Patent attributes
Flowline components are assembled into high-pressure fluid transportation systems by a flange union. The flowline component comprises a body defining a substantially cylindrical central conduit. The conduit extends between first and second flat union faces and is adapted to conduct fluids through the body. The union faces are adapted to provide a mating surface for a flange union between the component and another flowline component. Accordingly, the union faces have a plurality of holes adapted to accommodate threaded connectors for forming the flange union. The holes are arranged in a defined array extending angularly around the conduit. Importantly, the array of holes on the first union face and the array of holes on the second union face are offset angularly relative to each other by an angle Δ. It will be appreciated that such components may allow changes in the direction of a flow line.