Diverter flex joint

Abstract

This invention provides for an assembly of elements for conducting fluids where such fluids subject the interior of this assembly to a pressure greater than the pressure exerted on the exterior of the assembly by an ambient fluid. The assembly comprises a plurality of elements connected end-to-end by connecting means and at least one pair of such elements being connected by a flexible connector means. The flexible connector means includes a cylindrical housing that has a greater internal diameter than the external diameter of the elements that it is to connect, and is positioned such that these elements extend inwardly into said housing. A retainer means is employed at each end of the housing and it is adapted for retaining the elements in a fixed position relative to the housing and the flexible connector means. A pair of outer laminated assemblies formed of alternating layers of rigid and flexible material are positioned in the connector to accommodate tensile loads nest of the expected, and a pair of inner laminated assemblies are positioned to accommodate all compression loads and to effect part of the seal between the fluid pathway through the connector and the external environment. A sliding seal element forms the other part of the seal and is also adapted to accommodate the relatively large tensile faces.