Arrangement for blanking connecting members

Abstract

The device includes a connecting member 12 having a connecting member blanking assembly and a blanking cap 2, and a blanking cap 14 having a disk-shaped member 30 defining a corresponding annular, radial second connecting flange 34. The first and second connecting flanges overlap each other and are clamped together by a clamp (16, FIG. 1) with a seal member 18 sandwiched therebetween. The blanking cap has a pair of safety lugs 62 attached to the disk-shaped member, each extending around the outer periphery of the first connecting flange 22. Each safety lug has an abutment portion 68 configured to engage with the first connecting flange to limit axial movement of the disk-shaped member away from the connecting member. The pair of safety lugs 62 prevent the blanking cap from flying off if the clamp is released while the interior of the connecting member is pressurized. The pair of safety lugs 62 define the abutment portion and may each include a stop member 66, which may be an elongated member extending longitudinally in a direction curved about the axis of the first and second connecting flanges. The clamp may be a tri-clamp.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement for blanking a flanged connecting member defining a fluid flow path, particularly, but not exclusively, to an arrangement for blanking a port in a pressurized system such as a pressurized vessel. [Background technology]

[0002] Forming a releasable connection to a fluid flow path for a flowable material is known using a connection consisting of a pair of connecting members each having overlapping annular connecting flanges clamped with a sealing member therebetween. Often, the connecting flanges are clamped together using a clamp with a pair of curved arms. The arms are concave and each is positioned to receive a circumferential extent of the overlapping connecting flanges. The connecting flanges have radial sealing surfaces that abut and face the sealing members, and outwardly facing radial surfaces that taper so that the flanges narrow axially toward their outer diameters. The clamp arms are positioned around the flanges so that they can be opened and locked together in place. When the clamp is tightened, the arms are drawn together radially, forcing the flanges further into the recesses of the arms. This causes the flanges to axially move closer together due to the taper, compressing the sealing members and forming a fluid-tight seal. In one known configuration, the clamp is a split-ring clamp, with the arms hinged at one end with a catch mechanism for releasably connecting the other end. In use, the catch is released to allow the arms to open, allowing the clamp to be placed around overlapping connecting flanges, and then the catch is reengaged and tightened, drawing the other ends of the hinged arms together to clamp the flanges and sealing members together. An example of this type of connection is the so-called "tri-clamp" union, where the connecting member is often called a ferrule. Tri-clamp unions can be used to form temporary connections in a variety of applications, such as joining the ends of conduits or joining conduits or other devices to ports on containers. For example, tri-clamp unions are known to be used to join inlet ports on containers intended to hold powders, including specialty powders used in additive manufacturing (ALM) or AM. Often, such containers are pressure vessels in which powders are held together with pressurized gas.

[0003] It is also known to use blanking caps to close coupling members when not in use. For example, when a port in a container is not in use, a blanking cap may be secured to a port ferrule to close the port. The blanking cap is typically a disk-shaped member having an outer periphery defining a mating flange corresponding to the mating flange of the port ferrule. A clamp is used to clamp the mating flange of the blanking cap to the mating flange of the port ferrule with a sealing member interposed therebetween. This arrangement for closing a port generally works well, allowing the container to remain usable even when nothing is connected to the port. However, when used to close a coupling of a pressurized container, problems arise. If a user removes the clamp while the container is under pressure, the cap may fly off, potentially causing injury to the user. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a solution to the above problem.

[0005] There is a need to provide an alternative arrangement for blanking coupling members that overcomes, or at least mitigates, at least one disadvantage of known arrangements.

[0006] There is also a need to provide an assembly including a coupling member and a blanking cap that overcomes or at least mitigates at least one disadvantage of known assemblies.

[0007] There is further a need to provide an alternative blanking cap for blanking off coupling members that overcomes or at least mitigates at least one disadvantage of known blanking caps.

[0008] In particular, there is a need to provide an alternative blanking cap to temporarily close a port on a pressure vessel so that the contents are physically restrained from exploding if released while the vessel is pressurized.

