A CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATOR OPENING TOOL

Abstract

 The invention relates to a centrifugal separator opening tool (1), the tool (1) comprising: a first tool part (20) configured to be connected to a peripheral wall (16) of a centrifugal separator bowl (2) of a centrifugal separator (8); a second tool part (22) configured to be connected to a lock ring (10) of the centrifugal separator bowl (2); and at least one actuator (24) connected to the first tool part (20) and to the second tool part (22), which actuator (24) is configured to move the first tool part (20) and the second tool part (22) towards each other or from each other in order to release the lock ring (10) and open the centrifugal separator bowl (2). The tool (1) further comprising: a first coupling element (26), which is pivotable arranged in the first tool part (20); a second coupling element (28), which is pivotable arranged in the second tool part (22); and wherein the least one actuator (24) is connected to the first tool part (20) via the first coupling element.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a centrifugal separator opening tool.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A centrifugal separator comprises a separator bowl, which is closed and locked by a lock ring. The separator bowl comprises an upper and lower bowl part, and the lock ring connects the upper and lower bowl parts when closing the separator bowl. The lock ring comprises a thread, which together with a thread on the lower separator bowl part form a screw connection. In order to achieve a tight closening of the separator bowl, the lock ring is tightened with a predetermined torque.

[0003] When opening the centrifugal separator and the separator bowl, an opening torque is applied on the lock ring. The opening torque will loosen the screw connection between the lock ring and the lower separator bowl part.

[0004] In order to opening the centrifugal separator and the separator bowl a spanner is attached to the lock ring. Thereafter, torque is applied on the spanner by means of strikes from a sledge hammer. After a number of hits from the sledgehammer, the lock ring may start to move and rotate in relation to the lower separator bowl part. Alternatively, a known opening tool using a gear transmission attached to the lock ring and the separator bowl may be used for generating an opening torque on the lock ring. Another known opening tool use several actuating cylinders evenly distributed around the periphery of the lock ring and the separator bowl for generating opening torque on the lock ring.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The known tools and methods for opening centrifugal separators and the separator bowls are either aggressive for the centrifugal separator or complex to use. Using the sledgehammer may lead to unintentional strikes directly on the centrifugal separator and the separator bowl.

[0006] In addition, the impulse forces from the sledgehammer acting on the spanner are concentrated to one limited area of the lock ring, which may result in a deformation of the lock ring, which may result in thread jamming between the lock ring and the separator bowl. Using a heavy sledgehammerto perform the opening operation may also be negative from an ergonomic point of view.

[0007] The known special tools used for opening the centrifugal separator may also be large, heavy and complicated to apply and mount on the separator bowl.

[0008] There is thus a need for an improved opening tool for a centrifugal separator, which tool is easy and ergonomic to use, and which is gentle to the lock ring and the thread of the lock ring. There is also a need to develop an improved opening tool for a centrifugal separator, which tool may be used on a centrifugal separator without modifying and adapting the separator for using the tool.

[0009] An objective of the invention is thus to provide an improved opening tool for a centrifugal separator, which tool is easy and ergonomic to use, and which is gentle to the lock ring and the thread of the lock ring. A further objective is to develop an improved opening tool for a centrifugal separator, which tool may be used on a centrifugal separator without modifying and adapting the separator for using the tool.

[0010] These objective are achieved by a centrifugal separator opening tool according to the appended claims.

[0011] According to an aspect of the invention, a centrifugal separator opening tool is provided. The tool comprising: a first tool part configured to be connected to a peripheral wall of a centrifugal separator bowl of a centrifugal separator; a second tool part configured to be connected to a lock ring of the centrifugal separator bowl; and at least one actuator connected to the first tool part and to the second tool part, which actuator is configured to move the first tool part and the second tool part towards each other or from each other in order to release the lock ring and open the centrifugal separator bowl, wherein the tool further comprising: a first coupling element, which is pivotable arranged in the first tool part; a second coupling element, which is pivotable arranged in the second tool part; and wherein the least one actuator is connected to the first tool part via the first coupling element and connected to the second tool part via the second coupling element.

