Device and process for the inspection of pressure equipment during operation thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (100) that allows the insertion of an inspection apparatus into pressure equipment during operation thereof without interruption of the service. The device comprises two valve assemblies (200, 300) connected to one another and provided with a plurality of valves (240, 250, 340, 350) that allow the selective segregation of the device itself with respect to the internal volume of the pressure equipment to which it is connected.

Description

[0001] DEVICE AND PROCESS FOR THE INSPECTION OF PRESSURE EQUIPMENT

[0002] DURING OPERATION THEREOF

[0003] Cross-Reference To Related Applications

[0004] This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no . 102024000001023 filed on January 19 , 2024 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference .

[0005] Technical Field

[0006] The present invention relates to a device that allows the insertion of an inspection apparatus into pressure equipment during operation thereof without interruption of the service . The present invention also relates to a method for the insertion and recovery of an inspection apparatus for pressure equipment without interrupting the operation of the equipment .

[0007] Prior Art

[0008] Several regulations currently in force governing the design and control of process equipment and, more generally, pressure equipment require internal visual inspections of the pressure equipment with a predefined frequency that varies depending on the conditions of use and design (normally 5- 10 years ) .

[0009] This regulatory inspection requirement involves shutting down the pressure equipment under investigation, emptying it and clearing it before the operator enters through a manhole of adequate dimension (normally with a nominal diameter greater than or equal to 20 inches ) .

[0010] It is therefore evident that an inspection campaign carried out according to traditional procedures leads to the shutdown of plant sections involved in the use of the speci fic pressure equipment under investigation, or, at least , an alteration of the conditions of normal use of the plant in order to segregate the pressure equipment to be inspected . In addition, the entry of operators into the pressure equipment , although adequately cleaned, can still represent a ris k to the health o f the operator who is exposed to a potentially harmful and dangerous environment . The possibility of carrying out inspections aimed at acquiring visual elements without people entering into the equipment therefore has a double advantage : the possibility of keeping the pressure equipment in operation avoiding the shutdown of the plant and the technical and economic consequences arising from the shutdown, limiting the exposure of people to environments potentially dangerous to health . The problems related to the shutdown of the plant would therefore be avoided, such as , for example , the cost of non-production, the complications due to the restart of the plant , the management of maintenance interventions in tight times related to the shutdown window with less possibility of scheduling interventions based on the results of the visual inspection . Furthermore , the availability of a device and a method for carrying out visual inspections inside operating pressure equipment would allow inspections to be carried out even at a di f ferent frequency, for example more frequently, than prescribed by the reference regulations ; this would allow to increase the safety and integrity of the plants without signi ficantly increasing the maintenance costs related to the scheduled or extraordinary shutdowns .

[0011] Aim of the Present Invention

[0012] Aim of the present invention is to realise a device that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art , allowing the introduction and removal of an inspection apparatus inside a pressure equipment in operation while avoiding its shutdown .

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the term pressure equipment means any closed vessel provided with at least one flanged opening and that is designed for internal pressures greater than or equal to atmospheric pressure , vessels designed for atmospheric pressures or negative pressures are also to be considered included in the definition of pressure equipment . Non-limiting examples of the concept of pressure equipment include pressurised vessels , process columns , storage tanks , heat exchangers , etc .

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the term inspection apparatus means any autonomous or remotely piloted device capable of carrying out inspection operations ( for example visual inspections , photographic campaigns , sampling, etc . ) ; in particular, robotic devices autonomous or remotely controlled and connected by a tether are included under the term inspection apparatus . The tether can be arranged for the trans fer of data of electrical signal , electrical power, hydraulic pressure , etc . Obj ect of the present invention is therefore a device 100 for the inspection of pressure equipment during operation thereof comprising :

[0015] - a first valve assembly 200 comprising a first isolation valve 240 , a second isolation valve 250 , a first tubular element 210 with a predefined length interposed between the first and the second valve so as to fluidically connect the first valve 240 to the second valve 250 , a third draining valve 260 fluidical ly connected to the first tubular element 210 , the first and the second valve ( 240 , 250 ) being provided with a flanged body;

