Title of Invention	"HIGH PRESSURE PUMPING APPARATUS."
Abstract	A pressure intensifier assembly comprising::- (i) a high-pressure barrel assembly; (ii) pressurising means; (iii) a first and a second end closure assembly; (iv) a tension frame assembly adapted to resist axial load exerted, in use, along the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure barrel assembly; characterised in that the intensifier assembly further comprises at least one clamping piston adapted to preload the end closure(s) and the high-pressure barrel assembly against the tension frame assembly in order to overbalance anticipated internal end loads.

Title of Invention

"HIGH PRESSURE PUMPING APPARATUS."

Abstract

A pressure intensifier assembly comprising::- (i) a high-pressure barrel assembly; (ii) pressurising means; (iii) a first and a second end closure assembly; (iv) a tension frame assembly adapted to resist axial load exerted, in use, along the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure barrel assembly; characterised in that the intensifier assembly further comprises at least one clamping piston adapted to preload the end closure(s) and the high-pressure barrel assembly against the tension frame assembly in order to overbalance anticipated internal end loads.

Full Text	HIGH PRESSURE PUMPING APPARATUS Field of the Invention The present application relates to methods and apparatus for producing pressure. It is particularly applicable, but in no way limited, to high pressure pumps and pressure intensifiers. It is particularly applicable to applications where an apparatus is required which is easy to maintain and which is hygienic. Background to the Invention Flowable substances, such as liquid food products, may be treated by exposure to ultrahigh-pressures. For example, liquid food products may be preserved or otherwise chemically or physically altered after exposure to ultrahighpressures. In one conventional process, the food substance is loaded into a pressure vessel where it is pressurized to a selected pressure for a selected period of time to achieve the desired physical or chemical change. The vessel is then depressurised and the contents unloaded. The pressure vessel may then be reloaded with a new volume of unprocessed substance and the process may be repeated. A variety of pumps and pressure intensifiers are known which can be used in this process. However, they all suffer from major disadvantages relating to ease of maintenance and hygiene. A typical prior art arrangement is shown in Figure O. This illustrates twin intensifiers of a design in which the component parts are connected together by screw-threaded connections. This is only one of a variety of constructional arrangements that the pressure components, or a frame holding the pressure components are held in place by screw threaded components. A further example is described in WO99/65341 (Flow International Corporation) which uses a yoke to hold the pressure components in place against the ultrahigh-pressures generated within the system when in operation. The components of the yoke are held together by screw-threaded components. A major disadvantage of using screw threads in this application is that they are susceptible to thread galling. Galling can occur with a variety of metals, but particularly with stainless steel when a stainless steel oxide surface film breaks down as a result of direct metal contact. Solid-phase welding can then take place (whereby material is transferred from one surface to another). The symptoms of galling include surface damage and seizing and freezing up of equipment. Galling commonly occurs when using stainless steel nuts and bolts together, where the contact points are subjected to high tightening torques. Thread galling seems to be most prevalent with fasteners made of stainless steel, aluminium, titanium, and other alloys which self-generate an oxide surface film for corrosion protection. During fastener tightening, as pressure builds between the contacting and sliding thread surfaces, protective oxides are broken, possibly wiped off, and interface metal high points shear or lock together. This cumulative cloggingshearing- locking action causes increasing adhesion. In the extreme circumstances, galling leads to seizing - the actual freezing together of the threads. If tightening is continued, the fastener can be twisted off or its threads ripped out. A number of ways of reducing thread galling have been suggested. Lubricating the internal and/or external threads can reduce galling, but this may be impractical in food or pharmaceutical applications because of the potential for product contamination. Using different stainless alloy grades for the bolt and the nut components also reduces galling. However, under the ultrahigh-pressures generated in systems according to the present invention, galling remains a serious problem. It is particularly serious in applications where frequent strip downs for cleaning and seal changes are required. This leads on to the second problem, being ease of maintenance and cleaning. This ia a particular problem in food and pharmaceutical applications. Pressure intensifiers known in the art, such as those described above, have to be stripped down almost entirely to clean them. That is to say, the screw threads must be completely undone and the components have to be disassembled and separated from the unit to be cleaned, and seals replaced. Furthermore, there is no provision for sterilising the components immediately prior to assembly. The result is that cleaning and maintenance activities are time consuming and costly and can result in significant down time. It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least mitigate, some or all of the problems outlined above. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pressure intensifier assembly comprising:- (i) a high-pressure barrel assembly; (ii) pressurising means; (iii) a first and a second end closure assembly; (Iv) a tension frame assembly adapted to resist axial load exerted, in use, along the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure barrel assembly; characterised in that the intensifier assembly further comprises at least one clamping piston adapted to preload the end closure(s) and the high-pressure barrel assembly against the tension frame assembly in order to overbalance anticipated internal end loads. This arrangement has the advantage that no screw thread fixings are required within or associated with the tension frame or the pressure components. There are therefore no screw threads, .and consequently no possibility of thread galling during disassembly or assembly. Preferably the tension frame assembly takes the form of a yoke. Preferably the assembly further comprises a first and a second high pressure seal assembly, said seal assemblies being located at either end of the high-pressure barrel assembly. Preferably said pressurising means comprises a hydraulic ram assembly. Preferably the assembly further comprises a stand. In a particularly preferred embodiment the high-pressure barrel assembly is detachably mountable from the intensifier assembly without the need to undo a screw thread. This novel arrangement is possible as a direct result of using a clamping piston to pre-load the end closures. Removal of the pressure and withdrawal of the clamping piston allows the high-pressure barrel to be removed simply and easily. Preferably at least one end closure is retractable and, once retracted, the assembly is adapted such that the pressure barrel assembly becomes detachable from the intensifier assembly. In a particularly preferred embodiment said assembly further comprises a high-pressure barrel assembly lifting means. Preferably the high-pressure barrel assembly is pivotally mounted with respect to the stand. Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings wherein:- Figure 0 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a prior art pressure intensifier in which the pressure components are held together by screw threads; Figure 1 illustrates diagrammatic front and side elevations of a pressure intensifier assembly showing the key components according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 illustrates the pressure intensifier assembly of Figure 1 in a so-called maintenance configuration; Figure 3 illustrates a pressure intensifier assembly of the first embodiment including additional operating components; Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment which Incorporates shield facilitate steam sterilisation; Figure 5 illustrates side and top elevations of a further embodiment showing a single intensifier assembly in a horizontal orientation. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments The present invention will now be described by way of example only. These examples represent the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice, but they are not the only ways this can be done. The present invention relates to apparatus for producing high pressures, to pressure intensifiers, to apparatus for pressure-processing substances such as food products and to their methods of use and maintenance. Figure O shows a typical twin intensifier arrangement of conventional design, which does NOT incorporate the claimed invention but is commonly used in currently existing systems; in industrial plant, and in laboratories where appropriate levels of pressures are required, in this context the term "pressure intensifier" is intended to encompass any apparatus wherein means are provided for pressure multiplication in a working chamber in order to amplify the total pressure supplied to a platen (eg pressure multiplication sleeve, pressure accumulator). The working chamber which provides the pressure multiplication feature may be separate from the working chamber in direct contact with the platen. The intensifier assemblies 10 in Figure O depend upon screw threads 11,12 to retain the principal components and to resist the substantial forces exerted upon the end closures 13,14 and the central attachment body 15, which connects the high-pressure barrel 16 to the lower pressure drive assembly 17. Maintenance of these intensifiers requires heavy engineering tools as well as considerable manual effort in order to release the threads and to separate the major components just to gain access to the working seals 19,20, which require regular replacement, especially at the higher end of application pressure range, which may require pressures in the order of 1000 Mpa. (approximately = 150,000lb per square inch). The end closures and centre section retentions are all screw threads requiring engineering tools such as "tommy bars" and spanners for any internal maintenance to take place. Thread galling, as described above, is inevitably a problem from time to time with this type of assembly, which is a further complication to this type of assembly. It will also be appreciated that during disassembly the individual components must be lifted manually and put to one side. Where large intensifies are involved this can create Health and Safety problems and may well limit the physical size of the unit. In summary, Figure 0 illustrates a conventional intensifier construction. The end closures and centre section retentions are all screw threads requiring engineering tools such as "tommy bars" and spanners for all internal maintenance work. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1 in front and side elevation. The intensifier 30 of the present invention consists of a tension frame assembly 31 within which are located the key pressure generating components. This example illustrates a twin barrel arrangement but it is applicable to one or a plurality of barrel arrangements. In this context, and for the avoidance of any doubt, the term "plurality" has the meaning one or more. The intensifier arrangement shown in Figure 1 and described in this and other embodiments may be used for a wide variety of high pressure applications, including use for high pressure gases as well as liquid fluids. In this example the tension frame assembly is shown as an elongate yoke. However, this is not the only form which the tension frame can take. A wide variety of physical arrangements are possible, including a non-continuous frame, ie a frame which does not substantially entirely surround the pressure generating components. A yoke as illustrated has proven to be a simple and effective arrangement and, as such, is one of the preferred embodiments. The pressure generating components include a high pressure barrel assembly 32 and a pressurising means 33 which includes a hydraulic drive piston 34 and high pressure ram 35 associated with a drive pressure cylinder 38. Drive piston 34 acts as an intensifier ram and primary drive pressure piston. Replaceable top 36 and bottom 37 closure seals are provided associated with top and bottom end closure means. The ram seal assemblies are therefore replaceable. Inlet and outlet spring-loaded check valves 51 are built into the top closure. Thus far the components and their assembly is of generally conventional design and of a type known per se. However, part of the novelty of this arrangement lies in the incorporation of a clamping piston 39 means which reacts against the longitudinal tension frame to exert a resilient axial force, which pre-loads the end closures and the central barrel abutments to overbalance any anticipated internal end-loads. The arrangement 50 provides the facility for lifting the clamping pistons in order to raise the caps and separate the barrel assembly (see below). This arrangement brings with it a number of advantages. Firstly, no screwthreaded connections of any kind are required to secure the pressure components in place in use. Thus thread galling is not, and can never be, a problem during disassembly/assembly. Secondly, by applying an over-compensating force any elastic movement/deformation in the tension frame can easily be accommodated and the closure seals will remain intact and effective. Thirdly, and importantly, by withdrawing the clamping piston 39 towards the tension frame sufficient space is automatically created to enable the high-pressure barrel to be withdrawn for cleaning, maintenance and seal replacement This arrangement is shown more clearly in Figure 2. Figure 2, in which a numbering system corresponding to Figure 1 has been used, shows a preferred method of retracting the clamping pistons and manipulating the barrel assembly to gain free access for replacing the high-pressure seals. In Figure 2 the clamping pistons 39 are shown in their withdrawn or retracted position to provide separation clearance for the high pressure barrels to be manipulated clear of the frame assembly. Moreover, with simple automation, the barrel assembly may be automatically manipulated into the position for easy maintenance and repositioned and clamped with interlocks for safe operation at pressure. The tension frame 31 is mounted on a stand 40. Also mounted on the stand 40 is a barrel lifting means generally shown as 41. In this example the barrel is pivotally mounted with respect to the stand by a swing column 42. It should be understood that in this context the term "pivotally mounted" has a broad meaning and is intended to encompass any arrangement whereby the barrel may swing out of the longitudinal plane of the tension frame. It does require or imply the presence of a true pivot point as shown in Figure 2, although this is one convenient arrangement. It will be appreciated that the drive pressure assembly 38 simply sits on the bottom of the tension frame in this arrangement and it too may be lifted out for cleaning and maintenance if required. By incorporating a barrel-lifting ram 43 into the swing column the barrel may be lifted clear of the lower ram seal assembly 44 and then swung out of the line of the tension frame. The barrel is thus lifted to clear the ram assembly on separation. The high pressure barrels are shown in Figure 2 located outside of the general line and profile of the frame, providing clear and unencumbered access to the seals for cleaning and maintenance. Assembly, once seals have been replaced and any cleaning and maintenance has been done, is a reversal of the above process. Using an arrangement whereby the barrel pivots out of the general longitudinal axis of the assembly is only one of a variety of arrangements which are possible. The barrel, or the tension frame for that matter, could move sideways or up or down, with respect to each other depending