CA1172668A - Apparatus for connecting together flowline end portions and method for using same - Google Patents
Apparatus for connecting together flowline end portions and method for using sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA1172668A CA1172668A CA000394917A CA394917A CA1172668A CA 1172668 A CA1172668 A CA 1172668A CA 000394917 A CA000394917 A CA 000394917A CA 394917 A CA394917 A CA 394917A CA 1172668 A CA1172668 A CA 1172668A
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flowline
- housing member
- housing
- flange
- annular surface
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An apparatus for connecting first and second flowline members for fluid flow therethrough and a method of utilizing same for effectuating such a repair, with the apparatus including a first housing member adapted to be mounted with the first flowline member and having a seal ring mounted therein for sealably engaging the butt end of a second flowline member for effecting a fluid-tight relation there-between, a second housing member mounted for axial movement with respect to the first housing member and gripping means with the second housing member for moving radially inwardly into gripping engagement with the second flowline-member upon axial movement of the second housing member toward the first housing member. In accomplishing the method of the present invention, a cutting of the flowline to remove the damaged portion must be effectuated and thereafter securing a first housing member of the apparatus to the replacement portion of the flowline, thereafter positioning the con-nector apparatus over the undamaged portion of the flowline such that the seal ring of the connector apparatus is in an abutting relation with the butt end surface of the undamaged portion of the flowline and thereafter moving the first and second housing members axially toward one another to effect an abutting, sealable relation between the butt end surface of the undamaged portion of the flowline and the seal ring and to grip the undamaged portion of the flowline with gripping means with the second housing member.
An apparatus for connecting first and second flowline members for fluid flow therethrough and a method of utilizing same for effectuating such a repair, with the apparatus including a first housing member adapted to be mounted with the first flowline member and having a seal ring mounted therein for sealably engaging the butt end of a second flowline member for effecting a fluid-tight relation there-between, a second housing member mounted for axial movement with respect to the first housing member and gripping means with the second housing member for moving radially inwardly into gripping engagement with the second flowline-member upon axial movement of the second housing member toward the first housing member. In accomplishing the method of the present invention, a cutting of the flowline to remove the damaged portion must be effectuated and thereafter securing a first housing member of the apparatus to the replacement portion of the flowline, thereafter positioning the con-nector apparatus over the undamaged portion of the flowline such that the seal ring of the connector apparatus is in an abutting relation with the butt end surface of the undamaged portion of the flowline and thereafter moving the first and second housing members axially toward one another to effect an abutting, sealable relation between the butt end surface of the undamaged portion of the flowline and the seal ring and to grip the undamaged portion of the flowline with gripping means with the second housing member.
Description
~ ~ 726~8 The field of this invention relates to the connection together of first and second flowline members for fluid flow therethrough after a damaged portion thereof has been removed and in particular, to the re-establishment of a connection between the severed portions of an underwater pipeline.
Typically, in making repairs for an underwater pipe-line, it is necessary to remove a damaged section and re-place that section with a new, undamaged pipeline section.
Such a replacement requires underwater welding, which is extremely time-consuming and a technically difficult task.
Various coupling devices have been developed to eliminate the need for such underwater welding procedures.
Of such devices, numerous types are hydraulically actuated such as thbse shown in United States Patents Nos.
3,393,926; 3,704,033; 3,707,025 and 3,830,526. However, some such couplers are not based upon hydraulic actuation ~ but a mechanical action between the component parts there-;~ of. For example, ~nited States Patents Nos. 4,109,945 and 20 4,138,147 to the instant inventors are indicative of several types of coupling devices incorporating mechanical actuation for joining pipe sections by means of gripping and sealing ; pipeline sections theretogether. Other examples of mechani-cal type connectors include those found in United States ; 25 Patents Nos. 1,479,650; 1,604,580; 1,654,463; 2,459,956;
Typically, in making repairs for an underwater pipe-line, it is necessary to remove a damaged section and re-place that section with a new, undamaged pipeline section.
Such a replacement requires underwater welding, which is extremely time-consuming and a technically difficult task.
Various coupling devices have been developed to eliminate the need for such underwater welding procedures.
Of such devices, numerous types are hydraulically actuated such as thbse shown in United States Patents Nos.
3,393,926; 3,704,033; 3,707,025 and 3,830,526. However, some such couplers are not based upon hydraulic actuation ~ but a mechanical action between the component parts there-;~ of. For example, ~nited States Patents Nos. 4,109,945 and 20 4,138,147 to the instant inventors are indicative of several types of coupling devices incorporating mechanical actuation for joining pipe sections by means of gripping and sealing ; pipeline sections theretogether. Other examples of mechani-cal type connectors include those found in United States ; 25 Patents Nos. 1,479,650; 1,604,580; 1,654,463; 2,459,956;
2,832,615; 2,850,301; 3,097,866; 3,977,702; 3,997,199;
4,000,921 and 4,006,921. However, so far as is known, all such connectors depend upon sealing being effectuated between the connector attached to one flowline member and the second flowline member by means of primary sealing en-gaging the outer annular surface of a specially machined pipeline section on an undamaged portion of the flowline member. Such sealing is typically formed by means of elas-tomeric type seals that move radially inwardly in response to axial movement of ~arious portions of the connector ! ~ 7 2 6~ 8 -- 2 ~
apparatus. So far as is known, no attempts have been made to utili2e and effectuate a metal-to-metal seal adjacent the butt end surface of the flowline connector for estab-lishing a sealable relation between the connector and the undamaged portion of the flowline member.
According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for connecting first and second flowline members for fluid flow therethrough, comprising:
a first hbusing member adapted to be mounted with the first flowline member, said first housing member hav-ng a first bore and a second bore formed therein, said first bore being of an inside diameter substantially the same as the inside diameter of the second flowline member, ~ said second bore being of an inside diameter substantially : 15 the same as the outside diameter of the second flowline member, said first housing member having a radial lip formed adjacent said first and second bores;
a seal ring for sealably engaging the butt end sur-:~ face of the second flowline member for effecting a fluid-:~ 20 tight relation therebetween, said seal ring mounted in said : ~ first housing member adjacent said radial lip;
a second housing member mounted for axial movement with respect to said first housing member;
gripping means with said second housing member for ~5 moving radially inwardly into gripping engagement with the second flowline member upon axial movement of said second : housing member relative to said first housing member;
a first flange mounted for movement about said first housing member;
a second flange mounted for movement adjacent an outer end of sai.d second housing member;~
moving means for axially moving said first flange towards second second flange, said moving mean~ mounted with said first and second flanges; and, said second flange is formed having a first annular : surface, a first radial surface adjacent said first annular surface, a second annular surface adjacent said first radial ~ ~ 7~668 surface, a second radial surface adjacent said second annular surface and a third annular surface adjacent said second radial surface, said first annular surface having a diarneter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the second flowline men~er and said third annular surface having a diameter substantially the same as the outside diameter of said second housing member.
