MR. MICHAEL F. SULLIVAN, P.T.
Physical Therapy at Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos, CA

License number

California PT 21484

Professional information

Michael F Sullivan, Los Gatos CA - PT (Physical therapy)

Specialties:

Physical Therapy

Address:

15047 Los Gatos Blvd STE 200, Los Gatos 95032
(408) 378-4510 (Fax)

Languages:

English

Method And Apparatus For Non-Intrusive On-Line Leak Sealing Of Flanged Piping Connections

US Patent:

6244630, Jun 12, 2001

Filed:

Jul 6, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/347993

Inventors:

Johnny D. Baucom - Charlotte NC
Michael D. Sullivan - Los Gatos CA
Michael K. Phillips - Matthews NC

Assignee:

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

F16L 5500, F16L 2300

US Classification:

285 15

Abstract:

A pressurized leaking flange joint is sealed with a 1/4 circle load support structure, a jacking bolt extending therethrough and applying a radial load to a sealing plug between the flange gap. The sealing plug is a graphite packing ring placed into the flange gap on either side of a gasket centering ring, and a carbon steel compression ring (two 1/8 circles placed end-to-end) placed on top of the packing ring on either side of the gasket centering ring. The load support structure is installed such that the jacking bolt is centered over the flange gap. The jacking bolt is torqued and subsequently applies a radial load to the compression ring, which radial load is transferred to the load support structure and then to two flange bolts against which the load support structure bares. The radial load on the compression rings compresses the packing material into the pathway of the leak, thereby sealing the same. The jacking bolt is locked into place to maintain the radial load until a more permanent repair can be made during the subsequent maintenance or other shut down.