Abstract: A joint assembly allows a riser system to have a weak point that can fail at a known location and tension value without reducing the riser pressure containment capacity. The joint assembly includes a standard riser pipe machined to remove material, for example, to form a groove. The joint assembly also comprises means for restoring pressure capacity. For example, the means for restoring pressure capacity include a combination of a thick-bodied clamp and a split insert ring. The split insert ring can bridge between the groove and the clamp, at least partially transferring the pressure load contained inside the machined pipe to the clamp.

Abstract: A sound sensor, a hydrophone including the sound sensor, and a pressure balancing device for using for the hydrophone are provided. The hydrophone includes: a sensor including a sensing part and a pressure balancing part; a printed circuit board (PCB) that is electrically connected to the sensor; a case that houses the sensor and the PCB and that has an opening at one side thereof; an elastic membrane that covers the opening of the case; and a signal line that is electrically connected to the PCB to be extended to the outside of the case. The pressure balancing part includes a diaphragm of a thin film and a support that supports the diaphragm. A pressure balancing hole is formed at one side of the pressure balancing part, and at the inside of the pressure balancing part, a channel that is connected to the pressure balancing hole is formed, and a compressible gas is filled in the channel.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for connecting two sub-flow systems (e.g. airplane fuel tanks) and conveying a fluid between the two sub-systems using a pressured balanced transfer tube, particularly when there are large radial and axial movements or offsets between the sub-systems. Unlike conventional fluid transfer systems, the present apparatus allows for the pressure in the transfer tube to be balanced to internalize the pressure forces and prevent the exertion of pressure forces on the sub-systems connected to the transfer tube.

Abstract: A coupling according to the invention comprises a first part (1) and a second part (2). The first part (1) comprises a housing (5) with a bore (6) and a slide element (7) arranged movable within the bore (6) and the slide element (7) has two ends (10,11), which both end surfaces (10,11) in a disconnected state of the coupling, are exposed to a surrounding fluid around the coupling.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced hydraulic coupling suitable for undersea use comprises a male member having one or more flow ports on the side of its probe section and a poppet valve actuator extending from the end of the probe section which has a fluid-tight seal around the actuator. The female member has a removable annular flow piece for fluid communication with the flow ports in the probe of the male member. In certain embodiments the annular flow piece has integral probe seals. In other embodiments, the removable annular flow piece comprises a seal retainer. In yet other embodiments, the removable annular flow piece comprises the inner part of a two-part seal cartridge.

Abstract: A disposable breakaway hose connector for a fuel line prevents untimely decoupling, and avoids unnecessary leakage. The breakaway connector includes a pair of fittings, for connecting to the fuel line, an inner sleeve provided for limited sliding movement upon one of the fittings, with each fitting incorporating a poppet valve, to provide for closure when decoupling occurs, or other unseating, from within the respect fittings, during normal aggregate and usage. Detents are provided within one of the fittings for interconnecting to normally retain the connector as assembled, but various O-rings arranged within an inner sleeve and upon one of the fittings, provide for limited movement when tensioning force is exerted and clearance for disconnection. A fluid chamber is provided intermediate of the O-rings, to equalize and counterbalance fluid pressures that occasionally spike within the connector and hose line.

Abstract: A connector for connecting the lower tubular member of a tie-back to the upper tubular member of a subsea wellhead is disclosed as having a first sleeve carried about the upper member for axial reciprocation with respect thereto and extension over the lower member, and a second sleeve also carried by the upper tubular member for axial reciprocation thereto within the first sleeve. Each of the tubular members has locking grooves formed about its ends, and a normally expanded lock ring has about its ends to engage the grooves, as well as outer cam surfaces carried within inner cam surfaces on the inner sides of the sleeves for radial movement between a normally expanded unlocking position and a contracted locking position, as the sleeves are axially reciprocated in opposite directions with respect response to one another. A fluid operator is formed between the upper portions of the sleeves for moving them in opposite axial directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a pipeline expansion joint, in particular the conditions of a pressure-balanced expansion joint. A sensor is positioned so as to sense one or more physical characteristics of a pipeline fluid flow. A signal generated by the sensor(s) is received by a suitably configured electronic controller. The controller, in turn, is connected to a flow control valve, that is movable between at least an “off” or “no-flow” position, and a flow permitting position, connecting a source of compressible medium and the volume confined between the two (or more) balancing bellows of a pressure-balanced expansion joint. An accumulator may also be provided, that may be connectable via the flow control valve, to the confined volume. The controller will be operably configured to cause the valve to be moved, in response to signals received from the sensor(s) that correspond to stored numerical data in the controller that represent different potential operating conditions.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member is disclosed, for example for connecting a riser to a wellhead in a subsea oilfield location. The second tubular member has a seating surface and comprises an engagable locking profile. The connector comprises a housing for securing the connector to the end portion of the first tubular member, the housing comprising a seating surface for contacting the seating surface of the second tubular member.

