Patent ID: 8196607

Claim:
A subsea coupling, comprising: a male coupler having a probe; and a female coupler comprising a socket for the reception of the probe, wherein the couplers each include a valve which is openable on mating of the couplers to provide communication within the socket; wherein said socket includes a first annular seal for providing radial sealing between said probe and said socket; wherein said socket includes an annular recess accommodating a second annular seal for providing radial sealing between the probe and the socket, said second annular seal configured to trap hydraulic fluid within said annular recess when said couples are being mated; and wherein the coupling includes at least one relief channel disposed in at least one of a face of said annular recess and an outer surface of said probe to allow the escape of hydraulic fluid entrapped by the second annular seal within the said recess when the couplers are made up.