on the orientation of the unit. Figure 3 shows an extension of the claimed invention in which the twin intensifiers are required to pump liquids for the purpose of homogenisation. An essential requirement for this application is that all components, which come in contact with the process products are hygienically clean. The ability to open the assembly to clean all wetted component surfaces with sterile cleaning agents is a major advantage of the design according to the claimed invention. Positive closing power operated valves 60 may be optionally fitted and synchronised with the stroking of the intensifiers in order to improve the reliability of flow control. This provides for a level of performance over and above the more commonly used spring loaded check valves. The use of such positive valving is especially beneficial when pumping suspended solids in fluids where the suspended materials can clog or otherwise impair the operation of spring loaded check valves. It will also be appreciated from Figure 3 that the body of the drive pressure cylinder has been extended. The extended central body 62 houses the length of the ram not allowed to enter the processing chamber. Figure 3 illustrates the piston and ram assembly 55 in a raised position to facilitate cleaning the "wetted" surface of the rams. It will be appreciated that this type of intensifier can be applied to homogenising and cell rupture machines which may be used to pump various liquids and fluid suspensions at high pressure through a homogenising valve or orifice or other constricting device in order to emulsify, activate or inactivate materials for numerous processes and purposes. Figure 4 shows a further aspect of the invention which is a refinement to the hygienic application. A cylindrical shield 70 is provided and this shield is designed and adapted to be moved into the position shown whilst the barrels and caps are separated to provide an enclosed passage for steam sterilisation to be carried out. The assembly may be closed with the shields remaining in place to prevent vital surfaces being exposed to the environment. Thus, in the semi-closed position, where the barrel assembly is in the vertical axial position within the frame, but still lifted above the seal carrier, the clamping pistons remain retracted so that the space exists below and above the high-pressure barrel blocks. Cylindrical sleeves 70, which would normally be parked in readiness, may be lifted into position to shield the open gaps. Also, the high-pressure ram is moved specially into the raised position for the purpose. High or low-pressure steam may be injected through the chambers in order to achieve ultimate sterilisation of all the important surfaces. Provision is made for the assembly to be closed with the cylindrical shields being lowered down to their normally parked position once assembly is completed, so that the sterilised surfaces remain protected from environmental contact both during and after the sterilisation process. Figure 5 shows a single intensifier variation of the claimed invention in which the whole assembly is optionally horizontally mounted which would have advantages for smaller laboratory applications where bench top location is preferred. The components in this single, horizontal version correspond to those described in Rgures 1 to 4 above and are numbered correspondingly. The barrellifting ram 143 in this embodiment lifts upwards, out of the horizontal place of the tension frame. Claims: 1. A pressure intensifier assembly comprising:- (i) a high-pressure barrel assembly; (ii) pressurising means; (iii) a first and a second end closure assembly; (iv) a tension frame assembly adapted to resist axial load exerted, in use, along the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure barrel assembly; characterised in that the intensifier assembly further comprises at least one clamping piston adapted to preload the end closure(s) and the high-pressure barrel assembly against the tension frame assembly in order to overbalance anticipated internal end loads. 2. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tension frame assembly takes the form of a yoke. 3. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the assembly further comprises a first and a second high pressure seal assembly, said seal assemblies being located at either end of the high-pressure barrel assembly. 4. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said pressurising means comprises a hydraulic ram assembly. 5. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the assembly further comprises a stand. 6. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the high-pressure barrel assembly is detachably mountable from the intensifier assembly. 7. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the highpressure barrel assembly is detachable from the intensifier assembly without the need to undo a screw thread. 8. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any one of Claim 7 or Claim 8 wherein at least one end closure is retractable and, once retracted, the assembly is adapted such that the pressure barrel assembly becomes detachable from the intensifier assembly. 9. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 9 inclusive wherein said assembly further comprises a high-pressure barrel assembly lifting means. 10. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 7 to 10 inclusive when dependent on Claim 6 wherein the high-pressure barrel assembly is pivotally mounted with respect to the stand.

