Patent · US Active

Energizing seal for expandable connections

US7887103B2 · kind B2 · utility

16Cited by
130References
36Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 7, 2007
Grant dateFeb 15, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 30, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16L15/008
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A tubular configured to mate with a second tubular so that sealing integrity is maintained between the tubulars before, during, and after expansion of the tubulars is disclosed. In one embodiment, a connector for connecting tubulars is provided. The connector includes a pin portion; a box portion, wherein the pin and the box portions are configured to mate; a sealing surface formed in an inner surface of the box portion; a seal disposed in a groove formed in an outer surface of the pin portion, wherein the seal is configured to engage with a sealing surface of the box portion upon mating of the pin and the box portions; and a bump formed on an inner surface of the pin portion, wherein the bump is substantially radially aligned with the groove and the bump is configured so that the seal remains engaged with the box portion during and after expansion of the pin and the box portions.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.