The present invention relates to pipeline connectors and, more particularly, to top-side mechanical pipeline connectors.
Top-side mechanical pipeline connectors are often used to connect pipelines that transport various fluids (e.g., water, waste, drainage, etc.) or are used for venting purposes. Various small pipeline connectors exist using several methods of pipe gripping, such as swaging, biting, pressing, flaring, machine grooved, and slit type methods. However, these gripping methods may involve deforming or machining the pipe such that the pipe would be permanently changed in shape.
In one independent aspect, a pipe connector for connecting pipes in a pipeline may be provided. The connector may generally include an outer body defining a cavity; a gripping ring supported in the cavity, the gripping ring defining a gap to allow the gripping ring to decrease in diameter; and an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the gripping ring, the end nut being configured to move axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress and cause the gripping ring to engage one of the pipes.
In another independent aspect, a method of assembling a pipe connector to at least one pipe in a pipeline may be provided. The connector may include an outer body defining a cavity, a gripping ring supported in the cavity, the gripping ring defining a gap, and an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the gripping ring. The method may generally include inserting a first pipe into the connector; and moving the end nut axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress and cause the gripping ring to engage the at least one first pipe.
In yet another independent aspect, a method of assembling a pipe connector may be provided. The connector may include an outer body defining a cavity and providing a radial surface extending into the cavity, a gripping ring supported in the cavity, the gripping ring defining a gap, an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the gripping ring, a pin positionable in the gap to selectively prevent compression of the gripping ring, a seal in the cavity between the radial surface and the end nut, and a seal ram supported in the cavity, the seal ram extending at least partially into the nut bore. The method may generally include inserting a first pipe into the connector; moving the end nut axially inwardly relative to the outer body to cause the gripping ring to engage the seal ram without compressing the gripping ring toward the first pipe; moving the seal ram axially inwardly relative to the outer body by axial inward movement of the end nut to compress the seal between a component of the connector and the first pipe; thereafter, removing the pin from the gap; and, thereafter, moving the end nut axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress and cause the gripping ring to engage the first pipe.
In a further independent aspect, a pipe connector may generally include an outer body defining a cavity and providing a radial surface extending into the cavity; a gripping ring supported in the cavity, the gripping ring having a first end and second end defining a gap to allow the gripping ring to decrease in diameter to engage one of the pipes; a pin dimensioned and configured to substantially extend from the first end of the gripping ring to the second end of the gripping ring when positioned in the gap, the pin selectively preventing substantial compression of the gripping ring; an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the gripping ring, the end nut being configured to move axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress the gripping ring; a seal in the cavity between the radial surface and the end nut, the seal being engageable between a component of the connector and the one of the pipes; and a seal ram supported in the cavity, the seal ram extending at least partially into the nut bore, axial inward movement of the end nut causing axial inward movement of the seal ram to compress the seal.
In some embodiments, the pin has a first end in engagement with the first end of the gripping ring and a second end in engagement with the second end of the gripping ring, the first and second ends of the pin being configured to reduce contact with the gripping ring. In further embodiments, the first end and the second end of the pin can be curved. More specifically, in some embodiments, the pin has a main body portion extending between the first end and the second end of the pin, the main body portion being rectangular in shape and the first and second ends of the pin being semi-circular.
In another independent aspect, a method of assembling a pipe connector to at least one pipe in a pipeline may be provided. The connector may include an outer body defining a cavity and providing a radial surface extending into the cavity, a gripping ring supported in the cavity, the gripping ring defining a gap, an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the gripping ring, a selectively removeable pin extending across the gap to selectively prevent compression of the gripping ring, a seal in the cavity between the radial surface and the end nut, and a seal ram supported in the cavity, the seal ram extending at least partially into the nut bore. The method may generally include inserting a first pipe into the connector; moving the end nut axially inwardly relative to the outer body to cause the gripping ring to engage the seal ram without compressing the gripping ring toward the first pipe; and moving the seal ram axially inwardly relative to the outer body by axial inward movement of the end nut to compress the seal between a component of the connector and the first pipe; thereafter, removing the pin from the gap; and, thereafter, moving the end nut axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress and cause the gripping ring to engage the first pipe.
