Kit and method for centering a liner into alignment with a bore of a cylinder body

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a handling device (1) for a liner (2), said liner (2) being extended along at least a portion of a first longitudinal axis (L1) and having a first end (21) and a second opposite end (23), said liner (2) being equipped with a flange (22) solidly coupled to the second end (23) of the liner (2), said flange (22) comprising a first protruding member (221) and a second protruding member (222); said handling device (1) comprising: a locking module (12) having a first leg (121) and a second leg (122), said locking module (12) being disposable in a locking 10 position, in which the first leg (121) abuts against the first protruding member (221) and the second leg (121) abuts against the second protruding member (222) locking the flange (22) into angular position thus preventing rotation of the liner (2) about the first longitudinal axis (L1). The present disclosure also relates to a method for centring a liner (2) into alignment with a bore (31) of a cylinder body (3).

Description

KIT AND METHOD FOR CENTERING A LINER INTO ALIGNMENT WITH A BORE OF A CYLINDER BODYDescriptionTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure concerns a handling device for a liner provided with a locking module that allows to centre and / or lock a liner into alignment with a bore of a cylinder body.

[0002] The present disclosure also concerns a method for centring a liner into alignment with a bore of a cylinder body thus allowing it to fit snugly into the cylinder bore by sliding insertion of the liner into the bore.

[0003] The present disclosure also concerns a kit for centring a liner into alignment with a bore of a cylinder body.BACKGROUND ART

[0004] Traditionally, replacing compressor cylinder liner is an on-condition maintenance operation, that is a maintenance operation that is performed based on the actual condition of the liner rather than on a predetermined schedule.

[0005] This maintenance process begins with the complete disassembly of the compressor cylinder, such as an API 618 cylinder. The disassembled cylinder is then transported to a specialized maintenance facility. At the facility, the worn liner is carefully removed, and a new liner is installed into the cylinder. Once the new liner is in place, the cylinder is shipped back to the original site and reinstalled onto the compressor unit.

[0006] This conventional maintenance operation involves several steps, each contributing to extended downtime of compressor usage. The disassembly requires meticulous handling to avoid damage to the compressor components, as well as the liner. Transportation to and from the maintenance facility adds logistical challenges and costs. At the facility, removing the worn liner and installing a new one necessitates specialized equipment and expertise.

[0007] During installation of the new liner, the cylinder is positioned vertically on the support plane. The new liner is cooled to a predetermined cooling temperature to contract its diameter, allowing it to fit snugly into the cylinder bore. After being cooledinto a cryogenic tank, the liner is inserted vertically into the bore, utilizing gravity to aid in the process. This operation is performed with a crane, ensuring the liner slides smoothly into place while it remains at the low temperature. Once inserted, the liner diameter gradually expands back to its original size as it warms to room temperature, reducing the annular gap between the liner and the bore walls.

[0008] After reassembly, the cylinder is transported back to the site and the final reinstallation further extend the overall downtime of the compressor unit.

[0009] The entire operation not only introduces significant downtime but also entails considerable costs and risks. Transportation of the cylinder poses risks of damage during transit, which can lead to additional repairs and costs. The logistics of coordinating these multiple steps increase the potential for delays, thereby affecting the operational efficiency of the compressor unit. These factors collectively lead to substantial operational costs and risks for the customers who rely on these compressors for their critical industrial processes.

[0010] In light of the above, there is a need for an improved method of liner replacement for cylinder compressors.SUMMARY

[0011] Certain aspects commensurate in scope with the originally claimed disclosure are summarized below. These aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure, but rather these aspects are intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the disclosure. Indeed, the full disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the aspects set forth below.

[0012] In one aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a handling device for a liner, said liner being extended along at least a portion of a first longitudinal axis and having a first end and a second opposite end, said liner being equipped with a flange solidly coupled to the second end of the liner, said flange comprising a first protruding member and a second protruding member; said handling device comprising: a locking module having a first leg and a second leg, said locking module being disposable in a locking position, in which the first leg abuts against the first protruding member and the second leg abuts against the second protruding member locking the flange into angular position thus preventing rotation of the liner about the first longitudinal axis.

