Media hold-down screen with improved assembly and disassembly capabilities for pressure vessels.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JOHNSON SCREENS INC
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-05
Smart Images
Figure 2026526065000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
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[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 513,224, filed on July 12, 2023, entitled "Media Hold - Down Screen with Improved Assembly and Disassembly Function for Pressure Vessels", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0002] Technical Field The present disclosure relates to a hold - down grid assembly used to hold media in a gas - processing vessel. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a hold - down grid assembly formed from a plurality of screen panels operably connected to a central hub, where the screen panels are removably coupled to the central hub to enable efficient and safe assembly and disassembly / removal from the outside of the gas - processing vessel.
Background Art
[0003] In many applications in petrochemical and general industries, reactive gas vessels for processing, containing, and releasing gases are commonly used. These reactive gas vessels can include an internal hold - down screen disposed on the processing media. These hold - down screens are utilized for holding the processing media and preventing leakage during upward - flowing backwash and regeneration cycles. Since the processing media is very expensive, it is necessary to prevent loss of the processing media during these regeneration cycles. <0While these hold-down screens are essential for holding the processing medium, the installation, maintenance, and removal of conventional hold-down screens can expose workers to inherently hazardous environments. Conventional hold-down screens require workers to physically enter the pressure vessel to assemble, maintain, and disassemble the screen above the medium layer. Essentially, screen removal requires work in the confined space of the pressure vessel, where exposure to low oxygen concentrations and hazardous gases and vapors may occur. Therefore, time-consuming safety equipment and procedures must be used each time a worker enters the pressure vessel.
[0005] Conventional hold-down screens are necessary to hold expensive processing media, but it is desirable to improve their design to enhance worker safety. [Overview of the Initiative]
[0006] According to one embodiment disclosed herein, an internal filter screen assembly for use in a gas container has one or more screen panel assemblies flexibly connected to a central hub.
[0007] Typically, a removable hold-down screen assembly comprises a central hub, multiple types of screen panels, and a disk, each screen panel having at least one interface pin or tongue and at least one connector on the edge of the first panel, and at least one connection hole or groove on the edge of the adjacent panel, the disk having at least one first flange rotatably centered on the central hub, each panel in the multiple panels being detachably connected to the disk via interface pins or tabs, and each disk being detachably connected to one another using connectors and connection holes or slots.
[0008] Typically, in conjunction with a detachable hold-down screen assembly, the extraction unit includes a mating sleeve, first and second wing portions protruding from the mating sleeve, at least one first hook provided on the first wing portion, and at least one second hook provided on the second wing portion, wherein the mating sleeve is centered on a central hub of an external device having at least a first and second layer, and the first hooks connect to flanges on the first layer of the external device, and when rotated around a rotatable central hub, loosens and extracts the first layer.
[0009] The above summary is not intended to describe all embodiments of the illustrated embodiments or the subject matter of this specification. The drawings and the detailed description below illustrate various embodiments more specifically. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0010] The subject matter of this specification can be more fully understood by considering the detailed descriptions of the following various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective top view of an embodiment of a detachable hold-down screen assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A-2C] Figure 1 shows a top view, a bottom perspective view, and a side view, respectively, of the starter panel of a detachable hold-down screen assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A-3C] Figure 1 shows a top view, a bottom perspective view, and a side view, respectively, of the primary panel of a detachable hold-down screen assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A-4B] Figure 1 shows a top view, a bottom perspective view, and a side view, respectively, of the key screen panel of a detachable hold-down screen assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figures 5A-5C] These are a bottom view, a top perspective view, and a side view, respectively, of a central screen hub disk according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A-6C]These are a side cross-sectional view, a side view, and a top perspective view, respectively, of a release and extraction tool assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a side perspective view concealing a portion of the pressure vessel, including the detachable hold-down screen assembly. [Figure 8] This is a perspective top view of an embodiment of a detachable hold-down screen assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figures 9A-9C] These are a top view, an oblique top view, and a side view, respectively, of a starter screen panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A-10C] These are a top view, an oblique top view, and a side view, respectively, of a starter screen panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A-11C] These are a top view, an oblique top view, and a side view, respectively, of the final screen panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A-12C] These are a top view, an oblique top view, and a side view, respectively, of a key locking plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13A-13C] These are a top view, an oblique top view, and a side view, respectively, of a central hub according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14A-14C] These are a top view, an oblique top view, and a side view, respectively, of a tool assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] This is a side view showing the interconnection between the central hub and the screen panel. [Figure 16A-16C] These are a top view, an oblique top view, and a side view, respectively, of a starter screen panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figures 17A-17C] These are a top view, an oblique top view, and a side view, respectively, of the final screen panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] The various embodiments are applicable to a variety of modifications and alternative forms, and specific details thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail. However, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention described in the claims to the specific embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter defined by the claims.