Further features of the invention will be apparent from the following description with reference to the accom-panying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a schematic, elevational view of a platform showing a flowline having the apparatus of the present invention as affixed to the flowline at various positions;
Fig. 2A-2E schematically illustrate the method for using the apparatus of the present invention for repairiny a 10wline; and Fig. 3 is a sectional, elevational view of the apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the present inven-tion.
Reerring to the drawings, the letter F designates generally a flowline or a pipeline which is located under water. Such a flowline F for any number of reasons may have a damaged area D that must be removed, requiring re-placement of such a damaged area. Accordingly, the flowline F must be severed înto a first flowline member Fl and a second flowline member F2, which must thereafter be recon-nected together for fluid flow therethrough for transferring fluids, such as oil, gas and the like through the pipeline F. The apparatus A of the present invention is adapted to be connected to the flowline F to reconnect the fluid flow through the irst flowline member Fl that has been severed from the second 10wline member F2. Unless otherwise speci-fied, it is preferred that the components of the apparatus A
of the present invention preferably be formed of steel or other suitable high-strength materials capable of taking heavy stresses and strains t~pically encountered by such apparatus A when operating in its intended conditions and environment.
.~
~ 1 7266~
The apparatus ~ of-the present invention includes a first housing mem~er designated generally as Hl adapted to be affixed to the first flowline Fl and.receive a portion of the flowline F2 therein. A second housing member designated generall~ as H2 is mounted for axial movement with respect to the first housing member Hl. The housing member Hl includes housing 10 which is a hollow, cylindrical member having a first bore 10a and a second bore l0b formed therein.
The first bore 10a preferably is of an inside diameter substantially the same as the inside diameter of the flowline membex F. The second bore 10b is preferably of an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the outer sur~ace 14 of.the flowline member F. A rad.ial lip 10c is formed adjacent the first and second bores 10a, 10b of-15. the housing 10. A:radial end surface 10d is formed-adjacent the second bore 10b with an outer annular surface l0e formed adjacent theretoO A radial f~ange surface 10f is formed adjacent annular surface 10e with annular flange surface 10g formed adjacent thereto. Outer.annular surface 10h is 20 formed adjacent annular flange surface 10g, with the annular surface 10h preferably being of a tapered configuration for the reasons set forth hereinbelow. End surface 10i is ;- - formed between outer annular surface 10h and first bore 10a.
An opening 10j is preferably formed extending between the .outex annulax surface 10e and the second bore 10b as dis-cussed more fully hereinbelow.
The second housing H2 includes housing 16 which is mounted for axial movement with respect-to the first housing 10. The second housing.16 includes an internal bore 16a formed therein and adapted to receiYe the outer annular suxface 10e of housing 10 therein for relative axial move-ment between the housing members Hl, ~2. A radial lip 16bis formed adjacent internal bore 16a with a plurality of : collet camming surfaces formed adjacent the radial lip 16b.
3S A collet camming surface 16c is formed in an annular, spiralling conic surface confiyuration. Thrust ring detent 16d is formed adjacent collet camming surface 16c with end ~ 1 72~68 surface 16e formed adja¢ent thereto. Outer annular surface 16~ extends between end surface 16e and ~nd surf~ce 16g.
The apparatus A of the present invention further includes seal ring S for sealably engaging the flowline member F. Pre~erably the seal ring 18 is formed of a steel or other metal that may be either soter or harder as com-pared with the flowline member F, as desired. The seal ring S includes seal ring 18 mounted in the first housing member Hl adjacent radial lip lOc such that surface 18a of the seal ring 18 abuts radial lip lOc. The outer annular surface 18b of seal ring 18 is adapted to be disposed within second bore lOb of housing 10 with the boxe 18c of the seal ring 18 approximating the first bore lOa of housing 10 and inside diameter 12 of flowline member F. The seal ring 18 further includes a surface 18d which extends between the bore 18c and outer annular surface 18b. The surface 18d, preferably beveled, is adapted to engage a similarly formed butt end surface 20 of the second 10wline member F2, as discussed more fully hereinbelow. It will be appreciated that the surface 18d and butt-end surface 20 may be beveled, V-shaped, radial, grooved or any other suitable configuration as is necessary, or desired.
The apparatus A of the present invention further includes gripping means designated genèrally as G with the second housing member H2 for moving radially inwardly into gripping engagement with the second flowline member Fl upon axial movement of the second housing member H2 towards the first housing member ~1. The gripping means G includes a collet member 22 having an annular, spiralling collet camming surface 22a formed on the outer surface thereof and - a plurality of gripping surfaces 22b formed on the inner surface thereof, with end surfaces 22c, 22d formed adjacent each end thereof. The gripping means G of the present invention further includes the housing czmming surface 16c which cooperates with collet camming surface 22a. Preferably the collet member 22 is formed having a plurality of slots such as slot 22e that extends from end surface 22d towards end surface 22c to slot end 22f. Other slots (not shown) ! 1 7 2 6 6 8 extend from end surface 22c to~ards end surface 22d. The slots 22e permit the coliet member 22 to flex radially inwardly and outwardly in response to action o the collet camming surace 22a of the collet member 22 in engagement 5 with the housing camming surface 16c of housing 16, upon axial movement of the housing H2 wit~ respect to the housing Hl.
The apparatus ~ of the present invention further includes sealing means desiynated generally as 24. Prefer-ably, the sealing means includes a seal member 24a forsealing the first and second housing members Hl, H2 with the second flowline member-F2 upon axial movement of the second housing member H2.towards the first housing member Hl.
Preferably, the sealing means 24 includes a seal member 24a which is mountable in the internal bore 16a of housing 16 between the gripping means G and the first housing member Hl. Preferably, the seal member 24a is of a suitable elastomeric material and is adapted to be mounted adjacent annular end surface lOd of housing member Hl and thrust riny ~0 26. Alternatively,.the-seal means 24 may be a suitable spring (not shown) as discussed more fully hereinbelow. The thrust ring 26 is adapted to engage end surface 22d of collet member 22 and the sealing means-~4 to confine the seal means 24 therebetween the thrust ring 26 and end surface lOd of housing 10. Axial movement of the second housing member H2 towards the first housing member Hl results in the end surface 22d of the collet member 22 acting upon the thrust ring 26 to compress the sealing means 24 between the thrust.ring 26 and end surface lOd. Thus, surface 26a o~ thrust ring 26 engages end surface 22d of collet member 22 and surface 26b of thrust ring 26 engages the seal member 24a of the sealing means 24. Compression of the sealing means 24 between the thrust ring 26 and end surface lOd causes deformation of the sealing means 24 such that it expands radially inwardly into engagement with the second flowline member F2 as discussed more fully herein-below.
