JPH01502842A - Multi-path swivel joint for fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Multi-path swivel joint for fluids Background of the invention The present invention relates to swivel joints useful for conveying fluids, and more particularly to multi-line swivel fittings that can convey fluid between multiple rotating lines and related. The invention is particularly useful for conveying fluids between ships and the ocean floor.

Offshore production of oil at a sufficient distance from land or in remote areas involves the production of oil on the seabed. production from offshore wells as it is impractical to install pipelines. oil is pumped directly to shore for accumulation and/or further transport or processing. Sometimes. Oil produced under these circumstances must be treated or stored until transhipment. Direct or short supply pipes to moored vessels such as oil tankers that can be placed It is more convenient to transfer by line. Keeping a ship offshore for long periods of time Mooring presents many problems, including unexpected storm conditions at the mooring location. Ru. Mooring systems require the ship to face the wind or turn; is always directed towards the prevailing waves, currents and winds. For offshore vessels facing the direction of the wind Mooring systems use pivoting devices built or attached to the ship to allow the ship to move in the wind. It allows oil or gas to be collected while moving in a direction.

Typically, fluid lines run in groups from the ocean floor to the ship. these streams Body lines allow various fluids to be transported between the ship and the seabed.

For example, some fluid lines are used to carry oil and/or gas to ships, while others Fluid lines are used to inject liquid or gas back into the reservoir and are Still other fluid lines may be used for hydraulic or other control functions. these streams The body line is somewhat flexible and allows for some movement of the ship. However, these are fixed to the ocean floor and cannot rotate to large angles. therefore , between these flexible but fixed fluid lines and the rotating vessel. In order to convey fluid, it is necessary to have a fluid swivel joint. These fluid la Some of the inlets are rather large, and some of the fluids are under high pressure and may be exposed to other lines. Since some fluids may have different pressures and temperatures than those in other systems, there are many complexities involved in leak prevention. The result was a highly functional fluid swivel joint. To date, the most advanced swivel joint The design pressure is as high as 1,000 psi, but the actual operating pressure is about 2,600 ps It is si.

Summary of the invention The swivel joint of the present invention is suitable for very high pressure fluids (e.g. 3,000 psi) and A stream capable of carrying various fluids such as oil, gas, or water at varying pressures and temperatures This is a multi-line swivel joint for body use. This swivel joint generally has an inner core. and an external housing. each The core has one integral conduit extending from the bottom of the core and extending from the side of the core. through which it opens into an annular chamber formed between the core and the housing. . The housing includes means for directing fluid from the annular chamber.

Another feature of the invention is that the top of the annular chamber of each module between the core and the housing is A fluid sealing means is provided below, and a fluid sealing means is provided at the boundary with the internal fluid conduit of the adjacent core. It is equipped with a body seal.

Brief description of the drawing FIG. 1 is a general view, partially in section, of a swivel joint according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2--2 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a detailed vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of the swivel joint taken along line 3--3 in FIG.

Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 3 showing the connection between the two modules in more detail. It is.

FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the sealing means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A swivel joint 10 of the present invention is shown generally in FIG. 1, with a core and a housing, respectively. It includes modules 12.13.14 with . Module 12 is core 1 5 and a housing 16, the module 13 includes a core 17 and a housing 18. and the module 14 includes a core 19 and a housing 20. . Although the swivel joint is shown to include three modules, any desired number of modules may be used. can be included. The lower core 15 is placed on the base unit 21 There is. Attached to the bottom of the base unit 21 is a swivel joint that conducts fluid. There are a plurality of nozzles 22 for entering. At this time, each module is Each occupies a nozzle 23, 24, 25 which directs the fluid. To make it easier to explain The nozzle 22 is described as being for introducing fluid into the swivel joint, and the nozzle 22 is 3.24.25 is explained as being for deriving fluid from the swivel joint, but It should be recognized that the body can flow in either direction as desired. Also, bae The pipe 26 is contained in the unit 21, but this also forms part of the swivel joint. rather than simply extending all the way through the center axis of the swivel joint and exiting at the top. Ru.

