Stabilized connector flange for interconnecting an instrument manifold with an orifice plate assembly

Claim 1

Apparatus for structurally interconnecting an instrument manifold with a differential pressure assembly, the instrument manifold having first and second pressure receiving inlet ports, first and second pressure transmitting outlet ports, and a plurality of apertures positioned radially outward of a corresponding inlet port for receiving securing members to structurally interconnect the instrument manifold to the apparatus, the differential pressure assembly including first and second body surfaces and having first and second tapered NPT threaded outlet ports adjoining a respective body surface each for transmitting a pressure signal through the instrument manifold and to a differential pressure sensor, the apparatus comprising: first and second connector flange means each having a central axis and a through passageway formed about the central axis for transmitting a pressure signal from a corresponding outlet port in the differential pressure assembly to a corresponding inlet port in the instrument manifold, each connector flange means including: (a) a tapered threaded end fixed on the connector flange means for metal-to-metal sealing engagement with the corresponding tapered threaded outlet port in the differential pressure assembly, (b) a flange end fixed on the connector flange means and including first and second apertures each positioned radially outward of the through passageway, (c) a guide portion fixed on the connector flange means axially between the threaded end and the flange end, the guide portion having an external guide surface, and (d) a threaded portion fixed on the connector flange means axially between the guide portion and the flange end and having external threads; first and second stabilizer feet means each mounted on and axially movable along a corresponding connector flange means and having an internal surface for sliding engagement with the external surface on the guide portion, each stabilizer foot means including a plurality of stabilizer members each spaced substantially radially outward of and projecting axially toward the threaded end of the respective connector flange means for rigid engagement with the corresponding body surface on the differential pressure assembly; and first and second tensioning nut means each threaded to the threaded portion of the respective connector flange means for exerting a substantially axially-directed compressive force on the corresponding stabilizer foot means to force the foot means into stabilized engagement with the corresponding body surface on the differential pressure assembly, such that each of the threaded ends of each connector flange means will be in tension from the compressive force of the tensioning nut means, and the stabilizer feet means will transmit substantially all radially-directed forces acting on the connector flange means to the differential pressure assembly.