US20040234344A1 - Keel joint arrangements for floating platforms - Google Patents
Keel joint arrangements for floating platforms Download PDFInfo
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- US20040234344A1 US20040234344A1 US10/755,521 US75552104A US2004234344A1 US 20040234344 A1 US20040234344 A1 US 20040234344A1 US 75552104 A US75552104 A US 75552104A US 2004234344 A1 US2004234344 A1 US 2004234344A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- keel
- riser
- joint
- opening
- sleeve
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/01—Risers
- E21B17/017—Bend restrictors for limiting stress on risers
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/002—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables specially adapted for underwater drilling
- E21B19/004—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables specially adapted for underwater drilling supporting a riser from a drilling or production platform
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to methods and devices for providing a stress-relieving joint between a riser and the keel of a floating platform.
- Deep water floating platforms use risers to communicate production fluid from the sea floor to the floating production platform.
- Floating platforms have a portion that lies below the surface of the sea.
- the spar for example, is a popular style of floating platform that has an elongated, cylindrical hull portion which, when deployed, extends downwardly a significant distance into the sea. The lowest portion of the submerged hull is referred to as the keel.
- Currents in the sea tend to move the floating platform laterally across the sea surface.
- the platform imparts bending stresses to the riser during lateral movement. Localized, or point, stresses are particularly problematic for risers.
- Halkyard describes an arrangement wherein a joint means is positioned within a keel opening in the floating vessel to reduce the amount of stress upon a pipe passing through the keel opening.
- the joint means consists of a radially enlarged sleeve member with an elastomeric annulus at either end that is in contact with both the sleeve member and the pipe. Halkyard's intent is to reduce stress upon the pipe that is imposed by lateral movement of the floating vessel upon the sea.
- Halkyard contacts the pipe at two points with an elastomeric annulus, which is described as providing a resilient, somewhat yieldable connection.
- Halkyard's arrangement is problematic since it permits almost no angular movement of the pipe within the sleeve member. While point stresses upon the pipe are reduced, they are still significant. Further, the pipe is required to bend within the confines of the sleeve. This bending, together with the induced point stresses at either end of the sleeve, place significant strain on the pipe.
- the present invention addresses the problems in the prior art.
- Keel joint assemblies are described that permit a degree of rotational movement of a riser within the keel of a floating vessel.
- the assemblies of the present invention greatly reduce the amount of stress and strain that is placed upon the riser, as well.
- the present invention describes keel joint assemblies that provide a limiting joint between the riser and the keel opening that permits some angular rotation of the riser with respect to the floating vessel. Additionally, the limiting joint permits the riser to move upwardly and downwardly within the keel opening, but centralizes the riser with respect to the keel opening so that the riser cannot move horizontally with respect to the keel opening.
- the limiting joint is provided by a single annular joint that allows that riser to move angularly with respect to the can.
- the keel joint assembly incorporates a cylindrical stiffening can that radially surrounds a portion of the riser and is disposed within the keel opening.
- a flexible joint is provided between the can and the riser. Supports or guides may be used to retain the can within the keel opening.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary riser extending upwardly from the sea floor and through a spar-type floating platform.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side, cross-sectional view of a first exemplary keel joint assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic side, cross-sectional view of a second exemplary keel joint assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is aschematic side, cross-sectional view of a third exemplary keel joint assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic side, cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary keel joint constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic side, cross-sectional view of a fifth exemplary keel joint assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic side, cross-sectional view of a sixth exemplary keel joint assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1 generally illustrates a subsea wellhead 10 that has been installed into the sea floor 12 .
- a riser 14 is connected to the wellhead 10 and extends upwardly through the waterline 16 to a floating platform 18 .
- the riser 14 is used to transmit production fluids or as a drilling conduit from the wellhead 10 to production facilities (not shown) on the floating platform 18 .
- the riser 14 is used to provide a closed conduit from the wellhead 10 to the floating platform 18 .
- the floating platform 18 shown is a spar-type floating vessel that carries production equipment (not shown) on an upper deck 20 .
- the hull 22 of the platform 18 is a cylinder having flotation chambers within and a central, vertically-oriented passage 24 through which the riser 14 is disposed.
- the configuration for a passage used in floating platforms varies from platform to platform. Sometimes the passage is lined by a cylindrical wall that extends substantially the entire length of the hull. In other platforms, the passage is partially lined by such a wall, and in still other platforms, there is essentially no lining for the passage.
- the keel 26 is located at the lower end of the hull 22 .
- a keel joint, indicated generally at 28 is used to permit axial upward and downward motion as well as angular deflection of the riser 14 with respect to the keel 26 . It is desired that the keel joint 28 be constructed to preclude localized bending stresses in the riser 14 that could damage it, resulting in structural failure of the riser 14 .
- FIG. 2 there is shown a first, and currently most preferred, exemplary keel joint arrangement 30 that can be used as the keel joint 28 to support the riser 14 .
