Connector Benefits
Leak-Free Reliability
Taper-Lok and CofferLok Connectors metal-to-metal seal ring technology offers leak-free reliability over traditional ANSI and API gaskets. Our seal rings offer the equivalency of welded joint integrity and can be used in critical and chronic leak areas.
Weight and Space Savings
Our Engineered Connectors save weight and space. With weight savings of up to 80% in comparison to ANSI flanges, our engineered connection systems can typically save up to one million lbs. on offshore floating platform topsides. These connectors also offer space savings of up to 82% with smaller outside diameter and length dimensions compared to ANSI/API flanges. Pipe runs can be designed closer together to create more room for process equipment and future tie-backs. Our connectors are ideal for small O.D. pull-in-head requirements. Ask us about doing a free weight comparison study for your project!
Withstands High External Loading
Taper-Lok and CofferLok Compact Engineered Connectors can handle high fatigue and high bending moments. We can optimize the design of the connector as needed to meet project requirements. The design usually has less weight and a smaller outside diameter than ANSI or API flanges. In addition, our connectors typically use smaller bolt sizes and less bolts that allow for easier handling and quicker make up times. Even faster make-up times can be realized when using our Taper-Lok spherical nose feature that allows for 2-3 degrees of misalignment on weldneck and swivel designs. Applications include pipelines, flowlines, risers, spools, tapered stress joints and flex joints.
Quick Assembly
Engineered Connector systems typically use fewer and smaller bolts in comparison to ANSI or API flanges. Our catalog of connectors includes clamps that only require four bolts and flange connectors that are self-aligning and allow for misalignment.
Less Cost, Less Size and More Reliable
Taper-Lok and CofferLok Connectors have many advantages over ANSI B16.5 flanges.
Weight Savings –Cost savings of $7 -$10 of capital cost for each 1 lb. (.45 kg) reduction in offshore weight. Less pipe weight to support. Less freight costs. Less weight for skids and cranes (Smaller lifting barges). Less support needed for heavy installation. Easier handling during fabrication and fit up.
Space Savings –Pipe runs are closer together. More room for process equipment. More room for future tie-backs.
Maintenance Savings –No leaks (how much does a leak cost?). No “hot work”, faster “through put” and reduces shutdowns. No corrosion/erosion problems. Flange equipment and valves with “weld integrity”.
Inventory Savings –Seal rings are designed to be reused
Misalignment Capability
Our Engineered Connector systems have designs that are self-aligning and offer up to 20º of misalignment capability. The Taper-Lok weldneck and swivel flange design with a spherical nose offers up to 3 degrees of misalignment and can stay in the misaligned configuration while in service. During assembly, if the bolts can be installed through the bolt holes, the connector can be made-up. The picture shown is a Taper-Lok swivel flange that has been in subsea service for over 10 years in the misaligned configuration.
High Pressure and/or High Temperature Applications
Our Engineered Connector systems have applications in high pressure and/or high temperature where they outperform ANSI and API flanges in terms of reliability and leak free service. Pressures up to 20K psi and temperatures up to 1,500 Deg F.