Seal for a joint or juncture – Process of static sealing – Using flexible sleeve – boot – or diaphragm
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-31
2001-03-20
Knight, Anthony (Department: 3626)
Seal for a joint or juncture
Process of static sealing
Using flexible sleeve, boot, or diaphragm
C277S634000, C277S637000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203019
ABSTRACT:
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a machine and method for preventing fluid leakage from a flange, in particular, to a new and useful flange seal utilizing a seal welded diaphragm.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional flange connections are sealed by gaskets. Fluid leakage can occur on these flange connections after long-term service. Flange leakage is caused by displacement deformation of the gasket weld pockets on the flange and general wear and erosion on the gasket sealing surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved machine and method for preventing fluid leakage from a flange.
The diaphragm seal assembly consists of a flange with a platform which has an opening. An annular weld pocket is located on the platform concentric with the opening. A diaphragm with a top face and a bottom face rests on the flange platform. A ring extends from the bottom face of the diaphragm and engages with the opening on the flange platform. A weld bead is formed in the annular groove and the diaphragm is seal welded to the weld bead on the flange platform. A flange cover is fastened to the flange.
The present invention has several advantages over known flange seal assemblies.
The present invention allows for clear access to the diaphragm for welding and NDE (PT) or penetrant testing of the weld bead.
The annular weld pocket allows for removal and re-welding of the diaphragm during inspection outages without pre-heat or post weld heat treatment.
The present invention further allows for a temper-bead technique in accordance with Section III, Div. 1, NB-4622.11 of the ASME Code to weld buildup the annular weld pocket, thus eliminating the need for a field post weld heat treatment.
The diaphragm may be formed of Alloy 690 which has a high mechanical strength and a superior fatigue resistance as compared to carbon and low alloy steels. Alloy 690 further has a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with ordinary steel, the material generally used for flanges, and thus minimizes thermally induced stress in the seal weld.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
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Edwards R. J.
Knight Anthony
Marich E.
Pickard Alison K.
The Babcock & Wilcox Company
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