EP0319419A1 - Flexible connector for the tension leg of an oil platform - Google Patents

Flexible connector for the tension leg of an oil platform Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0319419A1
EP0319419A1 EP88403031A EP88403031A EP0319419A1 EP 0319419 A1 EP0319419 A1 EP 0319419A1 EP 88403031 A EP88403031 A EP 88403031A EP 88403031 A EP88403031 A EP 88403031A EP 0319419 A1 EP0319419 A1 EP 0319419A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
laminated
housing
annular
joint
line
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Granted
Application number
EP88403031A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0319419B1 (en
Inventor
Sylvie Davier
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Hutchinson SA
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Hutchinson SA
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/50—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers
    • B63B21/502—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers by means of tension legs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a flexible articulation for anchoring line of an oil platform of the type known as taut lines.
  • Such a platform is an operating or drilling platform, of the floating type, which is moored at the bottom of the sea using tubular anchor lines (or rods) whose ends are articulated in articulation boxes fixed to connectors arranged at the bottom of the sea and in the columns of the platform.
  • each of the anchor lines allows them to follow its horizontal displacements under the action of waves and winds, behaving like a deformable parallelogram.
  • each articulation is constituted by an annular laminated elastomeric structure with spherical symmetry in which elastomeric layers alternate with curved metallic layers, which justifies the designation of "flexible" articulation given to this type of 'joint.
  • the main functions of a laminated elastomer structure of the aforementioned type, within the framework of a flexible articulation, are the following: - transmission of the tensile forces exerted by the anchor line, - authorization of the angular (or conical) deflections of the anchoring line caused by the horizontal displacements of the floating platform on the sea surface, by limiting the moments of embedding, - transmission of side effects, at the level of the upper connector.
  • the design of the structure laminate is conditioned by many parameters, such as stress, available space, environment, etc ...; but, in any case, the loads and deflections to which a laminated structure is subjected in each connector must be such that this structure only works in compression and in shear.
  • the flexible joint used for an anchor line in the prior art comprises a single laminated structure, with spherical symmetry, such as that represented by the reference F in FIG. 2 appended to the description of the present invention: this laminated structure consists of elastomeric layers alternating with curved metallic layers, having the same center of curvature, and is secured to the cover of an articulation box B fixed to a lower connector E formed in the sea floor or to a connector upper located at the upper end of the anchor line.
  • the present invention therefore aims to provide a flexible articulation for mooring line of a floating oil platform, of the type known as taut lines, which better meets the needs of the practice as flexible joints aiming at the same goal previously known, in particular in that: - the flexible joint is not subjected to any tension and limits the fatigue of the laminated structures, because its design makes it possible to control the transverse forces, - the service life is significantly increased thanks to the elimination of all friction by metal-to-metal contact in the flexible joint, - This articulation has a geometric center which coincides with the center of application of the forces.
  • the subject of the present invention is a flexible articulation for the mooring line of a floating oil platform, known as a taut line platform, comprising at each end of the line: - a joint box of the corresponding end which is secured to a fixing connector and which is delimited by: . a cover provided with a central opening allowing the passage of the taut line and the angular displacements of the latter corresponding to the displacements of the floating platform, . a side wall, and . a fund, this side wall and this bottom defining the enclosure of the housing, said flexible articulation, housed in said housing, allowing the rotation of the corresponding end of the taut line and comprising: .
  • first laminated annular structure with spherical symmetry, with respect to a center of curvature located inside the articulation box, and arranged around the tensioned line, which first laminated structure is secured at the end of the tensioned line and at cover of the housing and consists of a plurality of elastomeric layers alternating with curved metallic layers adhered to the elastomeric layers and having the aforementioned center of curvature, which flexible joint is characterized in that it further comprises: .
