Hydraulic and earth engineering – Marine structure or fabrication thereof – With anchoring of structure to marine floor
Patent
1993-05-03
1995-09-05
Corbin, David. H.
Hydraulic and earth engineering
Marine structure or fabrication thereof
With anchoring of structure to marine floor
405202, 4052231, 4052242, E02B 1700
Patent
active
054473926
ABSTRACT:
An improved support system is disclosed for providing flexibility to a restrained termination of a highly pressurized, highly tensioned tubular element which extends from a subsea facility to a compliant structure. The tubular element is provided with an intermediate tension relief connection which separates a running span from a backspan and operably connects the tubular element to a support structure, transfering thereto a significant portion of the tension carried by the tubular element. This connection passes angular rotation of the tubular element but resists lateral motion, in effect forming a node in the deflection of the tubular element. A backspan is thus created in the tubular element having a tension load which is reduced from that in the running span, thereby increasing the flexibility apparent at the end of the running span, while maintaining a relatively restrained termination of the tubular element at the distal end of the backspan. Another aspect of the present invention is a method for increasing the flexibility at a termination of a highly tensioned, pressurized tubular element connecting a subsea facility to a compliant structure.
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Corbin David. H.
Shell Oil Company
Smith Mark A.
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