Device for free junction between two pipes

Claim 1

A pipe junction comprising a first pipe having a cylindrical enlarged section part at one end, a floating ring comprising a cylindrical part having an external surface cooperating with the internal surface of said cylindrical enlarged section part of the end of the pipe and axially movable relative thereto, a second pipe having one end in register with said ring and provided with a flange, an annular plate of the ring having a face for cooperation with the flange to permit transverse movement therebetween and means on the ring responsive to fluid pressure within the pipes to maintain the ring in hydrostatical equilibrium relative to the flange by the combined effects on the ring of fluid pressure within the pipes urginG the ring towards the flange and of the fluid pressure prevailing in the film of liquid formed between the plate and the flange, the plate of the ring having at least one pocket symmetrically formed therein and calibrated passages communicating between the pocket and the interior of the pipes, the external cylindrical surface of the floating ring being provided with means for automatically centering the ring in said enlarged section part of the first pipe.