JPS599693B2 - Articulating fittings for deep water - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an articulating joint for use in joining installation structures for the extraction of oil and gas from deep water bodies, such as the edges of continental shelving or continental slopes. More particularly, the invention relates to joints in which access is provided through the joint for the passage of persons, equipment, and materials between the structures joined by the joint.

In Japanese Patent Application No. 51-11496, the present applicant has disclosed an articulating joint that connects two structural members in the sea using tendons.

Such articulating joints have the advantage of allowing relative displacement of both structural members without the need for mechanical elements such as pins or universal joints that come into mechanical frictional contact, and that they are durable.

Another advantage is that the joints of the structural members that are connected to each other move in harmony with the water flow around them, reducing the forces and moments acting on the structural members and increasing the durability of the structural members. .

However, because the tendons are subjected to large tension and screws, it is necessary to replace them appropriately for safety.

It is an object of the invention to provide a deep water articulation joint that allows tendon exchange.

To this end, the invention provides a deep water articulating joint in which two hollow structural members are coupled in such a way that a limited pivoting movement is imparted between the two structural members. A convoluted hollow shaft is formed in which a five-sided tendon connects both structural members with a gap between them, and allows passage of people or materials from one of the structural members to the other through the joint. provided that the shaft is formed by a plurality of spaced apart plates that are fluid-tightly sealed to each of the structural members, but which resist hydrostatic pressure in the form of tension and relative movement of the structural members. They are connected by a nearly toroidal member that can withstand the bending stress caused by the

Such a convoluted hollow shaft follows the relative movement of both structural members permitted by the tendons and maintains a seal against external water.

Therefore, it is possible for people and materials to reach the tendon fixed end of the structural member via the passage in the hollow shaft,
Tendons can be replaced.

The present invention also provides a deep water articulation joint in which two hollow structural members are coupled such that limited pivoting movement is imparted between the structural members, in which the flexible tendon A hollow rigid shaft is provided connecting both structural members with a gap therebetween and allowing the passage of persons or materials from one of the structural members to the other through the joint; A sealing device is provided between the end and one of the structural members and between the other end of the shaft and the other structural member, the sealing device of the primary seal and the sealing device as a whole being inside the primary seal. Each of the primary and secondary seals is a seal that can withstand a predetermined hydrostatic pressure generated around the outer periphery of the joint during use, and the primary seal is normally a seal that can withstand the hydrostatic pressure that is applied to the secondary seal. and each sealing device is further provided with an external sealing device outside the primary seal, the external sealing device being capable of being maintained unsealed during normal operation and capable of withstanding hydrostatic pressure. can be formed to isolate the sub-seal from hydrostatic pressure.

In this way, the sealing device provided at the connection between both ends of the hollow rigid shaft and both structural members allows relative movement between the two and maintains the seal, passing through the passage in the shaft to the fixed end of the tendon in the structural member. It becomes possible for people and materials to reach the area, and tendons can be exchanged.

Further in accordance with the invention, in a deep water articulating joint in which two structural members are coupled in such a way that limited pivoting movement is imparted between the two structural members, the exchangeable flexible tendons are The structural members are joined with a gap therebetween, and a passageway is provided from the interior of at least one of the structural members to one end of each tendon connected to that one structural member, and each tendon is connected to the other structural member. The end is releasably fluid-tightly secured to an attachment point on one of the structural members, the attachment point on one structural member being adapted for the addition of a pressure bottle, the pressure bottle receiving a tendon and connecting the tendon to one side. retains a fluid-tight sealing relationship with a structural member such that removal of the tendon from the fitting is accomplished by attaching a pressure bottle and releasing the tendon from the other structural member at the other end; This is accomplished by the release of one end and the insertion of the tendon into the bottle by depressurizing the bottle, and the tendon foot member provided at the other end of the tendon is fluid-tight with the other structural member when entry of the tendon into the pressure bottle is completed. A sealing relationship thereby permits removal of the tendon and bottle from the tendon foot and installation of a new tendon on the tendon foot.

This allows the old tendon to be released and pulled into the structure, and the new tendon to be extended and secured to the structural member, while avoiding water ingress into the structural member.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

In the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, 1 is a foundation member, 2 is an upright column, and 3
is the joint between the foundation member and the upright column, and 2A is the upper deck structure.

This particular device is described in detail in British Patent Application No. 75-5189 and cognate British Patent Application No. 75-29895, in which the basic member 1 is used as a housing for a so-called "subsea finishing" wellhead. will be constructed.

Member 1 and column 2 are made of prestressed concrete.

The joint 3 between the part 1 and the column 2 is likewise described in the aforementioned patent application.

The joint comprises a tendon 4, preferably made of a highly strain-resistant synthetic plastic material, which connects the base member 1.
from the upper surface of the conductor 5 in this upper surface in the direction of the conductor 6A around the circular base of the concrete socket 6 upwardly and inwardly.

The tendons are fixed to respective fixing means in members 1 and 6.

This arrangement of the tendons prevents a rotational movement of the column 2 relative to the base member 1 about its axis of up to 10° or 15°, a rocking movement and a slight translation of the column 2 relative to the base member 1 (t
(translational) movement and vertical movement.

These various degrees of freedom allow the joint between the column and the foundation member to accommodate movements due to water and wind movements.

A passage 7 through the joint in FIG. 2 allows the passage of persons, materials or equipment from the column 2 to the foundation member 1 and is formed by a shaft device 8.

This shaft device 8, the configuration of which is shown in FIG. ,8B.

If desired, more than just one or two such shafts can be provided.

Where there are two or more such shafts, they are arranged concentrically and the number of shafts is chosen to achieve the required redundancy.

