Mounting flange for wafersphere bottom outlet valve

摘要

In accordance with the present invention a tank bottom (12) is provided with a lading opening (14) therein. A mounting flange (16) is mounted within this opening. This mounting flange includes a tapered portion (18, 18') extending longitudinally on either side of the lading opening. Preferably the tapered portion includes at least three (3) longitudinal units for each unit the mounting flange extends vertically in excess of one (1) inch below the bottom external surface of the tank. The mounting flange further includes a flange body portion (24) located radially inwardly from the tapered portion having a flange opening (26) for lading to pass through for entry or exit from the tank. The body portion further includes a recess (28) located below the body portion adapted to receive a valve housing (30) having a valve seat and a lading valve (44) located within the housing. Fasteners (40) extend through the valve housing and into the flange body portion outwardly of the valve seat to hold the housing in place within the mounting flange. A shaft ( 46) to move the valve between open and closed positions relative to the valve seat extends transversely and generally horizontally out of the valve housing. Wedge means (62) extending longitudinally of the outlet are located between the upper portion of the valve housing and the mounting flange effective to carry impact load components applied through the housing to the mounting flange. The longitudinal tapered portions may include spaces (78) between the upper surface of the tapered portion and the tank bottom. For some ladings, steam may be circulated through this space to heat the lading adjacent the outlet.