[0009] Aspects of the present invention relate to an assembly having a connecting member and a blanking cap, a blanking cap, and a container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly comprising a connecting member defining a fluid flow path, a blanking cap closing the fluid flow path, a seal between the connecting member and the blanking cap, and a clamp, wherein the connecting member has an annular first connecting flange extending around an axis, the blanking cap has an outer circumferential region including an annular second connecting flange, the first and second connecting flanges overlapping each other and defining corresponding opposing sealing surfaces with a seal disposed therebetween, the first and second flanges and the seal being clamped together by a clamp that engages around the peripheries of the first and second connecting flanges, and the blanking cap has a pair of safety lugs each extending around the outer periphery of the first connecting flange, each safety lug having an abutment configured to engage with the first connecting flange to limit axial movement of the disk-shaped member away from the connecting member.

[0011] The safety lug prevents the blanking cap from flying off if the clamp is released while the interior of the coupling member is pressurized above ambient pressure, an arrangement that is particularly advantageous for closing ports on pressurized vessels or other pressurized systems.

[0012] The first connection flange may have oppositely facing first and second radial surfaces, the first radial surface defining a sealing surface, and a plurality of abutments configured to engage with the second radial surface to limit axial movement of the blanking cap away from the connecting member. The second radial surface may be a clamping surface and may be angled relative to the first radial surface such that the first connection flange tapers axially narrowing toward its radially outer periphery. The plurality of abutments may be spaced apart from the second radial surface when the first and second connection flanges are securely clamped together to form a seal. This spacing may be in the range of 2 to 6 mm, more preferably 3 to 5 mm. The spacing between the plurality of abutments and the second radial surface may be such that, when the clamp is removed and the blanking cap is in use, the disk-shaped member can move axially away from the connecting member by an amount sufficient to break the seal. The safety lug is configured to allow pressure within the connecting member to dissipate without the blanking cap flying off if the clamp is released while the interior of the connecting member is pressurized above ambient pressure.

[0013] Each safety lug may include a stop member defining an abutment portion. The stop member may be an elongated member. The elongated member may extend longitudinally in a direction tangent to a circle drawn around the axis. The elongated member may be straight or curved about the axis. The safety lug may be made of a metallic material such as stainless steel. The safety lug may be made of a plate-shaped material. Each safety lug may include an attachment portion attached at one end to the disk-shaped member on the second axial side, and a stop member portion defining the stop member at the second end of the attachment portion. The attachment portion may extend axially around the outer periphery of the first connecting flange, and the stop member may extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the radial direction of the disk-shaped member. The stop member portion may be axially aligned with but spaced from the first connecting flange. The stop member portion may be an elongated plate-shaped member having an abutment surface facing the first connecting flange. The connecting member may have a circular collar portion, and the first connecting flange may be disposed at one end of the collar. The stop member may extend near but be spaced from the collar. The stop member may be curved around the collar. A pair of safety lugs may be disposed around diametrically opposed disk-shaped members.

[0014] The sealing surfaces may each include an annular groove, and the sealing member may include a corresponding circular ridge on each of two opposing sides, each ridge being receivable in a respective one of the grooves.

[0015] The clamp may have a pair of curved arms that respectively define grooves over the circumferential extent of the first and second connection flanges to receive the first and second connection flanges. The pair of arms may be spaced from the ends of the first and second connection flanges in multiple non-contact regions near the first and second ends. A pair of safety lugs may be disposed in each of the non-contact regions of the pair of arms of the clamp that are spaced from the first and second connection flanges. The clamp may be a split ring clamp. In one embodiment, the pair of arms each have first and second ends, and the pair of arms are connected at the ends of the pair of arms to pivot relative to each other, and the clamp has a catch for releasably connecting the pair of arms to the second ends. The catch may have a mechanism that adjustably draws the second ends of the split ring clamp arms toward each other.

[0016] The coupling member may have a tri-clamp ferrule and the clamp may have a tri-clamp.

[0017] The coupling member may be provided at a port of the container. The container may be a powder container configured to hold powder for use in additive manufacturing (AM) or additive manufacturing (AM). The container may be a pressurized container in which the powder is held together with a quantity of pressurized gas.

[0018] The assembly may include a tether for attaching the blanking cap to a connecting member or some other fixed anchor point.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blanking cap for use in an assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, the blanking cap comprising a disc-shaped member having a central axis and an outer peripheral region including an annular connecting flange having a sealing surface on a first axial side, the blanking cap also comprising a pair of safety lugs, each lug extending axially beyond the sealing surface on the first axial side and having an abutment portion axially aligned with but spaced apart from the sealing surface.

[0020] The sealing surface may be a first radial surface of the connection flange. The connection flange may have a second radial surface on a second axial side opposite the first radial surface. The second radial surface may be a clamping surface and may be angled relative to the first radial surface, causing the connection flange to taper and narrow axially toward the radial periphery.