- the keel joint arrangement 30 includes a stiff cylindrical can 32 that radially surrounds a portion of the riser 14 .
- the can 32 is retained within and disposed away from the walls of the keel opening or passage 24 by supports or guides 34 that are securely affixed with the hull 22 . While there are only two upper and two lower supports 34 shown in FIG. 2, it should be understood that there are actually more such supports 34 , perhaps four or more upper and four or more lower supports 34 and that the supports are located to surround the circumference of the riser 14 .
- the supports 34 have rounded, non-puncturing ends 36 to contact the outer wall of the can 32 . It is noted that the supports 34 are not affixed to the can 32 , thereby permitting the can 32 to move upwardly and downwardly within the passage 24 .
- the keel joint arrangement 30 may be thought of an “open can” arrangement since the can 32 is affixed to the riser 14 by a stress joint (straight or tapered) 38 proximate the lower end of the can 32 while the upper end 40 of the can 32 is not secured to or maintained in contact with the riser 14 .
- the exemplary stress joint 38 illustrated consists of a pair of radially enlarged collars 42 5 that surround the riser 14 and are affixed to the inner radial surface of the can 32 .
- the collars 42 are shown to be fashioned of metal. However, the collars 42 may also be fashioned of a suitable elastomeric material. The collars 42 may be substantially rigid so as to permit a small amount of angular movement of the riser 14 with respect to the can 32 . Alternatively, the collars 42 may be relatively flexible to permit additional angular movement.
- the riser 14 can move angularly to a degree within the can 32 under bending stresses. Illustrative directions of such relative angular movement are shown in FIG. 2 by arrows 33 about rotation point 35 . During such angular movement, the outer walls of the riser 14 are moved closer to or further away from the inner walls of the keel opening 24 . The stress joint 38 forms a fulcrum. The can 32 is stiff enough that it transfers stresses directly from the stress joint 38 to the supports 34 , thereby preventing any significant stresses from being seen by the upper portion of the riser 14 . Generally, this arrangement allows the upper portion of the riser 14 to have a smaller cross section than the stress joint 38 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a keel joint arrangement 5 that is useful as a keel joint 28 .
- a heavy walled wear sleeve 52 radially surrounds a portion of the riser 14 .
- the wear sleeve 52 may or may not be secured to the riser 14 in a fixed relation, such as by the use of welding or retaining rings such as are known in the art.
- a central portion of the wear sleeve 52 has an external annular ring 54 that extends radially outwardly and forms the portion of the sleeve 52 having the largest exterior diameter.
- the ring 54 presents an outer radial surface that is vertically curved in a convex manner.
- the outer radial surface of the ring 54 may also be frustoconical in shape.
- Below the annular ring 54 is a lower inwardly tapered portion 56 .
- Above the ring 54 is an upper inwardly tapered portion 58 .
- a partially-lined passage, designated as 24 ′, in the hull 22 of the floating vessel 18 has an open upper end 60 that is outwardly flared for installation purposes. The flare of the upper end assists in guiding the sleeve 52 and ring 54 into place when lowering the riser 14 through the hull 22 .
- the lower end of the passage 24 has an annular recess 62 that is sized and shaped for the annular ring 54 to reside within.
- the recess 62 presents an inner surface that is vertically curved in a concave manner so that the outer convex surface of the annular ring 54 can be matingly engaged. If the outer radial surface of the ring 54 is frustoconical in shape, however, the inner surface of the recess 62 will be made complimentary to that frustoconical shape.
- the keel joint arrangement 50 helps to prevent damage to the riser 14 from bending stresses.
- the wear sleeve 52 is located at the keel 26 where the primary bending stresses are imparted to the riser 14 and, therefore, is designed to absorb most of those stresses and prevent them from being imparted directly to the riser 14 .
- the interface of the ring 54 and the recess 62 provides a fulcrum wherein the riser 14 can move angularly with respect to the hull 22 .
- the elongated upper tapered portion 58 will tend to bear against the length of the passage 24 ′, thereby reducing or eliminating localized, or point, stresses.
- a keel joint arrangement 70 which is a second alternative embodiment that is useful as the keel joint 28 .
- the keel joint arrangement 70 employs centralizer assemblies 72 that are secured within the passage 24 of the hull 22 .
- the centralizer assemblies 72 are spaced angularly about the circumference of the passage 24 .
- the centralizers 72 comprise hydraulically actuated piston-type assemblies, the piston arrangement being illustrated schematically by two 72 a , 72 b .
- the two arms 72 a , 72 b would be nested one within the other in a piston fashion and would be selectively moveably with respect to one another.
- the centralizer assemblies 72 comprise hinged assemblies wherein the two arms 72 a , 72 b are hingedly affixed to one another at hinge point 72 c . Actuation of the centralizer assembly in this case would move the arm 72 a angularly with respect to the arm 72 b about the hinge point 72 c , thereby permitting the arm 72 a to be selectively moved into and out of engagement with the riser 14 .
- the centralizers 72 are energized via hydraulic lines (not shown) to urge the riser toward the radial center of the passage 24 to resist contact between the riser 14 and the passage 24 .
