Abstract: An automated top head cover and stem guide assembly adapted for covering a top opening in vertical vessels such as coking drums, and a method for remotely operating the assembly. The top head assembly includes a flanged connector unit attached pressure-tightly to a top flange opening of a coking drum and a top cover device including a cover unit pivotally attached to the flanged connector unit, so that the cover unit can be pivotally lifted and moved aside. A stem guide device is also pivotally attached to the top flange unit, so that a stem guide unit can be pivotally moved downwardly into place over the top flange unit opening, after a stem member is inserted into the vessel. Following coke removal from the drum, the stem member is withdrawn, the stem guide unit is pivotally moved upwardly, and the head cover unit is moved downwardly to cover the coking drum flanged unit. The invention also discloses method steps for operating the head cover and stem guide devices of the assembly.

Abstract: An automated top head cover and stem guide assembly adapted for covering a top opening in vertical vessels such as coking drums, and a method for remotely operating the assembly. The top head assembly includes a flanged connector unit attached pressure-tightly to a top flange opening of a coking drum, and a top cover device including a cover unit pivotally attached to the flanged connector unit, so that the top cover unit can be pivotally lifted and moved aside. A stem guide device is also pivotally attached to the flanged connector unit, so that a stem guide unit can be pivotally moved downwardly into place over the top flange unit opening, after a stem member is inserted into the vessel. Following coke removal from the drum, the stem member is withdrawn, the stem guide unit is pivotally moved upwardly, and the head cover unit is moved downwardly to cover the coking drum flanged connector unit. The invention also discloses method steps for operating the head cover and stem guide devices of the assembly.