Removing and replacing numerous threaded fasteners in conventional flanged breach connections is a highly time consuming laborious task with the potential loss of critical bolts while working under hazardous conditions. Our solution totally eliminates the threaded bolt fasteners through the mating flanges including the need to torque them down in a diametric sequence. ( All Rights Reserved )

Drum is shown here at a greatly reduced height for clarity. Typical heights are about 60 ft.

The bottom breach is geometrically similar to the top except the diameter and deeper clamping geometry relative to the cover sizes. The higher the internal pressure and temperature, the greater the sealing forces and the gaskets need not have holes in them to accomodate any bolts.

Angled planar surfaces generate a vertical Fy clamping force to the flanges when horozontally loaded Fx by the two semi-circular clamping jaws actuated by a pair of conventional horozontal bolts drawing the two clamps together in tension.

The inclined plane generates a vertical clamping force Fy on the flanges when horozontally loaded Fx by the two semi-circular clamping jaws when tensioned with high strength structural clamping bolts.

CNC machined red brass loading buttons are press-fitted permanently into the existing holes of both mating flanges where the conventional bolts would normally be. The downward sloped faces are pointing outwards radially to engage the 25 deg sloped mating surfaces of the clamping jaws. The soft brass deforms to comply with the compound internal surface geometry of the steel clamping jaws at a temperature of 990 deg.C and pressure via plastic deformation. The brass buttons mold to the correct surface of incidence with the initial clamping jaws applying force under heat and pressure.

The FEA Comsol Multi-Physics model files are available on request including the CAD STEP or SAT files.

Comsol Multi-Physics FEA model shows a safety factor of 5 with 1500 PSI pressure applied to the inside clamping flanges. Higher pressures can be accommodated with increased web thickness. SAE 4130 steel billet is fabricated with the appropriate specified internal geometry.

The bottom port cover needs 4 bolts and nuts to secure in its seated position and the top port needs just 2 bolts and nuts. Fig,10 shows an auxilliary emergency cover held fast with conventional bolts in the event that the lateral clamping jaws do not open for any reason at the top of the drum..