  • a second laminated annular structure also with spherical symmetry, with respect to a point which coincides with the center of curvature of said first laminated structure and which therefore constitutes the center of curvature of the flexible joint as a whole, which second laminated annular structure is secured to the end of the taut line and to the bottom of the articulation box and is composed, like the first laminated structure, of a plurality of elastomeric layers alternated with curved metal layers adhered to the elastomeric layers.
  • said second laminated annular structure is arranged, relative to the center of curvature of the joint , on the same side where said first laminated annular structure is located.
  • the bottom of the articulation housing has a central tubular projection (axial) extending inside the housing in the direction of the cover thereof, until it exceeds the center of curvature aforementioned, and the end of the taut line has a recess (a concavity) in which is housed without contact a portion of said tubular projection, said second laminated annular structure being adhered between two metallic annular pieces, the first piece of which is fixed to said tubular projection, while the second annular part is fixed to the end of the taut line.
  • said first annular support piece of said second laminated annular structure is threaded around said tubular projection of the bottom of the housing and comes to bear on a shoulder of the external wall of this tubular projection, said shoulder being formed substantially at the center of curvature flexible joint.
  • said second laminated annular structure is arranged, relative to the center of curvature of the joint, on the side opposite to that where said first laminated annular structure is located .
  • the end of the taut line has a central tubular (axial) projection extending towards the bottom of the articulation box, until it exceeds the aforementioned center of curvature, and the bottom of the housing has a central opening in which is housed a portion of said tubular projection, said second laminated annular structure being adhered between two metallic annular parts, the first part of which is fixed to said tubular projection, while the second annular part is fixed to case back.
  • said first annular support piece of said second laminated annular structure is threaded around said tubular projection of the end of the taut line and comes to bear against a shoulder of the external wall of this tubular projection. , said shoulder being formed substantially at the center of curvature of the flexible joint.
  • the height of the side wall of the joint housing is chosen according to a prefixed degree of prestressing which it is desired to induce in said first and second laminated annular structures of the flexible joint.
  • said first laminated structure is secured to the cover of the articulation box by means of a part intended to be embedded in the cover.
  • the elastomeric layers of each of said first and second laminated annular structures have different thicknesses.
  • Figures 3 to 6 show one end 10 of one of the taut lines 1 for mooring a floating platform (not shown: see, however, Figure 2) at the bottom of the sea, which is surrounded by a housing d hinge 2 of the end 10.
  • the housing which is fixed to a connector (not shown: however, see still Figure 2), is delimited by: a cover 3 provided with a central opening 4 allowing the passage of the line 1 and the angular displacements of the latter corresponding to the displacements of the floating platform under the action of waves and winds, a side wall 5, and - a background 6, this bottom and the side wall defining the enclosure 15 of the housing.
  • a flexible articulation 40 or 50 (cf. FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, 6 respectively) allowing the rotation of the end 10 and including: - A first laminated annular structure 20 with spherical symmetry with respect to a center C, disposed around the line 1, which is adhered to the end 10 and to the cover 3 of the housing 2 and which consists of a plurality of elastomeric layers 8 alternating with curved layers 9, preferably metallic, adhered to layers 8, the center of curvature of the laminated structure 20 as a whole and curved layers 9 in particular being defined by point C, - A second laminated annular structure with spherical symmetry which is secured to the end 10 and to the bottom 6 of the articulation box 2 and which is composed, like the first laminated structure 20, of a plurality of elastomer layers alternated with layers curved metal adhered to the elastomeric layers, the center of curvature of the second laminated structure and its curved layers coinciding with the center of cur