In yet another independent aspect, a pipe connector may generally include an outer body defining a cavity; a first gripping ring supported in the cavity, the first gripping ring defining a scarf cut to allow the first gripping ring to decrease in diameter to engage one of the pipes; a second gripping ring proximate the first gripping ring; and an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the first gripping ring and the second gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the first gripping ring, the end nut being configured to move axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress and cause at least the first gripping ring to engage the one of the pipes.
In a further independent aspect, a pipe connector may generally include an outer body defining a cavity and providing a radial surface extending into the cavity; a gripping ring supported in the cavity, the gripping ring defining a scarf cut to allow the gripping ring to decrease in diameter to engage one of the pipes; an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the gripping ring, the end nut being configured to move axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress the gripping ring; a seal in the cavity between the radial surface and the end nut, the seal being engageable between a component of the connector and the one of the pipes; and a seal ram supported in the cavity, the seal ram extending at least partially into the nut bore, axial inward movement of the end nut causing axial inward movement of the seal ram to compress the seal.
In another independent aspect, a method of assembling a pipe connector may be provided. The connector may include an outer body defining a cavity, a first gripping ring supported in the cavity, the first gripping ring defining a scarf cut, a second gripping ring proximate the first gripping ring, and an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the first gripping ring and the second gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the first gripping ring. The method may generally include inserting a first pipe into the connector; and moving the end nut axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress and cause at least the first gripping ring to engage the first pipe.
In yet another independent aspect, a method of assembling a pipe connector may be provided. The connector may include an outer body defining a cavity and providing a radial surface extending into the cavity, a gripping ring supported in the cavity, the gripping ring defining a scarf cut, an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the gripping ring, a seal in the cavity between the radial surface and the end nut, and a seal ram supported in the cavity, the seal ram extending at least partially into the nut bore. The method may generally include inserting a first pipe into the connector; moving the end nut axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress and cause the gripping ring to engage the first pipe; and moving the seal ram axially inwardly relative to the outer body by axial inward movement of the end nut to compress the seal between a component of the connector and the first pipe.
In a further independent aspect, a pipe connector may generally include an outer body defining a cavity; a gripping ring supported in the cavity, the gripping ring defining a gap to allow the gripping ring to decrease in diameter to engage one of the pipes; and an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the gripping ring, the end nut being configured to move axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress and cause the gripping ring to engage the one of the pipes.
In another independent aspect, a pipe connector may generally include an outer body defining a cavity and providing a radial surface extending into the cavity; a gripping ring supported in the cavity, the gripping ring defining a gap to allow the gripping ring to decrease in diameter to engage one of the pipes; an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the gripping ring, the end nut being configured to move axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress the gripping ring; a seal in the cavity between the radial surface and the end nut, the seal being engageable between a component of the connector and the one of the pipes; and a seal ram supported in the cavity, the seal ram extending at least partially into the nut bore, axial inward movement of the end nut causing axial inward movement of the seal ram to compress the seal.
In yet another independent aspect, a pipe connector may generally include an outer body defining a cavity; a gripping ring supported in the cavity, the gripping ring defining a gap to allow the gripping ring to decrease in diameter to engage one of the pipes; an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the gripping ring, the end nut being configured to move axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress and cause the gripping ring to engage the one of the pipes; and a pin movably positioned in the gap to limit compression of the gripping ring during movement of the end nut.
In a further independent aspect, a method of assembling a pipe connector may be provided. The connector may include an outer body defining a cavity, a gripping ring supported in the cavity, the gripping ring defining a gap, and an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the gripping ring. The method may generally include inserting a first pipe into the connector; and moving the end nut axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress and cause the gripping ring to engage the first pipe.
In another independent aspect, a method of assembling a pipe connector may be provided. The connector may include an outer body defining a cavity and providing a radial surface extending into the cavity, a gripping ring supported in the cavity, the gripping ring defining a gap, an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the gripping ring, a seal in the cavity between the radial surface and the end nut, and a seal ram supported in the cavity, the seal ram extending at least partially into the nut bore. The method may generally include inserting a first pipe into the connector; moving the end nut axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress and cause the gripping ring to engage the first pipe; and moving the seal ram axially inwardly relative to the outer body by axial inward movement of the end nut to compress the seal between a component of the connector and the first pipe.
