Patent Description:
Disclosed herein are pipe connectors, and more particularly, pipe connectors for use in high temperatures, such as in molten salt reactors.

Current pipe connectors are generally either a flange design or a clamp design. The flange design uses a flange at one end of a pipe that extends radially outward from the pipe with holes around the outer periphery of the flange for bolting together with another flange from a different pipe. A gasket is generally placed between the two flanges, which provides a seal to prevent fluids or gases from leaking through the connection. The clamp design has a hub that extends radially outward with a taper on the outside surface. Two clamps engage the taper surface with holes for bolting the two together. A gasket is positioned between the two clamp hubs, which provides a seal to prevent fluids or gases from leaking through the connection. Both of these designs require tightening/loosening multiple bolts and nuts. Nor do these designs permit the ability to remotely make up or break out the connection, thus requiring personnel to work in close proximity to the connection, which can expose personnel to hazardous conditions should the fluids or gases leak from the pipes. For example, <CIT> (with reference to Figs <NUM>-<NUM> disclosed therein) describes a pipe connector (<NUM>), comprising, a cylindrical pin (<NUM>) defining a passage therethrough, the pin comprising: a first portion, a second portion, and a transition portion extending from the first portion to the second portion, and the second portion having a plurality of threads extending outwardly from the outer surface of the second portion; and a ledge extending inwardly from the internal surface of the pin, the ledge defining a groove therein (see Fig. 19c); a cylindrical seal ring (<NUM>) defining a passage therethrough, the seal ring inserted within the pin the passage of the seal ring being aligned with the passage of the pin; a retainer ring (<NUM>) positioned within the groove formed in the ledge, a cylindrical box (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) and a second end and defining a passage extending therethrough the box defining a groove formed at the first end (see Fig. 20c), the first end of the box inserted into the pin wherein the first end surrounds a portion of the seal ring (<NUM>) and is positioned between the seal ring (<NUM>) and the pin (<NUM>), the passage of the box being aligned with the passage of the seal ring (see Fig. 18b); a cylindrical locking nut (<NUM>) defining a passage therethrough and comprising a plurality of threads extending inwardly from the internal surface of the locking nut, the locking nut positioned around the pin (<NUM>) and the box (<NUM>) and being threadedly coupled to the plurality of threads. However, there remains a need for improved pipe connector designs, including for use in high temperature environments.

The foregoing and other features and aspects of the invention are best understood with reference to the following description of certain exemplary embodiments, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:.

The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments within its scope, which is defined by the appended claims.

The exemplary embodiment disclosed herein is directed to pipe connectors, and more particularly to pipe connectors for use in high temperature environments, such as those characteristics of molten salt reactors. The pipe connector described herein can be used in any industry that uses pipe connectors. In certain embodiments, the exemplary pipe connectors can be used in building a molten salt system including a reactor or any other industry (e.g., the petroleum industry, in particular the refining sector) requiring a connection rated for temperatures over <NUM> and pressures up to <NUM> kPa (<NUM>,<NUM> psi). In particular, the exemplary pipe connector maintains a seal connection between pipes at temperatures greater than about <NUM>, or greater than about <NUM>. The temperature at which the pipe connector can used is not particularly limited. In certain embodiments, the pipe connectors can maintain a seal connection between pipes at temperatures in the range of about -<NUM> to about <NUM>, about -<NUM> to about <NUM>, or about -<NUM> to about <NUM>.

The pipe connectors are suitable for use across a wide range of pressures. In certain embodiments, the exemplary pipe connectors can be used at pressures ranging from atmospheric up to about <NUM> kPa (<NUM> psi), from atmospheric to about <NUM> kPa (<NUM> psi), from atmospheric to about <NUM> kPa (<NUM>,<NUM> psi), or from atmospheric to about <NUM> kPa (<NUM>,<NUM> psi). In certain embodiments, the exemplary pipe connectors may comprise certain design modifications to accommodate higher pressure, for example changing the outer diameter to increase the strength of the exemplary pipe connector. Typically, in the molten salt applications, the exemplary pipe connector is required to operate at a temperature of about <NUM> and a pressure up to <NUM> kPa (<NUM> psi). As referred to herein, "molten salt" means a salt which is solid at standard temperature and pressure but enters the liquid phase due to elevated temperature.