Full Text

HIGH PRESSURE PUMPING APPARATUS
Field of the Invention
The present application relates to methods and apparatus for producing
pressure. It is particularly applicable, but in no way limited, to high pressure pumps
and pressure intensifiers. It is particularly applicable to applications where an
apparatus is required which is easy to maintain and which is hygienic.
Background to the Invention
Flowable substances, such as liquid food products, may be treated by
exposure to ultrahigh-pressures. For example, liquid food products may be
preserved or otherwise chemically or physically altered after exposure to ultrahighpressures.
In one conventional process, the food substance is loaded into a
pressure vessel where it is pressurized to a selected pressure for a selected period
of time to achieve the desired physical or chemical change. The vessel is then
depressurised and the contents unloaded. The pressure vessel may then be
reloaded with a new volume of unprocessed substance and the process may be
repeated.
A variety of pumps and pressure intensifiers are known which can be used in
this process. However, they all suffer from major disadvantages relating to ease of
maintenance and hygiene. A typical prior art arrangement is shown in Figure O.
This illustrates twin intensifiers of a design in which the component parts are
connected together by screw-threaded connections. This is only one of a variety of
constructional arrangements that the pressure components, or a frame holding the
pressure components are held in place by screw threaded components. A further
example is described in WO99/65341 (Flow International Corporation) which uses a
yoke to hold the pressure components in place against the ultrahigh-pressures
generated within the system when in operation. The components of the yoke are
held together by screw-threaded components.
A major disadvantage of using screw threads in this application is that they
are susceptible to thread galling. Galling can occur with a variety of metals, but
particularly with stainless steel when a stainless steel oxide surface film breaks
down as a result of direct metal contact. Solid-phase welding can then take place
(whereby material is transferred from one surface to another). The symptoms of
galling include surface damage and seizing and freezing up of equipment. Galling
commonly occurs when using stainless steel nuts and bolts together, where the
contact points are subjected to high tightening torques.
Thread galling seems to be most prevalent with fasteners made of stainless
steel, aluminium, titanium, and other alloys which self-generate an oxide surface film
for corrosion protection. During fastener tightening, as pressure builds between the
contacting and sliding thread surfaces, protective oxides are broken, possibly wiped
off, and interface metal high points shear or lock together. This cumulative cloggingshearing-
locking action causes increasing adhesion. In the extreme circumstances,
galling leads to seizing - the actual freezing together of the threads. If tightening is
continued, the fastener can be twisted off or its threads ripped out.
A number of ways of reducing thread galling have been suggested.
Lubricating the internal and/or external threads can reduce galling, but this may be
impractical in food or pharmaceutical applications because of the potential for
product contamination. Using different stainless alloy grades for the bolt and the nut
components also reduces galling. However, under the ultrahigh-pressures
generated in systems according to the present invention, galling remains a serious
problem. It is particularly serious in applications where frequent strip downs for
cleaning and seal changes are required.
This leads on to the second problem, being ease of maintenance and
cleaning. This ia a particular problem in food and pharmaceutical applications.
Pressure intensifiers known in the art, such as those described above, have to be
stripped down almost entirely to clean them. That is to say, the screw threads must
be completely undone and the components have to be disassembled and separated
from the unit to be cleaned, and seals replaced. Furthermore, there is no provision
for sterilising the components immediately prior to assembly. The result is that
cleaning and maintenance activities are time consuming and costly and can result in
significant down time. It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at
least mitigate, some or all of the problems outlined above.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a
pressure intensifier assembly comprising:-
(i) a high-pressure barrel assembly;
(ii) pressurising means;
(iii) a first and a second end closure assembly;
(Iv) a tension frame assembly adapted to resist axial load exerted, in use, along
the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure barrel assembly;
characterised in that the intensifier assembly further comprises at least one
clamping piston adapted to preload the end closure(s) and the high-pressure barrel
assembly against the tension frame assembly in order to overbalance anticipated
internal end loads.
This arrangement has the advantage that no screw thread fixings are
required within or associated with the tension frame or the pressure components.
There are therefore no screw threads, .and consequently no possibility of thread
galling during disassembly or assembly.
Preferably the tension frame assembly takes the form of a yoke.
Preferably the assembly further comprises a first and a second high pressure
seal assembly, said seal assemblies being located at either end of the high-pressure
barrel assembly.
Preferably said pressurising means comprises a hydraulic ram assembly.
Preferably the assembly further comprises a stand.
In a particularly preferred embodiment the high-pressure barrel assembly is
detachably mountable from the intensifier assembly without the need to undo a
screw thread. This novel arrangement is possible as a direct result of using a
clamping piston to pre-load the end closures. Removal of the pressure and
withdrawal of the clamping piston allows the high-pressure barrel to be removed
simply and easily.
Preferably at least one end closure is retractable and, once retracted, the