The outer surface of each convoluted shaft is formed by plates 21, and spaces are defined between the plates to allow vertical movement.

These plates 21 are connected to each other by a substantially donut-shaped member 22 filled with oil.

Each of the oil-filled members 22 is subject to hoop stresses, i.e. hydrostatic pressures in the form of forces tangential to the circumference and vertical, horizontal and rotational movements. Can withstand bending stress caused by

Where two or more such shafts are installed concentrically, the annulus between them is filled with oil to help protect the shafts, and replacement of the inner shafts is not possible. be.

A flexible membrane is provided over the exterior surface to retain oil within the member 22.

As shown in FIG. 2, the shaft device 8 is fixed directly to the socket 6 of the foundation member 1 or column 2 in a fluid-tight manner at each end.

However, it should be understood that the shaft apparatus of FIG. 2 may be utilized in any of the coupling configurations described in the single shaft locations shown in the other figures.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 3A, a single rigid shaft 8
' near its upper end, the shaft and the socket member 6
It passes through the sealing device 9 between.

Near its lower end, the shaft 8' passes through a similar sealing device 10 between the shaft and the foundation member 1.

Each sealing device 9, 10 comprises a primary seal 11 and a secondary seal 12 located inside the primary seal 11 with respect to the entire sealing device.

Each of these seals provides a seal capable of withstanding a predetermined fluid pressure that exists around the outside of the fitting during use.

Primary seal 11 normally isolates secondary seal 12 from this fluid pressure.

Each sealing device 9, 10 has a further sealing device 13 outside the primary seal 11 for isolating the primary seal 11 from water pressure.

The primary seal 11 is adapted to remain unsealed during normal operation and to be able to form a seal that withstands a preset hydrostatic pressure.

Thus, at each end of the joint shaft 8' there are three barriers which isolate the interior of the shaft 8' and the structure to which it connects from the surrounding water pressure. .

Each barrier independently withstands sufficient hydrostatic pressure loads and is constituted by an independent seal.

Sealing devices 9, 1 in the joints of FIGS. 3 and 3A
0 will be explained in detail.

These devices are such as to permit pivot movements to occur between the member 6 and the shaft, and between the member 1 and the shaft 8'.

To this end, each sealing and closing device 11, 12, 13 in the devices 9, 10 has a single sealing element which engages a support or load element 14 which forms a partially spherical surface.

In the case of the lower device 10, this load member 14 is fixed to the lower end of the shaft 8'.

In the case of the upper device 9, the load member 14 is slidably mounted at the upper end of the shaft 8, as described below.

The lower load member 14 is supported by a thrust bearing 15 provided in the base member 1, and a similar thrust bearing 16 provided in the socket member 6 acts on the upper load member 14.

The sealing members of the primary seal 11 and the secondary seal 12 are each preferably formed by a multiple chevron arrangement of rubber sealing ring elements.

The rubber sealing ring element can be separated for replacement and is suitable for reinforced wear surfaces.

Each of the sealing members of the closure device 13 is a hollow inflatable sealing ring.

The rubber of all seal members is preferably cloth-reinforced rubber.

The sealing members of the closure devices 13 of the two devices are normally deflated, but can be inflated when necessary by a suitable air supply device, not shown.

In normal use, only the primary seal 11 withstands hydrostatic water pressure and separates the secondary seal 12.

However, the secondary seal 12 is always in sealing engagement, thus ensuring that the passage 7 (in the shaft 8') is at atmospheric pressure.
The safety device is to have two seals between the water and the surrounding water that can each independently withstand the total hydrostatic pressure.

As long as the primary seal 11 is watertight, the secondary seal 12 will have no differential pressure across the primary seal and will therefore be less susceptible to wear.

If a leak occurs through one seal of the Moshi primary seal 11, water will enter the chamber formed between the primary seal 11 and the secondary seal 12, and the water will flow through a conduit not shown. It is removed from this chamber by a pump.

Additionally, monitoring means are provided to provide an indication of the leak rate.

If a leak occurs at a rate faster than the pump drains, or if one of the primary seals fails at the same time, the corresponding secondary seal will act and there is no danger.

For maintenance or repair of any of the primary seals 11,
The corresponding outer sealing device 13 is activated and inflated as described above to isolate the primary seal 11 from the hydrostatic pressure.

Since the sealing members of the outer closure device 13 are normally not under pressure, they are not worn and are therefore always in good condition for a reliable closure when needed.

Once the outer closure is activated, the hole 17 located from the interior of the column 2 or foundation member 1 to the chamber between seals 11 and 12 is opened and removed for maintenance or maintenance. You can approach Seal 11, which has become disabled.

The shaft 8' is slidable through the upper load member 14 as previously described.

Between this load member 14 and the shaft 8' there is a sealing device 18 which allows the shaft 8' to slide through this sealing device.

In the form shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the device 18 is similar to the sealing devices 9, 10 already described;
a primary seal 11, a secondary seal 12 similar to those previously mentioned;
Furthermore, it has another sealing device 13.

Access to the chamber between the seals 11 and 12 of the device 18 is gained through a stem 19 at the upper end of the shaft 8'.

In the other version of the fitting shown in Figure 3A, the only difference is the sealing device 18, the rest of the fitting being as previously described.

In this configuration, the seals and closure devices 11, 12, 13 are replaceable by a convoluted shaft 20, which at its lower end connects to the bottom rim of the load member 14.
At its upper end it is fixed in a fluid-tight manner to the upper end of the shaft 8'.

Shaft 20 is constructed in the manner described with respect to shafts 8A and 8B in FIG.

In each version of the joint described in FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B, two zones of pivoting movement are provided in each of the sealing devices 9, 10.

