Abstract: An adapter union is disclosed which is especially useful for installation by butt welding on containers for fluids to permit a conduit of smaller internal diameter to be removably attached thereto, and also for certain other specialized uses described herein. The adapter union includes an improved butt weld adapter member. When desired, the adapter member may be installed on containers for fluids by butt welding to thereby permit a conduit of smaller diameter to be attached directly thereto. The disclosure further relates to containers for fluids having the adapter union and/or the adapter member installed thereon. When the adapter union is installed properly, the resultant structure provides for permanency of the installation when desired, and also allows future changes and modifications to be made easily and without damaging the adapter union and/or conduits or other cooperating apparatus attached thereto.

Abstract: A flange union is disclosed which is provided with inner and outer annular metal-to-metal seals and an optional resilient seal and/or insert. In one embodiment, the two metal-to-metal seals are formed simultaneously, and in another embodiment they are formed sequentially thereby allowing the second to be used as a back-up seal. The configuration of the metal sealing surfaces is such that an annular metal-to-metal line seal of minimum surface area is formed closely adjacent the internal diameter of the bore, and an annular metal-to-metal line seal is formed, or is capable of being formed, outward therefrom. This sealing structure results in markedly less stress and strain on the flange bolts to achieve and maintain the desired sealing pressure. Male-female sealing surfaces mate adjacent the internal diameter of the bore, and the flange union is self aligning in that area. The flange union will seal effectively with the flange members being either in or out of alignment.

Abstract: A flange union is disclosed which is provided with opposed recessed female seats carried by the terminal inner ends of the flange members. A replacable sealing ring having an annular convex sealing surface is positioned between the annular cooperating sealing surfaces of the female seats. The configuration of the sealing surfaces is such that an annular metal-to-metal line seal of minimum surface area is formed closely adjacent the internal diameter of the bore. This results in the need for markedly less stress and strain on the flange bolts to achieve and maintain the sealing pressure. The flange union will seal effectively with the flange members being either in or out of alignment.

Abstract: An access union is disclosed which is especially useful for installation on containers for fluids to permit access thereto. The invention is also concerned with containers for fluids having the access union of the invention installed thereon. When installed on containers for fluids, the access union of the invention provides for permanency of the installation when desired, and also allows future changes and modifications to be made easily and without damaging the access union and/or an access conduit or other cooperating apparatus attached thereto.

Abstract: A valve comprising a body having a straight-through flow passage, a valve head moveable at an acute angle with the downstream end of the passage into and out of the passage, and a valve seat extending about the passage for cooperation with the valve head to adjust the valve over a range from the wide-open to the closed condition, the valve seat approaching the axis of the passage no more closely than does the wall of the narrowest portion of the passage upstream or downstream of the seat, whereby in the wide-open condition, the valve head is removed from the passage, the axis of the passage remains a straight line, and the cross-sectional area of the passage at the position of the seat is no less than it is at the narrowest portion of the passage upstream or downstream of the seat.

Abstract: A valve comprising a body having a straight-through flow passage, a valve head moveable at an acute angle with the downstream end of the passage into and out of the passage, and a valve seat extending about the passage for cooperation with the valve head to adjust the valve over a range from the wide-open to the closed condition, the valve seat approaching the axis of the passage no more closely than does the wall of the narrowest portion of the passage upstream or downstream of the seat, whereby in the wide-open condition, the valve head is removed from the passage, the axis of the passage remains a straight line, and the cross-sectional area of the passage at the position of the seat is no less than it is at the narrowest portion of the passage upstream or downstream of the seat.