Preferably, a suitable seal 28 is mounted with the first housing member Hl in detent lOk formed in outer _7- i ?72668 annular surface l~e for insuring a flu~d tight relation ~etweën outer annular surface lOe'and internal bQre 16a.
A thrust member 30 is adapted to be disposed adjacent -thrust ring detent 16d of housing 16 with surface 30a of the thrust member 30 conforming substantially to that of the thrust ring detent 16d. The thrust member 30 is further formed having a radial surface 30b that is adapted to be in alignment with end surface 16e of housing 16 when positioned in thrust ring detent 16d. Annular surface 30c is formed adjacent radial surface 30b with radial surface 30d'formed adjacenk annular surface 30c. The thrust member 30 is further formed having a bore 30e therethrough that is pref-ferably slightly larger than the outside diameter 14 of the second flowline member-~2. A sealing member 32, of a preferably elastomeric material, is adapted to be disposed adjacent to radial surface 30d of thrust member 30 as discussed more fully hereinbelow.
The apparatus A o the present invention furth r includes a first flange 3~ and a second flange 36, with the first flange 34 mounted for movement about the first housing member Hl and a second flange 36 adapted to be mounted for movement adjacent the outer end of the second housing member ~2. Preferabiy, the first flange 34 is formed having an annuiar surface 34a, radial surfaces 34b, 34c, and outer annular surface 34d. A plurality of openings 34e are preerably formed about the circumference of the first flange 34 with the openings 34e being substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the apparatus A of the present invention. Preferably~ the first flange 34 is mounted such that the inner annular surface 34a is in engagement with annular flange 5urface lOg of housing 10 and radial surface 34c engages radial flange surface lOf of`the housing 10 of the first housing member Hl. In such configuration, the first flange 34 may rotate about the first housing member Hl. Surface lOh enhances the ease of mounting the first flange 34 with the first housing member Hl.
-8- ll 72~
The second flange 36.is mounted for mo~ement adjacent t~e outer end of the second.housïng member H2 and is formed having a first annular surface 36a, a first radial surface 36b adjacent the first annular surface 36a, a second annular surface 36c adjacent the first radial surface 36b, a second radial surface 36d.adjacent the second annular surface 36c, and a third annular surface 36e adjacent the second radial surface 36d. The'first annular surface 36a has a diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter 14 of the-second flowline member F2 and'the third annular surface 36e has a diameter substantially the same as the outside diameter of the second housing member H2 as shown by th'e outer annular surface 16f. End surfaces 36f, 36g are formed with the second flange 36. A plurality of openings 36h are formed 1~ about the circumference of the second flange 36 with the : openings 36h being substantially parallel to the axis of the apparatus A of the present invention and adapted to be in alignment with the openings 34e of first flange 34. The :: sealing member 32 is adapted to be disposed between the first radial surface 36d and the radial surface 30d of the thrust member 30 for engaging .the second flowline member F2 ' upon axial movement between the second flange 36 and thrust '. member 30, forcing the sealing member 32 radially inwardly into engagement'with the outer surface 14 of the flowline . '25 member ~2. Preferably.j a seal 38 such as O-ring 38a is adapted to be disposed within a suitable detent 16h formed in housing 16 to sealably engage third annular sur~ace 36c.
of second ~lange 36.
' .The apparatus A of the present invention further 30 includes moving means designated generally as 40 for axially moving the first flange 34 toward-the second flange 3~. The moving means 40 is mounted with the first and second flanges 34, 36, respectively. The moving means 40 may be any suitable mechanism for drawing the first flanye 34 towards the second flange 36. As shown in Fig. 3,' the moving means 40 includes a plurality of threaded bolts 40a adapted to receive suitably formed nuts 40b and lock nuts 40c for ~ 17266~
drawing the flanges .34, 36 together. The apparatus A of the present invention is not intended to be limited by the use of threaded bolts 40a and is onl~ an example of a means for axially moving the flanges 34, 36 theretogether. The threaded bolts 4Oa are adapted to be inserted in openings 34e, 36h upon proper alignment for drawing the flanges 34, 36 toget~;er in response to tightening action of nut 40b in engagement with the threaded shaft of the threaded bolts 40a.
As is shown in Fig. 1, it is typical for a platform such as platform 42 to have at-least one, if not a plurality of flowline members F extending from the platform below the surface 44 of the water downwardly and along the platform supports 42a to adjacent the floor 46 of the body of water, be it a lakel ocean, or any other type of reservoir. The apparatus A of the present invention is aAapted to connect first and second flowline members Fl, F2 for fluid flow therethrough and as shown in Fig. 1 may be used either at a substantially horizontal or a preferable vertical position or the reasons set forth more fully hereinbelow.
As shown in Fig.- 2, the appaxatus A of the present inv~ntion may be used for repairing a damaged portion D of the damaged flowline F. By way of example, as shown i~ Fig.
2A, a flowline F typically is exposed to an a~ueous environ-ment that may, because of corrosive effects cause damage tothe flowline or because of objects (i.e. ships, debris) floating on the surface 44 of the water the flowline may incur damage as shown in Fig. 2B adjacent the damaged area D. In the event of damage to the flowline F, the aamaged area D must be removed.- In order to remove the damaged area D, the flowline F must be cut to remove the damaged area D, leaving intact the undamaged portion of the flowline F. As shown in Fig. 2C, the first flowline member Fl has the damaged area D therewith and accordingly after cutting of the flowline member F, the first flowline member Fl must be removed leaving the second flowline member F2 which is undamaged, intact.
-lo ' 1 7 2 6~ 8 When cutting the damaged.flowline member Fl rom the undamaged po~tion F2, such ~an be accomplished wi.th a conventional pipe cutter ~not shown) which may be actuated in any suitable manner. During the cutting thereof, a surface such as butt end surface 20 may be machined at the end of the undamaged portion of the ~lowline F2 with such surface being compatible with similarly formed surface 18d of the seal ring 18. It will be appreciated that any suitably formed end surface may be formed, for example, a bevel surface as is shown. A beveled surface is presently capable of being machined with existing state of the art cutting devices used for severing the flowline members in an a~ueous environment.
