Patent · US Expired

Flange sealing joint with removable metal gasket

US4303251A · kind A · utility

43Cited by
8References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 18, 1980
Grant dateDec 1, 1981
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 18, 2000

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16L23/20
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An all-metal joint is provided wherein a metal gasket disposed between mating flanges can readily be removed when the joint is disassembled. Opposing faces of the mating flanges are configured to provide a recess between the flanges in which a soft metal gasket of annular configuration can be received when the flanges are coupled together. Symmetrically disposed ridges on the opposing flange faces penetrate into a peripheral region of the gasket, thereby causing a portion of the gasket material to flow into an annular groove that forms the periphery of the recess between the opposing flange faces. This compressed material in the annular groove provides a gas-tight seal between the mating flanges. The configuration of the opposing flange faces is such that when the joint is dissassembled, the net force tending to retain the gasket in position against either one of the flange faces is minimized. In particular, each flange face is configured so that the residual compressive forces present when the flange coupling mechanism is released, distributed over the surface of the gasket, are in net effect substantially equal to or greater than the frictional and bonding forces that might tend …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.