[0013] In another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a handling system for a liner comprising a handling device as defined above and a machine coupled to said handling device, said machine being configured for vertical and horizontal movement of said handling device.

[0014] In further aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a method for centring a liner into alignment with a bore of a cylinder body, said liner being extended along at least a portion of a first longitudinal axis and having a first end and a second opposite end, said bore being extended at least in part along a second longitudinal axis, the method comprising the following steps:A. positioning a dummy liner onto a sledge, said dummy liner having an outer diameter equal to the volumetric contracted outer diameter of the liner when cooled at a predefined cooling temperature;B. positioning the sledge in correspondence of the bore of the cylinder body;C. aligning the sledge to the bore by adjusting at least one of a height and an angle of the sledge so as to allow the dummy liner to be slide inserted into the bore along the second longitudinal axis;D. removing the dummy liner from the sledge;E. positioning the liner onto the sledge such that the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are parallel and offset from each other, said liner being equipped with a flange solidly coupled to the second end of the liner, said flange comprising a first protruding member and a second protruding member;F. in response to completing step E applying a handling device as defined above to said liner; andG. positioning the locking module of the handling device into the locking position such that the first leg abuts against the first protruding member and the second leg abuts against the second protruding member locking the flange angular position thus preventing rotation of the liner about the first longitudinal axis.

[0015] In further aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to kit for centring a liner into alignment with a bore of a cylinder body, said kit comprising: a handling device as defined above; and a flange solidly coupleable to the second end of the liner, wherein the flange comprises a first protruding member and a secondprotruding member.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] A more complete appreciation of the disclosed embodiments of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a liner positioned onto a sledge and held in position using a handling device for subsequent insertion into a bore of a cylinder body, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;Fig. 2 illustrates another perspective view of a liner positioned onto the sledge and held in position using the handling device for subsequent insertion into the bore of the cylinder body, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 2 the sledge is equipped with a safety booth;Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the handling device and the liner equipped with a flange, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;Fig. 4 illustrates a top view of the handling device shown in Fig. 3;Fig.5 illustrates a front view of the handling device shown in Fig. 3;Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the liner being equipped with the flange;Fig. 7 shows a side view of the liner positioned onto a sledge and held in position using the handling device shown in Fig. 3 for subsequent insertion into the bore of the cylinder body, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;Fig. 8 shows a side view of a liner positioned onto a sledge during sliding insertion of the liner into the bore of the cylinder body, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;Fig. 9 shows a block diagram of a method for centring a liner into alignment with a bore of a cylinder body.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a perspective view of a liner 2 positioned onto a sledge 4 and held in position using a handling device 1 for subsequent horizontal insertion into a bore 31 of a cylinder body 3.

[0018] The liner 2 comprises a cylindrical body which extends along at least a portion of a first longitudinal axis LI and has an internal bore. The cylindrical body of the liner 2 comprises a first end 21 and a second opposite end 23.

[0019] The liner 2 is configured to be press-fitted into the compressor cylinder 3, such as an API 618 reciprocating compressor, so as to act as a replaceable sleeve within the cylinder 3. When tightly fit with cylinder bore 3, the liner 2 minimizes vibration and thermal expansion during operation of the compressor, thus maintaining both efficiency and longevity of the compressor cylinder 3.

[0020] The internal surface of the liner 2 provides a smooth, durable surface against which the piston can move. The internal surface of the liner 2 reduces friction and ensures a tight seal with the piston for the compressor to function effectively.

[0021] In the operation of a compressor, the liner 2 is subjected to significant mechanical and thermal stresses. The constant movement of the piston against the liner's internal surface, combined with the high pressures and temperatures within the cylinder, leads to gradual wear. Over time, this wear can result in a loss of the liner's smoothness, causing increased friction, potential leaks, and a decline in the compressor's efficiency. Although the liner's material is often chosen to withstand these harsh conditions, such as high-strength metal alloy, due to this inevitable wear the liner 2 must be periodically inspected and in some cases it needs to be replaced to maintain the compressor's optimal performance.

