CN103089201B - There is the stretcher cylinder connector of multiaxis degree of freedom - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to the stretcher cylinder connector with multiaxis degree of freedom, specifically, hydropneumatic cylinder is connected to install the tightening hoop of the riser tensioner to platform by the coupling with two axial freedoms.Pillar extends along the axis of cylinder, and intermediate sleeve is arranged in column circumference and forms pillar annular space.Outer sleeve is fixed to tightening hoop and limits a cavity, pillar and intermediate sleeve and insert in this cavity so that annular space is formed between this sleeve and outer sleeve.Outer sleeve is connected to intermediate sleeve so that outer sleeve can pivot relative on intermediate sleeve coupling between outer sleeve and intermediate sleeve.Intermediate sleeve is connected to pillar so that intermediate sleeve can pivot relative on pillar coupling between intermediate sleeve and pillar.

Description

There is the stretcher cylinder connector of multiaxis degree of freedom

This application claims and authorize Aksel et al., entitled " Tensioner Cylinder Connections With Multiaxial Degrees of Freedom ", on November 8th, 2011 submit to U.S. State temporary patent application No.61/557, the rights and interests of 231 and priority, this application at this to quote Mode be integrally incorporated.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to marine riser stretcher, and in particular to having The stretcher cylinder connector (tensioner cylinder connection) of multiaxis degree of freedom adapts to stand The upper pushing-type stretcher that pipe tilts.

Background technology

Offshore production platform must support and extend to adopting of platform from Oil/gas Well from submarine well Oil standpipe.For the platform being fixed on seabed, this is easy to realize and be in the art Known.But, use such as tension leg platform (TLP) (TLP) or semisubmersible platform to float for needs For the deep-water subsea completion of moving platform, Supporting vertical tube presents significant problem.These platforms are at ripple Move and bear various power under the influence of wave, wind and current.Therefore, standpipe strainer is necessary Allow that platform moves relative to standpipe.

Standpipe strainer must also maintain standpipe tensioning so that the whole weight of standpipe will not pass It is delivered to well head and standpipe will not be caved under its own weight.Therefore, strainer must be vertical Continuous print tensile force is applied on pipe.Further, it is necessary to this power is maintained in narrower tolerance.

Upper pushing-type stretcher has some advantages in subsea use, it is an advantage that this stretcher In less space, high load is adapted to compared with other type of stretcher.This partly because on Pushing-type stretcher uses more efficient pistons end and need not tensioning equipment in junction, end. It addition, the pressure in upper pushing-type stretcher does not acts on the bar side of cylinder.In sea, waves whipped up by the wind rolled turbulently and Floating platform experiences on a large scale in the case of vertical motion, and upper pushing-type stretcher can better adapt to Vertically movable.It addition, the use of upper pushing-type stretcher can reduce what they must operate in The corrosiveness of saltwater environment, this is because the high-pressure sealing ring of stretcher is not fixed adjacent to this atmosphere Position also isolates with corrosive fluid and chip.

TLP provides stable drilling platforms in deeper water.In TLP, tension leg from Platform extends downwardly into the anchor being positioned at sea bed.Tension leg is the most inelastic, it is meant that disappear Except the major part of platform is vertically movable.TLP allows wellhead component to be positioned on the water surface rather than sea bed On.Standpipe generally will extend downwardly into sea bed from wellhead component.It is simpler that this arranges permission Completion and control of preferably recovering the oil.But, in TLP, standpipe can be relative to TLP from perpendicular Nogata is to inclination.Standpipe from the amount that vertical direction tilts be not the most static and with Time changes.

Although it is desirable to use pushing-type stretcher in TLP and RAM type both, but due to change Standpipe tilt, on the RAM type built up to now, pushing-type stretcher is not presently suitable for and TLP Combination.In former ram system, cylinder keeps connecting with standpipe, and this allows the little of standpipe Spacing.Accordingly, it would be desirable to the upper pushing-type riser tensioner that can tilt with standpipe in TLP.

Summary of the invention

By providing the preferred embodiments of the present invention of a kind of upper pushing-type stretcher, substantially solve Or avoided these and other problem, and substantially achieve technological merit, described upper pushing-type is opened The tight device stretcher cylinder connector with multiaxis degree of freedom adapts to standpipe.

