NO762490L

NO762490L -

Info

Publication number: NO762490L
Application number: NO762490A
Authority: NO
Inventors: J C Gano
Original assignee: Otis Eng Co
Priority date: 1975-09-12
Filing date: 1976-07-16
Publication date: 1977-03-15
Also published as: DK409276A; DK142776B; DK142776C

Description

Sikkerhetsanordning.Safety device.

Den foreliggende oppfinnelse vedrører en sikkerhetsanordning for ledninger, nærmere bestemt en sikkerhetskopling for ledninger, såsom undervannsrørledninger, for å hindre ødeleggelse av eller skade på rørledningene og for å hindre tap av fluidum fra disse, hvor anordningen er innrettet til å aktiveres når rørled-ningen utsettes for en forutbestemt kraft i lengderetningen. The present invention relates to a safety device for pipelines, more specifically a safety coupling for pipelines, such as underwater pipelines, to prevent destruction of or damage to the pipelines and to prevent loss of fluid from them, where the device is arranged to be activated when the pipeline is exposed for a predetermined force in the longitudinal direction.

Undervannsrørledninger anvendes for transport av petroleum og andre fluider. Skade på eller brekking eller sprekking av rør-ledningene forårsakes ofte av skipsankre eller andre konstruksjoner. Slik skade og brekking av rørledninger resulterer i utslipp av verdifulle fluider fra rørledningen til det omgivende vann. I til-legg til tapet av fluidene kan disse forårsake ødeleggelse av livet i vannet og skade på eiendom. Det er ikke kjent en anordning som virkningsfullt og effektivt hindrer tap av produkter fra en skadet eller brukket undervannsrørledning. Underwater pipelines are used for the transport of petroleum and other fluids. Damage to or breakage or cracking of the pipelines is often caused by ship anchors or other structures. Such damage and breakage of pipelines results in the release of valuable fluids from the pipeline into the surrounding water. In addition to the loss of the fluids, these can cause the destruction of life in the water and damage to property. No device is known which effectively and efficiently prevents the loss of products from a damaged or broken underwater pipeline.

Et annet problem ved undervannsrørledninger som er utsatt for særlig store langsgående krefter som følge av at skipsankre eller andre konstruksjoner henger seg fast i dem er å hindre alvorlig skade på rørledning og brønnhodeutstyr som er forbundet med rørledningen. Det er ikke kjent en anordning som virkningsfullt og effektivt hindrer alvorlig skade på rørledning og brønnhode-utstyr som er forbundet med rørledningen når rørledningen blir utsatt for langsgående krefter. Another problem with underwater pipelines that are exposed to particularly large longitudinal forces as a result of ship anchors or other structures getting stuck in them is preventing serious damage to the pipeline and wellhead equipment connected to the pipeline. There is no known device that effectively and efficiently prevents serious damage to the pipeline and wellhead equipment connected to the pipeline when the pipeline is subjected to longitudinal forces.

Ifølge oppfinnelsen løses problemene med å hindre alvorlig skade på ledninger, såsom undervannsrørledninger og med å hindre betydelig tap av produkter fra rørledningen som er utsatt-for en forutbestemt langsgående kraft ved å anbringe en eller flere sikkerhetskoplinger i rørledningen. According to the invention, the problems of preventing serious damage to lines, such as underwater pipelines, and of preventing significant loss of products from the pipeline that are exposed to a predetermined longitudinal force are solved by placing one or more safety couplings in the pipeline.

Det er derfor et formål med oppfinnelsen å frembringe en sikkerhetskopling for en ledning, såsom en undervannsrørledning, omfattende en ventilanordning som er innrettet til å funksjonere ved forutbestemte, langsgående krefter på rørledningen ved at den bevirker, atskillelse av koplingen slik at ledningen beskyttes mot skade eller brudd mens ventilanordningen lukker ledningen for å hindre utslipp av fluidum. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a safety connection for a line, such as an underwater pipeline, comprising a valve device which is adapted to function at predetermined, longitudinal forces on the pipeline by causing separation of the connection so that the line is protected from damage or rupture while the valve device closes the line to prevent the release of fluid.

Det er et annet formål med oppfinnelsen å frembringe en sikkerhetskopling med et par ventiler, en i hver ende, anbrakt utenfor strømningslinjen og bevegelig til en stilling hvor ledningens ender blir stengt, idet disse ender er atskilt når koplingen er ute av funksjon. It is another object of the invention to provide a safety coupling with a pair of valves, one at each end, placed outside the flow line and movable to a position where the ends of the line are closed, these ends being separated when the coupling is out of action.

Det er et annet formål med oppfinnelsen å frembringe en sikkerhetskopling hvor ventilene er forbundet med en ledning og\for-blir en del av ledningen etter at koplingen er frakoplet. It is another object of the invention to produce a safety coupling where the valves are connected by a wire and remain part of the wire after the coupling is disconnected.

