Patent Application
20240083672
The present embodiments relate generally to a through pipe configured to be attached to a drum, this making the drum easier to lift.
Large drums such as coke drums are used for the storage of important energy materials such as oil, gas, petroleum, or petcoke. Transporting these large drums can be difficult, time-consuming, and dangerous, often requiring a large team of professionals and top of the line equipment. Thus, there exists a need in the current market for a way to remove or transport large drums in a quicker, safer, and more efficient manner.
The present embodiments disclosure a lift pipe which allows for the removal of vessels in a state that does not further compromise the equipment state and significantly improves the safety and efficiency of this scope.
In order to facilitate a fuller understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the attached drawings. The drawings should not be construed as limiting the present invention, but are intended only to illustrate different aspects and embodiments of the invention.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in order to illustrate various features of the invention. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention, but rather are intended to provide examples of the components, use, and operation of the invention.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of an embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments.
The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
The invention relates generally to a through pipe configured to be placed within a drum, coke drum, or otherwise large container. The through pipe can be positioned such that it extends longitudinally through the coke drum and being mated on either end of the drum.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in the context of a particular implementation in a particular environment for a particular purpose, those skilled in the art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the embodiments of the present invention can be beneficially implemented in other related environments for similar purposes. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiments, method, and examples, but by all embodiments within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a through pipe assembly for placement within a large container, including: a through pipe configured to extend longitudinally through the large container, wherein the through pipe includes a top section, a tapered section, a middle section, and a bottom section; a top attachment affixed to the top section of the through pipe, the top attachment including one or more shackles or slings; and a bottom attachment securely attached to the bottom section of the through pipe or the large container, wherein the bottom attachment further includes a hole configured to accommodate the one or more shackles, and one or more cheek plates attached to the bottom attachment; wherein the through pipe can be positioned within the large container with its top section and bottom section mated to the large container, enabling the through pipe to facilitate lifting or support operations using the top attachment and the bottom attachment.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the large container is a coke drum configured to contain coke during a coke production process.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the top attachment further includes a top plate secured to the top section of the through pipe, the top plate having a hole configured for crane lifting or other lifting mechanisms.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the bottom attachment is welded to the bottom section of the through pipe.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the bottom attachment further includes a locking mechanism to secure the one or more shackles in place.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the top attachment includes a plurality of shackles or slings for enhanced lifting capacity.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, further including a bottom plate attached to the bottom section of the through pipe or the large container, the bottom plate having one or more attachment points to secure the through pipe in place.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the bottom plate further includes attachment points configured to attach one or more cheek plates, the cheek plates providing additional reinforcement and load distribution.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a through pipe assembly for placement within a large container, including: a through pipe configured to extend longitudinally through the large container; a top attachment affixed to the through pipe, the top attachment including one or more lifting means; a bottom attachment securely attached to the through pipe or the large container, the bottom attachment further including means for attaching one or more support elements; wherein the through pipe can be positioned within the large container with its top and bottom sections mated to the large container, facilitating lifting or support operations using the top attachment and bottom attachment.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the large container is a drum configured to house one or more liquids or materials.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the top attachment includes one or more shackles, slings, hooks, or lifting eyes.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the bottom attachment includes a plate, bracket, or flange securely attached to the bottom section of the through pipe or the large container.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the means for attaching one or more support elements includes one or more holes, fasteners, or connectors.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the through pipe further includes a tapered section or a widened section to facilitate fluid flow, prevent material build-up, or enhance structural integrity.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, further including one or more cheek plates attached to the bottom attachment, providing additional reinforcement and load distribution during lifting or support operations.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, further including a top plate secured to the through pipe, the top plate having a hole or an eyelet for crane lifting or other lifting mechanisms.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the one or more lifting means at the top attachment include a hoist, crane, or winch.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the through pipe is positioned within the large container in a horizontal, vertical, or inclined orientation.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the through pipe is manufactured from at least one selected from the group of steel, titanium, or copper-nickel alloys.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a through pipe assembly for placement within a coke drum, including: a through pipe configured to extend longitudinally through the coke drum; a top attachment affixed to the through pipe, the top attachment including one or more shackles; a bottom attachment securely attached to the through pipe or the coke drum, the bottom attachment further including means for attaching one or more cheek plates; wherein the through pipe can be positioned within the coke drum with its top and bottom sections mated to the coke drum, facilitating lifting or support operations using the top attachment and bottom attachment.
Further, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. Also, for purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as oriented in the figures and is not to be construed as limiting any feature to be a particular orientation, as said orientation may be changed based on the user's perspective of the device.
In the invention, various embodiments have been described with references to the accompanying drawings. It may, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The invention and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.
The invention is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described herein, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope. Functionally equivalent systems, processes and apparatuses within the scope of the invention, in addition to those enumerated herein, may be apparent from the representative descriptions herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such representative claims are entitled.
This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 63/404,753, filed on Sep. 8, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63404753 | Sep 2022 | US |
