Abstract:
An improved fluid conduit union and method for hammerless attachment apparatus for hammerless coupling the ends of abutting fluid conduits, such as pipe, hoses, or attachment fitting conduits, comprising a ring-shaped conduit receptacle assembly threadedly engaged and fixed on a female fitting at one conduit end and a cylindrical ring-shaped locking assembly positioned around a male fitting at the other conduit end. The ring-shaped locking assembly has a lock ring positionable by a rotatable locking ring nut threadedly engaging the ring-shaped conduit receptacle. Rotation of the locking ring nut translates the lock ring against the male fitting and firmly seats the male fitting at one conduit end to the female fitting at the other conduit end where they are locked in place, all without rotation of either fluid conduit.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/197,503 entitled Method And Apparatus For Connecting Conduit filed Aug. 3, 2011 which claim the benefit of U.S. provisional application entitled Method and Apparatus for Connecting Conduit Quickly and Without Tools bearing Ser. No. 61/370,568 filed Aug. 4, 2010, the content of which is incorporated by reference and for which priority is claimed. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to connections for fluid conduits and more particularly to an adjustable coupler or hammerless union for connecting fluid conduits. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Oil and gas well completion operations require that fluid conduit, such as loading arms, hoses, pipe, tubing, casing, flanges and hubs, be connected together. These conduit connections may be permanent or temporary depending upon the purpose for which the conduit will be used. A variety of connection devices are used for connecting such conduit and a variety of factors contribute to their relative effectiveness. These factors include the speed associated with making the connection, the required integrity of the conduit connection, whether the connection is permanent or temporary, the necessity for and availability of connection tools, and the concern for the safety and wellbeing of the workers, the well, and the associated well equipment. These various factors, together and separately, may contribute to increased rig use time and as result increase the cost of well operations. 
         [0004]    In the Oil and Gas industry it is common practice to make up or couple threaded pipe or other tubular fluid conduit with threaded unions to provide extended strings of pipe, tubing, hoses, and the like. A typical threaded union may have only 3 to 4 threads per inch to increase the speed of threading and less turning of the union components. Particularly when the fluid conduit is piping, hose, or auxiliary components used to transfer, treat, or contain fluid, gas, vapor, sludge, chemicals, in or around oilfield and industrial locations, connections are often made up and broken down with threaded winged or lugged hammer unions that fit together and seal by means of a swivel nut turned with the blows of heavy hammers, such as sledgehammers with hardened steel heads weighing as much as 20 lbs., that are wielded by hand. When making such connections with these hammers it is often difficult to achieve or verify the torque required or desired for effectively mating the components of the threaded wing or hammer unions. 
         [0005]    The use of hand hammers is among the top causes of job injuries in the oilfield industry. Swinging a hammer or striking or dropping a hammer against one&#39;s self or others can cause muscle strains, pinch points, or other physical harm to a worker. This danger is readily apparent when making or breaking a hammer union conduit connection requires a worker to apply repeated sledgehammer blows to the wing or lug face of the hammer union when workers are in close proximity to each other as when workers are holding the conduit being connected or disconnected. 
         [0006]    Further, a conduit, hose, or pipe unions are often assembled or broken down in areas or locations where flammable fumes may permeate the air. Striking the surface of a wing or lug of a union connector, may create sparks which could ignite such flammable fumes creating the potential for explosions and fires that may expose the worker to severe burns or even death as well as extensive property damage to the location. 
         [0007]    As an alternative to hammer unions, some threaded unions of fluid conduit are made up and broken down by manually operable tongs. These tongs typically have a handle and jaw members that are used grip and turn a nut, swivel, or another threaded connection component of the threaded union. The torque or moment force used to turn the threaded connection components of the threaded union to make up or break out of the threaded joint is created by the force applied to the jaws by tong handle. When the union connection joint is completed, the jaws of the tongs are opened to permit their removal from around the conduit pipe and the threaded union creating the connection joint. Often the moment force or torque applied to the threaded union by the tong jaws is not sufficient to adequately seal the conduit ends together which may result in leaks or cause the conduit to decouple under pressure. 
         [0008]    Consequently, a need exists for an improved fluid conduit connecting apparatus and method that will reduce the time to make conduit connections, reduce conduit sealing problems, and reduce the risk of harm for the workers and the risk of damage to the work site location and equipment. The use of such a device will correspondingly enhance worksite safety and reduce the cost and expenses typically associated with the conduit connecting devices and methods currently utilized. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention provides an improved connection union for fluid conduits to satisfy the aforementioned needs. When installed the improved connection union and method provides a fluid conduit union that is mechanical locked at a predetermined torque requirement without the use of a hammer and without rotation of the pipe string. 