Det er enda et annet formål med oppfinnelsen å frembringe en sikkerhetskopling hvor ved utøvelse av en tilstrekkelig, forutbestemt kraft lukkes ventilene i koplingen slik at utslipp fra ledningen hindres, og deretter frakoples koplingen på et mellom-liggende punkt. v It is yet another object of the invention to produce a safety coupling where, by exerting a sufficient, predetermined force, the valves in the coupling are closed so that emissions from the line are prevented, and then the coupling is disconnected at an intermediate point. v

Oppfinnelsen vil bli nærmere forklart i detoetterfølgende \ under henvisning til de medfølgende tegninger, hvori: N The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: N

Fig. 1 viser et skjematisk riss av en rørledning som er ut-x Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a pipeline which is out-x

styrt med to sikkerhetskoplinger.controlled with two safety connections.

Fig. 2 viser et skjematisk riss av en sikkerhetskopling aktivert av et skipsanker. Fig. 3A og 3B viser delvis i snitt og dels i oppriss sikkerhetskoplingen anordnet i en rørledning. Fig. 4 viser dels i snitt dels i oppriss sikkerhetskoplingeri etter at en sikringstapp er kappet av. Fig. 5 viser sikkerhetskoplingen etter at begge sikkerhets-j ventiler er blitt anbrakt på ventilseter. ; i Fig. 6 viser et tverrsnitt gjennom sikkerhetskoplingen langs linjen 6-6 i fig. 3B. Fig. 7 viser dels i snitt og dels i oppriss en alternativ utførelsesform av oppfinnelsen. Fig. 3 viser den alternative utførelsesform etter .at sik- i ringstappen på den høyre side.av sikkerhetskoplingen er blitt atskilt. Fig. 9 viser den alternative utførelsesform av oppfinnelsen etter at begge sikkerhetskoplingens ventiler er anbrakt på setet. Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a safety coupling activated by a ship's anchor. Fig. 3A and 3B show partly in section and partly in elevation the safety connection arranged in a pipeline. Fig. 4 shows partly in section and partly in elevation the safety coupling after a safety pin has been cut off. Fig. 5 shows the safety connection after both safety j valves have been placed on valve seats. ; in Fig. 6 shows a cross-section through the safety coupling along the line 6-6 in Fig. 3B. Fig. 7 shows partly in section and partly in elevation an alternative embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 shows the alternative embodiment after the securing pin on the right side of the safety coupling has been separated. Fig. 9 shows the alternative embodiment of the invention after both safety coupling valves have been placed on the seat.

Fig. 10 viser et forstørret riss av en ventilseteanordningFig. 10 shows an enlarged view of a valve seat device

i fig. 3A og 3B.in fig. 3A and 3B.

