Abstract: A means of sealing a multipath, multipass swivel whereby that part of the structure housing the seal element deflects under pressure to compensate for the overall structural deflections, such that a constant seal gap is maintained. A means of lubricating and flushing seal surfaces is also disclosed whereby a controlled liquid is injected between two seals at a higher pressure than the production fluid such that the seal between the injected liquid and the production fluid is less capable than the seal between the controlled liquid and ambient.

Abstract: Vibration and shock isolation, as well as working fluid flow path sealing in a turbine-type power plant having a turbine housing 18 with a radially directed peripheral outlet 38 is achieved by locating the turbine housing 18 within a tubular housing 44 with a radially inwardly opening port 46 aligned with the turbine housing outlet 38 and disposing elastomeric seal and turbine mounts 50, 52 mounted on spaced side walls 28 and 30 for sealing the outlet 38 to the port 46 and to serve as engine mounts for a turbine wheel 10 and the turbine housing 18.

Abstract: A engageable joint having male pipe end and a female pipe end. The male and female pipe ends are removably engaged with gaskets. The gaskets are inflatable and arranged in a plurality of stages in the axial direction to inflatably seal a clearance between the pipe ends, and the joint has a clamp device for clamping the two pipe ends so that the pipe ends can be engaged and disengaged readily and reliably.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling (20) for fluid tight connection to a threaded fluid port (22). A body (26) of the quick connect coupling (20) having a cylindrical, externally threaded first end (28) defining an axially extending passage (29) into the coupling body (26). Axially slidable sleeve (42) being mounted on the outside of the coupling body (26) for slidable motion between a seal unassisted position and a seal assisted position, the axially slidable sleeve (42) forcing against an elastomeric seal (30) in the seal assisted position so as to provide a fluid tight seal between an end of the fluid port (22) and the coupling (20).

Abstract: A fluid swivel system of the type suitable for use with a single point mooring system and the like includes mandrel structure that defines a through flow path from a coupling to a port in an outer cylindrical interface surface, a port in the outer interface surface. Generally toroidal structure surrounds and is mounted for rotation relative to the mandrel structure, the toroid structure having an inner cylindrical interface surface in juxtaposed relation to the interface surface of the mandrel structure. The mandrel and toroid structures cooperate to define a through flow passage between the mandrel coupling and a toroid port in the external surface of the swivel and further cooperate to define an annular seal chamber between the juxtaposed interface surfaces on either side of the through passage.

Abstract: A fluid swivel is described, which is especially useful for carrying hydrocarbons at high pressures between stationary and rotating walls of a swivel. The swivel forms a fluid-carrying annular chamber and a pair of gap-like passages lying between the walls and extending from opposite sides of the chamber to the environment, with primary and secondary face seals located along each passage. Each passage includes a portion extending between the seals, the passage portion forming a pair of largely radially-extending wall surfaces, one on the outer wall and one on the inner wall. The radially-extending wall surface on the outer wall faces in a first axial direction, and the outer wall at the secondary seal faces in an opposite axial direction. As a result, if the primary seal should fail, this will not change the axial force on the outer wall. The extrusion gaps at the seals extend in radial directions from the seal, so these gaps do not widen when high pressure is applied to the fluid swivel.

Abstract: A pressure-assisted dynamic seal mechanism for sealing two relatively movable members within a tubing string in a well includes a primary seal member having a first cross-sectional area positioned for sealing engagement between the two relatively movable members. The primary seal is pressure-assisted by a back-up seal mechanism comprising a second seal member having a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the primary seal member and a third seal member having a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the second seal member. The pressures which act directly across the primary seal member also act in the same direction across the third seal member, whereas these pressures act in an opposite direction across the second seal member.

Abstract: A seal pressure reduction system for protecting fluid seals located in the sealing gap between the moving parts of a fluid-carrying system from deterioration due to chemical action, excessive temperature or excessive pressure is disclosed. A first seal resistant to chemical action and excessive temperatures is installed in the sealing gap such that the front side of the first seal is in contact with the production fluid. A second seal resistant to excessive pressure is installed in the sealing gap between the first seal and the ambiance to form a sealed cavity along the sealing gap. A hydraulic fluid is located in the sealed cavity. A hydraulic pressure means located between and communicating with the production fluid and the hydraulic fluid is used to pressurize the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic pressure means is actuated by the pressure of the production fluid to pressurize the hydraulic fluid to a pressure greater than, less than, or equal to that of the production fluid.

Abstract: A geothermal expansion wellhead system is provided which adapts the wellhead and control valves to the casing in the wellbore. The system suspends and seals the casing while expanding and contracting during geothermal operations at temperatures up to 550.degree. F. and above. The system consists of an expansion spool in which there is mounted an expansion mandrel which is secured on the end of the production casing extending out of a cemented geothermal well. The expansion mandrel has a hard smooth surface, preferably produced by electroplating. Annular seals seal the annulus between the expansion mandrel and the expansion spool and have a sliding engagement with the hard smooth surface of the expansion mandrel. The annular seals are energized by pressurization with a high temperature plastic composition and the seal may be re-energized at any time during operation. The expansion mandrel includes scraper elements which scrape off corrosion or other deposits on the inner surface of the expansion spool.

