US 2026/0036232 A1Published application

Thermal expansion coupler

AssigneeBWXT Advanced Technologies LLC

InventorMichael C. Staton

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Abstract

An expansion coupler locatable between a first pipe and a second pipe. The coupler comprises a tubular member defining a flow path. First and second telescopic members are located external to the tubular member. A portion of the first telescopic member axially overlaps a portion of the second telescopic member. At least one of the first telescopic member and the second telescopic member is axially movable with respect to the other of the first telescopic member and the second telescopic member over a range. Seals are provided to inhibit passage of fluid between the inside of the expansion coupler and the ambient environment. A preload arrangement is connected between the first telescopic member and the second telescopic member, the preload arrangement providing a preload force against axial contraction of the expansion coupler.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An expansion coupler locatable between a first pipe and a second pipe, the coupler comprising:

a tubular member defining a flow path in an axial direction;
a first telescopic member located external to the tubular member and defining a first end of the expansion coupler;
a second telescopic member located external to the tubular member and defining a second end of the expansion coupler;
a portion of the first telescopic member axially overlapping a portion of the second telescopic member, at least one of the first telescopic member and the second telescopic member being axially movable with respect to the other of the first telescopic member and the second telescopic member over a range;
at least one first seal located between an outer surface of the tubular member and an inner surface of the first telescopic member;
at least one second seal located between an outer surface of the tubular member and an inner surface of the second telescopic member;
and
a preload arrangement connected between the first telescopic member and the second telescopic member, the preload arrangement providing a preload force against axial contraction of the expansion coupler.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.