Oppfinnelsen vil bli nærmere beskrevet anvendt for rørled-ninger, men den kan også anvendes for andre typer ledninger. Fig. 1 viser en undervannsrørledning PL med to like sikker-het skoplinger 10 og 12. Disse koplinger kan være anbrakt med mellomrom langs ledningen med valgt innbyrdes avstand, særlig ved en skips- og fiskeled for beskyttelse av ledningen. Den gene-relle virkemåte for hver sikkerhetskopling er vist i fig. 2 som viser rørledningen PL hengende fast i et skipsanker 14. Når ank-eret utøver en trekkraft på rørledningen PL utøver det en langsgående kraft på rørledningen og koplingen 12, noe som forårsaker at koplingen 12 brytes og skilles og at samtidig ventilorganer 16 og 16' i koplingen 12 beveges fra åpen til stengt stilling. De stengte ventilorganer 16 og 16' hindrer betydelig utslipp av produkter fra rørledningen til vannet som omgir rørledningen. Idet deling av rørledningen blir muliggjort ved utøvelse av en forutbestemt, langsgående kraft, utsettes ikke brønn- og brønnhode-utstyr, såsom ventiltre, for eventuelt skadelige, langsgående krefter. Fig. 3A og 3B viser i detalj.sikkerhetskoplingen forbundet med en første rørledningseksjon PL (fig. 3A) og en andre rørled-<*>ningseksjon PL<1>(fig. 3B). I fig. 3A er det anordnet et første ventilorgan 16 for å hindre strømning av rørledningsvæske gjennom rørledningen PL etter at en forutbestemt langsgående kraft er utøvet på denne. ;Ventilorganet 16 omfatter et ringformet, T-formet hus 18 ;hvori det er anordnet en ventilholderhette 2 0 ved hjelp av tilpassete gjenger 22. I hetten 20 er det anbrakt et kuleformet sten-georgan 24 av vanlig type som stadig tvinges mot nedre stilling av en fjær 26 som er anordnet mellom holderhettens øvre del og en skålliknende fjæreholderanordning 28. En fjærring 30 er anordnet i holderhetten for begrensning av den aksiale forskyvning av holderanordningen 28 slik at denne i den lengst nedre stilling ikke rager inn i en rørledningsfluidumkanal 32 i ventilorganet 16 og forstyrrer kuleventilens 24 funksjon. ;Ventilorganet 16 er festet til en forbindelsesnippel 34 med tilpassete gjenger 36, og forbindelsesnippelen 34 er festet til. rørledningen PL med tilpassete gjenger 38. Forbindelsesnippelen 34 inneholder tetningsringer 40 for formål som vil bli beskrevet mer fullstendig nedenfor. ;Ventilorganet 16 er også forbundet med en andre forbindelsesnippel 42 med passende tilpassete gjenger 44. Den andre for bindelsesnippel 42 er utstyrt med en ventilseteanordning 46 hvor kulen 24 anbringes, noe som vil bli nærmere beskrevet nedenfor. Ventilseteanordningen 46.omfatter et ringformet tetningselement 48 som er avgrenset på begge sider av ringer 50 og 52. Tetnings-elementet 48 og ringene 50 og 52 blir holdt i stilling av en låse-ring 54. ;Nippelen 42 rager på teleskopisk måte inn i et ringformet legeme eller hus 56. For å oppnå en anordning for løsgjørbar festing av det ringformete legeme 56 til forbindelsesnippelen 4 2 er det anordnet sikringstapper 58 som rager gjennom begge disse anord-ninger. Det ringformete legeme 56 og forbindelsesnippelen 42 blir i normalstilling holdt i tettende inngrep av et par O-ringer 60. ;Det andre ventilorgan 16' er montert i den andre seksjon;av rørledningen og er bevegelig fra en åpen til en stengt stilling for stenging av den andre seksjon av rørledningen. Det andre ventilorgan 16' er vist i fig. 3B som viser den høyre side av sikkerhetskoplingen hvis venstre side er vist i fig. 3A. Idet den i fig. 3A og 3B viste sikkerhetskopling er symmetrisk om midten virker komponentene som er vist i fig. 3B og som er angitt med merkete henvisningstall på samme måte og har samme funksjon som de til-svarende ikke-merkete motstykker i fig. 3A. ;Legert^: 56 og tappene 58 og 58' forbinder ventilorganet 16 løsgjørbart med ventilorganet 16' slik at ventilorganene kan skilles fra hverandre ved utøvelse av en forutbestemt langsgående kraft på rørledningen. ;Som vist i fig. 3A og 3B er det for å anordne en innretning for løsgjørbar låsing av kuleventilen 24 og kuleventilen 24' i åpen stilling mens koplingen er i normal stilling slik at fluidum i rør-ledningen kan strømme fritt fra rørledningseksjonen PL til rør-ledningseksjonen PL' gjennom en fluidumkanal i sikkerhetskoplingen uten hindring, anordnet en langstrakt holderhylse 62 som er like lang som koplingen og som danner tettende inngrep med ventilorganene 16 og 16' ved hjelp av O-ringer henholdsvis 40 og 40'. Kolderhylsen danner en anordning for løsgjørbar låsing av det første og det andre ventilorgan i den åpne stilling når ventilorganene er forbundet med hverandre..Dessuten danner hylsen. 62 når det første og det andre ventilorgan er tilkoplet.som vist i fig. 3A og 3B en fluidumledning for strømning av væske i rørled-ningen mellom rørledningseksjonene PL og PL'. ;En anordning for stenging av det første og det andre ventil organ avhengig av en forutbestemt langsgående kraft på rørledningen er anordnet. ;Holderhylsen 62 er utstyrt med en ringformet skulder 64. Fjærene 66 og 66' er anordnet mellom den ringformete skulder 64 ;og skuldre 67 og 67' på forbindelsesniplene 42 og 42' for stadig å tvinge holderhylsen 62 til en stilling mellom ventilorganene 16 og 16'. Fjærene 66 og 66' som virker på skuldrene 67 og 67' på hylsen 62 omfatter således en anordning for positiv bevegelse av hylsen 62 til en stilling hvor den aktiverer både det første og det andre ventilorgan slik at disse beveges til den lukkete stilling ved bevegelse av det første og det andre ventilorgan fra hverandre en viss strekning. Dessuten omfatter holderhylsen 62 sammen med fjærene 66, som tvinger hylsen 62 bort fra ventilorganene 16 og 16', sammen med fjærene 26 og 26', som tvinger kulestengeorganene 24 og 24' til nedre stilling, en anordning for lukk-ing av det første og det andre ventilorgan avhengig av en forutbestemt langsgående kraft på rørledningen. ;Stort sett på midten av sikkerhetskoplingen, som vist i;fig. 3B, er det anordnet en trykkbalanseringsinnretning 68 for balansering av fluidumtrykket i rørledningskoplingen med vann-trykk på utsiden av koplingen. Denne trykkbalanseringsinnretning 68-omfatter et skålliknende hus 70 som rommer et stempel 72 som danner tettende inngrep med husets 70 innerflate med O-ringer 74 eller andre egnete tetningsorganer. Huset 70 er festet til det ringformete legeme 56 eller sikkerhetskoplingen ved sveising eller på annen hensiktsmessig måte. Den trykkbalanserende innretning 68 omfatter en port 76 som gjør det mulig for vann å strømme fritt inn i balanseinnretningen 68 under stempelet 72 og omfatter en port 78 som gjør det mulig for fluider i ringen som er dannet av hylsen 62 og det ringformete legeme 56 å flyte fritt inn i balanseringsinnretningen 68 over stempelet 72. Stempelet 72 er således i stand til å beveges i lengderetningen inne i dets kam-mer avhengig av fluidumtrykket innvendig, såsom i ringen mellom hylsen 62 og det ringformete legeme 56, og yttersiden av rørled-ningen, og hindrer således vesentlig trykkdifferanser mel-lom væs-.kene i ringen og vann, noe som ville bevirkes av forandringer i temperatur, forandringer av omgivende trykk, forandringer i vann-dybde o.l. Under eller etter sammensetting av koplingen kan denne ring fylles med et egnet fluidum, såsom olje eller gris for å hindre korrosjon på de materialer som danner ringen og av korrosive ;materialer i ringen. Alternativt vil huset 56, hylsen 62, fjærene 66 og 66' samt niplene 42 og 42' kunne fremstilles av ikke-korrosive materialer, og