[0012] Due to the pivotable arranged coupling elements together with the at least one actuator, which connects the first and second tool parts, the tool may be designed to closely follow the periphery of the separator bowl. This has the advantage that the tool is able to generate a large opening torque on the lock ring without being exposed to large bending forces between the first and second tool parts. In addition, due to small bending forces the tool may be designed with limited dimensions, which results in a lightweight tool, which ergonomic to use and easy to handle. Further, the connection of the tool to the bowl wall and to the lock ring may be simple due to using existing openings and cavities in the bowl and the lock ring. The actuator may be controlled smoothly in order to prevent impulse forces, and thus avoid deformation of the lock ring.

[0013] Further objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the following details, and also by putting the invention into practice. Whereas embodiments of the invention are described below, it should be noted that it is not restricted to the specific details described. Specialists having access to the teachings herein will recognise further applications, modifications and incorporations within other fields, which are within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] For fuller understanding of the present disclosure and further objects and advantages of it, the detailed description set out below should be read together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference notations denote similar items in the various figures, and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic view in perspective of a centrifugal separator opening tool according to an example applied on a separator bowl;

Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic front view in perspective of a centrifugal separator opening tool according to an example;

Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic back view in perspective of a centrifugal separator opening tool according to an example; and

Fig. 4 illustrates a schematic view in perspective of a centrifugal separator opening tool according to an example applied on a separator bowl.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The detailed description with reference to the examples depicted are to be viewed as examples comprising a combination of certain features, which features have been described in detail above. It is thus to be understood that additional examples may be achieved by combining other features into examples not depicted herein. The figures are to be viewed as examples and not mutually exclusive combinations. It should also be noted that all figures shown and described are schematically represented, wherein generic parts of machinery or similar is not depicted for the sake of simplicity.

[0016] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a centrifugal separator opening tool is provided. The tool comprising: a first tool part configured to be connected to a peripheral wall of a centrifugal separator bowl of a centrifugal separator; a second tool part configured to be connected to a lock ring of the centrifugal separator bowl; and at least one actuator connected to the first tool part and to the second tool part, which actuator is configured to move the first tool part and the second tool part towards each other or from each other in order to release the lock ring and open the centrifugal separator bowl, wherein the tool further comprising: a first coupling element, which is pivotable arranged in the first tool part; a second coupling element, which is pivotable arranged in the second tool part; and wherein the least one actuator is connected to the first tool part via the first coupling element and connected to the second tool part via the second coupling element.

[0017] The centrifugal separator comprises a centrifugal separator bowl and a lock ring. The separator bowl comprises an upper and lower bowl part. The upper bowl part may be configured as a lid for the lower bowl part. The lock ring is configured to connect the upper and lower bowl parts to each other when closing the separator bowl. The lock ring comprises a thread. The thread of the lock ring may engage a corresponding thread configured in the lower separator bowl part. The thread of the lock ring and the thread on the lower separator bowl part form a screw connection. In order to achieve a tight closening of the separator bowl, the lock ring is tightened with a predetermined torque. The lower separator bowl part may comprise a peripheral outer wall provided with a number of circumferential arranged outlet openings for separated solids or sludge in the centrifugal separator.

[0018] During operation of the centrifugal separator, the thread connection between the lock ring and the lower separator bowl part may stuck, which may result in that a considerable torque will be required to loosen the lock ring. The centrifugal separator opening tool according to the present disclosure is able to provide such considerable torque in order to loosen the lock ring.

[0019] The centrifugal separator opening tool is able to generate a large opening torque on the lock ring without the tool being exposed to large bending forces. In addition, due to small bending forces, the tool may be designed with limited dimensions, which results in a lightweight tool, which ergonomic to use and easy to handle. Further, the connection of the first tool part to the peripheral wall of a centrifugal separator bowl of a centrifugal separator bowl wall may be easy and simple. The lower bowl part comprises the peripheral wall.

[0020] The second tool part is configured to be easy and simple connectable to the lock ring. The first tool part and the second tool part may be individual tool parts, which may be connected to each other and disconnected from each other. When arranging the centrifugal separator opening tool on the separator bowl, the first tool part may first be connected the peripheral wall of a centrifugal separator bowl. Thereafter, the second tool part may be connected to the lock ring. Finally, the first tool part and the second tool part are connected by the actuators. In the opposite, the opening tool may be disconnected from the separator bowl by first disconnect the actuators from the first and second tool parts. Thereafter, the second tool part is disconnected from the lock ring. Finally, the first tool part is disconnected from the peripheral wall (4) of the lower centrifugal separator bowl.

