Patent ID: 6945569
Filing Date: 2005-09-20
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A flowline apparatus, comprising: a first tubular member having an external flange; a second tubular member having a set of external threads; an annular nut having an internal flange and a set of threads, wherein the internal flange of the nut surrounds the first tubular member, and wherein the threads of the nut engage the corresponding threads of the second tubular member; at least one arcuate segment circumferentially mated between the internal flange of the nut and the external flange of the first tubular member; a flat conical surface on an inner side of the segment in contact with a mating flat conical surface on an outer side of the external flange, the flat conical surfaces being flat when viewed in cross-section; a curved conical surface on the inner side of the segment having one end tangentially aligned with and extending from the flat conical surface on the inner side of the segment, and having another end tangentially aligned with and joins an inner cylindrical surface of the segment; and a curved conical surface on the external flange having one end tangentially aligned with and extending from the flat conical surface on the external flange, and having another end tangentially aligned with and joins an outer cylindrical surface of the first tubular member, wherein at least a portion of the curved conical surfaces are separated by a clearance.