det ville kunne være anordnet porter i huset 56 for innslipp av sjøvann i ringen. ;Virkemåten for koplingen for rørledningen er vist under henvisning til fig. 3A, 3B, 4 og 5. Fig. 3A og 3B viser koplingen i dens normale stilling med dens ventilorganer 16 og 16' i åpen stilling slik at fluidene i rørledningen strømmer fritt gjennom koplingen. Når en tilstrekkelig langsgående kraft utøves på rørledningen vil enten tappen 58 eller tappen 58' kappes av. Fig. 4 viser virkemåten for koplingen når tappene 58' kappes av og ledningen trekkes fra hverandre av et anker som dras på tvers av ledningene. Idet fjærene 66 og 66' forspenner holderhylsen 62 til en stilling i lengderetningen stort sett samme strekning fra ventilorganene 16 og 16', beveges holderhylsen 62 mot høyre i forhold til ventilorganet 16 og mot venstre i forhold til ventilorganet 16'. Som vist i fig. 4 er holderhylsen 62 beveget ut av tettende inngrep med forbindelsesniplene 34 og 34'. ;Når rørledningseksjonene PL og PL' fortsetter å bevege seg fra hverandre, tvinges som vist i fig. 5 holderhylsen 62 til en s.tilling mellom ventilorganene 16 og 16' slik at hylsen 62 ikke lenger holder kulestengeorganene 24 og 24' ute av rørledning-kanalene 32 og 32' i ventilorganene 16 og 16'. Etter at holderhylsen er beveget ut av inngrep med og frigjør kulene 24 og 24', beveger fjærene 26 og 26', som forspenner holderanordningene 28 ;og 28' i en nedre stilling, kulestengeorganene 24 og 24' innad i fluidumkanalene 32 og 32' i rørledningskoplingen. Fluider som beveger seg i rørledningen mot rørledningskoplingen tvinger kulene 24 og 24' an mot ventilseteanordningene 46 og 46'. ;Ved fortsatt utøvelse av krefter som har tendens til å skille ventilorganene 16 og 16' ved ytre krefter, såsom skips-ankeret som er vist i fig. 2, kan ventilorganene 16 og 16' skilles fullstendig mens de er stengt og således hindre alvorlig skade på rørledningen og tap av fluider fra rørledningen. Når koplinger er anbrakt på begge sider av en skipsled kan begge koplinger skilles. ;En alternativ løsning for aktivering av ventilorganene 16;og 16' ifølge oppfinnelsen er vist i fig. 7, 8 og 9.;Som vist i fig. 7 omfatter anordningen som er innrettet til;å bevirke at holderhylsen 62 frigjør kulene 24 og 24<1>slik at ventilene 16 og 16' stenger rørledningsboringen for strømning av produkter i rørledningen, stoppere 8 0 "pg 80' på holderhylsen 62 og begrenser tapper 82 og 82' på forbihdelsesniplene 42 og 42'. Når en tilstrekkelig langsgående kraft er utøvet på rørledningen og rørledningskoplingen, vil ett av settene av tapper 58 og 58'. kuttes av før rørledningen brister. Fig. 8 og 9 viser virkemåten for koplingen ifølge den alternative utførelsesform når tappene 58' er kuttet av. ;Etter at tappene 58' er kuttet av bevirker de langsgående krefter på rørledningen at koplingen blir forlenget hvorved en av ventilene, såsom ventilorganet 16' og forbindelsesnippelen 42' beveges aksialt bort fra det ringformete legeme 56. Selv om holderhylsen 62 er. bevegelig aksialt i begg.e<*>..'retninger antas det for illustrasjon av virkemåten for den alternative utførelsesform i dette eksempel at holderhylsen beveges aksialt bort fra det ringformete legeme 56 med ventilorganet 16'. Når koplingen forlenges slik at tappen 82 er like ved stopperen 80, frigjør holderhylsen 62 kulen 24. Kulen 24 tvinges fra den øvre, åpne stilling av fjærholderanordningen 28 og fjæren 26 som virker på samme måte som ifølge den foretrukne utførelsesform, slik at kulen 24 beveges til stillingen på setet som er vist i fig. 8. The invention will be described in more detail as applied to pipelines, but it can also be used for other types of cables. Fig. 1 shows an underwater pipeline PL with two equally secure couplings 10 and 12. These couplings can be placed at intervals along the cable at a chosen mutual distance, particularly at a ship and fishing link for protection of the cable. The general operation of each safety connection is shown in fig. 2 which shows the pipeline PL hanging from a ship's anchor 14. When the anchor exerts a pulling force on the pipeline PL, it exerts a longitudinal force on the pipeline and the coupling 12, which causes the coupling 12 to break and separate and at the same time valve means 16 and 16' in the coupling 12 is moved from open to closed position. The closed valve members 16 and 16' prevent significant discharge of products from the pipeline into the water surrounding the pipeline. Since the division of the pipeline is made possible by the application of a predetermined, longitudinal force, well and wellhead equipment, such as valve trees, are not exposed to potentially harmful longitudinal forces. Figures 3A and 3B show in detail the safety coupling associated with a first pipeline section PL (Figure 3A) and a second pipeline section PL<1> (Figure 3B). In fig. 3A, a first valve member 16 is arranged to prevent the flow of pipeline liquid through the pipeline PL after a predetermined longitudinal force has been exerted on it. The valve body 16 comprises an annular, T-shaped housing 18, in which a valve holder cap 20 is arranged by means of adapted threads 22. In the cap 20, a ball-shaped rod body 24 of the usual type is placed which is constantly forced towards the lower position by a spring 26 which is arranged between the upper part of the holder cap and a cup-like spring holder device 28. A spring ring 30 is arranged in the holder cap to limit the axial displacement of the holder device 28 so that it does not protrude into a pipeline fluid channel 32 in the valve member 16 in its lowest position and disrupts the function of the ball valve 24. The valve member 16 is attached to a connecting nipple 34 with matching threads 36, and the connecting nipple 34 is attached to. the conduit PL with matching threads 38. The connecting nipple 34 contains sealing rings 40 for purposes which will be described more fully below. The valve member 16 is also connected to a second connecting nipple 42 with suitably adapted threads 44. The second connecting nipple 42 is equipped with a valve seat device 46 where the ball 24 is placed, which will be described in more detail below. The valve seat device 46 comprises an annular sealing element 48 which is bounded on both sides by rings 50 and 52. The sealing element 48 and the rings 50 and 52 are held in position by a locking ring 54. The nipple 42 protrudes telescopically into a annular body or housing 56. In order to achieve a device for releasably attaching the annular body 56 to the connection nipple 4 2 , securing pins 58 are provided which project through both of these devices. The annular body 56 and the connecting nipple 42 are in the normal position held in sealing engagement by a pair of O-rings 60. The second valve member 16' is mounted in the second section of the pipeline and is movable from an open to a closed position for closing the second section of the pipeline. The second valve member 16' is shown in fig. 3B showing the right side of the safety coupling whose left side is shown in fig. 3A. Since the one in fig. 3A and 3B shown safety connection is symmetrical about the middle, the components shown in fig. 3B and which are indicated with marked reference numbers in the same way and have the same function as the corresponding unmarked counterparts in fig. 3A. ;Legert^: 56 and the pins 58 and 58' releasably connect the valve member 16 to the valve member 16' so that the valve members can be separated from each other by the application of a predetermined longitudinal force on the pipeline. ;As shown in fig. 3A and 3B is to arrange a device for releasably locking the ball valve 24 and the ball valve 24' in the open position while the coupling is in the normal position so that fluid in the pipeline can flow freely from the pipeline section PL to the pipeline section PL' through a fluid channel in the safety coupling without obstruction, provided with an elongated holder sleeve 62 which is as long as the coupling and which forms sealing engagement with the valve members 16 and 16' by means of O-rings 40 and 40' respectively. The radiator sleeve forms a device for releasably locking the first and second valve members in the open position when the valve members are connected to each other. 62 when the first and second valve means are connected, as shown in fig. 3A and 3B a fluid line for the flow of liquid in the pipeline between the pipeline sections PL and PL'. A device for closing the first and second valve means depending on a predetermined longitudinal force on the pipeline is provided. The holder sleeve 62 is provided with an annular shoulder 64. The springs 66 and 66' are arranged between the annular shoulder 64 and shoulders 67 and 67' on the connecting nipples 42 and 42' to constantly force the holder sleeve 62 to a position between the valve members 16 and 16 '. The springs 66 and 66' which act on the shoulders 67 and 67' of the sleeve 62 thus comprise a device for positive movement of the sleeve 62 to a position where it activates both the first and the second valve means so that these are moved to the closed position by movement of the first and the second valve member apart a certain distance. Furthermore, the holder sleeve 62, together with the springs 66, which force the sleeve 62 away from the valve members 16 and 16', together with the springs 26 and 26', which force the ball closing members 24 and 24' to the lower position, comprise a device for closing the first and the second valve means depending on a predetermined longitudinal force on the pipeline. ;Broadly seen in the middle of the safety coupling, as shown in;Fig. 3B, a pressure balancing device 68 is arranged for balancing the fluid pressure in the pipeline coupling with water pressure on the outside of the coupling. This pressure balancing device 68 comprises a bowl-like housing 70 which accommodates a piston 72 which forms a sealing engagement with the inner surface of the housing 70 with O-rings 74 or other suitable sealing means. The housing 70 is attached to the annular body 56 or the safety coupling by welding or in another appropriate way. The pressure balancing device 68 includes a port 76 that allows water to flow freely into the balancing device 68 below the piston 72 and includes a port 78 that allows fluids in the annulus formed by the sleeve 62 and the annular body 56 to flow freely into the balancing device 68 above the piston 72. The piston 72 is thus able to move longitudinally inside its chamber depending on the fluid pressure inside, such as in the ring between the sleeve 62 and the annular body 56, and the outside of the pipeline, and thus significantly prevents pressure differences between the liquids in the ring and water, which would be caused by changes in temperature, changes in ambient pressure, changes in water depth etc. During or after assembly of the coupling, this ring can be filled with a suitable fluid, such as oil or grease, to prevent corrosion of the materials forming the ring and of corrosive materials in the ring. Alternatively, the housing 56, the sleeve 62, the springs 66 and 66' and the nipples 42 and 42' could be made of non-corrosive materials, and ports could be arranged in the housing 56 for the entry of seawater into the ring. ;The operation of the coupling for the pipeline is shown with reference to fig. 3A, 3B, 4 and 5. Figures 3A and 3B show the coupling in its normal position with its valve members 16 and 16' in the open position so that the fluids in the pipeline flow freely through the coupling. When a sufficient longitudinal force is exerted on the pipeline, either the pin 58 or the pin 58' will be cut off. Fig. 4 shows the operation of the coupling when the pins 58' are cut off and the wire is pulled apart by an anchor which is pulled across the wires. As the springs 66 and 66' bias the holder sleeve 62 to a position in the longitudinal direction largely the same distance from the valve members 16 and 16', the holder sleeve 62 is moved to the right in relation to the valve member 16 and to the left in relation to the valve member 16'. As shown in fig. 4, the holder sleeve 62 is moved out of sealing engagement with the connecting nipples 34 and 34'. As the pipeline sections PL and PL' continue to move apart, as shown in fig. 5 holds the sleeve 62 to a position between the valve members 16 and 16' so that the sleeve 62 no longer holds the ball shut-off members 24 and 24' out of the pipeline channels 32 and 32' in the valve members 16 and 16'. After the retainer sleeve is moved out of engagement with and releases the balls 24 and 24', the springs 26 and 26', which bias the retainer devices 28 and 28' in a lower position, move the ball locking means 24 and 24' into the fluid channels 32 and 32' in the pipeline coupling. Fluids moving in the pipeline towards the pipeline coupling force the balls 24 and 24' against the valve seat devices 46 and 46'. By continued application of forces which tend to separate the valve members 16 and 16' by external forces, such as the ship's anchor shown in fig. 2, the valve members 16 and 16' can be completely separated while they are closed and thus prevent serious damage to the pipeline and loss of fluids from the pipeline. When couplings are placed on both sides of a ship joint, both couplings can be separated. An alternative solution for activating the valve members 16 and 16' according to the invention is shown in fig. 7, 8 and 9.; As shown in fig. 7 includes the device adapted to cause the retainer sleeve 62 to release the balls 24 and 24<1> so that the valves 16 and 16' close the pipeline bore for flow of products in the pipeline, stoppers 8 0 "pg 80' of the retainer sleeve 62 and restrict pins 82 and 82' on the closure nipples 42 and 42'. When a sufficient longitudinal force is exerted on the pipeline and the pipeline coupling, one of the sets of pins 58 and 58' will be cut off before the pipeline ruptures. Figures 8 and 9 show the operation of the coupling according to the alternative embodiment when the pins 58' are cut off. ;After the pins 58' are cut off, the longitudinal forces on the pipeline cause the coupling to be extended whereby one of the valves, such as the valve member 16' and the connecting nipple 42' is moved axially away from the annular body 56. Although the holder sleeve 62 is movable axially in both directions, it is assumed for illustration of the operation of the alternative embodiment in this example that the holder sleeve is moved axially away from the annular body 56 with the valve member 16'. When the coupling is extended so that the pin 82 is flush with the stopper 80, the retainer sleeve 62 releases the ball 24. The ball 24 is forced from the upper, open position by the spring retainer device 28 and the spring 26 which acts in the same manner as according to the preferred embodiment, so that the ball 24 is moved to the position on the seat shown in fig. 8.

