APPARATUS FOR OPENING AND CLOSING A FLUID CONDUIT

摘要

An apparatus for opening and closing a fluid conduit of the type which extends in a substantially vertical direction above an enclosure, the diameter of the enclosure being greater than the diameter of the fluid conduit. The fluid conduit or pipe includes a transverse slit to provide for movement of a shut-off valve therethrough to open and close the pipe, the fluid circulating through the fluid conduit having a tendency to escape through the transverse slit to the environment external to the pipe. Since it is desirable to hermetically seal the valve, a frame is provided which is completely integrated with the upper part of the enclosure and which is a prolongation of the walls of the enclosure. The frame provides a fluidtight compartment which allows for hermetic sealing of the valve from the environment external to the pipe.