Importance

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Abstract

A joint for rigidly coupling first and second pipes having high temperature fluid flowing therethrough. The joint comprises first and second annular members including mating spherical segments which are rigidly coupled, respectively, to the pipes; a coupling assembly to couple the annular members in telescoped engagement and to radially inwardly compress these members to resist relative angular movement therebetween; an annular cavity defined by the telescoped annular members and communicating with the interface of the engaged annular members; and an annular, metallic and torsionally flexible seal located in the cavity to resist fluid escape from the joint through the interface of the annular members. The joint accepts annular misalignment of the pipes as the pipes are being connected, but thereafter the coupling assembly applies the radially inwardly directed compression to the mating spherical segments to resist further relative angular movement therebetween. Each annular member comprises an annular hub and an annular flange coupled to and extending radially outwardly of the hub. The coupling assembly comprises a clamping ring engaging the flanges. In a first embodiment, both flanges are formed as one-piece members, while in a second embodiment, one of the flanges is formed from a primary and a secondary flange. In both embodiments, one of the flanges is slidably coupled to one of the hubs to accept the angular misalignment of the pipes before the joint is made rigid by the application of the clamping ring.

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First Claim