Monitoring system for high pressure fluid flow connector
US5760292A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 2, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 16, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L39/06
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A monitoring system for a fluid flow connector such as for oil or gas production flow is able to maintain the integrity of the seal at a junction between fluid conduits and generate a warning signal or activate a secondary seal in the event of main seal failure. The monitoring system of the invention is used with a hydraulic seal to which barrier fluid is supplied under pressure. The pressure of the barrier fluid is sensed at the seal and compared to the applied pressure. A drop in pressure indicates a leaking seal and a warning signal may be generated and/or a secondary seal brought into operation. The system is particularly useful when a plurality of junctions of conduits are present in a connector. Independent supplies of barrier fluid to the seals at each junction are provided so that identification of a leaking seal is accurate and timely.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.