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Abstract

A compound tapered flange assembly for sealing axially aligned flanged tubular members. Opposed annular recesses are formed in each flange. Each recess has a radial shoulder tapered with respect to a transverse plane disposed between the flanges such that the axial distance between the radial plane and the shoulder at a maximum diameter is greater than the axial distance from the plane to the shoulder at a minimum diameter. Each recess also has an inside frustoconical surface tapered with respect to the longitudinal axis with a minimum inside diameter adjacent the shoulder, and a maximum inside diameter adjacent a face of the flange. A bifrustoconical annular seal ring has outside and end surfaces complementarily tapered to engage the shoulder and the inside surface of the recesses. A primary metal-to-metal area seal is formed between the shoulder and the end of the seal ring, and a secondary metal-to-metal area seal is formed between the inside and outside surfaces of the recess and the seal ring, respectively. The inside and outside sealing surfaces are pressure and temperature assisted into tighter sealing engagement by the fluid conducted through the assembly.

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First Claim