A new section of.pipe is thereafter affixed with the-`-~ 15 . apparatus A of the present invention by weldments 48 (Fig.
4,000,921 and 4,006,921. However, so far as is known, all such connectors depend upon sealing being effectuated between the connector attached to one flowline member and the second flowline member by means of primary sealing en-gaging the outer annular surface of a specially machined pipeline section on an undamaged portion of the flowline member. Such sealing is typically formed by means of elas-tomeric type seals that move radially inwardly in response to axial movement of ~arious portions of the connector ! ~ 7 2 6~ 8 -- 2 ~
apparatus. So far as is known, no attempts have been made to utili2e and effectuate a metal-to-metal seal adjacent the butt end surface of the flowline connector for estab-lishing a sealable relation between the connector and the undamaged portion of the flowline member.
According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for connecting first and second flowline members for fluid flow therethrough, comprising:
a first hbusing member adapted to be mounted with the first flowline member, said first housing member hav-ng a first bore and a second bore formed therein, said first bore being of an inside diameter substantially the same as the inside diameter of the second flowline member, ~ said second bore being of an inside diameter substantially : 15 the same as the outside diameter of the second flowline member, said first housing member having a radial lip formed adjacent said first and second bores;
a seal ring for sealably engaging the butt end sur-:~ face of the second flowline member for effecting a fluid-:~ 20 tight relation therebetween, said seal ring mounted in said : ~ first housing member adjacent said radial lip;
a second housing member mounted for axial movement with respect to said first housing member;
gripping means with said second housing member for ~5 moving radially inwardly into gripping engagement with the second flowline member upon axial movement of said second : housing member relative to said first housing member;
a first flange mounted for movement about said first housing member;
a second flange mounted for movement adjacent an outer end of sai.d second housing member;~
moving means for axially moving said first flange towards second second flange, said moving mean~ mounted with said first and second flanges; and, said second flange is formed having a first annular : surface, a first radial surface adjacent said first annular surface, a second annular surface adjacent said first radial ~ ~ 7~668 surface, a second radial surface adjacent said second annular surface and a third annular surface adjacent said second radial surface, said first annular surface having a diarneter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the second flowline men~er and said third annular surface having a diameter substantially the same as the outside diameter of said second housing member.
Further features of the invention will be apparent from the following description with reference to the accom-panying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a schematic, elevational view of a platform showing a flowline having the apparatus of the present invention as affixed to the flowline at various positions;
Fig. 2A-2E schematically illustrate the method for using the apparatus of the present invention for repairiny a 10wline; and Fig. 3 is a sectional, elevational view of the apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the present inven-tion.
Reerring to the drawings, the letter F designates generally a flowline or a pipeline which is located under water. Such a flowline F for any number of reasons may have a damaged area D that must be removed, requiring re-placement of such a damaged area. Accordingly, the flowline F must be severed înto a first flowline member Fl and a second flowline member F2, which must thereafter be recon-nected together for fluid flow therethrough for transferring fluids, such as oil, gas and the like through the pipeline F. The apparatus A of the present invention is adapted to be connected to the flowline F to reconnect the fluid flow through the irst flowline member Fl that has been severed from the second 10wline member F2. Unless otherwise speci-fied, it is preferred that the components of the apparatus A
of the present invention preferably be formed of steel or other suitable high-strength materials capable of taking heavy stresses and strains t~pically encountered by such apparatus A when operating in its intended conditions and environment.
.~
~ 1 7266~
The apparatus ~ of-the present invention includes a first housing mem~er designated generally as Hl adapted to be affixed to the first flowline Fl and.receive a portion of the flowline F2 therein. A second housing member designated generall~ as H2 is mounted for axial movement with respect to the first housing member Hl. The housing member Hl includes housing 10 which is a hollow, cylindrical member having a first bore 10a and a second bore l0b formed therein.
The first bore 10a preferably is of an inside diameter substantially the same as the inside diameter of the flowline membex F. The second bore 10b is preferably of an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the outer sur~ace 14 of.the flowline member F. A rad.ial lip 10c is formed adjacent the first and second bores 10a, 10b of-15. the housing 10. A:radial end surface 10d is formed-adjacent the second bore 10b with an outer annular surface l0e formed adjacent theretoO A radial f~ange surface 10f is formed adjacent annular surface 10e with annular flange surface 10g formed adjacent thereto. Outer.annular surface 10h is 20 formed adjacent annular flange surface 10g, with the annular surface 10h preferably being of a tapered configuration for the reasons set forth hereinbelow. End surface 10i is ;- - formed between outer annular surface 10h and first bore 10a.
An opening 10j is preferably formed extending between the .outex annulax surface 10e and the second bore 10b as dis-cussed more fully hereinbelow.
The second housing H2 includes housing 16 which is mounted for axial movement with respect-to the first housing 10. The second housing.16 includes an internal bore 16a formed therein and adapted to receiYe the outer annular suxface 10e of housing 10 therein for relative axial move-ment between the housing members Hl, ~2. A radial lip 16bis formed adjacent internal bore 16a with a plurality of : collet camming surfaces formed adjacent the radial lip 16b.
3S A collet camming surface 16c is formed in an annular, spiralling conic surface confiyuration. Thrust ring detent 16d is formed adjacent collet camming surface 16c with end ~ 1 72~68 surface 16e formed adja¢ent thereto. Outer annular surface 16~ extends between end surface 16e and ~nd surf~ce 16g.
The apparatus A of the present invention further includes seal ring S for sealably engaging the flowline member F. Pre~erably the seal ring 18 is formed of a steel or other metal that may be either soter or harder as com-pared with the flowline member F, as desired. The seal ring S includes seal ring 18 mounted in the first housing member Hl adjacent radial lip lOc such that surface 18a of the seal ring 18 abuts radial lip lOc. The outer annular surface 18b of seal ring 18 is adapted to be disposed within second bore lOb of housing 10 with the boxe 18c of the seal ring 18 approximating the first bore lOa of housing 10 and inside diameter 12 of flowline member F. The seal ring 18 further includes a surface 18d which extends between the bore 18c and outer annular surface 18b. The surface 18d, preferably beveled, is adapted to engage a similarly formed butt end surface 20 of the second 10wline member F2, as discussed more fully hereinbelow. It will be appreciated that the surface 18d and butt-end surface 20 may be beveled, V-shaped, radial, grooved or any other suitable configuration as is necessary, or desired.
