Abstract:
A nozzle for introducing pressurized fluids into an industrial vessel is releasably attachable to and detachable from a mounting member securedly attached to an exterior surface of the vessel. The mounting member is attached, via extension piping, to a source of pressurized gas, such as the exhaust valve of an air cannon. Both the nozzle and the mounting member include respective mating collars which engage each other in a twist lock manner. Additional securing members are provided to securely retain the nozzle and mounting member in twist lock engagement. Removal of the nozzle is performed by releasing the securing members, twisting the nozzle from inside of the vessel to unlock it from the mounting member, and uncoupling the nozzle from the mounting member. Installation of a replacement nozzle is performed by performing the foregoing steps in the reverse order. For high temperature applications, the removal of existing refractory material may be necessary prior to removal of a worn nozzle, and new refractory material may be applied to the interior surface of the vessel following attachment of the replacement nozzle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This patent application claims priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/914,328, entitled “Removable Nozzle for Use With Cannons and Aerators and Method for Replacing Same”, filed Apr. 27, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates, in general, to the removal of flowable materials that has coagulated or caked in an area of a material handling system, and, more specifically, to nozzles for introducing pressurized fluids, such as gasses discharged by air cannons or aerators, into the interior of a vessel of a material handling system. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Air cannons and other aeration equipment are often employed in association with material handling vessels in order to supply a discharge of compressed air to the vessel, so as to dislodge buildups and enhance the flow of material within the vessels. An air cannon stores a large volume of air or other gas under pressure in a pressure tank and then quickly releases the air into the material handling vessel, such that the blast of air causes any obstructing material therein to dislodge, thereby enabling the material to flow freely. Industrial applications where air cannons are commonly employed include coal-fired electric generating facilities; coal, metallic, and non-metallic mineral mines; steel mills and foundries; pulp and paper mills; grain, food, and chemical processing operations; aggregate, cement, and concrete producers; and bulk transportation facilities. 
         [0004]    Generally, an air cannon&#39;s outlet valve is connected, via intermediate extension piping and associated flanges, to a discharge nozzle. The discharge nozzle has an inlet port accessible from the outside of the material handling vessel, and an outlet port positioned inside of the vessel, to distribute the gas released from the air cannon into the vessel&#39;s interior. 
         [0005]    Depending upon the material handling application, air cannon nozzles can be subject to extreme environmental conditions. For example, one application of air cannons is in the manufacture of cement, where air cannons are employed, for example, in pre-heater towers, to maintain the flow of material through a series of vertical cyclone chambers, as the raw material passes on its way to a kiln and subsequent clinker cooler. As many as one hundred or more individual air cannons, and associated nozzles, may be employed in conjunction with a single pre-heater tower. Inside the cyclone chambers of the pre-heater tower, air cannon nozzles may be exposed to temperatures in excess of 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit for sustained periods of time. Moreover, at the same time, these nozzles are also in contact with caustic chemicals and materials. As a result, air cannon nozzles in such applications become worn over time, and must be periodically replaced. In addition to pre-heater towers, air cannon nozzles are commonly used in other high temperature environments, such as the clinker coolers employed in cement manufacture, and the lime kilns employed in the manufacture of calcium oxide, commonly known as quicklime. 
         [0006]    With prior art air cannon nozzles, periodic replacement of the nozzles can be a significantly time consuming and costly undertaking, particularly when, as mentioned above, a single pre-heater tower at a cement plant may have in excess of one hundred nozzles in need of replacement, as may occur during a scheduled annual maintenance shutdown. In such environments, removal of a single prior art nozzle requires: 1) the separation of the air line from the air cannon; 2) the separation of the air cannon itself, including the exhaust valve and associated pressure tank, from an extension pipe coupling the exhaust valve to the nozzle; 3) the separation of the extension pipe from the nozzle; 4) the removal of worn refractory material from a region of the interior of the vessel surrounding the nozzle; and 5) the separation of the nozzle from the wall of the vessel. Subsequent attachment of a replacement prior art nozzle then requires: 1) one person to hold the nozzle from inside of the vessel, while another tacks the nozzle into place (since mounting orientation of the nozzle may be critical, several attempts at positioning and repositioning of the nozzle may be required to correctly position the nozzle; 2) welding the nozzle to the vessel; 3) welding the extension pipe to the nozzle; 4) attaching the air cannon to the extension pipe; and 5) reattaching the air line to the air cannon. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an air cannon nozzle which is easier and hence less costly to replace, once installed in association with an air cannon and a material handling vessel. 