In yet another independent aspect, a method of assembling a pipe connector may be provided. The connector may include an outer body defining a cavity and providing a radial surface extending into the cavity, a gripping ring supported in the cavity, the gripping ring defining a gap, an end nut defining a nut bore receiving the gripping ring, a nut engagement surface extending into the nut bore and being engageable with the gripping ring, a pin movably positioned in the gap, a seal in the cavity between the radial surface and the end nut, and a seal ram supported in the cavity, the seal ram extending at least partially into the nut bore. The method may generally include inserting a first pipe into the connector; moving the end nut axially inwardly relative to the outer body to cause the gripping ring to engage the pin to limit compression of the gripping ring toward the first pipe; and moving the seal ram axially inwardly relative to the outer body by axial inward movement of the end nut to compress the seal between a component of the connector and the first pipe; thereafter, removing the pin from the gap; and, thereafter, moving the end nut axially inwardly relative to the outer body to compress and cause the gripping ring to engage the first pipe.
Independent features and independent advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the detailed description, drawings and claims.
Before any independent embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of “consisting of” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof.
The connector 10 includes an outer body 14 and a pair of end nuts 18 that move axially (i.e., along the longitudinal axis of the connector 10) inwardly and outwardly with respect to the body 14 for compressing various components held within a cavity defined by the connector 10. The connector 10 is configured to grip onto and fluidly connect a first pipe 22 and a second pipe 26 (
The body 14 has a center abutment 30 protruding into the cavity near the middle. A seal sleeve or ram 34 is positioned on each side of the abutment 30, and gaps 38 are defined between opposite portions of the abutment 30 and the seal rams 34. The seal rams 34 are movable inwardly with respect to the body 14 (i.e., toward the abutment 30) to reduce the size of the gaps 38. The body 14 defines a plurality of outer body drive holes 40.
While referred to as a “center abutment”, the abutment 30 does not necessarily provide a reaction surface against which one of the pipes 22, 26 engages. The center abutment 30 generally guides and centralizes the pipes 22, 26 and has a width to accommodate an open tolerance for pipe insertion. For example,
The abutment 30 and the seal rams 34 each include an engagement surface 42, 46, respectively, to compress, therebetween a number of seals (e.g., two seals 50) when the seal rams 34 are moved axially inwardly. The multiple seals 50 are axially spaced apart by seal spacers 54 and scarfed, wire-type, anti-extrusion rings 58 (AERs). A void 62 is defined axially between the seals 50 (e.g., in the seal spacer 54) on each side of the abutment 30.
When the seal rams 34 move axially inwardly (i.e., toward the abutment 30), the material of the seals 50 compresses and is forced radially inwardly to engage the outer surface of the associated pipe 22, 26 to form a pressure tight seal. When compressed axially, the seal 50 extrudes radially inwardly and outwardly to provide a seal between the exterior surface of the associated pipe 22, 26 and a component of the connector 10 (e.g., the inner surface of the body 14 in the illustrated construction).
The illustrated seals 50 are of the type used in the commercially available line of engineered mechanical subsea connectors manufactured by Hydratight Limited. The seal 50 may be, for example, 98% pure exfoliated graphite. The seal 50 may include a laminate graphite sheet and/or be ribbon spun or spiral-wound around a mandrel into a mold that can be subsequently manipulated into a suitable construction (e.g., size, shape, etc.) for the connector 10. In other constructions, the seal 50 may include any of a variety of other seal packing materials.
In the illustrated construction, the seals 50 are prevented from extruding into gaps between the pipes 22, 26 and adjacent components of the connector 10 by the anti-extrusion rings 58, which can close down onto (i.e., move radially inwardly with respect to) the pipes 22, 26. Specifically, components (e.g., the abutment 30, the seal spacers 54, and the seal rams 34) adjacent the rings 58 include slanted engagement surfaces 66, which function as ramps to direct the rings 58 radially inwardly.
As the seals 50 and, more specifically, the top portion of the seals 50, are compressed, the bottom portions of the seals 50 expand. This forces the rings 58 into further engagement with the slanted surfaces 66, which directs the rings 58 radially inwardly. The rings 58 include a spiral or scarf cut 70 such that they are able to contract (i.e., decrease in diameter) or expand (i.e., increase in diameter) without plastically deforming.