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0013] The following detailed description of the embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments. Other embodiments having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0014] The embodiments disclosed herein include a detachable hold-down screen assembly that can be used within a tank or container in combination with a media layer through which gas and liquid pass. Such a media layer can be used in various processes including, but not limited to, catalysts, molecular sieves, alumina drying, resin ion exchange, carbon filtering, etc. Various fluids including, but not limited to, liquids, gases, oils, water, etc. can be processed within the container. The container typically has a body and a head portion that is connected at both ends of the body to form a sealed internal container volume. The detachable hold-down screen assembly can be assembled by individually introducing the component members through the container manway on the upper container head, and the detachable hold-down screen assembly is disposed on the media layer by assembling the individual component members. Typically, the assembled detachable hold-down screen assembly is larger in size than the opening of the container manway, so only the individual component members can be inserted or removed through the opening.
[0015] A detachable hold-down screen assembly may include multiple panels, each panel having a filtering or holding surface formed by one or more screens on the top, side, bottom, or other exposed surfaces of the panel, and a central hub connected to the panel. In some embodiments, the panels can be arranged radially around the hub. Typically, the screen is placed on a media layer, and in some modes (e.g., downflow), the fluid can pass through the screen and into the media layer. Alternatively, the direction of flow can be reversed, as in some upflow modes, allowing the fluid to flow upward through the media layer before passing through the screen. The flow through the assembly can be compressible (gas) or incompressible (liquid), whether in an upflow or downflow state.
[0016] In this specification, certain terms are used for convenience only and should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments described. For example, terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward,” and “downward” merely describe the configuration shown in the drawings. In fact, the components referred to can be oriented in any direction and should be understood to encompass such modifications unless otherwise specified. Throughout this disclosure, where a process or method is shown or described, the method may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless the context makes it clear that a particular operation depends on being performed first. In the gas containers and tanks described herein, it will be understood that in other operating modes, such as during a backwash operation, the direction of fluid flow can be reversed, with the outlet functioning as the inlet and the inlet functioning as the outlet.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, a representative detachable hold-down screen assembly 100 of the present disclosure can have a central hub 102, and a plurality of screen panels 104 are arranged around the central hub 102 and are individually attached and firmly fixed to prevent movement of the screen panels. Generally, the screen panel assembly 100 can have one or more screen panels 104 that prevent the passage of filter media while allowing fluid to pass through the screen panels. In a preferred embodiment, the screen panel 104 can be supported by support rods and have a plurality of filter wires spaced apart. In one embodiment, the screen panel 104 can include a shaped wire having a generally triangular cross-section, such as a Vee-Wire® type screen (VEE-WIRE is a registered trademark of Aqseptence, Inc. of New Brighton, Minnesota) or a wedge wire type screen. In other representative embodiments, the screen panel 104 can include a plate with perforations, slots, and / or other filter type openings formed therein. In various embodiments, the wire and / or plate openings can be oriented symmetrically, asymmetrically, horizontally, vertically, tangentially, and in combinations thereof with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by each screen panel assembly 104. In certain embodiments, the spacing and size of the wires and / or plate openings of each screen panel 104 can be varied along the surface of each screen panel 104. In some representative embodiments, each screen panel 104 can include one or more combinations of filter wires, plates, structures having perforations, and other filter type openings that provide structures for allowing fluid to pass through the filter type openings while preventing the passage of filter media. In addition to the presence of the screen panel 104 on the upper surface of the screen assembly 100, one or more screen panels 104 can be provided on one or more of the sides and the bottom to achieve desired flow characteristics such as fluid filtration and, for example, fluid velocity or pressure drop through the screen panel 104.
[0018] The screen panel assembly 104 may comprise various types of screen panels, including at least a starter screen panel 104a, a primary screen panel 104b, and a key screen panel 104c. In one embodiment, the detachable hold-down screen assembly 100 begins assembly with the starter panel 104a, with the next primary panel 104b interconnecting with the preceding adjacent panel via a male / female interlock design described later. In another embodiment, the key screen panel 104c connects with the preceding panel using a male / female interlock at the edge of the panel 104c, and pins for connecting to the starter panel 104a complete a substantially disc-shaped detachable hold-down screen assembly within a cylindrical gas vessel. Furthermore, the detachable hold-down screen assembly 100 may include a lock extraction mechanism 120, which is used to prevent movement of each screen panel assembly 104 by detachably connecting each screen panel assembly 104 to a central hub 102, thereby further enhancing the stability of the detachable hold-down screen assembly. The extraction function of the lock extraction mechanism 120 makes it possible to remove each screen panel assembly 104, which is detachably connected to the central hub 102.
[0019] Referring to Figures 2A to 2C, a top view, a bottom perspective view, and a side view of the starter screen panel 104a of the detachable hold-down screen assembly 100 are shown. In one embodiment, the starter screen panel 104a can be configured in a triangular pie shape having a first inner side surface 202 which can be configured radially with respect to the central hub 102, a second inner side surface 204 which can be configured radially with respect to the central hub 102, and a third outer side surface 206 which can be located far from the central hub 102 and located near the vessel wall of the pressure vessel. Each starter screen panel 104a may further have at least one pin groove slot 208 along the first inner side surface 202. Depending on the location of the pin groove slot 208, a corresponding male edge 210 on an adjacent edge of the starter screen panel 104a can be configured to be positioned so that when the male edge 210 reaches the pin groove slot 208, the male edge 210 is inserted into the pin groove slot 208 or another equivalent female opening in the corresponding screen panel. In one embodiment, the starter screen panel 104a has a bar 212 in a narrow central position near where the first inner side surface 202 and the second inner side surface 204 intersect. The bar 212 can be configured as an interface for further connection to the central hub 102.