         [0010]    A first embodiment of the improved connection union is comprised of a ring-shaped locking assembly for receiving and threadedly securing a first section of fluid conduit such as pipe, hose, or threaded conduit and a cylindrical ring-shaped conduit receptacle assembly threadedly coupled to a radially flanged second section of fluid conduit such as pipe, hose, or other similar threaded conduit fitting. The ring-shaped locking assembly is comprised of an L-shaped locking ring nut having a radially extending flange, the L-shaped locking ring nut being configured to receive and encircle a corresponding radially flanged lock ring around the first fluid conduit section to be coupled, and a set of external ring threads. The cylindrical receptacle assembly has a first set of internal threads, configured to threadedly mate with a correspondingly set of external threads on the second section of fluid conduit to be coupled, and second set of internal threads to threadedly mate with the set of external threads on the L-shaped locking ring nut. 
         [0011]    The first embodiment of the improved connection union is utilized by receiving and encircling the first fluid conduit section with the lock ring and the L-shaped locking ring nut so that the lock ring is positioned between the first fluid conduit section and the L-shaped locking ring nut with the long ring radial flange in a position adjacent to the radial flange of the first fluid conduit section; threadedly mating and securing the first set of internal threads of the cylindrical conduit receptacle with the external threads of the second fluid conduit section; and mating the second set of internal threads of the cylindrical conduit receptacle with the external threads on the L-shaped locking ring nut. Once the L-shaped locking ring nut is threadedly mated with the second set of internal threads of the cylindrical receptacle assembly, the L-shaped locking ring nut is threadedly tightened on the second set of internal threads of the cylindrical conduit receptacle to a desired torque to securely abut the locking ring flange against the radial flange of the first fluid conduit section thereby connecting the first fluid conduit section to the second fluid conduit section to complete the pipe union. 
         [0012]    The radial extending flange of the L-shaped locking ring nut of the first embodiment of the improved connection union may be provided with a plurality of threadedly connected, radially extending set screws. After the locking ring is secured against the radial flange of the first fluid conduit section by the L-shaped locking ring nut, the radially extending set screws may be inserted and tightened to fixedly hold the L-shaped locking ring nut in threaded engagement with the first fluid conduit segment. 
         [0013]    A second embodiment of the improved connection union is comprised of a ring-shaped locking assembly for receiving and threadedly securing a first section of fluid conduit and a cylindrical conduit receptacle assembly threadedly coupled to a radially flanged second section of fluid conduit. In this second embodiment, the ring-shaped locking assembly is comprised of an L-shaped locking ring nut having a radially extending flange configured to receive and encircle a corresponding radially flanged lock ring around the first fluid conduit section and a set of external ring threads and a second or backup locking ring nut assembly also having a set of external ring threads. The flange lock ring is provided with a set of external ring threads configured to threadedly engage with the internal threads of the L-shaped locking ring nut and second or backup locking ring nut threadedly engage on the cylindrical conduit receptacle assembly to securely abut the locking ring flange against the radial flange of the first fluid conduit section to hold the first and second fluid conduits together. Radial set screws on the L-shaped locking ring nut and the backup locking ring nut may be provided to further secure these locking nuts in a desired position. 
         [0014]    In a third embodiment of the improved connection union, an alternate embodiment of the locking ring nut is provided. In this third embodiment a locking ring assembly having a locking ring nut with a plurality of equally spaced key slots on its outer radial surface may be provided. These key slots are configured to mate with a rotatable key rotatably positionable on the receptacle assembly. Rotation of the rotatable key will engage the key with the key slots of the locking ring nut and rotate the locking ring nut on the internal threads of the cylindrical receptacle to secure the radially flanged lock ring against the radial flange of the first fluid conduit segment. Alternatively, in a fourth embodiment of the improved connection union the locking ring nut of the locking ring assembly may be provided with a plurality of equally spaced key slots on its outer radial surface configured to engage with a rotating worm gear. The interaction of the worm gear with the key slots will rotate the locking ring nut on the internal threads of the cylindrical receptacle to secure the radially flanged lock ring against the radial flange of the first fluid conduit segment. 
         [0015]    In a fifth embodiment of the improved connection union, a locking ring assembly retaining a translatable ring lock is positioned a first fluid conduit attachment fitting. The locking ring has a recessed internal cavity and ringed opening with a scalloped border. A rotatable locking nut or collar having an outer radially extending alternately scalloped flanged surface is threadedly fitted with a second fluid conduit attachment fitting. The alternately scalloped flanged surfaces of the locking nut or collar on the second fluid conduit attachment are configured to be received within the recessed cavity of the locking ring on the first fluid conduit attachment fitting. Rotation of locking ring will align the scalloped border of the locking ring with the scalloped flanged surfaces of the locking nut or collar to hold the locking nut or collar within the recessed internal cavity of the locking ring. A plurality of longitudinally oriented bolts are then inserted in the scalloped border of the locking ring and the scalloped flanged surfaces of the locking nut or collar and tightened to translate the locking ring and the retained lock ring toward the locking nut or collar drawing the first fluid conduit attachment fitting toward second fluid conduit attachment fitting where the fittings are abutted complete the conduit connection without the use of a hammer. A disk spring may be provided between the locking ring and the locking nut or collar to enhance the bond between the abutting fluid conduit fittings. 
