Subsea hydraulic coupling. [Connector with valve closed until units are joined]

Patent · Tue Jan 20 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6822784

Weathers, G G; Rice, B J

This patent describes a hydraulic connector assembly of the type having first and second support members for carrying respectively a first connector and second connector which telescopingly mate to form a hydraulic connection. Each connector has an axial bore with a seat and a check valve member for movement between an open position when the connectors are in contact with each other, allowing hydraulic fluid flow, to a closed position when the connectors are apart from each other, blocking hydraulic fluid flow, the check valve members being urged into the closed position by spring means. The improvement described here comprises: metal seal means actuable by axial deflection and carried by one of the connectors for sealing the axial bores to each other; an external flange located on the first connector; the first connector having conduit means extending through a hole in the first support member and adapted to be connected to a hydraulic fluid line for the delivery of hydraulic fluid. The first connector and conduit means are moveable in unison with each other and with respect to the first support member; and bias means for urging the connectors together to maintain the seal means in axial deflection. The bias means comprises frusto-conical washers encircling the conduit means between the flange and the first support member, so that when the support members are brought together, the first connector and the conduit means will move a slight distance relative to the first support member, deflecting the frusto-conical washers to apply a force to the connectors to maintain them tightly together.

• Assignee: Hughes Tool Co., Houston, TX
• Patent Number(s): US 4637470
• OSTI ID: 6822784
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 19 Jun 1985
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
42 ENGINEERING
HYDRAULIC EQUIPMENT
CONNECTORS
VALVES
UNDERWATER OPERATIONS
DRILL PIPES
FLANGES
FLUID FLOW
HYDRAULIC FLUIDS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OFFSHORE DRILLING
OIL WELLS
SEALS
SUPPORTS
CONDUCTOR DEVICES
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FLOW REGULATORS
FLUIDS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
PIPES
WELLS
WORKING FLUIDS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production
030300 - Natural Gas- Drilling
Production
& Processing
420206 - Engineering- Mining & Drilling Equipment & Facilities- (1980-1989)
423000 - Engineering- Marine Engineering- (1980-)