The illustrated seal rams 34 are at least partially received by an opening defined by the end nuts 18. Gaps 74 are defined between opposite portions of the body 14 and the end nuts 18. The gaps 74 allow the end nuts 18 to move inwardly with respect to body 14 (i.e., toward the seal rams 34 and abutment 30) to reduce the size of the gaps 74. To facilitate this inward movement, the end nuts 18 include a plurality of drive holes 78 and a threaded region engaging a complementary threaded region of the body 14. The illustrated end nuts 18 may be moved axially inwardly by means of turning or rotating the end nuts 18 in a controlled manner.
The end nuts 18 and the seal rams 34 each include slanted engagement surfaces 82, 86, respectively. When the end nuts 18 are moved axially inwardly, the engagement surfaces 82, 86 compress therebetween a number of gripping rings (e.g., two gripping rings 90 in the illustrated construction), at least some of which are located at least partially within the opening defined by the associated end nut 18. The engagement surfaces 82, 86 may be coated with a dry film lubricant to assist in reducing contact friction when in contact with the gripping rings 90.
Each illustrated gripping ring 90 has a generally triangular cross-section with a radial inner surface 94, a sloped surface 98, and a surface 102 extending transverse to the longitudinal axis facing and engaged by the inner surface 102 of the adjacent gripping ring 90. The radial inner surface 94 of the gripping rings 90 may be profiled (i.e., formed with slits, grooves, bumps, etc.) to effect greater gripping capacity. The gripping rings 90 also include a spiral or scarf cut 106 such that they are able to contract (i.e., reduce in diameter) or expand (i.e., increase in diameter). In some embodiments, the gripping ring 90 may be able to expand and contract without plastically deforming. The inner surface(s) 102 may also be coated with a dry film lubricant to assist in reducing contact friction when the gripping rings 90 contract or expand.
To direct the gripping rings 90 radially inwardly, the slanted engagement surfaces 82, 86 function as ramps in a similar fashion to the engagement surfaces 66. When the end nuts 18 move axially inwardly (i.e., toward the abutment 30), the engagement surfaces 82, 86 engage the sloped surfaces 98 of the gripping rings 90 to compress the rings 90. The rings 90 are forced radially inwardly to engage and conform to the outer surface of the associated pipe 22, 26, to hold the connector 10 in engagement with the pipes 22, 26.
With respect to
In
As shown in
The gripping ring 190 also has a pair of spaced apart ends 208 that define an angled cut gap 206 such that the gripping ring 190 has a generally “C” shape as shown in
In the illustrated construction, the surfaces of the ends 208 and the planes A are oriented at the same angle relative to a radial plane intersecting each end 208. In other constructions (not shown), the surfaces of the ends 208 and the planes A may be oriented at different angles relative to the radial plane.
In the illustrated construction, the intersect axis B is radially offset from the central axis C by approximately half the outer radius of the gripping ring 190 and is generally opposite the gap 206. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the intersect axis B may be coaxial with the central axis C, or the intersect axis may be generally on the side of the central axis C closest to the gap 206. The intersect axis B may be located generally at any radial distance from the central axis C, either inside the gripping ring 190 or outside the gripping ring 190.
The planes A are spaced apart by an angle θ to define the gap 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle θ is between about 25 to about 35 degrees (e.g., approximately 30 degrees) for gripping rings of various diameters (e.g., a diameter of 4 inches). However, in other constructions (not shown), the angle θ may be approximately between about 25 to about 60 degrees for gripping rings of various diameters. For example, in some constructions, the angle θ is between about 27 to about 38 degrees (e.g., approximately 33 degrees) for gripping rings having a diameter of about 2 inches. In some other constructions, the angle θ is between about 50 to about 60 degrees (e.g., approximately 55 degrees) for gripping rings having a diameter of about approximately 1 inch.
