Title of Invention

TUBE PLATE FOR TUBE BUNDLES IN CHEMICAL REACTORS

Abstract

This invention relates to a tube plate (10) for tube bundles for chemical reactors and heat exchangers in general, comprises a plurality of components (11,12) with a shape which is complementary to one another, in order to form a complete plate (10), wherein the subsequently by means of mechanical joints in order to form the tube plate (10). The components (11,12) which form the tube plate (10) are joined to one another by means of a plurality of pins (15), or other mechanical connections, which are inserted in corresponding holes provided in the respective components (11,12).

Full Text

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a tube plate for tube bundles in chemical reactors, petrochemical reactors, refinery reactors and heat exchangers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is known, chemical reactors consist of containers with large dimensions, inside which chemical reactions take place at a high temperature and a high pressure. Inside their substantially cylindrical body, these chemical reactors generally have a plurality of tubes, or tube bundles, which can carry out various functions, including assisting heat exchange between the operating fluids. These tube bundles are installed and kept in an operative position by means of use of tube plates, which in some cases can have large dimensions. With particular reference to the state of the art, it can be noted that, at present, the tube plates are produced in a single piece, or alternatively in several pieces which are welded together and then finished, for example which are drilled and/or machined. However, these processing operations cause some significant technical problems which must be faced satisfactorily. Firstly, in order to carry out these processing operations, particular machine tools are necessary, which have large capacities, large useful dimensions, and high costs. In addition, the operations to be carried out for these purposes are such that they require processing times which are often too lengthy for present requirements. Other problems according to the known art are caused by deformations which are created in the tube plate, as a result of welding shrinkages, in particular in the case of joints which are fully welded. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is thus to provide a tube plate for tube bundles for chemical reactors, which eliminates the above-described disadvantages. A further object of the present invention is to provide a tube plate for tube bundles for chemical reactors, which can be produced quickly and economically. A further object of the present invention is to provide a tube plate for tube bundles for chemical reactors, which is safe and reliable when it is installed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly there is provided tube plate for tube bundles in chemical reactors, petrochemical reactors, refinery reactors and heat exchangers, characterized by comprising a plurality of components with a semi-circular shape which is complementary to one another, in order to form the complete plate, wherein said components are produced separately and are connected to one another subsequently by means of mechanical joining members, in order to form said tube plate. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the components which from the said tube plate are joined to one another by means of a plurality of mechanical connections, which engage the respective components with one another. Further characteristics of the tube plate for tube bundles of chemical reactors, according to the present invention, are defined in other claims attached to the present application. The characteristics and advantages of the tube plate for tube bundles for chemical reactors, according to the present invention, will become more apparent from the following description of a typical embodiment, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS Figure 1 represents in plan view a tube plate for tube bundles for chemical reactors, according to the present invention; and Figure 2 represents, partially in cross-section, a detail of the system for connection between components of the tube plate in the preceding figure, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION With particular reference to the aforementioned figures, the tube plate for tube bundles with larger sizes, according to the present invention, is indicated globally by the reference number 10. In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in the attached figures, the tube plate 10 has two components, 11 and 12, with a substantially semi-circular shape, which have previously been machined. It will be appreciated that, according to the present invention, perforated plates can be produced in several pieces or components, according to requirements and to the design dimensions, which are subsequently joined together by means of mechanical joints. Thus, a perforated plate with large dimensions is produced in several parts which are connected to one another. As briefly described hereinafter, the components of the tube plate, the number of which depends on the dimensions and the structural requirements, are processed until they are completed, and are then connected mechanically. In the example illustrated in the attached figures, the semi-circular components 11 and 12 are joined to one another by means of a plurality of pins 15. The pins 15 are inserted in holes provided respectively in the component 12 and in a projecting portion 13 of the component 11. In fact, the component 11 has a projection 13 which is inserted in a. corresponding cavity 14 in the component 12. The connection of these components 11 and 12 is completed by means of welded connections 16, between the head of the pin 15 and the component 12, and by means