or metal alloy.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the flat seal comprises at least partly graphite or at least partly perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA), which materials are particularly preferred in the case of chemical processes, as they have high chemical resistance, for example to acid-containing substances.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the custom-fit seal device includes a graphite flat seal with a protruding stainless steel reinforcement or expanded metal insert, or a PFA flat seal. Thus, in combination with the adapter, a suitable seal is used that can withstand use because the flat seal material has sufficient deformation capacity to conform to the surface profile of the adapter and the non-planar seal face.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the adapter has an outer surface that is adjacent to the first end face at an angle and to which at least two positioning elements are stationary and fixed. The positioning elements each have a guide rail. The guide rail is guided by a protrusion on the device, preferably a positioning screw on the device, when the adapter is positioned on the first non-planar sealing surface of the device covered by the flat seal, thereby allowing the adapter to reach its predetermined position. This has the advantage of avoiding radial or circumferential displacement during positioning. As a result, the adapter can be positioned as easily as possible in its intended position relative to the non-planar sealing surface, thereby achieving a custom-fit seal for the opening of the device surrounded by the non-planar sealing surface in a simple manner in certain applications.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the guide rails are modular so that they can be removed again after positioning, so that clamping bracket screws, for example, can be used without problems to clamp the device to the non-planar sealing surface of the apparatus after positioning.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail comprises a locking bar, preferably provided with a slot, thus enabling a structure that is easy to implement and also allows for simple and sufficiently accurate positioning.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, each positioning element is fixed stationarily to the outer surface of the adapter by at least one fastening element, preferably a screw, particularly preferably a positioning screw. Alternatively, the outer surface of the adapter has a groove for each positioning element, and the positioning element has at least one thread and a tongue, which fits into the groove on the outer surface of the adapter and the screw fixes the groove stationarily with the tongue. This ensures highly accurate fixation to the non-planar sealing surface of the adapter. Preferably, the groove is a polygonal groove, such as a triangular groove or a square groove.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the adapter is a cover, preferably a manhole or blind cover.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the adapter has a second end face opposite the first end face and having a second surface profile as an additional contact surface. The second surface profile of the adapter corresponds to a custom-fit negative profile of the sealing surface disposed on the component surrounding the opening. The device includes at least one additional flat seal disposed between the sealing surface of the component and the second end face of the adapter. The second surface profile is particularly irregular. Thus, the second surface profile has, in particular, protrusions and recesses, which preferably deviate differently from the average level of the second surface profile. Furthermore, adjacent protrusions and / or recesses are preferably at different distances from each other. The difference between the maximum and minimum surface profile heights is preferably less than 10 mm, and even more preferably less than 7 mm.

[0034] The component preferably at least partially has a coating. More preferably, the coating is an enamel layer. The sealing surface arranged on the component and surrounding the opening is formed in particular on the coating. The component especially has an enamel layer, more preferably, the sealing surface arranged on the component and surrounding the opening is formed in particular on the enamel layer. The sealing surface arranged on the component and surrounding the opening is formed in particular by the formation or application of a coating due to the manufacturing process. Therefore, the sealing surface arranged on the component and surrounding the opening is in particular a coated, in particular enamelled, surface of the component.

[0035] The second surface profile is typically determined by the surface of the coating of the component. Thus, the second surface profile is determined in particular by the formation or application of the coating of the component. Preferably, the first surface profile and / or the second surface profile is irregular.

[0036] In particular, the adapter has a second end face as a further contact surface located opposite the first end face and having a second surface profile, the second surface profile being irregular, and the device includes at least one further flat seal disposed between the sealing surface of the component and the second end face of the adapter.

[0037] These preferred embodiments allow for double-sided sealing with the adapter having negative profiles of the non-planar sealing surfaces on both ends, allowing for example two pipes to be connected together.

[0038] In an alternative preferred embodiment, two adapters for two components are used, for example to connect two pipes, two equipment flanges, or a pipe and an equipment. In each case, one adapter is used per component to seal the sealing surfaces surrounding the openings on the respective components. An additional seal is then preferably inserted between the two adapters to ensure technical leak tightness by both adapters during use.

