Wellhead connector
US5404832A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B33/038
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A connector for connecting two tubular members (1,2) having annular flanges (3,4) at their ends. The connector comprising an actuating ring (13) movable in the axial direction of the tubular members (1,2), a plurality of upper dogs (15) for engaging the flange (3) of the upper tubular member (1) and a corresponding plurality of lower dogs (17) for engaging the flange (4) of the lower tubular member (2). Each pair of upper (15) and lower (17) dogs are connected by a stud (24) and are axially separable providing a sealed cavity (22) between the dogs which is supplied, in use, with hydraulic fluid. In use, the supply of hydraulic fluid to the cavity (22) forces the upper (15) and lower (17) dogs apart to tension the stud, so that, when the dogs are moved adjacent to the upper and lower flanges (3,4) and the pressure in the cavities (22) is released, the tension in the stud will be released allowing the upper (15) and lower (17) dogs to slide back together and clamp the upper (3) and lower (4) flanges together.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.