According to one embodiment of the invention, disclose a kind of for maintaining opening of tension force in standpipe Tight device, this standpipe has axis and extends through floating platform deck from subsea wellheads assembly Opening.Tightening hoop (tensioner ring) that stretcher includes being connected to standpipe and multiple hydraulic air Dynamic cylinder, each cylinder has at least one flexible coupler at one end, for cylinder is connected in first Between plate and tightening hoop.Each flexible coupler includes being connected to the lower member of cylinder, by first Pin is pivotally coupled to the intermediate member of lower member and is pivotally coupled to pars intermedia by the second pin The upper member of part.First pin is spaced apart from each other and vertical with the second pin so that upper member can Pivot on the second pin relative to intermediate member and lower member can exist relative to intermediate member First pin is upper to be pivoted.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, disclose a kind of for maintaining tension force in standpipe Stretcher, this standpipe has axis and extends through floating platform deck from subsea wellheads assembly Opening.Stretcher includes the tightening hoop that is connected on standpipe and multiple hydropneumatic cylinder, often Individual cylinder has at least one flexible coupler at one end, for cylinder is connected in deck and tensioning Between ring.Each flexible coupler that cylinder is fixed to tightening hoop includes extending along the axis of cylinder Pillar and around pillar arrange and form the intermediate sleeve of pillar annular space.Flexible coupler Also include being fixed to tightening hoop and limit the tightening hoop sleeve of a cavity, pillar and intermediate sleeve insert Enter in this cavity so that annular space is formed between this sleeve and tightening hoop sleeve.Tightening hoop Socket joint is to intermediate sleeve so that tightening hoop sleeve can be relative to intermediate sleeve at tensioning ring set Pivot on coupling between cylinder and intermediate sleeve.Intermediate sleeve is connected to pillar so that middle Sleeve can pivot relative on pillar coupling between intermediate sleeve and pillar.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, disclose a kind of for maintaining tension force in standpipe Stretcher, this standpipe has axis and extends through floating platform deck from subsea wellheads assembly Opening.Tightening hoop that stretcher includes being connected to standpipe and multiple hydropneumatic cylinder, each Cylinder has at least one flexible coupler at one end, for cylinder is connected in deck and tightening hoop Between.Each flexible coupler includes: cylinder adapter, its be connected to one end of cylinder and have with Two pillars that cylinder extends from cylinder adapter on the contrary；It is positioned between the pillar of cylinder adapter Interior pivot, first sells the upper end through pillar and the upper end of interior pivot；And adapter locking group Part, it has two skewers extended from base component and with skewer on the contrary from base portion The protuberance that part extends, second sells the end contrary with base component through skewer and interior pivot The bottom of axle.First pin is spaced apart from each other and vertical with the second pin so that cylinder adapter can be relative Pivot on the first pin and adapter locking assembly can be relative to interior pivot the in interior pivot Two pins are upper to be pivoted.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, disclosing a kind of coupling, this coupling has two Individual axial freedom so that hydropneumatic cylinder is connected to the tightening hoop for stretcher, this stretcher It is configured to there is axis and extending through opening floating platform deck from subsea wellheads assembly The standpipe of mouth maintains tension force.Coupling includes the cylinder plate being fixed to cylinder, and this cylinder has and cylinder phase The pillar that instead extends along the axis of cylinder plate and arranging and to form pillar annular empty around pillar Between intermediate sleeve.Coupling also includes being fixed to tightening hoop and limiting the tensioning ring set of a cavity Cylinder, pillar and intermediate sleeve insert in this cavity so that annular space is formed at this sleeve and opens Between tight ring sleeve.Tightening hoop socket joint is to intermediate sleeve so that tightening hoop sleeve can be relative Pivot on intermediate sleeve coupling between tightening hoop sleeve and intermediate sleeve.Intermediate sleeve It is connected to pillar so that intermediate sleeve can be relative to pillar connection between intermediate sleeve and pillar Connect and pivot on device.

According to one more embodiment of the present invention, disclose a kind of for through floating offshore platform Deck extend standpipe apply tension force method.The method will have multiple hydropneumatic cylinder Tensioner assembly is arranged between deck and standpipe, and extremely stands with installing in one end of each cylinder Hinge-coupled is provided between the tightening hoop of pipe.Hinge-coupled includes installing to the one of cylinder pillar End, and sleeve is positioned at column circumference so that pillar and sleeve are altogether around the axis of pillar Axle.The method by socket joint to pillar so that sleeve relative to pillar on first axle Pivot.Tightening hoop sleeve is positioned at all around stems by the method so that sleeve is arranged in coupling Cavity in, and the method is by tightening hoop socket joint to sleeve and pillar so that tightening hoop Sleeve pivots on the second axis relative to pillar.Tightening hoop is installed to coupling by the method The projection contrary with pillar, and the method in response to be connected to the standpipe of tightening hoop and platform it Between relative motion and make cylinder pivot on the first and second axis.

One advantage of preferred embodiment is, it providing can be in the connection place of cylinder Yu tightening hoop Use the coupling with multiple rotary freedom to the big load adapting on tension leg platform (TLP) (TLP) The upper pushing-type riser tensioner of lotus.It addition, the disclosed embodiments are placed in tension force due to them Above leg platform deck rather than lower section and the most perishable.This reduces and open in order to Supporting vertical tube The demand of the additional deck structure of tight device.The disclosed embodiments also eliminate at usage quantity relatively High pressure accumulation during few cylinder.

Accompanying drawing explanation

In order to obtain and can more specifically understand inventive feature, advantage and purpose and other Will become apparent from mode, be referred to embodiments of the invention pair illustrated in the accompanying drawings The invention summarized briefly above is made and more specifically being described, and accompanying drawing forms of this specification Point.It should be mentioned, however, that accompanying drawing only illustrates the preferred embodiments of the present invention and is not the most regarded For the restriction of the present invention, because the present invention can permit other Equivalent embodiments.