- the centralizers 72 have rounded, non-puncturing tips 74 that bear upon the riser 14 .
- the non-puncturing tips comprise either wear pads or rollers for engagement of the riser 14 .
- the piston-type centralizer assemblies 72 may be actuated mechanically rather than hydraulically.
- the centralizer assemblies' attachments to the passage 24 may be softened, such as through use of springs or rubber, in such a way as to decrease bending stresses by yielding to riser deflection.
- the centralizers 72 will comprise members that have a hinged attachment to the passage 24 .
- FIG. 5 depicts a third alternative embodiment for the keel joint 28 .
- Keel joint assembly 90 includes a riser collar 92 that surrounds a portion of the riser 14 proximate the keel 26 .
- the collar 92 is not affixed to the riser 14 but instead permits sliding movement of the riser 14 upwardly and downwardly through the collar 92 .
- the collar 92 is generally cylindrical but includes a bulbous central portion 94 and two tapered end portions 96 , 98 .
- a guide sleeve 100 radially surrounds the collar 92 and features an interior rounded profile 102 that is shaped and sized to receive the bulbous portion 94 of the collar 92 .
- An exterior landing profile 104 is located at the lower end of the guide sleeve and is shaped and sized to form a complementary fit with a landing profile 106 formed into the keel 26 .
- the passage 24 ′ is constructed identically to the passage 24 ′ described earlier in that it has an open upper end with an outward flare.
- the collar 92 and guide sleeve 100 are assembled onto the riser 14 . Then the riser 14 is run through the passage 24 ′ and the landing profile 104 of the guide sleeve 100 is seated into the matching profile 106 in the keel 26 . In operation, the riser 14 can slide upwardly and downwardly within the collar 92 as necessary to compensate for movement of the floating platform 18 . Rotation of the platform 18 with respect to the riser 14 is permitted between the riser 14 and the collar 92 as well as between the collar 92 and the guide sleeve 100 .
- Angular movement of the riser 14 with respect to the platform 18 is accommodated by rotation of the bulbous portion 94 within the rounded profile 102 of the guide sleeve 100 .
- a rubberized flex joint of a type known in the art might be used to accommodate angular rotation.
- Keel joint assembly 110 incorporates a flexible cage assembly to permit relative movement between the riser 14 and the floating vessel 18 .
- a flexible cage assembly 112 is formed of an inner riser sleeve 114 and an outer keel sleeve 116 .
- a central cage 118 adjoins the two sleeves 114 , 116 .
- the cage 118 includes an upper ring 120 , a central ring 122 , and a lower ring 124 .
- the upper and lower spokes 126 , 128 are each arranged in a spaced relation from one another about the circumference of the central ring 122 .
- the spokes 126 , 128 are fashioned from a material that is somewhat flexible yet has good strength under both tension and compression. It is currently preferred that the spokes 126 , 128 are fashioned of a steel alloy, although other suitable materials may be used.
- the spokes 126 , 128 are elastically deformable as necessary to allow the riser 14 to move angularly within the passage 24 ′.
- Angular deflection of the riser 14 results in non-uniform deflection of upper spokes 126 and lower spokes 128 .
- the upper ring 120 affixes the upper spokes 126 to the outer keel sleeve 116 .
- the lower ring 124 is not affixed to the outer keel sleeve 116 .
- the outer keel sleeve 116 is seated within the passage 24 ′ by means of a landing profile 130 that is shaped and sized to be seated within a complimentary seating profile 132 at the lower end of the passage 24 ′.
- Locking flanges 134 are secured onto the lower side of the keel 26 to secure the outer keel sleeve 116 in place.
- the locking flanges 134 may be selectively disengaged. or unlocked, and subsequently retrieved by upward movement of the riser 14 with respect to the passage 24 ′, i.e., by pulling upwardly on the riser string.
- the cage 118 holds the riser 14 in a semi-rigid manner that permits some flexibility.
- the riser 14 can move angularly with respect to the hull 22 due to the flexibility of the spokes 126 and 128 of the cage 118 .
- Loading from movement of the riser 14 is transferred by the upper spokes 126 to the keel sleeve 116 which, in turn transfers the loading to the hull 22 . Because the keel sleeve 116 engages the passage 24 ′ of the hull 22 along substantially its entire length, point loading is avoided.
- FIG. 7 depicts a fifth alternative embodiment for use as the keel joint 28 .
- Keel joint arrangement 130 includes an open top can structure, which is shown incorporated into the riser 14 as a sub 132 at is affixed at either end to other riser sections 134 , 136 .
- the can sub 132 includes a pair of concentric tubular members.
- the inner tubular member 138 has the same interior and exterior diameters as a standard riser section.
- the outer tubular member, or can, 140 is coaxial with the inner tubular member 138 and is affixed to the inner tubular member 138 by a flange adapter, or stress joint, 142 that joins the two pieces together proximate the lower end of the sub 132 .
