Pressure Vessel Keyed Closure for Toolless High-Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure vessels are historically difficult to assemble, disassemble, and access, requiring multiple tools and extended amounts of time, which is inefficient and reduces throughput and recovery rates in industrial processes.
Innovation Solution
A pressure vessel design featuring high-strength keys that lock end caps in place without tools, using pressure differentials to automatically seal and unseal the vessel, allowing tool-free assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bolt and nut assemblies are used to secure end caps, then the pressure vessel can maintain sealing under pressure, but the assembly and disassembly process requires multiple tools and extended time
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into multiple independent keys (typically 3-6 keys) distributed around the circumference of the end cap, each key independently securing the end cap to the pressure vessel body. This segmentation allows for rapid insertion and removal of individual keys without requiring tool assistance, while collectively providing robust sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using threaded fasteners that require rotational tightening, the invention inverts the approach by using keys that are simply inserted into keyways. The sealing force is generated by the insertion action itself and the geometry of the key-keyway interface, rather than by rotational tightening, enabling tool-free operation.
2Strength
If multiple bolts are used to secure the end cap, then the connection strength is sufficient for high pressure, but the procedure requires reversing tight/loosen steps and using torque tools
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional fastening approach by replacing rotational tightening with linear insertion. Keys are inserted into keyways to create the secure connection, eliminating the need for torque tools and complex tightening procedures. The connection strength is achieved through the geometry of the key-keyway interface and the force applied during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The keys are designed to be manually inserted and removed without requiring external tools or complex procedures. The operator simply inserts the keys into the keyways to secure the end cap or removes them to open the vessel, making the operation simple and self-service oriented.
3Reliability
If threaded caps under extreme tightening torque are used, then the seal is secure, but the process requires extreme torque and specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using threaded caps that require extreme tightening torque and specialized tools, the invention inverts the approach by using keys that are inserted into keyways. The sealing security is achieved through the insertion force and the geometry of the key-keyway interface, eliminating the need for extreme torque and specialized tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The keys are simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. They are designed as simple insertion/removal elements without complex threading or torque mechanisms, reducing both the complexity of the device and the cost of tooling requirements.
4Reliability
If traditional closure systems are used, then the pressure vessel can be sealed, but the opening and closing time is a significant fraction of the overall cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into multiple independent keys that can be quickly inserted and removed. This segmentation allows for rapid closure and opening operations, significantly reducing the time spent on these operations and increasing the overall throughput rate of the pressure vessel system.
Solution Approach 2:
By inverting the traditional fastening approach and using simple insertion/removal of keys instead of threading and tightening, the time required for opening and closing operations is dramatically reduced. This enables the pressure vessel to be opened and closed in a fraction of the time required by traditional systems, thereby improving productivity and throughput rate.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and convenient opening and closing of pressure vessels, significantly reducing the time required for assembly-disassembly cycles, thereby increasing efficiency and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
at a chamber pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, the first end cap exerts a force against the first pressure-vessel keys and the first key ring to automatically and reversibly actuate a first pressure-vessel seal
Data Source
AI summary
Some variations provide a pressure vessel comprising: a chamber for processing a material under a chamber pressure up to 5000 bar; an end cap disposed at one end of the pressure chamber; an interior seal plate disposed between the end cap and the chamber volume; and a plurality of pressure-vessel keys disposed between the end cap and an outer ring. At a chamber pressure greater than atmospheric, the end cap exerts a force against the keys to automatically and reversibly actuate a pressure-vessel seal. Conversely, at atmospheric pressure or less, the keys and end cap are easily removable. Essentially, the pressure in the vessel is utilized as an in situ mechanical force to automatically actuate a safe and efficient seal. Process cycle times are significantly reduced because the vessel is not opened and closed using tooling. Throughputs are increased, improving economics of pressure vessels for extraction, reaction, or other processes.