Abstract: A connector adapter includes an embracing holder and a connector piston. The connector piston sleeve is axially movable relative to the embracing holder by an actuating device and bears against a mating connector in sealed manner in a connected position. A backing plate supports the mating connector and is interchangeably attached to the connector adapter.

Abstract: A production swivel with passive control of dynamic seal gap width using internal swivel pressure. The swivel includes inner and outer housings with a middle housing which transfers, component deformation due to fluid pressure from the dynamic sealing interface to the static sealing interface. The outer housing and inner housing rotate together, but the outer housing is free to expand radially outward from the middle housing with increasing fluid pressure. A floating riser spool is pressure balanced at the connection to the inner housing and to a fixed swivel stack base. Swivels are stacked with a swivel connector/spool and upper and lower mounting rings cooperatively dimensioned so that access to seals can be obtained while the swivels remained stacked without the use of overhead cranes or other lifting points than the swivel being serviced.

Abstract: A disconnect for facilitating release of a tool at a downhole, wellbore location. The disconnect utilizes an upper portion and a lower portion connected at least in part by a shear member. The disconnect uses a plurality of pressure areas to selectively expose the lower portion to balanced, counteracting axial forces. The pressure areas allow release or disconnection of the upper portion from the lower portion upon application of a predetermined tensile load without subjecting the tubing to an undesirably high tensile load.

Abstract: A quick safety connection for the removable joining of pipes, comprising a male connector and a female element adapted to fit and to be locked inside one another. A controlled locking mechanism is adapted to immobilized the male connector axially in a position of connection, while at least one retention member is provided to immobilize the male connector, after release of the connector by said locking mechanism, in an intermediate position of discharge of the pipe connection. The locking mechanism and retention member are controlled by a sleeve sliding around the female element. Vents and safety stops are provided to limit the movement of the sleeve under the effect of the pressure prevailing due to the discharge of the connection in the intermediate position between the female element and the sleeve.

Abstract: A rotating connector for the transfer of at least one pressurized process fluid, and comprising a central stem (2) on which there is placed a number of ring elements (3, 4) comprising at least one annulus element (3) for fluid transfer between an associated course (8) in the stem (2) and an outlet (9) from the connector, and a bearing ring element (4) arranged on each side of the annulus element (3) and sealed there-against by dynamic seals (14) operated by means of a barrier liquid having a higher pressure than the process fluid pressure, and a looking nut (21) to keep the ring elements (3, 4) preloaded against a shoulder (20) on the stem (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides an extendable pipe joint wherein the cylindrical pipe joint comprises first and second external cylinders disconnectably connected to each other; a first pressure-balancing cylinder is set in the first external cylinder; a second pressure-balancing cylinder is set in the second external cylinder so that it can be moved with a coupling lever in the axial direction; the first and second pressure-balancing cylinders have first and second pressure-balancing plates opposite to each other and are connected to each other with a first bellows; the second pressure-balancing cylinder and the second external cylinder are connected to each other with a second bellows; nozzles are formed on peripheral walls of the first and second pressure-balancing cylinders; and openings of the first and second pressure-balancing cylinders are connected to piping.