  • Figures 3 and 4 differ from Figures 5 and 6 essentially in that in Figures 3 and 4 the second laminated structure 30 is located, with respect to the center of curvature C, on the same side where the first laminated structure 20 is located , while in FIGS. 5 and 6 the second laminated structure 30 a is on the opposite side.
  • the laminated structure 30 is carried by a central (axial) and re-entrant tubular projection 14 from the bottom 6 of the housing 2, while in FIGS. 5 and 6 the laminated structure 30 a is carried by a central (axial) tubular projection 24 projecting from the end 10.
  • the second laminated structure 30, composed of layers elastomers 12 adhered to metallic curved layers 13, is adhered between two annular parts 16 and 17.
  • the part 16 is threaded around the tubular projection 14 of the bottom 6 of the housing 2 and comes to bear on a shoulder 18 of the external wall of this tubular projection 14, the fixing of the annular part 16 to the bottom of the housing being obtained by bolts 19.
  • the annular part 17 is fixed to the end 10 of the line 1 by bolts 21.
  • a recess 25 (concavity) is formed in this end.
  • the second laminated structure 30 a composed of elastomeric layers 22 adhered to curved metallic layers 23, is adhered between two annular parts 26 and 27.
  • the part 26 is threaded around a tubular projection 24 from the end 10 of the line 1 and comes to bear against a shoulder 28 of the external wall of this tubular projection 24, the fixing of the annular part 26 to the end 10 being obtained by bolts 29.
  • the annular part 27 is fixed to the bottom 6 by bolts 31.
  • the bottom 6 of the articulation box 2 is provided with an opening central 32 which is closed by all of the elements 26, 30 a and 27, in cooperation with the end 10 of the line 1.
  • the first laminated structure 20 can be adhered to the cover 3 directly (see Figures 3 and 5) or by means of a part 33 intended to be embedded in the cover 3 (see Figures 4 and 6), which facilitates molding.
  • the different solutions shown in Figures 3 to 6 have an impact on the molding of the parts and on the mounting thereof.
  • the laminated structure 20 is molded directly and simultaneously on the end 10 of the taut line 1 and under the cover 3 of the housing 2, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, or on the parts 33 intended to be embedded in the housing cover, as regards the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6.
  • the laminated structure 30 (or 30 a ) is molded between the two annular support and securing parts 16, 17 (or 26, 27).
  • the various parts are assembled in the following order: - fitting of the cover 3 of the articulation box on the part 33 when the latter exists, - fastening the second laminated structure 30 or 30 has the end 10 of the tension leg 1 via the annular coupling part 17 or 26, respectively, and - Fixing the enclosure 15 of the articulation box to the cover 3 of the latter (by means of bolts 11) and to the annular connection piece 16 or 27, respectively; during this operation, the two laminated annular structures 20 and 30 or 30 a are subjected to a prestressing, the degree of which is adjusted in function of the height of the side wall 5 of the housing 2 relative to the axial size of the flexible joint 40 or 50.
  • the prestressing is imposed greater than the maximum tension which is induced in the first and / or in the second laminated structure 20 and 30 or 30a of the flexible joint during the transmission of a force contrary to the normal direction of operation of the anchor line due to exceptional conditions (disassembly, handling, etc.) ), but sufficient to damage the other and / or the other of the laminated structures.
  • the possible pulling of the assembly in particular during the mechanical disconnection of the anchoring line, leaves the elastomer of the laminated structures always in compression.
  • the rigidities of the flexible joint as a whole are the sum of the rigidities of each component and that the radial stiffness of the second laminated structure, 30 or 30 a , is of the same order of magnitude as the axial stiffness of the first laminated structure 20.
  • the contribution to the transmission of forces from the two laminated structures of the flexible joint according to the invention depends on the stiffness of each laminated structure.
  • the prestress is greater than the maximum tension which is induced in any one of the first and second laminated annular structures 20 and 30 or 30a of the flexible joint 40, 50, during the transmission of a force.
  • this effort being due to exceptional conditions, such as mounting or handling, but sufficient to damage any of the annular laminated structures 20 and 30 or 30a, which allows the latter to always work in compression, as already mentioned above.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Vibration Prevention Devices (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
  • Ropes Or Cables (AREA)
  • Details Of Aerials (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)
  • Cable Accessories (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)