This pipe 26 is then connected to pipe 2 by an independent line swivel 30. 8 is connected.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 for more details of the present invention, FIG. and core 17 are shown in vertical section, as well as adjacent core 15.19 and housing. 16.20. Looking at representative core 17, this core is non-standard. Roughly cylindrical with an outer surface that is machined perfectly accurately, always within small tolerances consists of parts. Therefore, this core 17 is connected to the core 17 and the housing 18. is fitted into the housing 18 with a very precisely adjusted gap between the There is. As seen in FIG. 3 and more clearly in FIG. 8 includes an annular bearing 31 that rests on an annular lip 32 of core 17. this axis The supports 31 help support the housing 18 on the core 17 and are centered within the housing 18. Maintaining the determined core 17 and rotating the housing 18 around the core 17 Acts as a bearing. In order to make this bearing 31 smooth, A lubricating part 34 for injecting lubricant is provided in the space between the housing 18 and the core 17. It is being Lubricant leaks between the lip 32 and the housing 18 on the underside of the bearing 31 A protective annular seal 36 is located.

An annular bearing 38 is located at the top of the module between the housing 18 and the core 17. This also maintains the core 17 centered within the housing 18. are doing.

Housing 18 has an inner surface cutout forming an annular flow chamber 40. Ru. Prevents fluid from leaking from the annular flow chamber between housing 18 and core 17 To prevent this, sealing means 48 are provided. Suitable sealing means 42 can be applied later. will be explained in detail. The various seals 42 may be overlapped or modular as shown. so that the seal has a differential pressure between the two seals to obtain a larger pressure capacity and can give. The housing is located between seals 42 as shown in FIG. A passageway 45 is provided to allow for drainage or collection of inner seal leakage fluid or seal Used to flush out unwanted materials from or to extend seal life. I try to add lubricant to it. This part also includes an interim period while waiting for the seal to be replaced. It can be used to inject sealant between

The housing 18 is assembled over the core 17 from the top and descends around the core 17. It will be lowered. The outer surface of the core 17 is designed to facilitate this assembly. It is formed so that the machining accuracy required for the surface is minimal. In this regard, bearing 31 The inner diameter of the core 17 and the outer diameter of the core 17 adjacent to this bearing 31 are It should be larger than the various diameters of the core above that point to avoid collisions. Also, the core The central part does not have to be machined as precisely as the carrying and sealing surfaces, so 43. It's being pulled in. Its central part is recessed, so it can be easily used in the assembly process. Tolerances can be made large enough that collisions do not occur.

Referring again to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, core 17 is clearly shown. Each A typically includes an integral flow channel 44 drilled or machined or molded into the core 17. Contains. This flow channel 44 is open at the bottom of the core 17 and inside the core. It extends some distance above the gap. Essentially square exit slot 46 connects flow channel 44 with annular flow channel 40 . therefore , fluid flowing upward from the seabed to flow channel 44 is directed through slot 46. flows into the annular chamber 40 and exits through the nozzle 24 shown in FIG. do.

Each core in the stack, except the top core, also has at least one other Includes an integral flow channel 48. This flow channel 48 is also located at the bottom of the core. It opens at the top of the core, extends all the way through the core, and opens at the top of the core. Figure 3 As seen in FIG. rises through the flow passage 48, then flows into the flow passage 44 of the core 19, and then , the slot 46 of the core 19 of the module 14 and the annular chamber 40 and the nozzle 2 The flow communication of the core 19 located immediately above so as to flow in a similar manner through the 44. The flow passages 48 of one core and the flow passages 44 of the next core or A sealing means is provided to prevent leakage at the interface between 48 and 48. suitable sealing hand The steps are shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 and extend between two adjacent cores to form a recess. Stab seal or flow sleeve with an annular ring 50 placed in a This is what can be referred to as bu. At this time, remove the sealing means such as the O-ring 52. A true seal is provided between the tab seal and the core. These seals are heat or allow small movements due to pressure-induced shear without loss of seal are doing.

Figure 3 shows a device for fixing adjacent cores together by a dowel and bolt system. It shows. Extending through the core 17 from top to bottom is a large bore 5. 6, a passageway 54 including a small bore portion 58 and another large bore recess portion 60;

The upper portion of the large bore 56 is threaded at 62. In this part 62 A holding member 64 is inserted. This protection screwed into the threaded part 62 The retaining member 64 extends into the large bore recess 60 of the overlying core.

