Abstract: A misalignment connector for large pipelines includes an internal, metal seal ring having an external spherical surface which is axially and circumferentially loaded between opposed internal spherical metal surfaces of pipe connector hubs having parts engaged with holding means having spherical surfaces enabling the connector to be made up with the pipe connector hubs disposed over a range of angular misalignment and with the sealing ring loaded axially and inwardly when the connector body parts are secured together by the holding means to prevent relaxation of the preload on the sealing ring. The metal sealing ring is initially supported on one of the hubs by means enabling relative angular motion of the sealing ring as it is loaded between misaligned hubs. The hubs are provided with thrust surfaces enabling them to be initially preloaded against the sealing ring by a loading tool.

Abstract: A single point mooring apparatus for loading a tanker from a sub-sea source including surface and submerged flotation chambers connected by a hollow mooring line which has its lower end releasably connected to a permanent pile anchor in the ocean bottom. Flexible flowlines are connected to the surface buoy for transferring fluids to the ship and a ship mooring hawser is connected from below the surface for securing the ship to the mooring apparatus.

Abstract: A pipe connector has a pin initially stabbed into a box, the pin and box then being axially loaded together at confronting transverse surfaces while the pin and box are pressurized to expand the box and compress the pin, so that when the pressure is relieved a pressure energized shrink fit is provided and the connector is rendered rigid to enhance tensile, compressive and bending strength and provide a fluid tight joint useful in making up lengths of pipe such as piles and pipelines. Locking screws hold the connector against axial separation to maintain the pin under axial compression and maintain the box under axial tension. The lock screws are threaded into the upper end of the box to fasten the pin to the box or a sleeve or gland nut can be threaded on one of the pins and the box and engage a locking shoulder on the other of the pin and the box.

Abstract: A pipe connector has a pin initially stabbed into a box, the pin and box then being axially loaded together at confronting transverse surfaces while the pin and box are pressurized to expand the box and compress the pin, so that when the pressure is relieved a pressure energized shrink fit is provided between the pin and box and the connector is rendered rigid to enhance tensile, compressive and bending strength and provide a fluid tight joint useful in making up lengths of pipe such as piles or pipelines, locking elements or coengageable ratchet teeth or gripping means on the tapered surfaces, automatically locking the pin and box together to prevent separation of the transverse surfaces and hold the pin in compression and the box in tension.

Abstract: A pipe connector has a pin initially stabbed into a box, the pin and box then being axially loaded together at confronting transverse surfaces while the pin and box are pressurized to expand the box and compress the pin, so that when the pressure is relieved a pressure energized shrink fit is provided and the connector is rendered rigid to enhance tensile, compressive and bending strength and provide a fluid tight joint useful in making up lengths of pipe such as piles and pipelines. A lock ring holds the connector against axial separation to maintain the pin under axial compression and maintain the box under axial tension.

Abstract: A pipe connector has a pin initially stabbed into a box, the pin and box then being axially loaded together at confronting transverse surfaces while the pin and box are pressurized to expand the box and compress the pin, so that when the pressure is relieved a pressure energized shrink fit is provided and the connector is rendered rigid to enhance tensile, compressive and bending strength and provide a fluid tight joint useful in making up lengths of pipe such as piles and pipelines. Lock means hold the connector against axial separation to maintain the pin under axial compression and maintain the box under axial tension, including circumferentially spaced locking elements projecting radially from one of said pin and box into a locking recess of the other of said pin and box.

Abstract: A pipe connector has a pin initially stabbed into a box, the pin and box then being axially loaded together at confronting transverse surfaces while the pin and box are pressurized to expand the box and compress the pin, so that when the pressure is relieved a pressure energized shrink fit is provided and the connector is rendered rigid to enhance tensile, compressive and bending strength and provide a fluid tight joint useful in making up lengths of pipe such as piles and pipelines.

Abstract: A pipe connector has a pin initially stabbed into a box, the pin and box then being axially loaded together at confronting transverse surfaces while the pin and box are pressurized to expand the box and compress the pin, so that when the pressure is relieved a pressure energized shrink fit is provided and the connector is rendered rigid to enhance tensile, compressive and bending strength and provide a fluid tight joint useful in making up lengths of pipe such as piles and pipelines. Locking means are installed while the connector is pressurized, is axially loaded by a loading tool and before pressure is relieved, the locking means engaging between opposed pin and box shoulders to retain the pin in compression and the box in tension when the pressure is relieved and the loading tool removed. The locking means is a wire, discs, balls or a split ring.

Abstract: A connector for securing adjacent pile sections, or other pipe sections, to each other, including a box disposed over a pin, with the end of the box engaging a companion pin shoulder, the pin and box being rigidly secured together by a plurality of lock dogs forced radially within companion grooves in the pin, the dogs and grooves having coengaging cam surfaces exerting an axial thrust between the box end and pin shoulder upon inward movement of the dogs, to provide a large bearing area and preload between the pin and box under substantial compression to prevent separation between the pin and box due to rebound during the pile driving operation.

Abstract: A gauge flange providing a means for mounting a gauge in communication with service pressure and having means for selectively closing off such fluid communication to isolate the gauge for removal and/or repair.