[0022] In Figs. 1 and 2, the liner 2 is equipped with a flange 22 which is solidly coupled to the second end 23 of the liner 2. Fig. 6 shows an enlarged view of the liner 2 equipped with the flange 22. The flange 22 comprises a first protruding member 221 and a second protruding member 222. The first protruding member 221 and the second protruding member 222 extends outward in the same axial direction from the flat body of the flange 22. The first protruding member 221 and the second protruding member 222 may be disposed at a distance from the centre of the flange 22, for example at opposite sides of the flange 22. The flange 22 may have, for example, an annular flat body. When the liner 2 is equipped with a flange 22 the first protruding member 221 and the second protruding member 222 face opposite the direction of the liner 2.

[0023] During use, the handling device 1 engages with the flange 22 allowing to centre and / or lock the liner 2 into alignment with the bore 31 of the cylinder body.

[0024] The handling device 1 comprises a locking module 12 having a first leg 121 and a second leg 122. The locking module 12 is disposable in a locking position, in which the first leg 121 abuts against the first protruding member 221 of the flange and the second leg 121 abuts against the second protruding member 222 of the flange locking the flange 22 angular position thus preventing rotation of the liner 2 equipped with the flange 22 about the first longitudinal axis LI. In other words, when in a locking position, the handling device 1 fix the relative orientation or rotational position of the liner 2 with respect to the first longitudinal axis LI .

[0025] As shown in Fig. 3 the locking module 12 may comprises a supporting structure 126 for supporting the first and second legs 121, 122. At least one leg bar of the first leg 121 or the second leg 122 may be slidingly coupled to the supporting structure 126 so as to be slidable along their respective longitudinal axis L3, L4. For example, the first leg 121 may be slidable along its longitudinal axis L3 and the second leg may be slidable along its longitudinal axis L4.

[0026] The locking module 12 may be disposed into a resting position, whereby at least one leg bar is positioned upward at a distance from a respective one of the first protruding member 221 or the second protruding member 222. In the resting position the locking module 12 does not engage with the flange 22.

[0027] The at least one leg bar may comprise a straight section 128 and a frustoconical or conical section 130 that is tapered from an end of the first straight section toward a lower end of the leg bar so as to continuously decrease a section diameter of the leg bar.

[0028] As shown for example in Fig. 5, the supporting structure 126 and the legs may be assembled in a "H" configuration, whereby the supporting structure 126 is a cross beam disposed orthogonally with respect to the legs 121, 122 and the legs are spaced apart from each other, to abuts against the respective protruding members 212, 222 of the flange 22 when disposed in the locking position.

[0029] During transition of the handling device 1 from the resting position into the locking position, the frustoconical or conical section 130 of the leg bar(s) engages with the respective protruding member 221, 222 gradually urging the liner 2 to rotate about the first longitudinal axis LI as the leg bar(s) is slid downward and a larger section diameter of the tapered section contacts the respective protruding member 212, 222.

[0030] When in the locking position, the straight section of the leg bar(s) abuts against the respective protruding member 221, 222 locking the flange 22 and thus the liner 2 into the angular position previously fixed, thus preventing further rotation of the liner 2 about the first longitudinal axis LI. Thus, after being cooled down into a cryogenic tank T, the liner 2 can be centred back into alignment with the bore 31 of the cylinder body 3 by transitioning the handling device 1 from the resting position into the locking position so as to ensure a consistent coaxial alignment of the liner 2 to the bore 31.

[0031] The handling device 1 may comprise a clamping module 13 for clamping the liner 2. The clamping module 13 comprises at least one clamping section 131, 132, each clamping section 131, 132 comprises a first jaw 134 for engaging with the liner 2 and a second jaw 136 for engaging with the liner 2. The first jaw 134 and the second jaw 136 are coupled for pivotal movement relative to one another. For example, the first jaw 134 and the second jaw 136 are pivotally movable about a common pivot centre.

[0032] Each clamping section 131, 132 may comprise a scissor-like transmission 137 comprising at least one pair of scissors. Each pair of scissors comprises a first and a second scissor arm 1371, 1372, each of which is connected to one another such that they are hinged about a respective scissor axis SI, S2.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 3 each one of the scissor arms 1371, 1372 of the lowermost pair of scissors may comprise a respective one of the first jaw 134 and the second jaw 136. For example, the first scissor arm 1371 extends beyond the common pivot centre passing through the scissor axis SI to form the second jaw 136 and the second scissor arm 1372 extends beyond the common pivot centre passing through the scissor axis SI to form the first jaw 134.