         [0016]    In a sixth embodiment of the improved connection union, an alternate embodiment of the locking ring is provided. In this sixth embodiment a locking ring assembly having a plurality of rotatable gears with a plurality of equally spaced offset teeth may be provided for rotation of the teeth into slots on the outer radial surface of the locking ring. These teeth slots are configured to mate with the offset teeth of the rotatable gears and provide resistance upon the receptacle assembly without a risk of the gear teeth slipping upon the outer radial surface of the locking ring. As the internal threads of the receptacle assembly are rotated upon the external threads of the first conduit segment, the L-shaped locking ring will be driven against the flange of the second conduit segment for fixed engagement of the flange with the flange seat of the first conduit segment. Rotation of the rotatable gears will engage the teeth with the slots of the locking ring and hold the locking ring upon the radial flange of the first fluid conduit segment to lock the receptacle assembly in place. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the first embodiment of the improved connection union of Applicant&#39;s invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a longitudinal cross-section view of the improved connection union shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the improved connection union of Applicant&#39;s invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a longitudinal cross-section view of the improved connection union shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of third embodiment of the improved connection union implementing a means for rotating a locking ring nut for retaining a connection to a pipe collar. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8  show various views of a fourth embodiment of the improved connection union of Applicant&#39;s invention. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12  show various views of a fifth embodiment of the improved connection union of Applicant&#39;s invention. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 13 ,  14 , and  15  show various views of a sixth embodiment of the improved connection union of Applicant&#39;s invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a first embodiment of the improved fluid conduit union  100  is illustrated for hammerless attachment of a first fluid conduit  20  having a through-bore  114  to a second fluid conduit  30  having a through-bore  115 . In this embodiment fluid conduit  20  has a male end attachment fitting such as male hammer union sub  113  that has a conically configured stabbing surface  136  forming a radially extending beveled flange  150  and fluid conduit  30  has an externally threaded attachment fitting such as female hammer union sub  112  that has a conically shaped receiving surface  152  with a beveled interior flange seat  135  configured to receive and mate with the beveled flange  150  of sub  113 . Fluid conduits  20  and  30  may be a pipe, hose, or other similar conduit having end attachment fittings such as sub  113  and sub  112 . 
         [0026]    The union  100  includes a cylindrical ring-shaped conduit receptacle assembly  116  configured for threadedly engaging sub  112  of conduit  30  and a cylindrical ring-shaped locking assembly  118  for fixedly engaging sub  113  of conduit  20 . The receptacle assembly  116  and locking assembly  118  may be sized as desired for attachment to desired variously sized fluid conduit attachment fittings shown as subs  112  and  113 . 
         [0027]    Ring-shaped locking assembly  118  is comprised of an L-shaped locking ring nut  119  that has a ring segment  121  and a radially extending flange  123 . The ring segment  121  has a plurality of external threads  133  and is configured to receive and encircle a corresponding slideably translatable lock ring  120  around sub  113  of first conduit  20 . Cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly  116  has a first plurality of internal threads  130  that are configured to threadedly correspond and mate with a plurality of external threads  131  around sub  112  of the second fluid conduit  30  and a second set of internal threads  132  that threadedly mate with external threads  133  on ring segment  121  of L-shaped locking ring nut  119 . 
         [0028]    Lock ring  120  is a cylindrical ring that engages with ring segment  121  of the locking nut  119 , such as by a radially extending flange or abutment head  126  on lock ring  120 . The engagement of lock ring  120  with ring segment  121  of locking nut  119  allows the flange lock ring  120  to be translated or slideably positioned as locking nut  119  is moved inward on the receptacle assembly  116  by rotational engagement of the external threads  133  of locking ring nut  119  with the internal threads  132  of the receptacle assembly  116 . 
         [0029]    The union  100  is used to make up a connection of conduit  20  having sub  113  with conduit  30  having sub  112 . This is accomplished by positioning ring segment  121  of locking ring nut  119  of the ring-shaped locking assembly  118  around flange lock ring  120  and positioning both the lock ring  120  and the locking ring nut  119  around sub  113  with the abutment head  126  of lock ring  120  positioned to abut flange  150  of sub  113 ; fixing receptacle assembly  116  on sub  112  by rotating cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly  116  and engaging internal threads  130  of receptacle assembly  116  with external threads  131  on sub  113 ; and translating the locking assembly  118  with the fitted sub  113  on cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly  116  by rotating locking ring nut  119  and engaging external threads  133  of ring segment  121  with the internal threads  132  of receptacle assembly  116  to translate locking ring nut  119  and slide lock ring  120  inward into receptacle  116  against flange  150  at stabbing end  136  of sub  113 ; and further rotating locking ring nut  119  to drive lock ring against flange  150  thereby firmly seating flange  150  against flange seat  135  on receiving surface  152  of sub  112 . Firmly seating flange  150  on flange seat  135  will allow fluid flow between through-bore  114  of fluid conduit  20  through-bore  115  of fluid conduit  30 . 