[0021] The at least one actuator connects the first and the second tool part. A number of actuators may connect the first and the second tool part. The number of actuators may be three actuators, which connect the first and the second tool part. An advantage of arranging a number of actuators instead of only one actuator is that the opening tool may be designed with a shape that is very close to the separator bowl, so that the tool not extend far from the surface if the separator bowl.

[0022] The actuators may exert a force on the first and the second tool part. This force will generate an opening torque on the lock ring. The opening torque acting on the lock ring will loosen the lock ring, so that the lock ring may be unscrewed from the lower bowl part for opening the separator bowl by removing the upper bowl part. The actuators may be controlled smoothly in order to prevent impulse forces, and thus avoid deformation of the lock ring.

[0023] The first coupling element is connected to the first tool part. The first coupling element is pivotable arranged in the first tool part. The at least one actuator is connected to the first coupling element. A number of actuators may be connected to the first coupling element. When the actuators exerts a force on the first and the second tool part, and as a result the first and the second tool parts move towards each other or from each other, the first coupling element will pivot in the first tool part. The pivotal motion of the first coupling element is a result of a peripheral movement of the first and the second tool part when they move towards each other or from each other.

[0024] The second coupling element is connected to the second tool part. The second coupling element is pivotable arranged in the second tool part. The at least one actuator is connected to the second coupling element. A number of actuators may be connected to the second coupling element. When the actuators exerts a force on the first and the second tool part, and as a result the first and the second tool parts move towards each other or from each other, the second coupling element will pivot in the fort tool part. The pivotal motion of the second coupling element is a result of a peripheral movement of the first and the second tool part when they move towards each other or from each other.

[0025] Depending on how the tread is configured in the lock ring and the lower bowl part, the lock ring will rotate in a clockwise direction or in a counter clockwise direction when loosening the lock ring. Depending on relative arrangement of the first and second tool parts on the lock ring and on the lower bowl part, and if the lock ring is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction or in a counter clockwise direction when loosening the lock ring, the actuator may be configured to draw the first and second tool parts towards each other or push the first and second tool parts apart and from each other.

[0026] According to an aspect, the first coupling element is pivotable arranged about a first pivot axis and the second coupling element is pivotable arranged about a second pivot axis, which pivot axes are parallel to each other.

[0027] The parallel arrangement of the first and second coupling elements provides for a smooth movement of the first and second tool parts during loosening of the lock ring. The first and second pivot axes may be parallel to the rotational axis of the centrifugal separator bowl of the centrifugal separator when the opening tool is attached to the bowl. The first and second coupling elements will move along a curve, which correspond to the periphery of the lower bowl part and the locking ring. This movement provides for and allows a slim shape of the first and second tool parts due to low bending forces in the opening tool.

[0028] According to an aspect, the least one actuator is a threaded rod provided with a driving head for turning the rod and wherein the first or the second coupling element is provided with a threaded bore configured to receive the rod.

[0029] As mentioned above, the dependence of the relative arrangement of the first and second tool parts on the lock ring and on the lower bowl part, and if the lock ring is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction or in a counter clockwise direction when loosening the lock ring, the actuator may be configured to draw the first and second tool parts towards each other or push the first and second tool parts apart and from each other. Therefore, the first or the second coupling element is provided with a treaded bore configured to receive the rod. When tighten the threaded rod, the first and second tool parts will move towards each other and loosen the lock ring. In the opposite, turning the threaded rod in the opposite direction will push the first and second tool parts from each other. Thus, the treaded rod is configured to generate the opening torque for loosening the lock ring. The driving head is configured for turning the rod. The driving head may have any suitable shape configured to be connected to a tool, such as a wrench.

[0030] According to an aspect, the least one actuator is a hydraulic cylinder.

[0031] The hydraulic cylinder may be arranged to pull the first and second tool parts toward each other. Alternatively, the hydraulic cylinder may be arranged to push the first and second tool parts from each other. The hydraulic cylinder may in one end be connected to the first coupling element and in the other end be connected to the second coupling element.

[0032] According to an aspect, the first tool part comprises a first bracket, which is provided with first fastening elements configured to be connected to the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl.

[0033] The first fastening elements may be configured to be arranged in openings in the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl. The first fastening elements may be pins and/or treaded bolts arranged in the openings. The openings may be outlet openings for separated solids or sludge. The outlet openings may be arranged for nozzles used for continuous discharge of a separated sludge phase from the separator bowl, or be openings arranged for intermittent discharge of a sludge phase from the separator bowl. The openings may be evenly distributed around the periphery of the separator bowl.

