Self-aligning aseptic flanged joint

A flanged joint system connecting first and second pipes disposed along a common axis, comprising:

• a) a first flange terminating said first pipe and a second flange terminating said second pipe, each of said flanges being generally circular and having a flange outside diameter and a mating surface, said pipes being oriented such that said mating surfaces are substantially perpendicular to said common axis and in facing, parallel relationship;
• b) a gasket assembly comprising:
• (i) an outer annular, substantially rigid retaining ring having opposed axial surfaces abutting at least a portion of said mating surfaces, an alignment rim encircling an outside periphery of said ring and extending axially from each of said axial surfaces, and a retaining shoulder projecting radially inward, said alignment rim being sized to slippably receive said outside diameter of said flanges on opposite sides of said retaining ring;
• (ii) an inner deformable annular sealing member having a radially inner annular portion having a rectangular cross-section and sealing surfaces on opposed axial sides of said rectangular portion, and an encircling sealing shoulder portion that projects radially outward, said sealing shoulder portion being shaped to receive said retaining shoulder and being removably engaged therewith;
• and
• said gasket assembly being interposed between said flanges and aligned coaxially therewith by receipt of said outside diameter within said alignment rim;
• c) a clamp means for urging said flanges together axially, whereby said deformable annular sealing member is compressed to a preselected extent, the compression being restricted by abutment of said axial surfaces of said retaining ring with said mating surfaces of said flanges;
• and
• wherein said retaining shoulder and said sealing shoulder portion provide a rounded and lobed engagement.