Coke drum semi automatic top deheader

A method of replacing a first vessel cover used on a vessel that includes an upper opening and a flange surrounding the upper opening with a second vessel cover, comprising:

• providing a bridge having a first end and a second end for supporting said first vessel cover at said first end and said second vessel cover at said second end;
• lifting said bridge relative to said flange;
• rotating said bridge to selectively align said first vessel cover or said second vessel cover above said flange;
• and
• wherein said vessel is a coke drum and said first vessel cover is replaced with said second vessel cover.

A method of making a remotely operated vessel cover exchange assembly used on a vessel that includes an upper opening, a flange surrounding the upper opening, and a first vessel cover releasably attached to the flange above the upper opening, the method comprising:

• attaching a frame that includes a base with an opening therethrough to said vessel adjacent the upper opening;
• providing a second vessel cover;
• providing a bridge having a first end and a second end;
• coupling said first end of said bridge to said first vessel cover;
• coupling said second end of said bridge to said second vessel cover;
• positioning a central shaft through said opening in said frame, said central shaft having a distal end;
• coupling said distal end of said central shaft to said bridge;
• coupling a thrust collar with said shaft so as to surround said shaft below said distal end, said thrust collar having a thrust surface;
• coupling a lift assembly to said frame below said thrust collar for engaging the thrust surface and selectively raising and lowering said bridge relative to said flange;
• and
• coupling a rotational assembly to said central shaft for rotating said bridge to selectively align the first vessel cover or the second vessel cover above said flange.