Fig. 1 is the sectional view of riser tensioner assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is the sectional block diagram of the cylinder adapter of the riser tensioner assembly of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 A is the most hinged sectional view of the cylinder adapter of the Fig. 2 along line 3-3 intercepting.

Fig. 3 B is the hinged sectional view of the cylinder adapter of Fig. 3 A.

Fig. 4 A is the most hinged sectional view of the cylinder adapter of the Fig. 2 along line 4-4 intercepting.

Fig. 4 B is the hinged sectional view of the cylinder adapter of Fig. 4 A.

Fig. 5 is the alternative cylinder adapter of the riser tensioner assembly of Fig. 1.

Detailed description of the invention

Being more fully described the present invention hereinafter with reference to accompanying drawing now, accompanying drawing shows this Bright embodiment.But, the present invention can implement in many different forms and should be by It is considered limited in literary composition the diagram embodiment of statement.And it is to provide these embodiments so that this Open will be detailed and complete, and will pass on the present invention fully to those skilled in the art Scope.Like number represents same element all the time, and main pip (if use) represents Like in alternative.

In the following discussion, set forth many specific detail to provide the detailed reason to the present invention Solve.But, to those skilled in the art it would be apparent that this type of can not had special The present invention is implemented in the case of determining details.It addition, in most cases, with drilling well, feeding The relevant details such as operation have been omitted, because this type of details is not qualified as obtaining the present invention's Complete understanding is necessary, and is considered in the range of the technical ability of various equivalent modifications.

With reference to Fig. 1, riser tensioner assembly 11 provides tension force to standpipe 13, and this standpipe 13 makes Its lower end is fixed to the undersea device of such as subsea wellheads assembly (not shown).Riser tensioner group Part 11 has the nominal tension position shown in Fig. 1.Standpipe 13 is through ship (not shown) Opening 15 in deck 17 upwardly extends.Although being at anchor, but deck 17 i.e. ship is usual Will be responsive to current and wave motion and move relative to standpipe 13.Multiple cylinders 19 are supplied and add Pressure hydraulic fluid and gas, with when deck 17 is moved relative to standpipe 13 to standpipe 13 Power upwards is provided, thus in standpipe 13, maintains uniform tension force.In an exemplary enforcement In example, six cylinders 19 can be arranged equally spaced around standpipe 13.Those skilled in the art will manage Solve, more or less of cylinder 19 can be used.

The lower end 35 of each cylinder 19 is connected to deck 17, and upper end 33 is connected to tightening hoop 21.Tightening hoop 21 is can be clamped to standpipe 13 to make tightening hoop 21 and the axle through standpipe 13 The ring discoid object that line 39 is coaxial.Tightening hoop 21 also can connect by screw thread as described in more detail below Receive on standpipe 13 or riser tensioner joint.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that standpipe 13 Can refer to the whole standpipe that extends between well head and rig or neighbouring riser tensioner assembly 11 with The riser tensioner joint of whole standpipe coupled in series.

The lower end 35 of cylinder 19 is circumferentially placed in around opening 15.In the illustrated embodiment, The lower end 35 of each cylinder 19 is connected in the adjacent edges of opening 15 so that has and wears The diameter of a circle at the edge crossing each lower end coupled position of each cylinder 19 will be greater than the straight of tightening hoop 21 Footpath.So, riser tensioner assembly 11 will not be tumbled under the expection maximum inclination of standpipe 13. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the lower end 35 of each cylinder 19 can be on-demand away from opening 15 relatively Big distance is connected to deck 17 so that when standpipe 13 is in non-heeling condition as shown in Figure 1 Time cylinder 19 lower end 35 directly will not be connected to deck 17 below tightening hoop 21.It addition, Riser tensioner assembly 11 can include for guiding in opening 15 or collecting the anti-of neutral tube 13 Displaceable members or guide assembly 23.Guide assembly 23 is arranged on around standpipe 13, is positioned at simultaneously Tension position, for engaging with standpipe 13 or install to the component of standpipe 13.