[0021] The pair of safety lugs may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel. Alternatively, the pair of safety lugs may be made of a plate-shaped material. Each safety lug may have a mounting portion attached to the disk-shaped member at one end and a stop member portion at a second end of the mounting portion, the stop member defining an abutment. The mounting portion may extend in an axial direction, and the stop member portion may extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the mounting portion. The mounting portion may be fixed to the disk-shaped member on the second axial side and extend around a circumferential portion of the connection flange. The stop member portion may be axially aligned with but spaced apart from the sealing surface of the blanking cap. The stop member portion may be an elongated plate-shaped member having an abutment surface facing the sealing surface of the first connection flange. The elongated member may extend longitudinally in a direction generally tangential to a circle drawn about the axis and / or generally perpendicular to the radial direction of the disk-shaped member. The elongated member may be straight or curved about the axis. A pair of safety lugs may be disposed diametrically opposite each other around the disc-shaped member.

[0022] The blanking cap may be configured to be clamped in use to a coupling member having a corresponding connecting flange by a tri-clamp.

[0023] The blanking cap may have a flexible tether for securing the blanking cap to a fixed anchor point.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a container for flowable material having a port including an assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention or a blanking cap according to the second aspect of the present invention. The container may be a powder container and may be configured to hold powder for use in additive manufacturing (AM) or additive manufacturing (AM). The container may be a pressurized container in which the powder is held together with a quantity of pressurized gas.

[0025] The port may be a powder inlet port through which powder can be introduced into the container during use.

[0026] It may include a tether for securing to some other fixed anchor point.

[0027] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, one or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a view of the assembly of FIG. 1 as seen in the direction of arrow A. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a blanking cap according to one aspect of the present invention and forming part of the assembly of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the blanking cap of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the blanking cap of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 1 , showing how axial movement of the blanking cap relative to the connecting member is limited, with the split ring clamp that forms part of the assembly omitted for clarity. [Figure 7A]3 is a schematic composite diagram including a plan view and a side view of the assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating the operation of one embodiment of an assembly in which the safety lug on the blanking cap has a short stop member when the blanking cap is centered on the connecting flange of the coupling member. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is similar to FIG. 7A and shows the effect of an off-center blanking cap. [Figure 7C] 7C is a diagram similar to FIG. 7B showing the operation of another embodiment of the assembly in which the safety lug has a longer stop member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present invention relates to an arrangement for blanking a connecting member forming part of a flow path for a flowable material, the connecting member being of the type having an annular radial connecting flange. The invention will be described with reference to a tri-clamp type connecting member for which the invention is particularly suitable. However, the invention is adaptable for use with other types of connecting members having flanges.

[0030] As used herein, flowable materials should be understood to include gases, liquids, flowable powders, and mixtures thereof. For convenience, the term "fluid" will be used to describe such flowable materials.

[0031] Assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a connecting member 12, a blanking cap 14, a split ring clamp 16, and a sealing member 18.

[0032] The coupling member 12 in this embodiment is a tri-clamp ferrule having an annular, circular collar portion 20 with an annular connecting flange 22 at one end. The coupling member has a central axis X (FIG. 6), is hollow, and defines a fluid flow path 23 through the collar and connecting flange. In use, the collar portion is attached to an instrument, so that the coupling member 10 defines a port through which flowable material can flow into and / or out of the instrument. While the instrument may be a conduit, in an advantageous embodiment, the coupling member defines or is part of a port in a container, particularly a container for powders. The port may be an inlet port for introducing powder into the container. The container may be configured to hold a specialized powder used, for example, in ALM or AM. The container may be a pressurized container in which the powder is held under pressure with a volume of pressurized gas.

[0033] The connecting flange 22 has oppositely facing first and second radial surfaces 24, 26. The first radial surface 24 extends in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis X and is the sealing surface. The sealing surface 24 is flat over most of its extent, but has an annular groove (not shown) in which a corresponding annular ridge (not shown) in one face of the sealing member 18 is located to hold the sealing member in place.

[0034] The second radial surface 26, referred to as the clamping surface, is angled relative to the first radial surface 24 so that the connection flange tapers axially toward the outer periphery.

[0035] The blanking cap 14 has a solid disk-shaped member 30 that is clamped to the coupling member 12 by a split ring clamp 14 to close the fluid flow path through the coupling member.

