摘要 |
O-ringless coupling device including a pair of junction elements for attachment to the ends of flow lines to be connected and a coupling nut. One of the elements is provided with a coupling face having at least one annular groove formed therein circumscribing the fluid passageway. The sidewalls of the groove or grooves are angularly inclined relative to each other so that the width of the groove decreases with depth. The opposing face of the second junction element is provided with an annular rib, the transverse thickness of which is adapted to mate with the opposing groove of the first element such that when the nut is used to draw the two junction elements together, the rib mates with the groove and forms a seal therebetween. Preferably, the distal extremity of the rib is narrower than the proximal extremity and is of a dimension such that the walls of the annular rib mate with the walls of the annular groove such that coupling pressure wedges them together forming pressure seals at the engaging sidewalls. In a dual annular sealing configuration, either or both of the junction elements may include an annular channel formed between the inner and outer annular sealing mechanisms, so as to retain and distribute any fluid leaking through the inner sealing mechanism. In a leak trace embodiment, a suitable leak sensor may be extended into sensing communication with the channel. |