Abstract: A breech block hanger support member for a subsea wellhead assembly for wells having a working pressure up to approximately 15,000 psi. The assembly includes a wellhead, the support member, a packoff for sealing the support member, and one or more other casing hangers supported by the support member. The support member is connected to the wellhead for itself suspending casing, for supporting at least one other casing hanger and casing, and for containing the working pressure. Breech block teeth are provided on the wellhead and support member to permit the support member to be stabbed into the wellhead and rotated less than 360.degree. for completing the connection therebetween. The teeth include groupings of spaced-apart no-lead teeth having slots therebetween. The slots provide a flow way for passing well fluids. The support member further includes an upper annular flange for arresting its downward movement within the wellhead. This flange includes flutes aligned with the slots for passing well fluids.

Abstract: In a swivel joint which leads high-pressure liquid in a fixed pipe into a rotatable pipe coupled slidably to said fixed pipe, a lubricating chamber is provided in the neighborhood of sliding area between the fixed and rotatable pipes, and lubricant having at least same pressure as that of said high-pressure liquid is led into said lubricating chamber for smooth rotation and prevention of leakage of the high-pressure liquid and abrasion of the sldiing area.

Abstract: A tubular joint having two tubular members having an inner end tapered to provide sealing surfaces, means for joining the tubular members together with the tapered end surfaces adjoining each other, and a seal ring having an inner surface and tapered outer surfaces mating with the tapers of the tapered end surfaces and at least one port through the ring from the mid point of one of its tapered outer surfaces to its inner surface.

Abstract: A fluid sealing apparatus for use on telescopic slip joints of marine risers. A sealed housing is secured to one of the two telescopic members of the slip joint in a concentric surrounding relationship to the other tubular members with an annular recess disposed adjacent thereto. Positioned within the annular recess is one or more resiliently deformable packing elements operably deformed by sliding movement of an associated fluid pressure responsive packing follower. The packing follower is movable within the recess toward a central guide bushing for urging the packing disposed therebetween to be radially inwardly deformed for initially establishing and maintaining the desired fluid leakage blocking seal.

Abstract: A detachable pipe joint of the type having conical male and female parts has a recess in one of the parts covered by an expansible hard material, the recess being connected with a hole to which a high pressure fluid can be applied so as to expand the hard covering and provide a firm joint.

Abstract: A pipe coupling is disclosed in which two identical tubular parts, to receive pipe ends, each have a flange at one end thereof and are held together, via their flanges, by a clamping ring which has a radially inwardly facing groove which receives the flanges. Each flange on its side remote from the other flange slopes outwardly from the periphery of the tubular part towards said one end thereof providing a ramp surface engaged by the free edge of a respective one of the two side walls of the inwardly facing groove of the clamping ring so that a circumferential tension in the clamping ring produces a wedging action urging the flanges into engagement with each other. In a variant each of the two tubular parts is angled with respect to its end flange so that by adjusting the tubular parts relative to each other about the common axes of their flanges, the angle between the axes of the main portions of the tubular parts can be adjusted, thus providing a pipe bend of adjustable angle.

Abstract: In a suction dredger, the connection between the water tube flange and the water duct flange is more reliable in operation, if the slush tube is adapted to turn by means of a rotary gland with respect to the slush tube flange to be rigidly coupled with the floating body, with the slush tube flange being connected through an arm with a water tube piece, while the water tube piece is connected through a flexible tubing with the water tube.

Abstract: A pressure compensated slide joint for sealing first and second tubes having high pressure fluid flowing therethrough comprising a metallic, resilient sealing element extending from the first tube into an interference fit with the interior surface of the second tube, and an annular chamber, variable lengthwise in the axial direction, formed from two parts, each coupled to one of the tubes and in a slidable, sealing relationship with the other, and which has a vent communicating with the interior of the second tube. The sealing element is formed of a frustoconical portion and a ring portion having a curved outer surface contacting the interior surface of the second tube.

Abstract: An improved pitless well adapter including a supported unit connected to a pump drop pipe and mating with a hanger unit. The hanger unit includes a body portion defining a passageway aligned with a passageway in the supported unit and a nipple portion extending outwardly through an aperture formed in a well casing below the ground surface. A sealing arrangement pressurized by pumped fluid is provided around the casing aperture and, preferably, an anti-syphon check valve is disposed in a seal pressurization passageway leading to the seal arrangement to prevent depressurization of the seal and contamination of the well upon reverse flow of the pumped fluid in the pump drop pipe. Double gaskets in one embodiment from a sealed chamber pressurized by pumped fluid entirely inside of the well casing about the casing aperture.

Abstract: A dynamic pipe coupling for connecting the ends of two pipes so as to prevent axial separation thereof but which permits axial flexing therebetween. The coupling includes two coupling members, each of which is connectible at one end thereof to the end of one of the pipes. One member has attached thereto a ball-shaped portion and the other coupling member has a housing arranged to receive the ball portion thereinto. Further, the housing has an annular channel-shaped groove thereabout facing radially outwardly. The coupling includes a setting ring assembly mountable about the coupling members, with the ring having a portion with an internal surface for matingly engaging the rearward side of the ball and having another portion for receiving thereinto and radially surrounding at least that portion of the external surface of the other coupling member having the aforesaid annular recess.