Pressure balanced safety pipeline connector

Abstract

A separable and at least partially pressure balanced safety pipeline connector. The connector is arranged to be included in a pipeline and provide a pressure balanced weak point whereby the connector will separate at a predetermined tension load but which will be insensitive or substantially insensitive to operating line pressure. It includes a housing having one axial end adapted for connection to the pipeline and with the other axial end open. The connector includes a pipe extension member having one axial end adapted for connection to the pipe-line for transmission of line fluids therethrough and with the other axial end arranged for being telescopically received coaxially in the housing in sealed relationship therewith. A shear disc is mounted between the housing and extension member for restraining the same against axial separation in response to axial tension forces applied thereto. The shear disc is arranged to be rupturable at a pre-determined level such that axial separation is prevented below said level and is permitted above said level. The housing and extension member are arranged so as to provide an annular chamber therebetween whereby application of fluid pressure to the chamber urges the housing and extension members axially together to thereby balance line pressure. A port is provided through the extension member to communicate line pressure to the chamber.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.