Patent ID: 6412823
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: E21B,F16L,Y10S

Abstract:
A rotating connector for the transfer of at least one pressurized process fluid, and comprising a central stem (2) on which there is placed a number of ring elements (3, 4) comprising at least one annulus element 63) for fluid transfer between an associated course (8) in the stem (2) and an outlet (9) from the connector, and a bearing ring element (4) arranged on each side of the annulus element (3), which bearing ring element is provided with bearings (11) for abutment against adjacent ring elements and is sealed against the rig elements by dynamic seals (14) operated by a barrier liquid having a higher pressure than the process fluid pressure, and a locking nut to keep the ring elements (3, 4) preloaded against, a holding member (20) on the stem (2), CHARACTERIZED IN that said rotating connector provided with a compensating unit (22) in the form of a piston means (23, 24) placed between the locking nut, (21) and an adjacent ring element (13) on the stem (2), and which is arranged to be activated by a hydraulic pressure fluid, so that a preload on the ring elements (3, 4) and the bearings (11) is maintained during operation of the connector.