- FIG. 7 shows the flange adapter 142 to be an annular metallic collar that is integrally formed into both the inner and outer tubular members 138 , 140 , it might also comprise a separate collar or elastomeric member as well as a flexible
- a cylindrical guide sleeve 144 radially surrounds the open top can sub 132 .
- the guide sleeve 144 is securely affixed to the outer tubular member 140 by, for example, welding.
- Supports 146 are used to secure the guide sleeve 144 within the passage 24 of the hull 22 .
- the supports 146 maintain the guide sleeve 144 a distance away from the wall of the passage 24 so that the guide sleeve 144 is substantially radially centered within the passage 24 .
- the supports 146 are preferably formed of structural beams.
- the supports 146 are arranged in two tiers, an upper tier and a lower tier, and each tier surrounds the circumference of the passage 24 .
- the outer tubular member 140 is stiff enough that it transfers stresses directly from the flange adapter 142 to the guide sleeve 144 . Because the guide sleeve 144 and the outer tubular member 140 are affixed along substantially their entire length, point stresses are avoided. In addition, the supports transmit loads or stresses from the guide sleeve 144 to the passage 24 walls. The length of contact between the outer tubular member 140 and the guide sleeve 144 allows for a longer vertical riser stroke than arrangements wherein there is less contact area, such as the arrangement 30 shown in FIG. 2.
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Abstract
Keel joint assemblies are described that permit a degree of rotational movement of a riser within the keel of a floating vessel and greatly reduce the amount of stress and strain that is placed upon the riser, as well. Keel joint assemblies described provide a limiting joint between the riser and the keel opening that permits some angular rotation of the riser with respect to the floating vessel. Additionally, the limiting joint permits the riser to move upwardly and downwardly within the keel opening, but centralizes the riser with respect to the keel opening so that the riser cannot move horizontally with respect to the keel opening. In described embodiments, the limiting joint is provided by a single annular joint that allows that riser to move angularly with respect to the can. In some embodiments, the keel joint assembly incorporates a cylindrical stiffening can that radially surrounds a portion of the riser and is disposed within the keel opening. In these embodiments, a flexible joint is provided between the can and the riser. Supports or guides maybe used to retain the can within the keel opening.
Description
- This application claims the priority of provisional patent application serial No. 60/308,365 filed Jul. 27, 2001.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates generally to methods and devices for providing a stress-relieving joint between a riser and the keel of a floating platform.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Deep water floating platforms use risers to communicate production fluid from the sea floor to the floating production platform. Floating platforms have a portion that lies below the surface of the sea. For stability of the platform, it is desired that there be a very deep draft. The spar, for example, is a popular style of floating platform that has an elongated, cylindrical hull portion which, when deployed, extends downwardly a significant distance into the sea. The lowest portion of the submerged hull is referred to as the keel. Currents in the sea tend to move the floating platform laterally across the sea surface. Despite the presence of anchorages, the platform imparts bending stresses to the riser during lateral movement. Localized, or point, stresses are particularly problematic for risers.
- One known joint arrangement for use with risers and floating vessels is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,205 issued to Halkyard. Halkyard describes an arrangement wherein a joint means is positioned within a keel opening in the floating vessel to reduce the amount of stress upon a pipe passing through the keel opening. The joint means consists of a radially enlarged sleeve member with an elastomeric annulus at either end that is in contact with both the sleeve member and the pipe. Halkyard's intent is to reduce stress upon the pipe that is imposed by lateral movement of the floating vessel upon the sea. In order to reduce stress, Halkyard contacts the pipe at two points with an elastomeric annulus, which is described as providing a resilient, somewhat yieldable connection. Unfortunately, Halkyard's arrangement is problematic since it permits almost no angular movement of the pipe within the sleeve member. While point stresses upon the pipe are reduced, they are still significant. Further, the pipe is required to bend within the confines of the sleeve. This bending, together with the induced point stresses at either end of the sleeve, place significant strain on the pipe.
- The present invention addresses the problems in the prior art.
- Keel joint assemblies are described that permit a degree of rotational movement of a riser within the keel of a floating vessel. The assemblies of the present invention greatly reduce the amount of stress and strain that is placed upon the riser, as well. The present invention describes keel joint assemblies that provide a limiting joint between the riser and the keel opening that permits some angular rotation of the riser with respect to the floating vessel. Additionally, the limiting joint permits the riser to move upwardly and downwardly within the keel opening, but centralizes the riser with respect to the keel opening so that the riser cannot move horizontally with respect to the keel opening.