An exemplary embodiment of the pipe connector will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an exemplary embodiment of the pipe connector is shown. The pipe connector may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the pipe connector to those people having ordinary skill in the art. Like, but not necessarily the same, elements in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.

<FIG> show cross-sectional or external views of a pipe connector <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional exploded view of the pipe connector <NUM> in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. <FIG> shows an external view of the pipe connector <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> shows an external assembled view of the pipe connector of <FIG> in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional assembled view of the pipe connector of <FIG> illustrating the seal connections between the pin <NUM> and the box <NUM> with seal ring <NUM> in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, the pipe connector <NUM> includes a pin <NUM>, a seal ring <NUM>, a retainer ring <NUM>, a box <NUM>, a locking nut <NUM>, and a retaining nut <NUM> according to certain exemplary embodiments.

The pin <NUM> is cylindrical in shape and includes a first portion <NUM>, a second portion <NUM>, and a transition portion <NUM> extending between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>. The pin <NUM> defines a passage <NUM> extending therethrough for fluid, either liquids or gases, to flow therethrough. The first portion <NUM> extends from a first end <NUM> of the pin <NUM> to the transition portion <NUM> and has a smooth internal surface having a constant circumference according to the exemplary embodiment; however, the internal surface may not be smooth or not have a constant circumference in other embodiments. The transition portion <NUM> extends from the first portion <NUM> to the second portion <NUM>. The outer surface of the transition portion <NUM> gradually increases in circumference as the transition portion <NUM> extends from the first portion <NUM> to a transition point <NUM> located along the transition portion's <NUM> outer surface, wherein the transition portion's <NUM> outer surface then has a circumference that is constant as the outer surface extends from the transition point <NUM> to the second portion <NUM>. The transition portion <NUM> also includes a plurality of threads <NUM> extending outwardly from its outer surface adjacent to the second portion <NUM>. Most of the internal surface of the transition portion <NUM> is smooth and has a constant circumference which is the same as the internal circumference of the first portion <NUM>; however, the circumference of the internal surface is larger towards its end adjacent the second portion <NUM>, thereby causing the end of the transition portion <NUM> adjacent the second portion <NUM> to have a first thickness <NUM>. Further, the internal surface of the transition portion <NUM> adjacent the second portion <NUM> has first groove <NUM> and a second groove <NUM> formed therein, wherein the second groove <NUM> is formed deeper that the first groove <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> extends from the end of the transition portion <NUM> to a second end <NUM> of the pin <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> includes a plurality of threads <NUM> extending outwardly from its outer surface adjacent the second end <NUM>. The second portion's outer surface is the same circumference at the end of the transition portion <NUM> located adjacent the second portion <NUM>. The second portion's internal surface is smooth and has a larger circumference than the circumference of the transition portion's internal surface located adjacent the second portion <NUM>, thereby causing the second portion to have a second thickness <NUM>. The second thickness <NUM> is less than the first thickness <NUM>, thereby forming a ledge <NUM> where the transition portion <NUM> transitions to the second portion <NUM>. The ledge <NUM> includes a third groove <NUM> formed within its internal surface. <FIG>, <FIG> show cross-sectional or perspective views of a pin <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

The seal ring <NUM> is cylindrical in shape and includes a first ridge <NUM> and a second ridge <NUM> extending outwardly from the outer surface adjacent each of its ends. The first ridge <NUM> is configured to fit within the second groove <NUM> and the end of the seal ring <NUM> adjacent the first ridge <NUM> is configured to rest atop and adjacent the first groove <NUM>. The seal ring <NUM> defines a passage <NUM> extending therethrough for fluid, either liquids or gases, to flow therethrough. The seal ring's internal surface is smooth and has a circumference that is equal to the circumference of the pin's first portion's <NUM> internal surface such that diameter or circumference of passage <NUM> extending from the first portion <NUM> to the transition portion <NUM> to the seal ring <NUM> is the same once the seal ring <NUM> is installed within the pin <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG> show cross-sectional or perspective views of a seal ring <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