[0034] Each pair of scissors may be movable between an extended position in which the first jaw 134 and the secondjaw 136 are closer to each other and a retracted position in which the first jaw 134 and the secondjaw 136 are disposed away from each other.

[0035] The clamping module 13 of the handling device 1 allows to couple the handling device 1 to the liner 2 so as to maintain the handling device 1 in a fixed position relative to the surface of the liner 2 for ensuring that the handling device 1 is clamped firmly to the exterior surface of the liner 2. The clamping module 13 may be designed to conform to the curvature of the liner 2 thus preventing relative movement with respectto the liner 2 during use.

[0036] To avoid damaging the liner 2, the first jaw 134 and the second jaw 136 may be made at least in part of cryogenic resistant polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or polyimide, or polypropylene (PP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0037] During use the handling device 1 may be coupled to a machine designed for lifting and moving heavy loads, such as a crane, to allow for vertical and horizontal movement of the handling device 1, as well as the liner 2 when clamped thereto so as to perform the method steps described below with reference to Fig. 9.

[0038] The flange 22 and the handling device 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and described above may be part of a kit or alignment equipment for centring a liner 2 into alignment with a bore 31 of the cylinder body 3.

[0039] The kit or alignment equipment may further comprise a sledge 4. The sledge 4 allows to insert the liner 2 into the bore 31 of the cylinder 3 when the liner 2 is disposed horizontally on the sledge 4 in correspondence of the bore 31 of the cylinder body 3 and when the first longitudinal axis LI and the second longitudinal axis L2 of the bore 31 are coincident.

[0040] The sledge 4 comprises a supporting plane 42, for the support of a liner 2 to be centred into alignment with the bore 31, one or more actuation units 43 for adjusting at least one of a height and an angle of the sledge 4, and one or more further actuation units 44 for sliding insertion of the liner 2 into the bore 31. The one or more actuation units 43 and the one or more further actuation units 44 may be actuated through a combination of manual or automated controls.

[0041] When activated the one or more further actuation units 44 extend forward in an axial direction pushing the liner 2 into the bore 31. For example, the one or more further actuation units 44 may comprise multiple nested segments that slide telescopically, one within one another, allowing for adjustable length and precise control over the projection distance.

[0042] To avoid operator injury during actuation the one or more further actuation units 44, the sledge 4 may be equipped with a telescopic protection unit that surrounds at least the further actuation units 44 and extends telescopically in response to the actuation of the one or more further actuation units 44 following the movement of thelatter.

[0043] The sledge 4 may comprise a conveyor unit that includes an endless conveyor belt defining the supporting plane 42 and an array of belt rollers that is surrounded and coupled to the belt. Each belt roller may be arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation with the movement of the conveyor belt, the axes of the belt rollers are aligned such that when conveyor belt is driven in a forward direction, the belt rollers rotate about their axes and the liner 2 is moved in the forward direction facilitating sliding insertion of the liner 2 into the bore 31. The conveyor unit may also include a respective drive mechanism arranged to drive the conveyor belt in the forward or reverse direction.

[0044] In Fig. 2 the sledge 4 is equipped with a safety booth 45 which may be disposable on the supporting plane 42, to prevent unwanted contact with the liner 2 during the alignment process, which will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The safety booth 45 may also comprise a window, to allow visual inspection of the alignment process.

[0045] Reference is now made to Fig. 9 which shows a block diagram of a method for centring a liner 2 into alignment with a bore 31 of a cylinder body 3. The method allows to align the sledge 4 to the bore 31 of the cylinder 3 using a dummy liner and subsequently align the liner 2 with the sledge 4 using the flange 22 and the handling device 1. In this way the liner 2 is aligned with the bore 31 of the cylinder 3 and can then be slide inserted into the bore 31. Absent a proper alignment the liner 2 may get stuck into the cylinder 3, and in some cases even split the cylinder 3 apart.