         [0008]    It is another object of the present invention of the present invention to provide an air cannon nozzle which is suitable for use in both ambient and high temperature environments. 
         [0009]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an air cannon nozzle which is capable of withstanding high temperature environments for prolonged periods of time. 
         [0010]    These and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent in view of the present specification, drawings and claims. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention comprises a nozzle assembly for discharging a pressurized gas into an interior of a vessel. The nozzle assembly comprises a mount, or mounting member, fixedly attachable to an exterior portion of the vessel, and an associated replaceable nozzle having a discharge port for discharging the pressurized gas into the interior of the vessel. At least a portion of the replaceable nozzle is releasably attachable to at least a portion of the mounting member from a position interior to the vessel. 
         [0012]    At least one of the mounting member and the replaceable nozzle has an inlet port for receiving the pressurized gas. In a preferred embodiment, it is the mounting member that has the inlet port for receiving the pressurized gas. 
         [0013]    Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the replaceable nozzle is releasably attachable to at least a portion of the mounting member by twist-lock engagement of at least a portion of the replaceable nozzle with at least a portion of the mounting member. The mounting member preferably includes a first, male mating collar and the nozzle includes a second, female mating collar, and it is the first and second mating collars of the mounting member and replaceable nozzle, respectively, which are releasably attachable to each other by twist lock engagement. 
         [0014]    The nozzle assembly preferably includes at least one securing member releasably securing the replaceable nozzle to the mounting member. The securing member is repositionable from a securing position, wherein the nozzle is securedly attached to the mounting member, to a releasing position, wherein the nozzle is released from secure attachment to the mounting member. The at least one securing member preferably comprises at least one bolt threadedly received by at least a portion of at least one of the nozzle and the mounting member. 
         [0015]    In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the replaceable nozzle is constructed of at least one of a ceramic material or a refractory material. Moreover, at least a portion of the nozzle is also constructed of a metallic material, such as stainless steel. 
         [0016]    The present invention also comprises a method of replacing a nozzle of a nozzle assembly disposed within a vessel. A nozzle assembly is provided. The nozzle assembly has a mounting member fixedly attached to an exterior portion of the vessel, and a replaceable nozzle, with at least a portion of the replaceable nozzle being disposed inside of the vessel. At least a portion of the replaceable nozzle is releasably attached to at least a portion of the mounting member. Moreover, at least one of the mounting member and the replaceable nozzle having an inlet port coupled to a source of pressurized gas. 
         [0017]    The replaceable nozzle is detached from the mounting member while leaving the mounting member fixedly attached to an exterior portion of the vessel. Next, a replacement nozzle is attached to the mounting member. 
         [0018]    In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the replaceable nozzle is in twist lock engagement with at least a portion of the mounting member prior to detaching the nozzle. The replaceable nozzle is detaching from twist lock engagement with the mounting member while leaving the mounting member fixedly attached to an exterior portion of the vessel. A replacement nozzle is placed into twist lock engagement with the mounting member from the interior portion of the vessel. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art air cannon nozzle; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an elevated front view of a portion of a prior art air cannon nozzle, shown attached to and within the interior of a vessel; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of a prior art air cannon nozzle, shown attached to the exterior of a vessel, an extension pipe, and an air cannon; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an elevated side front of a portion of a prior art air cannon nozzle, shown within the interior of a vessel and covered with protective refractory material; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the present removable air cannon nozzle showing, in particular, the nozzle portion attached to the mount portion; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the present removable air cannon nozzle; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional exploded view of the present removable air cannon nozzle; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a portion of the present removable air cannon nozzle showing, in particular, the outer collar component of the nozzle portion and the inner collar component of the mount portion; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the present removable air cannon nozzle showing, in particular, the nozzle portion attached to the mount portion; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is an elevated front view of a vessel prepared for attachment of the mount portion of the present removable air cannon nozzle; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the present air cannon nozzle showing, in particular, the mount portion attached to the vessel; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the present air cannon nozzle showing, in particular, the attachment of an air cannon to the mount. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    A prior art air cannon nozzle  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  as comprising outlet port  11 , inlet port  12 , cylindrical inlet portion  13 , and flattened, frusto-conical outlet portion  14 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , outlet port  11  may include a plurality of openings  15 , all in communication with an interior region of the nozzle. For high temperature environments, prior art air cannon nozzles are typically cast from a grade of steel suitable for sustained exposure to high temperatures, such as grade 310 stainless steel. 
