Chevron U.s.a. Inc.

Jaan Taagepera

Edwin Hall Niccolls

Disclosed is a mechanical clamp useful for providing access to the interior of an enclosure such as a pressure vessel. The mechanical clamp is an apparatus having a cap having a convex side and a concave side wherein the concave side is adapted for positioning adjacent the wall of the enclosure. The apparatus further includes at least one rod attached securely in the cap for passing through at least one hole in the wall of the enclosure wherein each rod has a first end attached securely in the cap and a second end and each rod is threaded along a portion of the rod including the second end. The apparatus further includes a nut for attaching to the second end of each rod for securing the cap in place adjacent to the wall of the enclosure. An opening is provided in the cap so that a probe can be passed there through. Methods for applying the mechanical clamp are also disclosed.

Non-welded apparatus for providing access to the interior of an enclosure and methods for use thereof

Disclosed is a collector tray for collecting liquid in a pressure vessel such as a distillation column. The collector tray includes a liquid collecting surface having a curved shape such that the liquid collecting surface is generally upwardly concave or upwardly convex, and includes at least one chimney through the collector tray. The collector tray can be formed by attaching a plurality of collector tray panels to one another to form the collector tray having the liquid collecting surface. Methods for installing the collector tray and retrofitting a pressure vessel are also disclosed.

Curved liquid collector trays useful in pressure vessels

Disclosed is a mechanical clamp useful for repairing localized damage in the wall of an enclosure such as a pressure vessel. The mechanical clamp is an apparatus having a cap having a convex side and a concave side wherein the concave side is adapted for positioning adjacent the wall of the enclosure. The apparatus further includes at least one rod attached securely in the cap for passing through at least one hole in the wall of the enclosure wherein each rod has a first end attached securely in the cap and a second end and each rod is threaded along a portion of the rod including the second end. The apparatus further includes a nut for attaching to the second end of each rod for securing the cap in place adjacent to the wall of the enclosure. Methods for applying the mechanical clamp are also disclosed.

Non-welding apparatus for repair of an enclosure wall and methods for use thereof

A structural component system for containing a hot fluid, e.g., petroleum product, and methods to dissipate heat build-up in the structural component is disclosed. In one embodiment, the structural component is a composite pipe for carrying a hot fluid, e.g., petroleum products. The system comprises a protective sheath disposed around the structural component and forms an air space between the structural component and the sheath. The sheath has at least two gaps on its surface, with the gaps being sufficiently spaced apart to allow air flowing through the air space from one gap to another to dissipate heat build-up from the hot fluid contained within the structural component. In one embodiment, an intumescent material is applied near the gaps, which material expands when heated to a temperature in a fire to effectively close the gaps and protect the structural component from the fire.

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Benicia, CA, United States of America

Jaan Taagepera