The retainer ring <NUM> is ring shaped and is configured to fit within the third groove <NUM>. The retainer ring <NUM> also is configured to be positioned around the seal ring <NUM> between the first ridge <NUM> and the second ridge <NUM> once the retainer ring <NUM> is installed within the pin <NUM>.

The box <NUM> is cylindrical in shape and includes a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> extending from the end of the first portion <NUM>. The box <NUM> defines a passage <NUM> extending therethrough for fluid, either liquids or gases, to flow therethrough. The first portion <NUM> extends from a first end <NUM> of the box <NUM> to the second portion <NUM> and has a substantially smooth internal surface having a constant circumference, except for a groove <NUM> formed at the first end <NUM> of the box <NUM>. The groove <NUM> is configured to allow the box's first end <NUM> to be inserted into the pin's second end <NUM> and fit adjacently around the seal ring's second ridge <NUM> and the seal ring's end between the seal ring <NUM> and the pin <NUM>. Further, the internal surface of passage <NUM> has first groove <NUM> and a second groove <NUM> formed therein, wherein the second groove <NUM> is formed deeper that the first groove <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The first portion's <NUM> internal surface has a circumference or diameter that is the same as the circumference or diameter of the pin's first portion <NUM>. The first portion's <NUM> outer surface has a circumference that is constant as the outer surface extends from the first end <NUM> to the second portion <NUM> but includes a ridge <NUM> extending outwardly therefrom adjacent the first end <NUM>. The first portion's <NUM> outer surface is dimensioned to fit within the pin's second portion's <NUM> inner surface and the ridge <NUM> extends sufficiently outward from the first portion's <NUM> outer surface to be equal to the circumference of the pin's second portion's <NUM> outer surface once the box's first portion <NUM> is nstallled within the pin's second portion <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> extends from the first portion to a second end <NUM> of the box <NUM> and has a smooth internal surface having a constant circumference. The second portion's <NUM> internal surface has a circumference or diameter that is the same as the circumference or diameter of the box's first portion <NUM>. The outer surface of the second portion <NUM> has a diameter or circumference that is smaller than the outer surface or diameter of the first portion's <NUM> outer surface, thereby causing the second portion <NUM> to have a smaller thickness than the first portion <NUM> and forming a ledge <NUM> where the first portion <NUM> transitions to the second portion <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> includes a plurality of threads <NUM> extending outwardly from its outer surface adjacent to the end of the box's first portion <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG> show cross-sectional or perspective views of a box <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

The locking nut <NUM> is cylindrical in shape and extends from a first end <NUM> to a second end <NUM>. The locking nut <NUM> defines a passage <NUM> extending therethrough for allowing the box's second portion <NUM> and a portion of the box's first portion <NUM> to pass therethrough. The locking nut <NUM> includes a first internal ridge <NUM> formed at the second end <NUM>, which extends inwardly from the internal surface of the locking nut <NUM>. The locking nut <NUM> also includes a second internal ridge <NUM> formed adjacent the first internal ridge <NUM>, which extends inwardly from the internal surface of the locking nut <NUM> but not as far as the first internal ridge <NUM> extends. The locking nut <NUM> further includes a plurality of threads <NUM> extending inwardly from its inner surface extending from the first end <NUM> to the second internal ridge <NUM>. The locking nut <NUM> is configured to be coupled around a portion of the pin <NUM> and a portion of the box <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> show cross-sectional or perspective views of a locking nut <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