[0046] The method comprises the following steps:A. positioning a dummy liner onto a sledge 4, the dummy liner having an outer diameter equal to the volumetric contracted outer diameter of the liner 2 when cooled at a predefined cooling temperature;B. positioning the sledge 4 in correspondence of the bore 31 of the cylinder body 3. The bore 31 being extended at least in part along a second longitudinal axis L2;C. aligning the sledge 4 to the bore 31 by adjusting at least one of a height and an angle of the sledge 4 so as to allow the dummy liner to be slide inserted into the bore 31 along the second longitudinal axis L2;D. removing the dummy liner from the sledge 4;E. positioning the liner 2 onto the sledge 4 such that the first longitudinal axis LI and the second longitudinal axis L2 are parallel and offset from each other, the liner 2 being equipped with a flange 22 solidly coupled to the second end 23 of the liner 2, the flange 22 comprising a first protruding member 221 and a second protruding member 222;F. in response to completing step E applying a handling device 1 to the liner 2;G. positioning the locking module 12 of the handling device 1 into the locking position such that the first leg 121 abuts against the first protruding member 221 and the second leg 121 abuts against the second protruding member 222 locking the flange 22 angular position thus preventing rotation of the liner 2 about the first longitudinal axis LI;H. in response to completing step G, cooling down the liner 2 into a cryogenic tank T;I. repositioning the liner 2 onto the sledge 4; andJ. activating the sledge 4 to slide insert the liner 2 into the bore 31.

[0047] The liquid nitrogen has a boiling point of about -196°C thus the predefined cooling temperature can be a temperature equal or less the boiling point of the cooling medium.

[0048] Step C of the method may comprise adjusting the pitch and / or the yaw of the supporting plane 42. This may comprise controlling respectively the angle around the lateral axis and the vertical axis using the one or more actuation units 43 of the sledge 4. The lateral axis runs from one side of the plane to the other whereas vertical axis runs perpendicular to the lateral axis and the longitudinal axis (from the nose to the tail of the plane). The pitch adjustment allows to move the nose of the supporting plane 42 up or down with respect to the cylinder 3. Yaw adjustment, on the other hand, involves controlling the angle of the supporting plane 42 around its vertical axis.

[0049] Step E of the method may comprise aligning the angle of the liner 2 and the cylinder 3 for coaxial insertion utilizing, for example, marked references on the surfaces of the liner 2 and the cylinder 3. The marked references identify locations relative to the respective liner 2 and / or cylinder 3 central axes reducing the risk of misalignment.

[0050] The marked references can be drawn or engraved on the external surface of the cylinder 3 and the liner 2 ensuring they are easily visible for the operator. During the alignment process, the operator can rotate and adjust the liner 2 according so that the marked references on the liner 2 and the cylinder 3 are aligned with one another. This alignment ensures that the liner 2 is positioned at the correct angle with respect to the cylinder for seamless coaxial insertion.

[0051] Step F of the method may comprise coupling the handling device 1 to the liner 2 so as to maintain the handling device 1 in a fixed position relative to the surface of the liner 2.

[0052] The coupling may be achieved using the clamping module 13 of the handling device 1 for ensuring that the handling device 1 is clamped firmly to the exterior surface of the liner 2. The clamping module 13 may be designed to conform to the curvature of the liner 2 thus preventing or reducing any relative movement with respect to the liner 2 during use.

[0053] Step H of the method may comprise cooling down the liner 2 into the cryogenic tank T at a temperature equal or below the predefined cooling temperature, such as a temperature of approximately minus 196°C in case of which liquid nitrogen is used as liquid medium.

[0054] During cooling the handling device 1 is keep coupled to the liner 2 and the locking module 12 of the handling device 1 may be disposed into a resting position. The new liner 2 is thus cooled to a predefined cooling temperature to contract its diameter, allowing it to fit snugly into the cylinder bore 31.

[0055] Step I of the method may comprise positioning the cooled liner 2 onto the sledge 4 such that the first longitudinal axis LI and the second longitudinal axis L2 are parallel to each other. The first longitudinal axis LI and the second longitudinal axis L2 may be offset or may be coincident.