Guide assembly 23 can be to be suitable to maintain appointing of the standpipe 13 middle position in opening 15 What suitable assembly.In one exemplary embodiment, guide assembly 23 includes being parallel to axis 39 Extend axially downward and be fixed to the conduction sleeve 25 of tightening hoop 21.In the illustrated embodiment, Conduct the sleeve 25 outer surface not with standpipe 13 to contact.Conduction sleeve 25 is outside standpipe 13 Annular space is limited between the inner surface of surface and conduction sleeve 25.Rib can be formed at conduction On the outer surface of sleeve 25, and it is parallel to the length of axis 39 extension conduction sleeve 25. As it can be seen, the internal diameter of the outer diameter contact opening 15 of conduction sleeve 25.Conduction sleeve 25 has There are enough strengths of materials, with the radial direction applied by opening 15 when standpipe 13 tilts in experience Permanent deformation or inefficacy is resisted during counteracting force.Optional support ring 27 can adjacent openings 15 exist It is connected to standpipe 13, with to conductive jacket in annular space between conduction sleeve 25 and standpipe 13 Cylinder 25 provides other lateral support.When standpipe 13 attempts in opening 15 relative to deck During 17 radial displacement, guide assembly 23 will apply counteracting force, with about against conduction sleeve 25 Bundle lateral displacement radially.So, in the feelings not allowing standpipe 13 to shift in opening 15 Being suitable for standpipe 13 under condition to tilt, this displacement may cause standpipe 13 to clash into deck 17, thus Damage both deck 17 and standpipe 13.Guide assembly 23 can include extending to out from deck 17 Drum assembly (not shown) in mouth 15.Drum assembly can be with the set of conduction sleeve 25 or less Cylinder interacts, to prevent standpipe 13 from contacting with deck 17 with conduction sleeve 25.At these In embodiment, the external diameter of conduction sleeve 25 will not the internal diameter of contact openings 15.Authorizing Aksel Et al., on March 25th, 2011 submit to, entitled " Marine Riser Tensioner " It appeared that the other reality of guide assembly 23 in total U.S. Patent application No.13/072,233 Execute example, during the disclosure of this application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Each cylinder 19 has cylinder barrel (barrel) and a bar, thus allow each cylinder 19 retracted position with stretch Exhibition position is moved between putting.In extended position, the upper end 33 of each cylinder 19 is further from each cylinder 19 Corresponding lower end 35 is moved, and at retracted position, the upper end 33 of each cylinder 19 is closer to each cylinder 19 Corresponding lower end 35 move.As it can be seen, cylinder 19 is positioned at nominal position, both it was not fully retracted The most non-full extension.Each cylinder 19 is connected to deck 17 by the coupling 37 being fixed to lower end 35. The lower end 35 of each cylinder 19 is pivotally coupled to deck 17 with coupling 37.In exemplary embodiment In, cylinder 19 can pivot around coupling 37 in one or more planes.Such as, cylinder 19 can Two rotation axiss of each coupling 37 pivot.Similarly, each cylinder 19 coupling 41 It is connected to tightening hoop 21.As bottom coupling 37, coupling 41 allows that cylinder 19 is around connection Connect device 41 to pivot.Cylinder 19 can pivot around coupling 41 in one or more planes.Such as, Cylinder 19 can pivot, as described in more detail below on two rotation axiss of each coupling 41. So, when deck 17 is moved relative to standpipe 13, cylinder 19 can be in one or more planes In and preferably at least two plane pivot.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that coupling 37 can include coupling 41 component and with Similar fashion operates, thus allows use as follows about the coupling of type described in coupling 41 Literary composition is described is connected to tightening hoop 21 by cylinder 19, and cylinder 19 is connected to deck 17.Furthermore, It would be recognized by those skilled in the art that in other embodiments, cylinder 19 can upper end 33 and under Hold the different types of coupling of use at 35.Such as, cylinder 19 can be with following disclosed coupling 41 are connected to tightening hoop 21, and can for cylinder 19 is connected to the coupling 37 on deck 17 For ball-and-socket joint.Alternatively, the coupling 37 being used for being connected to cylinder 19 deck 17 can belong to In below with respect to the type described in coupling 41, and for cylinder 19 is connected to tightening hoop 21 Coupling 41 can be ball-and-socket joint.

When deck 17 and standpipe 13 are moved relative to, will at coupling 37,41 Pivoted.Therefore, when standpipe 13 tilts away from vertical direction relative to deck 17, Tight ring 21 will move from the position shown in Fig. 1.Cylinder 19 will pivot at coupling 37,41, To maintain the connection of both deck 17 and tightening hoop 21.Each cylinder 19 is by on-demand stretching, extension, contracting Return and pivot, to keep coupling with tightening hoop 21 and deck 17.Similarly, when standpipe 13 During inclination, each cylinder 19 by on-demand retraction, expand and pivot and on standpipe 13 apply tensile force.

With reference to Fig. 2, it is shown that the sectional block diagram of coupling 41.Coupling 41 can be located at pass In the non-articulated position shown in Fig. 2,3A and 4A or as about the hinge shown in Fig. 3 B and 4B Connect position.Articulated position is corresponding relative to the inclination on deck 17 with standpipe 13.In Fig. 2 Shown in, coupling 41 includes the base portion 43 being fixed to the upper end 33 of cylinder 19.Implement in diagram In example, base portion 43 includes cylinder plate 45, and it has with the cylinder 19 external diameter at upper end 33 substantially Equal external diameter.Cylinder plate 45 can have and is formed at multiple boring therein, for bolt or its Its adapter is by with the upper end 33 that cylinder plate 45 is fixed to cylinder 19.Pillar 47 and cylinder 19 phase Instead highlight from cylinder plate 45.In the exemplary embodiment, pillar 47 and the axis of cylinder plate 45 46 is coaxial.Pillar 47 limits two holes, i.e. pillar cylinder holes 49 and pillar tensioning annular distance 51. Two holes are perpendicular to pillar 47 and are parallel to the surface of pillar cylinder plate 45 through pillar 47.Pillar Cylinder holes 49 and pillar tensioning annular distance 51 are orthogonal and axially spaced so that cylinder holes 49 is adjacent The closely upper end 33 of cylinder 19, and pillar tensioning annular distance 51 is positioned at pillar 47 adjacent to tightening hoop 21 (figure 1) adjacent one end.

