Fluid swivel seal arrangement
US5242198A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 1992 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L27/093
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fluid swivel, of the type that carries oil, natural gas, or other fluid between an undersea well or pipeline and a weathervaning ship, wherein the seal arrangement that prevents leakage of fluid is constructed to increase the seal lifetime and reduce the cost of the fluid swivel. The seal arrangement includes a recess (44, FIG. 2) in a first of the swivel parts and a seal assembly (46) therein which includes a pressure seal (50) and a backup ring (56). The backup ring has a dynamic side (64) lying adjacent to the portion (54) of the second swivel part that is sealed against, and has an opposite distal edge portion (72). The dynamic side of the backup ring has a tapered downstream portion (80) that is tapered at an angle A of no more than 30.degree. to the axis of rotation (16) of the fluid swivel, with the downstream edge (82) of the tapered portion lying on a downstream wall (86) of the first swivel part rather than overhanging it. A drain conduit (90) is provided to drain fluid from the distal side (66) of the backup ring to the dynamic side 64 to prevent a substantial pressure difference across it. The distal edge portion (72) of the backup ring is closely received in a slot (…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.