This holding member 64 is therefore a fitting for roughly aligning the two cores. They act as nails, giving them the ability to withstand torque so they don't rotate relative to each other. Department The material 64 is surrounded by a flexible sleeve 79 to accommodate slight misalignment and torque It gives you the ability to withstand. The retaining member 64 also bolts the two core parts together. It includes an internally threaded portion 66 that is used to mount the screw. Holding member 64 After placing it on one core part, place it in the middle of the recess 60 from the extending part of the fixing member 64. Place the upper core part in place so that it extends. Next, tighten the retaining bolt 68. Insert downwards through the large bore 56 of the upper core section until the head of the retaining bolt While the door 70 is in contact with the ledge 71 between the large bore portion 56 and the small bore portion 58, The holding member 64 is screwed into a predetermined position. Therefore, this retaining or fixing device location, all within the confines of a minimum space, along with the ability of the bolt to withstand axial loads It combines the integrity of the nail and its ability to withstand torque. It is clear from Figure 2 As required, the required amount of fixing device can be used to fix the two core parts. can be done. The module is directly below the module or pace plate 21 Accurately zeroed by a conical stabbing point 92 that fits into a conical alignment opening 93. It will be done.

The housing is shorter in height than the core and has successive halves as shown in Figures 1 and 3. There is a space between the ujings. Housing stays firmly in place It is not fixed, but simply rests on the annular ring 32 mentioned above. , it is simply held in place by gravity. However, the adjacent The alignment devices 72 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 align the Linked to. This alignment device 72 is located in a recess in the upper portion of each housing. 74 and extends down through the center of alignment device 72. Bolted into recess 74. The upper part of the aligning device 72 is for catching the trailer. It is a roughly spherical part 76 similar to the hook part, and this spherical part 76 is located above. and extends into a recess 78 in the bottom of the housing. inside recess 78 This spherical portion 76 allows movement between the two housings, also for alignment and torque. It gives you the ability to withstand. The recess 78 is made of polytetrafluor as shown in Figure 4. The housing is lined with a sleeve 88 such as oleoethylene or polyurethane. Relative movement between the two parts can be facilitated.

A preferred sealing means 42 is shown in FIG. This sealing means 42 is shown in FIG. As shown, it is an annular ring having a roughly U-shaped cross section. Material suitable for seal 42 The material is filled fluorocarbon polymer (polytetrafluoroethylene) or polyfluoroethylene. It is an elastomeric material such as ethylene sulfite plastic. seal saw The special form and dimensions of the U-shaped outer tips are such that the distance between the outer tips of the housing 17 and the inner surface 80 of the sealing groove 82 of the ring 18. It's Nishide. An elastomeric resilient insert 82 is positioned within the inner portion of the U-shaped seal 42. the insert 82 is placed such that it assists in strengthening the seal 42 against the sealing surface. It can be made of rubber or rubber-like material that provides resiliency.

This special sealing device is highly effective at sealing against high pressures such as 5,000 psi. The housing can be rotated with respect to the core. or, The pressure on this seal is at the open end of the U, thus sealing the seal 42. the insert 84 is compressed by applying additional force to spread it out into contact. Become. Made from sea ether ketone or gap material between housing and core This is a rigid retainer 86. This sealing means 42 has a slow vibrating movement. It is particularly useful for providing a fluid seal under high pressure when

One of the advantages of the present invention is that the core flow channel is an integral flow channel. be. By the term “integrated flow channels,” these channels are As can be seen, it is a true flow channel rather than just an opening through which a pipe passes. It is meant to be helpful.

This means that the dimensions of the machined aperture are themselves large enough to withstand large pressures. The size of the pipe can be much smaller than that required to accommodate a large pipe in the opening. It means. Considering this, the entire core accommodates lines of the same number and dimensions can be made with a smaller diameter for This means that it can accommodate many lines.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the adjacent housing 16 There is a space between and 18. This space allows the housing to The cores will not collide with each other even if the core is bent or warped. bent or reversed Even small differences in temperature and/or Collisions can occur when there is a pressure difference. The housings are spaced apart Since they do not collide with each other, the housing will It follows bending, warping or other misalignment with little effect on the seal between the housing and the core. Very little or not at all.

In this description, the core is fixed and the housing rotates around the core. It is listed. The term “fixed” given to the core refers to the core and therefore to the ocean. The core is relatively fixed with respect to the seabed when compared to a housing that rotates with respect to the bottom It is a comparative word that means something similar. This fixation means that the core is absolutely fixed. It wasn't meant to mean anything. This fluid multi-path swivel joint has a nominal 2 It was intended to primarily use lines with a diameter of 1 inch to 6 inches. Main departure Existing hydraulically controlled swivel joints that usually have multiple lines smaller than 1 inch in diameter. It is quite different in design.