[0039] The present invention further provides an apparatus and a sealing system comprising a device according to the present invention.

[0040] In a first preferred embodiment, the sealing system comprises an apparatus, a component, and a device according to the invention, the component being preferably a flanged pipe or a flanged connecting device, which allows the component to be attached to the apparatus in a fluid-tight manner.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment, the sealing system comprises an apparatus, a component and a device according to the invention, the apparatus having a flange, preferably an enameled flange, the opening of which is surrounded by a non-planar sealing surface, the component here preferably being a flanged pipe or a flanged connecting device.

[0042] The flange is typically present in the device and is generally sealed as soon as operation begins. The non-planar sealing surface of the enameled flange can have particularly large deviations, since the enamel layer on the flange can have large thickness deviations and the flange can have shape and position deviations relative to the adapter due to the manufacturing process. The shape and position deviations, maximum surface profile height and / or minimum surface profile height are in each case determined in particular in accordance with DIN 28007-2:2017-04.

[0043] The coating of the device and / or component is preferably an oxide layer, in particular an enamel layer. The coating, in particular the enamel layer, preferably comprises oxides of silicon, boron, sodium, potassium, cobalt, nickel, and / or aluminum, and optionally oxides of titanium, zirconium, and / or molybdenum. The coating, in particular the enamel layer, more preferably comprises SiO2, BO3, Na2O, KO, and / or Al2O3.

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment, the sealing system comprises an apparatus and a device according to the invention, the apparatus having a flange, preferably an enamelled flange, the opening of which is surrounded by a non-planar sealing surface.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment of the sealing system, the device or connecting device is a stirrer vessel, a mixing device, a column, a phase separator, a settler, a pipe or a reactor, preferably a chemical reactor or a chemical reaction column, particularly preferably a chemical reaction column for the preparation of acrylates.

[0046] The present invention further provides the use of a device or a sealing system according to one of the preceding corresponding embodiments in a chemical process, in particular a process for the preparation of acrylates or a process in which acrylates are produced, wherein the device provides enhanced chemical resistance to chemicals to avoid chemical degradation of the adapter and / or the flat seal.

[0047] The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing a device according to the invention or a sealing system according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one opening in the device surrounded by the non-planar sealing surface, the flat seal, and the adapter; detecting deviations in shape and position of the at least one non-planar sealing surface from the first end face of the adapter by 3D scanning, preferably 3D laser scanning; reverse engineering the adapter as a CAD design based on measurement data of the 3D scan, where a negative profile of at least one non-planar sealing surface is prepared for reverse engineering the adapter, and in case of two non-planar sealing surfaces as contact surfaces, negative profiles are prepared for both of the non-planar sealing surfaces; generating a first surface profile on a first end face of the adapter by means of a machining tool, preferably by means of a CNC milling machine, particularly preferably by means of a 5-axis CNC milling machine, wherein data of the negative profile of the non-planar sealing surface of the CAD design is sent to the machining tool via an interface, preferably a CAD / CAM interface, and in the case of two non-planar sealing surfaces as contact surfaces, a first surface profile for the first end face of the adapter and a second surface profile for the second end face of the adapter are generated by the machining tool, and data of the two negative profiles of the two non-planar sealing surfaces of the CAD design are sent to the machining tool via the interface; positioning the adapter on the non-planar sealing surface, wherein a flat seal is arranged between a first end face of the adapter and the non-planar sealing surface, and in the case of two non-planar sealing surfaces as contact surfaces, a flat seal is arranged in each case between a respective end face of the adapter and the corresponding non-planar sealing surface; Includes.

[0048] Detection of shape and position deviations of the non-planar sealing surface from the first end face of the adapter by 3D scanning or 3D laser scanning can be very accurate and, depending on the measuring device, can allow measurement of tolerances in the double-digit micrometer range or even in the single-digit micrometer range.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the device or method for manufacturing the sealing system according to the invention, the detection of the deviation in shape and position of the at least one non-planar sealing surface from the first end face of the adapter by 3D scanning, preferably 3D laser scanning, is performed in detail so that one or more protrusions are present on the device, which define a reference system for the deviation in shape and position of the non-planar sealing surface. The protrusions are preferably locating screws, and particularly preferably exactly two locating screws are fixedly attached to the device.