As shown in Figure 2, intermediate sleeve 53 is arranged in around pillar 47.In diagram embodiment In, intermediate sleeve 53 has the internal diameter bigger than the external diameter of pillar 47 so that annular space 48 It is formed between intermediate sleeve 53 and pillar 47.Intermediate sleeve 53 also limits two holes, i.e. Sleeve cylinder holes 55 and sleeve tensioning annular distance 57.Sleeve cylinder holes 55 and sleeve tensioning annular distance 57 points Not coaxial with cylinder holes 49 and pillar tensioning annular distance 51.It is empty that tightening hoop sleeve 59 limits coupling Chamber 61 and being arranged in around intermediate sleeve 53 and pillar 47.Cavity 61 has and compares intermediate sleeve The bigger internal diameter of external diameter of cylinder 53 so that annular space 54 be formed at the internal diameter of cavity 61 with Between the external diameter of intermediate sleeve 53.Tightening hoop sleeve 59 is also by through at tightening hoop sleeve 59 The projection 71 formed on outer surface is connected to tightening hoop 21 (Fig. 1).Tightening hoop sleeve 59 also limits Determine coupling cylinder holes 63 and cone coupling tightening hoop recess 65.Coupling cylinder holes 63 and set Cylinder cylinder holes 55 and pillar cylinder holes 49 are the most coaxial so that cylinder pin 67 may pass through coupling cylinder holes 63, sleeve cylinder holes 55 and pillar cylinder holes 49.It would be recognized by those skilled in the art that pillar cylinder Hole 49, sleeve cylinder holes 55 and coupling cylinder holes 63 are in alignment with, but the most coaxial.At figure Showing in embodiment, sleeve cylinder holes 55 and coupling cylinder holes 63 are coaxial.Tensioning battle pin 69 May pass through sleeve tensioning annular distance 57 and pillar tensioning annular distance 51.Those skilled in the art will recognize that Arriving, sleeve tensioning annular distance 57 and pillar tensioning annular distance 51 are coaxial.When corresponding through them Hole time, cylinder pin 67 and tensioning battle pin 69 are by perpendicular to one another and axially spaced.

In other embodiments, cylinder pin 67 can be one or more pin, is for example suitable for from relatively Two pins in pillar cylinder holes 55 are inserted in side.Two cylinder pins 67 can be in pillar cylinder holes 49 Between adjacent near part, thus allow pillar 47 some additional hinges relative to intermediate sleeve 53 Connect.

With reference to Fig. 4 A, the pillar cylinder holes 49 being formed in pillar 47 is attached at the center of pillar 47 Closely have and be shaped as avette diameter, there is the width of the diameter approximating cylinder pin 67 and be more than The height of the diameter of cylinder pin 67 so that cylinder pin 67 can be toward and away from the neighbouring table of cylinder plate 45 Face moves axially in pillar cylinder holes 49.Along with pillar cylinder holes 49 is prolonged from the center of pillar 47 Reaching the outer surface of pillar 47, the diameter of pillar cylinder holes 49 will increase.Pillar cylinder holes 49 Diameter will substantially be directed at the axis 73 through Gang Xiao 67 center.Therefore, pillar cylinder holes 49 To have conical shaped shape, it has larger diameter and at pillar on the surface of pillar 47 The immediate vicinity of 47 has small diameter, as shown in Figure 4 A.Sleeve cylinder holes 55 have with The diameter that the diameter of cylinder pin 67 is roughly equal so that cylinder pin 67 may pass through sleeve cylinder holes 55, its Middle cylinder pin 67 slightly moves relative to sleeve cylinder holes 55 or does not moves.In one embodiment, in Between sleeve cylinder holes 55 in sleeve 53 and sleeve tensioning annular distance 57 there is hot scarf close and put in place Nitrogen strengthening (nitronic) sleeve.Coupling cylinder holes 63 has roughly equal with the diameter of cylinder pin 67 Diameter so that cylinder pin 67 may pass through coupling cylinder holes 63, and wherein cylinder pin 67 is at coupling cylinder Slightly move axially in hole 63 or do not move axially.

With reference to Fig. 3 A, pillar tensioning annular distance 51 has the diameter substantially phase with tensioning battle pin 69 Deng diameter so that tensioning battle pin 69 may pass through pillar tensioning annular distance 51, wherein tensioning battle pin 69 slightly move axially in pillar tensioning annular distance 51 or do not move axially.Sleeve tensioning annular distance 57 have the diameter roughly equal with the diameter of tensioning battle pin 69 so that tensioning battle pin 69 can be worn Crossing sleeve tensioning annular distance 57, wherein tensioning battle pin 69 is the most axial in sleeve tensioning annular distance 57 Move or do not move axially.

Coupling tightening hoop recess 65 is to be formed in the internal diameter of the cavity 61 of coupling 59 Cone shape profile.Coupling tightening hoop recess 65 and sleeve tensioning annular distance 57 and pillar tightening hoop Hole 51 axially aligns.Coupling tightening hoop recess 65 has cone shape profile, its have along with The internal diameter that coupling tightening hoop recess 65 upwards depends on and increases.As described in more detail below, Coupling 59 can pivot relative to intermediate sleeve 53 so that intermediate sleeve is adjacent to tightening hoop 21 (figure 1) one end can coordinate in coupling tightening hoop recess 65.Those skilled in the art will recognize that Arriving, coupling tightening hoop recess 65 will have enough axial heights, to adapt to intermediate sleeve The upper end of 53.