One of the notable advantages of the invention is that the core diameter allows for standardization of parts such as seals. Adaptable to many different flow configurations such as number and size of flow passages without modification The core is adapted to Spare cores and housings are special with raw parts prepared for final machining of conduits of suitable dimensions for fixed modules. You can store it. Another advantage of the invention is that the individual modules can can be removed for service or replacement.

cormorant ep fJ Copy and translation of supplementary amendments) Submission form (Article 184-8 of the Patent Act) November 2, 1986

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Transfer fluid from multiple fixed lines to corresponding multiple rotating lines, or vice versa. In multi-passage swivel joints for fluids, a. Securing a first lower portion having a first integral fluid conduit and a second integral fluid conduit. core, said first integral fluid conduit being formed within said first lower fixed core; opening at the bottom thereof, extending from the bottom and opening at the side of the first lower fixed core; and said second integral fluid conduit extends axially through said first lower fixed core. extending, b. a second upper fixed core having an integral fluid conduit, said integral fluid conduit being said a second upper fixed core formed inside the second upper fixed core, opening at the bottom thereof and extending from the bottom to the front side; The second upper fixed core is opened at a side of the second upper fixed core, and the second upper fixed core is opened at the side of the second upper fixed core. attached to the first lower fixed core and thereby in front of the second upper fixed core; The integral fluid conduit interfaces with the second integral fluid conduit of the first lower fixed core. It is consistent with this, c. from the second integral fluid conduit of the first lower fixed core to the second upper part; flow to prevent leakage at the interface of fluid flowing into said integral fluid conduit of said fixed core; body seal forming device, d. A housing closely surrounding each of the cores and rotatably supported by its corresponding core. each of these housings cooperates with its corresponding core to an annular chamber aligned with the side opening of this core and an annular chamber between the ring and the core; forming a side opening from the bar to the exterior of the housing, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the housing; from said side opening of the core to said annular chamber and through said outwardly directed side opening; It is made to flow out, e. each of the housings located above and below the annular chamber; and the corresponding core to prevent leakage of fluid from the annular chamber. a fluid seal device provided in the housing; The rotation of the ring is allowed. 1. A fluid multi-path swivel joint comprising: 2. In the fluid multi-path swivel joint according to claim 1, the annular chamber is For fluid use, characterized by including a recessed portion formed on the inner surface of the housing. Multi-path swivel joint. 3. In the fluid multi-path swivel joint according to claim 1 or 2, the housing each having an annular lip extending outwardly from said core and riding on said lip. a bearing mounted on the housing for rotation thereon; Multi-passage swirl for fluids, characterized in that it is rotatably supported on a corresponding core Fittings. 4. In the fluid multi-path swivel joint according to claim 3, the bearing is lubricated. A multi-passage swivel joint for fluids, further comprising a sliding device. 5. In the multi-path swivel joint for fluid according to claim 1 or 2, the portion of the core is each has a first predetermined height, and each of said housings has a first predetermined height. a second predetermined height that provides a vertical gap between adjacent housings that is lower than a predetermined height of the second predetermined height; A fluid multi-path swivel joint characterized by having a predetermined height. 6. In the fluid multi-path swivel joint according to claim 5, adjacent housings one housing extends perpendicularly to the adjacent housing. Allows for movement but prevents relative rotation between these two housings. A fluid multi-path swivel joint characterized by comprising: 7. In the fluid multi-path swivel joint according to claim 6, the adjacent housing A device extending between is fixed to one housing and an adjacent housing. extends into a socket provided in the housing and rotates within the socket to release the including a generally spherical member that transfers rotational force to the adjacent housing; Features a multi-path swivel joint for fluids. 8. In the fluid multi-path swivel joint according to claim 7, the front portion in the socket is A pliable sleeve surrounds the spherical member and thereby accommodates misalignment. A fluid multi-path swivel joint characterized by comprising: 9 In the fluid multi-path swivel joint according to claim 1 or 2, claim 1 The fluid seal device according to paragraph e of a generally U-shaped ring having an end and the other tip of this U adjacent to said core; A multi-passage swivel joint for fluid, characterized in that it includes a seal ring. 10. In the multi-passage swivel joint for fluid according to claim 9, the open end of the U-shape is located at the front. A multi-passage swivel joint for fluid, characterized in that it is suitable for an annular chamber. 