Simple flexible joint for high pressure and high temperature

Abstract

A flexible joint for providing a hinged connection with an underwater transport line or “riser” for transporting an oil or gas fluid and that is subjected to a traction force. The joint comprises a substantially cylindrical housing containing: a second tubular portion fixed to one end of said housing; a first tubular portion fixed to said underwater transport line and secured to a laminated hinge abutment fixed to another end of said housing and against which the traction force of said transport line is exerted; and tubular isolation means interconnecting said first and second tubular portions in such a manner as to confine the fluid passing through the flexible joint.

1 / A flexible joint for providing a hinged connection with an underwater transport line or “riser” for transporting an oil or gas fluid and that is subjected to a traction force, the joint comprising a substantially cylindrical housing containing: a second tubular portion fixed to one end of said housing; a first tubular portion fixed to said underwater transport line and secured to a laminated hinge abutment fixed to another end of said housing and against which the traction force of said transport line is exerted; and tubular isolation means interconnecting said first and second tubular portions in such a manner as to confine the fluid passing through the flexible joint.  
     
     
         2 / A flexible joint according to  claim 1 , wherein said tubular isolation means include a spherical laminated abutment.  
     
     
         3 / A flexible joint according to  claim 2 , wherein said spherical laminated abutment is mounted between a first strength member secured to said first tubular portion and a second strength member secured to said second tubular portion.  
     
     
         4 / A flexible joint according to  claim 3 , wherein said first and second strength members include O-ring type sealing means.  
     
     
         5 / A flexible joint according to  claim 1 , wherein said second spherical laminated abutment has a center of rotation O in common with that of said first laminated hinge abutment.  
     
     
         6 / A flexible joint according to  claim 1 , wherein said housing includes a plurality of slots to allow seawater to flow through as a cooling fluid.