[0036] The blanking cap 14 has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the connecting flange 22 on the connecting member. The peripheral region of the disk-shaped member defines a connecting flange 34 corresponding to the connecting flange 22 on the connecting member 12. For clarity, the connecting flange 22 on the connecting member 12 is referred to as the first connecting flange, and the connecting flange on the blanking cap is referred to as the second connecting flange 34. It is a mirror image of the first connecting flange 22, having radial surfaces 36, 38. The first radial surface 36 is a sealing surface extending generally in a plane perpendicular to the axis X of the connecting member, which coincides with the central axis of the blanking cap when the blanking cap is centrally mounted on the connecting member. The sealing surface 36 is mostly flat, but has an annular groove (not shown) in which a corresponding annular ridge (not shown) in the surface of the sealing member 18 is located to hold the sealing member in place. The second radial surface 38 may be referred to as a clamping surface and is angled relative to the first radial surface 36 so that the second connecting flange is tapered and thins axially toward the outer diameter.

[0037] In use, the blanking cap 14 is coaxially positioned on the coupling member 12 so that the first and second connecting flanges 22, 34 overlap one another with their respective sealing surfaces 24, 36 facing one another. The seal member 18 is positioned between the sealing surfaces 24, 36 so that the ridges on the seal member engage within the annular grooves for locating the seal member. In other embodiments, the seal may have no ridges and no grooves on the sealing surface, or the seal may have only one ridge and only one of the sealing surfaces has a corresponding groove.

[0038] The connecting flanges 22, 34 and the sealing member are clamped together by a split ring clamp 16, which in this embodiment is a tri-clamp. Tri-clamp types are well known, so a detailed description of the clamp 16 is omitted. However, briefly, the split ring clamp 16 has a pair of curved arms 40, 42 connected together at first ends by a hinge mechanism 44, and a catch mechanism 46 for releasably connecting the second ends of the pair of arms to each other. The hinge mechanism 44 in this case has a hinge member 48, with each hinge arm pivotally connected by a hinge pin 49 for allowing the pair of arms to move radially (relative to the axis X of the connecting member and blanking cap) between an open position and a closed position. In the catch mechanism 46, the pair of arms have two catch portions 50 extending radially outward at their second ends, remote from the hinge mechanism 44. The two catch portions overlap each other when the pair of arms are in the closed position. A threaded stud 52 is pivotally connected to the catch portion 50 of one of the arms 40. The other catch portion 50 of the arms 42 has a U-shaped slot 54 that opens at the distal (free) end of the catch portion, through which the stud can be inserted. A locking knob 56 has a threaded hole that receives the threaded stud 52, allowing the locking knob to be twisted and moved axially along the stud. The knob 56 cannot pass through the U-shaped slot 54. To open the clamp, the knob 56 is loosened until the stud 52 is released from the U-shaped slot 54. The arms 40, 42 are then rotated toward an open position and positioned around the first and second connecting flanges 22, 24. When the arms 40, 42 close, the arms contact the second connecting flange and clamp against the faces 26, 38 of the connecting flange, thereby engaging the flanges 22, 34 within the recesses of the arms.Once the arms are fully closed, the stud 52 re-engages within the U-shaped slots 54 in the catch portions of the arms 42, with the knobs 56 outward, to prevent the arms from pivoting open. To securely clamp the connecting flanges together, the locking knobs 56 are threaded further onto the stud 52, radially drawing the ends of the arms 40, 42 closer together. This further threads the connecting flanges 24, 34 into the recesses in the arms. As the arms move further up the tapered second radial surfaces 26, 38 of the connecting flanges, the connecting flanges move axially closer together, compressing the sealing member 18 between the sealing surfaces of the connecting flanges until an airtight seal is formed and the fluid flow path is completely closed. Each arm 40, 42 engages with the connecting flanges 22, 34 over a limited circumferential range. However, the arms 40, 42 do not engage the connecting flanges in regions 58, 60 near the first and second ends of the arms, adjacent the hinge mechanism 44 and catch 46. These areas 58, 60 where the pair of arms are spaced from the connecting flanges 22, 34 are referred to as "non-contact areas."

