Patent Number: 059189118
Section: abstract

For nozzle replacement, repair and initial installation in ASME pressure vessels, disclosed are nozzles, nozzle assemblies and nozzle repair assemblies, all of which are mechanically attached and mechanically sealed to the vessel, i.e., without any welding to the vessel, and in most embodiments without any welding at all. For nozzle replacement, a part or the entire existing nozzle is removed and a partial or full replacement nozzle or nozzle assembly is mechanically attached and mechanically sealed to the vessel. For nozzle repair, the existing nozzle within the bore is not removed, and a mechanical seal is provided for the existing nozzle which may also be welded or mechanically attached to the repair assembly. Also disclosed are: a corrosion resistant leak path or paths past the nozzle to the exterior of the vessel and beyond the insulation surrounding the vessel such that any leakage can visually be detected; an anti-rotation device or devices which prevent a mechanically attached nozzle part from rotating relative to the vessel; and an assembly which rotatably couples a sleeve threaded to the bore or a clamp device and a nozzle or nozzle body so that the sleeve may be tightened without breaking a weld between the nozzle and the assembly which attaches the nozzle to the sleeve; and a clamp which releasably frictionally engages a nozzle and releasably attaches it to a sleeve or flange that is mechanically attached to the vessel.