As the gripping ring 190 is compressed during operation, the gripping ring 190 reduces in diameter to engage the pipe 22, 26. In the illustrated embodiment, when the gripping ring 190 is fully activated, the gripping ring 190 reduces in diameter such that the gap 206 has narrowed (e.g., to a width of 2 mm). In the illustrated embodiment, if the gripping ring 190 is fully compressed, the ends 208 of the gripping ring 190 contact one another preventing further reduction in diameter, thus preventing unintentional deformation to the pipe 22, 26. The gripping ring 190 may be constructed and/or the ends 208 may be angled such that the ends 208 meet together flush when the gripping ring 190 is fully compressed. Alternatively, the gripping ring 190 may be constructed and/or the ends 208 may be angled such that the ends 208 come into contact proximate the inner radius or the outer radius when the gripping ring 190 is fully compressed.
In other embodiments (not shown), the intersect axis B and, therefore, the planes A, may be angled relative to the central axis C resulting in a gap 206 similar to the scarf cut gap 106 of the gripping ring 90 shown in
To direct the gripping ring 190 radially inwardly, the slanted engagement surfaces 82, 86 function as ramps in a similar fashion to the engagement surfaces 66. When each end nut 18 moves axially inwardly (i.e., toward the abutment 30), the engagement surfaces 82, 86 engage the sloped surfaces 198 of the gripping ring 190 to compress the ring 190. The ring 190 is forced radially inwardly to engage and conform to the outer surface of the associated pipe 22, 26, to hold the connector 10 in engagement with the pipes 22, 26, as discussed above.
The installation process will be described with respect to one end of the connector 10 (i.e., the end for pipe 22) for the construction with the grip rings 90 shown in
With reference to
The torque wrench 130 and assembled pre-attached reaction sleeve 134 are placed over the pipe 22 and slid over the split driving insert 138. Slots 154 formed in the reaction sleeve 134 align with the outer body drive holes 40. With reference to
After calculating the movement of the seal ram 34 desired or required to achieve the minimum seal stress needed for a desired application, the user operates the torque wrench 130 to rotate the end nuts 18 inwardly with respect to the body 14. The user views the “top” or “bottom” slot 154 and drive holes 40 to gauge the movement of the seal ram 34, as it reduces the gap 74 (
At this point, operation of the torque wrench 130 is halted, and the remaining installation equipment is removed (i.e., reaction sleeve 134, split driving insert 138, etc.). Protective covers (not shown) are inserted into the outer body drive holes 40 to prevent ingress of unwanted materials, contaminants, etc. To confirm that the connector 10 has been installed correctly, the pressure test port 110 is accessed to permit external pressure testing for seal verification prior to placing the pipeline P into service.
During the installation process, the gripping rings 90, 190 are first activated (i.e., directed radially inwardly to engage the outside surface of the associated pipe 22, 26) by each end nut 18 meeting the associated seal ram 34 with opposition. By moving the end nut 18 axially inwardly, the seal ram 34 is, in turn, also moved axially inwardly (i.e., toward the abutment 30), compressing the seal(s) 50 radially onto the pipe surface. In meeting this resistance, the gripping rings 90, 190 engage the slanted surfaces 82, 86 (
Inward movement of the each end nut 18 continues, overcoming the opposition of the seal ram 34. The seal ram 34, in turn, also continues to move inwardly, continuing to compress the seal(s) 50 forming an ever more densely packed volume to affect the pressure tight seal. Further axial movement (e.g., by turning of the torque wrench 130) causes the anti-extrusion ring(s) 58 to close down onto the outer surface of the associated pipe 22, 26, in a manner similar to the gripping rings 90, 190 by action of the flowing nature of the seals 50 while being compressed. Continued axially inward movement of the end nut 18 increases the radial contact load of the gripping rings 90, 190 onto the outer surfaces of the associated pipe 22, 26.
In some embodiments, the connector 10 may be removable from one application (e.g., a first pipeline P) and re-installed or installed onto another application (e.g., another pipeline (not shown)) by simply replacing the seals 50 and re-using the gripping rings 90, 190. To remove the connector 10, the installation process is generally reversed.
