摘要 |
<p>A subsea fluid coupling includes male and female parts which can be quickly connected and disconnected. The female part includes a longitudinal aperture in which a slidable gate is disposed, and a first fluid passage communicating with said aperture so as to be blocked by the gate when the coupling is disconnected. The male part includes a conduit body which contains a second passage and which can be inserted longitudinally into the aperture to push the gate out of alignment with the first passage and bring the second passage into alignment with the first passage. Metal seals are carried by the female and male parts and which engage planar metal surfaces to produce metal-to-metal sealing around the first and second passages when the coupling is connected or disconnected. Holes extend laterally through the gate and the conduit body, respectively, for creating a lateral pressure balance on the gate and conduit body.</p> |