Split retaining ring assembly with leakage indicator drain hole, a system comprising a split retaining ring assembly and method for indicating a leakage from a split retaining ring assembly

Abstract

The invention describes a specific leakage indication feature of the base (2) of a split retaining ring connection assembly (1) at a pressure vessel. The base (2) comprising a leakage indicator drain hole (11) positioned and configured to indicate fluid from a potential leakage and system (15) comprising a split retaining ring assemblya (1), a system comprising a split retaining ring assembly (1) and a method to indicate fluid from a potential leakage. The leakage indicator drain hole (11) is further positioned and configured to limit the permanent deformation of the base (2) caused by a welding process.

Description

[0001] Split Retaining Ring Assembly with Leakage Indicator Drain Hole

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a split retaining ring assembly (connection or connector) for a pressure vessel with a main focus on, but not limited to, pressure vessels used in the pharmaceutical industry. More specifically this invention relates to specific design of the base of the split retaining ring assemble (connection or connector). The base comprises a leakage indicator drain hole positioned and configured to indicate fluid from a potential leakage. The present invention further related to a method to indicate fluid from a potential leakage in a split retaining ring connection / connector. The split retaining ring connector / connector will also be referred to as a split retaining ring assembly.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Pressure vessels are utilized in many industries substantially for manufacturing products where maintaining specific temperatures and pressures is required. Industries using pressure vessels include but are not limited to pharmaceutical, chemical, food and beverage, medical, biotechnical, ethanol, dairy, water treatment, paper, and other industries requiring chemical or biological processing in a pressurized environment. The processes that require the use of pressure vessels often require instrumentation, and other devices to measure and control operating conditions such as temperature, pressure, liquid level, and other parameters through various known instrumentation. Further, these industries may also require pressure vessels to have inlets, outlets, or ports to introduce or remove contents, obtain samples of the contents of the tank while maintaining a sterile or sealed environment, or perform other related actions.

[0006] Connections utilizing a retaining ring to hold instrumentation and other devices in sealed connection with a base mounted to a pressure vessel are well known in the art. In many cases, the instrumentation and devices are configured suchthat a solid (i.e., continuous and non-split) retaining ring is not able to slide over the entire instrumentation or device. In such cases, it has become common to use a split retaining ring constructed of two or more sections.

[0007] Split retaining ring connections, such as the NovAseptic® connector and the ASEPCONNECT™ connector, are well known in the art and utilize a base welded to the pressure vessel and a split retaining ring. The instrumentation is secured to the base by the split retaining ring that, when tightened, engages the instrument's ferrule and compresses the ferrule and an elastomeric seal or ring formed gasket against an annular structural seat in the base thereby effectuating the connection. The compression required to create the seal and connection is created using four or more threaded fasteners or bolts that can be tightened to achieve a desired compressive force and resistance.

[0008] Many pressure vessels manufactured and in use today are outfitted with bases designed for utilizing split retaining ring connections comprising a groove positioned at the top side of the base of the split retaining ring assembly and this groove function as a leakage indicator although a substantial quantity of fluid may be leaked before it reaches the groove and thereby indicate to the operator that the connection is leaking. Further, a groove positioned at the top side of the base result in substantial deformation of the base of the split retaining ring connection caused by the welding between the pressure vessel and the bottom side of the base. The core of the present invention is implementing a relatively small leakage indicator drain hole at a position that significantly reduce the amount of fluid needed before the operator will see the leakage problem and that further reduces the problems with deformation of the base caused by the welding process.

[0009] Prior art

[0010] It is known to apply a groove at the top side of the base of the split retaining ring assembly to indicate fluid leakage.Object of the invention

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a split retaining ring assembly, a system comprising a split retaining ring assembly vessel (preferably a pressure vessel) and a method that reduces the amount of fluid needed before a leakage is identified.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a split retaining ring assembly, a system and a method that reduces deformation of the base caused by the welding process. This deformation problem is often seen, when applying a groove at the top side of the base of the split retaining ring assembly which is a solution that is commonly used today.

[0013] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a split retaining ring assembly, system and a method to connect a device with an alarm function to the split retaining ring assembly and thereby further reduce wasted fluid caused by a leakage.

