Low friction remotely operable clamp type pipe connector

Abstract

A clamp type connector for securing the ends of conduits having mating end flanges providing a fluid pressure tight connection, the connector comprising a plurality of clamp segments pivotally secured to each other in end-to-end relationship and having arcuate grooves of wedge-shaped cross-section. The conduit flanges are wedge-shaped in cross-section and adapted to be compressed tightly by the grooves of said clamp segments. The clamp segments are actuated by a double acting screw which is operable to clamp or unclamp the connection. The arcuate grooves in the clamp segments are provided with antifriction bearings, e.g. ball bearings, roller bearings or bushings, and the segments are provided with external stops limiting the movement of the individual segments in clamps having four or more segments. This clamp type connector is secured on one of the conduits and is removed or installed with such conduit. The double acting screw is capable of remote operation to permit the clamp to be installed or removed from deep water oil and gas production riser systems. The clamp is useful for securing together the ends of ordinary conduits and of special conduit components such as rotary swivels, slip joints and the like.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.