- In described embodiments, the limiting joint is provided by a single annular joint that allows that riser to move angularly with respect to the can. In some embodiments, the keel joint assembly incorporates a cylindrical stiffening can that radially surrounds a portion of the riser and is disposed within the keel opening. In these embodiments, a flexible joint is provided between the can and the riser. Supports or guides may be used to retain the can within the keel opening.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary riser extending upwardly from the sea floor and through a spar-type floating platform.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side, cross-sectional view of a first exemplary keel joint assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic side, cross-sectional view of a second exemplary keel joint assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is aschematic side, cross-sectional view of a third exemplary keel joint assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic side, cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary keel joint constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic side, cross-sectional view of a fifth exemplary keel joint assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic side, cross-sectional view of a sixth exemplary keel joint assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1 generally illustrates a
subsea wellhead 10 that has been installed into thesea floor 12. Ariser 14 is connected to thewellhead 10 and extends upwardly through thewaterline 16 to afloating platform 18. Theriser 14 is used to transmit production fluids or as a drilling conduit from thewellhead 10 to production facilities (not shown) on thefloating platform 18. Theriser 14 is used to provide a closed conduit from thewellhead 10 to thefloating platform 18. Thefloating platform 18 shown is a spar-type floating vessel that carries production equipment (not shown) on anupper deck 20. Thehull 22 of theplatform 18 is a cylinder having flotation chambers within and a central, vertically-orientedpassage 24 through which theriser 14 is disposed. It is noted that the configuration for a passage used in floating platforms varies from platform to platform. Sometimes the passage is lined by a cylindrical wall that extends substantially the entire length of the hull. In other platforms, the passage is partially lined by such a wall, and in still other platforms, there is essentially no lining for the passage. Thekeel 26 is located at the lower end of thehull 22. A keel joint, indicated generally at 28, is used to permit axial upward and downward motion as well as angular deflection of theriser 14 with respect to thekeel 26. It is desired that thekeel joint 28 be constructed to preclude localized bending stresses in theriser 14 that could damage it, resulting in structural failure of theriser 14. - Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a first, and currently most preferred, exemplary
keel joint arrangement 30 that can be used as thekeel joint 28 to support theriser 14. Thekeel joint arrangement 30 includes a stiff cylindrical can 32 that radially surrounds a portion of theriser 14. Thecan 32 is retained within and disposed away from the walls of the keel opening orpassage 24 by supports orguides 34 that are securely affixed with thehull 22. While there are only two upper and twolower supports 34 shown in FIG. 2, it should be understood that there are actually moresuch supports 34, perhaps four or more upper and four or morelower supports 34 and that the supports are located to surround the circumference of theriser 14. Thesupports 34 have rounded, non-puncturing ends 36 to contact the outer wall of thecan 32. It is noted that thesupports 34 are not affixed to thecan 32, thereby permitting thecan 32 to move upwardly and downwardly within thepassage 24. Thekeel joint arrangement 30 may be thought of an “open can” arrangement since thecan 32 is affixed to theriser 14 by a stress joint (straight or tapered) 38 proximate the lower end of thecan 32 while theupper end 40 of thecan 32 is not secured to or maintained in contact with theriser 14. Theexemplary stress joint 38 illustrated consists of a pair of radially enlargedcollars 42 5 that surround theriser 14 and are affixed to the inner radial surface of thecan 32. Thecollars 42 are shown to be fashioned of metal. However, thecollars 42 may also be fashioned of a suitable elastomeric material. Thecollars 42 may be substantially rigid so as to permit a small amount of angular movement of theriser 14 with respect to thecan 32. Alternatively, thecollars 42 may be relatively flexible to permit additional angular movement. - In operation, the
riser 14 can move angularly to a degree within thecan 32 under bending stresses. Illustrative directions of such relative angular movement are shown in FIG. 2 byarrows 33 aboutrotation point 35. During such angular movement, the outer walls of theriser 14 are moved closer to or further away from the inner walls of thekeel opening 24. The stress joint 38 forms a fulcrum. Thecan 32 is stiff enough that it transfers stresses directly from the stress joint 38 to thesupports 34, thereby preventing any significant stresses from being seen by the upper portion of theriser 14. Generally, this arrangement allows the upper portion of theriser 14 to have a smaller cross section than the stress joint 38. - FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a keel joint arrangement5 that is useful as a keel joint 28. In the keel