         [0032]    Prior art air cannon nozzle  10  is further shown within the interior region of an associated industrial vessel  20  in  FIG. 2 . Outlet port  11  is directed towards the interior of the vessel, and cylindrical inlet portion  13  of the prior art air cannon nozzle extends beyond inner surface  21  of the vessel, through aperture  26  to the exterior of the vessel, where it may be welded to an extension pipe for fluid communication with an exhaust valve of an air cannon. 
         [0033]    Such prior art air cannon nozzles are typically installed within an industrial vessel, such as a pre-heater tower used in the manufacture of cement, in the following manner. First, a desired location for the nozzle is determined, and an appropriately sized aperture is cut through the wall of the vessel. Next, a first individual, positioned inside of the vessel, holds the nozzle and positions it in a desired location and orientation while a second individual, positioned outside of the vessel, tacks the nozzle into place. Since the mounting and orientation of the nozzle may be critical, manual repositioning of the nozzle may be required to be performed several times in order to correctly orient the air cannon nozzle. 
         [0034]    Next, after the nozzle is correctly positioned; it is welded to the exterior surface of the vessel. As shown in  FIG. 3 , a seal plate  23 , welded to exterior surface  22  of vessel  20 , is commonly employed to provide an airtight seal between the exterior surface of the nozzle and the vessel, as the portion of nozzle which extends through the vessel is welded to a corresponding aperture of the seal plate. Next, as further shown in  FIG. 3 , an extension pipe  24  is then welded to the nozzle, such that the extension pipe and inlet port of the nozzle are in fluid communication. An air cannon  30 , comprising a pressure tank  31  and exhaust valve  32 , is then attached to an opposing end of the extension pipe  24 , with an exhaust port of exhaust valve  32  in fluid communication with extension pipe  24 . An air supply line  33  is then coupled to the air cannon. 
         [0035]    Within the vessel, in many high temperature applications, refractory brick material, often nine inches in thickness, is used to line the vessel. Accordingly, outlet port  11  of the air cannon nozzle typically extends approximately this distance into the interior surface of the vessel. As a final installation step of the nozzle, and as shown in  FIG. 4 , additional refractory material  25  is sprayed or poured around the nozzle and flush with the refractory lining, to protect the steel nozzle from the intense heat within the vessel. 
         [0036]    Once installed, an air cannon nozzle will typically remain in place for a sustained period of time, during which the nozzles are subjected to temperatures of more than 2500 degrees Fahrenheit. During this period of time the temperatures and chemical reactions associated with various manufacturing processes can cause significant wear to the nozzles. As a result, during scheduled maintenance shutdowns, which may be annual shutdowns in the case of cement manufacturing plants, the worn nozzles are generally replaced. The process for replacing the prior art air cannon nozzles of  FIGS. 1-4  is as follows: 
         [0037]    First, air supply line  33  is removed from air cannon  30 . Next, air cannon  30  is separated from extension pipe  24  and placed out of the way of maintenance personnel. A cutting torch is then employed to separate extension pipe  24  from inlet port  12  of prior art air cannon nozzle  10 . Within the interior of the vessel, a jackhammer is employed to remove refractory material from the region surrounding nozzle  10 . A cutting torch is again employed, this time to separate nozzle  10  from seal plate  23  and, in turn, from vessel  20 . The worn prior art nozzle  10  is then removed, and replaced with a new prior art nozzle, in essentially the same manner described in detail above with respect to the initial installation of prior art air cannon nozzles. As will be appreciated, the removal of worn prior art air cannon nozzles, and their replacement with new nozzles, is a highly labor-intensive process. 
         [0038]    A 2-piece air cannon nozzle assembly  40  of the present invention, having a replaceable nozzle portion, is shown in  FIGS. 5-9  as including replaceable nozzle  50  and mount, or mounting member  80 . Replaceable nozzle  50  includes refractory portion  60  and female collar  70 . In a preferred embodiment, female collar  70  is preferably cast from a metallic material exhibiting adequate heat resistant qualities, including resistance to oxidation and thermal fatigue, and capable of withstanding cyclic heating, such as, for example, grade 310 stainless steel or the like. Refractory portion  60  is preferably constructed of a refractory material or a ceramic material that is the same as, or similar in heat resistant properties to, the refractory material lining the vessel, such as, for example, CERAMITE® CSA brand ceramic material, distributed in the United States by Whetstone Technology, LLC. The refractory or ceramic material of refractory portion  60  is poured around female collar  70  in a suitably-shaped mold, and is then allowed to harden in place to form the completed nozzle portion. 