[0050] The adapter has an outer surface adjacent to the first end surface at an angle. A number of positioning elements corresponding to the number of protrusions on the device are preferably fixed stationarily to the outer surface of the adapter, and the positioning elements each have a guide rail, and the guide rails are designed so that when the adapter is positioned on the first non-flat sealing surface of the device covered by the flat seal, the respective guide rails are guided by the protrusions on the device, preferably by positioning screws, so that the adapter reaches its predetermined position.

[0051] Taking into account the positions of the reference system and the positioning element of the adapter, the shape and position deviation of the non-planar sealing surface from the first end face of the adapter is determined by 3D scanning, and the non-planar sealing surface is preferably optically exposed during measurement of the shape and position deviation by 3D scanning.

[0052] By transferring the measurement data to CAD software, negative profiles can be created quickly and without errors. The combination of the individual method steps makes it possible to establish a fully automated manufacturing process for the production of devices.

[0053] The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing a sealing system according to the present invention, the method comprising: providing at least one opening in the device surrounded by the non-planar sealing surface, the flat seal, and the adapter; detecting deviations in shape and position of the at least one non-planar sealing surface from the first end face of the adapter by 3D scanning, preferably 3D laser scanning; reverse engineering the adapter as a CAD design based on measurement data of the 3D scan, where a negative profile of at least one non-planar sealing surface is prepared for reverse engineering the adapter, and in case of two non-planar sealing surfaces as contact surfaces, negative profiles are prepared for both of the non-planar sealing surfaces; generating a first surface profile on a first end face of the adapter by means of a machining tool, preferably by means of a CNC milling machine, particularly preferably by means of a 5-axis CNC milling machine, wherein data of the negative profile of the non-planar sealing surface of the CAD design is sent to the machining tool via an interface, preferably a CAD / CAM interface, and in the case of two non-planar sealing surfaces as contact surfaces, a first surface profile for the first end face of the adapter and a second surface profile for the second end face of the adapter are generated by the machining tool, and data of the two negative profiles of the two non-planar sealing surfaces of the CAD design are sent to the machining tool via the interface; Positioning the adapter on the non-planar sealing surfaces, wherein a flat seal is arranged between a first end face of the adapter and the non-planar sealing surface, and in the case of two non-planar sealing surfaces as contact surfaces, a flat seal is arranged in each case between a respective end face of the adapter and the corresponding non-planar sealing surface; clamping the sealing system by at least one clamping element, preferably by a plurality of clamping bracket screws, the clamping element clamping a non-planar sealing surface of the device to the adapter, and in the case of two non-planar sealing surfaces as contact surfaces, the at least one clamping element clamping both non-planar sealing surfaces of the device to the adapter; Includes:

[0054] Similar to the method for manufacturing the device, the combination of the individual method steps for manufacturing the sealing system according to the invention allows for a fully automated manufacturing process.

[0055] The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing an adapter for a device according to the invention or a sealing system according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of: Providing at least one opening in the device surrounded by a non-planar sealing surface and a blank for the adapter; detecting deviations in shape and position of the at least one non-planar sealing surface from the first end face of the blank by 3D scanning, preferably 3D laser scanning; reverse engineering the adapter as a CAD design based on measurement data of the 3D scan, where a negative profile of at least one non-planar sealing surface is prepared for reverse engineering the adapter, and in case of two non-planar sealing surfaces as contact surfaces, negative profiles are prepared for both of the non-planar sealing surfaces; generating a first surface profile on a first end face of the blank by a machining tool, preferably by a CNC milling machine, particularly preferably by a 5-axis CNC milling machine, wherein data of the negative profile of the non-planar sealing surfaces of the CAD design is sent to the machining tool via an interface, preferably a CAD / CAM interface, whereby the blank is machined to form the adapter, and in the case of two non-planar sealing surfaces as contact surfaces, a first surface profile for the first end face of the blank and a second surface profile for the second end face of the blank are generated by the machining tool, and data of the two negative profiles of the two non-planar sealing surfaces of the CAD design are sent to the machining tool via the interface, whereby the blank is machined to form the adapter; Includes.

[0056] The combination of the individual method steps for manufacturing an adapter for a device according to the invention or a sealing system according to the invention, as well as the method for manufacturing a device or a sealing system according to the invention, allows for a fully automated manufacturing process.

[0057] The invention will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the drawings, which should be considered as schematic representations and which do not constitute limitations of the invention, for example with respect to specific dimensions or design variations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0058] [Figure 1] A first embodiment of a sealing system according to the present invention having an adapter and a component, wherein the adapter can be positioned on a non-planar sealing surface of a device. [Figure 2] A second embodiment of a sealing system according to the invention having an adapter in the form of a cover, which can be positioned on a non-planar sealing surface of a device. [Figure 3] A third embodiment of a sealing system according to the invention having a double-sided adapter, the adapter having a first end face with a first surface profile and a second end face with a second surface profile, and capable of being positioned to allow a component to be connected to an apparatus. [Figure 4] 1 is a measured surface profile of a non-planar sealing surface for a flange from Example 1 in the form of a smoothed two-dimensional view. [Figure 5] 10 is a measured surface profile of a non-planar sealing surface for a flange from Example 2 in the form of a two-dimensional view. [Figure 6] 2 is a further detail of a first embodiment of the sealing system according to the invention according to FIG. 1; [Figure 7] 3 is a further detail of a second embodiment of the sealing system according to the invention according to FIG. 2; [Figure 8] 4 is a further detail of a third embodiment of the sealing system according to the invention according to FIG. 3; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention, a first embodiment of a sealing system according to the invention, comprising an apparatus 1 and a component 12 .

[0060] The left side of Figure 1 shows a cross section along the longitudinal axis of the sealing system, and the right side of Figure 1 shows an enlarged area of the cross section near the positioning element 9, designated by detail "B" in the left image. For clarity, the individual parts are shown spaced apart from each other in an unclamped state.

[0061] In this example, the adapter 4 is positioned on the non-planar sealing surface 3 of the device 1, which is covered by the flat seal 8, and the opening 2 of the device 1 is surrounded by the non-planar sealing surface 3. Furthermore, on the opposite side of the adapter 4, a component 12 is positioned on the adapter 4, which is covered by the additional flat seal 8. The adapter 4 further includes a first end face 5 as a contact surface, which has a first surface profile 6 corresponding to the custom-fit negative profile of the non-planar sealing surface 3. The adapter 4 further includes an outer surface 7 that forms an angle with and is adjacent to the first end face 5, and two positioning elements 9 arranged opposite each other and fixed stationarily to the outer surface 7 of the adapter 4. Each positioning element 9 includes a guide rail 10. The guide rails 10 are designed so that when the adapter 4 is positioned on the first non-planar surface 3 of the device 1, which is covered by the flat seal 8, the guide rails 10 are guided by positioning screws 11 on the device 1, thereby allowing the adapter 4 to reach its predetermined position. In this exemplary embodiment, the guide rails 10 include a slotted locking bar 13.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a sealing system according to the invention, comprising an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention and an apparatus 1.

[0063] The left side of Figure 2 shows a cross section along the longitudinal axis of the sealing system, and the right side of Figure 2 shows an enlarged area of the cross section near the positioning element 9, designated by detail "B" in the left image. For clarity, the individual parts are shown spaced apart from each other in the unclamped state.

[0064] The adapter 4 is positioned on the non-planar sealing surface 3 of the device 1, which is covered by the flat seal 8. The opening 2 of the device 1 is surrounded by the non-planar sealing surface 3. In this embodiment, the adapter 4 is a cover. The adapter 4 further includes a first end face 5 as a contact surface. The first end face 5 has a first surface profile 6 corresponding to the custom-fit negative profile of the non-planar sealing surface 3. The adapter 4 also includes an outer surface 7 that forms an angle with and is adjacent to the first end face 5, and two positioning elements 9 that are fixed to and stationary on the outer surface 7 of the adapter 4 and arranged opposite each other. Each positioning element 9 includes a guide rail 10. The guide rails 10 are designed so that when the adapter 4 is positioned on the first non-planar surface 3 of the device 1, which is covered by the flat seal 8, the guide rails 10 are guided by positioning screws 11 on the device 1, thereby allowing the adapter 4 to reach its predetermined position. In this exemplary embodiment, the guide rails 10 include a slotted locking bar 13.

[0065] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention, a third embodiment of a sealing system according to the invention, comprising an apparatus 1 and a component 12 .

[0066] The left side of Figure 3 shows a cross section along the longitudinal axis of the sealing system, and the right side of Figure 3 shows an enlarged area of the cross section near the positioning element 9, designated by detail "B" in the image on the left. For clarity, the individual parts are shown spaced apart from one another in an unclamped state.

[0067] In this example, the adapter 4 is positioned on the non-planar sealing surface 3 of the device 1, which is covered by the flat seal 8. The opening 2 of the device 1 is surrounded by the non-planar sealing surface 3. Furthermore, on the opposite side of the adapter 4, a component 12 is positioned on the non-planar sealing surface 3', which is covered by the flat seal 8. The adapter 4 has first and second end faces 5, 5' with corresponding surface profiles 6, 6' to allow the component 12 to be connected to the device 1. The adapter 4 also has an outer surface 7 that forms an angle with the first end face 5 and two positioning elements 9 arranged opposite each other and fixed stationarily to the outer surface 7 of the adapter 4. Each positioning element 9 has a guide rail 10. The guide rails 10 are designed so that when the adapter 4 is positioned on the first non-planar surface 3 of the device 1, which is covered by the flat seal 8, the guide rails 10 are guided by positioning screws 11 on the device 1, thereby allowing the adapter 4 to reach its predetermined position. In this exemplary embodiment, the guide rails 10 include a slotted locking bar 13.

[0068] Figure 6 shows further details regarding a first embodiment of the sealing system according to the invention according to Figure 1. In particular, the bottom left image of Figure 6 shows a top view of the adapter 4, and the bottom right image of Figure 6 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the sealing system according to Figure 1. Furthermore, the guide rail 10, the positioning screw 11, the side surface 7 and the locking bar 13 belonging to the sealing system are also shown in the lower region of the figure.

[0069] Figure 7 shows further details of a second embodiment of the sealing system according to the invention according to Figure 2. In particular, the bottom left illustration of Figure 7 shows a top view of the adapter 4, and the bottom right illustration of Figure 7 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the sealing system according to Figure 2. Furthermore, the guide rail 10, the positioning screw 11, the side surface 7 and the locking bar 13 belonging to the sealing system are also shown in the lower region of the figure.

[0070] Figure 8 shows further details of a third embodiment of the sealing system according to the invention according to Figure 3. In particular, the bottom left illustration of Figure 8 shows a top view of the adapter 4, and the bottom right illustration of Figure 8 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the sealing system according to Figure 3. Furthermore, the guide rail 10, the positioning screw 11, the side surface 7 and the locking bar 13 belonging to the sealing system are also shown in the lower region of the figure.

[0071] Example 1 Seal system component testing In this Example 1, an embodiment of a sealing system according to the invention, comprising a flange, a flat seal 8, and an adapter 4, was tested for mechanical integrity of the flat seal 8 used in each case after pressing. Both the adapter 4 and the flange were manufactured from EN 1.4541 steel. The nominal width of the flange was DN50, and the flange had a non-flat sealing surface 3.