joint arrangement 50, a heavywalled wear sleeve 52 radially surrounds a portion of theriser 14. Thewear sleeve 52 may or may not be secured to theriser 14 in a fixed relation, such as by the use of welding or retaining rings such as are known in the art. A central portion of thewear sleeve 52 has an externalannular ring 54 that extends radially outwardly and forms the portion of thesleeve 52 having the largest exterior diameter. Thering 54 presents an outer radial surface that is vertically curved in a convex manner. The outer radial surface of thering 54 may also be frustoconical in shape. Below theannular ring 54 is a lower inwardly taperedportion 56. Above thering 54 is an upper inwardly taperedportion 58. A partially-lined passage, designated as 24′, in thehull 22 of the floatingvessel 18 has an openupper end 60 that is outwardly flared for installation purposes. The flare of the upper end assists in guiding thesleeve 52 andring 54 into place when lowering theriser 14 through thehull 22. The lower end of thepassage 24 has anannular recess 62 that is sized and shaped for theannular ring 54 to reside within. Therecess 62 presents an inner surface that is vertically curved in a concave manner so that the outer convex surface of theannular ring 54 can be matingly engaged. If the outer radial surface of thering 54 is frustoconical in shape, however, the inner surface of therecess 62 will be made complimentary to that frustoconical shape. - In operation, the keel
joint arrangement 50 helps to prevent damage to theriser 14 from bending stresses. Thewear sleeve 52 is located at thekeel 26 where the primary bending stresses are imparted to theriser 14 and, therefore, is designed to absorb most of those stresses and prevent them from being imparted directly to theriser 14. The interface of thering 54 and therecess 62 provides a fulcrum wherein theriser 14 can move angularly with respect to thehull 22. In addition, the elongated uppertapered portion 58 will tend to bear against the length of thepassage 24′, thereby reducing or eliminating localized, or point, stresses. - Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a keel
joint arrangement 70, which is a second alternative embodiment that is useful as the keel joint 28. The keeljoint arrangement 70 employscentralizer assemblies 72 that are secured within thepassage 24 of thehull 22. Preferably, thecentralizer assemblies 72 are spaced angularly about the circumference of thepassage 24. In a preferred embodiment, thecentralizers 72 comprise hydraulically actuated piston-type assemblies, the piston arrangement being illustrated schematically by two 72 a, 72 b. In practice, the twoarms centralizer assemblies 72 comprise hinged assemblies wherein the twoarms hinge point 72 c. Actuation of the centralizer assembly in this case would move thearm 72 a angularly with respect to thearm 72 b about thehinge point 72 c, thereby permitting thearm 72 a to be selectively moved into and out of engagement with theriser 14. Thecentralizers 72 are energized via hydraulic lines (not shown) to urge the riser toward the radial center of thepassage 24 to resist contact between theriser 14 and thepassage 24. Thecentralizers 72 have rounded,non-puncturing tips 74 that bear upon theriser 14. Preferably, the non-puncturing tips comprise either wear pads or rollers for engagement of theriser 14. It is noted that the piston-type centralizer assemblies 72 may be actuated mechanically rather than hydraulically. Also, the centralizer assemblies' attachments to thepassage 24 may be softened, such as through use of springs or rubber, in such a way as to decrease bending stresses by yielding to riser deflection. In a further alternative embodiment, thecentralizers 72 will comprise members that have a hinged attachment to thepassage 24. - FIG. 5 depicts a third alternative embodiment for the keel joint28. Keel
joint assembly 90 includes ariser collar 92 that surrounds a portion of theriser 14 proximate thekeel 26. Thecollar 92 is not affixed to theriser 14 but instead permits sliding movement of theriser 14 upwardly and downwardly through thecollar 92. Thecollar 92 is generally cylindrical but includes a bulbouscentral portion 94 and twotapered end portions guide sleeve 100 radially surrounds thecollar 92 and features an interiorrounded profile 102 that is shaped and sized to receive thebulbous portion 94 of thecollar 92. Anexterior landing profile 104 is located at the lower end of the guide sleeve and is shaped and sized to form a complementary fit with alanding profile 106 formed into thekeel 26. Thepassage 24′ is constructed identically to thepassage 24′ described earlier in that it has an open upper end with an outward flare. - To assemble the keel
joint arrangement 90, thecollar 92 and guidesleeve 100 are assembled onto theriser 14. Then theriser 14 is run through thepassage 24′ and thelanding profile 104 of theguide sleeve 100 is seated into thematching profile 106 in thekeel 26. In operation, theriser 14 can slide upwardly and downwardly within thecollar 92 as necessary to compensate for movement of the floatingplatform 18. Rotation of theplatform 18 with respect to theriser 14 is permitted between theriser 14 and thecollar 92 as well as between thecollar 92 and theguide sleeve 100. Angular movement of theriser 14 with respect to theplatform 18 is accommodated by rotation of thebulbous portion 94 within therounded profile 102 of theguide sleeve 100. Alternatively, a rubberized flex joint of a type known in the art (not shown) might be used to accommodate angular rotation. - A fourth alternative exemplary embodiment for the keel joint28 is shown in FIG. 6. Keel
joint assembly 110 incorporates a flexible cage assembly to permit relative movement between theriser 14 and the floatingvessel 18. Aflexible cage assembly 112 is formed of aninner riser sleeve 114 and anouter keel sleeve 116. Acentral cage 118 adjoins the twosleeves cage 118 includes an upper ring 120, acentral ring 122, and alower ring 124. There are a series ofupper spokes 126 that radiate upwardly and outwardly from thecentral ring 122 to theupper ring 124. There are also a series oflower spokes 128 that radiate outwardly and downwardly from thecentral ring 122 to thelower ring 124. The upper andlower spokes central ring 122. Thespokes spokes spokes riser 14 to move angularly within thepassage 24′. Angular deflection of theriser 14 results in non-uniform deflection ofupper spokes 126 andlower spokes 128. The upper ring 120 affixes theupper spokes 126 to theouter keel sleeve 116. Thelower ring 124 is not affixed to theouter keel sleeve 116. - The