As described herein, coupling 41 experiences the axis 46 along projection 71 and pillar 47 Compressive load.With reference to Fig. 3 A, in non-articulated position, tensioning battle pin 69 will experience with pillar 47 Load transmission through pillar tensioning annular distance 51.Tensioning battle pin 69 will experience with intermediate sleeve 53 Load transmission through sleeve tensioning annular distance 57.With reference to Fig. 4 A, cylinder pin 67 will experience with centre Sleeve 53 transmits through the load of sleeve cylinder holes 55.Cylinder pin 67 will experience with coupling 59 through connection Connect the load transmission of device cylinder holes 63.Therefore, standpipe 13 (Fig. 1) it is applied to cylinder 19 (Fig. 1) Compressive load can be delivered to cylinder pin 67 and from cylinder pin 67 from coupling 59 through coupling cylinder holes 63 It is delivered to intermediate sleeve 53 through sleeve cylinder holes 55.Compressive load then can be from intermediate sleeve 53 warp Sleeve tensioning annular distance 57 is delivered to tensioning battle pin 69 and from tensioning battle pin 69 through pillar tightening hoop Hole 51 is delivered to pillar 47.Load then can be along pillar 47 going down and in cylinder 19.

With reference to Fig. 3 B and 4B, it is shown that two articulated position of coupling 41.In Fig. 3 B Shown in, tightening hoop sleeve 59 rotates as indicated by arrow 75 on the axis 73 of cylinder pin 67.Rotation Turn 75 to be caused in response to the movement of the inclination of standpipe 13 by tightening hoop 21.Annular space 54 Allow the relative movement between coupling 59 and intermediate sleeve 53, thus adapt to rotate 75.As Shown in Fig. 3 B, when coupling 59 on the axis 73 of cylinder pin 67 relative to intermediate sleeve 53 During rotation, the upper end of intermediate sleeve 53 will coordinate in recess 65.The loading of coupling 41 Will be similar with above-mentioned loading, because the load from coupling 59 will be in cylinder pin 67 be delivered to Between sleeve 53.Maintenance is contacted by the apparent surface of contact component so that be applied to coupling 41 Compressive load can transmit as mentioned above.

As shown in Figure 4 B, cylinder plate 45 is as shown at arrow 79 at the axis 77 of tensioning battle pin 69 Upper rotation.Rotate 79 to be caused relative to the movement of standpipe 13 by deck 17.Annular space 48 allow the relative movement between intermediate sleeve 53 and pillar 47, thus adapt to around tensioning battle pin The rotation 79 of the axis 77 of 69.As it can be seen, the coniform shape of pillar cylinder holes 49 adapts to Pillar 47 is relative to the motion of cylinder pin 67.Pillar 47 can include near the pedestal of pillar 47 Otch, with when pillar 47 is in maximum inclination relative to intermediate sleeve 53 as shown in Figure 4 B Adapt to the lower end of intermediate sleeve 53.The loading of coupling 41 will be similar with above-mentioned loading, because Load will be delivered to pillar 47 from intermediate sleeve 53 through tensioning battle pin 69.Contact component relative Maintenance is contacted by surface so that the compressive load being applied to coupling 41 can be transmitted as mentioned above. So, coupling 41 can rotate on two axis 73,77, thus allows two to rotate from By spending.

With reference to Fig. 5, it is shown that alternative coupling 41 '.Coupling 41 ' include cylinder adapter 81, Interior pivot 83 and adapter locking assembly 85.Cylinder adapter 81 can be to be similar to coupling 41 The circular slab of cylinder plate 45.Cylinder adapter 81 is installed to one end of cylinder 19 and includes and cylinder 19 two pillars 87 extended from the surface of cylinder adapter 81 on the contrary.Each pillar 87 can have There is the shaping end 89 being suitable to receive tensioning battle pin 91.The profile of end 89 is by tensioning battle pin 91 mid portions being biased into end 89.Each pillar 87 also includes lug 93, this lug 93 The periphery of end 89 stretches out from end 89 so that the outer surface of lug 93 with The outer surface of post 87 and cylinder adapter 81 be perpendicular to pillar 87 from its prominent surface Surface flushes.Each lug 93 is configured to receive one end of tensioning battle pin 91, to prevent tensioning Battle pin 91 moves away end 89 and pillar 87.