The manner of operation of the construction of the connector 10 shown in
The connector 210 includes an outer body 214 and a pair of gripping sleeves 218 that move axially (i.e., along the longitudinal axis of the connector 210) inwardly and outwardly with respect to the body 214 for compressing various components held within a cavity defined by the body 214. The connector 210 is configured to grip onto and fluidly connect a first pipe 222 and a second pipe 226 (
The connector 210 includes a center abutment 230 received within the cavity of body 214 and formed as a separate piece therefrom. The abutment 230 is located near the middle of the cavity with a seal sleeve 234 on each side. The abutment 230 has a rib 238 extending radially outward from the body of the abutment 230 with a width less than the width of the body of the abutment 230. Gaps 242 are defined between opposite portions of the abutment 230 and the seal sleeves 234. The seal sleeves 234 are movable inwardly with respect to the body 214 (i.e., toward the abutment 230) to reduce the size of the gaps 242.
While referred to as a “center abutment”, the abutment 230 does not necessarily provide a reaction surface against which one of the pipes 222, 226 engages. The center abutment 230 generally guides and centralizes the pipes 222, 226 and has a width to accommodate an open tolerance for pipe insertion. For example,
The abutment 230 and the seal sleeves 234 each include an engagement surface 246, 250, respectively, to compress, therebetween a number of seals (e.g., two seals 254) when the sleeves 234 are moved axially inwardly. The seals 254 are axially spaced apart by seal spacers 258 and scarfed, wire-type, anti-extrusion rings 262 (AERs). A void 260 is defined axially between the seals 254 (e.g., in the seal spacer 258) on each side of the abutment 230.
When the sleeves 234 move axially inwardly (i.e., toward the abutment 230), the material of the seals 254 compresses and is forced radially inwardly to engage the outer surface of the associated pipe 222, 226, to form a pressure tight seal. When compressed axially, the seal 254 extrudes radially inwardly and outwardly to provide a seal between the exterior surface of the associated pipe 222, 226 and a component of the connector 210 (e.g., the inner surface of the seal sleeve 234 in the illustrated construction).
The illustrated seals 254 are of the type used in the commercially available line of engineered mechanical subsea connectors manufactured by Hydratight Limited, as described above. The seal 254 may be graphite seals formed of, for example, 98% pure exfoliated graphite. The seal 254 may include a laminate graphite sheet and/or be ribbon spun or spiral-wound around a mandrel into a mold that can be subsequently manipulated into a suitable construction (e.g., size, shape, etc.) for the connector 210. In other constructions, the seal 254 may include any of a variety of other seal packing materials.
In the illustrated construction, the seals 254 are prevented from extruding into gaps between the pipes 222, 226 and adjacent components of the connector 210 by the anti-extrusion rings 262, which can close down onto (i.e., move radially inwardly with respect to) the pipes 222, 226. Specifically, components (e.g., the abutment 230, the seal spacers 258, and the seal sleeves 234) adjacent the rings 262 include slanted engagement surfaces 266, which function as ramps to direct the rings 262 radially inwardly.
As the seals 254 and, more specifically, the top portion of the seals 254, are compressed, the bottom portions of the seals 254 expand. This forces the rings 262 into further engagement with the slanted surfaces 266, which directs the rings 262 radially inwardly. The rings 262 include a spiral or scarf cut 270 such that they are able to contract (i.e., decrease in diameter) or expand (i.e., increase in diameter) without plastically deforming.
The seal sleeves 234 are at least partially received by an opening defined by gripping sleeves 218. The seal sleeves 234 also include an outer portion 274 extending radially outwardly from the body of the seal sleeves 234. Gaps 278 are defined between portions of the gripping sleeves 218 and the seal sleeves 234. The gaps 278 allow the gripping sleeves 218 to move inwardly with respect to body 214 (i.e., toward the seal sleeves 234 and the abutment 230) to reduce the size of the gaps 278. To facilitate this inward movement, the gripping sleeves 218 may include a threaded region engaging a complementary threaded region of the body 214. The illustrated gripping sleeves 218 may be moved axially inwardly by means of turning or rotating the gripping sleeves 218 in a controlled manner.
The gripping sleeves 218 and the seal sleeves 234 include slanted engagement surfaces 282, 286, respectively. When the gripping sleeves 218 are moved axially inwardly, the engagement surfaces 282, 286 compress therebetween a number of gripping rings (e.g., four gripping rings 290 in the illustrated construction), at least some of which are located at least partially within the opening defined by the associated gripping sleeve 218.