         [0030]    When union  100  is used to make up a connection of conduit  20  having sub  113  with conduit  30  having sub  112  as described, there is no need for rotating fluid conduit  20  and sub  113  or fluid conduit  30  and sub  112 . Only the receptacle assembly  116  and the flange ring nut  119  need be rotated to make up the connection with union  100 . 
         [0031]    Seals between abutting surfaces of the components of the union  100  may be provided to prevent fluid or pressure leaks at the connection surfaces. For instance a resilient seal such as an O-ring seal (not shown) may be provided between locking ring nut  119  and receptacle  116  around the flange  150  of sub  113  and within receiving surface  152  of sub  112 . These seals will be compressed by rotation of locking ring nut  119  of lock assembly  118  and engagement of external threads  133  with the internal threads  132  of receptacle  116  to provide seal against loss of fluids and pressure in the union  100 . 
         [0032]    It is thought that flange  150  of sub  113  will be tightly fitted on flange seat  135  of sub  113  to avoid leaks and loss of fluid and pressure at union  100 . This is accomplished by applying torque sufficient to rotate receptacle assembly  116  to firmly hold on sub  112  and applying torque sufficient to rotate locking ring nut  119  to slidably position lock ring  120  to firmly seat flange  150  of sub  113  on flange seat  135  of sub  113 . 
         [0033]    A torque wrench should be utilized to verify that sufficient torque is applied to the receptacle assembly  116  and the locking ring nut  119  to firmly seat flange  150  of sub  113  on flange seat  135  of sub  113 . It is thought that a torque wrench having a wrench head comprised of attachment straps, attachment links, or another suitable mechanism to grip the locking ring nut  119  and the receptacle assembly  116  will be provided when making up the union  100 . The wrench described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,064 for a “Hand Tong Having Tactile Torque Indication” is thought to be sufficient to verify that the torque applied to the receptacle assembly  116  and the locking ring nut  119  is sufficient to firmly seat flange  150  on flange seat  135  to make up the connection with union  100 . A backup wrench may also be provided to prevent rotation of fluid conduits  20  and  30  as the locking ring nut  199  and receptacle assembly  116  are rotated. 
         [0034]    To insure a firm grip with the torque wrench head for rotating locking ring nut  199  and receptacle assembly  116  these rotating components may be provided with a means for enhancing the grip of the torque wrench head. One means for enhancing the grip of the torque wrench head is providing a gripping surface on the outer radial surfaces of locking ring nut  199  and receptacle assembly  116  to enhance the connection of a wrench head strap. Another means for enhancing the grip of the torque wrench head is providing a plurality of rotation holes or recesses on the outer radial surfaces of locking ring nut  199  and receptacle assembly  116 , such as a plurality of rotation holes  124  shown on receptacle assembly  116 , for engaging a stud or gripping knob on a torque wrench head. The rotation holes  124  and torque wrench will allow the locking ring nut  199  to be tightened to a desired predetermined torque. 
         [0035]    To insure that the locking ring nut  119  and the receptacle assembly  116  remain in place after the seating torque is verified, these rotating components may be provided with a plurality of threaded set screw holes for engaging corresponding threaded set screws, such as threaded holes  122  and set screws  128  shown on locking nut ring  119  of locking assembly  118  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Once the receptacle  116  and the locking ring nut  119  of locking assembly  118  are tightened to a predetermined torque requirement, the set screws  128  may be tightened upon flange lock  120  by rotating the set screws  128  in the threaded set screw holes  122 . Rotation of fastening hole may be achieved through use of a hex wrench, Allen wrench, or any other bolt or screw driving means conventional in the art. A torque wrench or torque driver may be utilized provide a predetermined setting torque to insure the set screws are properly fitted against the flange lock  120  to guard against its movement. 
         [0036]    Use of the union  100  in the described manner provides a hamnmerless union of adjoining fluid conduits  20  and  30  and provides for fluid flow through the union  100 . The union  100  may be readily disassembled by reversing the described connection steps to disconnect fluid conduits  20  and  30  when their connection is no longer required. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a second embodiment of improved fluid conduit union is shown as union  200  for hammerless attachment of first fluid conduit  20  having an attachment sub  113  and a through-bore  114  and to second fluid conduit  30  having an attachment sub  112  and a through-bore  115 , all as previous described for the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The union  200  includes a cylindrical receptacle assembly  216  configured for threadedly engaging the female pipe sub  112  of fluid conduit  30  and a cylindrical ring-shaped locking assembly  218  for fixed engagement with attachment sub  113  of fluid conduit  20 . 