[0039] As described above, blanking arrangements are largely conventional. As previously mentioned, a potential problem arises with known blanking arrangements when used to close a connection member of a pressurized system in which the pressure inside the connection member is greater than the pressure outside. If the clamp 16 is released without first releasing the pressure inside the connection member, the blanking cap could fly off, potentially injuring the user. To address this problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, the blanking cap 14 is provided with a pair of safety lugs 62. The pair of safety lugs 62 engage the first connecting flange 22 of the connection member to limit the amount by which the internal pressure can lift the blanking cap 14 axially from the connection member 12 if the split ring clamp 16 is released while the interior of the connection member is at a pressure greater than the external ambient pressure. This prevents the blanking cap from flying off and reduces the risk of injury. In a particularly advantageous arrangement, in order to depressurize the system to prevent the blanking cap from flying off uncontrollably, the pair of safety lugs 62 are arranged to lift the blanking cap axially away from the first connecting flange 22 a distance sufficient to break the seal between the blanking cap 14 and the connecting member 12.

[0040] The pair of safety lugs 62 are configured diametrically opposite one another on the disc-shaped member 30, allowing the safety lugs to be located in the non-contact areas 58, 60 where the arms 40, 42 of the split ring clamp 16 are spaced from the connecting flanges 22, 34. This allows the blanking cap 14 to be used with conventional split ring clamps 16. However, in another embodiment, a split ring clamp can be specifically designed for use with the blanking cap 14 of the present invention, with arms shaped to accommodate the pair of safety lugs 62. Indeed, the present invention is not limited to the use of split ring clamps, and any suitable clamp arrangement can be used, provided that the safety lugs are accommodated.

[0041] Each safety lug 62 has a mounting portion 64 and a stop member portion 66. The mounting portion 64 is secured to the disk-shaped member 30 at a first end 64a, and the stop member portion 66 is located at the mounting portion's second end 64b. In this embodiment, the mounting portion is secured to the clamping surface 38 of the disk-shaped member on the axial side of the disk-shaped member remote from the connecting member in use. The mounting portion 64 is formed to extend around the outer periphery of the disk-shaped member 30 and has an axially oriented region 64c that projects axially beyond the sealing surface 36 of the disk-shaped member 30 and an axially and radially oriented inclined region 64d, such that the mounting portion's second end 64b and the stop member portion 66 are axially aligned with, but spaced from, the sealing surface 36 of the blanking cap. As best shown in FIG. 6, the mounting portion 64 is depicted as being positioned with a slight clearance around the first connecting flange 22 of the connecting member 12. This arrangement is configured so that when the blanking cap is tightened in place, the second end 64b of the mounting portion and the stop member 66 are axially aligned with, but spaced from, the clamping surface 26 of the first connection flange 22 on the connecting member 12.

[0042] The stop member portion 66 in this embodiment is an elongated, curved, plate-like member extending longitudinally circumferentially about the axis X so as to lie with a small clearance about the collar portion 20 of the connecting member. An upper edge 68 of the stop member portion defines an abutment surface that, in use, engages the clamping surface 26 of the first connecting flange 22 of the connecting member to limit axial movement of the blanking cap away from the first connecting flange 22 of the connecting member. When the blanking cap 14 is clamped to the connecting member, a clearance is provided between the abutment surface 68 and the first connecting flange 22, allowing the blanking cap to be assembled to the connecting member. Advantageously, as depicted in FIG. 6 , the clearance allows the blanking cap's disk-like member 30 to be moved axially away from the first connecting flange 22 of the connecting member a limited amount sufficient to break the seal between the blanking cap and the connecting member 12. FIG. 6 shows how the disk-shaped member 30 is displaced axially away from the sealing surface 24 of the first connection flange 22 before the abutment surfaces 68 on the pair of lugs engage with the first connection flange 22 to dissipate pressure within the coupling member. A clearance between the abutment surfaces 68 and the first connection flange 22 is preferably provided in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm, more preferably 3 mm to 5 mm. It should be understood that if the clamp is removed while the system is pressurized, the disk-shaped member 30 may not actually remain parallel to the first connection flange 22, but may tilt more on one side than the other until restrained by a stop member. The disk-shaped member moving axially away from the connection flange should be interpreted accordingly.

[0043] In this embodiment, the pair of safety lugs 62 are each fabricated from a single piece of plate material that is shaped to define a mounting member portion 64 and a stop member portion 66 and attached to the disk-shaped member. Initially, the plate material is bent so that the mounting member portion 64 and the stop member portion 66 are coplanar and the plane of the stop member portion is aligned substantially perpendicular to the plane of the mounting portion. The pair of safety lugs 62 may be fabricated from any suitable material and attached to the disk-shaped member by any suitable means. However, in this embodiment, the disk-shaped member 30 and the pair of safety lugs 62 are both fabricated from a compatible metallic material, such as stainless steel, and the pair of safety lugs 62 are welded to the disk-shaped member 30. However, the pair of safety lugs 62 could also be fabricated integrally with the disk-shaped member, for example, by casting.