Abstract: In a device (1) for supplying a pressurized medium from a fixed component (2) into a rotating component (3, 3'), with an axially aligned annular groove (14) and radially aligned sealing gaps (15, 16) provided between the two components, a circumferential pressure chamber (29, 30) is worked into each of the end surfaces (21, 22) which limit the radially aligned sealing gaps (15, 16), with radially aligned control slots (37, 38) connecting the pressure chambers (29, 30) to the annular groove (14). Furthermore, the end surfaces (21, 22) which are provided with pressure chambers (29, 30) are configured with equal areas.This embodiment prevents the two components (2, 3, 3') making contact under pressure and, instead, both components (2, 3, 3') level out in a central position. As a result, trouble free operation is assured over a long period.

Abstract: A pressure balanced hydraulic coupling for use in undersea drilling and production operations is shown. The coupling has radial passages connecting between the male and female members such that fluid pressure is not exerted against the face of either member during coupling or uncoupling. The female member has a split body with a first part and a second part, each having a longitudinal passage and a radial fluid passage. A radial seal is positioned on the junction between the first and second parts of the female member body to facilitate removal and replacement of the radial seal when the split body is disassembled. The male member may be inserted through the first and second parts of the female coupling member, thereby establishing fluid communication between the coupling members in a direction transverse to the coupling member bores.

Abstract: A swivel seal assembly is defined for providing sealed high pressure fluid communication between relatively rotatable generally coaxial conduits where dynamic runout and static misalignment may occur to one conduit relative to the other. A generally tubular washpipe is mounted in pivotally articulating relation to one conduit, and a generally tubular seal housing is telescoped over the washpipe and mounted in pivotally articulating relation to the other conduit. High pressure, staged rotary seals are supported by the seal housing and maintain bearing and sealing engagement with the washpipe so that the seal housing and washpipe articulate in unison in response to said static misalignment and dynamic runout, thereby virtually eliminating relative lateral motion between the seal housing and washpipe and minimizing rotary seal extrusion damage.

Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of a connector for sealably connecting the lower ends of an upper riser member and an upper conduit on the lower ends of an upper riser pipe and upper auxiliary line joint, respectively, to the upper ends of a lower riser member and a lower conduit on the upper ends of a lower riser pipe and upper conduit thereof, respectively. At least one of the conduits includes a telescoping sealed joint which is of such construction as to permit differential movement between the riser and the auxiliary line.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling system externally mounted around an air cooled condenser to increase the rate of heat transfer. Spray cooling takes place in stages around succeeding portions of the condenser as determined by thermostats which respond to increasing condenser air discharge temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible joint for sealing two conduits. One half of the joint includes an annular seal gland with an outer surface defining a static seal face. The other half of the joint includes an inner race member having inner and outer bearing surfaces, the inner surface spaced apart from and generally opposing the outer surface of the seal gland and having a region defining a dynamic seal face. An annular bellows constructed of a plurality of convolutions having varying convolution heights is disposed between the first and second seal faces to form a low leakage seal. The heights of the convolutions decrease in the direction of the first to the second seal faces.

Abstract: A device for transferring a medium to a servo device has a first component and a second component positioned in the first component so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The first component is displaceable to a limited extent relative to the second component along the axis of rotation. An annular chamber is located between the first and second components and is delimited axially on one side by the first component and on the other side by the second component. First and second radial sealing gaps are provided on opposite sides of the annular chamber. The annular chamber has a circumferential sidewall that is slanted relative to the axis of rotation such that a first surface of the first component forming the circumferential sidewall of the annular chamber and a second surface of the first component forming the radially extending annular surface of the annular chamber are positioned at an acute angle to one another.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced hydraulic coupling for use in undersea drilling and production operations, the coupling having radial passageways communicating between the male and female members such that substantial fluid pressure is not exerted against the face of either member during coupling or uncoupling or during the coupled state. Check valves in both the male and female members are opened when the male member probe is fully inserted into the receiving chamber of the female member. Mutually opposed valve actuators contact one another to effectuate the simultaneous opening of each check valve, and allow fluid to flow through a valve port and then radially through matching fluid passageways in the male and female members. The radial passageways of the male and female members match up at their longitudinal surfaces so that fluid pressure between the male and female members is in a substantially radial direction and is not exerted at the face of either member.