         [0038]    Ring-shaped locking assembly  218  is comprised of an L-shaped locking ring nut  219  that has a ring segment  221  and a radially extending flange  223 . The ring segment  121  has a plurality of external threads  233  and a plurality of internal threads  245 . The cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly  216  has a first plurality of internal threads  230  that are configured to threadedly correspond and mate with a plurality of external threads  131  around sub  112  of the second fluid conduit  30  and a second set of internal threads  232  that threadedly mate with external threads  233  on ring segment  221  of L-shaped locking ring nut  219 . The L-shaped locking ring nut  219  is translated on the receptacle assembly  216  by rotational engagement of the external threads  233  on ring segment  221  with the internal threads  232  on the receptacle assembly  216 . The internal threads  230  of the receptacle assembly  116  can be configured to accommodate any thread variation including the threads of Chiksan® swivel joints and a variety of other attachment fittings for hose, pipe, tubing, casing, and the like. 
         [0039]    Ring-shaped locking assembly  218  is further comprised of a translatable lock ring  220  and a secondary locking ring nut  250 . Lock ring  240  is configured to be positioned around sub  113  of first conduit  20  and has external flange threads  243  to correspondingly engage with internal threads  245  on the ring segment  221  of the L-shaped locking ring nut  219 . Lock rock  240  may be provided with a radially extending flange or abutment head  242  for abutting against flange  150  of sub  113 . The secondary locking ring nut  250  has a plurality of internal threads  241  configured for threadable engagement with the external threads  243  of lock ring  240  and internal threads  245  on ring segment  221  of L-shaped locking assembly  218 . 
         [0040]    The union  200  is used to make up a connection of conduit  20  having sub  113  with conduit  30  having sub  112 . This is accomplished by threadedly engaging the internal threads  245  of ring segment  221  of locking ring nut  219  of the ring-shaped locking assembly  218  with the external threads  243  of lock ring  220  and positioning both the lock ring  220  and the locking ring nut  219  around sub  113  with the abutment head  242  of lock ring  220  positioned to abut flange  150  of sub  113 ; fixing receptacle assembly  216  on sub  112  by rotating cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly  216  and engaging internal threads  230  of receptacle assembly  116  with external threads  131  on sub  113 ; and translating the locking assembly  218  with the fitted sub  113  on the cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly  216  by rotating locking ring nut  219  and engaging external threads  233  of ring segment  221  with the internal threads  232  of receptacle assembly  216  to move the locking assembly  218  and the lock ring  220  against the flange  150  of sub  113  at stabbing end  136  so that the flange  150  is driven against and firmly seated on flange seat  135  on receiving surface  152  of sub  112 . Flange  150  of sub  113  is then secured in a fixed position against flange seat  135  of sub  112  by threadedly engaging internal threads  241  of secondary locking ring nut  250  onto the external threads  243  of lock ring  240 . Secondary locking ring nut  240  takes the set screws  122  to maintain flange  150  firmly seated on flange seat  135  allow fluid flow between through-bore  114  of fluid conduit  20  and through-bore  115  of fluid conduit  30 . 
         [0041]    The union  200  may be readily disassembled by reversing the described connection steps to disconnect fluid conduits  20  and  30  when their connection is no longer required. 
         [0042]    When union  200  is used to make up a connection of conduit  20  having sub  113  with conduit  30  having sub  112  as described, there is no need for rotating fluid conduit  20  and sub  113  or fluid conduit  30  and sub  112 . Only the receptacle assembly  216 , flange ring nut  219 , and secondary locking ring nut  250  need be rotated to make up the connection with union  200 . 
         [0043]    As with the embodiment described in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , seals such as O-ring seals positioned between abutting surfaces of the components of the union  200  may be provided to prevent fluid or pressure leaks at the connecting surfaces and a torque wrench should be utilized to verify that sufficient torque is applied to the receptacle assembly  216  and to locking ring nut  219  and secondary locking ring nut  250  to firmly seat flange  150  of sub  113  on flange seat  135  of sub  113 . 
         [0044]    The rotating components of union  200 , i.e. receptacle assembly  216 , locking ring nut  219 , and secondary locking ring nut  250 , may also be provided with means for enhancing the grip of the torque wrench head, such as by providing a knurled, checkered, or abraded surface on the outer radial surfaces of these rotating components, or by providing the rotating components with a plurality of rotation holes  224  for engaging a stud or gripping knob on a torque wrench head. 
         [0045]    Again, a torque wrench having a wrench head comprised of attachment straps, attachment links, or another suitable gripping mechanism such as the wrench describe in U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,064 for a “Hand Tong Having Tactile Torque Indication” and a suitable backup wrench, if necessary, could be utilized to verify that the sufficient torque applied to the rotating components of union  200 . 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a third embodiment of the improved fluid conduit union is shown as union  300  for hammerless attachment of first fluid conduit  20  having an attachment sub  113  and a through-bore  114  and to second fluid conduit  30  having an attachment sub  112  and a through-bore  115  as previously described for the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The union  300  includes a cylindrical ring-shaped conduit receptacle assembly  116  configured for threadedly engaging sub  112  of conduit  30  and a cylindrical ring-shaped locking assembly  318  for fixedly engaging sub  113  of conduit  20 . The receptacle assembly  316  and locking assembly  318  may be sized as desired for attachment to desired variously sized fluid conduit attachment fittings shown as subs  112  and  113 . 
