Preloaded Tubular Connector
AssigneePhilippe Nobileau
InventorPhilippe Nobileau
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A preloaded connector to connect sealingly two pipe segments having a common axis, comprising at least one couple of cooperating pin and box members, the members including load-bearing surfaces to transmit tension and compression axial forces, the connector comprising means to apply, after engagement of the members, a sufficient axial force on at least one of the members, to modify in the plastic range the axial length of at least a portion of said members, so that after release of the axial force a preload subsists on the load-bearing surfaces.
Claims19
A preloaded connector to connect sealingly two pipe segments comprising at least one couple of cooperating pin and box members, said members including load-bearing surfaces to transmit tension and compression axial forces, said connector comprising means to momentarily apply, after engagement of said members, a sufficient axial force on at least one of said members, to modify in the plastic range the axial length of at least a portion of said members, so that after release of said axial force a preload subsists on said load-bearing surfaces.
A method to connect sealingly two pipe segments comprising at least one couple of cooperating pin and box members, said members including cooperating load-bearing surfaces to transmit tension and compression axial forces, comprising the steps of:
- engaging said cooperating load-bearing surfaces of said members,
- preloading said cooperating load-bearing surfaces by momentarily applying an axial constraint in at least one of said members so that the axial length of at least a portion of said member is modified in the plastic range.
A method to connect sealingly two pipe segments with at least one couple of cooperating pin and box members, said members including cooperating load-bearing surfaces to transmit tension and compression axial forces, comprising the steps of:
- engaging said cooperating load-bearing surfaces of said members,
- preloading said cooperating load-bearing surfaces by momentarily applying an axial tension constraint in at least one of said members so that the axial length of at least a portion of said member is stretched in the plastic range, wherein, in the absence of other load, said portion is in compression after said axial tension constraint is released.
A method to connect sealingly two pipe segments with at least one couple of cooperating pin and box members, said members including cooperating load-bearing surfaces to transmit tension and compression axial forces, comprising the steps of:
- engaging said cooperating load-bearing surfaces of said members,
- preloading said cooperating load-bearing surfaces by momentarily applying an axial compression constraint in at least one of said members so that the axial length of at least a portion of said member is shortened in the plastic range, wherein, in the absence of other load, said portion is in tension after said axial compression constraint is released.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.