Patent Number: 046801669
Section: abstract

An arrangement for centering and manipulating conduits is disclosed. The angement is an aid for connecting flanges together by remote control and can be used to connect the end flange of a stationary conduit to an end flange of a removable conduit portion. The use of the centering and manipulating arrangement is in a process cell such as a large-area cell for reprocessing irradiated nuclear fuels. The interface plane of the two end flanges to be connected together is disposed perpendicularly. In order to permit rapid and secure coupling, with a low level of technical complexity, the end flange of the stationary conduit is provided with an upwardly open guide cradle at its peripheral edge. The guide cradle is arranged in parallel relationship to the rotational axis of the end flange and is mounted laterally thereon. In the rearward region which is towards the stationary conduit, the guide cradle includes a catch ring. A guide pin which fits into the guide cradle is secured laterally to the periphery of the associated end flange of the removable conduit portion. In the connected condition of the flange pairs, the guide pin lies in the guide cradle and projects through the catch ring.