         [0047]    The ring-shaped locking assembly  318  is configured with an L-shaped locking ring nut  319  that has a ring segment and a radially extending flange  323  with a plurality of external threads configured to receive and encircle a corresponding slideably translatable lock ring  320  around sub  113  of first conduit  20 . The cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly  316  has a first plurality of internal threads that are configured to threadedly correspond and mate with a plurality of external threads around sub  112  of the second fluid conduit  30  and a second set of internal threads that threadedly mate with external threads on the ring segment of L-shaped locking ring nut  319 . Each of these components union  300  are configured in the same relationship as their corresponding components shown and described for the embodiment of union  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0048]    Union  300  differs from union  100  and union  200  previously described in that the radially extending flange  323  of the L-shaped locking ring nut  319  is provided with a plurality of equally spaced key slots  324  on its outer radial surface. These key slots  324  are configured to mate with the radially protruding teeth  351  of a rotatable key  322  that may be rotatably positioned in a key guide  353  on the side of the ring-shaped receptacle assembly  316 . The rotation of the rotatable key  322  will engage the protruding key teeth  351  with the key slots  324  on the locking ring nut  319  and rotate locking ring nut  119  on the internal threads of the cylindrical receptacle  316  so that lock ring  320  is driven against flange  150  at stabbing end  136  of sub  113  to firmly seat flange  150  against flange seat  135  on receiving surface  152  of sub  112 . 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 , a fourth embodiment of the improved fluid conduit union is shown as union  400  for hammerless attachment of first fluid conduit  20  having an attachment sub  113  and a through-bore  114  and second fluid conduit  30  having an attachment sub  112  and a through-bore  115 . Only the components necessary to show the differences between union  300  depicted in  FIG. 5  and union  400  are shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 . 
         [0050]    Union  400  has a ring-shaped locking assembly  418  configured with an L-shaped locking ring nut  419  that has a ring segment  421  and a radially extending flange  423  with a plurality of external threads configured to receive and encircle a corresponding slideably translatable lock ring  420  around sub  113  of first conduit  20 . The cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly around sub  112  of the second fluid conduit  30  is not shown. Each of these components union  400  are configured in the same relationship as their corresponding components shown and described for the embodiment of union  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and union  300  depicted in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0051]    Union  400  differs from union  300  only in that the radially extending flange  423  of the L-shaped locking ring nut  419  is provided with a plurality of equally spaced diagonally oriented slots  424  on its outer radial surface. The slots  424  are configured to mate with the protruding teeth  451  of a rotatable worm gear  422 . The interaction of the worm gear  422  with the key slots  424  will rotate the locking ring nut  419  on the internal threads of the cylindrical receptacle to secure the radial flange  426  of lock ring  424  against the radial flange  150  of the sub  113  to firmly seat flange  150  on the flange seat  135  of sub  112  of fluid conduit  30 . 
         [0052]    It is understood that union  300  and union  400  will be assembled to complete a connection of fluid conduits  20  and  30  in the same manner as that described for union  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  except for the rotatable components of union  300  may be rotated by means of key  322  in slots  324  and the rotatable components of union  400  by means of worm gear  422  and slots  424 . Unions  300  and  400  may be dissembled to break the connection of fluid conduits  20  and  30  by reversing the connecting steps. 
         [0053]    As previously described union  300  and union  40  may be provided with seals such as O-ring seals positioned between abutting component surfaces to prevent fluid or pressure leaks at the connection surface and a torque wrench as previously described should be utilized to verify that sufficient torque is applied to the rotating components of union  300  and union  400  to firmly seat flange  150  of sub  113  on flange seat  135  of sub  113 . The rotating components of union  300  and union  400  may also be provided with means for enhancing the grip of the torque wrench head such as by providing a knurled, checkered or abraded surface on the outer radial surfaces of these rotating components or by providing with a plurality of rotation holes as previously described for engaging a stud or gripping knob on a torque wrench head. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9 through 12 , a fifth embodiment of the improved fluid conduit union is shown as union  500  for hammerless attachment of first fluid conduit  20  having a male attachment sub  113  and a through-bore  114  and to second fluid conduit  30  having a female attachment sub  112  and a through-bore  115 . Union  500  includes a cylindrical receptacle  516  configured for threadedly engaging the female pipe sub  112  and a cylindrical locking ring nut assembly  518  for receiving cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly  516  to hold male sub  113  against female pipe sub  112 . 