[0044] To assemble the blanking cap 14 to the connecting member 12, the blanking cap is slid onto the connecting member 12 from one side so that the pair of safety lugs rests around the first connecting flange 22 on the connecting member. The sealing member 18 can be placed first on the connecting member or the blanking cap. Once the blanking cap is properly positioned so that its connecting flange 34 overlaps the first connecting flange 22 of the connecting member and the sealing member 18 is in place, the split ring clamp 16 is installed with the pair of safety lugs housed within the non-contact areas 58, 60 adjacent the hinge and catch mechanisms 44, 46. As the clamp 16 is secured and tightened, an airtight seal is formed between the blanking cap 14 and the connecting member 12, completely closing off the fluid flow path through the connecting member. If the connecting member 12 is mounted on a pressurized system, such as a port on a pressurized vessel, the pressurized system can be used to pressurize the interior above ambient pressure as needed. If the split ring clamp is released when the pressure inside the connecting member exceeds atmospheric pressure, a pair of safety lugs prevents the blanking cap 14 from flying off, but allows it to move enough to break the seal between the cap and the connecting member, allowing the pressurized system to depressurize. Once the system is depressurized, the blanking cap is slid aside and removed.

[0045] The circumferentially extending stop member 66 advantageously aids in laterally positioning the disk-shaped member relative to the connecting member 12 through engagement with the collar portion 20 of the connecting member 12. This reduces the risk of the blanking caps becoming dislodged from the connecting member even if they are simultaneously struck from the side during system depressurization. The stop member 66 need not be curved as shown, but may be straight, extending in a direction generally tangent to a circle drawn about the axis (i.e., in a direction generally perpendicular to the radial direction of the disk-shaped member). Ideally, the stop member 66 should be long enough to engage the first connecting flange 22 to prevent the blanking cap from flying off, even if the blanking cap is knocked sideways out of alignment with the first connecting flange 22, as depicted in Figures 7A-7C.

[0046] 7A and 7B show an embodiment in which the stop member 66 is relatively short when considered in the tangential / circumferential direction relative to the axis. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the disk-shaped member 30 is centered on the first connecting flange 22, the stop member 66 engages the first connecting flange 22 to limit axial movement of the disk-shaped member 30, preventing the blanking cap from flying off. However, when the disk-shaped member 30 is sufficiently off-center, as shown in FIG. 7B, the stop member 66 no longer contacts the first connecting flange 22 to prevent the disk-shaped member from moving axially away from the first connecting flange 22, potentially causing the blanking cap to fly off. The use of a longer stop member 66, as shown in FIG. 7C, reduces the risk of this occurring, since the stop member may contact the first connecting flange 22 to limit axial movement of the disk-shaped member 30 away from the first connecting flange 22 over a wide range of misalignments between the disk-shaped member and the first connecting flange 22. This improves safety and reduces the risk of the blanking cap flying off even in the event of a sideways bump when the clamp is released. Preferably, the stop member is configured to engage with the first connecting flange 22 to limit axial movement of the disk-shaped member away from the connecting flange when the disk-shaped member is offset from the radial center of the first connecting flange 22 by up to 50%, or 40%, or 30%, or 25%. While this is advantageous, it is not necessarily a requirement and the pair of safety lugs 62 can be of any suitable shape as long as they engage with the connecting member to prevent axial movement of the blanking cap away from the connecting member at least when the disk-shaped member is approximately centered on the connecting flange.

[0047] As an additional safety feature, a tether may be attached to the blanking cap, or may be secured to the connecting member or other fixed location, such as elsewhere on the container, with sufficient tension to restrain the blanking cap if, for any reason, the pair of safety lugs 62 fail to hold the blanking cap to the connecting member.

[0048] The blanking cap arrangement according to the invention is particularly suitable for closing ports in pressurized containers and can therefore be used to close connections in any system for containing flowable materials, particularly where the system is pressurized.