The retaining nut <NUM> is cylindrical in shape and extends from a first end <NUM> to a second end <NUM>. The retaining nut <NUM> defines a passage <NUM> extending therethrough for allowing a portion of the box's second portion <NUM> to pass therethrough. The retaining nut <NUM> includes a plurality of threads <NUM> extending inwardly from its inner surface extending from the first end <NUM> towards the second end <NUM>, and in some embodiments, the plurality of threads extends entirely to the second end <NUM>. The retaining nut <NUM> is configured to be coupled around a portion of the box's second portion <NUM> that is adjacent the box's first portion <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> show cross-sectional or perspective views of a retaining nut <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, assembly of the pipe connector <NUM> occurs by first inserting the retainer ring <NUM> into the pin's third groove <NUM> in the ledge <NUM>. The seal ring <NUM> is inserted into the pin <NUM> such that the seal ring's first ridge <NUM> is inserted and secured into the pin's second groove <NUM> and the end of the seal ring <NUM> adjacent the first ridge <NUM> rests atop and adjacent the pin's first groove <NUM>. The seal ring's second ridge <NUM> is positioned adjacent to and rests on the pin's ledge <NUM> on the opposite side of the pin's ledge <NUM> than where the first ridge <NUM> is positioned. The seal ring's passage <NUM> is positioned adjacent to and abuts the pin's passage <NUM> that extends from the pin's first portion <NUM>, thereby making passage <NUM> and passage <NUM> continuous and smooth with a constant internal circumference or diameter.

Next, a portion of the box <NUM> is inserted into the pin <NUM> and around the seal ring <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. The connection of the box <NUM> to the pin <NUM> is not secured at this time and can easily be removed. Once a portion of the box <NUM> is inserted into the pin <NUM> and the box's groove <NUM> is positioned around the seal ring <NUM>, the box <NUM> is set in place. Once the box <NUM> is set in place with respect to the pin <NUM>, the box's ridge <NUM> is positioned adjacent to and abutting the pin's second end <NUM>.

After the box's ridge <NUM> is positioned adjacent to and abutting the pin's second end <NUM>, the locking nut <NUM> slides over the box <NUM> and the locking nut's plurality of threads <NUM> engages the pin's second portion's plurality of threads <NUM>. The locking nut <NUM> is rotated so that the locking nut's plurality of threads <NUM> is coupled to the pin's second portion's plurality of threads <NUM> and then eventually also couples to the pin's transition portion's plurality of threads <NUM>. The locking nut's first internal ridge <NUM> provides a stop for the locking nut <NUM> once the first internal ridge <NUM> abuts the box's ridge <NUM>. Once the locking nut <NUM> is securely coupled to the pin <NUM> and the box <NUM>, the box <NUM> is securely coupled to the pin <NUM>. At this time, the seal ring <NUM> is compressed and seals the connection between the pin <NUM> and the box <NUM>. Also at this time, the box's passage <NUM> is positioned adjacent to and abuts the seal ring's passage <NUM>, thereby making passage <NUM>, passage <NUM>, and passage <NUM> continuous and smooth with a constant internal circumference or diameter.