The apparatus A of the present invention further includes gripping means designated genèrally as G with the second housing member H2 for moving radially inwardly into gripping engagement with the second flowline member Fl upon axial movement of the second housing member H2 towards the first housing member ~1. The gripping means G includes a collet member 22 having an annular, spiralling collet camming surface 22a formed on the outer surface thereof and - a plurality of gripping surfaces 22b formed on the inner surface thereof, with end surfaces 22c, 22d formed adjacent each end thereof. The gripping means G of the present invention further includes the housing czmming surface 16c which cooperates with collet camming surface 22a. Preferably the collet member 22 is formed having a plurality of slots such as slot 22e that extends from end surface 22d towards end surface 22c to slot end 22f. Other slots (not shown) ! 1 7 2 6 6 8 extend from end surface 22c to~ards end surface 22d. The slots 22e permit the coliet member 22 to flex radially inwardly and outwardly in response to action o the collet camming surace 22a of the collet member 22 in engagement 5 with the housing camming surface 16c of housing 16, upon axial movement of the housing H2 wit~ respect to the housing Hl.
The apparatus ~ of the present invention further includes sealing means desiynated generally as 24. Prefer-ably, the sealing means includes a seal member 24a forsealing the first and second housing members Hl, H2 with the second flowline member-F2 upon axial movement of the second housing member H2.towards the first housing member Hl.
Preferably, the sealing means 24 includes a seal member 24a which is mountable in the internal bore 16a of housing 16 between the gripping means G and the first housing member Hl. Preferably, the seal member 24a is of a suitable elastomeric material and is adapted to be mounted adjacent annular end surface lOd of housing member Hl and thrust riny ~0 26. Alternatively,.the-seal means 24 may be a suitable spring (not shown) as discussed more fully hereinbelow. The thrust ring 26 is adapted to engage end surface 22d of collet member 22 and the sealing means-~4 to confine the seal means 24 therebetween the thrust ring 26 and end surface lOd of housing 10. Axial movement of the second housing member H2 towards the first housing member Hl results in the end surface 22d of the collet member 22 acting upon the thrust ring 26 to compress the sealing means 24 between the thrust.ring 26 and end surface lOd. Thus, surface 26a o~ thrust ring 26 engages end surface 22d of collet member 22 and surface 26b of thrust ring 26 engages the seal member 24a of the sealing means 24. Compression of the sealing means 24 between the thrust ring 26 and end surface lOd causes deformation of the sealing means 24 such that it expands radially inwardly into engagement with the second flowline member F2 as discussed more fully herein-below.
Preferably, a suitable seal 28 is mounted with the first housing member Hl in detent lOk formed in outer _7- i ?72668 annular surface l~e for insuring a flu~d tight relation ~etweën outer annular surface lOe'and internal bQre 16a.
A thrust member 30 is adapted to be disposed adjacent -thrust ring detent 16d of housing 16 with surface 30a of the thrust member 30 conforming substantially to that of the thrust ring detent 16d. The thrust member 30 is further formed having a radial surface 30b that is adapted to be in alignment with end surface 16e of housing 16 when positioned in thrust ring detent 16d. Annular surface 30c is formed adjacent radial surface 30b with radial surface 30d'formed adjacenk annular surface 30c. The thrust member 30 is further formed having a bore 30e therethrough that is pref-ferably slightly larger than the outside diameter 14 of the second flowline member-~2. A sealing member 32, of a preferably elastomeric material, is adapted to be disposed adjacent to radial surface 30d of thrust member 30 as discussed more fully hereinbelow.
The apparatus A o the present invention furth r includes a first flange 3~ and a second flange 36, with the first flange 34 mounted for movement about the first housing member Hl and a second flange 36 adapted to be mounted for movement adjacent the outer end of the second housing member ~2. Preferabiy, the first flange 34 is formed having an annuiar surface 34a, radial surfaces 34b, 34c, and outer annular surface 34d. A plurality of openings 34e are preerably formed about the circumference of the first flange 34 with the openings 34e being substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the apparatus A of the present invention. Preferably~ the first flange 34 is mounted such that the inner annular surface 34a is in engagement with annular flange 5urface lOg of housing 10 and radial surface 34c engages radial flange surface lOf of`the housing 10 of the first housing member Hl. In such configuration, the first flange 34 may rotate about the first housing member Hl. Surface lOh enhances the ease of mounting the first flange 34 with the first housing member Hl.
-8- ll 72~
The second flange 36.is mounted for mo~ement adjacent t~e outer end of the second.housïng member H2 and is formed having a first annular surface 36a, a first radial surface 36b adjacent the first annular surface 36a, a second annular surface 36c adjacent the first radial surface 36b, a second radial surface 36d.adjacent the second annular surface 36c, and a third annular surface 36e adjacent the second radial surface 36d. The'first annular surface 36a has a diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter 14 of the-second flowline member F2 and'the third annular surface 36e has a diameter substantially the same as the outside diameter of the second housing member H2 as shown by th'e outer annular surface 16f. End surfaces 36f, 36g are formed with the second flange 36. A plurality of openings 36h are formed 1~ about the circumference of the second flange 36 with the : openings 36h being substantially parallel to the axis of the apparatus A of the present invention and adapted to be in alignment with the openings 34e of first flange 34. The :: sealing member 32 is adapted to be disposed between the first radial surface 36d and the radial surface 30d of the thrust member 30 for engaging .the second flowline member F2 ' upon axial movement between the second flange 36 and thrust '. member 30, forcing the sealing member 32 radially inwardly into engagement'with the outer surface 14 of the flowline . '25 member ~2. Preferably.j a seal 38 such as O-ring 38a is adapted to be disposed within a suitable detent 16h formed in housing 16 to sealably engage third annular sur~ace 36c.
of second ~lange 36.
' .The apparatus A of the present invention further 30 includes moving means designated generally as 40 for axially moving the first flange 34 toward-the second flange 3~. The moving means 40 is mounted with the first and second flanges 34, 36, respectively. The moving means 40 may be any suitable mechanism for drawing the first flanye 34 towards the second flange 36. As shown in Fig. 3,' the moving means 40 includes a plurality of threaded bolts 40a adapted to receive suitably formed nuts 40b and lock nuts 40c for ~ 17266~
drawing the flanges .34, 36 together. The apparatus A of the present invention is not intended to be limited by the use of threaded bolts 40a and is onl~ an example of a means for axially moving the flanges 34, 36 theretogether. The threaded bolts 4Oa are adapted to be inserted in openings 34e, 36h upon proper alignment for drawing the flanges 34, 36 toget~;er in response to tightening action of nut 40b in engagement with the threaded shaft of the threaded bolts 40a.
