Hybrid flush vessel nozzle with a partial projection

Abstract

The present disclosure advantageously refers to a hybrid flush pipe connection. The new connection has the advantages of a flush connection but is simpler and less costly to manufacture as it uses a pipe such as a square cut pipe fluidly connected to a vessel such that there is an internal projection from the pipe. One, two, or three or more strategically placed gaps in the internal projection allow fluid to pass from the vessel to the pipe without blockage from the internal projection at the at least one gap.

Description

HYBRID FLUSH VESSEL NOZZLE WITH A PARTIAL PROJECTIONInventors: Jaan Taagepera; Roy J. DarbyCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 63 / 536,218 filed on September 1, 2023, which application is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a pipe connection system used, for example, in vessel nozzles wherein the pipe connection comprises an interior partial projection.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

[0003] There are many types of pipe connections used in various industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, heating and cooling, etc. Traditionally, a square cut pipe 10, i.e., a pipe cut at a right angle, may be inserted into the shell of a vessel 20 (as shown in Figure 1), or the head of a vessel, or both (including other pipes) such that the internal projection is kept to a minimum as shown in Figure 1 wherein internal projection 30 protrudes in the interior of the shell of vessel 20. Unfortunately, these types of simple connections are not suitable in certain situations. For example, if square cut pipe 10 is being used as a drain in the bottom of vessel 20, then projection 30 would act as a dam and pooling of liquid would potentially occur in the region adjacent 30. Similarly, if square cut pipe 10 is being used as a vent in the top of a vessel, then projection 30 would act as a barrier and potentially vapors could be prevented from being vented in the region adjacent 30.

[0004] In situations where square cut pipes with a minimal internal projection cannot be used, then a flush type connection may be employed. As shown in Figure 2 pipe 40 is connected to shell of vessel 20 so that there are no internal projections at 50 of Figure 2, i.e, it is flush. Unfortunately, flush connections are difficult and expensive because they are typically made by first making the square cut connection shown in Figure 1 and then grinding the internalproj ections 30. Of course, grinding in the interior of pipes or vessels may be difficult and labor intensive. As but one example, if Figure 2 depicted an NPS 12 steel nozzle in a 48 inch diameter shell, then a steel volume of 8.63 square inches times the nozzle thickness would have to be removed by grinding to make it flush. Therefore, what is needed is a new type of connection that may be used in place of a flush connection which is less labor intensive. Advantageously, the connections and methods of making such connections that are described herein may meet the aforementioned needs.

[0005] The present application generally pertains in one embodiment to a hybrid flush pipe connection comprising a square cut pipe and a cylindrical shell, a curved head, or both of a vessel. The square cut pipe is fluidly connected to the vessel at the cylindrical shell, curved head, or both of a vessel. By fluidly connected it is meant that a fluid may pass from the pipe to the vessel wherein the connection therebetween may be made in any convenient manner such as, for example, welding. The square cut pipe extends through an opening of the head, the shell, or both of the vessel such that there is an internal projection from the square cut pipe protruding into the vessel. The internal projection from the square cut pipe comprises a notch at the two lowest portions of the shell, the head, or both of the vessel such that fluid may pass from the vessel to the square cut pipe without significant pooling in the vessel due to the internal projection. A representative embodiment is in Figure 3.

[0006] In another embodiment the application pertains to a hybrid flush pipe connection comprising a pipe and a vessel which is curved on at least one end, e.g., a curved head and / or shell of the vessel. The pipe is fluidly connected to the vessel at a head, a shell, or both. The connected pipe extends through an opening of the at least one end such that there is an internal projection from the pipe protruding into the vessel at the at least one end. The internal projection comprises at least one gap configured such that fluid may pass from the vessel to the pipe without blockage from the internal projection at the at least one gap.

[0007] In another embodiment the application pertains to a method of making a hybrid flush pipe connection. The method comprises inserting a square cut pipe into a head of a vessel such that an internal projection pro trades in the interior of the vessel and removing material from the internal projection such that fluid may pass from the vessel to the pipe without blockage from the internal projection. The material may be removed from the internal projection prior to or after insertion so long as the internal projection does not act as a dam preventing fluid from passing.