assembly is adapted such that the pressure barrel assembly becomes detachable
from the intensifier assembly.
In a particularly preferred embodiment said assembly further comprises a
high-pressure barrel assembly lifting means.
Preferably the high-pressure barrel assembly is pivotally mounted with
respect to the stand.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with
reference to the following drawings wherein:-
Figure 0 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a prior art pressure intensifier in which
the pressure components are held together by screw threads;
Figure 1 illustrates diagrammatic front and side elevations of a pressure intensifier
assembly showing the key components according to a first embodiment;
Figure 2 illustrates the pressure intensifier assembly of Figure 1 in a so-called
maintenance configuration;
Figure 3 illustrates a pressure intensifier assembly of the first embodiment including
additional operating components;
Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment which Incorporates shield facilitate steam
sterilisation;
Figure 5 illustrates side and top elevations of a further embodiment showing a single
intensifier assembly in a horizontal orientation.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
The present invention will now be described by way of example only. These
examples represent the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention
into practice, but they are not the only ways this can be done.
The present invention relates to apparatus for producing high pressures, to
pressure intensifiers, to apparatus for pressure-processing substances such as food
products and to their methods of use and maintenance.
Figure O shows a typical twin intensifier arrangement of conventional design,
which does NOT incorporate the claimed invention but is commonly used in
currently existing systems; in industrial plant, and in laboratories where appropriate
levels of pressures are required, in this context the term "pressure intensifier" is
intended to encompass any apparatus wherein means are provided for pressure
multiplication in a working chamber in order to amplify the total pressure supplied to
a platen (eg pressure multiplication sleeve, pressure accumulator). The working
chamber which provides the pressure multiplication feature may be separate from
the working chamber in direct contact with the platen.
The intensifier assemblies 10 in Figure O depend upon screw threads 11,12
to retain the principal components and to resist the substantial forces exerted upon
the end closures 13,14 and the central attachment body 15, which connects the
high-pressure barrel 16 to the lower pressure drive assembly 17. Maintenance of
these intensifiers requires heavy engineering tools as well as considerable manual
effort in order to release the threads and to separate the major components just to
gain access to the working seals 19,20, which require regular replacement,
especially at the higher end of application pressure range, which may require
pressures in the order of 1000 Mpa. (approximately = 150,000lb per square inch).
The end closures and centre section retentions are all screw threads requiring
engineering tools such as "tommy bars" and spanners for any internal maintenance
to take place.
Thread galling, as described above, is inevitably a problem from time to time
with this type of assembly, which is a further complication to this type of assembly.
It will also be appreciated that during disassembly the individual components
must be lifted manually and put to one side. Where large intensifies are involved
this can create Health and Safety problems and may well limit the physical size of
the unit.
In summary, Figure 0 illustrates a conventional intensifier construction. The
end closures and centre section retentions are all screw threads requiring
engineering tools such as "tommy bars" and spanners for all internal maintenance
work.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1 in front
and side elevation. The intensifier 30 of the present invention consists of a tension
frame assembly 31 within which are located the key pressure generating
components. This example illustrates a twin barrel arrangement but it is applicable
to one or a plurality of barrel arrangements. In this context, and for the avoidance of
any doubt, the term "plurality" has the meaning one or more.
The intensifier arrangement shown in Figure 1 and described in this and
other embodiments may be used for a wide variety of high pressure applications,
including use for high pressure gases as well as liquid fluids.
In this example the tension frame assembly is shown as an elongate yoke.
However, this is not the only form which the tension frame can take. A wide variety
of physical arrangements are possible, including a non-continuous frame, ie a frame
which does not substantially entirely surround the pressure generating components.
A yoke as illustrated has proven to be a simple and effective arrangement and, as
such, is one of the preferred embodiments.
The pressure generating components include a high pressure barrel
assembly 32 and a pressurising means 33 which includes a hydraulic drive piston
34 and high pressure ram 35 associated with a drive pressure cylinder 38. Drive
piston 34 acts as an intensifier ram and primary drive pressure piston. Replaceable
top 36 and bottom 37 closure seals are provided associated with top and bottom
end closure means. The ram seal assemblies are therefore replaceable. Inlet and
outlet spring-loaded check valves 51 are built into the top closure. Thus far the
components and their assembly is of generally conventional design and of a type
known per se. However, part of the novelty of this arrangement lies in the
incorporation of a clamping piston 39 means which reacts against the longitudinal
tension frame to exert a resilient axial force, which pre-loads the end closures and
the central barrel abutments to overbalance any anticipated internal end-loads. The
arrangement 50 provides the facility for lifting the clamping pistons in order to raise
the caps and separate the barrel assembly (see below).
This arrangement brings with it a number of advantages. Firstly, no screwthreaded
connections of any kind are required to secure the pressure components in