[0014] It is the ultimate object of the present invention to provide a split retaining ring assembly, system and a method that reduces cost of manufacturing the pressure vessel and that reduces costs caused by wasted fluid or liquid.

[0015] At least one of the above objects of the present invention, which will be evident from the description below, is according to a first aspect of the present invention achieved by a split retaining ring assembly as defined in claim 1.

[0016] Description of the invention

[0017] A first aspect of the invention discloses a split retaining ring assembly adapted for securing a device or a tube to a pressure vessel. The split retaining ring assembly comprises a base, a ring formed gasket, and at least two split retaining rings. The tube comprises a beveled ferrule. The base comprises a top side, a bottom side, an outer side surface, an inner side surface and an internal annular support structure having a top portion on which said ringformed gasket is to be placed. The base further comprises a leakage indicator drain hole located in an area under the top side of the base and extending between the outer side surface and the inner side surface of the base. When a leakage is present, either between the tube with a beveled ferrule and the ring formed gasket, or between the ring formed gasket and the internal annular support structure, the fluid will flow downwardly and the position of the leakage indicator drain hole is preferably located in such a position that a minimum of fluid is needed before the fluid is visible at the outer side surface of the base. Especially when a pressure vessel is used in the pharmaceutical industry, the fluid is often extremely expensive, so it is preferred to find a leakage as fast as possible to limit the cost damages.

[0018] In an embodiment, the split retaining ring assembly is adapted for securing a tube comprising a comprises a beveled ferrule to a pressure vessel.

[0019] In an embodiment, the split retaining ring assembly is adapted for securing a device comprising a tube comprising a beveled ferrule to a pressure vessel. The device may by any device that is required to be brought into fluid communication with the pressure vessel.

[0020] In an embodiment, the base is cylindrical. In an embodiment, the base comprises a cylindrical outer side surface.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the split retaining ring assembly comprises at least two split retaining rings that are bolted to the base in order to apply sufficient pressure to reduce the risk of leakages. Although a leakage is found sooner when applying the present invention, it is always better to avoid leakages to occur and here a bolted solution is found to be a preferrable solution.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the split retaining ring assembly comprises a leakage indictor drain hole that is adapted for beingconnected to a device with a leakage alarm function. It cannot be expected that the operator will look for leakages manually during the entire process in the pressure vessel. Therefore, it is preferred to further install a device that will indicate when fluid is present in or just outside the leakage indictor drain hole. Such devices measurement principles may include but are not limited to electric resistance measurement of the fluid, optical measurements, video recordings that may be coupled with Artificial Intelligence, droplet indicator measurements, wettability measurements, and chemical compound measurements.

[0023] In an embodiment, the leakage indictor drain hole is adapted for being connected to a leakage indicator having a leakage alarm function.

[0024] In an embodiment, the split retaining ring assembly comprises leakage indicator having a leakage alarm function. In an embodiment, the leakage indicator is connected to the leakage indictor drain hole. In an embodiment, the leakage indicator is in fluid communication with to the leakage indictor drain hole.

[0025] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the split retaining ring assembly comprises stainless steel and preferably the entire split retaining ring assembly is manufactured in stainless steel due to its very high stability towards chemical and temperature influences and that a leakage indicator drain hole can easily be implemented when the base is manufactured from stainless steel. Specific types of preferred stainless steel that may be used include but are not limited to AISI304 I EN 1.4301 or stainless steel AISI316L / EN 1.4404.

[0026] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the split retaining ring assembly comprises a leakage indicator drain hole that has a maximum cross section dimension at 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 millimetres. In general terms, it is preferred to limit the size of theleakage indicator drain hole to a minimum. The best cross section dimension is a balance between the viscosity of the fluid, the surface tension of the fluid, the temperature of the fluid and other parameters as well. Preferably, the cross-section dimension of the leakage indicator drain hole must be large enough to avoid that the fluid blocked from running through the leakage indicator drain hole because of the surface tension of the fluid. Likewise, the cross-section dimension of the leakage indicator drain hole must be large enough so that the fluid is running through the leakage indicator drain hole and not being blocked because the viscosity - eventually coupled with the surface tension - is such that the fluid is being collected at the inner side surface of the base and therefore is not working as intended. On the other hand, a too large cross section dimension of the leakage indicator drain hole may result in higher permanent deformation of the base caused by the welding process, which is also important to limit to a minimum. Therefore, the preferred maximum cross section dimension of the leakage indicator drain hole depends on many parameters, and it is important to design the leakage indicator drain hole according to the actual application and the actual fluids used in the pressure vessel.