Next, the retaining nut <NUM> slides over a portion of the box <NUM> and the retaining nut's plurality of threads <NUM> engages the box's second portion's plurality of threads <NUM>. The retaining nut <NUM> is rotated so that the retaining nut's plurality of threads <NUM> is coupled to the box's second portion's plurality of threads <NUM>. The retaining nut <NUM> is threaded (lefthand thread) onto the box's second portion's plurality of threads <NUM>. The box's ledge <NUM> provides a stop for the retaining nut <NUM> once the retaining nut's first end <NUM> abuts the box's ledge <NUM>. The retaining nut <NUM> is used for disassembly of the pipe connector <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, breaking the seal between the pin <NUM> and the box <NUM> is achieved by rotating the locking nut <NUM> backwards and moving the locking nut <NUM> towards the retaining nut <NUM> in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. The locking nut <NUM> is then unscrewed from the pin's second portion's plurality of threads <NUM> such that the locking nut's first internal ridge <NUM> is backed up and positioned adjacently and abutting the retaining nut <NUM>. As the locking nut <NUM> is backed up towards the retaining nut <NUM>, the locking nut <NUM> will no longer compress the seal ring <NUM>, thereby breaking the seal between the pin <NUM> and the box <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the seal ring <NUM> creates a plurality of sealing contact areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> with adjacent components that create a seal between the pin <NUM> and the box <NUM>. The seal ring <NUM> creates a first sealing contact area <NUM> between the seal ring <NUM> and the pin <NUM> adjacent collective passage <NUM>, <NUM> formed by the pin <NUM> and the seal ring <NUM>. The seal ring <NUM> also creates a second sealing contact area <NUM> between the seal ring <NUM> and the pin <NUM> further away from the collective passage <NUM>, <NUM> formed by the pin <NUM> and the seal ring <NUM>. This second sealing contact area <NUM> provides a backup sealing contact area in the event the first sealing contact area <NUM> fails. The pin <NUM> is compressed more into the sealing ring <NUM> at the second sealing contact area <NUM> than at the first sealing contact area <NUM>. Similarly, the seal ring <NUM> creates a first sealing contact area <NUM> between the seal ring <NUM> and the box <NUM> adjacent collective passage <NUM>, <NUM> formed by the seal ring <NUM> and the box <NUM>. The seal ring <NUM> also creates a second sealing contact area <NUM> between the seal ring <NUM> and the box <NUM> further away from the collective passage <NUM>, <NUM> formed by the box <NUM> and the seal ring <NUM>. This second sealing contact area <NUM> provides a backup sealing contact area in the event the first sealing contact area <NUM> fails. The box <NUM> is compressed more into the sealing ring <NUM> at the second sealing contact area <NUM> than at the first sealing contact area <NUM>. Further, the compression of the pin <NUM> into the seal ring <NUM> at the first sealing contact area <NUM> is about the same magnitude as the compression of the box <NUM> into the seal ring <NUM> at its first sealing contact area <NUM>. Similarly, the compression of the pin <NUM> into the seal ring <NUM> at the second sealing contact area <NUM> is about the same magnitude as the compression of the box <NUM> into the seal ring <NUM> at its second sealing contact area <NUM>.

The exemplary pipe connector can be assembled or disassembled to connect pipes directly or remotely. In certain embodiments, the exemplary pipe connector <NUM> allows pipe connections to be stabbed and tightened or loosened and separated remotely. As referred to herein, to term "remote assembly" means assembly of the connector from a distance using a computer and/or other device to assemble the connector. As referred to herein, to term "remote disassembly" means disassembly of the connector from a distance using a computer and/or other device to assemble the connector. Remote assembly or remote disassembly of the exemplary pipe connector can be accomplished, for example, robotically.

The pipe connector <NUM> is self-aligning during installation and assembly. The seal ring <NUM> has redundant sealing areas, as described above with respect to <FIG>, for added reliability. The seal ring <NUM> has a retaining ring <NUM> to maintain proper location during assembly and disassembly. In addition to securely locking the two halves, the pin <NUM> and the box <NUM>, together, the locking nut <NUM>, or clamp assembly, also separates these two halves during the disassembly, breaking any stiction that makes separation difficult. This design is stronger than the pipe and has lower stresses. This pipe connector <NUM> is rated for temperatures over <NUM>, pressures up to <NUM> kPa (<NUM>,<NUM> psi), and for use also with hostile fluids, such as molten fluoride salts. This pipe connector <NUM> provides a connection that is rated for both gas and liquid. This pipe connector <NUM> may present some advantages, which include remote assembly and remote disassembly, use in hazardous environment, ability to separate the seal between the pin <NUM> and the box <NUM> without difficulty, redundant sealing contact areas between the seal ring <NUM> and each of the pin <NUM> and the box <NUM> for improving, and rating for over <NUM> and up to <NUM> kPa (<NUM>,<NUM> psi) in either gas or liquid.

