Abstract: An independent screwed wellhead apparatus and method provide for connecting a high pressure casing nipple (34) to internal threads (36) disposed along the bore (38) of the wellhead body (12) to temporarily increase the working pressure capability of the wellhead body (12). The internal threads (36) are supported by a thick wall (44) of the wellhead body (12) disposed in a lower end (13) of the wellhead body (12). The lower end (13) of the wellhead body (12) has a higher working pressure capability than the upper end (19) of the wellhead body (12). The high pressure casing nipple (34) temporarily isolates the upper end (19) from the higher pressure.

Abstract: A wellhead flange assembly 12 is provided for interconnecting the threaded end of an upwardly projecting screwed wellhead 16 with a lower flange of the blowout preventer 24. The flange assembly comprises a threaded adapter 40 including a thin-walled portion 54, a flange support portion 56, and an upper stop portion 52. A wellhead flange 42 includes a plurality of bolt holes 44 and an upper surface 51 for engagement with the lower flange of the blowout preventer. A plurality of securing members 48 are provided for selectively connecting and disconnecting the wellhead flange 42 and the threaded adapter 40. An adapter-to-flange seal 60 is provided for sealing engagement between the threaded adapter 40 and the wellhead flange 42. According the method of the invention, the threaded adapter may be easily heated to facilitate removal from the screwed wellhead, or may be cut off the screwed wellhead without damaging the screwed wellhead, thereby permitting the reuse of the wellhead flange on a new well.

Abstract: A connector for high pressure fluid conduits, such as fire hoses, has a chamber (10) with an inlet (4) and outlet (6) and between them a resilient ring (18), having an outer diameter close to the width of the chamber, on a dished support (14). The ring has a generally rectangular section except for a chamfer (24) on the inner upstream edge. The support has a central flow passage (16) aligned with the central passage (20) in the ring and carries two intersecting trapezoidal fins (22) projecting through the ring. When connected to a complementary coupling, the inlet and outlet bores of the connector correspond to the diameter of the chamfered portion of the ring. The device controls transient pressure peaks by deformation of the resilient ring without excessive reduction in flow.