Furthermore, changes in the distance between these two zones are accommodated by the sliding movement of the shaft through the sealing device 18 or by the expansion and contraction of the convoluted shaft 20.

A tendon device (not shown) is installed in a shaft. These tendons are provided to limit this movement of 8′.
A shaft 8' is fixed to one or both of the members 1 and/or 6.

Where shaft 8 in FIG. 2 is replaced by shaft 8', shaft 8 is provided with a fixed end that cooperates with load member 14.

In the use of the coupling as shown in FIG. 1 and described above, the coupling is placed at the bottom of the water, between the foundation member and the column.

Other joints may be provided along the length of the column, for example approximately in the middle of the column, or at the top of the column, to fasten the floating deck structure to the column.

The pillar described so far is straight, but it can tilt up to 90 degrees.

As preferably mentioned, the base member 1 is in the form of a housing for covering a so-called subsea finish.

Component 1 is prestressed concrete constructed to have sufficient buoyancy and stability, and is towed by rope from its construction site to a planned offshore location, where it is sunk into the seabed.

The member 1 then lies on the seabed by gravity or (as shown) is maintained in position by a peg 100 that penetrates through a passage provided within the housing 1 and on the seabed.

Piling is generally carried out by driving groups of stakes by a hydraulic driving device of the type described in British Patent No. 966094 of Taylor Woodrow Construction Limited.

In British Patent No. 966094, when driving a group of piles, the load is transferred from the pile being driven to the pile about to be driven in the group.

4 and 5, the form of the member 1 is shown in more detail than in FIG.

The interior of the member 1 is partitioned into chambers for various purposes by walls 101.

These chambers include a chamber 102 for containing water for buoyancy and stability during drifting and for settling, a chamber 103 for covering the wellhead 104 of the subsea finish, and a passageway for the oil or gas pipeline to cover the equipment and from the subsea finish. Room 105, Room 105
a central chamber 106 radiating out, and a chamber 10 constituting a corridor accessing the fixing means of the tendons 4 of the joint 3;
Equipped with 7.

The tendons 4 are arranged in radially spaced groups (
Two of them are designated 4A and 4B in FIG.

), upwardly and inwardly from the individual lower fastening means in the circular ribs 108 of the upper surface of the member 1, the concrete container 109 (in the form of FIGS. 4 and 5 it is the first
It has been replaced with the socket member 6 shown in the figure.

) extending towards the individual upper fixing means around the circular base.

The employment of four groups of tendons provides a tendon geometry such that no tendon is in line with the subsea finishing chamber 103, thus facilitating access from the gallery 107 to the lower tendon fixation means.

The top of the container 1090 is formed as a socket 110 into which the bottom end of the column 2, also made of prestressed concrete, enters.

If desired, oil storage means may be provided within the column 2.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the container 109 is large enough to draw the tendons 4 of the fitting 3 into the interior of the container 109, so that the tendons can be replaced when desired.

The configuration of FIG. 1 is generally similar to that just described, with some exceptions.

In part, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, tendon replacement is carried out by pulling the tendon into the member 1.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a tendon exchange room 107A is provided in place of the corridor 107 in the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5.

Access to the tendon exchange chamber 107A is obtained via a suitable passageway.

Figure 6 is a modification of the form of Figure 1, in which...
In addition to the tendon exchange chamber 107A in the housing 1, an access corridor 111 to the upper tendon fixing means is provided in the socket member 6A, which replaces the socket member 6.

A variety of devices may be utilized for tendon exchange and these will be described with reference to FIGS. 7-25.

For ease of description, assume that a tendon that is added and pulled to its operating load must be replaced.

The apparatus of FIGS. 7-10 mentioned first takes advantage of access to the fixing means at each end of the tendon 4 (FIGS. 4-10).
(as shown in FIG. 6).

The tendon 4 is a synthetic plastic material with a high strain capacity and is fitted with a cylindrical steel member 123 or 12 at each end.
It overhangs and is joined into 4.

A cylindrical steel member 123 or 124 is tendoned into a mounting position within a tubular portion 125 of the tendon fixation means terminating in a septum 126.

Each steel member 123, 124 has a seal 127 cooperating with a fixed tubular section 125, and within the tubular section 125 is an inflatable separate tube which is normally contracted but can be expanded when seal 127 is disabled. A seal 128 is provided.

The outer end of the steel member 123 where the lower end of the tendon in FIGS. 4-6 is located is passed through the tendon,
and is fixed by a large nut 129 that compresses the adjacent fixed partition 126 via a padding member (or shim) 130.

The other steel member 124 has a shoulder 124A that bears against its adjacent septum 126 (without intervening padding members).

This maintains the desired load on the tendon.

The shoulder 124A and the nut 129 are capped by a cupola-shaped sealing member (not shown) that is screwed into the bulkhead 126 and is sufficient to withstand sea pressure when the knob 127 is disabled.
I can resist.

Also provided is a device (not shown) for detecting leakage into these vaulted closures.

The tubular anchoring portion 125 terminates externally in a conductor 131 formed within the member 1 and the socket member 6 .

Prior to performing tendon replacement, the cupola-shaped sealing member is removed and the cylindrical tendon fitting 132 is screwed into the outer end of the steel member 123 at the lower end of the tendon.

A closure 133, which is large enough to fit over the tendon foot 132, is expanded at the end attachment location of the tendon by being screwed into the bulkhead 126 in place of the domed closure that has been removed. can be attached.

At the upper end mounting position, the shear key 134 is seated in the shoulder 124A and attached to the adjacent bulkhead 1.
It is fixed at 26.

A piston head 135 is rubbed onto the outside of member 124 and a pressure bottle 136 is deposited on the shear key housing 134 to replace the domed seal that was removed.

