Rapid disconnect pipe coupling device for cryogenic service

A coupling device for releasably connecting the ends of two pipes together while operating at cryogenic temperatures, each of said pipes having a flange adjacent the end thereof, said device comprising:

• an articulated collar having a plurality of arcuate collar segments, each of said segments having means for grasping said pipe flanges to hold the ends of said pipes together when said collar segments are pressed in a radially inward direction;
• pivot means for interconnecting said collar segments into a generally circular configuration having a pair of adjacent disconnected end portions;
• a protective member around said pivot means, said protective member having means for creating discontinuities in ice which may form about said pivot means, said protective member being movable and having means for breaking ice on said collar segments when said collar segments are pressed radially away from said pipe flanges;
• a frame member;
• means for connecting said frame member to at least a portion of said pivot means;
• means for clamping said end portions of said collar together and for pressing said collar segments in a radially inward direction about said pipe flanges;
• a hydraulic jack;
• and
• means for connecting said hydraulic jack between said frame member and one of said end portions of said collar.

A coupling device for releasably connecting two pipes together while operating at cryogenic temperatures, each pipe having a flange thereon, said device comprising:

• an articulated collar having a plurality of arcuate collar segments, each of said segments having means for securing the flanges of said pipes together when said collar segments are pressed in a radially inward direction;
• pivot means for interconnecting said collar segments into a generally circular configuration having a pair of adjacent unconnected end portions;
• means for clamping said end portions of said collar segments together and for pressing said collar segments against said pipe flanges to secure said pipes in a fluid-tight connection;
• means for creating discontinuities in ice formed adjacent said pivot means;
• power means for forcing said end portions apart and for pivotally moving said collar segments radially outward from said pipe flanges;
• and
• means for pivotally moving said creating means about said pivot means when said collar segments move radially outward, to thereby break ice which may have formed about said collar segments.

A coupling device for releasably connecting two pipes together while operating at cryogenic temperatures, each pipe having a flange thereon, said device comprising:

• an articulated collar having a plurality of arcuate collar segments, each of said segments having means for securing the flanges of said pipes together when said collar segments are pressed in a radially inward direction;
• pivot means for interconnecting said collar segments into a generally circular configuration having a pair of adjacent unconnected end portions;
• means for clamping said end portions of said collar segments together and for pressing said collar segments against said pipe flanges to secure said pipes in a fluid-tight connection;
• a plurality of insulating plates;
• means for securing each one of said insulating plates about a corresponding one of said pivot means;
• power means for forcing said end portions apart and for pivotally moving said collar segments radially outward from said pipe flanges;
• and
• means for pivotally moving said insulating plates about said pivot means when said collar segments are moved radially outward, to thereby break ice which may have formed about said collar segments.