WO2016164025A1

WO2016164025A1 - System and method for retaining a gasket on a sealing face

Info

Publication number: WO2016164025A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/025091
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen S. Gidla
Original assignee: Cummins Inc.
Priority date: 2015-04-09
Filing date: 2015-04-09
Publication date: 2016-10-13

Abstract

A system and method for retaining a gasket on a sealing face. A first conduit with a bore in fluid communication with a first opening and a second opening further includes a first sealing face disposed around the first opening. The first sealing face includes at least one slot. A second conduit with a bore in fluid communication with a third opening and a fourth opening further includes a second sealing face disposed around the third opening. The second sealing face is configured to removably engage the first sealing face. A gasket is configured to engage the first conduit and the second conduit at the junction defined by the first sealing face and the second sealing face. The gasket includes at least one tab, which is configured to engage one of the at least one slot disposed in the first sealing face.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RETAINING

A GASKET ON A SEALING FACE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to fluid piping systems.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In fluid piping systems, gaskets are generally installed within piping junctions to provide a mechanical seal. Properly positioning the gasket such that it is closely aligned with the mating surfaces at a piping junction is an important aspect of maintaining a proper seal, and preventing premature gasket failure. Further, in operation, gaskets face varying and sometimes extreme conditions and pressure loads while being more pliable than other components at the piping junction, and as such, may already be prone to wearing out at regular intervals. Piping junctions may therefore be configured to allow old or worn gaskets to be replaced with new gaskets to prevent failure.

[0003] Gaskets can be replaced by disassembling a piping junction, removing an old or spent gasket, positioning a new gasket in its place, and reassembling the piping junction. Properly positioning the new gasket, particularly in challenging or limited access conditions, can prove to be difficult. The gasket may be installed off-center, or the gasket may slide around and become damaged over the course of reassembling a particularly tight piping junction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One embodiment relates to a system comprising a first conduit, a second conduit, and a gasket. The first conduit includes at least one bore in fluid communication with openings at either end of the first conduit. The first conduit further includes a first sealing face disposed around one of the openings, wherein the first sealing face includes at least one slot. The second conduit includes at least one bore in fluid communication with openings at either end of the second conduit. The second conduit further includes a second sealing face disposed around one of the openings. The first sealing face is configured to position and secure the gasket and removably engage a second sealing face. The gasket is configured to engage and form a seal with the first conduit and the second conduit at the junction defined by the first sealing face and the second sealing face. The gasket includes at least one tab, wherein the at least one tab is configured to engage one of the at least one slot disposed in the first sealing face of the first conduit.

[0005] Another embodiment relates to a method of removably joining and sealing two conduits. The method includes providing a first conduit with at least one bore in fluid communication with openings at either end of the first conduit. The first conduit includes a first sealing face disposed around one of the openings, wherein the first sealing face includes at least one slot. The method further includes engaging a gasket with a plurality of tabs to the first sealing face, such that the plurality of tabs are removably engaged to the at least one slot. A second sealing face of a second conduit is mated to the first sealing face, such that the gasket is sandwiched between the first and second sealing faces.

[0006] Another embodiment relates to a gasket. The gasket is a ring of sealing material defining an opening corresponding to a conduit bore. The gasket includes at least one tab configured to engage at least one slot disposed on a conduit sealing face. Each of the at least one tab includes a first extension extending from a point along the outer circumference of a gasket ring and along the plane defined by the gasket ring. Each of the at least one tab also includes a second extension extending from and disposed substantially perpendicular to the first extension. Finally, each of the at least one tabs includes a third extension extending from the second extension and disposed at an angle sufficient to engage the at least one slot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several

implementations in accordance with the disclosure and are therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings. [0008] FIG

embodiment.

[0009] FIG

[0010] FIG

[0011] FIG

[0012] FIG

[0013] FIG

embodiment.

[0014] FIG

[0015] FIG

FIG. 4B that further includes the insertion and position of a tab.

[0016] FIG. 4D is a close up view of the first conduit shown in FIG. 4A, according to another embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4E is an illustrative diagram of the close up view of the first conduit as shown in FIG. 4D that further includes the insertion and position of a tab.

[0018] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a first conduit, according to yet another embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5B is a close up view of the first conduit as shown in FIG. 5A that further includes the insertion and position of a tab.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of removably joining two fluid conduits, according to an example embodiment.

[0021] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings throughout the following detailed description. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative implementations described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other implementations may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly

contemplated and made part of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a disassembled piping junction assembly 100 is shown according to an example embodiment. The piping junction assembly 100 includes a first conduit 102, a second conduit 104, and a gasket 106. When assembled, the gasket 106 is positioned between the first conduit 102 and the second conduit 104, forming a seal at the junction between the first conduit 102 and the second conduit 104. As a result, a fluid can flow uninterrupted from one conduit (e.g., the first conduit 102) to the other (e.g., the second conduit 104) with little or no loss of fluid at the junction between them. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, "fluid" as discussed herein contemplates matter in a liquid state, a gaseous state, or a mixture of components in various states of matter.

[0023] The first conduit 102 includes a first hollow bore 108 extending from and in fluid communication with a first opening 110 at the proximal end of the first conduit 102 relative to the position of the gasket 106, to a second opening 112 at the distal end of the first conduit 102. The first conduit 102 further includes a first sealing face 114 disposed around the first opening 110. The first sealing face 114 includes features that facilitate the positioning and securing of the gasket 106 prior to being joined to the second conduit 104 during the assembly process, as discussed with respect to the examples in FIGS. 3A-3B and FIGS. 4A-4C below.

[0024] The second conduit 104 includes a second hollow bore 116 extending from and in fluid communication with a third opening 118 at the proximal end of the second conduit 104 relative to the position of the gasket 106, to a fourth opening 120 at the distal end of the second conduit 104. The second conduit 104 further includes a second sealing face 122 disposed around the third opening 118. In some arrangements, the positioning and securing features in the first sealing face 114 are not included in the second sealing face 122. In other arrangements, the second sealing face 122 does include the same facilitating and securing features as the first sealing face 114, thereby allowing a user to position and secure the gasket 106 on either the first sealing face 114 or the second sealing face 122 prior to joining the first conduit 102 to the second conduit 104.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2A, the gasket 106 is shown according to an example embodiment. The gasket 106 helps to form a mechanical seal when sandwiched between two mating surfaces (e.g., the first sealing face 114 and the second sealing face 122). Sealing materials or coatings used to construct the gasket 106 generally allow for some degree of deformation to allow the gasket 106 to compensate for and fill in imperfections, irregularities, or changes (e.g., during the course of operation of an associated machine) in the mating surfaces. In some arrangements, the gasket 106 includes a pliable, non-metal material (e.g., paper, rubber, or silicone, among many others). In other arrangements, the gasket 106 includes a soft, pliable metal material (e.g., iron, low carbon steel, among many others). In yet other arrangements, the gasket 106 includes metal material with an elastic characteristic (e.g., spring steel).

[0026] The gasket 106 includes a plurality of tabs 202. The tabs 202 correspond to the positioning and securing features in the first sealing face 114 (e.g., as discussed below with respect to the examples in FIGS. 3A-3B and FIGS. 4A-4C, below). In some embodiments, the tabs 202 are short extensions of material protruding from the outer circumference of the gasket 106. The gasket 106 can be configured such that the tabs 202 are distributed in an equidistant manner relative to each other about the outer circumference of the gasket 106. Alternatively, the tabs 202 can be distributed at irregular distances about the outer circumference of the gasket 106, which may be more appropriate for specific applications.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 2B, a close up view of one of the tabs 202 discussed in FIG. 2A is shown. Each of the tabs 202 includes a first extension 206 protruding straight out from the outermost perimeter of the gasket ring 204, which terminates at a second extension 208 disposed at an approximately ninety degree angle (i.e., substantially perpendicular) relative to the first extension 206. In turn, the second extension 208 terminates at a third extension 210, which is disposed at an approximately ninety degree angle relative to the second extension 208. However, it should be understood that the angle between the second extension 208 and the third extension could be varied, so long as the angle is sufficient to engage the gap and the slot of the first conduit 102 (discussed in greater detail below). In the arrangement depicted in FIG. 2B, the tabs 202 take on a partial square or rectangular hook configuration. In some arrangements, the third extension 210 includes a peg slot 212, which is an open aperture in the plane of the third extension 210. In other arrangements, the third extension 210 includes a peg, which can be an extension of material protruding perpendicularly from the interior plane of the third extension 210 (i.e., protruding into the interior of the square or rectangle formed by each of the tabs 202). Further, the gasket 106 may be constructed to include a plurality of tabs 202 in a variety of distinct configurations, such that the same gasket 106 can be used in a corresponding variety of applications (e.g., a user can clip off unnecessary tabs 202 for use in a given application).

[0028] Referring to FIG. 3 A, an angled perspective view of a first conduit 102 is shown according to an example embodiment. The first conduit 102 as shown includes a first sealing face 114, which further includes a gap 302, a slot 304, and a locking point 306. In operation, the gap 302, slot 304, and locking point 306 of the first sealing face 114 correspond to tabs (e.g., tabs 202) disposed on a gasket (e.g., gasket 106), and allows the gasket to be properly positioned and secured against the first sealing face 114 prior to mating the first conduit 102 to a second conduit (e.g., second conduit 104).

[0029] Referring to FIG. 3B, a close up perspective view of the gap 302, slot 304, and locking point 306 of the first sealing face 114 is shown. The gap 302 is an aperture disposed on at least one point on the outermost edge of the circumference of the first sealing face 114. As shown, the size of the gap 302 corresponds to the width of a tab 308, allowing the tab 308 to be inserted into the gap 302. In this configuration, the slot 304 is a channel continuing from the back wall of the gap 302 (i.e., the innermost face of the gap 302), and extending along and approximately in parallel with a portion of the circumference of the first sealing face 114. In operation, after the tab 308 is inserted into the gap 302, the tab 308 can translate along the circumference of the first sealing face 114 via the slot 304. [0030] The locking point 306 is a portion of the slot 304 that is configured to resist movement of a tab 308 translating along the slot 304, removably "locking" the tab 308 in place. The locking point 306 can comprise, for example, a section of the slot 304 with a decreasing internal width, allowing a tab 308 in the slot 304 to be wedged and secured at the locking point 306. In another embodiment, the locking point 306 comprises a portion of the slot 304 that angles inward (i.e., toward the body of the first conduit 102 and away from the mating surface of the first sealing face 114), thereby allowing a portion of the first sealing face 114 (i.e., that portion underneath and between the tab 308 in the slot 304) to be wedged within a tab 308, thereby securing the position of the tab 308 on the first sealing face 114.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 4A, an angled perspective view of a first conduit 102 is shown according to another example embodiment. As shown, the first sealing face 114 is incorporated into a flange 402. The flange 402 is a portion of material annularly extending from the edge of the outer perimeter of the first opening 110.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 4B, a close up view of the back side of the flange 402 (i.e., where the first sealing face 114 is the "front" side) is shown. The gap 302, slot 304, and locking point 306 are disposed on the flange 402. The gap 302 is an aperture disposed on the outer perimeter of the flange 402, and of a width sufficient to accommodate the insertion of a corresponding tab 308. In this embodiment, the slot 304 is a recessed portion of the back side of the flange 402, originating from the gap 302 and continuing along the outer circumference of the flange 402 to the locking point 306. In this embodiment, the locking point 306 includes a peg or other protrusion 404. The peg 404 is a raised portion of material protruding from the back side of the flange 402 in the slot 304. In some embodiments, the peg 404 is a sloped or curved protrusion (e.g., a dome, a teardrop, an inclined plane, or the like).

[0033] Referring to FIG. 4C, in operation, a tab 308 is inserted into the gap 302, translated along the slot 304, and secured at the locking point 306. In this embodiment, the tab 308 includes a peg slot 212, which is configured to engage the peg 404. When the tab 308 approaches the locking point 306, the tab 308 can deform slightly (i.e., as it translates along a curved or angled portion of the peg 404) to allow the peg 404 to pass under the tab 308 and then through the peg slot 212, thereby securing the tab 308 in place.

[0034] With gasket tabs (e.g., tabs 202) secured in the manner discussed above, the

corresponding gasket (e.g., gasket 106) should also be properly positioned and secured on a sealing face (e.g., the first sealing face 114) of a conduit (e.g., first conduit 102). As such, the sealing face of a second conduit (e.g., the second sealing face 122 of second conduit 104) may be mated to and sealed with the first sealing face on the first conduit with a reduced or eliminated risk of the gasket being out of position or damaged during the assembly.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 4D, the tab 308 can also be secured at the locking point 306 in the absence of a peg and corresponding peg slot. In the particular arrangement shown in FIG. 4D, the slot 304 includes a curved incline at the locking point 306 in lieu of a peg. As such, referring to FIG. 4E, the tab 308 can be inserted into the gap 302 and translated along the slot 304 towards the locking point 306. As the tab 308 approaches the locking point 306, the tab 308 encounters an initial slope in the slot 304 which progressively becomes steeper as the tab 308 translates closer to the locking point 306. At the locking point 306 itself, the tab 308 cannot translate farther along the slot 304 without significantly deforming. As such, the tab 308 becomes locked in place.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 5A, in an alternative arrangement, the first sealing face 114 can be configured such that there are no gaps (i.e., compared to the arrangement shown in FIGS. 3A- 3B). In addition, the slot 304 can be disposed about the entire outer circumference of the first sealing face 114. In some such arrangements, the slot 304 is a groove annularly disposed behind (i.e., where the gasket 106 engages the corresponding front of) the first sealing face 114. In other arrangements where the first sealing face 114 is a front side of a flange, the slot 304 is defined by the corresponding back side of the flange.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 5B, the first conduit 102 includes a beveled edge 502 disposed about the outermost circumference of the first sealing face 114. The beveled edge 502 can be a flat, curved, or rounded surface configured to facilitate a minor deformation of the tab 308 during a gasket engagement process. During the gasket engagement process, the gasket 106 is pressed up against the first sealing face 114, such that the third extension 210 contacts the beveled edge 502. Upon a continuing application of pressure, the tab 308 deforms slightly as the third extension 210 translates up and over the beveled edge 502. The tab 308 substantially regains its original shape when the third extension 210 reaches and comes to rest in the slot 304. When the third extension 210 comes to rest in the slot, the tab 308 causes the gasket ring 204 to be securely positioned against the first sealing face 114.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 6, a method 600 of removably joining and sealing two fluid conduits is shown according to one embodiment. At 602, a first conduit (e.g., first conduit 102) is provided. The first conduit is provided with a hollow bore in fluid communication with a first opening at a proximal end and a second opening at a distal end, complete with a first sealing face (e.g., first sealing face 114) disposed about the first opening that contains the same features and characteristics (e.g., gap 302, slot 304, and locking point 306) discussed with respect to the first conduit 102 in the examples shown in FIGS. 1, 3A-3B, and 4A-4E. The first conduit provided can be made by, for example, taking an existing conduit and machining a gap, slot, and locking point into the first sealing face. Alternatively, the first conduit provided can be made by forging or otherwise manufacturing the first conduit to include a first sealing face with a gap, slot, and locking point in the first instance.

[0039] At 604, the tabs (e.g., tabs 202) of a gasket (e.g., gasket 106) are inserted into corresponding gaps on the first sealing face of the provided first conduit. The tabs are inserted into the gaps such that the tabs position the gasket about the circumference of the first opening of the first conduit. In some arrangements, there is only one tab and one corresponding gap. In other arrangements, there are a plurality of tabs, and a plurality of corresponding gaps. In some such arrangements, the number of tabs and the number of gaps are not equal (e.g., more tabs than gaps, or more gaps than tabs).

[0040] At 606, the gasket is rotated along a plane approximately in parallel with the first sealing face, such that each of the tabs inserted in gaps at 604 translate along corresponding slots (e.g., slot 304) associated with each of the gaps. [0041] At 608, the gasket is locked to the first conduit. In some arrangements, the gasket is locked to the first conduit by rotating the gasket such that the tabs translate along corresponding slots until at least one of the tabs reach a locking point (e.g., locking point 306). The locking point resists the rotation of the gasket along the first sealing face, thereby removably "locking" the gasket in place. In some such arrangements, the locking point is a section of a slot with a decreasing internal width, allowing a tab to become wedged in the slot at the locking point. In other such arrangements, the locking point is a section of the slot with an angled or curved track that causes an increasing segment of the first sealing face to become wedged in a space defined by the shape of the slot. In yet other such arrangements, a peg and peg slot system (e.g., peg 404 and peg slot 212) disposed on the tab and within the slot, respectively, (or within the slot and on the tab, respectively) allows the tab to become locked at the locking point.

[0042] In an alternative arrangement, the insertion at 604, rotation at 606, and locking at 608 can be substituted with the gasket engagement process as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 5 A and 5B. In such an arrangement, the first conduit provided at 602 does not include any gaps, but does include a groove annularly disposed about the back side of the first sealing face (i.e., where the actual mating surface of the first sealing face is the corresponding front side). In some such arrangements, the first sealing face further includes a beveled edge disposed about its outermost circumference that is configured to facilitate the gasket engagement process. A gasket including a plurality of tabs can be pressed against the beveled edge of the first sealing face, and upon a continuing application of pressure, the beveled edge can cause the plurality of tabs to deform slightly and translate across the outermost circumference of the first sealing face. The plurality of tabs can ultimately reach the annular groove, and substantially re-conform to their original shape, whereupon the gasket may be firmly disposed against the first sealing face. As a result, the gasket can ultimately be secured in the same position as discussed above with respect to processes 604, 606, and 608.

[0043] At 610, a second conduit (e.g., second conduit 104) with a second sealing face (e.g., second sealing face 122) is mated to the first sealing face of the first conduit. The second conduit is mated to the first conduit by aligning the opening defined by the second sealing face to the first opening defined by first sealing face, and engaging the first sealing face to the second sealing face, sandwiching the gasket locked to the first sealing face within. The first sealing face can be engaged to the second sealing face by, for example, one or more fasteners (e.g., nuts, bolts, clamps, buckles, clips, pins, rivets, ties, straps, and so on) disposed about the outer circumference of the first sealing face and the second sealing face. With the second conduit mated to the first conduit at 610, a leak resistant or leak proof seal is formed at the junction defined by the first sealing face and the second sealing face.

[0044] As utilized herein, the term "approximately," "substantially" and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure.

[0045] It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. It is recognized that features of the disclosed embodiments can be incorporated into other disclosed embodiments.

[0046] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of apparatuses or the components thereof as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only.

Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other mechanisms and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that, unless otherwise noted, any parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."

[0049] The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. It should be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system, comprising:

a first conduit with at least one hollow bore in fluid communication with a first opening at a first conduit proximal end and a second opening at a first conduit distal end, the first conduit having a first sealing face disposed around the first opening, the first sealing face including at least one slot;

a second conduit with at least one hollow bore in fluid communication with a third opening at a second conduit proximal end and a fourth opening at a second conduit distal end, the second conduit having a second sealing face disposed around the third opening, the second sealing face configured to removably engage the first sealing face; and

a gasket configured to engage the first conduit and the second conduit at a junction defined by the first sealing face and the second sealing face, the gasket comprising at least one tab, each of the at least one tab being configured to removably engage one of the at least one slot.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first sealing face further includes a beveled edge configured to facilitate an engagement of each of the at least one tab with a respective one of the at least one slot.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first sealing face further includes at least one gap, wherein each of the at least one gap is associated with one of the at least one slot, and wherein each of the at least one tab is configured to pass through one of the at least one gap and translate along one of the at least one slot.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the first sealing face further comprises a locking point associated with one of the at least one gap, and wherein the one of the at least one slot is disposed between and bridges the one of the at least one gap and the locking point.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the locking point comprises a peg, and wherein one of the at least one tab comprises a peg slot.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the locking point comprises a peg slot, and wherein one of the at least one tab comprises a peg.

7. The system according to claim 4, wherein the locking point comprises a section of the one of the at least one slot with a progressively decreasing width.

8. The system according to claim 4, wherein the locking point comprises an angled section of the one of the at least one slot.

9. The system according to claim 4, wherein the locking point comprises a curved section of the one of the at least one slot.

10. A method for removably joining and sealing two conduits, the method comprising:

providing a first conduit with at least one hollow bore in fluid communication with a first opening at a first conduit proximal end and a second opening at a first conduit distal end, the first conduit having a first sealing face disposed around the first opening, the first sealing face comprising at least one slot;

engaging a gasket comprising a plurality of tabs to the first sealing face, such that each of the plurality of tabs are removably engaged to one of the at least one slot; and

mating a second sealing face of a second conduit to the first sealing face, wherein the gasket is sandwiched between the first sealing face and the second sealing face.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the first sealing face further comprises at least one gap, wherein each of the at least one gap is associated with one of the at least one slot, the method further comprising:

inserting at least one of the plurality of tabs of the gasket into one of the at least one gap in the first sealing face; and rotating the gasket such that the at least one of the plurality of tabs translates along the one of the at least one slot.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first sealing face of the first conduit provided further comprises a locking point associated with the one of the at least one gap such that the one of the at least one slot is disposed between and bridges the one of the at least one gap and the locking point, and wherein the gasket is rotated until the at least one of the plurality of tabs reaches the locking point.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the locking point comprises a section of the one of the at least one slot with a progressively decreasing width.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the locking point comprises an angled section of the one of the at least one slot.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the locking point comprises a curved section of the one of the at least one slot.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising machining at least one gap and at least one slot into the first sealing face of the first conduit.

17. A gasket, comprising:

a gasket ring of sealing material defining an opening corresponding to a conduit bore; and at least one tab configured to engage at least one slot disposed on a conduit sealing face, each of the at least one tab comprising

a first extension extending from a point along an outer circumference of the gasket ring and along a plane defined by the gasket ring,

a second extension extending from and disposed substantially perpendicular to the first extension, and a third extension extending from the second extension and disposed at an angle sufficient to engage the at least one slot.

18. The gasket of claim 17, wherein the at least one tab is further configured to pass through at least one gap, wherein each of the at least one gap is associated with one of the at least one slot.

19. The gasket of claim 18, wherein the third extension is configured to engage a locking point associated with the at least one gap.

20. The gasket of claim 19, wherein the locking point comprises a curved section of the one of the at least one slot.