This state (including the attachment of the joint leg member 132 and the lid 133, which will actually be done later) is the seventh state.
8 and the upper half of FIG.

By connecting a pressurizing device to the inlet 137 of the bottle 136, the bottle 136 is pressurized to an external hydrostatic pressure and the inflatable seals 128, if they were inflated, It contracts only to reduce the frictional resistance of tendon movement.

After the bottle 136 is pressurized and before the foot member 132 and lid 133 are placed into position, the nut 129 is loosened using a breast rest jack, the wad member 130 is released, and the nut is removed from the wad member. will be removed together with.

During and after these operations, sea pressure maintains a certain pressure in the tendon, holding member 123 within tubular portion 125 while fitting member 132 and lid 133 are attached.

Using the inlet 138, the lid 133 is pressurized until the entire system is at equal pressure, and the device 4/123/1 2
4/1 32/1 35 are placed in hydrostatic equilibrium.

Therefore, in the next operation, the outlet 139 is used and the bottle 136 is
By reducing the internal pressure, the device as a whole is pulled out of the lid 133 and into the bottle 136, resulting in the condition shown in the lower half of FIG. 8 and FIG. 10.

It should be noted that at the end of this movement, the tendon leg member 132 replaces member 124 within the tubular portion 125 of the upper tendon fixation means, and the seal 140 of the leg member 132 seals off the tubular portion 125. Thus, the fitting member 132 replaces the member 124 in enclosing the tubular portion 125.

As a precaution, the inflatable seal 128 now cooperating with the foot member 132 is inflated and the double acting ram device (FIG. 9) extends the previously deflated shear key 142 (bottom half of FIG. 9). (Top half of FIG. 9), they engage in an annular notch 143 (FIG. 8) in the foot member 132.

The joint member 132 is thus restrained in position, and the tubular portion 1
Seal 25.

Bottle 136 is fully evacuated and a previously closed access hatch (not shown) within bottle 136 is removed.
The member 123 is restrained using the joint member 13
Removed from 2.

The bottle 136 is then removed from the shear key housing 134 and the tendon 4 together with the parts 123, 124 and the piston head 135 are removed from the bottle.

To install the new tendon 9, install the piston head 1.
35 is attached to the new tendon member 124, and this new tendon, complete with piston head, is attached to bottle 1.
It will be done within 36 years.

The bottle 136 is screwed into the shear keno housing 134 and the new tendon member 123 is screwed into the leg member 132 which remains constrained in position.

Bottle 136 is pressurized, inflated tube 128 is deflated, and shear key 142 is retracted.

The pressure within the bottle 136 increases sufficiently to overcome resistance such as seal friction and sea pressure, and the
Move 4/1 3 2/1 3 5 out of the bottle 136 and into the lid 133.

The lid 133 is evacuated and removed from its septum 126, the foot member 132 is removed, the tendon is pulled, the nut 129 and padding member are added, and the bottle 136,
Piston head 135 and shear key housing 134 are removed and a cupola seal is installed.

Joint member 132, lid 133, shear key housing 1
34, piston head 135, and bottle 136 are then all available for use when replacing another tendon of the fitting.

Seals 127 and 140 are used when replacing each tendon.
It may take any form as long as it can be expanded and convenient.

It should be noted that when the replaced tendon is pulled out from the lower anchoring means and tether, its ends are free.

A light articulation member (not shown) may be provided to bridge the gap between the lower and upper fixation means and provide guidance during positioning of the replacement tendons.

As another example, a tendon may be provided with a washer system along its entire length that provides several desirable conveniences.

This tendon includes the following:

i) means for protecting the cable; 11) means for centering the tendon while at the same time making it flexible and compressed against the surface of the conductor in the control path; and 111) ensuring that the te/don is under service load. Whenever this is not the case, ensure that the tendons have sufficient stiffness, i.e., to allow them to be inserted into or withdrawn from the lower conductor without the use of a separate guiding structure. A member that prestresses the tendons during initial assembly.

Such washer systems are shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13.
The individual washer members of the system are shown at 144 in the figures.

Each washer member is shaped like a square in the radial plane, and has a convex surface 145 or 14 on both the tendon 4 and the cable conductor 131.
Provide 6.

Each washer member 144 is placed in substantially contacting relationship along tendon 4, and if thread resistance requires an abutting relationship, intermediate mating female and male shear plates 147 and 148 are provided on the washer members. It will be done.

The apparatus of FIGS. 14-21 is suitable where access of the tendon removal chamber is only possible to the securing means at one end of the tendon, and not to the other end.

The device shown is one embodiment in which the upper end of the tendon can be accessed as shown in FIG.

Where already mentioned components are utilized, the previously used reference numbers are also used in FIGS. 14-21, and a description of those components will be omitted.

The main differences between the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 to 21 are as follows.

．． Tendon 4A has a hollow 1 through which the drive shaft of both the flexible and the 5-position can pass.
It has 50.

A large nut 151 is provided which engages member 124A and compresses septum 126 via padding member 152 in order to prestress and close the gap at the upper end.

The outer end of member 124A and its attached piston head 135A are hollowed out to accommodate a drive system for a five-way drive shaft.

At the lower end, a fixing block 153 is provided in the member 1, which is passed through.

At the lower end of the tendon, member 123A includes a fixation head 154 that engages fixation block 153 and into which foot member 132 is screwed and threaded.

Tendon exchange is carried out as follows.

Proceeding from the upper end, the tendon 4A is loosened and the stuffing member 1
52 and fixing nut 151 are removed.

The shear key housing 13'4 is positioned and secured to the bulkhead 126.

