Hydraulic coupling with seals on both male and female members

摘要

A subsea hydraulic coupling has a male connector member 11 with a probe 50 which is received in a chamber 21 of a female connector member 12. Both members carry an annular seal 33, 48, to seal against the other member, when engaged. Each connector member also has a check valve 20 actuated by an actuator rod 53. The seals and valves are arranged so that both seals 33, 48 enter a sealing relationship substantially simultaneously with the actuator 53 urging the check valves 20 into an open position. This arrangement allows seawater between the connectors to escape before the sealing relationship is established and, upon coupling, the check valves are opened to allow fluid to flow.