The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 02, 1998
Filed:
Nov. 16, 1995
Erstad Jostein, Bergen, NO;
Framo Engineering AS, Nesttun, NO;
Abstract
A monitoring system for a fluid flow connector such as for oil or gas production flow is able to maintain the integrity of the seal at a junction between fluid conduits and generate a warning signal or activate a secondary seal in the event of main seal failure. The monitoring system of the invention is used with a hydraulic seal to which barrier fluid is supplied under pressure. The pressure of the barrier fluid is sensed at the seal and compared to the applied pressure. A drop in pressure indicates a leaking seal and a warning signal may be generated and/or a secondary seal brought into operation. The system is particularly useful when a plurality of junctions of conduits are present in a connector. Independent supplies of barrier fluid to the seals at each junction are provided so that identification of a leaking seal is accurate and timely.