11. In the fluid multi-path swivel joint according to claim 10, the U-shaped ring The shaped seal ring is made of relatively rigid polymer or elastomer material. , and an elastic insertion portion provided within the U to apply outward pressure to the U. A multi-passage swivel joint for fluid, further comprising a material. 12. In the fluid multi-path swivel joint according to claim 11, the relatively rigid filled polytetrafluoroethylene and polymeric materials. The elastic insertion member is made of a rubber-like material. A multi-path swivel joint for fluids, characterized by the following. 13. In the fluid multi-path swivel joint according to claim 11, the U-shaped ring further comprising a support member supporting the U-shaped seal ring; For fluids, the annular seal ring is made of a material with greater rigidity than the annular seal ring. Multi-path swivel joint. 14. So that the inner cylindrical member and the outer member surrounding it rotate with respect to each other. a seal sealing between a surface of the inner cylindrical member and a surface of the outer member; In equipment, the surface to be sealed has a low coefficient of friction and maintains its basic shape. a roughly U-shaped cross section formed from a material of sufficient stiffness and strength to conform to the an annular fluid seal piece formed of a relatively elastic material and inserted into the U-shape; The U-shape is placed under pressure and outward pressure is applied to the U-shape to spread the open end of the U-shape outward and create a seal. an annular insert adapted to contact the surface to be applied; A sealing device featuring: 15. The sealing device according to claim 14, wherein the annular fluid seal piece has a The annular insert is made of a relatively stiff polymeric material, and the annular insert is made of elastic rubber or rubber. A sealing device characterized in that it is made of similar materials. 16. In the multi-passage swivel joint for fluid according to claim 1 or 2, between adjacent cores a device extending between the cores and preventing relative rotation and vertical movement between two adjacent cores; A multi-passage swivel joint for fluid, further comprising: 17. In the fluid multi-passage swivel joint according to claim 16, between the adjacent cores A device extending between dowels and bolts rigidly connects two adjacent cores. A fluid multi-path swivel joint characterized by including a combination. 18. In the fluid multi-path swivel joint according to claim 1 or 2, adjacent valves two cores are provided in one core and extend into matching conical openings in the adjacent core; A multi-channel swirl for fluids characterized by being mutually centered by conical protrusions. Rotary joint. 19. In the fluid multi-path swivel joint according to claim 1 or 2, the first A fluid characterized in that the lower fixed core is integral with the second upper fixed core. Multi-passage swivel joint. 20. In the fluid multi-path swivel joint according to claim 19, adjacent housings A multi-path swivel joint for fluid, characterized in that a vertical gap is provided between the rings. 21. Fluid flow from multiple fixed lines to multiple corresponding rotating lines or vice versa. A multi-passage swivel joint for fluids that connects multiple including swivel joint modules, each swivel joint module being individually removed from said stack. In a multi-passage swivel joint for fluid that is removable, the swivel joint module Each of the a. A system having a first integral flow conduit and a plurality of second integral fluid conduits. a. The first integral fluid conduit opens at the bottom of the core and extends from the bottom to the front. the number of said second integral fluid conduits in any core opening into the sides of said core; This connection is at least equal to the number of swivel joint modules you stack on top of this core. As a result, one of the second integral fluid conduits within one core is connected to the core and the second integral fluid conduit. Fluid can be stacked in and directly above this core via corresponding swivel joint modules. flow into a corresponding matched first integral fluid conduit of a swivel joint module that , the second integral fluid conduit is connected to the core and a corresponding one of the second integral fluid conduits. The core and the corresponding swivel joint module stacked thereon via the swivel joint module. said fluid flow into a correspondingly matched second integral fluid conduit of said joules; The cores further form a fluid seal to connect the first and second integral fluids between adjacent cores. comprising a device for preventing leakage at the interface of the conduit; b. a housing closely surrounding the core and rotatably supported on the core; , the housing cooperates with the core to create a connection between the housing and the core. forming an annular chamber aligned with the side opening of the core; a side opening leading from the chamber to the exterior of the housing to allow fluid to flow into the core; into the annular chamber through a side opening of the housing and out through a side opening of the housing. go out, c. disposed above and below the annular chamber and from the annular chamber; A fluid seal device that prevents fluid leakage from the core. allowing rotation of said housing; A multi-passage swivel joint for fluid, characterized by comprising: