Pipe connector
US4087323A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 1976 |
| Grant date | May 2, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A safety test facility for testing sodium-cooled nuclear reactor components includes a reactor vessel and a heat exchanger submerged in sodium in the tank. The reactor vessel and heat exchanger are connected by an expansion/deflection pipe coupling comprising a pair of coaxially and slidably engaged tubular elements having radially enlarged opposed end portions of which at least a part is of spherical contour adapted to engage conical sockets in the ends of pipes leading out of the reactor vessel and in to the heat exchanger. A spring surrounding the pipe coupling urges the end portions apart and into engagement with the spherical sockets. Since the pipe coupling is submerged in liquid a limited amount of leakage of sodium from the pipe can be tolerated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.