[0027] In an embodiment, the split retaining ring assembly comprises a leakage indicator drain hole having, in a cross-section taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the leakage indicator drain hole, a maximum cross-sectional dimension of 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 millimetres.

[0028] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the split retaining ring assembly has a leakage indicator drain hole that has an oblong shape. In some cases, the shape of the cross section of the leakage indicator drain hole can be optimized. It is found that the cross-section area of the leakage indicator drain hole can be reduced when choosing the oblongly shaped cross section called stadium or capsule, i.e. a shape the comprises two half circles with straight lines between them. This shape has been found to be optimum insome cases where the leakage indicator drain hole works as wanted with a minimum problem with permanent deformation of the base caused by the welding process.

[0029] In an embodiment, the leakage indicator drain hole is elongated.

[0030] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the split retaining ring assembly has a leakage indicator drain hole that forms an acute angle with a plane defined by the internal annular support structure that is larger than 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 degrees. Similar to the above description of the cross-section dimension and the shape of the leakage indicator drain hole, the slope of the leakage indicator drain hole relative to horizontal also has an impact. In general, the lower the slope the more slowly the fluid will run through the leakage indicator drain hole. Most often, the split retaining rind assembly itself is mounted at an angle to horizontal and in such cases, it may not be necessary to also angle the leakage indicator drain hole further relative the horizontal. Like in the two embodiments above, that are related to the leakage indicator drain hole cross section dimension and to the leakage indicator drain hole shape, the slope of the leakage indicator drain hole relative to horizontal is also an important parameter to find the right balance between leakage indicator drain hole configuration and base deformation problems caused by the welding process.

[0031] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base of split retaining ring assembly comprises a leakage indicator drain hole with a periphery that is positioned within 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 millimetres from the top side of the internal annular support structure or from the top side of the ring formed gasket. Like in the three embodiments above, that are related to the leakage indicator drain hole cross section dimension, to the leakage indicator drain hole shape, and to the slope of the leakage indicator drain hole relative to horizontal, it is also important to positioning the inner part of the leakage indicator drain hole as close to the leaked fluid as possible to limit the amount of fluid needed beforethe leakage can be identified. Since the leakage will occur, either between the tube with a beveled ferrule and the ring formed gasket or between the ring formed gasket and the internal annular support structure inside the base, it is preferred to positioning the inner side of the leakage indicator drain hole as close to the ring formed gasket as possible and thereby limit the amount of fluid needed before it runs through the leakage indicator drain hole.

[0032] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base of the split retaining ring assembly is adapted for being welded to a pressure vessel. Even though the welding process is causing problems with permanent deformations it is commonly used in the industry today. As previously described in the present invention disclosure, the leakage indicator drain hole is arranged and configured to also taking the welding induced permanent deformation problem into consideration, and it is evident that the deformation is significantly reduced when implementing the present invention compared to the groove solution described in the “Background of the invention” and in the “Prior art” sections.

[0033] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base is configured for being used for a pressure vessel for pharmaceutical products only. Since in this industry the liquids that are being processes in a pressure vessel are often extremely costly which is increasing the needs for identifying a leakage as soon as possible to limit loses.

[0034] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base comprises a single leakage indicator drain hole only. Since one leakage indicator drain hole will - if positioned correct - need less liquid to identify a leakage than several leakage indicator drain holes.

[0035] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the split retaining ring assembly comprises only two split retaining rings. The assembly process is easier when fewer (in this case two) split retaining rings are used.In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the split retaining ring assembly, the pressure vessel, and the welding all are made of stainless steel, since this is the most common solution for pharmaceutical product production.

[0036] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base and the leakage indicator drain hole is configured and arranged to limit the amount of leaked liquid needed, to indicate the leakage problem, to a minimum, since the liquids that are being processed in the pharmaceutical industry are often very costly.

