Apparatus and method for connecting fluid lines
AssigneeCameron International Corporation
InventorRonald W. Webb
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method for controlling fluid flow in a blowout preventer. In one embodiment, an apparatus for connecting fluid lines includes a socket fluid connector and a plug fluid connector. Each connector includes a flow channel. The plug fluid connector is detachably connectable to the socket fluid connector at a connection end of the plug and socket fluid connectors such that the flow channels align. Each of the socket and plug fluid connectors includes a check valve in the flow channel. The check valve is configured to prevent fluid flow through the connector flow channels while the plug and socket fluid connectors are not connected, and to enable bidirectional fluid flow through the connector flow channels while plug and socket fluid connectors are connected.
Claims10
An apparatus for connecting fluid lines, comprising:
- a socket fluid connector comprising a flow channel;
- and
- a plug fluid connector comprising a flow channel, the plug fluid connector detachably connectable to the socket fluid connector such that the flow channels are alignable when connected;
- wherein each of the socket and plug fluid connectors comprises a check valve in the flow channels, each check valve comprising a moving member configured to prevent fluid flow through the connector flow channels while the fluid connectors are not connected;
- and
- wherein at least one of the fluid connectors further comprises a stem unconnected to each moving member and configured to engage each moving member when the fluid connectors are connected to enable bidirectional flow around the stem and through the flow channels.
A subsea control unit, comprising:
- a hydraulic module configured to provide hydraulic pressure to a subsea device, the hydraulic module comprising fluid connectors;
- and
- an electrical control module configured to electrically control fluid delivery to the hydraulic module, the electrical control module comprising fluid connectors, each of which corresponds to and is mateable with one of the hydraulic module fluid connectors;
- wherein each of the fluid connectors comprises a check valve comprising a moving member configured to prevent fluid flow through the connector flow channels while the fluid connectors are not connected;
- and
- wherein at least one of the fluid connectors further comprises a stem unconnected to each moving member and configured to engage each moving member when the fluid connectors are connected to enable bidirectional flow around the stem and through the connector flow channels of the fluid connectors.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.