Patent ID: 6499511
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: E21B,F16L

Abstract:
An end fitting for a tubular element comprising:a cup-form body having a base portion and a skirt portion, the base portion having an axial aperture; an annular sealing assembly which, in use, is within said skirt portion adjacent said base portion; a radially expandable pipe gripping array which is, in use, at; least partly within said skirt portion; an expander axially displaceable towards the base portion to urge expansion of said pipe gripping array; and an elongate element extending through said axial aperture, sealing assembly and the pipe griping array and being coupled to said expander; wherein said annular sealing assembly comprises: a first annular body; a first sealing ring surrounding said first annular body; a second annular body which is axially displaceable relative to said first annular body; the arrangement being such that relative axial displacement in one sense urges radial expansion of said first sealing ring; and a second sealing ring for sealing the sealing assembly to the body.