[0034] According to an aspect, the first fastening elements of the first bracket comprise hooks configured to be arranged in outlet openings in the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl.

[0035] Due to the existing outlet openings in the lower bowl part, the connection of the first tool part of the opening tool to the outer wall of the lower bowl part may be easy and simple. The hooks of the first bracket will secure the first tool part on the lower bowl part during application of the first tool part on the lower bowl part. In addition, the hooks of the first bracket will resist large forces when applying a large force from the actuators on the first and the second tool parts. The first tool part, the bracket and/or the hooks may be made of a softer material than the lower separator bowl in order to prevent any deformation of the lower bowl part and the openings in the lower bowl part. The openings may be outlet openings for separated solids or sludge. The openings may be evenly distributed around the periphery of the separator bowl. A number of hooks may be arranged on the first bracket. At last two hooks may be arranged in the outlet openings in the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl.

[0036] According to an aspect, the first bracket comprises a first abutment surface provided with a peripheral extension, which correspond to the peripheral shape of the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl.

[0037] The abutment surface of the first bracket is configured to abut against the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl. The shape of the abutment surface correspond to the shape of the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl. Thus, the abutment surface of the first bracket will follow the peripheral shape of the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl. An advantage of arranging the abutment surface of the first bracket to follow the peripheral shape of the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl is that the first tool part may be designed with a shape that is very close to the separator bowl, so that the tool not extend far from the surface if the separator bowl. This design provides for and allows a slim shape of the first tool part, which may reduce bending forces in the opening tool.

[0038] According to an aspect, the first coupling element is pivotable arranged in the first bracket.

[0039] The first bracket has an extension outside of the surface of the lower bowl part when the first tool part is arranged on the lower bowl part. The first coupling element may be arranged in an opening arranged in the first bracket. The opening may a circular opening having a diameter larger than a diameter of a circular part of the first coupling element. The circular part of the first coupling element may be arranged in the circular opening of the first bracket and thus be allowed to pivote in the opening of the first bracket.

[0040] According to an aspect, a first flange is connected to the first bracket via a first web.

[0041] The first flange and the first bracket will together with the first web constitute a first beam. The cross section of the first beam, and thus of the first tool part, has the shape similar to a U-beam. Such configuration of the first tool part will resist large torsion and bending forces. The first flange may have an abutment surface provided with a peripheral extension, which correspond to the peripheral shape of the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl. The first flange may be configured to abut against the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl. The shape of an abutment surface of the first flange may correspond to the shape of the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl. Thus, the abutment surface of the first flange will follow the peripheral shape of the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl. The shape of the first web may correspond to the shape of the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl. In addition, the first web may be configured to abut against the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl.

[0042] According to an aspect, the first coupling element is pivotable arranged in the first flange.

[0043] The first flange has an extension outside of the surface of the lower bowl part when the first tool part is arranged on the lower bowl part. The first coupling element may be arranged in an opening arranged in the first flange. The opening may a circular opening having a diameter larger than a diameter of a circular part of the first coupling element. The circular part of the first coupling element may be arranged in the circular opening of the first flange and thus be allowed to pivote in the opening of the first flange.

[0044] According to an aspect, the second tool part comprises a second bracket, which is provided with second fastening elements configured to be connected to the lock ring of the centrifugal separator bowl.
The second fastening elements may be configured to be arranged in openings in the lock ring. Alternatively or in combination, the second fastening elements may be arranged in openings arranged in the second bracket.

[0045] According to an aspect, the second fastening elements of the second bracket comprise pins and a threaded bolt configured to be arranged in bores of the lock ring of the centrifugal separator bowl.

[0046] The pins and the threaded bolt provides for an easy and simple connection of the second bracket to the locking ring. The combination of the pins and the threaded bolt results in that a tool may be needed for tightening the bolt. The hole, opening or bore in which the threaded bolt is arranged is provided with a thread. However, the pins may be arranged into holes, openings or bores in the lock ring without the need of any tool.

[0047] According to an aspect, the pins are releasable and/or axially movable arranged in the second bracket.

[0048] The second tool part may be connected to the lock ring by first displacing the second tool part in a direction perpendicular to a center axis of the locking ring and thus also in a perpendicular direction to a center axis of the separator bowl. During this displacement the pins are released from the second bracket or have been axially displaced in the second bracket, so that they do not interfere with the locking ring during the displacement of the second tool part towards the lock ring. When the second tool has reached the lock ring and is in place for securing the second tool part to the lock ring, the pins are mounted into openings or bores in the locking ring, by moving the pins axially into the openings or bores in the locking ring.