The piston head 135A is fixed to the member 124A, and the flexible drive shaft passes through the hollow 150 and connects to the fixed head 15.
4 and the drive for this flexible drive shaft is added to the end of the piston head of member 124A.

The bottle 136 is then pressurized and the drive is activated to remove the fixed head 154 from the fixed block 153.

Once the fixing head leaves the fixing block, bottle 1
36 is depressurized and the device 4A/1 2 3A/1 2
4A/1 3 2/1 3 5A is pulled in the direction of entering the bottle 136 as described above.

An operation as described above is performed to remove the bottle 136 containing the tendon 4A having the solenoid materials 123A, 124A, the piston head 135A, the flexible drive shaft, and the drive device. .

The new tendons may be added in the manner previously described, although of course the apparatus of FIGS. 14-21 utilized the special operations just described in reverse order.

To restrain the lower end of tendon 4A from rotation, locking head 154 is removed or screwed on and member 123A engages a spring-loaded spline 155 (FIG. 20) within spline case 156 within member 1. ).

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 21, a spring-loaded ledge 157 may be provided in member 1 to engage a tapered spline 158 provided in member 123A.

Coupling or disconnection of the fixed head 154 can also be accomplished in a variety of other ways, such as by passing pressurized fluid through the hollow of the tendon 4A and activating a hydraulic motor to rotate the fixed head relative to the tendon.

Alternatively, an actuator may be provided at the upper end, by means of which the entire tendon device can be rotated and removed from the member 1.

In this case, the restraining mechanism of FIGS. 20 and 21 is not utilized, and intermediate engaging female shear plates 147 and 148 of washer member 144 may be combined to transmit torque from the upper end to the housing. It becomes necessary.

It should be noted that in this configuration, at the lower end, the tendon foot member 132 is held in position during use of the tendons of the joint, and that the foot member 132 is located in the chamber 159 of member 1.
It is something that is placed within.

Chamber 159 is substantially sealed but is connected to conduit 131 via bleed line 160 and brought to equal pressure.

Figures 22-25 show other devices in the form of Figures 14-21 provided at the end of the tendon where direct access is not possible.

First, in FIGS. 22 and 24, member 123B is
A series of spring-loaded keys 162 in member 1 are mounted in engageable circumferential key grooves 161.

When the tendons are installed, these keys 162 are first pushed out of the key slots and the foot member 13 in this configuration
2B has a tapered end to facilitate this operation.

Eventually, the spring load of the key acts, and the key 162 is placed in the key groove 161 in order to restrain the tendon so that it will not be pulled out.
Enter.

When pulling is desired, oil is supplied under pressure through the hollow tendons 4A and the hollow 163 of the member 123B in order to extend a number of rams 164 in the radial direction of the member 123B.

This causes the ram to act on the key 162 and push the key out of the key groove 161.

It should be noted that the annular notch 1 of the connecting leg member 132B
The size of 43 must be such that the key 162 cannot fit therein.

As a precaution, a radially acting ram similar to ram 164 may be provided in association with notch 143.

In the configuration of FIGS. 23 and 25, member 123C includes a number of spring loaded arms 165. In the configuration of FIGS.

The spring-loaded arm 165 is in this case designed as a lid 166.

The spring load is resisted by the connecting leg member 132.

In the member 1, an annular key groove 167 is provided to receive the arm 165.

At the beginning of tendon replacement, the lid 166 is attached to the member 12.
3C, the lid 166 is in the position shown in FIG. 23, with the skirt 166' of the lid 166 compressing the arm 165 to hold it in the retracted position. .

The retaining lugs 9168 at the skirt end of the lid 166 are
It is located within the entire face 169 of member 123C to retain the lid on member 123C.

Thereafter, tendon replacement is initiated in substantially the manner described above, when lid 166 is forced into the extended position shown in FIG. maintained in position.

Eventually, the lid 166 hits the dead end 171 of the chamber 159, the pressure inside the lid 166 is reduced to hydrostatic pressure, and the member 123C is moved so that the arm 165 is the scar of the lid.
1 6 6' and in line with the window 112 in the lid.

Arm 165 then extends radially into keyway 167.

The pressure at the end of the piston 135A is then reduced below the hydrostatic pressure and the member 123C is removed from the truncated conical load plate 173 with the extended arm 165 forming one surface of the key groove 167. It is returned until it is compressed.

The operations described above then proceed. In order to retract the tendon 4A, it is necessary to retract the arm 165 from the key groove 167.

This is done by pressurizing bottle 136, which causes member 123C to
This is achieved by forcing the pressure inside the lid 166 into the lid 166 while the pressure inside the lid 166 is maintained at hydrostatic pressure.

If desired, the pressure inside the lid 166 may be reduced below hydrostatic pressure.

As member 123C moves relative to lid 166, lid 16
6 scar} 1 6 6' acts on arm 165 and is moved to its retracted position.

The tendon is then retracted by reducing the pressure within the bottle 136, thus device 4A/1 23C
To force the /1 24A/1 35A back into the bottle 136, seawater pressure is applied to the outside of the lid 166.

The lid 166 is provided with an annular notch 143A corresponding to the notch 143 described above.

As a precaution, the retractable inner lid 166 accidentally
In order to ensure that 5 does not release, provision is provided to reduce the pressure inside the lid 166 to atmospheric pressure.

Figures 23 and 25 (and Figures 22 and 24)
It should be noted that in the embodiment shown (also in the figure), there is no need to provide a sealing lid or a sealed cavity within the part 1.

The lid 166 is removed from the bottle 136 which is normally closed.
This is accomplished by opening the internal hatch and then removing retaining ledge 168 from scarlet 66'.

At this stage the arm 165 closes them to the lid 166
They are screwed into their retracted position which allows them to be pulled out.

