Inventors:
William P. Kielminski - Houston TX
International Classification:
F16L 2102
Abstract:
A pipe coupler with sealing apparatus for use with lined or unlined pipes has a pipe connector member having a bore for receiving a floating seal means intermediate to threaded pipe holding portions. The bore includes a bottom portion between first and second recesses. The first recess is provided with a stop side for prepositioning the floating seal means. The floating seal means includes a steel ring having opposing end recesses; the inner diameter side and two ends are substantially encased with a resilient plastics material. The steel ring has a width greater than the width of the bore's bottom portion. When pipes are initially fitted to the pipe connector, the steel ring abuts the stop member with the resilient plastics extending over the stop. When finally torqued, the torque is equalized between the pipes, and the steel ring of the floating seal means is centered over the bore's body portion with ends extending partially over the bore's recesses. The resilient plastics is forced into the steel ring's and bore's recesses to seal the pipe's ends against leakage without bulging the inner diameter plastics thereby keeping it flush with the pipe's inner diameters.