US Patent 9388925 Tubular connection center shoulder seal

A metal-to-metal sealing system connecting first and second tubular members includes a first seal configuration on the first tubular member and a second seal configuration on the second tubular member. The first seal configuration includes a first annular groove and a first annular tooth, and the second seal configuration includes a second annular groove and a second annular tooth. The second annular tooth is positioned within the first annular groove with the second annular tooth face engaging the first annular shoulder face to define a first shoulder. The first annular tooth is positioned within the second annular groove with the first annular tooth face engaging the second annular shoulder face to define a second shoulder. Locations of primary sealing contact of surfaces of the members are spaced axially away from the first and second shoulders.