place in use. Thus thread galling is not, and can never be, a problem during
disassembly/assembly. Secondly, by applying an over-compensating force any
elastic movement/deformation in the tension frame can easily be accommodated
and the closure seals will remain intact and effective. Thirdly, and importantly, by
withdrawing the clamping piston 39 towards the tension frame sufficient space is
automatically created to enable the high-pressure barrel to be withdrawn for
cleaning, maintenance and seal replacement This arrangement is shown more
clearly in Figure 2.
Figure 2, in which a numbering system corresponding to Figure 1 has been
used, shows a preferred method of retracting the clamping pistons and manipulating
the barrel assembly to gain free access for replacing the high-pressure seals. In
Figure 2 the clamping pistons 39 are shown in their withdrawn or retracted position
to provide separation clearance for the high pressure barrels to be manipulated
clear of the frame assembly. Moreover, with simple automation, the barrel assembly
may be automatically manipulated into the position for easy maintenance and
repositioned and clamped with interlocks for safe operation at pressure.
The tension frame 31 is mounted on a stand 40. Also mounted on the stand
40 is a barrel lifting means generally shown as 41. In this example the barrel is
pivotally mounted with respect to the stand by a swing column 42. It should be
understood that in this context the term "pivotally mounted" has a broad meaning
and is intended to encompass any arrangement whereby the barrel may swing out
of the longitudinal plane of the tension frame. It does require or imply the presence
of a true pivot point as shown in Figure 2, although this is one convenient
arrangement.
It will be appreciated that the drive pressure assembly 38 simply sits on the
bottom of the tension frame in this arrangement and it too may be lifted out for
cleaning and maintenance if required.
By incorporating a barrel-lifting ram 43 into the swing column the barrel may
be lifted clear of the lower ram seal assembly 44 and then swung out of the line of
the tension frame. The barrel is thus lifted to clear the ram assembly on separation.
The high pressure barrels are shown in Figure 2 located outside of the general line
and profile of the frame, providing clear and unencumbered access to the seals for
cleaning and maintenance.
Assembly, once seals have been replaced and any cleaning and
maintenance has been done, is a reversal of the above process.
Using an arrangement whereby the barrel pivots out of the general
longitudinal axis of the assembly is only one of a variety of arrangements which are
possible. The barrel, or the tension frame for that matter, could move sideways or
up or down, with respect to each other depending on the orientation of the unit.
Figure 3 shows an extension of the claimed invention in which the twin
intensifiers are required to pump liquids for the purpose of homogenisation. An
essential requirement for this application is that all components, which come in
contact with the process products are hygienically clean. The ability to open the
assembly to clean all wetted component surfaces with sterile cleaning agents is a
major advantage of the design according to the claimed invention.
Positive closing power operated valves 60 may be optionally fitted and
synchronised with the stroking of the intensifiers in order to improve the reliability of
flow control. This provides for a level of performance over and above the more
commonly used spring loaded check valves. The use of such positive valving is
especially beneficial when pumping suspended solids in fluids where the suspended
materials can clog or otherwise impair the operation of spring loaded check valves.
It will also be appreciated from Figure 3 that the body of the drive pressure
cylinder has been extended. The extended central body 62 houses the length of the
ram not allowed to enter the processing chamber. Figure 3 illustrates the piston and
ram assembly 55 in a raised position to facilitate cleaning the "wetted" surface of the
rams.
It will be appreciated that this type of intensifier can be applied to
homogenising and cell rupture machines which may be used to pump various liquids
and fluid suspensions at high pressure through a homogenising valve or orifice or
other constricting device in order to emulsify, activate or inactivate materials for
numerous processes and purposes.
Figure 4 shows a further aspect of the invention which is a refinement to the
hygienic application. A cylindrical shield 70 is provided and this shield is designed
and adapted to be moved into the position shown whilst the barrels and caps are
separated to provide an enclosed passage for steam sterilisation to be carried out.
The assembly may be closed with the shields remaining in place to prevent
vital surfaces being exposed to the environment. Thus, in the semi-closed position,
where the barrel assembly is in the vertical axial position within the frame, but still
lifted above the seal carrier, the clamping pistons remain retracted so that the space
exists below and above the high-pressure barrel blocks. Cylindrical sleeves 70,
which would normally be parked in readiness, may be lifted into position to shield
the open gaps. Also, the high-pressure ram is moved specially into the raised
position for the purpose. High or low-pressure steam may be injected through the
chambers in order to achieve ultimate sterilisation of all the important surfaces.
Provision is made for the assembly to be closed with the cylindrical shields being
lowered down to their normally parked position once assembly is completed, so that
the sterilised surfaces remain protected from environmental contact both during and
after the sterilisation process.
Figure 5 shows a single intensifier variation of the claimed invention in which
the whole assembly is optionally horizontally mounted which would have
advantages for smaller laboratory applications where bench top location is
preferred. The components in this single, horizontal version correspond to those
described in Rgures 1 to 4 above and are numbered correspondingly. The barrellifting
ram 143 in this embodiment lifts upwards, out of the horizontal place of the
tension frame.