The pipe connector <NUM> provides for self-alignment between the pin <NUM> and the box <NUM>. A lead-in taper on the pin <NUM> initially engages the box <NUM>. The box <NUM> must be aligned with the pin <NUM> and the common centerline before the seal ring <NUM> begins to engage the box <NUM> and before the locking nut <NUM> begins to engage the threads on the pin <NUM>. This feature assures that the seal ring <NUM> is not damaged and that the threads are not cross threaded.

The pipe connector <NUM> also provides for forced separation between the pin <NUM> and the box <NUM>. This feature is beneficial if the pipe connector <NUM> carried a fluid that hardens when the temperature is lowered to facilitate disassembly of the connection between the pin <NUM> and the box <NUM>. Many times, this solid material creates a high stiction force making separation of the box <NUM> and the pin <NUM> difficult. In this embodiment, the locking nut <NUM> and the retaining nut <NUM> are designed to contact each other before the connection is fully separated. The locking nut threads <NUM> are in an opposite direction than the retaining nut threads <NUM> (one being a right hand turn while the other is a left hand turn), which allows for this force separation in accordance with the embodiment shown herein. The locking nut threads <NUM> provide a mechanical advantage, like a mechanical jack, in "pushing" the retaining nut <NUM> which causes separation between the pin <NUM> and box <NUM>.

The pipe connector <NUM> also provides for retaining of the seal ring <NUM> with the pin <NUM> when the box <NUM> and the pin <NUM> are disassembled. The seal ring <NUM> has a retainer ring <NUM> in the pin <NUM>. The purpose of this retainer ring <NUM> is to maintain the seal ring <NUM> in its proper place while either making (assembling) or breaking (disassembling) the connection. The middle section of the seal ring <NUM> has a reduced outside diameter with angles that will contact the retainer ring <NUM> and prevent the seal ring <NUM> from falling out of position if the seal ring <NUM> starts becoming loose. The retainer ring <NUM> also assures that the seal ring <NUM> will always be attached to the pin <NUM>.

According to the invention, the pipe connector comprises:.

In certain embodiments, the pin comprises a taper at the distal end of the second portion, the taper providing self-alignment of the box with the pin as the box is coupled to the pin.

In certain embodiments, the locking nut is unscrewed to decouple the box from the pin, the locking nut provides a force upon the retaining nut that provides a force separation between the pin and the box, wherein the threads of the locking nut are in an opposite direction than the threads of the retaining nut.

In certain embodiments, the seal ring comprises a reduced outside diameter along the middle portion of the length of the seal ring, the reduced outside diameter having angles along both distal ends that will contact the retainer ring and prevent the seal ring from falling out of position if the seal ring starts becoming loose during connection or disassembly.

In certain embodiments, the seal ring is always retained with the pin during disassembly of the box from the pin.

In certain embodiments, the exemplary pipe connector is suitable for use in a reactor system involving molten salts. In certain embodiments, the exemplary pipe connector is encompassed by a heat jacket or insulating material to maintain temperature. Suitable heat jackets and insulating materials are known in the art.

In certain embodiments, the exemplary pipe connector is suitable to be assembled or disassembled with a hydraulic torque wrench. Suitable hydraulic torque wrenches are known in the art.

In certain embodiments, the exemplary pipe connector is configured to be disconnected robotically. In certain embodiments, the exemplary pipe connector is configured to be disconnected remotely. Suitable devices for robotic or remote disconnection of the exemplary pipe connectors are known in the art.

In one embodiment, a system comprises an exemplary pipe connector as disclosed herein and a device for remote disconnection of the exemplary pipe connector.

In one embodiment, a system comprises an exemplary pipe connector as disclosed herein and a device for robotic disconnection of the exemplary pipe connector.

In one embodiment, a system comprises an exemplary pipe connector as disclosed herein and a hydraulic torque wrench.

In one embodiment, a system comprises an exemplary pipe connector as disclosed herein and a by a heat jacket or insulating material to maintain temperature.

Accordingly, many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to a person of ordinary skill in the art to which pipe connectors pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the exemplary pipe connectors are not to be limited to the specific embodiment disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example embodiments described herein are not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the example embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art.

