Structural vibration and shock isolation in a high pressure environment

Abstract

At the output end of a piping system, components subject to vibration and ock are isolated from components at the input end of the system. The isolation is achieved by a clamping arrangement in which a plurality of deformable isolation material components are inserted between the two ends. The system operates under a high fluid pressure and is arranged to enable the high pressure to act upon the isolation material to assist in forming a seal within the flow path.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for conducting and containing a fluid having structural vibration and shock isolation for high axial loads on system components comprising: structural vibration and shock isolation means having a fluid inlet pipe and a fluid outlet component, said structural and shock isolation means for providing vibration and shock isolation between said inlet pipe and said outlet component;   diffusing means comprising a diffuser connected to said vibration and shock isolation means fluid outlet for diffusing said fluid; and   an air over water tank enclosing said fluid, said air over water tank rigidly connected to said fluid inlet pipe.   
     
     
       2. A system having structural vibration and shock isolation for high axial loads on system components according to claim 1 wherein said structural vibration and shock isolator further comprises: a flanged tubular grommet having a flange portion and a tubular portion generally perpendicular to said flange portion, with the interior of the tubular portion thereof gripping the outside wall of said fluid inlet pipe, said flanged tubular grommet having a face of said flange portion thereof aligned with an end of the fluid inlet pipe;   said fluid outlet component comprising a long weld neck flange axially aligned with said fluid inlet pipe for conducting said fluid, said long weld neck flange having a face of said flanged portion thereof abutting the face of the flanged portion of said flanged tubular grommet;   a ring shaped grommet abutting the side opposite said face of the flanged portion of said long weld neck flange; and   a clamp abutting the side of the flanged tubular grommet opposite the face and further abutting said ring shaped grommet on the side opposite that abutting said long weld neck flange, said clamp holding said pipe axially aligned with said long weld neck flange, and said clamp rigidly connected to said air over water tank.   
     
     
       3. A system having structural vibration and shock isolation for high axial loads on system components according to claim 2 wherein said clamp further comprises: a flange having a counterbored section at its inner diameter, said counterbored section abutting said ring shaped grommet on said grommet's outer circumference and on said grommet's side opposite the flanged portion of said long weld neck flange;   a weld neck flange having a counterbored section at its inner diameter, said counterbored section abutting the side opposite the face of the flanged tubular grommet and further abutting said flanged tubular grommet and said ring shaped grommet at their outer circumferences, said weld neck flange being rigidly connected to said air over water tank, and said weld neck flange having a plurality of apertures for equalizing pressure;   said flange and weld neck flange abutting each other at their faces; and   fastening means for holding said weld neck flange and said flange in abutment with each other and for applying pressure to said flanged tubular grommet, and said ring shaped grommet.   
     
     
       4. A system having structural vibration and shock isolation for high axial loads on system components according to claim 3 wherein said clamp further comprises a rigid ring intermediate said counterbored section of said weld neck flange and said side opposite said face of said flanged tubular grommet. 
     
     
       5. A system having structural vibration and shock isolation for high axial loads on system components according to claim 4 wherein said fastening means further comprises a plurality of nuts and bolts threaded together. 
     
     
       6. A system having structural vibration and shock isolation for high axial loads on system components according to claim 5 wherein said flanged tubular grommet, and said ring shaped grommet are made of a reinforced composite isolation material.