Patent ID: 9182066
Filing Date: 2015-11-10
Classification: E21B,F16L,G01M

Abstract:
1. A flow directing apparatus for conveying a fluid flow having a process pressure, the apparatus comprising: a housing forming a pressure boundary; a flow directing insert fit sealably and wholly within the housing for forming a pressure chamber about the insert and between the insert and the housing, the insert having an inlet end for receiving the fluid flow and a discharge end for discharging the fluid flow, wherein the pressure chamber comprises pad fluid at a pad pressure, and the pad pressure is controlled such that the differential between the pad pressure and the process pressure limits the magnitude of pressure-induced stress in the insert; a pressure source in fluid communication with the pressure chamber; a pressure monitor for monitoring the pressure differential between the process pressure and pad pressure; and a regulator controlling the pressure source for maintaining the pad pressure relative to the process pressure in response to the process pressure monitored by the pressure monitor.