Pipe union assembly.

摘要

A pipe union assembly with embodiments (100, 102, 104, 106, 108) which are capable of use over a very wide temperature range and which may be cycled through temperatures varying widely from the ambient assembly temperature and also over a wide range of pressures without the need to be retightened. The pipe union generally comprises one or more fitting members (110A, 110B, 110C, 410, 610) and a sealing member (210, 510, 710). The sealing member (210, 510, 710) receives a ridge formed on each fitting member (110A, 110B, 110C, 410, 610) in a sealing fashion. One or more external sleeves (302, 304, 328, 350, 376) hold the fitting member (110A, 110B, 110C, 410, 610) and the sealing member (210, 510, 710) in sealing engagement. The materials from which each fitting member (110A, 110B, 110C, 410, 610) and sealing member (210, 510, 710) are fabricated may be chosen so as to exhibit the proper hardness characteristics and thermal expansion coefficients. A compensating washer (320) is also provided to increase compensation for thermal contractions at low temperatures. An embodiment (100, 102, 104, 106, 108) is provided with restraining clips (326) which are placed in grooves (144A, 144B) provided on the exterior of the fitting members (110A, 110B, 110C, 410, 610) so as to allow breaking of the sealing engagement and dissipation of any residual pressure before the union is completely disassembled.