[0049] According to an aspect, a protective cap is attached to the second bracket, which protective cap extends above a head of the threaded bolt.

[0050] The head of the threaded bolt is provided for attaching the second tool part to the lock ring. Due to large shear forces, bending forces and torsion forces acting on the second tool part, the threaded bolt is subjected to large forces. The protective cap, which extends above the head of the threaded bolt, will prevent the head to hit an object nearby the opening tool if the forces acting on the threaded bolt exceed a breaking point of the threaded bolt. Thus, the protective cap will catch the head and prevent the head to hit and damage the object.

[0051] According to an aspect, the second bracket comprises a second abutment surface provided with a peripheral extension, which correspond to the peripheral shape of the lock ring of the centrifugal separator bowl.

[0052] The abutment surface of the second bracket is configured to abut the top surface of the lock ring. The shape of the abutment surface correspond to the shape of the peripheral extension of the top surface of the lock ring. Thus, the abutment surface of the second bracket will follow the peripheral shape of the top surface of the lock ring. Due to the extension of the second bracket along the top surface of the lock ring, the second bracket may be connected to the lock ring along the abutment surface of the second bracket and the top surface of the lock ring. The connection of the second bracket to the lock ring can be performed with the threaded bolt and the pins. An advantage of arranging the abutment surface of the second bracket to follow the peripheral shape of the top surface of the lock ring is that the first tool part may be designed with a shape that is very close to the outer periphery of the separator bowl, so that the tool not extend far from the surface if the separator bowl. This design provides for and allows a slim shape of the second tool part, which may reduce bending forces in the opening tool.

[0053] According to an aspect, the second coupling element is pivotable arranged in the second bracket.

[0054] The second bracket has an extension outside of an outer peripheral surface of lock ring and thus of the peripheral surface of the lower bowl part when the second tool part is arranged on the lock ring. The second coupling element may be arranged in an opening arranged in the second bracket. The opening may a circular opening having a diameter larger than a diameter of a circular part of the second coupling element. The circular part of the second coupling element may be arranged in the circular opening of the second bracket and thus be allowed to pivote in the opening of the second bracket.

[0055] According to an aspect, a second flange is connected to the second bracket via a second web.

[0056] The second flange and the second bracket will together with the second web constitute a second beam. The cross section of the second beam, and thus of the second tool part, has the shape similar to a U-beam. Such configuration of the second tool part will resist large torsion and bending forces. The second flange may have an abutment surface provided with a peripheral extension, which correspond to the peripheral shape of the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl. The second flange may be configured to abut against the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl. The shape of an abutment surface of the second flange may correspond to the shape of the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl. Thus, the abutment surface of the second flange will follow the peripheral shape of the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl. The shape of the second web may correspond to the shape of the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl. In addition, the second web may be configured to abut against the peripheral wall of the centrifugal separator bowl.

[0057] According to an aspect, the second coupling element is pivotable arranged in the second flange.

[0058] The second flange has an extension outside of the peripheral surface of the lower bowl part when the second tool part is arranged on the lower bowl part. The second coupling element may be arranged in an opening arranged in the second flange. The opening may a circular opening having a diameter larger than a diameter of a circular part of the second coupling element. The circular part of the second coupling element may be arranged in the circular opening of the second flange and thus be allowed to pivote in the opening of the second flange.

[0059] According to an aspect, the first web comprises a first tongue (64) and the second web comprises a second tongue (66), wherein the first tongue is configured to abut against the second flange, and wherein the second tongue is configured to abut against the first flange.

[0060] The first web comprises a first tongue. The first tongue is configured to abut against and slide on the second flange. The first tongue is configured to resist large bending forces. The first tongue will prevent the second tool part to bend due to the force from the actuating means.

[0061] Due to the large forces from the actuator, the second tool is prevented from moving upwards by the first tongue. During the movement of the first and second tool parts, the first and second tongues may slide on each other. The first tongue may have the same curvature as the first web.

[0062] The second web comprises a second tongue. The second tongue is configured to abut against and slide on the first flange. The second tongue is configured to resist large bending forces. The second tongue will prevent the first tool part to bend due to the force from the actuating means. Due to the large forces from the actuator, the first tool is prevented from moving downwards by the second tongue. The second tongue may have the same curvature as the second web.