[0037] In an embodiment, the system comprises a split retaining ring assembly according to the invention, and the pressure vessel.

[0038] In an embodiment, the system comprises a split retaining ring assembly, wherein the base is adapted for being welded to the pressure vessel, wherein the split retaining ring assembly, the pressure vessel, and said welding all are made of stainless steel.

[0039] In an embodiment, the system comprises a leakage indicator device that is connected to or in fluid communication with the leakage indicator drain hole.

[0040] Another aspect of the invention discloses a method to indicate a leakage from a split retaining ring assembly that is securing a device or a tube with a beveled ferrule to a pressure vessel. The split retaining ring assembly comprises a base that is welded to the pressure vessel, a ring formed gasket that is mounted between the base and the device or tube and at least two split retaining rings that are bolted to the base. The base comprises a top side, a bottom side, an outer side surface, an inner side surface and an internal annular support structure having a top portion on which the ring formed gasket is placed. The base is firstly equipped with a leakage indicator drain hole in an area under the top side of the base and extending between the outer side surface of the base and the inner side surface of the base wherein the method comprises visually observing if liquid is present at the outer surface of the base or alternativelyconnecting the leakage indicator drain hole to a device with a leakage alarm function. The method may or may not comprise the device with a leakage alarm function.

[0041] Brief description of the figure

[0042] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the drawing, in which:

[0043] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a bolted split retaining ring connection assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 2A shows a cross-sectional view of a base of a split retaining ring assembly according to an embodiment;

[0044] Fig. 2B shows the base shown in Fig. 2A in a configuration, in which a leakage indicator device has been mounted in the leakage indicator drain hole;

[0045] Fig. 3A shows a side view of a split retaining ring assembly according to an embodiment secured to a pressure vessel and

[0046] Fig. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of a base of a split retaining ring assembly according to an embodiment.

[0047] Detailed description of figures

[0048] The following detailed description of the invention references the accompanying figure that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a bolted split retaining ring assembly 1 comprising a leakage indicator drain hole 11 in accordance with the present invention. The internal annular support structure 10 is shown inside the base 2, and it function as a support for the ring formed gasket 3 and the tube 4 with a beveled ferrule 17, when the split retaining ring assembly 1 is assembled, and the nuts 13 are fastened. The bottom side 7 of the base 2 may be used as a welding area and is the area that is connected to the pressure vessel (not shown). The split retaining assembly 1 comprises two split retaining rings 5, both with holes for four bolts 12 each. The instrumentation and other devices (not shown) will be located at the tube 4 with a beveled ferrule. The leakage indicator drain hole 11 has an oblong shape and it is shown at the outer side surface 8 of the base 2. The leakage indicator drain hole 11 extends into the inner side surface of the base 2 (not shown). At Fig. 1 the position of the leakage indicator drain hole 11 at the inner side surface of the base 2, is very close to the area where the ring formed gasket 3 is located. The purpose is that only a very small amount of liquid will be needed before the liquid will be visible at the outer side surface 8 of the base 2, where it can be observed by an operator or alternatively a device in fluid communication with the leakage indicator drain hole 11 , wherein the device preferably comprises a leakage alarm function (not shown).

[0049] Fig. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a base 2 of a split retaining ring assembly according to an embodiment. The base 2 is basically cylindrical, the inner surface of the base 2, however, is provided with a comprises an internal annular support structure 10. In an embodiment, the internal annular support structure 10 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the base 2.

[0050] An annular gasket 3 is placed on the top portion 20 of the internal annular support structure 10. The gasket 3 is ring-shaped and adapted to fit into the geometry of the structures (see Fig. 1 ) that the gasket 3 will bear against whenthe split retaining ring assembly is in use. In an embodiment, the gasket 3 has a stepped cross-sectional profile (like illustrated in Fig. 2A).

[0051] Fig. 2B illustrates the base 2 shown in Fig. 2A in a configuration, in which a leakage indicator device 14 has been mounted in the leakage indicator drain hole 11. The leakage indicator device 14 may apply any suitable detection technique to detect the presence of leaked liquid in the leakage indicator drain hole 11 , including optical, electrical, mechanical, chemical, or pressure-based detection techniques.

