Patent ID: 6131960
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A fluid conduit expansion joint, comprising:a first tube section having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, said first tube section defining an inner region and an outer region;a second tube section having an outer diameter that is smaller than said inner diameter of said first tube section, said second tube section being slidably disposed with a portion in said inner region defined by said first tube section, said second tube section having first and second retainer rings fixed to an outer surface of said second tube section proximate to an end of said portion disposed in said inner region defined by said first tube section, said first and second retainer rings being spaced apart to define two ends of a packing gland, and said first tube section has a third retainer ring attached to an inner surface of said first tube section proximate to the end that is farthest from said first and second retainer rings;packing material disposed between and in direct contact with said first tube section and said portion of said second tube section; anda packing compression ring attached to said end of said first tube section, said compression ring being slidably disposed over said outer surface of said second tube section, wherein said packing compression ring and said third retainer ring define two ends of a second packing gland,wherein said packing material forms a fluid-tight seal between said first and second tube sections, andsaid packing material is a thickness such that it keeps said first and second tube sections spaced apart including during operation of said fluid conduit expansion joint, and said packing material absorbs and dampens vibrations of said fluid conduit expansion joint during operation.