[0016] - a second valve assembly 300 comprising a second tubular element 310 with a predefined length provided with a third flange 320 and with a fourth flange 330 respectively connected to the ends of the second tubular element 310 , a fourth vent valve 340 fluidically connected to the second tubular element 310 adj acent to the third flange 320 , a fi fth draining valve 350 fluidically connected to the second tubular element 310 adj acent to the fourth flange 330 , a fi fth blind flange 360 installed to close the fourth flange 330 ; the first valve assembly 200 and the second valve assembly 300 being fluidically connected to one another by the j oining of the third flange 320 to the second valve 250 , the first valve 240 being configured to be connected to a connection nozzle of a pressure equipment .

[0017] Aims of the present invention are also a process for introducing an inspection apparatus into an operating pressure equipment and a process for removing an inspection apparatus from the inside of an operating pressure equipment as described below .

[0018] General Description

[0019] The obj ect of the present invention is therefore an inspection device comprising a first and a second assembly provided with valves fluidically interconnected with one another by means of flanged j oints ; the inspection device is connected to a noz zle with dimensions suitable for the inspection apparatus to be inserted inside the equipment . The first valve assembly comprises two isolation valves separated by a tubular element provided with a draining valve . The first valve assembly guarantees the possibility of inserting the inspection apparatus into the first tubular element without the need to stop the pressure equipment to which the device obj ect of the invention is connected . The second valve assembly comprises a second tubular element connected to the first tubular element by means of a flange ; the second assembly serves as a preparatory environment for the insertion of the inspection apparatus and as a remediation environment for the same apparatus once the inspection is completed .

[0020] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of non-limiting examples of embodiment thereof , with reference to the figures of the attached drawings , in which :

[0022] - Figure 1 is a simpli fied sectional view of the device obj ect of the invention with parts removed for clarity; - Figure 2 is a simpli fied sectional view of the device obj ect of the invention with a flanged reduction visible and with parts removed for clarity;

[0023] - Figure 3 is a simpli fied sectional view of the first valve assembly with parts removed for clarity;

[0024] - Figure 4 is a simpli fied three-dimensional view of the first valve assembly with parts removed for clarity;

[0025] - Figure 5 is a simpli fied sectional view of the first valve assembly comprising the chute with parts removed for clarity;

[0026] - Figure 6 is a simpli fied three-dimensional view of the first valve assembly comprising the chute with parts removed for clarity;

[0027] - Figure 7 is a simpli fied sectional view of the second valve assembly with parts removed for clarity;

[0028] - Figure 8 is a simpli fied three-dimensional view of the second valve assembly with parts removed for clarity;

[0029] - Figure 9 is a simpli fied sectional view of the second valve assembly comprising the linear guides with parts removed for clarity;

[0030] - Figure 10 is a simpli fied three-dimensional view of the second valve assembly comprising the linear guides with parts removed for clarity;

[0031] - Figure 11 is a simpli fied sectional view of the device of the invention connected to a pressure equipment ;

[0032] - Figure 12 is a simpli fied sectional view of the device of the invention, comprising the linear guides and the chute , connected to a pressure equipment .

[0033] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0034] As anticipated, with reference to Figure 1 , the device 100 for the inspection of pressure equipment during operation thereof obj ect of the invention comprising a first valve assembly 200 comprising a first isolation valve 240 , a second isolation valve 250 , a first tubular element 210 with a predefined length interposed between the first and the second valve so as to fluidically connect the first valve 240 to the second valve 250 ; both the first valve 240 and the second isolation valve 250 are provided with a flanged body to allow their connection to flanged elements . This first valve assembly, in use , represents a barrier of the pressure equipment that allows the preparation of the inspection apparatus and allows the insertion thereof into the pressure equipment without the need to interrupt its operation and ensuring adequate safety of the operations .

