Patent ID: 6254147
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: E21B,F16J,F16L,Y10S

Abstract:
Coupling means for enabling the fluid-tight coupling of opposed ends of first and second substantially tubular members by means of a pair of metal-to-metal seals, the coupling means comprising first and second metal sealing surfaces extending circumferentially around respective coupling ends of the first and second tubular members respectively, and a substantially annular interface member having circumferentially extending and axially spaced third and fourth metal sealing surfaces, the interface member being disposed between the coupling ends of the tubular members so that, with substantially no force being applied between the tubular members and the interface member, said first and second sealing surfaces oppose, but are not aligned with, respective ones of the third and fourth sealing surfaces, the coupling means further comprising means for forcing said coupling ends of the tubular members together to compress the interface member therebetween, said means for forcing comprising a substantially cylindrical collar positionable coaxially around the coupling ends of said tubular members for engagement with a first of said members, and a bearing disposed coaxially between said collar and a second of said tubular members, said bearing having an outer surface provided with a plurality of teeth for engagement with mating teeth of a ratchet, said bearing being operative to distribute applied force evenly around the circumferences of the tubular members by engaging said second of the tubular members by way of a first axially extending screw thread, wherein at least one sealing surface of each pair of opposed surfaces is of a metal which is deformable under action of the forcing means so as to increase an area of contact between the sealing surfaces of each pair of opposed surfaces, thereby to provide said metal-to-metal seals.