[0008] These and other objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Various embodiments of the present disclosure, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 shows a square cut pipe connected to a shell of a vessel or pipe with an internal projection.

[0011] Figure 2 shows a flush connection of a pipe to a shell of a vessel or pipe with no internal projection.

[0012] Figure 3 shows a hybrid flush pipe connection embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 shows an offset hybrid flush pipe connection embodiment. Note that the attached pipe is not centered on the shell.

[0014] Figure 5 shows an offset hybrid flush pipe connection embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 shows a hybrid flush pipe connection embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 shows a hybrid flush pipe connection embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 shows a hybrid flush pipe connection embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 shows a hybrid flush pipe connection embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 shows a hybrid flush pipe connection embodiment.

[0020] Figure 11 shows a hybrid flush pipe connection embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12 shows a hybrid flush pipe connection embodiment.

[0022] Figure 13A shows a hybrid flush pipe connection embodiment on a head from a first perspective.

[0023] Figure 13B shows the Figure 13A embodiment from a second perspective.

[0024] Figure 13C shows a cutaway side view of the Figure 13A embodiment with about half of the head and nozzle removed.

[0025] Figure 14A shows a hybrid flush pipe connection embodiment in a flat plate used in, for example, an air cooled heat exchanger or in a flat head.

[0026] Figure 14B shows the Figure 14A embodiment from a different view.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following description of embodiments provides non-limiting representative examples referencing numerals to particularly describe features and teachings of different aspects of the invention. The embodiments described should be recognized as capable of implementation separately, or in combination, with other embodiments from the description of the embodiments. A person of ordinary skill in the art reviewing the description of embodiments should be able to learn and understand the different described aspects of the invention. The description of embodiments should facilitate understanding of the invention to such an extent that other implementations, not specifically covered but within the knowledge of a person of skill in the art having read the description of embodiments, would be understood to be consistent with an application of the invention.

[0028] The present application generally pertains to a hybrid flush pipe connection and methods of making same. By “hybrid” it is meant that the pipe connection may function similar to a flush connection shown in Figure 2 but still has an internal projection as in Figure 1. This is accomplished by configuring the internal projection to include gaps, e.g., notches 70 as shown in Figure 3. Gaps are strategically positioned such that fluid will not be hindered such as by pooling in the vessel which may be another pipe in some embodiments. Instead, fluid is allowed to flow into the pipe unencumbered by the internal projection.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, a hybrid flush pipe connection may be comprised of a pipe such as square cut pipe 60 fluidly connected to a vessel such as the vessel 20 defined by a cylindrical shell (as shown in Figures 3-12), a curved shaped head (as shown in Figures 13A-13C), and / or another shaped head like a flat head (as shown in Figures 14A and 14B). As used herein, a head may be many different shapes such as, for example, flat, ellipsoidal, spherical, and other shapes.

[0030] The square cut pipe 60 is fluidly connected to the vessel 20 at the shell by extending through an opening of the cylindrical shell and / or curved head of the vessel. In some embodiments the connection is fluid tight. An internal projection 80 results from the square cut pipe 60 protruding into the vessel 20.

[0031] The internal projection 80 from the square cut pipe 60 comprises at least one gap such as notch 70. The at least one gap is generally configured such that fluid may pass from the vessel to the pipe without blockage from the internal projection at the at least one gap. For example, as shown in Figure 3 the vessel 20 has a shell in a horizontal position with square cut pipe 60 serving as a drain. As Figure 3 shows gaps, e.g., notches 70 in the internal projection 80 are located at the two lowest portions of the bottom of upright vessel 20. In this manner, fluid may pass from the vessel to the square cut pipe without significant pooling in the vessel due to the internal projection. Of course, it should be appreciated that if Figure 3 were rotated180 degrees about the axis of the shell then such a configuration would allow square cut pipe60 to serve as a vent at the top.