[0063] The present invention will now be further illustrated with reference to the appended figures.

[0064] Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic view in perspective of the centrifugal separator opening tool 1 according to an example applied on the separator bowl 2 of a centrifugal separator 4. The separator bowl 2 comprises an upper bowl part 6 and lower bowl part 8. A lock ring 10 is configured to connect the upper and lower bowl parts 6, 8 to each other when closing the separator bowl 2. The lock ring 10 comprises a thread 12, which is configured to engage a corresponding thread 14 arranged in the lower separator bowl part 8. The lower bowl part 8 comprises a peripheral wall 16. The lock ring 10 comprises a top surface 18. Outlet openings 19 are arranged in the peripheral wall 16 of the centrifugal separator bowl 2.

[0065] Figures 2 and 3 illustrates a schematic front and back view in perspective of the centrifugal separator opening tool 1 according to an example. The tool 1 comprising a first tool part 20 configured to be connected to the peripheral wall 16 (fig. 1) of the centrifugal separator bowl 2 (fig. 1). A second tool part 22 is configured to be connected to the lock ring 10 (fig. 1) of the centrifugal separator bowl 2. The second tool part 22 is also configured to abut against the peripheral wall 16 of the centrifugal separator bowl 2. Three actuators 24 are connected to the first tool part 20 and to the second tool part 22. The actuators 24 are configured to move the first tool part 20 and the second tool part 22 towards each other or from each other in order to release the lock ring 10 and open the centrifugal separator bowl 2. The tool 1 comprises a first coupling element 26, which is pivotable arranged in the first tool part 20. A second coupling element 28 is pivotable arranged in the second tool part 22. The actuators 24 are connected to the first tool part 20 via the first coupling element 26 and connected to the second tool part 22 via the second coupling element 28.

[0066] The first coupling element 26 is pivotable arranged about a first pivot axis 30. The second coupling element 28 is pivotable arranged about a second pivot axis 32. The pivot axes 30, 32 are parallel to each other.

[0067] The actuators 24 are configured as threaded rods 34. Each rod 34 is provided with a driving head 36 for turning the rod 34. The first and the second coupling elements 26, 28 are provided with bores 38 configured to receive the rod 34. According to the example, the bores 38 of the second coupling element 28 are threaded. The actuators 24 may alternatively be configured as hydraulic cylinders (not disclosed).

[0068] The first tool part 20 comprises a first bracket 40. The first bracket 40 comprise hooks 42 configured to be arranged in the outlet openings 19 in the peripheral wall 16 of the centrifugal separator bowl 2.

[0069] The first bracket 40 comprises a first abutment surface 44 provided with a peripheral extension, which correspond to the peripheral shape of the peripheral wall 16 of the centrifugal separator bowl 2.

[0070] The first coupling element 26 is pivotable arranged in the first bracket 40. A first flange 46 is connected to the first bracket 40 via a first web 48. The first coupling element 26 is pivotable arranged in the first flange 46.

[0071] The second tool part 22 comprises a second bracket 50, which is provided with pins 52 and a threaded bolt 54 configured to be connected to the lock ring 10 of the centrifugal separator bowl 2. The pins 52 and the threaded bolt 54 are configured to be arranged in bores 56 (fig. 1) of the lock ring 10. The pins 52 are releasable and axially movable arranged in the second bracket 50. The second bracket 50 comprises a second abutment surface 58 provided with a peripheral extension, which correspond to the peripheral shape of the lock ring 10. The second coupling element 28 is pivotable arranged in the second bracket 50. A second flange 60 is connected to the second bracket 50 via a second web 62. The second coupling element 28 is pivotable arranged in the second flange 60.

[0072] The first web 48 comprises a first tongue 64 and the second web 62 comprises a second tongue 66, wherein the first tongue 64 is configured to abut against the second flange 60, and wherein the second tongue 66 is configured to abut against the first flange 46.

[0073] A protective cap 68 is attached to the second bracket 50. The protective cap 68 extends above a head 70 of the threaded bolt 54.

[0074] Fig. 4 illustrates a schematic view in perspective of a centrifugal separator opening tool 1 according to an example applied on a separator bowl 2. According to this example the second tool part 22 is provided with a strike element 72 configured to be hit by a sledge hammer (not disclosed). Thus, in orderto loosen the lock ring 10, a number of strikes from the sledgehammer in combination of the opening torque generated by the actuators 24, the lock ring 10 may start to move and rotate in relation to the lower separator bowl part 8.