Other retraction of the tendons to sufficiently remove them from the lid 166 is accomplished by pressurizing the bottle 136 as previously described and then reducing the pressure in front of the piston 135A.

In summary, during the philtrum, the arm 165 is held in a retracted position near the tip of the arm by the scar 166' of the lid 166, with initial release of the arm occurring when the lid 166 abuts the dead end 171. .

During tendon retraction, arm 165 is returned to the retracted position and held in that position by the head of lid 166.

However, it is possible to operate without relying on the abutment of the lid 166 to establish the fixing means.

When operating in this manner, at the start, the lid is attached to arm 165.
The lid is closed sufficiently over the member 123C to enclose the
It is held in position by maintaining a low pressure inside it.

At the end of the desired movement, the interior of the lid is pressurized above seawater pressure, pushing member 123C outwardly in the lid until arm 165 is released through window 172 and enters key slot 167.

Note that the lugs 168 and their corresponding sliding surfaces 169 are provided as a precaution to prevent loss of the lid due to stagnation, for example during incorrect operation or retraction of the hydraulic circuit of the device. I want to be

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a sectional view of a device consisting of a foundation member placed on the seabed and an upright column that is swingably connected to this foundation member by a joint and supports a deck structure on the sea surface. FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the shaft device combined at the joint of the device in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing details by enlarging the joint part in FIG. 1; FIG. 3A; 3A is an enlarged and detailed sectional view of FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3B is a detail of A of FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the lower part of the device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 6 is a plan view of the portion shown in FIG. 4 taken, FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but showing another modified form, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a tendon fixing means of a joint such as
The figure is a detailed enlarged sectional view of the part surrounded by C in Figure 7 and shows two operating states, and Figure 9 is a half cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Figure 8. , FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but in a different operating state, FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a protective member that can be provided for the tendons of FIGS. 11 is a detailed view of the protective member of FIG. 11 taken at E in FIG. Figure 1 similar to figure 7 of the form.
Figures 5 to 18 are G, H/I of Figure 14, respectively.
, and J are enlarged sectional views showing different operating states, FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line K-K in FIG. 17, and FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along line L in FIG. 15. -L
21 is a view showing details of a variant of FIGS. 14 to 20 from an end and side view; FIGS. 22 and 23 are side sectional views of two other variants; FIG. , 24th
25 and 25 are end cross-sectional views taken on line MM and line NN in FIGS. 22 and 23, respectively. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Foundation member, 2... Shaft device, 3... Joint, 4, 4A... Tendon, 8, 8'... Convoluted hollow shaft, 9, 10... Seal Device, 11...Primary seal, 12...Secondary seal, 13...External sealing device, 21...Plate disposed at a distance, 132...
Tendon joint member, 136...pressure bottle.