[0020] Referring to Figures 3A to 3C, a top view, a bottom perspective view, and a side view of the primary screen panel 104b of the detachable hold-down screen assembly 100 are shown. In one embodiment, the primary screen panel 104b can be configured in a triangular pie shape having a first inner side surface 302 which can be configured radially with respect to the central hub 102, a second inner side surface 304 which can be configured radially with respect to the central hub 102, and a third outer side surface 306 which can be located far from the central hub 102 and near the vessel wall of the pressure vessel. Each primary screen panel 104b may further have at least one female groove slot 308 connected to the first edge of the inner side surfaces 302 and 304. Depending on the location of the female groove slot 308, a corresponding male projection connector edge 310 on an adjacent primary screen panel 104b can be configured such that the male edge 310 is inserted into the female pin groove slot 308 when the male edge 310 reaches the female groove slot 308. Typically, the male connector edge 310 is located on the adjacent edge opposite to the female grooves on the inner side surfaces 302 and 304, respectively. Therefore, each primary screen panel 104b can be connected to the next adjacent screen panel 104, such as another adjacent primary screen panel 104b, by either connecting the male edge 310 of the first panel to the female groove 308 of the second panel, or connecting the female groove 308 of the first panel to the male edge 310 of the second panel. In some embodiments, the primary screen panel 104b may comprise a frame 314 and a profile wire screen 316. In some embodiments, the primary screen panel 104b has a bar 312 in a narrow central position near where the first inner side surface 302 and the second inner side surface 304 intersect. The bar 312 can be configured as an interface for further connection to a central hub 102.
[0021] Referring to Figures 4A to 4C, a top view, a bottom perspective view, and a side view of the key screen panel 104c of the detachable hold-down screen assembly 100 are shown. In one embodiment, the key screen panel 104c may be configured in a triangular pie shape having a first inner side surface 402 which can be configured radially with respect to the central hub 102, a second inner side surface 404 which can be configured radially with respect to the central hub 102, and a third outer side surface 406 which is located far from the central hub 102 and can be configured near the vessel wall of the pressure vessel. In one embodiment, the key screen panel 104c may further include a frame 403 and a profile wire screen 405. Each key screen panel 104c may further have at least one pin 408 on the edge of the inner side surface 402 or inner side surface 404, the pin 408 being configured to engage with an inclined slot 208 of the starter screen 104a so that the pin 408 can be connected to and inserted into the slot 208. At least one groove connection portion 410 can be configured on the edge adjacent to the location where the pin 408 is formed. The groove 410 can be configured to receive a corresponding male projection connector located on the preceding adjacent screen panel 104. Typically, the groove 410 is located on a second edge opposite the respective pins 408 on the inner sides 402 and 404. Thus, the key screen panel 104c can be connected to a preceding adjacent screen panel 104, such as the adjacent primary screen panel 104b, by either connecting the male projection connector edge 310 of the preceding panel to the groove 410 of the key screen panel, or by connecting the female groove slot 308 of the preceding panel to the pin 408 of the key screen panel. In one embodiment, the primary screen panel 104c has a bar 412 in a narrow central position near where the first inner side 402 and the second inner side 404 intersect. The bar 412 can further connect to a central hub 102 and be configured as an interface that provides a central connection point and rotation center for all screen panels 104. The rotating hub center pin 414 can be installed near the bar 412.
[0022] Referring to Figures 5A to 5C, exploded perspective views of a typical central screen hub disk 500 of the present disclosure are shown. The central screen hub disk 500 can be configured in a disc shape to fit approximately in the center of a cylindrical gas container. In one embodiment, the central screen hub disk 500 can be configured to be centered so as to be fixed on the rotary hub center pin 414 of the key screen panel 400. In one embodiment, the central screen hub disk 500 may have panel hooks 502, which are typically located on the back or bottom of the screen hub disk 500, so that when the screen hub disk 500 is fixed to the gas container via the rotary hub center pin 414, the panel hooks 502 face the inner bottom surface of the gas container. The panel hooks 502 can typically be configured to capture and connect interface bars 212, 312, and 412 of screen panel assemblies 104 (104a, 104b, 104c) located at the narrow ends of the screen panels 104 being used, respectively. By connecting the panel hooks 502 to the respective interface bars 212, 312, and 412 of each screen panel assembly 104, the screen panel assembly 104 can be assembled to rotate around the central hub 102, fixed in place via the screen hub disc 500. To further improve smooth installation and removal, the screen hub disc 500 may be provided with lifting flanges 504, which are generally located on the upper or upper surface of the screen hub disc 500, understood to be on the opposite side of the panel hooks 502. These lifting flanges 504 may be configured to facilitate the release or rotation of the screen hub disc 500 around the central hub 102. Each lifting flange 504 may further form a flange opening 506. The screen hub disc 500 may further be provided with an alignment cone 508 projecting upward.