[0035] With reference also to Figures 3 and 4 , the first valve assembly 200 further comprises a third draining valve 260 fluidically connected to the first tubular element 210 . The first valve assembly 200 is therefore flanged on both sides thereof by means of the flanged bodies of the first and second isolation valve 240 , 250 and is connected to a noz zle of the pressure equipment by means of the flanged body of the first isolation valve 240 . The third draining valve 260 has the function of selectively emptying the volume defined by the first tubular element 210 and comprised between the first and second isolation valve 240 , 250 . The inspection device 100 according to the invention further comprises a second valve assembly 300 , as shown in Figures 7 and 8 , comprising a second tubular element 310 with a predefined length provided with a third flange 320 and a fourth flange 330 respectively connected to the ends of the second tubular element 310 . The second valve assembly acts as a preparatory inlet chamber for the inspection apparatus that is positioned within the second tubular element 310 in preparation for sequentially opening and closing the first and second isolation valve 240 , 250 allowing them to be moved within the first tubular element 210 and, subsequently, within the pressure equipment 110 without interrupting the operation thereof ( see Figures 11 and 12 ) . The second valve assembly 300 comprises a fourth vent valve 340 fluidically connected to the second tubular element 310 adj acent to the third flange 320 , a fi fth draining valve 350 fluidically connected to the second tubular element 310 adj acent to the fourth flange 330 , and a fi fth blind flange 360 installed so as to close the fourth flange 330 . The selective and sequential opening and closing of the fourth and fi fth vent valve 340 , 350 allows both the draining and emptying of the volume on the inside of the second tubular element 310 and the washing and insuf flation of the same volume with inert gases . The first valve assembly 200 and the second valve assembly 300 are fluidically connected to one another by j oining the third flange 320 to the flanged body of the second isolation valve 250 . The device 100 obj ect of the invention is then connected, by means of the flanged body of the first insulation flange 240 , to a noz zle of a pres sure equipment 110 ensuring the possibility of introducing inspection means such as , for example, instrumented robots into the apparatus itsel f . The aforementioned inspection means can be of various kinds , autonomous , semi-autonomous , remotely controlled; it is therefore possible that some of these inspection means or robots require electrical and / or fluiddynamic connections to the outside of the pressure equipment for correct operation; said connections are normally made by means of cables or pipes that can be grouped in a tether .

[0036] With reference to Figure 2 , in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first valve assembly 200 comprises an adapter 220 , flanged at both ends thereof and interposed between the device 100 and the pressure equipment 110 , connected to the flanged body of the first isolation valve 240 ; preferably, the flange of the adapter 220 not connected to the flanged body of the first valve 240 has a di f ferent diameter than the flange connected to the flanged body of the first valve 240 . More preferably, the flange of the adapter 220 not connected to the flanged body of the first valve 240 has a larger diameter than the flange connected to the flanged body of the first valve 240 reali zing a diameter reduction between the noz zle of the pressure equipment 110 and the first isolation valve 240 .

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fi fth blind flange 360 of the device 100 obj ect of the invention comprises at least one opening 410 provided with a sealing gasket 400 for the passage of electrical cables and / or flexible hoses .

[0038] As shown in Figures 9 and 10 , in order to help an inspection apparatus pass into the device 100 obj ect of the invention, it is advantageous to provide the device 100 with guides that can support and facilitate the inspection apparatus when moving within the device 100 avoiding j amming and j ams . To this end, in a preferred embodiment of the invention as described above , the device 100 comprises linear guides 380 with a predefined length on the inside of the first and second tubular element 210 , 310 which are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first and second tubular element 210 , 310 for supporting and guiding an inspection apparatus passing through the device 100 . The provision of the aforementioned guides 380 helps the inspection apparatus pass through the second tubular element 310 , the second isolation valve 250 , the first tubular element 210 and the first isolation valve 240 .

[0039] As shown in Figures 5 and 6 , in order to further facilitate the entry of the inspection apparatus into the pressure equipment preventing it from fall ing uncontrollably once it has passed the first isolation valve 240 , in a preferred embodiment of the invention the linear guides 380 protrude externally beyond the first flange 220 forming a chute 390 .

[0040] As shown in Figures 11 and 12 , it is also an obj ect of the present invention a pressure equipment 110 comprising at least one connection noz zle 120 connected to the device 100 according to any one of the preceding claims by means of the first flange 220 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the noz zle 120 of the described pressure equipment 110 has a hori zontal longitudinal axis , but di f ferent configurations are not to be considered excluded .