Claims:
1. A pressure intensifier assembly comprising:-
(i) a high-pressure barrel assembly;
(ii) pressurising means;
(iii) a first and a second end closure assembly;
(iv) a tension frame assembly adapted to resist axial load exerted, in use, along
the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure barrel assembly;
characterised in that the intensifier assembly further comprises at least one
clamping piston adapted to preload the end closure(s) and the high-pressure barrel
assembly against the tension frame assembly in order to overbalance anticipated
internal end loads.
2. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein
the tension frame assembly takes the form of a yoke.
3. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein
the assembly further comprises a first and a second high pressure seal assembly,
said seal assemblies being located at either end of the high-pressure barrel
assembly.
4. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein
said pressurising means comprises a hydraulic ram assembly.
5. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein
the assembly further comprises a stand.
6. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein
the high-pressure barrel assembly is detachably mountable from the intensifier
assembly.
7. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the highpressure
barrel assembly is detachable from the intensifier assembly without the
need to undo a screw thread.
8. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any one of Claim 7 or Claim 8
wherein at least one end closure is retractable and, once retracted, the assembly is
adapted such that the pressure barrel assembly becomes detachable from the
intensifier assembly.
9. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 9 inclusive
wherein said assembly further comprises a high-pressure barrel assembly lifting
means.
10. A pressure intensifier assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 7 to 10
inclusive when dependent on Claim 6 wherein the high-pressure barrel assembly is
pivotally mounted with respect to the stand.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=X1hpcLRS1HNabP9z81bsxw==&loc=+mN2fYxnTC4l0fUd8W4CAA==

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Patent Number

279220

Indian Patent Application Number

5466/DELNP/2006

PG Journal Number

03/2017

Publication Date

20-Jan-2017

Grant Date

16-Jan-2017

Date of Filing

20-Sep-2006

Name of Patentee

STANSTED FLUID POWER (PRODUCTS) LTD.

Applicant Address

60 THE CREST, SAWBRIDGEWORTH, HERTFORDSHIRE CM21 OES, GREAT BRITAIN

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	FREEMAN ALAN JOHN MORRIS,	60 THE CREST, SAWBRIDGEWORTH, HERTFORDSHIRE CM21 OES, GREAT BRITAIN.

PCT International Classification Number

F04B 9/10

PCT International Application Number

PCT/GB2005/000536

PCT International Filing date

2005-02-15

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	040618.5	2004-03-19	U.K.