As is shown in Fig. 1, it is typical for a platform such as platform 42 to have at-least one, if not a plurality of flowline members F extending from the platform below the surface 44 of the water downwardly and along the platform supports 42a to adjacent the floor 46 of the body of water, be it a lakel ocean, or any other type of reservoir. The apparatus A of the present invention is aAapted to connect first and second flowline members Fl, F2 for fluid flow therethrough and as shown in Fig. 1 may be used either at a substantially horizontal or a preferable vertical position or the reasons set forth more fully hereinbelow.
As shown in Fig.- 2, the appaxatus A of the present inv~ntion may be used for repairing a damaged portion D of the damaged flowline F. By way of example, as shown i~ Fig.
2A, a flowline F typically is exposed to an a~ueous environ-ment that may, because of corrosive effects cause damage tothe flowline or because of objects (i.e. ships, debris) floating on the surface 44 of the water the flowline may incur damage as shown in Fig. 2B adjacent the damaged area D. In the event of damage to the flowline F, the aamaged area D must be removed.- In order to remove the damaged area D, the flowline F must be cut to remove the damaged area D, leaving intact the undamaged portion of the flowline F. As shown in Fig. 2C, the first flowline member Fl has the damaged area D therewith and accordingly after cutting of the flowline member F, the first flowline member Fl must be removed leaving the second flowline member F2 which is undamaged, intact.
-lo ' 1 7 2 6~ 8 When cutting the damaged.flowline member Fl rom the undamaged po~tion F2, such ~an be accomplished wi.th a conventional pipe cutter ~not shown) which may be actuated in any suitable manner. During the cutting thereof, a surface such as butt end surface 20 may be machined at the end of the undamaged portion of the ~lowline F2 with such surface being compatible with similarly formed surface 18d of the seal ring 18. It will be appreciated that any suitably formed end surface may be formed, for example, a bevel surface as is shown. A beveled surface is presently capable of being machined with existing state of the art cutting devices used for severing the flowline members in an a~ueous environment.
A new section of.pipe is thereafter affixed with the-`-~ 15 . apparatus A of the present invention by weldments 48 (Fig.
3) or any other suitable fashion affixed to a new portion of : the first flowline member Fl which in effect secures the first housing member Hl of the apparatus ~ to the replacement portion of the flowline Fl. The apparatus A having been affixed to the replacement first flowline member Fl is loosely assembled with all component parts thereof being in a released, non-sealing, non-gripping position, with the moving means 40 loosely holding all component parts there-together. As shown in Fig. 2D, the first flowline member Fl with the apparatus A is thereafter lowered into the aqueous environment and made ready to be positioned-over the un-damaged, original second flowline member F2. Thus, theconnector apparatus A having the first housing member ~1 and second housing member H2 therewit~ is positioned over the undamaged portion of the flowline member F2 such that the butt end surface 20 of the second flowline member F2 engages the surface 18d oE the seal ring 18 in an abutting relation-ship. Thereafter, the first and second housing members Hl, H2 are moved axially toward each other to effectuatP an abutting, sealable relation between the hutt end surface 20 of the undamaged porkion of the second flowline member F2 7 726~
( and the seal ring i8 and to grip the undamaged portion of the seco~d flowline member F2 wi~h g~ipping means G with the second housing member.H2.. More specifically, as the second .flowline member F2 is inserted within.the appara'tus A of the present invent.ion, the'second flowline mem~er F2 having an outside diameter 14 less than the first annular surface 36a of the second flange,:bore 30e, bore 26c of thrust ring 26, and second'bore lOb of housing 10, permits the second flowline member F2 to extend- therethrough-the second housing member-H2 into the first housing member ~1 such that the butt end surface 20 of the second flowline member F2 abuttingly engages the surface 18d of the seal ring 18. When inserting the flowline member F2 into the apparatus A in a non-actuated, non-sealing, non-gripping position, the end surface 16e o'f housing 16 and radial' surface ~Ob of thrust member 30 do not engage the second radial sur~ace 36d of second flange 36 as shown in Fig. 3. Further, the collet camming surface 22a of collet member 22 is not displaced from the housing camming surface 16c of housing.16 as shown in Fig. 3,. but correspond substantially identically with one another with all radial surfaces thereof engaging one another. Furthermore, the surface 26a of thrust ring 26 is displaced from radial lip 16d of the housing 16 a greater distance than 1 5 shown in Fig. 3 with the sealing means 24 and sealing member 32 being in relaxed, non-compressed positions not in engagement with the outer annular surface 14 of the second flowline member F2.
Thereafter, the first and second housins members Hl, H2 'are moved axially toward each other to effectuate an abutting sealable relation between the butt end surface 20 of the second flowline member F2 and the surface 18d of the seal ring 18 and to grip the second flowline member ~2 with gripping means G with the second housing member H2. Upon tightening of the moving means 40, the first flange 34 and second'flange 36 are moved axially towards one another. It is preferred that alternate tightening of the'multiple 12- t ~726~
threaded bolts 40a in an alternating patter~.be.utilized to insure aligned axial movement of the flanyes 34, 36.towards one another. As the flanges'.34,.36 are moved.toward one another, the first housing member Hl and second housing member H2 move together with a sliding relation between outer annular surface lOe.and internal bore 16a of housings 10, 16, respectively. As the housing members'~l, H2 move : toward one another, a fluid-tight mechanical seal is effec ~ tuated between the butt end surface 20 and surface 18d of :; 10 the seal ring 18. Furtliermore, the second flange 36 engages : the second housing member ~2 and thrust member 30 therewith, compressing of the sealing m~mber 32 to result in a seal'able relation therebetween-the sealing member 32 and the outer annular surface 14 of-the second flowline member F2. As the : 15 second housing'member H2 moves with respect to the first .
housing member Hl, the housing camming surface 16c acts against the collet camming surface 22a, with relative movement therebetween forcing the collet member 22 into ' ~ripping engagement with the second flowline member F2 by means of the gripping surface ~2b grippingly engaging the second flowline member F2. Further, movement of the collet member 22 results in movement of-the thrust ring 26'towards th first housing member Hl resulting in compression of the sealing means 24 therebetween the thrust ring 26 and end surface lOd of housing 10 with the sealing means 24 being in : sealable- engagement with-tXe outer annular surface 14 of the ' second flowline member F2. As a consequence, the second flowline member F2 is effectively made a part of the first flowline.member.Fl by means o~ the'apparatus A of the present invention providing an appropriate sealing and gripping action.