Abstract: A flexible joint 13 is employed to sealingly connect a pair of tubular members 16, 18 while still permitting limited articulated movement therebetween. The flexible joint 13 includes a housing 26 with upper and lower ring-like plates 32, 34 coaxially arranged about the tubular members 16, 18. A pair of annular elastomeric bearings 40, 42 are positioned within the housing 26 and act against shoulders 44, 46 of the tubular members 16, 18 to flexibly retain the tubular members 16, 18 within the housing 26. A bellows 20 sealingly couples the tubular members 16, 18 together while permitting movement therebetween. An annular chamber 56 formed between the bellows 20 and housing 26 is filled with a fluid, such as silicon or oil. Means is provided for adjusting the volume of the chamber 56 or volume of fluid in the chamber 56 to maintain an approximately zero pressure differential across the bellows 20.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling for connecting together two conduits in a high pressure fluid-carrying system. The coupling includes a female part (coupler) and a male part (nipple) each provided with a flow through channel, and each provided with a cut-off valve. The nipple is designed to be inserted into the flow-through channel of the coupler to cause the two parts automatically to be firmly latched together and to be sealed to one another during a pre-mating condition, without opening cut-off valves in the nipple and coupler. This initial pre-mating action isolates any fluid contained in the two parts of the coupling from the environment. Then, an axial force applied to the outer housing of the coupler causes both the nipple and coupler valves to open to establish fluid flow through the coupling.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced hydraulic coupling for use in undersea drilling and production operations, the coupling having radial passageways communicating between the male and female members such that substantial fluid pressure is not exerted against the face of either member during coupling or uncoupling or during the coupled state. Check valves in both the male and female members are opened when the male member probe is fully inserted into the receiving chamber of the female member. Mutually opposed valve actuators contact one another to effectuate the simultaneous opening of each check valve, and allow fluid to flow through a valve port and then radially through matching fluid passageways in the male and female members. The radial passageways of the male and female members match up at their longitudinal surfaces so that fluid pressure between the male and female members is in a substantially radial direction and is not exerted at the face of either member.

Abstract: A method for movement-compensating a riser pipe (6) running between a mobile offshore structure (7, 8) and a wellhead (2) on the sea-bed (1), employs a sliding joint (13, 15) in the form of a telescopic device (9) which is volume and pressure balanced. This balancing makes it possible to use the sliding joint under the extreme conditions of pressure which may be experienced in production riser pipes, which the advantage that the production systems may be fitted fixedly to the mobile offshore structure. The method also combines the sliding joint (13, 15) with a hydraulic cylinder (27) which maintains a movement-compensated tension in the riser pipe (6). Several examples of slidng joints (13, 15) with movement-compensated tension cylinders (27, 38, 43) are shown.

Abstract: A swivel joint for high pressure fluid capable of preventing the leakage of the high pressure fluid and smoothing the rotation of the rotating one of the shaft member and the receiving member, with a simple and compact structure, which can be manufactured inexpensively. The swivel joint includes a cylindrical cavity formed inside the receiving member and around the shaft member. including: a contacting end, normal to an axial direction along the axis of relative rotation of the shaft member and the receiving member, contacting with the high pressure fluid through the connecting portion connecting the fluid paths of the shaft member and the receiving member; a movable sealing member, movable in the axial direction, contacting with the high pressure fluid through the contacting end; and a hollow chamber, separated from the contacting end by the movable sealing member, confining the fat oil.

Abstract: A connector for conveying hydraulic pressure from a relatively fixed source to a relatively moveable hydraulically actuable arrangement is described. The connector comprises a telescoping assembly of hollow members opposite ends of which have means for joining the connector to hydraulic lines. A first of the telescoping members is formed with an integral annular chamber which is swept by annular piston means carried by a second of the telescoping members interengaged with the first. Dimensions are chosen so that a change in the internal volume of the telescoping members is compensated by the volume displaced by movement of the piston in the chamber whereby the total internal volume of the system remains constant.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the method and apparatus of compensating for the axial bearing load forces imposed upon rotary joints conveying a pressurized fluid medium, such as steam, by imposing an axial force on the rotary joint housing proportional to the pressure within the rotary joint by use of a distinctively different pressurized medium than that conveyed by the joint, such as compressed air. An expansible chamber motor capable of imposing an axial force on the rotary joint utilizes compressed air whose pressure is controlled by a sensing and regulating system responsive to the pressure within the rotary joint.