outer keel sleeve 116 is seated within thepassage 24′ by means of alanding profile 130 that is shaped and sized to be seated within acomplimentary seating profile 132 at the lower end of thepassage 24′. Lockingflanges 134 are secured onto the lower side of thekeel 26 to secure theouter keel sleeve 116 in place. In a manner known in the art, the lockingflanges 134 may be selectively disengaged. or unlocked, and subsequently retrieved by upward movement of theriser 14 with respect to thepassage 24′, i.e., by pulling upwardly on the riser string. - During operation, the
cage 118 holds theriser 14 in a semi-rigid manner that permits some flexibility. Theriser 14 can move angularly with respect to thehull 22 due to the flexibility of thespokes cage 118. Loading from movement of theriser 14 is transferred by theupper spokes 126 to thekeel sleeve 116 which, in turn transfers the loading to thehull 22. Because thekeel sleeve 116 engages thepassage 24′ of thehull 22 along substantially its entire length, point loading is avoided. - FIG. 7 depicts a fifth alternative embodiment for use as the keel joint28. Keel
joint arrangement 130 includes an open top can structure, which is shown incorporated into theriser 14 as asub 132 at is affixed at either end toother riser sections tubular member 138 has the same interior and exterior diameters as a standard riser section. The outer tubular member, or can, 140 is coaxial with the innertubular member 138 and is affixed to the innertubular member 138 by a flange adapter, or stress joint, 142 that joins the two pieces together proximate the lower end of thesub 132. While FIG. 7 shows theflange adapter 142 to be an annular metallic collar that is integrally formed into both the inner and outertubular members - A
cylindrical guide sleeve 144 radially surrounds the open top can sub 132. Theguide sleeve 144 is securely affixed to the outertubular member 140 by, for example, welding.Supports 146 are used to secure theguide sleeve 144 within thepassage 24 of thehull 22. Thesupports 146 maintain the guide sleeve 144 a distance away from the wall of thepassage 24 so that theguide sleeve 144 is substantially radially centered within thepassage 24. Thesupports 146 are preferably formed of structural beams. Thesupports 146 are arranged in two tiers, an upper tier and a lower tier, and each tier surrounds the circumference of thepassage 24. The outertubular member 140 is stiff enough that it transfers stresses directly from theflange adapter 142 to theguide sleeve 144. Because theguide sleeve 144 and the outertubular member 140 are affixed along substantially their entire length, point stresses are avoided. In addition, the supports transmit loads or stresses from theguide sleeve 144 to thepassage 24 walls. The length of contact between the outertubular member 140 and theguide sleeve 144 allows for a longer vertical riser stroke than arrangements wherein there is less contact area, such as thearrangement 30 shown in FIG. 2. - While described in terms of preferred embodiments, those of skill in the art will understand that many modifications and changes may be made while remaining within the scope of the invention.
Claims (30)
1. A keel joint for retaining a riser within the keel of a floating vessel, the keel joint comprising:
a keel opening disposed generally vertically within a floating vessel;
a riser disposed within the keel opening; and
a limiting joint securing the riser with respect the keel opening, the limiting joint precluding horizontal movement or the riser with respect to the keel opening, but permitting vertical and angular movement of the riser with respect to the keel opening.
2. The keel joint of claim 1 wherein the limiting joint comprises:
a generally cylindrical stiffening can that is disposed within the keel opening; and
a collar that annularly surrounds the riser and is secured to the stiffening can.
3. The keel joint of claim 1 wherein the limiting joint comprises:
a wear sleeve radially surrounding an outer portion of the riser;
an annular ring disposed upon the outer portion of the wear sleeve, the ring presenting a vertically curved outer surface;
an annular recess formed within the keel opening and presenting an inner surface that is generally complimentary to the curved outer surface of the annular ring, the annular recess retaining the annular ring therewithin to permit angular movement of the wear sleeve within the keel opening.
4. The keel joint of claim 3 wherein the wear sleeve and collar are run in with the riser.
5. The keel joint of claim 3 wherein the wear sleeve is seated within the keel opening using a seating profile.
6. The keel joint of claim 1 wherein the limiting joint comprises:
a wear sleeve radially surrounding an outer portion of the riser;
an annular ring disposed upon the outer portion of the wear sleeve, the ring presenting a frustoconical outer surface;
an annular recess formed within the keel opening and presenting an inner surface that is generally complimentary to the frustoconical outer surface of the annular ring, the annular recess retaining the annular ring therewithin to permit angular movement of the wear sleeve within the keel opening.
7. The keel joint of claim 6 wherein the wear sleeve comprises a tapered portion that assists angular movement of the wear sleeve within the keel opening.
8. The keel joint of claim 6 wherein the keel opening further comprises an outwardly flared upper portion.
9. The keel joint of claim 1 wherein the limiting joint comprises at least one centralizer assembly disposed within the keel opening and in contact with the riser.