[0049] One or more embodiments have been described above by way of example only, and many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. a connecting member defining a fluid flow path, a blanking cap closing the fluid flow path, a seal between the connecting member and the blanking cap, and a clamp, wherein the connecting member has an annular first connecting flange extending around an axis, and the blanking cap comprises a disk-shaped member having an outer circumferential region including an annular second connecting flange; the first and second connection flanges overlap each other and define corresponding opposing sealing surfaces between which the seal is disposed, and the first and second connection flanges and the seal are clamped together by the clamp that engages around the first and second connection flanges; an assembly wherein the blanking cap has a pair of safety lugs each extending around the outer periphery of the first connecting flange, each safety lug having an abutment configured to engage the first connecting flange to limit axial movement of the disk-shaped member away from the connecting member.

2. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first connecting flange has first and second oppositely facing radial surfaces, the first radial surface defining one of the plurality of opposing sealing surfaces, and the abutment portions of the pair of safety lugs configured to engage the second radial surface.

3. 3. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of abutment portions are spaced apart from the first connection flange when the first and second connection flanges and the seal are clamped sufficiently to form a seal.

4. 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the spacing between the plurality of abutments and the first connecting flange is such that when the clamp is removed or released for use, the disk-shaped member can move axially away from the connecting member an amount sufficient to break the seal.

5. 5. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each safety lug includes a stop member defining said abutment portion, said stop member being an elongate member extending longitudinally in a direction tangent to a circle drawn around said axis and / or curved about said axis.

6. 6. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein each safety lug includes a stop member defining said abutment portion, said stop member including a plate-like member having an abutment surface facing said first connecting flange.

7. 7. An assembly as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein each safety lug includes a mounting portion attached at one end to the disc-shaped member and a stop member portion at a second end of the mounting portion defining the stop member, the stop member portion being axially aligned with but spaced apart from the first connecting flange.

8. 8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamp includes a pair of curved arms each defining a groove for receiving the first and second connection flanges over a circumferential range of the first and second connection flanges, the pair of arms being spaced apart from the first and second connection flanges in a plurality of non-contact regions, and the pair of safety lugs being positioned in each of the plurality of non-contact regions.

9. 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the clamp is a split ring clamp, each arm having a first and second end, the pair of arms connected to the ends of the pair of arms for pivotal movement relative to each other, the clamp having a catch for releasably connecting the pair of arms to the second ends, and the non-contact areas are located at the first and second ends of the pair of arms.

10. 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the connecting member comprises a tri-clamp ferrule and the clamp comprises a tri-clamp.

11. 11. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling member is provided at a port on a container.

12. 12. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the assembly includes a tether for attaching the blanking cap to the connecting member or some other fixed anchor point.

13. 13. A blanking cap for use in an assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the blanking cap comprises a disk-shaped member having a central axis and an outer peripheral region including an annular connecting flange having a sealing surface on a first axial side, the blanking cap also comprising a pair of safety lugs, each lug extending axially beyond the sealing surface on the first axial side and having an abutment portion axially aligned with but spaced apart from the sealing surface.

14. 14. The blanking cap of claim 13, wherein the sealing surface is a first radial surface of the connection flange, the connection flange having a second radial surface facing a second axis opposite the first axis, the second radial surface being angled relative to the first radial surface such that the connection flange narrows in the axial direction toward its radially outer periphery and tapers.

15. 15. A blanking cap as described in claim 14, wherein each safety lug includes a mounting portion attached to the disk-shaped member at one end and a stop member portion at a second end of the mounting portion, the stop member portion defining the abutment portion.

16. 16. A blanking cap as described in claim 15, wherein the mounting portion extends in an axial direction and the stop member portion is an elongated member that extends in a direction approximately tangential to a circle drawn around the axis and / or curves around the axis.

17. 17. A blanking cap according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the mounting portion is fixed to the disk-shaped member on the second axial side and extends around a circumferential portion of the connection flange.

18. 18. A blanking cap according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the stop member portion is axially aligned with but spaced apart from the sealing surface.

19. 19. A blanking cap according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the stop member portion is an elongated plate-like member having an abutment surface facing the sealing surface of the connection flange.

20. 19. A blanking cap according to any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising a flexible tether for securing the blanking cap to a fixed anchor.

21. 21. Apparatus comprising a container having a port including an assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or a blanking cap according to any one of claims 13 to 20.

22. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the container is a container configured to hold a powder along with a quantity of pressurized gas.

23. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the port is a powder inlet port.

24. 23. A device according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the device comprises a tether attached at one end to the blanking cap and at the other end to a fixed point, such as an anchor point.

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