         [0055]    The cylindrical locking ring nut assembly  518  has an internal cavity ring segment  517 , an attachment face  525  with an opening  514  defined by an edge  513  creating equally spaced inward scallops  523 , and an internally extending radial flange  515 . The receptacle assembly  516  has a outwardly extending radial flange  511  defined by edge  517  creating a plurality of equally spaced outward scallops  527  configured to be received between the inward scallops  523  around the edge  523  of the locking ring nut assembly  518  and a plurality of internal threads  530  that are configured to threadedly correspond and mate with the plurality of external threads  131  around sub  112  of the second fluid conduit  30 . The internal threads  530  of receptacle assembly  516  can be configured to accommodate any thread variation including the threads of Chiksan® swivel joints and a variety of other attachment fittings for hose, pipe, tubing, casing, and the like. 
         [0056]    Each of the outward scallops  527  of the receptacle assembly  516  has a bolt hole  521   a  that corresponds with a bolt hole  521   b  on each of the inward scallops  523  of the locking ring nut assembly  518 . Bolts  522  are provided for threaded engagement with bolt holes  521   a  and  521   b . The internally extending radial flange  515  of locking ring nut assembly  518  is configured to abut the radial flange  526  of a lock ring  520  positioned around sub  113  of first conduit  20 . A disc spring washer  550  is provided for placement between the locking ring nut assembly  518  and the receptacle assembly  516 . Compression of the disc spring washer will apply additional tension attachment bolts  522  to assist in drawing the locking ring nut assembly  118  toward the receptacle assembly  116 . 
         [0057]    The union  500  is used to make up a connection of conduit  20  having sub  113  with conduit  30  having sub  112 . This is connection is accomplished by positioning both the lock ring  520  and ring-shaped locking assembly  518  around sub  113  with the radial flange  515  adjacent abutment head  526  of lock ring  520 ; fixing receptacle assembly  516  on sub  112  by rotating cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly  516  and engaging internal threads  530  of receptacle assembly  516  with external threads  131  on sub  113 ; placing disc spring washer  550  within the internal cavity ring segment  517  adjacent locking ring nut assembly  518  with the fitted sub  113 ; placing the cylindrical ring-shaped receptacle assembly  516  adjacent disc spring washer  550  within the internal cavity ring segment  517  of locking ring nut assembly  518  by inserting the outward scallops  527  of receptacle assembly  516  between the inward scallops  523  of the locking ring nut assembly  518 ; rotating the locking ring nut assembly  518  so that the bolt holes  521   b  on inward scallops  523  are aligned with bolt holes  521   a  on outward scallops  527  of receptacle assembly  516 ; placing bolts  522  to engage with bolt holes  521   a  and  521   b , and turning bolts  522  within bolt holes  521   a  and  521   b  to translate the locking ring nut assembly  518  and draw the lock ring  520  against flange  150  of sub  113  at stabbing end  136  until flange  150  is firmly seated on flange seat  135  on receiving surface  152  of sub  112 . Flange  150  of sub  113  is then secured in a fixed position against flange seat  135  of sub  112  to allow fluid flow between through-bore  114  of fluid conduit  20  and through-bore  115  of fluid conduit  30 . 
         [0058]    When union  500  is used to make up a connection of conduit  20  having sub  113  with conduit  30  having sub  112  as described, there is no need for rotating fluid conduit  20  and sub  113  or fluid conduit  30  and sub  112 . Only the locking ring nut assembly  518  is rotated to make up the connection with union  500 . 
         [0059]    The union  500  may be readily disassembled by reversing the described connection steps in order to disconnect fluid conduits  20  and  30  when their connection is no longer required. 
         [0060]    As described in the prior embodiments, seals such as O-ring seals positioned between abutting surfaces of the components of union  500  may be provided in a similar manner to prevent fluid or pressure leaks at the connection surfaces and a torque wrench such as that previously described should be utilized to verify that sufficient torque is applied to the rotating components of union  500  to firmly seat flange  150  of sub  113  on flange seat  135  of sub  113 . The outer radial surfaces of the rotating components of union  500  may also be provided with means for enhancing the grip of the torque wrench head such as a knurled, checkered or abraded surface or by providing with a plurality of rotation holes as previously described for engaging a stud or gripping knob on a torque wrench head. 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13-15 , a sixth embodiment of the improved fluid conduit union is shown as union  600  for hammerless attachment of first fluid conduit  20  to second fluid conduit  30 . Fluid conduits  20  and  30  are shown in partial views for clarity and as previously described for the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , fluid conduit  20  having an attachment sub  113  and a through-bore  114  and fluid conduit  30  having an attachment sub  112  and a through-bore  115 . 