Interior pivot 83 can be to have a width interior pivot 83 can be coordinated between pillar 87 Approximately parallelepiped body body, have foot between inner surface and the outer surface of interior pivot 83 of pillar 87 Enough gaps, move relative to pillar 87 with pivot 83 in allowing.Interior pivot 83 can have One length a so that part for interior pivot 83 can be directed at keyway and a part can be at keyway Lower section is positioned between pillar 87.Interior pivot 83 includes that the part with interior pivot 83 is directed at Tightening hoop pin-and-hole 95, this part is directed at keyway adjacent to the top of interior pivot 83.Tightening hoop Pin-and-hole 95 can be the cylindrical hole through interior pivot 83.When assembling coupling 41 ', tensioning The axis in battle pin hole 95 can be directed at the axis of keyway.Tightening hoop pin-and-hole 95 can have substantially etc. Diameter in tensioning battle pin 91 so that tensioning battle pin 91 may pass through tightening hoop pin-and-hole 95.So, Interior pivot 83 can be connected to pillar 87 by tensioning battle pin 91 so that interior pivot 83 can be relative to Pillar 87 and cylinder adapter 81 pivot on the axis of tensioning battle pin 91.People in the art Member it will be appreciated that the outer surface of tensioning battle pin 91 can contact with the inner surface of tightening hoop pin-and-hole 95, Making the surface contacted can be load abutment face.In the illustrated embodiment, interior pivot 83 The supporting part extended from the opposed surface of interior pivot 83 including the axis being parallel to tensioning annular distance 95 Part 97.Support member 97 can have the inner surface at least in part being configured to adjacent lug 93 Opposite ends 89 at pillar 87 surrounds the end of tensioning battle pin 91.

Interior pivot 83 includes cylinder pin-and-hole 99.Cylinder pin-and-hole 99 passes adjacent to the bottom of interior pivot 83 Interior pivot 83 be arranged between pillar 87 and tensioning annular distance 95 below part.In diagram In embodiment, cylinder pin-and-hole 99 is located so that the axis of cylinder pin-and-hole 99 is perpendicular to tensioning annular distance 95 Axis.Cylinder pin-and-hole 99 can be the cylindrical hole through interior pivot 83.

Adapter locking assembly 85 can be to have two skewers extended from base component 103 The yoke of 101 or fork.Couple protuberance 105 with skewer 101 on the contrary from base portion Part 103 extends and is similar to the projection 71 of tightening hoop coupling 59 and is configured to couple to like that Tightening hoop.Each skewer 101 can have the shaping end 107 being suitable to receive cylinder pin 109.End Cylinder pin 109 is biased into the mid portion of end 107 by the profile in portion 107.Each skewer 101 Also include keyway 111, this keyway 111 on the periphery of end 107 from end 107 to extension Stretch so that the outer surface of the outer surface of keyway 111 and skewer 101 and base component 103 Outer surface flushes.Each keyway 111 is configured to receive one end of cylinder pin 109, to prevent cylinder pin 109 Move away end 107 and skewer 101.

Cylinder pin-and-hole 99 can have the diameter being substantially equal to cylinder pin 109 so that cylinder pin 109 can be worn Cross cylinder pin-and-hole 99.So, interior pivot 83 can be connected to skewer 101 by cylinder pin 109, makes In, pivot 83 can be relative to skewer 101 and adapter locking assembly 85 at cylinder pin 109 Pivot on axis.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the outer surface of cylinder pin 109 can be with cylinder pin-and-hole The inner surface contact of 99 so that the surface contacted can be load abutment face.Implement in diagram In example, interior pivot 83 includes the axis being parallel to cylinder holes 99 opposed surface from interior pivot 83 Two support members 113 extended.

In the illustrated embodiment, coupling 41 ' includes anti-rotational key 115.Anti-rotational key 115 stays Put in the cavity in the opposite ends of tensioning battle pin 91 and cylinder pin 109.Anti-rotational key 115 To include extending in the coupling cavity that formed in the outer surface of skewer 101 and pillar 87 Part.Anti-rotational key 115 such as can be fixed with the screw of diagram by any suitable device To pillar 87 and skewer 101.So, anti-rotational key 115 can anti-shotpin 91,109 at key Rotate in groove 111, and pin 91,109 is respectively fixed to cylinder adapter 81 and adapter Locking assembly 85.

Cylinder adapter 81 allows coupling 41 ' to be similar to the connection of adapter locking assembly 85 Coupling 41 pivot on cylinder pin 109 like that the first swing and on tensioning battle pin 91 pivot Turn the second swing, the most also from cylinder as described in the coupling 41 above for Fig. 2-Fig. 4 B 19 transmission load.

Therefore, the disclosed embodiments provide that to be better than the many of prior art riser stretcher excellent Point.Such as, the disclosed embodiments provide pushing-type riser tensioner, its can cylinder with The connection place of tight ring uses has the coupling of multiple rotary freedom to adapt to tension leg platform (TLP) (TLP) the big load on.It addition, the disclosed embodiments are placed in tension leg platform (TLP) due to them Above deck rather than lower section and the most perishable.This reduces in order to Supporting vertical tube stretcher The demand of additional deck structure.The disclosed embodiments also eliminate at the less cylinder of usage quantity Time high pressure accumulation.

It will be appreciated that the present invention can take many forms and embodiment.Therefore, can be in the preceding article Make some modification without deviating from the spirit or scope of the present invention.With reference to some of the present invention In the case of preferred embodiment so describes the present invention, it should be noted that the disclosed embodiments exist It is exemplary rather than restrictive in nature, and model can be imagined in foregoing disclosure content Enclose widely modification, retrofit, change and substitute, and in some cases, can there is no it Some features of the present invention are used in the case of the corresponding use of its feature.Based on to being preferable to carry out The study described above of example, those skilled in the art are it is believed that this type of modification many and remodeling are Obvious and preferable.Therefore, broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention Explain that claims are suitable.