         [0039]    Refractory portion  60  of replaceable nozzle  50  includes interior chamber  67 , communicating with inlet port  61  and outlet port  62 . Annular stop ring  65  protrudes circumferentially about the outer surface of refractory portion  60 . Refractory portion  60  further includes a substantially cylindrical inlet portion  63  extending from inlet port  61  to stop ring  65 , and a substantially flattened frusto-conical outlet portion  64  extending from stop ring  65  to outlet port  62 . 
         [0040]    Female collar  70  is generally cylindrical in shape, and includes inlet port  71 , outlet port  72 , four inwardly-protruding boss members, or bosses  73  proximate inlet port  71 , shallow seating regions  74  disposed in the outer surface of the collar between each boss  73 , and indented band region  75 . Indented band region  75  serves to facilitate secure bonding and attachment between female collar  70  and over-molded refractory portion  60 , as axial forces are applied to the nozzle portion during manual fastening and unfastening operations, relative to the mounting member portion of the overall nozzle assembly. 
         [0041]    Mount, or mounting member  80  includes flange ring  81  having a central aperture, and outer cylindrical body  84  extending from flange ring  81  to opposing aperture  82 . Outer cylindrical body  84  includes two opposing bores  86 . Each bore  86  has a corresponding female threaded nut  85  aligned therewith. Each female threaded nut  85  is securely attached to the outer surface of outer cylindrical body  84 , such that the threaded aperture of the nut and the corresponding bore through outer cylindrical body  84  are in alignment. Moreover, each female threaded nut  85  threadedly receives an associated securing member, or bolt  100 . As described in further detail below, once installed, bolt  100  serves to releasably maintain replaceable nozzle  50  in secure engagement with mounting member  80 . A locknut  101  is threaded onto bolt  100  and serves to inhibit loosening of bolt  100  prior to its intended removal. 
         [0042]    Mounting member  80  further includes male collar  90  carried internally within outer cylindrical body  84 . Male collar  90  includes inlet port  91 , outlet port  92 , and cylindrical body  93  extending between the inlet and outlet ports. A raised annular band  94  is disposed circumferentially about cylindrical body  93  proximate outlet port  92 . Four transverse longitudinal slots  95  are disposed at equally spaced intervals about raised annular band  94 . An annular stop ring  97  is disposed circumferentially about cylindrical body  93 , approximately midway between inlet port  91  and outlet port  92 . 
         [0043]    Male collar  90  is preferably constructed of a cast stainless steel or other material suitable for high temperature environments, such as grade 310 stainless steel or the like. Outer cylindrical body  84  may be constructed of commercially available stainless steel pipe, and has a diameter of approximately eight inches. Flange ring  81  is likewise formed of stainless steel. Moreover, male collar  80 , outer cylindrical body  84 , and flange ring  81  are preferably all welded together to form the overall mounting member  80 . In particular, and as best seen in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , these three components are all welded together such that annular stop ring  97  is adjacent an interior surface of flange ring  81  about its central aperture, and the outer circumferential region of flange ring  81  abuts a side opening edge of outer cylindrical body  84 . Moreover, female threaded nuts  85  are likewise welded in place to outer cylindrical body  84 . 
         [0044]    As best seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , replaceable nozzle  50  is releasably attachable to mounting member  80  through twist lock engagement of female collar  70  of replaceable nozzle  50  and male collar  90  of mounting member  80 . Replaceable nozzle  50  is first gripped by its flattened, frusto-conical outlet portion  64  and manually advanced towards mounting member  80 , with female collar  70  and make collar  80  coaxially aligned, and with each boss  73  of female collar  70  axially aligned with a cooperating slot  95  of male collar  90 . Once bosses  73  contact annular stop ring  97 , the flattened, frusto-conical outlet portion  64  and, in turn, the entirety of replaceable nozzle  50 , is then manually rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, until each threaded aperture  85  and bore  86  of mounting member  80  are aligned with a corresponding bore  66  and shallow seating region  74  of replaceable nozzle  50 . 
         [0045]    At this time, female collar  70  and male collar  90  are in twist-lock engagement, with bosses  73  releasably retained within annular race region  96 , between band  94  and stop ring  97 . To securely maintain this twist lock engagement, two opposing bolts  100  are threaded through corresponding female threaded nuts  85  and bores  66 , until an end region of each bolt  100  is seated within a corresponding shallow seating region  74 . Finally, locknuts  101  are tightened against corresponding threaded nuts  85  to maintain bolts  100  securely in position. 