[0075] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been furnished for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive, or to limit the embodiments to the variations described. Many modifications and variations will obviously be apparent to one skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explicate principles and practical applications, and to thereby enable one skilled in the arts to understand the invention in terms of its various embodiments and with the various modifications that are applicable to its intended use. The components and features specified above may, within the framework of the disclosure, be combined between different embodiments specified.

Claims

1. A centrifugal separator opening tool (1), the tool (1) comprising:

a first tool part (20) configured to be connected to a peripheral wall (16) of a centrifugal separator bowl (2) of a centrifugal separator (8);

a second tool part (22) configured to be connected to a lock ring (10) of the centrifugal separator bowl (2); and

at least one actuator (24) connected to the first tool part (20) and to the second tool part (22), which actuator (24) is configured to move the first tool part (20) and the second tool part (22) towards each other or from each other in order to release the lock ring (10) and open the centrifugal separator bowl (2), wherein the tool (1) further comprising:

a first coupling element (26), which is pivotable arranged in the first tool part (20);

a second coupling element (28), which is pivotable arranged in the second tool part (22); and wherein the least one actuator (24) is connected to the first tool part (20) via the first coupling element (26) and connected to the second tool part (22) via the second coupling element (28).

2. The tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling element (26) is pivotable arranged about a first pivot axis (30) and the second coupling element (28) is pivotable arranged about a second pivot axis (32), which pivot axes (30, 32) are parallel to each other.

3. The tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the least one actuator (24) is a threaded rod (34) provided with a driving head (36) for turning the rod (34) and wherein the first or the second coupling element (26, 28) is provided with a threaded bore (38) configured to receive the rod (34).

4. The tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tool part (20) comprises a first bracket (40), which is provided with first fastening elements (42) configured to be connected to the peripheral wall (16) of the centrifugal separator bowl (2).

5. The tool (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first fastening elements (42) of the first bracket (40) comprise hooks (42) configured to be arranged in outlet openings (19) in the peripheral wall (16) of the centrifugal separator bowl (2).

6. The tool (1) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the first bracket (40) comprises a first abutment surface (44) provided with a peripheral extension, which correspond to the peripheral shape of the peripheral wall (16) of the centrifugal separator bowl (2).

7. The tool (1) according to any one of claims 3 - 6, wherein the first coupling element (26) is pivotable arranged in the first bracket (40).

8. The tool (1) according to any one of claims 3 - 7, wherein a first flange (46) is connected to the first bracket (40) via a first web (42).

9. The tool (1) according to claim 8, wherein the first coupling element (26) is pivotable arranged in the first flange (46).

10. The tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second tool part (22) comprises a second bracket (50), which is provided with second fastening elements (52, 54) configured to be connected to the lock ring (10) of the centrifugal separator bowl (2).

11. The tool (1) according to claim 10, wherein the second fastening elements (52, 54) of the second bracket (50) comprise pins (52) and a threaded bolt (54) configured to be arranged in bores (56) of the lock ring (10) of the centrifugal separator bowl (2).

12. The tool (1) according to claim 11, wherein the pins (52) are releasable and/or axially movable arranged in the second bracket (50).

13. The tool (1) according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein a protective cap (68) is attached to the second bracket (50), which protective cap (68) extends above a head (70) of the threaded bolt (54).

14. The tool (1) according to any one of claims 10 - 13, wherein the second bracket (50) comprises a second abutment surface (58) provided with a peripheral extension, which correspond to the peripheral shape of the lock ring (10) of the centrifugal separator bowl (2).

15. The tool (1) according to any one of claims 10 - 14, wherein the second coupling element (28) is pivotable arranged in the second bracket (50).

16. The tool (1) according to any one of claims 10 - 15, wherein a second flange (60) is connected to the second bracket (50) via a second web (62).

17. The tool (1) according to claim 16, wherein the second coupling element (28) is pivotable arranged in the second flange (60).

18. The tool according to claims 5 and 16, wherein the first web (48) comprises a first tongue (64) and the second web comprises a second tongue (66), wherein the first tongue (64) is configured to abut against the second flange (60), and wherein the second tongue (66) is configured to abut against the first flange (46).

Drawing