Claims (10)

1. the stretcher (11) being used for maintaining tension force in standpipe (13), described standpipe (13) has axis (39) and the opening (15) extending through floating platform deck (17) from subsea wellheads assembly, and described stretcher (11) including:

Tightening hoop (21), it is adapted for couple to described standpipe (13)；

Multiple hydropneumatic cylinder components (19), each cylinder component is at least one end (33,35) there is on flexible coupler (37,41), for described cylinder component (19) is connected between described deck (17) and described tightening hoop (21)；

Wherein, each flexible coupler (37,41) including:

Lower member (43,81), it is connected in described cylinder component (19)；

Intermediate member (53,83), it is pivotally coupled to described lower member (43,81) by the first pin (69,91)；And

Upper member (59,85), it is by the second pin (67,109) it is pivotally coupled to described intermediate member (53,83), described first pin (69,91) it is spaced apart from each other and vertically with described second pin (67,109) so that described upper member (59,85) can be relative to described intermediate member (53,83) above pivot and described lower member (43,81) can be relative to described intermediate members (53 to sell (67,109) described second, 83) (69,91) upper pivot is sold described first.

Stretcher the most according to claim 1, it is characterised in that:

Described lower member (43) includes the pillar (47) that the axis (39) along described cylinder component (19) extends；

Described intermediate member (53) includes inner sleeve, described inner sleeve is arranged in described pillar (47) and around and is pivotally coupled to described pillar (47), to form pillar annular space between described pillar (47) and described inner sleeve (53)；And

Described upper member (59) includes the outer sleeve limiting cavity, described pillar (47) and inner sleeve (53) insert in described cavity so that outer ring space is formed between described inner sleeve (53) and described outer sleeve (59).

Stretcher the most according to claim 1, it is characterised in that:

Described lower member includes that cylinder adapter (81), described cylinder adapter (81) are connected to one end of described cylinder component (19) and have two pillars (87) extended from described cylinder adapter (81) on the contrary with described cylinder component；

Described intermediate member includes that the interior pivot (83) being positioned between the pillar (87) of described cylinder adapter (81), described first pin (91) pass upper end and the upper end of described interior pivot (83) of described pillar (87)；And

Described upper member includes adapter locking assembly (85), described adapter locking assembly (85) has two skewers (101) extended from base component (103) and the protuberance (105) extended on the contrary with described skewer (101) from described base component (103), and described second pin (109) passes the end contrary with described base component (103) and the bottom of described interior pivot (83) of described skewer (101).

Stretcher the most according to claim 3, it is characterised in that described cylinder adapter (81) also includes:

Circular slab, described pillar (87) and described cylinder component extend from the peripheral part of described plate on the contrary；And

Described pillar (87) has the shaping end (89) being configured to receive a part for described first pin (91).

Stretcher the most according to claim 3, it is characterised in that described interior pivot (83) including:

Body, it has through first pin-and-hole (95) on top with through second pin-and-hole (99) of bottom, and described first pin-and-hole (95) and described second pin-and-hole (99) are perpendicular to one another；And

The support member (113) that neighbouring described second pin-and-hole (99) extends from the outer surface of described body, described support member (113) extends in being parallel to the plane of axis of described second pin-and-hole (99), and described support member (113) is configured to receive a part for described second pin (109).

Stretcher the most according to claim 3, it is characterized in that, described adapter locking assembly also includes that skewer (101), described skewer (101) have the forming openings (111) being configured to receive a part for described second pin (109).

Stretcher the most according to claim 3, it is characterized in that, also include anti-rotational key (115), described anti-rotational key (115) is configured to engage at least one in described first pin (91) and described second pin (109), to prevent described first pin and described second pin to be respectively relative to described pillar (87) and the rotation of described skewer (101).

8. the method applying tension force to standpipe (13), described standpipe (13) extends through the deck (17) of floating offshore platform, and described method includes:

A the tensioner assembly (11) with multiple hydropneumatic cylinder component (19) is arranged between described deck (17) and described standpipe (13) by ()；

B () provides hinge-coupled device (37 in one end of each cylinder component (19), 41), described hinge-coupled device (37) has the lower member (43 installing the end to described cylinder component, 81), by the first pin (69, 91) it is pivotally coupled to described lower member (43, 81) intermediate member (53, 83) and by second (67 are sold, 109) it is pivotally coupled to described intermediate member (53, 83) upper member (59, 85), described first pin (69, 91) and described second pin (67, 109) it is spaced apart from each other and vertically；

C (), in response to the relative motion between described standpipe (13) and described platform, makes each in described cylinder component (19) pivot around described first pin (69,91) and described second pin (67,109).

Method the most according to claim 8, it is characterised in that also include described upper member (59,85) is connected to described standpipe (13).

Method the most according to claim 8, it is characterised in that also include providing hinge-coupled device (37,41) for each end of each in described cylinder component (19).