An exemplary pipe connector was designed to fix issues found during testing of other flanges and pipe connector options currently on the market. In this example, the pipe connector is intended to be used with a salt-wetted metal-to-metal seal operating at about <NUM> and a pressure of about <NUM> psia. The ability of the exemplary pipe connector to maintain a pressure of at least <NUM> psia when held at a temperature of at least <NUM> with the seal gasket submerged in molten salt for ten HTHP cycles was tested. The pipe connector was subsequently disassembled, the gasket replaced with a new one, and then tested for two additional more HTHP cycles. The testing of this exemplary pipe connector was successful with no failures.

The exemplary pipe connector was designed to overcome problems found with other (comparative) pipe sealing options during their testing. Other pipe sealing options, such as flanges, seal reliably once lined up properly, however this process can be slow. Disassembling the flange and removing the seal requires great effort. The salt strongly bonds to the metal walls, making separation of the seal from the seal surface difficult and increasing the chance of damaging the seal surface of the flange during the process. Additionally, the bolts and nuts frequently gall when repeatedly heated to <NUM>, sometimes to the point of requiring them to be cut off during the disassembly process.

One type of flange tested was easier to assemble, but the seals tested were less reliable for holding pressure when heating to <NUM>. When cooling, it was observed that a pressure release occurred due to the different rates of dimensional change of the gasket and flange. Many of these issues were due to the differences in thermal expansion between the gasket material (varying) and the flange material (<NUM> SS), particularly when the heat treatment of the gasket material was insufficient for high temperature applications. In certain sealing options, the seal failed when the bottom / interior of the vessel reached <NUM> because it was not meant for use at such high temperatures (<FIG>).

The exemplary pipe connector was designed to address several of these issues. In particular, advantageous attributes of the exemplary pipe connector include:.

Claim 1:
A pipe connector (<NUM>), comprising,
a cylindrical pin (<NUM>) defining a passage therethrough (<NUM>), the pin comprising:
a first portion (<NUM>), a second portion (<NUM>), and a transition portion (<NUM>) extending from the first portion to the second portion, the transition portion having a plurality of first threads (<NUM>) extending outwardly from the outer surface of the transition portion, and the second portion having a plurality of second threads (<NUM>) extending outwardly from the outer surface of the second portion; and
a ledge (<NUM>) extending inwardly from the internal surface of the pin where the transition portion and the second portion meet, the ledge defining a groove therein;
a cylindrical seal ring (<NUM>) defining a passage therethrough (<NUM>) and comprising a first ridge (<NUM>) and a second ridge (<NUM>) extending outwardly from an outer surface of the seal ring, the first ridge being parallel to the second ridge, the seal ring inserted within the pin wherein the ledge is positioned between the first ridge and the second ridge, the passage of the seal ring (<NUM>) being aligned with the passage of the pin (<NUM>);
a retainer ring (<NUM>) positioned within the groove formed in the ledge and surrounding the outer surface of the seal ring;
a cylindrical box (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>) and defining a passage extending therethrough (<NUM>) and a plurality of threads (<NUM>) extending outwardly from the outer surface, the box defining a groove (<NUM>) formed at the first end, the first end of the box inserted into the pin (<NUM>) wherein the first end surrounds a portion of the seal ring and is positioned between the seal ring (<NUM>) and the pin (<NUM>), the passage of the box being aligned with the passage of the seal ring;
a cylindrical locking nut (<NUM>) defining a passage therethrough (<NUM>) and comprising a plurality of threads (<NUM>) extending inwardly from the internal surface of the locking nut, the locking nut positioned around the pin and the box and being threadedly coupled to the plurality of first threads (<NUM>) and the plurality of second threads (<NUM>); and
a cylindrical retainer nut (<NUM>) defining a passage therethrough (<NUM>) and comprising a plurality of threads (<NUM>) extending inwardly from the internal surface of the retainer nut, the retainer nut positioned around the box and being threadedly coupled to the plurality of threads of the box