of further welded connections 16' between the components 11 and 12. However, in addition to the example described, in order to guarantee sealing, seals of any type can be used, or, alternatively, a welding seal can be produced on the mechanical connection parts (which can consist of braces, screws, wedges, cams etc.) As a result, the invention makes it possible to process separately and in parallel components with smaller dimensions, on machines with smaller dimensions and capacities. The description provided makes apparent the characteristics and technical advantages of the tube plate for tube bundles for chemical reactors, according to the present invention. The following considerations and concluding comments are now made, in order to define the said advantages more clearly and accurately. The invention avoids the need to use machine tools with large capacities and large useful dimensions, and the time for construction of the manufactured product is reduced. In addition, there is a drastic reduction in the problems of deformation caused by welding shrinkages, in the case of fully welded joints. The invention can be applied to chemical reactors, heat exchangers, and in general to tube-bundle type pressure devices. Finally, it is apparent that many other variations can be made to the tube plate or tube bundles for chemical reactors which is the subject of the present invention, without departing from the principles of novelty which are inherent in the inventive concept. It is also apparent that, in the practical implementation of the invention, any materials, dimensions and forms can be used according to requirements, and can be replaced by others which are technically equivalent. In fact, the same results could be obtained with different connection technologies, provided that the novelty of the inventive concepts contained in the present description is applied. The scope of the present invention is defined by the attached claims. We Claim 1. Tube plate (10) for tube bundles in chemical reactors, petrochemical reactors, refinery reactors and heat exchangers, characterized by comprising a plurality of components (11, 12) with a semi-circular shape which is complementary to one another, in order to form the complete plate (10), wherein said components (11, 12) are produced separately, and are connected to one another subsequently by means of mechanical joining members (15), in order to form said tube plate (10). 2. Tube plate (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said components (11, 12) which form said tube plate (10) are joined to one another by means of a plurality of mechanical connections, which join the respective components (11, 12) to one another. 3. Tube plate (10) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said components (11, 12) which form said tube plate (10) are joined to one another by means of a plurality of pins (15), which are inserted in corresponding holes provide in the respective components (11, 12). 4. Tube plate (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of said components (11, 12), has a series of projections (13), which are inserted in corresponding cavities (14) in the respective component, such as to enable said pins (15) to complete the connection between said components (11, 12). 5. Tube plate (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the connection of said components (11, 12) is completed by means of welded connections (16) between the head of said pins (15) and at least one of said components. 6. Tube plate (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the connection of said components (11, 12) is completed by means of welded connections (16') between the said components (11, 12). 7. Tube plate (10) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said plurality of components constitute a pair of semi-circular components (11, 12) which are joined to one another along a median line. 8. Tube plate (10) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein seals of any type can be adapted to ensure sealing of the components. 9. Tube plate (10) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said mechanical connections between the components (11, 12) of said plate (10) can be selected from amongst braces, screws, wedges, cams and other types of mechanical joining member. 10.Tube plate for tube bundles in chemical reactors, petrochemical reactors, refinery reactors and heat exchangers, as substantially described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention relates to a tube plate (10) for tube bundles for chemical reactors and heat exchangers in general, comprises a plurality of components (11,12) with a shape which is complementary to one another, in order to form a complete plate (10), wherein the subsequently by means of mechanical joints in order to form the tube plate (10). The components (11,12) which form the tube plate (10) are joined to one another by means of a plurality of pins (15), or other mechanical connections, which are inserted in corresponding holes provided in the respective components (11,12).

Documents:

637-CAL-2001-(03-04-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

637-CAL-2001-(03-04-2012)-FORM-27.pdf

637-CAL-2001-(09-04-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

637-CAL-2001-(09-04-2012)-FORM-27.pdf

637-cal-2001-granted-abstract.pdf

637-cal-2001-granted-claims.pdf

637-cal-2001-granted-correspondence.pdf

637-cal-2001-granted-description (complete).pdf

637-cal-2001-granted-drawings.pdf

637-cal-2001-granted-examination report.pdf

637-cal-2001-granted-form 1.pdf

637-cal-2001-granted-form 18.pdf

637-cal-2001-granted-form 2.pdf

637-cal-2001-granted-form 3.pdf

637-cal-2001-granted-form 5.pdf

637-cal-2001-granted-pa.pdf

637-cal-2001-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

637-cal-2001-granted-specification.pdf