[0023] Figures 6A to 6C show an installation and removal tool assembly 600 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The tool assembly 600 is intended to rotate the central hub 102 for lifting the narrow end of the screen panel assembly 104 and for securing and releasing the central hub 102 to the hub interface bars 212, 312, and 412. The tool assembly 600 may comprise a tool shaft 602 having a shaft opening 603 configured to fit onto an upwardly projecting alignment cone 508. The tool assembly 600 may further have diametrical wings 603 projecting from its center and may be configured to have lifting pins 605 projecting from the wings 603. These lifting pins 605 may be configured to fit through a rotating flange 504 located on the top of the screen hub disk 500. The tool assembly 600 can be used to rotate or angle-adjust the central hub 102 so that the lifting pins 605 are positioned to be lifted or secured using the lifting flange 504.
[0024] The detachable hold-down screen assembly 100 can be assembled by connecting multiple screen panels 104 to each other to form a "pi-shaped" triangular screen. The starter screen panel 104a has an inclined female groove slot 208 on one side to receive the pin or male edge of the next adjacent panel 104 to be installed, and the male projection on the opposite edge of the subsequent adjacent panel 104 connects to the female groove slot 208. Furthermore, a protruding male edge 210 located on the opposite side of the female groove slot 208 can be configured to connect to the next adjacent screen panel 104. Primary screen panels 104b can be installed sequentially, and each primary screen panel 104b is connected to the previous primary screen panel 104b by connecting the male edge 310 to the female groove 308. In various embodiments, the screen panels 104 can be installed to form a circular disc-shaped grid that is optimal for placement in a medium layer in a cylindrical or spherical container. In certain embodiments, the final panel 104 can be configured to have a groove for connecting to a previously installed panel 104. The key screen panel 104c is an option as the last panel to be mated to complete the circular disc-shaped grid, and is ideal for allowing the central screen hub disk 500 to be secured to multiple panels 104. The tool assembly 600 can also be used to operate the key screen panel 400, which has a pin 408 configured to mate into an inclined slot 208 of the starter screen panel 104a. The inclined slot 208 can be configured to connect to the pin 408 and further configured to prevent adjacent screen panel assemblies 104 from moving toward the central hub 102 and detaching from the entire assembly 100. Once the panel 104 is secured to the central hub 102 via the central screen hub disk 500, the central hub 102 can be configured to be positioned near the center of the screen assembly 100, above a rotating hub center pin 414 located approximately in the center of the screen assembly 100.The central hub can also be configured to rotate and capture the hub interface bars (212, 312, 412) at the ends of each screen panel 104. Once rotated and locked in place, the detachable hold-down screen assembly 100 is ready for use, as shown in Figure 7.
[0025] The screen assembly 100 can be removed or taken out by lowering the tool assembly 600 through the manway or opening of the gas container to the grid surface of the screen hub disc 500. The tool assembly can be positioned around an upwardly projecting alignment cone 508 and can be configured to be lifted using the lifting pin 605 of the tool assembly 600 and rotated counterclockwise to capture the rotating flange 504 of the central screen hub disc 500. Furthermore, an additional counterclockwise movement can be configured to separate the panel hooks 502 from the hub interface bars 212, 312, and 412 located on each screen panel 104. The released central screen hub disc 500 can then be captured by the lifting pin 603 using the tool assembly 600 and subsequently lifted and taken out of the container. Once the central screen hub disc 500 is removed, the operator can connect the lifting hook 601 to the interface bar 412, which is normally located in the center of the key screen panel 104c. Subsequently, the key screen panel 104C can be removed from the detachable hold-down screen assembly 100, allowing the pins 208, 308, and 408 to slide out of the inclined slots 208, 308, and 408 of the adjacent screen panel assembly 104. Once the pins are released, the interconnections between the adjacent screen panel assemblies 104 are released, and each screen panel assembly 104 is ready to be removed and pulled out through the manway or opening of the container by the tool assembly 600. Once the key screen panel 104c is removed, each adjacent screen panel assembly 104 is sufficiently loosened so that it is ready to be pulled out using the lifting hook 601.
[0026] Referring to Figures 8 to 15, another alternative embodiment of the detachable hold-down screen assembly 1000 is shown. Typically, the detachable hold-down screen assembly is constructed of similar materials and has similar functions to the detachable hold-down screen assembly 100, but has different installation, connection, and removal procedures. As shown in Figure 8, the detachable hold-down screen assembly 1000 typically comprises a central hub 1002 and a plurality of screen panels 1004 arranged circumferentially around the central hub 1002. As described above with respect to the screen panels 104, each screen panel 1004 may have a molded wire or wedge wire type screen surface 1006, or may include a plate with perforations, slots, or other “openings” formed therein. Typically, the function of the screen surface 1006 is to hold high-value filter / ion exchange / catalyst media contained in a container, preventing their passage and loss. In some examples, the screen panel 1004 may have the screen surface 106 on one or both of its top and bottom surfaces. Furthermore, the size of the slots and / or perforations can be specifically selected to produce desired flow characteristics such as desirable flow velocity, back pressure, or pressure drop through the screen panel 1004.
