Pipe joints or couplings – With fluid pressure seal – With external pressure supply
Patent
1996-05-03
1999-04-20
Shackelford, Heather
Pipe joints or couplings
With fluid pressure seal
With external pressure supply
285 98, 2851215, 2851216, F16L 1703
Patent
active
058950770
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a swivel device comprising inner and outer mutually rotatable swivel members, wherein the swivel members have respective inner fluid paths communicating with each other through one or more associated annular spaces at the interface between the swivel members, the annular spaces being sealed from each other by means of sealing means.
Many different embodiments of swivel structures of the above-mentioned type are in use within the industry. Within the offshore industry swivel devices are used e.g. for allowing the transfer of hydrocarbons (oil and gas) or another process fluid through coupling members which rotate or are to be rotatable in relation to each other, for example between a marine riser which is coupled to a floating loading buoy, and a tube system on a tanker which is coupled to the buoy and is to be rotatable about the buoy under the influence of wind, waves and water currents.
In different fields of application it may be of current interest to use swivel devices which are constructed in such a way that the inner and outer swivel members in a simple manner can be disconnected from each other, and wherein a swivel member later can be connected to a cooperating swivel member in another swivel device of the topical type, to form an operative swivel unit. It will here be of essential importance that the swivel members can be disconnected from or connected to each other in a simple, quick and safe manner, at the same time as an efficient and safe sealing between the swivel members is obtained.
Thus it is a general object of the invention to provide a swivel device enabling that the swivel members can be connected to or disconnected from each other in a simple and quick manner, at the same time as an efficient and safe sealing between the annular spaces of the swivel members is obtained in interconnection.
Another object of the invention is to provide a swivel device in which cooperating swivel members can be connected in a simple and quick manner in spite of relatively large tolerance deviations or centre displacements between the swivel members, and with a minimal risk for damaging the swivel members.
A further object of the invention is to provide a swivel device which is suitable for remotely controlled operation in case of mutual connection and disconnection of the swivel members.
A further object of the invention is to provide a swivel device giving the possibility for a simple monitoring of the sealing means and their sealing function.
For the achievement of the above-mentioned objects there is provided a swivel device of the introductorily stated type which, according to the invention, is characterized in that the swivel members are formed as an outer female member and an inner male member, respectively, so that the male member can be introduced axially into a cooperating female member to an operative working position, or withdrawn from the female member when disconnecting the swivel members, the sealing members between the annular spaces being arranged to be activated for an active sealing function in said operative working position, and to be relieved when mutually disconnecting the swivel members.
An advantageous embodiment of the swivel device according to the invention is characterized in that a first one of the swivel members on each side of each of the annular spaces is provided with a peripheral ring groove receiving a radially movable ring element which is provided with sealing means for static sealing against the other swivel member and for dynamic sealing between the ring element and the side walls of the peripheral ring groove.
By means of the stated ring element structure there is achieved that the ring elements of the swivel centre themselves between the swivel members within relatively large tolerances. This is achieved in that the ring elements can float freely in the radial direction and thus can absorb possible centre deviations or centre displacements between the swivel members.
Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterize
REFERENCES:
patent: 2768843 (1956-10-01), Zeilman
patent: 4405162 (1983-09-01), Williams
patent: 4647076 (1987-03-01), Pollack et al.
patent: 4662657 (1987-05-01), Harvey et al.
patent: 4669758 (1987-06-01), Feller et al.
patent: 4849966 (1989-07-01), Gibb
patent: 4925219 (1990-05-01), Pollack et al
patent: 5697732 (1997-12-01), Sigmundstad
Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S
Shackelford Heather
LandOfFree
Swivel apparatus for fluid transport does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Swivel apparatus for fluid transport, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Swivel apparatus for fluid transport will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2242750