10. The keel joint of claim 9 wherein the centralizer assembly comprises a piston-type centralizer assembly.
11. The keel joint of claim 9 wherein the centralizer assembly comprises a hinged centralizer assembly.
12. The keel joint of claim 9 wherein the centralizer assembly is hydraulically-actuated.
13. The keel joint of claim 9 wherein the centralizer assembly is mechanically-actuated.
14. The keel joint of claim 1 wherein the limiting joint comprises:
a riser collar that radially surrounds a portion of the riser, the riser collar having a bulbous central portion; and
a guide sleeve secured within the keel opening to radially surround the riser collar, the guide sleeve comprising an interior rounded profile that is shaped and sized to receive the bulbous portion and permit angular rotation of the bulbous portion therewithin.
15. The keel joint of claim 14 wherein the guide sleeve and riser collar are run in with the riser.
16. The keel joint of claim 14 wherein the guide sleeve is seated within the keel opening using a seating profile.
17. The keel joint of claim 14 further comprising a locking flange that secures the position of the guide sleeve with respect to the keel opening.
18. The keel joint of claim 17 wherein the locking flange may be unlocked and retrieved by upward movement of the riser with respect to the guide sleeve.
19. The keel joint of claim 1 wherein the limiting joint comprises:
an inner, cylindrical riser sleeve that radially surrounds and engages the riser;
an outer, cylindrical keel sleeve that radially surrounds the riser sleeve and engages the keel opening; and
a cage formed of a plurality of flexible spokes that radiate from the riser sleeve to the keel sleeve, the spokes being elastically deformable as needed to accommodate angular movement of the riser with respect to the keel opening.
20. The keel joint of claim 19 further comprising a locking flange that secures the position of the guide sleeve with respect to the keel opening.
21. The keel joint of claim 20 wherein the locking flange may be unlocked and retrieved by upward movement of the riser with respect to the guide sleeve.
22. The keel joint of claim 1 wherein the limiting joint comprises:
an open top can riser section that is incorporated into said riser, the open top can riser section comprising:
an elongated, cylindrical inner tubular member having end connection means for
connecting the inner tubular member to adjoining riser sections;
an outer tubular member that radially surrounds the inner tubular member and is
secured within the keel opening; and
an annular flange adapter that interconnects the inner and outer tubular members.
23. A keel joint for retaining a riser within the keel of a floating vessel, the keel joint comprising:
a riser;
a substantially cylindrical stiffening can disposed within a keel of a floating vessel and radially surrounding the riser;
a single joint in contact with the can and the riser, the joint permitting angular movement of the riser with respect to the can; and
a plurality of supports extending from a keel of a floating vessel radially inwardly to contact the can, the supports being unaffixed to the can to permit upward and downward movement of the can within the keel of the floating vessel.
24. The keel joint of claim 23 wherein the joint comprises a pair of collars interconnect the can and riser.
25. The keel joint of claim 23 wherein the supports each present a rounded end for contacting the can.
26. The keel joint of claim 23 wherein the supports each present a roller for contacting the can.
27. A keel joint for retaining a riser within the keel of a floating vessel, the keel joint comprising:
a keel opening disposed generally vertically within a floating vessel;
a riser disposed within the keel opening; and
a limiting joint securing the riser with respect to the keel opening, the limiting joint precluding horizontal movement or the riser with respect to the keel opening, but permitting vertical and angular movement of the riser with respect to the keel opening, the limiting joint comprising:
a wear sleeve secured to the riser;
a stiffening can disposed radially within the keel opening; and
an annular member joining the wear sleeve to the stiffening can.
28. The keel joint of claim 27 wherein the annular member comprises a cage having a plurality of radially extending spokes.
29. The keel joint of claim 27 wherein the annular member comprises a collar.
30. The keel joint of claim 27 further comprising a plurality of supports extending radially inwardly from the keel opening to contact the stiffening can.
Priority Applications (1)
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US10/755,521 US20040234344A1 (en) | 2001-07-27 | 2004-01-12 | Keel joint arrangements for floating platforms |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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US30836501P | 2001-07-27 | 2001-07-27 | |
US10/207,296 US6746182B2 (en) | 2001-07-27 | 2002-07-29 | Keel joint arrangements for floating platforms |
US10/755,521 US20040234344A1 (en) | 2001-07-27 | 2004-01-12 | Keel joint arrangements for floating platforms |
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US10/775,523 Continuation-In-Part US7539797B2 (en) | 2003-06-11 | 2004-02-09 | Route aware Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) Switch |
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US10/755,521 Abandoned US20040234344A1 (en) | 2001-07-27 | 2004-01-12 | Keel joint arrangements for floating platforms |
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US20040079271A1 (en) * | 2002-10-21 | 2004-04-29 | Charnock Robert Alan | Keel guide system |
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---|---|
US6746182B2 (en) | 2004-06-08 |
US20030021634A1 (en) | 2003-01-30 |
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Owner name: VETCO GRAY INC., TEXAS Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:ABB VETCO GRAY INC.;REEL/FRAME:015479/0905 Effective date: 20040726 |
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