[0027] Each screen panel 1004 may include one of three screen panel types. Typically, a detachable hold-down screen assembly 1000 comprises a starter screen panel 1004a, one or more primary screen panels 1004b, a final screen panel 1004c, and a key locking plate 1008. Typically, the starter screen panel 1004a, one or more primary screen panels 1004b, the final screen panel 1004c, and the locking plate 1008 are sequentially insertable and connectable during installation in the container, and sequentially detachable and removable during removal from the container, with installation and removal performed through the container's manway, without the installer physically entering the container.
[0028] Referring to Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C, the starter screen panel 1004a is typically triangular wedge-shaped or pi-shaped, having a first wall 1010a, a second wall 1012a, and a third arc-shaped wall 1014a. The first wall 1010a extends between the third arc-shaped wall 1014a and the panel brace 1016a connecting the first wall 1010a and the second wall 1012a, and extends beyond the panel brace 1016a. The first wall 1010a is provided with a plurality of upwardly projecting hook members 1018a. The second wall 1012a extends between the third arc-shaped wall 1014a and the panel brace 1016a. The second wall 1012a has at least one projecting member 1020a. The panel loop 1022a extends upward from the panel brace 1016a, and the panel loop 1022a forms a hub slot 1024a having a slot opening 1026a between the panel brace 1016a and the panel loop 1022a.
[0029] Referring to Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C, each primary screen panel 1004b is typically a triangular wedge or pie shape having a first wall 1010b, a second wall 1012b, and a third arcuate wall 1014b. The first wall 1010b extends between the third arcuate wall 1014b and the panel brace 1016b connecting the first wall 1010b and the second wall 1012b. The first wall 1010b has a slot 1030b that is slightly larger and has a similar shape to the protruding member 1020a. The second wall 1012b extends between the third arcuate wall 1014b and the panel brace 1016b. The second wall 1012b has at least one protruding member 1020b that is similar in size and shape to the protruding member 1020a. The panel loop 1022b extends upward from the panel brace 1016b, and the panel loop 1022b forms a hub slot 1024b with a slot opening 1026b between the panel brace 1016b and the panel loop 1022b.
[0030] Referring to Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C, the final screen panel 1004c is typically a triangular wedge or pie shape having a first wall 1010c, a second wall 1012c, and a third arcuate wall 1014c. The first wall 1010c extends between the third arcuate wall 1014c and the panel brace 1016c connecting the first wall 1010c and the second wall 1012c. The first wall 1010c has a slot 1030c that is slightly larger and has a similar shape to the protruding member 1020b. The second wall 1012c extends between the third arcuate wall 1014c and the panel brace 1016c and extends beyond the panel brace 1016c. The second wall 1012c has a plurality of upwardly projecting hook members 1018c, the hook members 1018c being substantially similar to the upwardly projecting hook members 1018a. Panel loop 1022c extends upward from the first wall 1010c.
[0031] Referring to Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C, a key locking plate 1008 for connecting the starter screen panel 1004a and the final screen panel 1004c is shown. Typically, the key locking plate 1008 includes a flat, elongated body 1034 extending between a distal body end 1036 and a proximal body end 1038. Typically, the distal body end 1036 has a downwardly projecting flange 1040, and the proximal body end 1038 has an upwardly projecting pin 1042. Furthermore, the key locking plate 1008 has a plate loop 1044 extending upward from the flat, elongated body 1034. Multiple elongated slots 1046a and 1046c are arranged on both sides of the flat, elongated body 1034, and the size and spacing of the elongated slots 1046a and 1046c correspond to the size, number, and spacing of the upwardly protruding hook 1018a and upwardly protruding hook members 1018c.
[0032] The central hub 1002 is shown more clearly in Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C. Typically, the central hub 1002 includes a flat, disc-shaped body 1050 having a hub top surface 1052 and a hub bottom surface 1054. Multiple protruding members 1058 are arranged at equal intervals around the arcuate periphery 1056 of the disc-shaped body 1050. At the center of the disc-shaped body 1050 is an interface opening 1060 sized to receive an upwardly projecting pin 1042. A pair of interface lugs 1062 extend upward from the hub top surface 1052, forming an interface receiving portion 1064 having an enlarged portion 1066, a transition portion 1068, and a tapered portion 1070, the transition portion 1068 resulting in a tapered transition between the large-diameter enlarged portion 1066 and the small-diameter tapered portion 1070.