In the illustrated construction, the gripping rings 290 are axially spaced apart by friction reducing washers or discs 294 and gripping ring spacers 298 to prevent adverse interaction when in contact with the pipes 222, 226. The discs 294 reduce contact friction of the gripping rings 290 when the gripping rings 290 contract or expand. The discs 294 may be coated with a dry film lubricant to assist in further reducing contact friction. In addition to the slanted engagement surfaces 282, 286, the gripping ring spacers 298 also include slanted surfaces 302, which function as ramps to direct the gripping rings 290 radially inwardly.
It should be understood that, in an alternate construction of the grip-lock pipeline connector 210 shown in
Each illustrated gripping ring 290 has a generally triangular cross-section with a sloped surface 306 engaged by the slanted surfaces 282, 286, 302 to direct the gripping rings 290 radially inwardly and a surface 308 extending transverse to the longitudinal axis and engaged by one of the friction reducing discs 294. The gripping rings 290 include a spiral or scarf cut 310 such that they are able to contract (i.e., reduce in diameter) or expand (i.e., increase in diameter) without plastically deforming as they are directed radially inwardly or outwardly, respectively.
When the sleeves 218 move axially inwardly (i.e., toward the abutment 230), the rings 290 compress and are forced radially inwardly to engage and conform to the outer surface of the pipes 222, 226, to hold the connector 210 in engagement with the pipes 222, 226. The radial inner surface of the gripping rings 290 may be profiled (i.e., formed with slits, grooves, bumps, etc.) to effect greater gripping capacity.
To direct the gripping rings 290 radially inwardly, the slanted engagement surfaces 282, 286, 302 function as ramps. When the gripping sleeves 218 move axially inwardly (i.e., toward the abutment 230), the engagement surfaces 282, 286, 302 engage the sloped surfaces 306 of the gripping rings 290 to compress the rings 290. The rings 290 are forced radially inwardly to engage and conform to the outer surface of the associated pipe 222, 226, to hold the connector 210 in engagement with the pipes 222, 226.
With respect to
In
The connector 210 is then activated by a hand-held external activation system to grip onto the pipe by the internal gripping rings 290. The hand-held external activation system used to activated the connector 210 may be similar to the activation system 126 described above. With the separate center abutment 230, each end of the connector 210 is activated simultaneously to balance relative movement of the components of the opposite ends.
During the installation process, the gripping rings 290 are first activated (i.e., directed radially inwardly to engage the outside surface of the associated pipe 222, 226) by moving the gripping sleeves 218 axially inwardly toward the abutment 230 by means of pushing or turning by threaded contact such that the gripping sleeves 218 are met with opposition from the seal sleeves 234. By moving the gripping sleeves 218 axially inwardly, the seal sleeves 234 are, in turn, also moved axially inwardly (i.e., toward the abutment 230), compressing the seals 254 radially onto the pipe surface. In meeting this resistance, the gripping rings 290 engage the slanted surfaces 282, 286, 302 and are forced radially inwardly into contact with the associated pipe 222, 226 (
Inward movement of the gripping sleeves 218 continues, overcoming the opposition of the seal sleeves 234. The seal sleeves 234, in turn, also continue to move inwardly, continuing to compress the seals 254 forming an ever more densely packed volume to affect the pressure tight seal. Further axial movement (e.g., by turning) causes the anti-extrusion rings 262 to close down onto the outer surface of the pipes 222, 226, in a manner similar to the gripping rings 290, by action of the flowing nature of the seals 254 while being compressed (
The axial inward movement of the gripping sleeves 218 is stopped once the gripping sleeves 218 have moved inwardly by a pre-determined distance (
The connector 210 is removable from one application (e.g., a first pipeline P) and re-installed or installed onto another application (e.g., another pipeline (not shown)) by simply replacing the seals 254 and re-using the gripping rings 290. To remove the connector 210, the installation process is generally reversed.
In some installation operations, when the first end is activated by turning the first end nut to simultaneously activate the first seal(s) and the first gripping ring(s), the first gripping ring closes down onto the associated first pipe and pulls the pipe along until the seal has compressed at a predetermined distance or torque. When the second pipe is abutted with the first, when the second end is activated in the same manner by turning the second end nut to simultaneously activate the second seal(s) and the second gripping ring(s), the second gripping ring closes down onto and tries to pull the second pipe but cannot due to the abutment with the first pipe and the opposing resistance.