Abstract: A resilient ball joint support including two plates movable with respect to each other and connected together by at least one ball joint, the transmission of a load between the plates being provided, partly through at least one cushion formed of at least one sealed envelope confining at least one fluid which is pressurized by the action of the load and partly by at least one ball joint centering the plates with respect to each other.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel rotary joint which seeks to equalize exterior-interior pressure. This rotary joint is useful in permitting free rotary motion between two components connected by the joint in conditions where unequal pressures exist at the interior and exterior of the joint.

Abstract: A pressure balanced coupling device for quick connection and disconnection with at least one mechanism. The device operates to maintain a sealed flow-through connection between two devices which may also contain a pressurized medium such as refrigerants. The preferred device permits non-destructive gripping of tubing while affording readily selectable means for safely releasing pressure from within the device prior to releasing the gripping connection provided by this coupling device.

Abstract: A pressure compensation multi tubular safety joint for use with tubular sections is disclosed wherein a weak link is included that causes the joint to separate under axial load before permanent damage is done to the tubular sections but which compensates for pressure changes in the tubular sections. The joint includes two members, one of which has means for permitting the separation under conditions where the load is only partially axial. The joint further includes means for pre-stressing the joint to relieve the load on the weak link while the joint is lowered into position and further means for relieving the pre-stress through the flowing fluid in the sections.

Abstract: A resilient ball joint support is provided including two plates movable with respect to each other and connected together by at least one ball joint, the transmission of a load between said plates being provided, partly through at least one cushion formed of at least one sealed envelope confining at least one fluid which is pressurized by the action of said load and partly by at least one ball joint centering said plates with respect to each other.

Abstract: In a flexible joint having a through-bore for the flow of fluid and comprising a pair of annular rigid members relatively rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the flexible joint, an annular elastomeric bearing is interposed between the relatively rotatable annular rigid members to flexibly interconnect the members and transmit load therebetween, and a normally sealed annular chamber is provided between the relatively rotatable annular rigid members and arranged to extend over an otherwise exposed surface of the bearing. Preferably the annular chamber is defined in part by a flexible diaphragm; the flexible diaphragm or the manner in which it is located permits relative rotational movement of the rigid members.

Abstract: A breakaway hose coupling for application within a fuel line, that prevents untimely decoupling, and avoids unnecessary leakage. The coupling includes a pair of fittings, for connecting to the fuel line, a sleeve provided for limited sliding movement upon one of the fittings, with each fitting incorporating a poppet valve, to provide for closure when decoupling occurs, or other unseating, from within the respect fittings, during normal coupling assembly and usage. Detents are provided within one of the fittings for interconnecting within a seating groove provided interiorly of the sleeve, to normally retain the coupling assembled, but various fastening rings, arranged within the sleeve and one of the fittings, provides for limited shiftable movement, occuring when tensioning force is exerted, to provide clearance for disconnection, while at the same time, said fastening rings capable of shifting, to provide for recoupling of the device together upon assembly.

Abstract: A pipeline safety joint to provide a controlled point of weakness in at least one pipeline, said safety joint comprising a pair of tubular mandrels sized to be securable to a pipe-end of a pipeline, a portion of one mandrel being insertable into a part of the other mandrel thereof, to provide fluid communication between said pipe-ends. A latch mechanism on the portion of one mandrel is engagable with the part of the other mandrel, to hold said mandrel against axial separation. Retaining means on said one mandrel hold the latch mechanism in engagement. At least one seal assembly includes a metal sealing ring positioned to seal between a radially outer and inner substantially cylindrical surfaces on the mandrels. An annular cylinder and a co-operating annular piston formed on one mandrel and on a ring attached to the mandrel, to form a pressure compensation chamber surrounding said portion rings provide a fluid tight seal between said annular piston and cylinder.