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. An articulating joint 3 for deep water in which two hollow structural members 1, 2 are connected in such a way that a limited pivot movement is provided between the two structural members 1, 2. Flexible tendons 4, 4A connect both structural members 1, 2 with a gap between them, and the connection between one of the structural members 1, 2 and the other via the joint 3 is A convoluted hollow shaft 8A is provided for allowing material to pass through, the shaft 8A being fluid-tightly sealed to each of the structural members 1, 2 and formed by a plurality of spaced apart plates 21;
For deep water use, the plates 21 are connected by a substantially toroidal member capable of withstanding hydrostatic pressure in the form of hoop tension stress and bending stress arising from the relative movement of both structural members 1, 2. articulating joints. 2. The joint according to claim 1, wherein the convoluted hollow shaft is one of a plurality of shafts 8A, 8B arranged concentrically. 3. The joint according to claim 2, wherein the annular portion between the shafts 8A and 8B is filled with oil. 4. The convoluted hollow shaft 8A is directly fixed in a fluid-tight manner to one of the structural members 1, 2 at one end and to the other structural member 2, 1 at the other end. Joint according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: 5 between one end of the convoluted hollow shaft 8A and one of the structural members 1 and 2, and between the shaft 8
A sealing device 9, 10 is provided between the other end of A and the other one of the structural members 2, 1, and this sealing device 9
, 10 is the primary seal 11 and the sealing device 9 as a whole,
10 includes a secondary seal 12 located inside the primary seal, a primary seal 11 and a secondary seal 12.
are each capable of withstanding a predetermined hydrostatic pressure present on the outer periphery of the fitting 3 in use, with the primary seal 11 normally separating the secondary seal 12 from that hydrostatic pressure, and each sealing device 9, 10 At the outside of the primary seal 11 an external sealing device 13 is provided, which external sealing device 13 forms a seal capable of being kept unsealed during normal operation and capable of withstanding said hydrostatic pressure. 4. The joint according to claim 1, wherein the primary seal 11 can be isolated from the hydrostatic pressure by this. 6. In a deep water articulation joint in which two hollow structural members 1, 2 are joined in such a way that a limited pivoting movement is imparted between the two structural members 1, 2, the flexible tendons 4, 4A A hollow space is formed between the structural members 1 and 20 to connect the structural members 1 and 2 with a gap therebetween, and to allow the passage of people or materials from one of the structural members 1 and 2 to the other through the joint. A rigid shaft 8' is provided between one end of the shaft 8' and one of said structural members 1, 2 and between the other end of the shaft 8' and the other of said structural members 1, 2. Sealing devices 9, 10 are provided between the sealing devices 9,
10 is a primary seal 11 and the sealing device 9, 1 as a whole.
0, a secondary seal 12 provided inside the primary seal 11 at the primary seal 11 . Each of the seals 12 is a seal capable of withstanding a predetermined hydrostatic pressure generated around the outer periphery of the joint during use, and the primary seal 11 normally separates the secondary seal 12 from the hydrostatic pressure, and further seals each seal. The devices 9, 10 are provided with an external sealing device 13 outside the primary seal 11, which external sealing device forms a seal that can be kept unsealed during normal operation and that can withstand said hydrostatic pressure. An articulating joint for deep water, which is characterized in that it is possible to separate the seam seal from hydrostatic pressure. T. Each sealing device comprises a partially spherical support member 14 in fluid-tight relationship with said shaft 8A, 8', the primary and secondary seals 11, 12 and the external sealing device 13 having a pivoting movement between said two structures. 6, characterized in that it cooperates with the support member 14 in operation so as to be implemented between each of the members 1, 2 and the shaft 8A, 8'. Fittings. 8 The partially spherical support member 14 is connected to the shafts 8A, 8.
8. A joint according to claim 7, characterized in that it is slidably and fluid-tightly mounted on the joint. 9. The partially spherical support member 14 seals the vertical shafts 8A, 8' by a sealing device 18, the sealing device 18 comprising a primary seal 11 and a secondary seal 12 located inside the primary seal 11, Primary and secondary seals 11.
Each of 12 is a seal capable of withstanding a predetermined hydrostatic pressure that exists around the outer periphery of this sealing device 18 in use, and normally the primary seal 11 isolates the secondary seal 12 from the hydrostatic pressure, and the seal In the device 18 the primary seal 1
1 is provided with an external sealing device 13, which forms a seal that remains sealed during normal operation and is capable of withstanding the hydrostatic pressure, thereby sealing the primary seal 11 against the static pressure. Characterized by its ability to be separated from water pressure,
The joint according to claim 8. 10 The partially spherical support member 14 has a convoluted hollow shaft 20
The convoluted hollow shaft 20 is sealed in the shafts 8A, 8' by the partially spherical support member 1 at one end.
9. The joint according to claim 8, characterized in that the other end of the joint is fixed directly to the shaft 8A, 8' in a fluid-tight manner. 11. For each said sealing device 9, 10.18... the opening 17.19 can be opened when the external sealing device 13 is activated to provide a passage to the chamber between the primary and secondary seals 11.12. A joint according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that: 12 Primary seal 11 of each of the sealing devices 9, 10.18
and a patent characterized in that the secondary seal 12 comprises a plurality of sealing members, each sealing member being formed by a multiple chevron device made of rubber sealing ring elements attached to a reinforced wear surface. A joint according to any one of claims 6 to 11. 13, characterized in that the external sealing device 13 of each sealing device comprises a sealing member that is a hollow inflatable rubber ring,
A joint according to any one of claims 6 to 12. 14 Claims 6 to 1, characterized in that the two structural members 1 and 2 are made of reinforced concrete and/or prestressed concrete.
The joint described in Section 3. 15. Joint according to any one of claims 6 to 14, characterized in that the tendons 4, 4A are made of a synthetic material with a large strain capacity. 16. A device according to any one of claims 6 to 15, characterized in that the tendons 4, 4A are fixed in the structural member 1, 2 in such a way that they can be released for replacement. Fittings. 17 At one end accessible from the interior of the structural members 1, 2, each replaceable tendon 4, 4A is fluid-tightly and releasably fixed to one of the structural members 1, 2 in the mounting position; Its mounting position is Tendon 4, 4A.
The tendons 4, 4 from the fitting 3 can be fitted with a reservoir pressure bottle 136 which accommodates the tendons 4, 4A and maintains a fluid-tight seal between the tendons 4, 4A and the structural members 1, 2.
4A is removed by attaching the needle to the pressure bottle 136 and releasing the other end of the tendon 4, 4A from the other structural member 2, 1 to pressurize the bottle 136, releasing the one end of the tendon 4, 4A, and This is done by depressurizing the bottle 136 to place the tendons 4,4A into the bottle 136.