[0033] Referring to Figures 14A, 14B, and 14C, a tool assembly 1080 can be used to install and remove the detachable hold-down screen assembly 1000. Typically, the tool assembly 1080 has an interface section 1082 and a handle section 1084. The interface section 1082 includes an elongated flat body 1086, which has a pair of oppositely projecting interface members 1088a, 1088b at opposite ends 1090a, 1090b. Each of the projecting interface members 1088a, 1088b includes a reduced-diameter stem 1092 and a beveled interface tip 1094, the beveled interface tip 1094 tapering between an enlarged tip body 1096 and a reduced-diameter tip end 1098. The diameter of the expanding tip body 1096 is selected so that the angled interface tip 1094 can be fully inserted into the expanding portion 1066 of the interface lug 1062, but is too large to fit into the contracting portion 1070. The diameter of the stem 1092 is selected so that it fits into the contracting portion 1070. The handle portion 1080 may include a hollow tube or pipe 1100 welded to the central portion 1102 of the flat body 1086. The hollow tube 1100 forms an upper opening 1104, which can accommodate a tube or pipe (not shown) of appropriate length to accommodate various lengths depending on the shape and size of the container and the distance between the manway and the top surface of the standing media layer. The hollow tube 1100 may have one or more side openings 1106 to securely connect the tool assembly 1080 to a pipe of appropriate length, for example, by a spring-driven pin or other appropriate fastener.
[0034] Typically, the detachable hold-down screen assembly 1000 can be assembled one part at a time in the container in the same manner as described above with respect to the detachable hold-down screen assembly 100. A contractor near the manway at the top of the container can grasp the starter screen panel 1040a using the tool assembly 1080 or another suitable tool, for example, by passing one of the protruding interface members 1088a, 1088b through the panel loop 1022a, and position the starter screen panel on the medium layer such that the hook member 1018a faces upward and the third arcuate wall 1014a is close to / adjacent to the inner wall of the container. The contractor can then grasp the first primary screen panel 1004b by inserting one of the protruding interface members 1088a, 1088b into the panel loop 1022b. At this time, the panel loop 1022b faces upward, the third arc-shaped wall 1014b is close to / adjacent to the inner wall of the container when the first primary screen panel 1004b is positioned on the surface of the media layer, and the first wall 1010b is close to the second wall 1012a. In this method, at least one protruding member 1020a is close to and preferably inserted into the slot 1030b. The user then sequentially positions the remaining primary screen panels 1004b in a similar manner such that the first wall 1010b is close to the adjacent second wall 1012b and the adjacent protruding member 1020b is located near, preferably within, the adjacent slot 1030b. Once all primary screen panels 1004b are in place, the user grasps the final screen panel 1004c by, for example, inserting one of the protruding interface members 1088a, 1088b into the panel loop 1022c, and positions the final screen panel 1004c on the upper surface of the media layer with the hook member 1018c facing upward. In this method, the third arc-shaped wall 1014c is positioned close to, preferably in contact with, the inner wall of the container, the first wall 1010c is positioned close to the second wall 1012b of the adjacent primary screen panel 1004b, the protruding member 1020b is positioned near, preferably within, the adjacent slot 1030c, and the second wall 1012c is positioned close to the first wall 1010a of the starter screen panel 1004a.
[0035] Once all screen panels 1004 are positioned on the upper surface of the media layer, the user can grasp the key locking plate 1008 by, for example, inserting one of the protruding interface members 1088a, 1088b into the downwardly protruding flange 1040, at which point the downwardly protruding flange 1040 is positioned facing downward and close to the inner wall of the container, and the upwardly protruding pin 1042 is positioned facing upward and close to the center of the container. The key locking plate 1008 is lowered so that the enlarged slots 1046a, 1046c descend onto the corresponding protruding hook members 1018a, 1018c.
[0036] After positioning the key locking plate 1008 to engage with the starter screen panel 1004a and the final screen panel 1004c, the installer can interconnect the screen panels 1004 as shown in Figure 14B by positioning and attaching the central hub 1002 using the tool assembly 180. Typically, the protruding interface members 1088a and 1088b are inserted into the interface receiving portion 1046 of the interface lug 1062 so that the stem 1092 faces the retracting portion 1070 and the tool assembly 180 is "fixed" to the central hub 1002. The central hub 1002 is then lowered to the center of the container, and the alignment of the central hub 1002 with the screen panels 1004 and the key locking plate 1008 is confirmed by the interface opening 1060 being positioned and accepted on the upwardly protruding pin 1042. Subsequently, the user spins / rotates the tool assembly 180 clockwise, causing the central hub 1002 to rotate relative to the screen panel 1004 and the key locking plate 1008. The rotation of the central hub 1002 causes its protruding members 158 to move into the corresponding hub slots 1024a, 1024b, and 1024c, as shown in Figure 15, physically connecting the central hub 1002 to the screen panel 1004 and preventing separation of the central hub 1002 and the screen panel 1004 due to the effects of flow through the media layer. If it is a detachable hold-down screen assembly 1000, the central hub 1002, key locking plate 1008, and screen panel 1004 can be sequentially detached and removed using the tool assembly 1080 by almost reversing the installation procedure.