It will be appreciated that the collet member 22 acts as a tension collet only, with there being no need for a compression-collet inasmuch as the second 10wline member F2 is in an abutting, sealable relation with the seal ring 18.
Thus the seal ring 18 acts as a compression collet as well as a sealing member. Further, the weight of the apparatus ~ 7 7266~
A and first flowline member Fl tend to force the butt end surfa-ce 20 into ~he seal rin~ 18, when the flowline F is vertically oriented. Furthermore, the clamping force of the collet member 22 of the grippiny means G about the undamaged portion of the second flowline member F2 helps to round out the pipe ~o insure a proper abutting relation between the butt end surface 20 and the seal ring 18.
After the apparatus A of the presPnt invention is properly positioned and affixed with the second flowline 10' member, the same may be tested by means of opening lOj.
Upon pressurizing the flowline F, if a fluid-tight relation has not been achieved~ leakage will occur and be detected through opening lOj in the housing 10. If leakage should occur, then the moving means 40 need merely be unloosened, lS the housing members Hl, H~ separated, the apparatus A
repositioned, and the process of retightening the appara~us A of the present invention reaccomplished as set forth hereinabove until a proper suitable relation is manifest ; - between the second flowline member F2 and the seal ring 18 as well as between the second flowline member F2, sealing means 24, and seal 28. Alternatively, if the sealing means 24 is replaced with a suitable spring (not shown~, the integrity of the fluid seal may be checked between the seal ' ring 18, seal 28 and sealing member 32.
Thus, the apparatus of the'present invention and method of repairing a flowline using same provides a new and Lm-proved apparatus and method for positively connecting two flowline members together. Furthermore, the apparatus A of the present invention requires no special preparation to the second flowline member F other th'an the need to utilize a pipecutter (not shown~ to cut an appropriately shaped butt end surface 20 to engage similarly formed surface 18d on the seal ring 18 without requiring any special polishing or machining of the outside diameter or any other special ; 35 procedures-to the second flowline member F2 before utilizing the apparatus A of the present invention.
~ ~ 7266~
The foregoin~ disclosure and description of.the in-vention are.~liustrative a~d explanatory thereof, and various changes in size, shape and material as well as in details of the illustrated constrUCtiOn may.be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.
.
.
.
- .
' .
( and the seal ring i8 and to grip the undamaged portion of the seco~d flowline member F2 wi~h g~ipping means G with the second housing member.H2.. More specifically, as the second .flowline member F2 is inserted within.the appara'tus A of the present invent.ion, the'second flowline mem~er F2 having an outside diameter 14 less than the first annular surface 36a of the second flange,:bore 30e, bore 26c of thrust ring 26, and second'bore lOb of housing 10, permits the second flowline member F2 to extend- therethrough-the second housing member-H2 into the first housing member ~1 such that the butt end surface 20 of the second flowline member F2 abuttingly engages the surface 18d of the seal ring 18. When inserting the flowline member F2 into the apparatus A in a non-actuated, non-sealing, non-gripping position, the end surface 16e o'f housing 16 and radial' surface ~Ob of thrust member 30 do not engage the second radial sur~ace 36d of second flange 36 as shown in Fig. 3. Further, the collet camming surface 22a of collet member 22 is not displaced from the housing camming surface 16c of housing.16 as shown in Fig. 3,. but correspond substantially identically with one another with all radial surfaces thereof engaging one another. Furthermore, the surface 26a of thrust ring 26 is displaced from radial lip 16d of the housing 16 a greater distance than 1 5 shown in Fig. 3 with the sealing means 24 and sealing member 32 being in relaxed, non-compressed positions not in engagement with the outer annular surface 14 of the second flowline member F2.
Thereafter, the first and second housins members Hl, H2 'are moved axially toward each other to effectuate an abutting sealable relation between the butt end surface 20 of the second flowline member F2 and the surface 18d of the seal ring 18 and to grip the second flowline member ~2 with gripping means G with the second housing member H2. Upon tightening of the moving means 40, the first flange 34 and second'flange 36 are moved axially towards one another. It is preferred that alternate tightening of the'multiple 12- t ~726~
threaded bolts 40a in an alternating patter~.be.utilized to insure aligned axial movement of the flanyes 34, 36.towards one another. As the flanges'.34,.36 are moved.toward one another, the first housing member Hl and second housing member H2 move together with a sliding relation between outer annular surface lOe.and internal bore 16a of housings 10, 16, respectively. As the housing members'~l, H2 move : toward one another, a fluid-tight mechanical seal is effec ~ tuated between the butt end surface 20 and surface 18d of :; 10 the seal ring 18. Furtliermore, the second flange 36 engages : the second housing member ~2 and thrust member 30 therewith, compressing of the sealing m~mber 32 to result in a seal'able relation therebetween-the sealing member 32 and the outer annular surface 14 of-the second flowline member F2. As the : 15 second housing'member H2 moves with respect to the first .
housing member Hl, the housing camming surface 16c acts against the collet camming surface 22a, with relative movement therebetween forcing the collet member 22 into ' ~ripping engagement with the second flowline member F2 by means of the gripping surface ~2b grippingly engaging the second flowline member F2. Further, movement of the collet member 22 results in movement of-the thrust ring 26'towards th first housing member Hl resulting in compression of the sealing means 24 therebetween the thrust ring 26 and end surface lOd of housing 10 with the sealing means 24 being in : sealable- engagement with-tXe outer annular surface 14 of the ' second flowline member F2. As a consequence, the second flowline member F2 is effectively made a part of the first flowline.member.Fl by means o~ the'apparatus A of the present invention providing an appropriate sealing and gripping action.
It will be appreciated that the collet member 22 acts as a tension collet only, with there being no need for a compression-collet inasmuch as the second 10wline member F2 is in an abutting, sealable relation with the seal ring 18.
Thus the seal ring 18 acts as a compression collet as well as a sealing member. Further, the weight of the apparatus ~ 7 7266~
A and first flowline member Fl tend to force the butt end surfa-ce 20 into ~he seal rin~ 18, when the flowline F is vertically oriented. Furthermore, the clamping force of the collet member 22 of the grippiny means G about the undamaged portion of the second flowline member F2 helps to round out the pipe ~o insure a proper abutting relation between the butt end surface 20 and the seal ring 18.
After the apparatus A of the presPnt invention is properly positioned and affixed with the second flowline 10' member, the same may be tested by means of opening lOj.