Når koplingen fortsetter å teleskopere utover ved utøvelse av fortsatt langsgående kraft, danner tappen 82 anlegg mot stopperen 80 på holderhylsen 62 og stopper bevegelse av holderhylsen 62 mens ventilorganene 16 og 16' fortsetter å bevege seg fra hverandre. Når koplingen er blitt tilstrekkelig forlenget, slik at stopperen '80' danner anlegg mot grensetappen 82 ' , frigjør hylsen 62 kulen 24' som tvinges inn i rørledningens fluidumskanal av fjæren 26' som virker på fjærholderanordningen 28'. Kulen 24' kan deretter tvinges i stilling på setet som vist i fig. 9 ved trykk fra fluidene i rørledningen som strømmer mot koplingen fra rør-ledningen PL' . As the coupling continues to telescope outwards upon the application of continued longitudinal force, the pin 82 abuts the stopper 80 on the retainer sleeve 62 and stops movement of the retainer sleeve 62 while the valve members 16 and 16' continue to move apart. When the coupling has been sufficiently extended, so that the stopper '80' forms contact with the limit pin 82', the sleeve 62 releases the ball 24' which is forced into the pipeline's fluid channel by the spring 26' which acts on the spring holder device 28'. The ball 24' can then be forced into position on the seat as shown in fig. 9 by pressure from the fluids in the pipeline flowing towards the connection from the pipeline PL'.