[0072] The measured surface profile 6 of the non-planar sealing surface 3 is shown in the form of a smoothed two-dimensional diagram in FIG. 4, where the surface profile 6 of the non-planar sealing surface 3 is represented in shades of gray according to the scale on the left side of FIG. 4. The individual values shown on the surface profile 6 are measured in millimeters. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the maximum surface profile height is 3.6 mm and the minimum surface profile height is −4.3 mm. The maximum and minimum values are found to increase in the edge regions of the surface profile 6 of the non-planar sealing surface 3.

[0073] In the tests, various annular flat seals 8 with a nominal width of DN 50 were tested according to Table 1. The inner diameter was 61 mm and the outer diameter was 107 mm.

[0074] The adapters 4 were positioned with the respective flat seals 8 on the non-planar sealing surfaces 3 of the flanges and then clamped. The clamps corresponded to a mounting tightening torque of 75 Nm, provided for a nominal width of DN 50. The friction coefficient μ was 0.13. Table 1 below shows the flat seals for the mechanical tests.

[0075] [Table 1]

[0076] Tests have shown that flat seals 8 with graphite inserts of both the Sigraflex Universal Pro and Novaphit SSTC TaL types are able to adapt well to the irregularities of the non-flat sealing surface 3 without being mechanically damaged. The same is true for seals made of PFA material. PFA was obtained from Simona, and the technical data sheet is available at the following internet link: http: / / products.simona.de / download / PFA_2022-06-29_14-03-50-891.pdf (accessed June 30, 2022).

[0077] Example 1 shows that the flat seal 8 can fit well when the adapter 4 is pressed against the non-flat sealing surface 3, thus ensuring mechanical integrity, which is a fundamental requirement for a reliable seal.

[0078] Example 2: Leakproofness test performance In this Example 2, an embodiment according to the invention of a sealing system having an enamelled flange, a flat seal 8 and an adapter 4 was tested for technical leak tightness of the sealing system after pressing. Figure 2 corresponds to the sealing system of this example, where the test device represents device 1 and the corresponding surface of the flange represents the non-flat sealing surface 3 of device 1.

[0079] The adapter 4 was manufactured from EN 1.4541 steel. The nominal width of the enamelled flange was DN50 and the enamelled flange had a non-planar sealing surface 3.

[0080] During manufacturing, the shape and positional deviation of the non-planar sealing surface 3 from the first end face 5 of the adapter 4 was first determined by 3D laser scanning. The measurement data from the 3D scan was then transferred to CAD software. A reverse engineering of the adapter 4 as a CAD design was then calculated, and a negative profile of at least one non-planar sealing surface 3 was prepared for reverse engineering. The CAD design data was then transferred to a CNC milling machine via a CAD / CAM interface, allowing the CNC milling machine to generate a custom-fit negative profile of the non-planar sealing surface 3 on the first end face 5 of the adapter 4.

[0081] The measured surface profile 6 of the non-planar sealing surface 3 is shown in the form of a two-dimensional diagram in Figure 5, where the surface profile 6 of the non-planar sealing surface 3 is represented in shades of gray according to the scale on the left side of Figure 5. The individual values shown on the surface profile 6 are measured in millimeters. As can be seen from Figure 5, the maximum surface profile height is 0.2 mm and the minimum surface profile height is -0.4 mm. The maximum and minimum values are found to increase in the edge regions of the surface profile 6 of the non-planar sealing surface 3.

[0082] In the tests, various flat seals 8 were tested according to Table 2. In each case, annular flat seals 8 were used for the leaktightness tests in order to make it possible to assess whether all method steps for producing the sealing system could be carried out in such a way that sufficient technical leaktightness could be achieved.

[0083] For the leaktightness test, a test device with a vacuum-tight hood was used, and the space around the flange was evacuated with a helium mass spectrometer. Helium was supplied as the test medium at room temperature from the underside of the test device into the opening 2 of the flange. An overpressure of 10 bar was established. The leak rate was determined by the helium mass spectrometer. The measured leak rates of the tested seals are shown in Table 2.

[0084] [Table 2]

[0085] Compared to the conventional PTFE seal Gylon Style 3504E, the measured leak rates from Table 2 show that a similar level of leak tightness can be achieved using the tested flat seals Sigraflex and PFA. The allowable leak rate for leak class 0.01 under standard conditions TA-Luft is 1*10 -2 The standard condition TA-Luft corresponds to the leak rate in mg / (s·m), as given by the Technical Directive on Air Quality Management, the new version of which is accessible at: https: / / www.umweltbundesamt.de / (accessed 4 July 2022)

[0086] All tests show a lower leak rate than that prescribed by the standard condition TA-Luft for technical leaktightness. Therefore, all tests meet the criteria for technical leaktightness.

[0087] Example 2 shows that reliable technical leak tightness can be achieved when a non-planar sealing surface 3 is sealed by the device according to the invention and the illustrated embodiment of the sealing system according to the invention. An exemplary embodiment of the method for manufacturing the device according to the invention has been used here and has been successfully implemented. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 device 2. Opening of the device 2' Component opening 3 Non-flat sealing surfaces of the device 3' Non-planar sealing surface of component 4 Adapters 5 First end face 5' Second end face 6 First Surface Profile 6' Second Surface Profile 7 Side 8 Flat Seal 9 Positioning Elements 10 Guide rail 11 Protrusion 12 Components 13. Rock Bar

Claims

1. 1. A device for custom-fit sealing of an opening (2) in an apparatus (1) surrounded by a non-planar sealing surface (3), comprising: an adapter (4) having as a contact surface a first end face (5) with a first surface profile (6) corresponding to the custom-fit negative profile of the non-planar sealing surface (3); and at least one flat seal (8) disposed between the non-planar sealing surface (3) of the apparatus (1) and the first end face (5) of the adapter (4).

2. 1. A device for custom-fit sealing of an opening (2) in an apparatus (1) surrounded by a non-planar sealing surface (3), comprising: an adapter (4) having as a contact surface a first end face (5) with a first surface profile (6); and at least one flat seal (8) disposed between the non-planar sealing surface (3) of the apparatus (1) and the first end face (5) of the adapter (4), wherein the first surface profile (6) is irregular.

3. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adapter (4) is made from a metal or a metal alloy or from a variety of metals or metal alloys.

4. 4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flat seal (8) comprises at least partly graphite or at least partly perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA).

5. 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the device is equipped with a graphite flat seal (8) with a protruding stainless steel reinforcement or an expanded metal insert, or a PFA flat seal.

6. 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the adapter (4) has an outer surface (7) that forms an angle with and is adjacent to the first end surface (5), and at least two positioning elements (9) are fixed stationarily to the outer surface (7) of the adapter (4), each of the positioning elements (9) having a guide rail (10), the guide rail (10) being designed so that when the adapter (4) is positioned on the first non-flat sealing surface (3) of the device (1) covered by the flat seal (8), the guide rail (10) is guided by a protrusion (11) on the device (1), preferably by a positioning screw on the device (1), and thus the adapter (4) reaches its predetermined position.

7. 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein each positioning element (9) is stationarily fixed to the outer surface (7) of the adapter (4) by at least one fastening element, preferably a screw, particularly preferably a locating screw, or wherein the outer surface (7) of the adapter (4) has a groove for each positioning element (9), the positioning element (9) having at least one screw and a tongue, the tongue fitting into the groove in the outer surface (7) of the adapter (4), and the screw stationarily fixing the groove with the tongue.

8. 8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the adapter (4) is a cover, preferably a manhole or blind cover.

9. 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the adapter (4) has as a further contact surface a second end face (5') located opposite the first end face (5), the second end face (5') having a second surface profile (6'), the second surface profile (6') of the adapter (4) corresponding to a custom-fit negative profile of a sealing surface (3') arranged on a component (12) and surrounding an opening (2'), and the device includes at least one further flat seal (8') arranged between the sealing surface (3') of the component (12) and the second end face (5') of the adapter (4).

10. 10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface profile (6) and / or the second surface profile (6') are irregular.

11. A sealing system comprising an apparatus (1) and a device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The sealing system of claim 11, wherein the device (1) has a coating and the non-planar sealing surface (3) is formed on the coating.