[0052] In an embodiment, the leakage indicator device 14 comprises an optical sensor configured to detect a change in light transmission or reflection caused by the presence of liquid.

[0053] In an embodiment, the leakage indicator device 14 comprises an electrical sensor configured to detect a change in conductivity or capacitance.

[0054] In an embodiment, the leakage indicator device 14 comprises a mechanical sensor responsive to liquid accumulation.

[0055] In an embodiment, the leakage indicator device 14 comprises a chemical indicator reacting with the leaked liquid.

[0056] In an embodiment, the leakage indicator device 14 comprises a pressure or flow sensor configured to detect liquid flow or pooling within the leakage indicator drain hole 11.

[0057] The leakage indicator device 14 may be configured to detect the presence of leaked liquid directly or indirectly by sensing at least one physical or chemical parameter affected by the leaked liquid.Fig. 3A illustrates a side view of a split retaining ring assembly 1 according to an embodiment secured to a pressure vessel 16. In an embodiment, the split retaining ring assembly 1 comprises a base 2 that is attached to the pressure vessel 16 by welding. The split retaining ring assembly 1 comprises two split retaining rings 5 that are mechanically attached to the base 2 by using bolts (see Fig. 1) and nuts 13. A tube 4 that is secured to the pressure vessel 16 is indicated.

[0058] Fig. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a base 2 of a split retaining ring assembly according to an embodiment. The base 2 basically corresponds to the one shown and explained with reference to Fig. 2A. The leakage indicator drain hole 11 , however, does not extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the base 2. The leakage indicator drain hole 11 form an acute angle oc with a plane 18 defined by the internal annular support structure 10. Accordingly, liquid flow through the leakage indicator drain hole 11 is eased.

[0059] Items

[0060] 1. A split retaining ring assembly adapted for securing a device or a tube to a pressure vessel;

[0061] said split retaining ring assembly comprises a base, a clamp gasket, a tube with a beveled ferrule and at least two split retaining rings;

[0062] said base comprises a top side, a bottom side, an outer side surface, an inner side surface and an internal annular support structure characterized in that said base comprises a leakage indicator drain hole located in an area between said top side of said base and said internal support structure and between said outer side surface and said inner side surface of said base.

[0063] 2. The split retaining ring assembly according to item 1 , characterized in that said at least two split retaining rings are bolted to said base.3. The split retaining ring assembly according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that said leakage indictor drain hole is connected to a device with a leakage alarm function.

[0064] 4. The split retaining ring assembly according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that said split retaining ring assembly comprises stainless steel.

[0065] 5. The split retaining ring assembly according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that said leakage indicator drain hole has a maximum cross section dimension at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 millimetres.

[0066] 6. The split retaining ring assembly according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that said leakage indicator drain hole is oblongly shaped.

[0067] 7. The split retaining ring assembly according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that said leakage indicator drain hole form an angle with horizontal larger than 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 degrees.

[0068] 8. The split retaining ring assembly according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that the periphery of said leakage indicator drain hole is positioned within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 millimetres from the top side of said internal annular support structure or from said clamp gasket.

[0069] 9. The split retaining ring assembly according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that said base has been welded to that pressure vessel.

[0070] 10. A method to indicate a leakage from a split retaining ring assembly that is adapted for securing a device or a tube to a pressure vessel;

[0071] said retaining split ring assembly comprises a base that is welded to said pressure vessel, a clamp gasket that is mounted between said base and a tubewith a beveled ferrule and at least two split retaining rings that are bolted to said base;

[0072] said base comprises a top side, a bottom side, an outer side surface, an inner side surface and an internal annular support structure characterized in that in said base a leakage indicator drain hole is made in an area between said top side of said base and said internal support structure and between said outer side surface and said inner side surface of said base.List of reference numbers

