Method and system for utilizing selectively de-coupleable connections for modular installation of a coke drum

Abstract

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a coke drum module, the coke drum module includes a support frame. A coke drum is disposed within the support frame. A strut is removably connected to the support frame and the coke drum. The strut becomes unloaded responsive to the coke drum contacting a support pad. The coke drum module further includes a compression member removably connected to the support frame and the coke drum. The compression member is oriented generally perpendicularly to the strut. A rigid connection is present between the coke drum and the support frame during transportation of the coke drum module. Upon removal of the strut and the compression member, the rigid connection is not present.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A coke drum module comprising:
 a support frame;   a coke drum disposed within the support frame;   a selectively de-coupleable connection that is selectively transitioned from a coupled state to a de-coupled state;   wherein, in the coupled state, the selectively de-coupleable connection supports a weight of the coke drum during transport; and   wherein, in the de-coupled state, thermal expansion of the coke drum without damage to the support frame is facilitated.   
     
     
         22 . The coke drum module of  claim 21 , wherein the selectively de-coupleable connection comprises a strut oriented generally parallel to a length of the coke drum. 
     
     
         23 . The coke drum module of  claim 21 , wherein the selectively de-coupleable connection is subjected to tension stress when the coke drum is oriented in a vertical direction. 
     
     
         24 . The coke drum module of  claim 21 , wherein the selectively de-coupleable connection comprises a compression member. 
     
     
         25 . The coke drum module of  claim 24 , wherein the compression member supports a weight of the coke drum when the coke drum is oriented in a horizontal direction. 
     
     
         26 . The coke drum module of  claim 25 , wherein the compression member facilitates transport of the coke drum module. 
     
     
         27 . The coke drum module of  claim 21 , wherein the selectively de-coupleable connection comprises a slotted hole formed therein, which slotted hole engages a pin disposed on the coke drum. 
     
     
         28 . The coke drum module of  claim 27 , comprising a keeper plate disposed over the slotted hole, which keeper plate prevents movement of the pin within the slotted hole. 
     
     
         29 . The coke drum module of  claim 27 , wherein movement of the pin within the slotted hole relieves tension stress from the coke drum. 
     
     
         30 . The coke drum module of  claim 27 , wherein contact of the coke drum with a support pad moves the pin within the slotted hole. 
     
     
         31 . The coke drum module of  claim 30 , wherein the selectively de-coupleable connection comprises a removable strut that is removed after the coke drum contacts the support pad. 
     
     
         32 . A method of installing a coke drum module, the method comprising:
 receiving the coke drum module comprising a coke drum and a support frame, the coke drum being coupled to the support frame by a selectively de-coupleable connection during transportation of the coke drum module;   lifting the coke drum module;   turning the coke drum module such that the coke drum is vertically oriented;   positioning the support frame on a support pad; and   decoupling the selectively de-coupleable connection such that a rigid connection is not present between the coke drum and the support frame.   
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , comprising supporting a weight of the coke drum during transport via the selectively de-coupleable connection. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein:
 the selectively de-coupleable connection is supports a weight of the coke drum when the coke drum is oriented in a vertical direction and when the coke drum is oriented in a horizontal direction.   
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the selectively de-coupleable connection comprises a compression member. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the coke drum comprises a pin, which pin engages a slotted hole formed on the selectively de-coupleable connection. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , comprising restraining the pin within the slotted hole via a keeper plate. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , comprising removing the keeper plate prior to coke drum contacting the support pad.