Abstract

The subject of the present invention is a flexible articulation for a mooring line of a floating oil platform, comprising a first laminated annular structure (20) with spherical symmetry. The flexible articulation is characterised in that it furthermore comprises a second laminated annular structure (30), which is likewise symmetrical with respect to a same centre of symmetry (C) and which has a laminated structure similar to the first laminated structure (20), and in that the first and second annular structures (20, 30) are prestressed (II). Application to floating oil platforms for drilling. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention est relative à une arti­culation flexible pour ligne d'ancrage d'une plate-forme pétrolière du type dit à lignes tendues.The present invention relates to a flexible articulation for anchoring line of an oil platform of the type known as taut lines.

Une telle plate-forme est une plate-forme d'exploitation ou de forage, du type flottant, qui est amarrée au fond de la mer à l'aide de lignes (ou tiges) d'ancrage tubulaires dont les extrémités sont articulées dans des boîtiers d'articulation fixés à des connecteurs ménagés au fond de la mer et dans les colonnes de la plate-forme.Such a platform is an operating or drilling platform, of the floating type, which is moored at the bottom of the sea using tubular anchor lines (or rods) whose ends are articulated in articulation boxes fixed to connectors arranged at the bottom of the sea and in the columns of the platform.

L'ensemble des lignes est constamment soumis à des efforts de traction (d'où l'expression de plate-forme à lignes tendues correspondant à l'expression anglo-saxone "Tension Leg Platform",TLP) à cause du caractère flottant de la plate-forme pétrolière.All the lines are constantly subjected to tensile forces (hence the expression of taut line platform corresponding to the English expression "Tension Leg Platform", TLP) because of the floating nature of the oil rig.

L'articulation des extrémités de chacune des lignes d'ancrage leur permet de suivre les déplacements horizontaux de celle-ci sous l'action des vagues et des vents,en se comportant comme un parallèlogramme déformable.The articulation of the ends of each of the anchor lines allows them to follow its horizontal displacements under the action of waves and winds, behaving like a deformable parallelogram.

L'élément essentiel de chaque articulation est consti­tué par une structure élastomère lamifiée annulaire et à symétrie sphérique dans laquelle des couches élastomères s'alternent à des couches métalliques galbées, ce qui justifie l'appellation d'ar­ticulation "flexible" donnée à ce type d'articulation.The essential element of each articulation is constituted by an annular laminated elastomeric structure with spherical symmetry in which elastomeric layers alternate with curved metallic layers, which justifies the designation of "flexible" articulation given to this type of 'joint.

Les principales fonctions d'une structure élas­tomère lamifiée du type susdit, dans le cadre d'une arti­culation flexible, sont les suivantes :
- transmission des efforts de traction exercés par la ligne d'ancrage,
- autorisation des débattements angulaires (ou coniques) de la ligne d'ancrage provoquée par les déplacements horizontaux de la plate-forme flottante à la surface de la mer, en limitant les moments d'encastrement,
- transmission des effets latéraux, au niveau du connec­teur supérieur.The main functions of a laminated elastomer structure of the aforementioned type, within the framework of a flexible articulation, are the following:
- transmission of the tensile forces exerted by the anchor line,
- authorization of the angular (or conical) deflections of the anchoring line caused by the horizontal displacements of the floating platform on the sea surface, by limiting the moments of embedding,
- transmission of side effects, at the level of the upper connector.

Bien entendu, la conception de la structure lamifiée est conditionnée par de nombreux paramètres, tels que sollicitations, place disponible, environnement, etc...; mais, de toutes façons, les charges et déflections auxquelles est soumise une structure lamifiée dans chaque connecteur doivent être telles que cette structure ne travaille qu'en compression et en cisaillement.Of course, the design of the structure laminate is conditioned by many parameters, such as stress, available space, environment, etc ...; but, in any case, the loads and deflections to which a laminated structure is subjected in each connector must be such that this structure only works in compression and in shear.

Toutefois, lors de la déconnexion mécanique des lignes d'amarrage, la structure lamifiée précitée est soumise à un effort de traction indésiré, qu'il convient d'éviter pour ne pas la détruire.However, during the mechanical disconnection of the mooring lines, the aforementioned laminated structure is subjected to an undesired tensile force, which should be avoided so as not to destroy it.