[0056] During transitioning of the handling device 1 from the resting position into the locking position, the frustoconical or conical section 130 of the leg rod(s) engages with the respective protruding member 221, 222 urging the liner 2 to rotate about the first longitudinal axis LI until the straight section of each leg abuts against the respective protruding member 221, 222 locking the flange 22 and thus the liner 2 into the angular position previously fixed at step G. This prevents further rotation of the liner 2 aboutthe first longitudinal axis LI. In this way, after being cooled down into a cryogenic tank T, if the liner 2 has lost its angular orientation during handling, e.g. due to unexpected rotation about the first longitudinal axis LI, it can be centred back into alignment with the bore 31 of the cylinder body 3 by transitioning the handling device1 from the resting position into the locking position so as to ensure coaxial alignment of the liner 2 to the bore 31.

[0057] Fig. 7 shows a side view of the liner 2 positioned onto a sledge 4 and held in position using the handling device shown in Fig. 3 for subsequent insertion into the bore 31 of the cylinder 3.

[0058] Step J of the method may comprise decoupling the handling device 1 from the liner 2 before activating one or more further actuation units 44 of the sledge 4 to slide insert the liner 2 into the bore 31. In Step J the insertion can be executed within a predefined time period during which it is expected that the outer diameter of the liner2 is still in its contracted form after being cooled at a predefined cooling temperature. For example, the predefined time period can be equal or less 90 sec from the removal of the liner 2 from the cryogenic tank T.

[0059] The activation of the sledge 4 may also comprise activation of drive mechanism of the conveyor belt to drive the liner 2 in the forward direction facilitating the insertion of the liner 2 into the bore 31. Fig. 8 shows a side view of a liner 2 positioned onto a sledge during sliding insertion of the liner 2 into the bore 31 of the cylinder 3.

[0060] Once inserted, the liner 2 diameter gradually expands back to its original size as it warms to room temperature, reducing the annular gap between the liner 2 and the bore 31 walls.

[0061] A first advantage of the present disclosure is to provide handling device for a liner and that allows to centre and / or lock a liner into alignment with a bore of a cylinder body.

[0062] A second advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a method for centring a liner into alignment with a bore of a cylinder body which minimizes downtime, reduces operational complexity, and lowers the associated costs with respect to traditional maintenance procedures minimizing risks connected to plant / piping activities.

[0063] With the present solution it is possible to perform liner insertion on-site whilekeeping the liner in horizontal position using a dedicated a kit that facilitates alignment of the liner with the cylinder bore.

[0064] While aspects of the invention have been described in terms of various specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications, changes, and omissions are possible without departing form the spirit and scope of the claims. In addition, unless specified otherwise herein, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Kit for centring a liner (2) into alignment with a bore (31) of a cylinder body (3), said liner (2) being extended along at least a portion of a first longitudinal axis (LI) and having a first end (21) and a second opposite end (23), said kit comprising: a flange (22) solidly coupleable to a second end (23) of the liner (2), wherein the flange (22) comprises a first protruding member (221) and a second protruding member (222); and a handling device (1) for the liner (2), ; said handling device (1) comprising: a locking module (12) having a first leg (121) and a second leg (122), said locking module (12) being disposable in a locking position, in which the first leg (121) abuts against the first protruding member (221) and the second leg (121) abuts against the second protruding member (222) locking the flange (22) angular position thus preventing rotation of the liner (2) about the first longitudinal axis (LI).

2. The kit of the preceding claim, wherein said locking module (12) comprises a supporting structure (126), wherein at least one leg bar of said first leg (121) or said second leg (122) is slidingly coupled to said supporting structure (126) so as to be slidable along their respective longitudinal axis (L3, L4).

3. The kit of the preceding claim, wherein said locking module (12) is disposable into a resting position, in which the leg bar is positioned at a distance from a respective one of the first protruding member (221) or the second protruding member (222).

4. The kit of claim 2 or 3, wherein said at least one leg bar comprises a straight section (128) and a frustoconical or conical section (130) being tapered from an end of the first straight section toward a lower end of the leg bar so as to continuously decrease a section diameter of the leg bar.

5. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a clamping module (13) for clamping the liner (2), said clamping module (13) comprising at least one clamping section (131, 132), each clamping section (131, 132) comprising: a first jaw (134) for engaging with the liner (2); a second jaw (136) for engaging with the liner (2),said first jaw (134) and said second jaw (136) being coupled for pivotal movement relative to one another.

6. The kit of the preceding claim, wherein said first jaw (134) and said second jaw (136) are pivotally movable about a common pivot centre.

7. The kit of claim 5 or 6, wherein each clamping section (131, 132) comprises: a scissor-like transmission (137) comprising at least one pair of scissors, wherein each pair of scissors comprises a first and a second scissor arm (1371, 1372), each of which is connected to one another such that they are hinged about a respective scissor axis (SI, S2), each one of the scissor arms (1371, 1372) of the lowermost pair of scissors comprises a respective one of said first jaw (134) and said second jaw (136); and wherein each pair of scissors is movable between an extended position in which said first jaw (134) and said second jaw (136) are closer to each other and a retracted position in which said first jaw (134) and said second jaw (136) are disposed away from each other.

8. The kit of claim 5 or 6, wherein said first jaw (134) and said second jaw (136) are made of cryogenic resistant polymer.

9. The kit of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a sledge (4) comprising: a supporting plane (42), for the support of a liner (2) to be centred into alignment with the bore (31); one or more actuation units (43) for adjusting at least one of a height and an angle of the sledge (4); and one or more further actuation units (44) for sliding insertion of the liner (2) into the bore (31).

10. The kit of the preceding claim, wherein the sledge (4) further comprises a safety booth (45), being disposable on said supporting plane (42), to prevent contact with the liner (2) during the alignment process.

11. The kit of the preceding claim wherein the safety booth (45) comprises a window, to allow visual inspection of the alignment process.

12. The kit of claims 9 or 10, wherein said sledge (4) comprises a conveyor unit, said conveyor unit comprising an endless conveyor belt defining the supporting plane (42) and an array of belt rollers, each belt roller arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation with movement of the conveyor belt, the axes of the belt rollers being aligned such that when conveyor belt is driven in a forward direction, the belt rollers rotate about their axes and the liner (2) is moved in the forward direction facilitating sliding insertion of the liner (2) into the bore (31).

13. The kit as defined in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a machine coupled to said handling device (1), said machine being configured for vertical and horizontal movement of said handling device (1).

14. A method for centring a liner (2) into alignment with a bore (31) of a cylinder body (3), said liner (2) being extended along at least a portion of a first longitudinal axis (LI) and having a first end (21) and a second opposite end (22), said bore (31) being extended at least in part along a second longitudinal axis (L2), the method comprising the following steps:A. positioning a dummy liner onto a sledge (4), said dummy liner having an outer diameter equal to the volumetric contracted outer diameter of the liner (2) when cooled at a predefined cooling temperature;B. positioning the sledge (4) in correspondence of the bore (31) of the cylinder body (3);C. aligning the sledge (4) to the bore (31) by adjusting at least one of a height and an angle of the sledge (4) so as to allow the dummy liner to be slide inserted into the bore (31) along the second longitudinal axis (L2);D. removing the dummy liner from the sledge (4);E. positioning the liner (2) onto the sledge (4) such that the first longitudinal axis (LI) and the second longitudinal axis (L2) are parallel and offset from each other, said liner (2) being equipped with a flange (22) solidly coupled to the second end (23) of the liner (2), said flange (22) comprising a first protruding member (221) and a second protruding member (222);F. in response to completing step E applying a handling device (1) of a kit as defined in any one of the preceding claims to said liner (2); andG. positioning the locking module (12) of the handling device (1) into the locking position such that the first leg (121) abuts against the first protruding member (221) and the second leg (121) abuts against the second protruding member (222) locking the flange (22) angular position thus preventing rotation of the liner (2) about the first longitudinal axis (LI).

15. The method of the preceding claim, further comprisingH. in response to completing step G, cooling down the liner (2) into a cryogenic tank (T); andI. repositioning the liner (2) onto the sledge (4).

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, further comprising:J. activating the sledge (4) to slide insert the liner (2) into the bore (31) while maintaining the locking module (12) of the handling device (1) into the locking position.

Images