[0037] Referring to Figures 16A, 16B, and 16C, alternative embodiments of the starter screen panel assembly 1100 are shown. Typically, the starter screen panel assembly 1100 is substantially similar to the starter screen panel assembly 1004a, but further comprises a seal clamp 1102 attached to the third arcuate wall 1014a. Typically, the seal clamp 1102 may have a top clamp member 1104, a bottom clamp member 1106, and one or more clamp fasteners 1108. Typically, the seal clamp 1102 allows the first end of an elongated perimeter seal 1110 to be captured and held between the top clamp member 1104 and the bottom clamp member 1106. The elongated perimeter seal may be wrapped around the arcuate wall of each screen panel assembly to provide a seal between the connected screen panel assemblies and the inner wall of the pressure vessel. Furthermore, if the connected screen panel assemblies are disassembled and removed, the seal clamp 1102 is configured so that the elongated perimeter seal 1110 is also removed when the starter screen panel assembly 1100 is removed. Although the seal clamp 1102 is described as part of the starter screen panel assembly, it is understood that the seal clamp 1102 can instead be located in one of the primary screen panel assemblies or in the final screen panel assembly.
[0038] Referring to Figures 17A, 17B, and 17C, alternative embodiments of the final screen panel assembly 1200 are shown. Typically, the final screen panel assembly 2100 is substantially similar to the final screen panel assembly 1004c, but further includes a seal flange 1202 protruding from the bottom edge of the first wall 1010c. The seal flange 1202 allows the adjacent second wall of the adjacent screen panel assembly to rest on the seal flange 1202, preventing the passage of the filter medium between adjacent screen panel assemblies. As shown in the first wall 1010c, it is understood that the seal flange 1202 can also be positioned at the bottom of the second wall 1012c. Furthermore, the seal flange 1202 can also be added to the starter screen panel assembly and the primary screen panel assembly.
[0039] Various embodiments of the system, apparatus, and method are described herein. These embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that the various features of the described embodiments can be combined in various ways to produce a number of additional embodiments. In addition, various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations, and positions, etc., are described for use in the disclosed embodiments, but other materials may also be used without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0040] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter of this specification may include fewer features than those shown in any of the individual embodiments described above. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be an exhaustive presentation of how the various features of the subject matter of this specification can be combined. Thus, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features, and the various embodiments may include different combinations of individual features selected from different individual embodiments as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, elements described in relation to one embodiment may be implemented even if they are not described in other embodiments, unless otherwise stated.
[0041] While dependent claims may refer to specific combinations with one or more other claims in their respective claims, other embodiments may also include combinations of a dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim, or combinations of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Unless otherwise stated, such combinations are presented herein.
[0042] Invocation by reference of the above documents is limited so as not to incorporate any subject matter contrary to the express disclosure of this specification. Furthermore, invocation by reference of the above documents is limited so as not to incorporate by reference any claims contained in those documents. Furthermore, invocation by reference of the above documents is limited so as not to incorporate by reference any definitions presented in those documents unless expressly included herein.
[0043] For the purpose of interpreting the claims, the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are expressly intended not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “process for” are included in the claim.
Claims
1. A media hold-down screen assembly, Multiple screen panel assemblies, The central hub and It has, Each screen panel assembly is removably connected to an adjacent screen panel assembly. Each screen panel assembly is detachably connected to a central hub, forming a media hold-down screen assembly.
2. A media hold-down screen assembly according to claim 1, Each screen panel is a media hold-down screen assembly with an upward-facing panel loop defining a hub slot.
3. A media hold-down screen assembly according to claim 2, Each screen panel is triangular in shape, formed by the first and second walls and the third arc-shaped wall located on the opposite side. A third arc-shaped wall is configured to be positioned in contact with the inner wall of the pressure vessel, in a media hold-down screen assembly.
4. A media hold-down screen assembly according to claim 3, Multiple screen panel assemblies, Starter screen panel and One or more primary screen panels, The final screen panel and It has, A media hold-down screen assembly in which a starter screen panel, one or more primary screen panels, and a final screen panel can be sequentially connected.
5. A media hold-down screen assembly according to claim 3, A media hold-down screen assembly further comprising a key locking plate that can complete the connection of a starter screen panel, one or more primary screen panels, and a final screen panel by connecting the starter screen panel and the final screen panel.
6. A media hold-down screen assembly according to claim 4, The keylocking plate has a flat, elongated body formed between the distal end and the proximal end of the main body. The distal end of the main body has a flange that protrudes downward. The proximal end of the main body has a pin that protrudes upward. The flat, elongated body has a plate loop that protrudes upwards. A media hold-down screen assembly having a flat, elongated body with multiple elongated slots located on both sides of the flat, elongated body.
7. A media hold-down screen assembly according to claim 5, The first wall of the starter screen panel has multiple starter hooks that protrude upward, The second wall of the final screen panel has multiple final hooks that protrude upward, A media hold-down screen assembly in which, when the starter screen panel and the final screen panel are positioned so that the first wall of the starter screen panel and the second wall of the final screen panel are adjacent to each other, a key locking plate is movable down onto the first wall of the starter screen panel and the second wall of the final screen panel, and multiple elongated slots on both sides of a flat, elongated body move down onto the starter hook and the final hook, thereby connecting the starter screen panel to the final screen panel.
8. A media hold-down screen assembly according to claim 7, The central hub has a flat body with an upper surface, a lower surface, and an arc-shaped periphery. The arc-shaped periphery has multiple radially protruding members arranged at equal intervals. The number of radially protruding members corresponds to the number of screen panels. The flat body forms a central interface opening between the top and bottom surfaces. The top surface is a media hold-down screen assembly with a pair of interface lugs.