Upon pressurizing the flowline F, if a fluid-tight relation has not been achieved~ leakage will occur and be detected through opening lOj in the housing 10. If leakage should occur, then the moving means 40 need merely be unloosened, lS the housing members Hl, H~ separated, the apparatus A
repositioned, and the process of retightening the appara~us A of the present invention reaccomplished as set forth hereinabove until a proper suitable relation is manifest ; - between the second flowline member F2 and the seal ring 18 as well as between the second flowline member F2, sealing means 24, and seal 28. Alternatively, if the sealing means 24 is replaced with a suitable spring (not shown~, the integrity of the fluid seal may be checked between the seal ' ring 18, seal 28 and sealing member 32.
Thus, the apparatus of the'present invention and method of repairing a flowline using same provides a new and Lm-proved apparatus and method for positively connecting two flowline members together. Furthermore, the apparatus A of the present invention requires no special preparation to the second flowline member F other th'an the need to utilize a pipecutter (not shown~ to cut an appropriately shaped butt end surface 20 to engage similarly formed surface 18d on the seal ring 18 without requiring any special polishing or machining of the outside diameter or any other special ; 35 procedures-to the second flowline member F2 before utilizing the apparatus A of the present invention.
~ ~ 7266~
The foregoin~ disclosure and description of.the in-vention are.~liustrative a~d explanatory thereof, and various changes in size, shape and material as well as in details of the illustrated constrUCtiOn may.be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.
.
.
.
- .
' .
Claims (7)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An apparatus for connecting first and second flowline members for fluid flow therethrough, comprising:
a first housing member adapted to be mounted with the first flowline member, said first housing member hav-ing a first bore and a second bore formed therein, said first bore being of an inside diameter substantially the same as the inside diameter of the second flowline member, said second bore being of an inside diameter substantially the same as the outside diameter of the second flowline member, said first housing member having a radial lip formed adjacent said first and second bores;
a seal ring for sealably engaging the butt end surface of the second flowline member for effecting a fluid-tight relation therebetween, said seal ring mounted in said first housing member adjacent said radial lip;
a second housing member mounted for axial movement with respect to said first housing member;
gripping means with said second housing member for moving radially inwardly into gripping engagement with the second flowline member upon axial movement of said second housing member relative to said first housing member;
a first flange mounted for movement about said first housing member;
a second flange mounted for movement adjacent an outer end of said second housing member;
moving means for axially moving said first flange towards said second flange, said moving means mounted with said first and second flanges; and, said second flange is formed having a first annular surface, a first radial surface adjacent said first annular surface, a second annular surface adjacent said first radial surface, a second radial surface adjacent said second annu-lar surface and a third annular surface adjacent said second radial surface, said first annular surface having a diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the second flowline member and said third annular surface having a diameter substantially the same as the outside diameter of said second housing member.
a first housing member adapted to be mounted with the first flowline member, said first housing member hav-ing a first bore and a second bore formed therein, said first bore being of an inside diameter substantially the same as the inside diameter of the second flowline member, said second bore being of an inside diameter substantially the same as the outside diameter of the second flowline member, said first housing member having a radial lip formed adjacent said first and second bores;
a seal ring for sealably engaging the butt end surface of the second flowline member for effecting a fluid-tight relation therebetween, said seal ring mounted in said first housing member adjacent said radial lip;
a second housing member mounted for axial movement with respect to said first housing member;
gripping means with said second housing member for moving radially inwardly into gripping engagement with the second flowline member upon axial movement of said second housing member relative to said first housing member;
a first flange mounted for movement about said first housing member;
a second flange mounted for movement adjacent an outer end of said second housing member;
moving means for axially moving said first flange towards said second flange, said moving means mounted with said first and second flanges; and, said second flange is formed having a first annular surface, a first radial surface adjacent said first annular surface, a second annular surface adjacent said first radial surface, a second radial surface adjacent said second annu-lar surface and a third annular surface adjacent said second radial surface, said first annular surface having a diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the second flowline member and said third annular surface having a diameter substantially the same as the outside diameter of said second housing member.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein:
said first flange is rotatable about said first housing member.
said first flange is rotatable about said first housing member.
3. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein:
said second flange is rotatable adjacent said outer end of said second housing member.
said second flange is rotatable adjacent said outer end of said second housing member.
4. The apparatus of Claim 1, further including:
a fluid seal member disposed between said second housing member and said third annular surface of said second flange to prevent fluid leakage therebetween.
a fluid seal member disposed between said second housing member and said third annular surface of said second flange to prevent fluid leakage therebetween.
5. The apparatus of Claim 1, further including:
a sealing member mounted with said second annular surface between said first radial surface of said second flange and said second housing member and having a central bore of substantially the same inside diameter as said first annular surface; and, a thrust member having an inner annular surface of substantially the same diameter as said first annular sur-face of said second flange, said thrust member disposed between said sealing member and said first housing member for compressing said sealing member into engagement with the second flowline member in response to axial movement between said first and second housing members.
a sealing member mounted with said second annular surface between said first radial surface of said second flange and said second housing member and having a central bore of substantially the same inside diameter as said first annular surface; and, a thrust member having an inner annular surface of substantially the same diameter as said first annular sur-face of said second flange, said thrust member disposed between said sealing member and said first housing member for compressing said sealing member into engagement with the second flowline member in response to axial movement between said first and second housing members.
6. The apparatus of Claim 5, wherein:
said thrust member is formed having an outer annular surface for engaging said second annular surface of said second flange and an outer radial surface for engaging said second radial surface of said second flange.
said thrust member is formed having an outer annular surface for engaging said second annular surface of said second flange and an outer radial surface for engaging said second radial surface of said second flange.
7. The apparatus of Claim 5, wherein:
said thrust member is formed having an inner radial surface for engaging said second housing member.
said thrust member is formed having an inner radial surface for engaging said second housing member.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000394917A CA1172668A (en) | 1982-01-26 | 1982-01-26 | Apparatus for connecting together flowline end portions and method for using same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000394917A CA1172668A (en) | 1982-01-26 | 1982-01-26 | Apparatus for connecting together flowline end portions and method for using same |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1172668A true CA1172668A (en) | 1984-08-14 |
Family
ID=4121906
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000394917A Expired CA1172668A (en) | 1982-01-26 | 1982-01-26 | Apparatus for connecting together flowline end portions and method for using same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1172668A (en) |
-
1982
- 1982-01-26 CA CA000394917A patent/CA1172668A/en not_active Expired
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