13. 13. The sealing system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the device (1) comprises an enamel layer.

14. The sealing system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a component (12), the component (12) being preferably a pipe with a flange or a connecting device with a flange.

15. 15. A sealing system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the device (1) has a flange, preferably an enamelled flange, the opening (2) of which is surrounded by the non-planar sealing surface (3).

16. 16. The sealing system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the device (1) or the connecting device is a stirrer vessel, a mixing device, a column, a phase separator, a settler, a pipe or a reactor, preferably a chemical reactor or a chemical reaction column, particularly preferably a chemical reaction column for the preparation of acrylates.

17. 17. Use of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or a sealing system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the device or sealing system is used in a chemical process, in particular a process for the preparation of acrylates or a process in which acrylates are produced.

18. 17. A method for manufacturing a device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or a sealing system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, comprising the steps of: providing at least one opening (2) in the device (1) surrounded by a non-planar sealing surface (3), a flat seal (8) and an adapter (4); detecting deviations in shape and position of said at least one non-planar sealing surface (3) from a first end face (5) of said adapter (4) by 3D scanning, preferably 3D laser scanning; - reverse engineering the adapter (4) as a CAD design based on measurement data of the 3D scan, wherein the negative profile of the at least one non-planar sealing surface (3) is prepared for the reverse engineering of the adapter (4), and in case of two non-planar sealing surfaces (3, 3') as contact surfaces, negative profiles are prepared for both of the non-planar sealing surfaces (3, 3'); generating a first surface profile (6) on the first end face (5) of the adapter (4) by a machining tool, preferably by a CNC milling machine, particularly preferably by a 5-axis CNC milling machine, wherein the data of the negative profile of the non-planar sealing surface (3) of the CAD design is sent to the machining tool via an interface, preferably a CAD / CAM interface, and in the case of two non-planar sealing surfaces (3, 3') as contact surfaces, the first surface profile (6) for the first end face (5) of the adapter and a second surface profile (6') for a second end face (5') of the adapter are generated by the machining tool, and the data of the two negative profiles of the two non-planar sealing surfaces (3, 3') of the CAD design are sent to the machining tool via the interface; positioning the flat seal (8) between the non-planar sealing surface (3) of the device (1) and the first end face (5) of the adapter (4), wherein in the case of two non-planar sealing surfaces (3, 3') as contact surfaces, a further flat seal (8) is provided, one of the two flat seals (8) being arranged between the first non-planar sealing surface (3) and the first end face (5) and the other flat seal (8) being arranged between the second non-planar sealing surface (3') and the second end face (5'); A method comprising:

19. A method for manufacturing an adapter (4) for a device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps of: providing at least one opening (2) in the device (1) surrounded by a non-planar sealing surface (3) and a blank for the adapter; detecting deviations in shape and position of said at least one non-planar sealing surface (3) from a first end face (5) of said blank by 3D scanning, preferably 3D laser scanning; - reverse engineering the adapter (4) as a CAD design based on measurement data of the 3D scan, wherein the negative profile of the at least one non-planar sealing surface (3) is prepared for the reverse engineering of the adapter (4), and in case of two non-planar sealing surfaces (3, 3') as contact surfaces, negative profiles are prepared for both of the non-planar sealing surfaces (3, 3'); generating a first surface profile (6) on a first end face (5) of the blank by a machining tool, preferably by a CNC milling machine, particularly preferably by a 5-axis CNC milling machine, wherein the data of the negative profile of the non-planar sealing surface (3) of the CAD design is sent to the machining tool via an interface, preferably a CAD / CAM interface, whereby the blank is machined to form the adapter (4), and in the case of two non-planar sealing surfaces (3, 3') as contact surfaces, the first surface profile (6) for the first end face (5) of the blank and a second surface profile (6') for a second end face (5') of the blank are generated by the machining tool, and the data of the two negative profiles of the two non-planar sealing surfaces (3, 3') of the CAD design are sent to the machining tool via the interface, whereby the blank is machined to form the adapter (4); A method comprising:

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