Ved utøvelse av fortsatt langsgående kraft kan en av grense-tappene 82 og 82' bli kuttet av og således muliggjøre atskillelse av seksjonene PL og PL' som ifølge den foretrukne utførelsesform med ventilene 16 og 16' festet dertil og i lukket stilling. When continued longitudinal force is applied, one of the limit pins 82 and 82' can be cut off and thus enable separation of the sections PL and PL' which, according to the preferred embodiment, have the valves 16 and 16' attached thereto and in the closed position.

En rørledningskopling for hindring av alvorlig skade påA pipeline coupling to prevent serious damage to

og utslipp av fluider fra en undervannsrørledning som er utsatt for en potensiell, skadelig, langsgående kraft er således blitt and discharge of fluids from an underwater pipeline subjected to a potentially damaging longitudinal force has thus been

beskrevet i forbindelse med det foretrukne og en alternativ ut-førelsesform. described in connection with the preferred and an alternative embodiment.

Beskrivelsen ovenfor er bare illustrerende for oppfinnelsenThe above description is only illustrative of the invention

og forskjellige forandringer i størrelse, form og materiale samt i detaljer vedrørende de viste konstruksjoner kan foretas innen- and various changes in size, shape and material as well as in details regarding the constructions shown can be made within

for rammen av de etterfølgende krav uten å avvike fra oppfinnel-sestanken. for the scope of the subsequent claims without deviating from the inventive concept.

Claims

1. Safety coupling for a wire, arranged to connect a first wire section with a second wire section, characterized in that it comprises: a) a first valve member which is connected to the first section and which is movable from an open to a closed position for closing off flow through the first section of the line, b) a second valve means adapted to be connected to the second section so that the first and second valve means can be separated by the application of a predetermined longitudinal force on the line, c) a device for releasably joining the first valve member to the second valve member so that the valve members can be separated by applying a predetermined longitudinal force to the line, d) a device for releasably locking the first and second valve means in the open position while the valve means are connected to each other, e) a device for guiding fluid through the connection between the first and second valve means, as well as f) a device which, in response to the separation of the valve means, is adapted to close the valve means.

2. Safety coupling for a wire, arranged to connect a first wire section with a second wire section, characterized in that it comprises: a) a first valve member which is connected to the first section and which is movable from an open to a closed position for closing off flow through the first section, b) a second valve means adapted to be connected to the second section so that the first and second valve means can be separated by the application of a predetermined longitudinal force on the line, c) a device for releasably joining the first valve member and the second valve member so that the valve members can be separated by the application of a predetermined, longitudinal force on the line, d) a device for releasably locking the first and second valve means in the open position while the valve means are connected to each other to form a fluid channel which connects the first valve means to the second valve means, and e) a device which, in response to the separation of the valve means, is adapted to close the valve means.

3. Safety coupling in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that the device for joining the valve members together comprises a tubular housing between the valve members and a device for releasably attaching the first and second valve members to the housing, the attachment member being detachable during exercise of a predetermined, longitudinal force on the line so that at least one of the valve members can be separated from the housing.

4. Safety coupling in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that the locking device comprises an elongated sleeve which runs from the first valve member through the housing to the second valve member when the valve members are connected to each other.