Abstract: A rotary joint for establishing communication of a pressurized medium with a rotating heat exchanger drum wherein the joint seals and associated structure are of such configuration to permit internal balancing with respect to fluid pressures imposed thereon. A rotating nipple within the joint body utilizes spherical seal surfaces engaging annular seal rings to achieve self alignment and the nipple includes spring biased collars which automatically compensate for wear and retaining structure limits collar displacement to prevent joint damage.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced hydraulic coupling for use in undersea drilling and production operations, the coupling having radial passageways communicating between the male and female members such that substantial fluid pressure is not exerted against the face of either member during coupling or uncoupling or during the coupled state. Check valves in both the male and female members are opened when the male member probe is fully inserted into the receiving chamber of the female member. Mutually opposed valve stems extending from each check valve contact one another to effectuate the simultaneous opening of each check valve, and allow fluid to flow through a valve port and then radially through matching fluid passageways in the male and female members. The radial passageways of the male and female members match up at their longitudinal surfaces so that fluid pressure between the male and female members is in a substantially radial direction and is not exerted at the face of either member.

Abstract: A tension actuated fuel (e.g. gasoline) delivery hose uncoupler is disclosed in which, upon a predetermined tension load being applied to the delivery pump hose, the coupling will automatically uncouple thus releasing one end of the hose which, for example, may remain inserted in the fuel tank of a vehicle driving away from the fuel dispensing pump, and the other portion of the hose which is permanently affixed to the pump. The coupler includes normally closed checkvalves which, upon uncoupling of the coupler, close thereby preventing spillage of fuel. Further, the coupler is adjustable so that it may be calibrated to uncouple at predetermined tension loads. The uncoupler is structured so as to substanially eliminate the effects of fluid (e.g., gasoline) delivery pressure on the tension load required for uncoupling.

Abstract: A pipeline safety joint to provide a controlled weakness in a pipeline in which a pair of tubular mandrels are connectable to first and second pipe-ends. A portion of the first mandrel of a pair is insertable in a part of the other and a latch mechanism is provided on said portion engageable with the part of the other mandrel of the pair to hold the mandrels against axial separation. A retaining shoulder on the first mandrel retains the latch mechanism in engagement and a tubular sealing is positioned to seal the two mandrels.A fluid-tight pressure compensation chamber surrounds said portion of the first mandrel and is engageable directly or indirectly on said one mandrel and said other mandrel of the pair.

Abstract: A tension actuated fuel (e.g. gasoline) delivery hose uncoupler is disclosed in which, upon a predetermined tension load being applied to the delivery pump hose, the coupling will automatically uncouple thus releasing one end of the hose which, for example, may remain inserted in the fuel tank of a vehicle driving away from the fuel dispensing pump, and the other portion of the hose which is permanently affixed to the pump. The coupler includes normally closed check valves which, upon uncoupling of the coupler, close thereby preventing spillage of fuel. Further, the coupler is adjustable so that it may be calibrated to uncouple at predetermined tension loads. The uncoupler is structured so as to substantially eliminate the effects of fluid (e.g., gasoline) delivery pressure on the tension load required for uncoupling.

Abstract: A multi passage swivel assembly provides fluid or gas flow while continuous or intermittent rotation occurs between a fixed inlet port and a rotating outlet port. The assembly contains a clearance control ring that compensates for dimensional change to allow high pressure operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a joint for risers, and particularly to a telescopic joint suitable for expandably connecting composite-pipe type riser pipes provided internally with tubing pipes. Its structural features reside in that connectors adapted to connect risers in up-and-down relationship are slidably engaged with each other and air cylinders capable of cancelling volume changes of the engaged portions, which volume changes occur due to expansion and contraction movements of the connectors, are communicated to the spacing of the engaged portions, and hydraulic cylinders adapted to cancel volume changes of the engaged portions of an internally-threaded nose portion and an externally-threaded nose portion, which engaged portions serve to communicate the upper and lower tubing pipes to each other, is communicated with the spacing of the engaged portions of the nose portions.

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.