Misalignment flange and method for use

摘要

An improved misalignment flange and method for use is provided by a socket member having a substantially spherical inside diameter surface seat which engages, in fluid-tight fashion, a ball member having a substantially spherical outside diameter surface and associated therewith a stored-energy seal. A retaining member is also utilized to clamp the ball member and spherical seal into fluid-tight engagement with the inside spherical surface of the socket member. The misalignment flange of the present invention provides up to 20 DEG of off-axis misalignment and service in hostile environments.