5. Safety coupling for a wire, arranged to connect a first wire section with a second wire section, characterized in that it comprises: a) a first valve member which is connected to the first section and which is movable from an open to a closed position for closing off flow through the first section of the line, b) a second valve means which is adapted to connect with the second section, which is provided with a fluid channel and which is movable from an open to a closed position for closing off flow through the second section of the conduit, c) a device for releasably joining the first valve member to the second valve member so that the valve members can be separated by applying a predetermined, longitudinal force on the line, the device comprising a tubular sleeve that runs between the first and the second valve member and a device for releasable attachment of the valve members to the housing, the attachment device being releasable by exerting a predetermined, longitudinal force on the line so that at least one of the valve members can be separated from the housing, d) an elongated holder sleeve which runs from the first valve member through the housing of the second valve member for releasably locking the valve members in the open position while the valve members are connected to each other and forms a fluid channel connecting the first valve member to the second valve member, and e) a device for positive movement of the holder sleeve to a position where both valve members are activated so that these are moved to the closed position upon movement a certain distance.

6. Safety coupling in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that each of the valve members comprises a valve seat member and a ball closing member which is usually locked in the open position by the holder sleeve.

7. Safety coupling in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a device for biasing the ball closing member in the fluid channel in the valve member so that fluids flowing through can force the closing member into sealing contact with the valve seat member.

8. Safety coupling in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that the holder sleeve comprises a first spring arranged between the first valve member and an annular shoulder on the holder sleeve between the valve members, and a second spring arranged between the second valve member and the annular shoulder on the holder sleeve, the holder member being constantly forced by the springs to a position between the valve members so that the device connecting the valve members reaches. .with each other are released, the holder sleeve is moved to a position which releases the closing member for the valve members.

9. Safety coupling in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that the device for biasing the ball rod member comprises a spring holder device which is arranged to slide in the valve member, and a spring member which is arranged between the spring holder device and the valve member's housing to force the spring holder device into engagement with the ball rod member for to bias the ball locking device in the closed position.

10. Safety coupling in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the device for releasably attaching the valve members to the housing comprises safety pins.

11. Safety coupling in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a device for biasing the ball shut-off device in the valve body's fluid channel which is connected to the ball shut-off device so that it is made possible for fluids flowing through the line to force the shut-off device into sealing contact against the valve seat device.

12. Safety coupling for a wire, arranged to connect a first wire section with a second wire section, characterized in that it comprises: a) a first valve means which is adapted to be connected to the first section of the conduit and which is provided with a fluid channel and which is movable from an open to a closed position for closing off flow through the first conduit section, b) a second valve means which is arranged in the second section, which is equipped with a fluid channel and which is movable from an open to a closed position so that flow through the second section of the line is closed, c) a device for releasably joining the first valve member to the second valve member so that the valve members can be separated by exerting a predetermined, longitudinal force on the line, the joining device comprising a tubular housing that runs between the valve members and a device for releasably attaching the valve members of the housing, the fastening device being detachable by exerting a predetermined, longitudinal force on the line so that at least one of the valve members can be separated from the housing, d) an elongated holder sleeve which runs from the first valve member through the housing of the second valve member for releasably locking the valve members in the open position while the valve members are connected to each other and forms a fluid channel connecting the first valve member to the second valve member, and e) a device for positive movement of the holder sleeve to a position where both valve members are activated so that these are moved to the closed position by moving a certain distance from each other, this device for moving the sleeve comprising a first limit member, a first ring-shaped stop which is placed on the holder sleeve and which is separated from the boundary member by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction when the first and second valve members are connected to each other, the stoppers being arranged to abut against the first boundary member when the valve members are pulled apart, a second boundary member which is connected to the second valve member, a second annular stopper which is placed on the holder sleeve and which is separated from the second boundary member by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction when the valve members are connected to each other, the second stopper being arranged to abut against the second boundary member when the valves are pulled apart, as the space me llom the boundary members and the stoppers when these form contact with each other cause the holder sleeve to be moved to a position where the valve members are released from the open position.

13. Safety coupling in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that the device for releasably joining the valve members to the housing comprises securing pins.

14. Safety coupling in accordance with claim 13, characterized in that each of the valve members comprises a valve seat device and a ball closing member which is designed to be locked in the open position by the holder sleeve and to be biased in the closed position by a biasing member.

15. Safety coupling in accordance with claim 14, characterized in that the biasing member comprises a spring holder member inside the valve member and a spring delimited between the spring holder member and the valve member housing, this spring being arranged to force the spring holder member into abutment against the ball valve member for biasing the ball valve member in the closed position.

16. Safety coupling in accordance with claim 15, characterized in that an annular area is formed between the housing and the sleeve with a device for balancing the pressure of the fluids in the area with the fluid pressure on the outside of the coupling.

17. Safety coupling in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that an annular area with a device for balancing the pressure is formed between the housing and the sleeve to the fluids in the area with the fluid pressure on the outside of the coupling.

18. Safety coupling in accordance with claim 15, characterized in that an annular area is formed between the housing and the sleeve with a device for balancing the pressure of the fluids in the area with the fluid pressure on the outside of the coupling.