[0032] Figures 4 and 5 show other embodiments of a hybrid flush pipe connection. As Figure 4 shows the internal projection 110 from the square cut pipe 90 need not extend into the pipe, cylindrical shell of the vessel, or head end of a vessel at all points along the entire circumference of the square cut pipe 90. Instead, square cut pipe 90 may be nearly flush or flush with the pipe, shell, or head end at one or more points along its circumference as shown at 120. As shown in Figure 4, the square cut pipe 90 may be positioned such that its central longitudinal axis is offset horizontally from the lowest vertical point (or a line defining the lowest vertical points along the length) of the larger pipe, cylindrical shell of the vessel, or head end of a vessel. The gaps 100 allow fluid to flow from vessel 20 such that the fluid is not blocked by the internal projection 110. As illustrated, the gaps 100 may themselves be aligned with the lowest vertical point (or line defining the lowest vertical points) of the pipe, shell, or head to improve drainage. As such, the gaps 100 may not be located 180 degrees from each other around the circumference of the square cut pipe 90.

[0033] Figure 5 also shows an internal projection 150 from the square cut pipe 140 need not extend into the pipe, cylindrical shell of the vessel, or head of a vessel at all points along the entire circumference of the square cut pipe 140. Instead, square cut pipe 140 may be nearly flush or flush at one or more points along its circumference as shown at 160. As shown in Figure 5, as used herein square cut pipe could encompass pipes cut at angles other than precisely 90 degrees (e.g., the angle of a longitudinal axis of the square cut pipe 140 taken with respect to the larger pipe, cylindrical shell of a vessel, or head of a vessel at the point where the longitudinal axis of the square cut pipe 140 intersects the larger pipe, shell, or head) so long as a functional hybrid flush pipe connection may be made. The gaps 130 allow fluid to flow from vessel 20 and not be blocked by the internal projection 150. As shown, the gaps 130 maybe vertically oriented (e.g., oriented 90 degrees with respect to the larger pipe, shell, or head).In other embodiments, the gaps 130 may be oriented such that they are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the square cut pipe 140 and at a non-90 degree angle with respect to the intersection point of the larger pipe, shell, or head. As illustrated, the gaps 130 may be aligned with the lowest vertical point of the pipe, shell, or head to improve drainage.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3-5, the square cut pipe comprises a substantially cylindrical crosssection. However, it should be appreciated that other types of cross-sectional pipe or a vessel shell may be employed. Likewise, while the gap, e.g., notch, is shown as rectangular herein, the shape is not critical in many applications and thus if two or more gaps, e.g., notches are employed, then each may be of the same or different shape so long as the hybrid flush pipe connection functions like a flush pipe connection and does not hinder the flow of fluids due to the internal projection. Thus, the gap, e.g., notch, may have a shape selected from a rectangle, square, oval, wedge, V-shape, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments the gap, e.g, notch, may even be closed at its top.

[0035] Figures 6-12 show that the specific configuration is not particularly critical so long as the hybrid flush pipe connection functions like a flush pipe connection and does not hinder the flow of fluids due to the internal projection. That is, in Figures 6-12 a square cut pipe 210 have various shapes of internal projections 250. Various shapes of gaps, e.g., notches 270 are positioned and / or configured such that fluid may pass from the vessel to the pipe without blockage from the internal projection at the at least one gap, e.g., notch. As shown in the figures in some cases, two gaps per side, e.g., notches may be desirable.

[0036] Figures 13A-13C show a square cut pipe with a gap fluidly connected to a curved head end of a vessel to form a hybrid flush pipe connection in accordance with the present disclosure. Figures 14A and 14B show a square cut pipe with a gap fluidly connected to a flat plate used in, for example, an air cooled heat exchanger or in a flat head end of a vessel to form a hybridflush pipe connection in accordance with the present disclosure. The square cut pipes shown in Figures 13A-14B may have any of the configurations of square cut pipes with gaps formed therein described at length above. Although only one gap is shown in the square cut pipes of Figures 13A-14B, it should be noted that additional gaps may be present in other embodiments. With the square cut pipes being formed in curved or flat head ends, a single gap may be used.