         [0046]    To separate an attached replaceable nozzle  50  from an associated mounting member  80 , such as, for example, the substitution of a worn nozzle with a new replacement, the opposing locknuts  101  are first loosened, and the associated bolts  100  are likewise loosened or removed entirely, if desired. Next, the flattened, frusto-conical outlet portion  64  and, in turn, the entirety of replaceable nozzle  50 , is manually rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, until each boss  73  if female collar  70  aligns with a corresponding slot  95  of male collar  90 . The application of an axial removal force may assist in obtaining this alignment. The replaceable nozzle  50  is then pulled axially away from engagement with mounting member  80  to fully separate replaceable nozzle  50  from mounting member  80 . A new replaceable air cannon nozzle may then be releasably attached to mounting member  80  in the manner previously described. 
         [0047]    The manner in which a mounting assembly and replaceable nozzle are initially attached to an industrial vessel will now be described. First, as shown in  FIG. 10 , a desired location for the nozzle is determined, and an appropriately-sized aperture  26 , slightly larger than the outer diameter of mounting member  80 , is cut through vessel  20  from exterior surface  22 . Next, aperture  82  of mounting member  80  is advanced through aperture  26  of the vessel towards the interior of vessel  20 . The distance that aperture  82  and, in turn, mounting member  80  is advanced into aperture  26  will be at least until aperture  82  is flush with interior surface  21  of vessel  20 , but may include further advancement, depending upon the application. In particular, and as mentioned above, in many high temperature applications, refractory brick material of approximately nine inch in thickness may be used to line the inner surface of the vessel. In such instances, mounting member  80  will accordingly be advanced through aperture  26  until the innermost portion of outlet port  62  of replaceable nozzle  50 , when the overall nozzle is in twist lock engagement with mounting member  80 , is substantially flush with the inner surface of the refractory material used to line the vessel. 
         [0048]    Once mounting member  80  has been advanced the desired distance through aperture  26 , it is welded in place to outer surface  22  of vessel  20 , from outside of the vessel, and without requiring a second individual inside of the vessel to hold a nozzle in place, as is common practice with prior art, single-piece air cannon nozzles. Next, as shown in  FIG. 11 , extension pipe  24  is welded to inlet port  91  of male collar  90 , and, as shown in  FIG. 12 , air cannon  30 , including pressure tank  31  and exhaust valve  32 , is attached to extension pipe  24  via an intermediate mounting flange  27 . If desired, a thermal safety shield (not shown) may be interposed between mounting flange  27  and exhaust valve  32 , to facilitate maintenance of air cannon valves in high temperature environments. Finally, air supply line  33  is coupled to the air cannon. 
         [0049]    Once mounting member  80  has been installed in this manner, it may remain permanently attached to the exterior surface of the vessel. A new replaceable nozzle is then attached to the mounting member in the manner previously described, and refractory material is sprayed or applied around the nozzle such that the outlet port is substantially flush with the inner refractory lining surface of the vessel. 
         [0050]    While it is anticipated that the refractory material coated replaceable nozzles of the present invention may last longer than prior art nozzles made solely of metal, it is still anticipated that the nozzles of the present invention will require periodic replacement. In general, it is anticipated that the nozzles of the present invention may need to be replaced only when the overall refractory lining material of the associated vessel likewise requires replacement. 
         [0051]    At such times, jackhammers are typically employed to remove all of the refractory lining material from the vessel. Once the refractory lining material has been removed, bolts  100  and locknuts  101  can be loosened or removed from the outside of the vessel, and the worn nozzle may then be removed from the inside of the vessel, by release of the twist lock engagement, as previously described. Thereafter, a new, replacement nozzle may be twist locked into place from inside of the vessel, and further secured by tightening bolts  100  and locknuts  101  from outside of the vessel. Finally, once a new refractory lining has been put into place, additional refractory material may be sprayed or applied in the area surrounding the replacement nozzle, such that the outlet port of the nozzle is substantially flush with the refractory material. 
         [0052]    As can be seen from the foregoing, the present replaceable air cannon nozzle can provide significant savings in the time expended and personnel required to periodically replace worn air cannon nozzles with new replacements. Unlike prior art air cannon nozzles, there is no requirement to remove an cannon, and its associated air line and extension pipe, in order to replace a worn nozzle. Nor is there any requirement to cut through the vessel wall in order to remove a worn nozzle, as with prior art air cannon nozzles. Moreover, since the mounting member of the present invention may remain in place indefinitely, a new replacement nozzle will always be installed in precisely the same position and orientation as the worn nozzle being removed, without the requisite personnel inside of the vessel to assist in positioning and orienting each newly-installed nozzle, as in the prior art. 
         [0053]    While the present invention is described above in connection with preferred or illustrative embodiments, these embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention. Rather, the invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within its spirit and scope.