[0041] As anticipated, the invention as conceived also refers to a process for introducing an inspection apparatus into an operating pressure equipment 110 , provided with a device 100 according to any one of the described embodiments , comprising the steps of :

[0042] - closing the first and the second isolation valve 240 , 250 in order to separate the second valve assembly 300 from the environment inside the pressure equipment 110 that is in operation;

[0043] - decompressing the first tubular element 210 by opening the third draining valve 260 so as to empty the content thereof in the area between the two isolation valves 240 , 250 ;

[0044] - closing the third draining valve 260 concluding the emptying of the first tubular element 210 ;

[0045] - removing the fi fth blind flange 360 by opening the second valve assembly 300 ;

[0046] - inserting an inspection apparatus into the second tubular element 310 ;

[0047] - i f the inspection apparatus is provided with a tether, inserting said tether into an opening 410 of the blind flange 360 , ensuring the seal by means of a gasket 400 ;

[0048] - installing and tightening the fi fth blind flange 360 ;

[0049] - closing the fourth and the fi fth vent valve 340 , 350 ;

[0050] - opening the second isolation valve 250 ;

[0051] - introducing water or nitrogen into the volume between the fi fth blind flange 360 and the first isolation valve 240 by opening a valve chosen between the fourth vent valve 340 and the fi fth vent valve 350 and by simultaneously opening the third draining valve 260 so as to inerti ze the internal volume of the device 100 ;

[0052] - closing the fourth vent valve 340 , the fi fth vent valve 350 and the third draining valve 260 ;

[0053] - opening the first isolation valve 240 putting the internal volume o f the device 100 in communication with the internal volume of the pressure equipment 110 ;

[0054] - introducing the inspection apparatus into the operating pressure equipment .

[0055] The invention as conceived also refers to a process for extracting an inspection apparatus from the inside of an operating pressure equipment 110 , provided with a device 100 according to any one of the described embodiments , comprising the steps of :

[0056] - opening the first isolation valve 240 , i f the inspection apparatus is not provided with a tether ;

[0057] - opening the second isolation valve 250 , by putting the internal volume of the second tubular element 310 in communication with the internal volume of the operating pressure equipment , i f the inspection apparatus is not provided with a tether ;

[0058] - recovering the inspection apparatus by bringing it back into the second tubular element 310 ;

[0059] - closing the first isolation valve 240 ;

[0060] - closing the second isolation valve 250 by segregating the internal volume of the second tubular element 310 from the internal volume of the operating pressure equipment ;

[0061] - decompressing the first tubular element 210 by opening the third draining valve 260 by emptying it of the fluids flown from the inside of the pressure equipment ; - closing the third draining valve 260 ;

[0062] - decompressing the second tubular element 310 by opening the fi fth vent valve 350 ;

[0063] - closing the fi fth vent valve 350 ;

[0064] - introducing water into the volume between the fi fth blind flange 360 and the second isolation valve 250 by opening the fi fth vent valve 350 and by simultaneously opening the fourth vent valve 340 to wash the inspection apparatus cleaning the internal volume of the second tubular element 310 ;

[0065] - interrupting the introduction of water through the fi fth vent valve 350 ;

[0066] - emptying the volume between the fi fth blind flange 360 and the second valve 250 keeping the fourth and the fi fth vent valve 340 , 350 open;

[0067] - removing the fi fth blind flange 360 ;

[0068] - extracting the inspection apparatus from the second tubular element 310 .

[0069] Following the steps described above , implemented by means of the device 100 obj ect of the invention, it is possible to extract an inspection apparatus from the inside of a pressure equipment without blocking the operation thereof .

[0070] The device of the present invention thus conceived is susceptible in any case to many modi fications and variants , all falling within the same inventive concept ; furthermore , all details can be replaced by equivalent technical elements .

