Pressure-balanced stab connection
US4695190A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 1986 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 4, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L37/002
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for connecting portions of subsea flow conduits includes a stab member with a body and having a bore therethrough, one end of which exits from the stab body through a side port. A stab receptacle includes a bore for receiving the stab body, and a flow bore intersecting the receiving bore and leading to the exterior of the receptacle. The side port communciates with the receptacle flow bore when the stab member is landed in the receiving bore. Seals above and below the side port seal the receiving bore above and below the intersection of the receptacle flow bore and receiving bore. The cross-sectional areas of the seals exposed to internal fluid pressure are substantially equal, resulting in zero blow-apart force on the stab connection. Alternatively, the lower seal can have a larger exposed cross-sectional area than the upper seal, resulting in a net force tending to hold the connection teogether. Split retainer rings having external chamfer surfaces are mounted on the stab body above and below the lower seals. The retainer rings are disposed in grooves allowing the rings limited sliding radial movement with respect to the stab body. The stab receptacle is mounted to a su…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.