A tendon joint member 132 is provided at the other end of the tendons 4, 4A so as to be in a fluid-tight sealing relationship with the other structural member 2, 1 when the entry of A into the pressure bottle 136 is completed. 17. A joint according to claim 16, characterized in that it allows the removal of old tendons 4, 4A and the bottle 136 from the tendon joint member 132 and the attachment of new tendons to the tendon joint member 132. . 18. Exchangeable flexible tendons 4, 4A in deep water articulation joints in which two structural members 1, 2 are joined in such a way that a limited pivoting movement is imparted between them. connects both structural members 1, 2 with a gap between them, and a passage connects both structural members 1, 2.
2 to one end of each tendon 4, 4A connected to one of the structural members 1, 2, and each tendon 4, 4A connects to one of the structural members 1, 2 at the other end. releasably and fluid-tightly secured to the deposition site, one of the structural members having a pressure bottle 13 at the deposition site;
6 can be added, pressure bottle 136
accommodates the tendons 4, 4A and maintains a fluid-tight sealing relationship between the tendons 4, 4A and one structural member 1, 2, so that removal of the tendons 4, 4A from the fitting 3 is not possible when installing a pressure bottle or otherwise Pressurization of the bottle 136 by releasing the tendon 4,4A from the other structural member 2,1 at the end;
This is done by releasing the = end of the tendons 4, 4A and inserting the tendons 4, 4A into the bottle 136 by reducing the pressure in the bottle 136, and the tendon fitting 132 provided at the other end of the tendons 4, 4A Tendons 4,4 to bottle 136
When the entry of A is completed, the tendon joint member 132 is in a fluid-tight sealing relationship with the other structural members 2 and 1.
An articulating joint for deep water applications, characterized in that it allows the removal of the tendons 4, 4A and the bottle 136 from the tank and the installation of a new tendon/donn on the tendon fitting leg member 132. 19 Each tendon 4, 4A terminates at each end of the cylindrical member 123, 124 into which it enters and at the attachment point of the structural member 1, 2 of the tubular part 125 of the tendon fixation means, the cylindrical member 123 , 124 and the tubular part 125 in which they enter there is a seal 127. 20 from inside each of the structural members 1 and 2, the tendon 4,
A passageway is provided to each end of each tendon 4,
The other end of the tendon 4A is releasably fixedly held to the other structural member 2, 1 at the attachment position, and the attachment position is set to the sealing lid 133 after the tendon 4, 4A is released.
This sealing lid 133 is attached to the tendons 4 and 4.
Claim 1, characterized in that it has the role of maintaining said other structural member 2, 1 fluid-tight during replacement of A.
The joint described in item 9. 21 Each tendon 4, 4A is connected to the other structural member 2, 1 by means of a threaded member 129 that is attached to the cylindrical member 123 at the other end of the tendon 4, 4A.
21. A joint according to claim 20, characterized in that it is releasably fixedly held in the joint. η Cylindrical member 1 at the one end of each tendon 4, 4A
24, the cylindrical member 123 and the threaded member 129 at the other end of the tendons 4, 4A, the tendon connecting leg member 132, the sealing lid 133 that accommodates this tendon connecting leg member 132, and the pressure bottle 136. 22. A joint according to claim 21, characterized in that it is normally enclosed by a cupola-shaped closure which is removed for installation. 23. Joint according to claim 22, characterized in that the closure 133 can be pressurized to aid in the removal of the tendons 4, 4A. 24 A passage is provided from the inside of only one of the structural members 1, 2 to one end of each tendon 4A connected to this structural member 1, 2, and at the other end the tendon 4A is connected to the other end of the tendon 4A. This structural member 1,
The tendon 4A is releasably fixedly held on the other structural member 2, 1 by a fixed block 153 that is fixed to the other structural member 2, 1.
By engaging the fixed head 154 provided on the tendon 4A, the other structural member 2,
1, the engagement being effected or released by drive means extending along the tendons 4A from only one structural member 1, 2. The joint according to paragraph 19. 25 fixed head 154 is screwed into engagement with the fixed block 153, said drive means comprising a flexible drive shaft passing through a hollow 150 in the tendon 4A which engages the fixed head 154 in a non-rotating manner. , tendon 4 during driving action
A fixed block 15 is used to restrain A from rotating.
3 and the fixed head 154, the elastic load restraint means 1
25. Joint according to claim 24, characterized in that 55/156, 157/158 are provided. 26 fixing head 154 is screwed into engagement with the fixing block 153, and said driving means is inserted into the hollow 15 in the tendon 4A.
0 and a hydraulic prime mover operable by pressure fluid passing along the hollow 150 and coupled to engage or disengage the fixing head 154 and the fixing block 153 and having a resilient Load restraint 1,000 steps 155
/156, 157/158 are provided in the area of the fixed block 154 and the fixed head 153 in order to restrain the tendon 4A from rotating during operation of the drive means. The joint according to paragraph 24. 27 A passage is provided from the interior of only one of the structural members 1, 2 to one end of each tendon 4A connected to this structural member 1, 2, and the tendon 4A is connected at the other end to the said tendon 4A at the other end. One structural member 1, 2 is connected by a screw member 151 provided on the cylindrical member 124A.
At the other end, the tendon 4A is releasably fixedly held in a fixed head 15 provided on the tendon 4A.
4 to the other structural member 2, 1 by engaging the fixing block 153 fixing it to the other structural member 2, 1.
1 and this engagement is releasably secured to the entire tendon 4.
20. Joint according to claim 19, characterized in that it is activated or released by rotating A. 28 A passage is provided from the inside of only one of the structural members 1, 2 to one end of each tendon connected to this structural member 1, 2, and the tendon 4A is connected to the tendon 4A at the other end.
The tendon 4A is releasably fixedly held to one structural member by a screw member 151 provided on the cylindrical member 124A at the other end, and the tendon 4A has an elastically loaded key 162 and a key groove 161 at the other end. releasably fixed to the other structural member 2, 1 by engagement, characterized in that this engagement is released by the action of ram means 1640 actuated by supplying pressurized fluid through the hollow 150 in the tendon 4A. The joint according to claim 19. 29 A passage is provided from the interior of only one of the structural members 1, 2 to one end of each tendon 4A connected to this structural member 1, 2, the tendon 4A being connected at the other end to the said tendon 4A. One structural member 1,
2, and the other end of the tendon 4A is releasably fixed to the other structural member 2, 1 by engagement of the resilient load arm 165 and the key groove 167, and the tendon 4A is releasably fixed to the other structural member 2, 1, 132 is formed as a lid 166 capable of engaging the arm 165 under the resilient load of the arm 165 and removing the arm 165 from the key groove 167, which lid 166 is connected to the hollow 15 of the tendon 4A.
20. Coupling according to claim 19, characterized in that it is operated by supplying pressure fluid through 0. 30 that a restraining stage 141/142 is provided to restrain the position of the tendon joint member 132, and that in that position the restraining stage 141/142 is in a fluid-tight sealing relationship with one of the structural members 1, 2. A joint according to any one of claims 18 to 29, characterized in that: 31. A washer member 144 is disposed abuttingly along the tendons 4, 4A, characterized in that the washer member 144 is of mono-shaped cross section and has inner and outer circumferential surfaces that are convex in the radial plane; Claim 18
The joint according to any one of Items 30 to 30. 32. The joint of claim 31, wherein adjacent washer members 144 have interengaging female and male shear plates 147,148.