Appeal No. 2000-0560
Application No. 08/578,636
The subject matter on appeal is directed to a sealing
arrangement for a swivel device used, for example, to allow
the transfer of hydrocarbons between a marine riser connected
to a buoy and a tube system on a tanker (specification, page
1). Specifically, the appellant’s specification describes a
swivel structure having an inner or male swivel member 3 and
an outer or female swivel member 2, one of which is provided
with a peripheral groove 16 or 48 receiving a radially
displaceable ring element 17 or 47 which is provided with a
sealing means 18 or 49 arranged for static sealing against the
other swivel member, a dynamic sealing means 19 or 51 and a
supply channel 20 for a barrier liquid, e.g., hydraulic oil
(page 2 and Figures 3 and 4). In the embodiment illustrated
in Figure 3, the barrier liquid in supply channel 20
communicates with static sealing means 18 through passages
provided in swivel member 3, including ring groove 16 and ring
element 17 (page 6) and with dynamic sealing means 19 through
a small gap between the sealing surfaces of the ring element
17 and the ring groove 16 (page 7). In the embodiment
illustrated in Figure 4, the barrier liquid in supply channel
50 communicates with static sealing means 49 through a
2
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Last modified: November 3, 2007