Pressure balanced coupling with split body

摘要

A pressure balanced hydraulic coupling for use in undersea drilling and production operations is shown. The coupling has radial passages connecting between the male and female members such that fluid pressure is not exerted against the face of either member during coupling or uncoupling. The female member has a split body with a first part and a second part, each having a longitudinal passage and a radial fluid passage. A radial seal is positioned on the junction between the first and second parts of the female member body to facilitate removal and replacement of the radial seal when the split body is disassembled. The male member may be inserted through the first and second parts of the female coupling member, thereby establishing fluid communication between the coupling members in a direction transverse to the coupling member bores.