[0073] 1 split retaining ring assembly

[0074] 2 base

[0075] 3 ring formed gasket

[0076] 4 tube with a beveled ferrule

[0077] 5 split retaining ring

[0078] 6 top side of base

[0079] 7 bottom side of base

[0080] 8 outer side surface of base

[0081] 9 inner side surface of base

[0082] 10 internal annular support structure

[0083] 11 leakage indicator drain hole

[0084] 12 bolt

[0085] 13 nut

[0086] 14 leakage indicator device

[0087] 15 system

[0088] 16 pressure vessel

[0089] 17 beveled ferrule

[0090] 18 plane defined by the internal annular support structure

[0091] 19 plane parallel to the plane defined by the internal annular support structure

[0092] 20 top portion

[0093] oc angle

[0094] X longitudinal axis

Claims

Claims1. A split retaining ring assembly (1 ) adapted for securing a tube (4) comprising a beveled ferrule (17) or a device comprising a tube (4) comprising a beveled ferrule (17) to a pressure vessel (16);said split retaining ring assembly (1) comprises a base (2), a ring formed gasket (3), and at least two split retaining rings (5);said base (2) comprises a top side (6), a bottom side (7), an outer side surface (8), an inner side surface (9) and an internal annular support structure (10) having a top portion (20) on which said ring formed gasket (3) is placed, characterized in that the base (8) comprises a leakage indicator drain hole (11) located in an area under said top side (6) of the base (8) and extending between the outer side surface (8) and the inner side surface (9) of the base (8).

2. The split retaining ring assembly (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the at least two split retaining rings (5) are bolted to the base (8).

3. The split retaining ring assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leakage indictor drain hole (11) is adapted for being connected to a leakage indicator (14) having a leakage alarm function.

4. The split retaining ring assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the split retaining ring assembly (1) comprises stainless steel.

5. The split retaining ring assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leakage indicator drain hole (11) has a maximum cross section dimension at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 millimetres.

6. The split retaining ring assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leakage indicator drain hole (11) has an oblong shape.

7. The split retaining ring assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leakage indicator drain hole (11) form an acute angle (a) with a plane (18) defined by the internal annular support structure (10) larger than 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 degrees.

8. The split retaining ring assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the periphery of the leakage indicator drain hole (11 ) is positioned within 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 millimetres from the top side of the internal annular support structure (10) or from the ring formed gasket (3).

9. The split retaining ring assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (2) is adapted for being welded to the pressure vessel (16).

10. The split retaining ring assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (2) is configured for being used for a pressure vessel (16) for pharmaceutical products only.

11. The split retaining ring assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (2) comprises a single leakage indicator drain hole (11) only.

12. The split retaining ring assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the split retaining ring assembly (1) comprises only two split retaining rings (5).

13. The split retaining ring assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (2) and said leakage indicator drainhole (11) are configured and arranged to limit the amount of leaked liquid needed, to indicate a leakage problem, to a minimum.

14. A system (15) comprising a split retaining ring assembly (1) according to any of the other preceding claims, and the pressure vessel (16).

15. A system (15) according to claim 14, comprising a split retaining ring assembly (1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the split retaining ring assembly (1), the pressure vessel (16), and said welding all are made of stainless steel.

16. A system (15) according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a leakage indicator device (14) that is connected to or in fluid communication with the leakage indicator drain hole (11).

17. A method for indicating a leakage from a split retaining ring assembly (1) that secures a tube (4) comprising a beveled ferrule (17) or a device comprising a tube (4) comprising a beveled ferrule (17) to a pressure vessel (16);said split retaining ring assembly (1) comprises:- a base (2) that is welded to the pressure vessel (16),- a ring formed gasket (3) that is mounted between the base (2) and the device comprising the beveled ferrule (17) or the tube (4) comprising a beveled ferrule (17) with and at least two split retaining rings (5) that are bolted to the base (2);the base (2) comprises a top side (6), a bottom side (7), an outer side surface (8), an inner side surface (9) and an internal annular support structure (10) having a top portion (20) on which the ring formed gasket (3) is placed, characterized in that in the base (2) comprises a leakage indicator drain hole (11) placed in an area under said top side (6) of the base (2) and extending between said outer side surface (8) and the inner side surface (9) of the base (2), wherein the method comprises determining if liquid is present at the outersurface of the base (2) either visually or by using a leakage indicator device (14) that is connected to or in fluid communication with the leakage indicator drain hole (11).

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