[0071] The protective scope of the invention is therefore defined by the appended claims .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device (100) for the inspection of pressure equipment during operation thereof comprising:- a first valve assembly (200) comprising a first isolation valve (240) , a second isolation valve (250) , a first tubular element (210) with a predefined length interposed between the first and the second valve so as to fluidically connect the first valve (240) to the second valve (250) , a third draining valve (260) fluidically connected to the first tubular element (210) , the first and the second valve (240, 250) being provided with a flanged body;- a second valve assembly (300) comprising a second tubular element (310) with a predefined length provided with a third flange (320) and with a fourth flange (330) respectively connected to the ends of the second tubular element (310) , a fourth vent valve (340) fluidically connected to the second tubular element (310) adjacent to the third flange (320) , a fifth draining valve (350) fluidically connected to the second tubular element (310) adjacent to the fourth flange (330) , a fifth blind flange (360) installed so as to close the fourth flange (330) ; the first valve assembly (200) and the second valve assembly (300) being fluidically connected to one another by the joining of the third flange (320) to the second valve (250) , the first valve (240) being configured to be connected to a connection nozzle of a pressure equipment.

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fifth blind flange (360) comprises at least one opening (410) providedwith a sealing gasket (400) for the passage of electrical cables and / or flexible hoses.

3. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising linear guides (380) with a predefined length on the inside of the first and of the second tubular element (210, 310) , which are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first and of the second tubular element (210, 310) and are coaxially arranged to support and guide an inspection apparatus going through the device (100) .

4. The device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the linear guides (380) externally protrude past the first flange (220) , forming a chute (390) to facilitate the entry of an inspection apparatus into a pressure equipment.

5. A pressure equipment (110) comprising at least one connection nozzle (120) connected to the device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims by means of the first flange (220) .

6. The pressure equipment (110) according to claim 5, wherein the connection nozzle (120) has a horizontal longitudinal axis .

7. A process for introducing an inspection apparatus into an operating pressure equipment (110) , provided with a device (100) according to claim 1, comprising the steps of:- closing the first isolation valve (240) ;- closing the second isolation valve (250) ;- decompressing the first tubular element (210) by opening the third draining valve (260) ;- closing the third draining valve (260) ;- removing the fifth blind flange (360) ;- inserting an inspection apparatus into the second tubular element (310) ;- if the inspection apparatus is provided with a tether, inserting said tether into an opening (410) of the blind flange (360) , ensuring the seal by means of a gasket (400) ;- installing and tightening the fifth blind flange (360) ;- closing the fourth and the fifth vent valve (340, 350) ;- opening the second isolation valve (250) ;- introducing water or nitrogen into the volume between the fifth blind flange (360) and the first isolation valve (240) by opening a valve chosen between the fourth vent valve (340) and the fifth vent valve (350) and by simultaneously opening the third draining valve (260) ;- closing the fourth vent valve (340) , the fifth vent valve (350) and the third draining valve (260) ;- opening the first isolation valve (240) ;- introducing the inspection apparatus into the operating pressure equipment.

8. A process for extracting an inspection apparatus from the inside of a pressure equipment (110) , provided with a device (100) according to claim 1, comprising the steps of:- opening the first isolation valve (240) , if the inspection apparatus is not provided with a tether;- opening the second isolation valve (250) , if the inspection apparatus is not provided with a tether;- recovering the inspection apparatus by bringing it back into the second tubular element (310) ;- closing the first isolation valve (240) ;- closing the second isolation valve (250) ;- decompressing the first tubular element (210) by opening the third draining valve (260) ;- closing the third draining valve (260) ;- decompressing the second tubular element (310) by opening the fifth vent valve (350) ;- closing the fifth vent valve (350) ;- introducing water into the volume between the fifth blind flange (360) and the second isolation valve (250) by opening the fifth vent valve (350) and by simultaneously opening the fourth vent valve (340) to wash the inspection apparatus;- interrupting the introduction of water through the fifth vent valve (350) ;- emptying the volume between the fifth blind flange (360) and the second valve (250) keeping the fourth and the fifth vent valve (340, 350) open;- removing the fifth blind flange (360) ;- extracting the inspection apparatus from the second tubular element (310) .

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