Engageable metal seal pressure balanced stab
US5988281A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/013
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention provides for the connection of a pressure balanced stab and a manifold in which offsetting forces maintained on the stab allow it to remain in an inserted state within the manifold without the use of a significant amount of force to maintain the connection. The offsetting forces are contained within the stab through the use of C-ring seals on the stab, which are activated by a downward force created by an actuator. The compression of the C-rings is delayed until insertion is complete, therefore allowing an installation which does not damage the seals. The O-ring designs, used in prior pressure balanced stabs, are likely to be damaged upon insertion of the stab into the receptacle. The damage to the O-ring seals takes place when the O-ring, partially protruding from the stab, makes contact with the surface of the receptacle in such a manner that causes the O-ring seal to tear or become manipulated in a way that creates an ineffective seal. The preferred embodiment allows for activation of the C-ring seal to take place following insertion of the stab within the receptacle and therefore the C-ring does not encounter interference from the surface of the receptacle…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.