Aligned and axially loaded pig injector valve, threaded connection and method for connecting threaded members

Abstract

A threaded connection comprising a first threaded member threadably connected with a second threaded member and an axial loading member. The first threaded member defines an opening for passage of the axial loading member therethrough, wherein the axial loading member protrudes from the first threaded member when in an extended position. The second threaded member has a loading surface defining a recess therein for receipt of the axial loading member when in the extended position such that the axial loading member bears on the loading surface and imparts an axial tensile force between the first and second threaded members. A method for connecting the members includes threading together the first and second threaded members, and passing the axial loading member through the opening defined by the first threaded member, so as to bear on the second threaded member within the recess, imparting the axial tensile force between the threaded members.

1 . A method for connecting a first threaded member with a second threaded member, one or both of which include a flange, comprising:
 (a) threading together the first and second threaded members;   (b) passing an axial loading member through an opening defined by the first threaded member, so as to bear on the second threaded member within a recess defined by a loading surface of the second threaded member, imparting an axial tensile force between the two threaded members.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the axial loading member is a set screw. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the set screw engages the first threaded member in a threaded opening having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first threaded member. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the axial loading member has a tapered end for receipt in the recess. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the recess is conical. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the axial loading member has a tapered end for receipt in the recess. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the axial loading member is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first threaded member. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the axial loading member is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first threaded member. 
     
     
         9 . A threaded connection comprising:
 (a) an axial loading member movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position;   (b) a first threaded member defining an opening for passage of the axial loading member therethrough, wherein the axial loading member protrudes from the first threaded member when in the second extended position;   (c) a second threaded member threadably connected with the first threaded member, wherein the second threaded member has a loading surface defining a recess therein for receipt of the axial loading member when in the second extended position such that the axial loading member bears on the loading surface and imparts an axial tensile force between the first threaded member and the second threaded member.   
     
     
         10 . The threaded connection of  claim 9  wherein the axial loading member has a tapered end for receipt in the recess. 
     
     
         11 . The threaded connection of  claim 9  wherein the recess is conical. 
     
     
         12 . The threaded connection of  claim 11  wherein the axial loading member has a tapered end for receipt in the recess. 
     
     
         13 . The threaded connection of  claim 12  wherein the axial loading member is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first threaded member. 
     
     
         14 . The threaded connection of  claim 9  wherein the axial loading member comprises a set screw. 
     
     
         15 . The threaded connection of  claim 14  wherein the opening is threaded. 
     
     
         16 . The threaded connection of  claim 15  wherein the axial loading member is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first threaded member.