9. A media hold-down screen assembly according to claim 8, A media hold-down screen assembly in which the central hub can descend over a connected starter screen panel, one or more primary screen panels, a final screen panel, and a key locking plate, such that the central interface opening descends over a pin protruding above the key locking plate.
10. A media hold-down screen assembly according to claim 9, The tool assembly further comprises a handle portion and an interface portion, The interface section has an interface body, The interface body has a pair of interface members that protrude in opposite directions at both ends. A media hold-down screen assembly in which each of the protruding interface members is engageable with a corresponding interface lug on the central hub, and the central hub is connected to each screen panel assembly by the rotation of the handle portion directing the radially protruding member on the central hub to the corresponding hub slot of each screen panel assembly.
11. A media hold-down screen assembly according to claim 3, A media hold-down screen assembly having an elongated periphery seal for placement between each third arcuate wall and the inner wall of a pressure vessel.
12. A media hold-down screen assembly according to claim 11, One screen panel assembly is a media hold-down screen assembly having a seal clamp for securing the first end of an elongated perimeter seal.
13. A media hold-down screen assembly according to claim 12, A media hold-down screen assembly in which the elongated peripheral seal is removed by removing the screen panel having a seal clamp.
14. A media hold-down screen assembly according to claim 13, A medium hold-down screen assembly with an elongated perimeter seal, including a rope-like sealing member.
15. A method for installing a media hold-down screen assembly in a pressure vessel, A step of sequentially arranging multiple screen panel assemblies on a media layer, wherein each screen panel assembly is removably connected to an adjacent screen panel assembly, The steps include connecting the central hub to multiple screen panel assemblies, A method having
16. The method according to claim 15, Each screen panel is triangular in shape, formed by the first and second walls and the third arc-shaped wall located on the opposite side. A method further comprising the step of positioning each third arcuate wall in close proximity to the inner wall of a pressure vessel.
17. The method according to claim 16, Multiple screen panel assemblies, Starter screen panel and One or more primary screen panels, The final screen panel and It has, The step of sequentially arranging multiple screen panel assemblies is, The steps include placing the starter screen panel on top of the media layer, The steps include placing one or more primary screen panels on a media layer, The steps include: positioning the final screen panel on the media layer such that the first wall of the starter screen panel is adjacent to the second wall of the final screen panel; A method having
18. The method according to claim 17, A method further comprising the step of connecting the first wall of a starter screen panel and the second wall of a final screen panel with a key locking plate.
19. The method according to claim 18, The first wall of the starter screen panel has multiple starter hooks that protrude upward. The second wall of the final screen panel has multiple final hooks that protrude upwards. The keylocking plate has a flat, elongated body formed between the distal end and the proximal end of the main body. The distal end of the main body has a flange that protrudes downward. The proximal end of the main body has a pin that protrudes upward. The flat, elongated body has a plate loop that protrudes upwards. The flat, elongated body has multiple elongated slots located on both sides of the flat, elongated body. A method for connecting a first wall of a starter screen panel and a second wall of a final screen panel with a key locking plate, comprising the step of positioning the key locking plate such that multiple elongated slots on both sides of the flat, elongated body descend onto the starter hook and the final hook, thereby connecting the starter screen panel to the final screen panel.
20. The method according to claim 19, The central hub has a flat body with an upper surface, a lower surface, and an arc-shaped periphery. The arc-shaped periphery has multiple radially protruding members arranged at equal intervals. The number of radially protruding members corresponds to the number of screen panels. The flat body forms a central interface opening between the top and bottom surfaces. The top surface has a pair of interface lugs. A method for connecting a central hub to a plurality of screen panel assemblies, comprising the steps of lowering the central hub over a connected starter screen panel, one or more primary screen panels, a final screen panel, and a key locking plate, such that the central interface opening descends onto a pin protruding above the key locking plate.
21. The method according to claim 20, A method further comprising the step of rotating a central hub relative to a linked starter screen panel, one or more primary screen panels, a final screen panel, and a key locking plate in order to link the central hub to a linked starter screen panel, one or more primary screen panels, a final screen panel, and a key locking plate.
22. The method according to claim 21, A method comprising the step of rotating the central hub, and the step of engaging the central hub with a tool assembly through a manway of a pressure vessel.
23. A method according to claim 22, The tool assembly has a handle and an interface. The interface section has an interface body, The interface body has a pair of interface members that protrude in opposite directions at both ends. The step of engaging the central hub with the tool assembly is: The steps include rotating the tool assembly so that each of the protruding interface members engages with the corresponding interface lug on the central hub, The steps include directing the radially protruding member on the central hub towards the corresponding hub slot of each screen panel assembly, Methods that further include the above.
24. The method according to claim 16, At least one of the screen panel assemblies has a seal clamp that secures the first end of an elongated peripheral seal, A method further comprising the step of positioning an elongated perimeter seal between the third arcuate wall of each screen panel assembly and the inner wall of a pressure vessel.
25. The method according to claim 24, A method for creating an elongated periphery seal, including a rope-like sealing member.