The torque to overcome the friction between the second gripping ring and the second pipe to move to compress the second seal(s) is excessive and greatly exceeds the torque required on the first end. A pipe connector generally cannot be operated with different torque values on the opposite ends. This situation may be alleviated by not abutting the pipes before activation of the second end, but this relative positioning of the pipes cannot be guaranteed.
The connector 410 generally includes an arrangement to separate or decouple activation of the seal(s) 450 from activation of the gripping ring(s) 590. In the illustrated construction, the arrangement includes one or more dowel pins 700 engageable in the gap 606 of the gripping ring 590 to limit radial compression of the gripping ring 590 and engagement with the pipe (not shown). In this construction, the seal(s) 450 are activated, and movement of the pin(s) 500 out of the gap 606 allows for final activation of the gripping ring(s) 590 to engage and grip the pipe. The arrangement keeps the gripping ring 590 clear of the pipe until seal activation to prevent the pipe from being dragged along for the operation. Such an arrangement may not be necessary when there is no gripping feature in the pipe connector.
The end nut 418 defines an opening 704 to receive each pin 700 (one in the illustrated construction). In other constructions (not shown), the end nut 418 may define a number of openings 704 to allow the pin 700 to be supported in a number of different circumferential positions on the end nut 418 to be received into the gap 606.
The pin 700 and the opening 704 include cooperating structure (e.g., threads) to adjustably position the pin 700 on the end nut 418. The pin 700 is arranged to selectively extend into the gap 606 in the gripping ring 590 and to be moved out of the gap 606. In the illustrated construction, the pin 700 is removed from the end nut 418 when it is not needed in the gap 606.
The pin 700 has (see
In another construction (see
The pin arrangement may be applied to a scarf-cut gripping ring (such as the gripping ring 90, described above). In such constructions (not shown), a pin (such as the pin 700) is positioned to limit radial movement of the scarf-cut gripping ring to grip the pipe P. The scarf cut of the gripping ring is in a different plane to the pin 700 described above. In one example, if the end nut is constructed (e.g., made longer) so that the gripping ring is outside of and does not enter the outer body (while being adjacent the activation face of the end nut), the pin can be radially inserted and removed, applying a similar arrangement to the C-shape gripping ring 590.
Due to Graphite-to-steel friction being lower than steel-to-steel friction, the ram 434 rotates, ensuring that the pin 700 is not used as a drive pin. The pin 700 is only under compression, as are the ends 608 of the gripping ring 590. Because the pin 700 is not subjected to torque, the end nut 418 is less likely to be damaged and can remain as a slender design.
With the seal(s) 450 at the correct compression (see
The above illustrated embodiments in
The embodiments of the dowel pin(s) 700 shown in
As seen in
Other oblong configurations would work as well, such as an elliptical prism or oval prism. Also, a diamond or kite shaped prism would work. As shown in
As shown in
As best shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Once activation is complete, pre-set gaps are at their minimum. The procedure is then repeated for the opposite end. Finally, the seals 450 can be pressure tested as discussed above.
As described above, the connector 410 is removable from one application (e.g., a first pipeline P) and re-installed or installed onto another application (e.g., another pipeline (not shown)) by simply replacing the seals 450 and re-using the gripping rings 490. To remove the connector 410, the installation process is generally reversed.
The components of the connector 10, 210, 410 are compatible with the material of the pipeline P and with the media carried by the pipeline P. In some constructions, the structural components may be formed of suitable materials, such as, for example, steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, etc.
Although the invention has be described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described above.
One or more independent features and independent advantages of the invention may be set forth in the claims.
This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of co-pending, prior-filed PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2015/048116, filed Sep. 2, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/174,771, filed Jun. 12, 2015, and 62/044,678, filed Sep. 2, 2014, and also claims priority to co-pending, prior-filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/281,588, filed Jan. 21, 2016, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62281588 | Jan 2016 | US | |
62174771 | Jun 2015 | US | |
62044678 | Sep 2014 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/US2015/048116 | Sep 2015 | US |
Child | 15410464 | US |