[0037] The method of making the hybrid flush pipe connection is not critical and may vaiy depending upon the pipe, vessel, the specific configuration, and desired results. Pipe is used herein to include, but not be limited to, branch connections, nin pipes, nozzles, necks, and the like. Generally, the method comprises inserting a square cut pipe into a vessel at, for example, a head end, and / or a bottom of a shell, and / or a top of shell, such that an internal projection protrudes in the interior of the vessel. Material is removed from the internal projection such that fluid may pass from the vessel to the pipe without blockage from the internal projection. The material may be removed from the internal projection prior to or after insertion so long as the internal projection does not act as a dam preventing fluid from passing.

[0038] In the preceding specification, various embodiments have been described with references to the accompanying drawings. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded as an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A hybrid flush pipe connection comprising: a square cut pipe; a vessel comprising a cylindrical shell, a curved head, or both; wherein the square cut pipe is fluidly connected to the vessel at the cylindrical shell, the curved head, or both; wherein the fluidly connected square cut pipe extends through an opening of the cylindrical shell, the curved head, or both such that there is an internal projection from the square cut pipe protruding into the vessel; and wherein the internal projection from the square cut pipe comprises a notch at the two lowest portions of the cylindrical shell, the curved head, or both of the vessel such that fluid may pass from the vessel to the square cut pipe without significant pooling in the vessel due to the internal projection.

2. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 1 wherein the vessel comprising the cylindrical shell, the curved head, or both is a pipe.

3. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 1 wherein the square cut pipe is configured to serve as a drain for the vessel.

4. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 1 wherein the square cut pipe is cut at an angle of from about 88 to about 92 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the square cut pipe.

5. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 1 wherein the square cut pipe comprises a substantially cylindrical cross-section.

6. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 1 wherein the notch at the two lowest portions of the cylindrical shell, of the curved head, or both of the vessel has substantially the same shape at the two lowest portions of the cylindrical shell, the curved head, or both of the vessel.

7. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 1 wherein the notch at the two lowest portions of the cylindrical shell, the curved head, or both of the vessel has a different shape at the two lowest portions of the cylindrical shell, the curved head, or both of the vessel.

8. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 1 wherein the notch at the two lowest portions of the cylindrical shell, the curved head, or both of the vessel has a shape selected from a rectangle, square, oval, wedge, V-shape, or any combination thereof.

9. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 1 wherein the notch at the two lowest portions of the cylindrical shell, the curved head, or both of the vessel is closed at the top of the notch relative to the lowest portion.

10. A hybrid flush pipe connection comprising: a pipe; a vessel comprising a cylindrical shell, a curved head, or both; wherein the pipe is fluidly connected to the vessel at the cylindrical shell, the curved head, or both of the vessel; wherein the fluidly connected pipe extends through an opening of the cylindrical shell, the curved head, or both of the vessel such that there is an internal projection from the pipe protruding into the vessel at the cylindrical shell, the curved head, or both of the vessel; and wherein the internal projection comprises at least one gap configured such that fluid may pass from the vessel to the pipe without blockage from the internal projection at the at least one gap.

11. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 10 wherein the vessel is a pipe.

12. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 10 wherein the pipe is configured to serve as a drain or a vent for the vessel.

13. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 10 wherein the pipe is cut at an angle of from about 88 to about 92 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the pipe.

14. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 1 wherein the pipe comprises a substantially cylindrical cross-section.

15. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 10 wherein the internal projection comprises two gaps located at the two lowest portions of the cylindrical shell, the curved head, or both of the vessel.

16. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 15 wherein the two gaps have a different shape from each other.

17. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 15 wherein the two gaps have a substantially similar shape.

18. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 15 wherein each of the two gaps has a shape selected from a rectangle, square, oval, wedge, V-shape, or any combination thereof.

19. The hybrid flush pipe connection of claim 10 wherein the gap is closed at the top of the gap.

20. A method of making a hybrid flush pipe connection comprising: inserting a square cute pipe into a cylindrical shell, a curved head, or both of a vessel such that an internal projection protrudes in the interior of the vessel; removing material from the internal projection such that fluid may pass from the vessel to the pipe without blockage from the internal projection.

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