         [0062]    The union  600  is sized to accommodate desired a fluid conduit attachment fitting, shown as sub  113  of conduit  20  and sub  112  of conduit  30 , and is comprised of a receptacle assembly  616  and a ring-shaped locking assembly  618 , both positioned to translate longitudinally along subs  113  and  112 , respectively. The receptacle assembly  616  is comprised of a cylindrical ring-shaped conduit collar  615  translatably positioned around sub  113 . The collar  615  has a plurality of radially outwardly extending lugs  617  and a plurality of internal threads  630 . The internal threads  630  are configured to threadedly correspond and mate with a plurality of external threads  631  around sub  112  of the second fluid conduit  30 . The lugs  617  on the collar  615  may be used to rotate the receptacle assembly  616  to engage the internal threads  630  with external threads  631  of sub  112 . The receptacle assembly  616  is configured to receive and encircle a corresponding slideably translatable L-shaped lock ring  620  positioned around sub  113  of first conduit  20 . 
         [0063]    The ring-shaped locking assembly  618  is translatably positioned around sub  112  and is comprised of a rotatable lock ring  623  sandwiched between first and second spaced apart ring plates  629 . The rotatable lock ring  623  has a plurality of equally spaced gear teeth or slots  624  on its outer radial surface and a plurality of internal threads  625  configured to threadedly correspond and mate with external threads  631  around sub  112  of the second fluid conduit  30 . 
         [0064]    The first and second ring plates  629  are formed from semi-circular plates  629   a  and  629   b  which are hingedly affixed around the outer peripheral surface of first conduit  30  by hinge pins  632 . The spacing between first and second plates  629  is maintained by a plurality of spacer bars  633  mounted between said first and second plates  629 . Positioned between the spaced apart first and second plates  629  around said rotatable lock ring  623  is a plurality of drive gears  619  mounted on rotatable gear drive shafts  653 . Drive gears  619  are provided with a plurality of radially extending external teeth  622  configured to engage the gear teeth or slots  624  on the outer radial surface of lock ring  623 . The end of each shaft  653  may be provided with a key, a socket inset for receiving a wrench bit, or a bolt face for engagement with a wrench, such as those shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 , or other similar means to facilitate rotation shaft  653 . 
         [0065]    The drive gear  619  may be formed as a single gear and affixed between ring plates  629  to allow for a fixed grip of teeth  622  in slots  624  of lock ring  623  though, as shown in  FIGS. 13-15 , preferably drive gear  619  will be comprised of a first drive gear  619   a  and an adjoining second drive gear  619   b  positioned upon each gear drive shaft  653 . Drive gears  619   a  and adjoining drive gears  619   b  have a differing number of teeth  622  to create an offset between the teeth  662  of adjoining drive gears  619   a  and  619   b  so that, upon rotation of the drive shafts  653  and the corresponding rotation of drive gears  619   a  and  619   b , only one tooth  622  of drive gears  619   a  and  619   b  is in contact with a slot  624  of rotatable lock ring  623  at any given time. Offsetting the teeth  622  of adjoining drive gears  619   a  and  619   b  will stabilize the hold of the drive gears  619   a  and  619   b  on rotatable lock ring  623  and prevent gear teeth  622  from slipping during rotation. 
         [0066]    While it is thought that the locking assembly  618  will have a plurality of drive shafts  653  each with a single drive gear  619  or a plurality of pairs of adjoining drive gears  619   a  and  619   b  as described to facilitate fixed hold of lock ring  623 , a single drive shaft  653  having a single gear  619  or a single pair of adjoining gears  619   a  and  619   b  may also be utilized. 
         [0067]    For hammerless attachment of fluid conduit  20  to fluid conduit  30  with union  600 , receptacle assembly  616  and locking assembly  618  are both positioned around subs  113  and  112 , respectively. Stabbing end  136  of flange  150  of sub  113  is positioned to abut against concave flange seat  135  on receiving surface  152  of sub  112 . The collar  615  of the receptacle assembly  616  is rotated to engage its internal threads  630  with the external threads  631  of sub  112  and corresponding slideably translatable L-shaped lock ring  620  against radial flange  150  of sub  113  and seat stabbing end  136  of flange  150  against flange seat  135  on receiving surface  152  of sub  112 . 
         [0068]    A selected drive shaft  653  is then rotated to correspondingly rotate its drive gears  619   a  and  619   b  to rotate lock ring  623 . Rotation of lock ring  623  will engage its internal threads  625  to threadedly mate with external threads  631  around sub  112  of the second fluid conduit  30  to translate and drive lock ring  623  to abut against the collar  615  of the receptacle assembly  616  to hold the collar  615  in place on threads  631  with the L-shaped lock ring  620  against radial flange  150  of sub  113  with stabbing end  136  of flange  150  firmly seated against flange seat  135  on receiving surface  152  of sub  112 . 
         [0069]    The rotating components of each of the embodiments of the improved fluid conduit union may be rotated manually for the engagement and disengagement of fluid conduits  20  and  30  as described above without the need for hammers. The engagement and disengagement of the fluid conduits  20  and  30  may also be accomplished by the use of power tools such as a hydraulically or pneumatically activated spinner wrenches or a strap wrenches. In such situations, these rotating components may be provided with wrench flats or spinner lugs such as lugs  617  to accommodate the wrench faces of power tools.