L'articulation flexible utilisée pour une ligne d'ancrage dans l'Art antérieur comporte une structure lamifiée unique, à symétrie sphérique, telle que celle représentée par la référence F à la figure 2 annexée à la description de la pré­sente invention : cette structure lamifiée est constituée par des couches élastomères alternées à des couches métalliques galbées, ayant un même centre de courbure, et est solidarisée au couvercle d'un boîtier d'articulation B fixé à un connecteur in­férieur E ménagé dans le fond de la mer ou à un connecteur supé­rieur situé à l'extrémité supérieure de la ligne d'ancrage.The flexible joint used for an anchor line in the prior art comprises a single laminated structure, with spherical symmetry, such as that represented by the reference F in FIG. 2 appended to the description of the present invention: this laminated structure consists of elastomeric layers alternating with curved metallic layers, having the same center of curvature, and is secured to the cover of an articulation box B fixed to a lower connector E formed in the sea floor or to a connector upper located at the upper end of the anchor line.

Or, dans ce type connu d'articulations flexibles les efforts de traction se manifestent non seulement au moment de la déconnexion du systéme, mais aussi en condi­tions normales et ne sont limités (comme on peut le voir à la figure 2 précitée) que par une rotule métallique R qui constitue une butée axiale centrée dans le centre de courbure de l'articulation flexible. Cette conception est donc loin d'être satisfaisante et diminue en outre la durée de vie de l'articulation à cause de l'usure due à la friction entre l'extrémité de la ligne d'ancrage et la rotule.However, in this known type of flexible joints the tensile forces manifest themselves not only at the time of the disconnection of the system, but also under normal conditions and are limited (as can be seen in FIG. 2 above) only by a metal ball joint R which constitutes an axial stop centered in the center of curvature of the flexible joint. This design is therefore far from satisfactory and further decreases the life of the joint due to wear due to friction between the end of the anchor line and the ball joint.

La présente invention s'est donc donné pour but de pourvoir à une articulation flexible pour ligne d'amarrage d'une plate-forme pétrolière flottante, du type dit à lignes tendues, qui répond mieux aux nécessités de la pratique que les articulations flexibles visant au même but anté­rieurement connues, notamment en ce que :
- l'articulation flexible n'est soumise à aucune tension et limite la fatigue des structures lamifiées, parce que sa conception permet de maîtriser les efforts transversaux,
- la durée de vie est sensiblement augmentée grace à l'élimination de toute friction par contact métal contre métal dans l'articulation flexible,
- cette articulation présente un centre géométrique qui coïncide avec le centre d'application des efforts.The present invention therefore aims to provide a flexible articulation for mooring line of a floating oil platform, of the type known as taut lines, which better meets the needs of the practice as flexible joints aiming at the same goal previously known, in particular in that:
- the flexible joint is not subjected to any tension and limits the fatigue of the laminated structures, because its design makes it possible to control the transverse forces,
- the service life is significantly increased thanks to the elimination of all friction by metal-to-metal contact in the flexible joint,
- This articulation has a geometric center which coincides with the center of application of the forces.

La présente invention a pour objet une articula­tion flexible pour ligne d'amarrage d'une plate-forme pétrolière flottante, dite plate-forme à lignes tendues, comportant à chaque extrémité de la ligne :
- un boîtier d'articulation de l'extrémité correspondante qui est solidarisé à un connecteur de fixation et qui est délimité par :
. un couvercle pourvu d'une ouverture centrale permettant le passage de la ligne tendue et les déplacements an­gulaires de celle-ci correspondant aux déplacements de la plate-forme flottante,
. une paroi latérale, et
. un fond,
cette paroi latérale et ce fond définissant l'enceinte du boîtier,
ladite articulation flexible, logée dans ledit boîtier, per­mettant la rotation de l'extrémité correspondante de la ligne t e n d u e et comprenant :
. une première structure annulaire lamifiée à symétrie sphérique, par rapport à un centre de courbure situé à l'intérieur du boîtier d'articulation,et disposée autour de la ligne tendue, laquelle première structure lamifiée est solidarisée à l'extrémité de la ligne tendue et au couvercle du boîtier et se compose d'une pluralité de couches élastomères alternées à des couches métalliques galbées adhérisées aux couches élastomères et ayant le centre de courbure précité,
laquelle articulation flexible est caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend en outre :
. une deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée également à symétrie sphérique, par rapport à un point qui coïncide avec le centre de courbure de ladite première structure lamifiée et qui constitue donc le centre de courbure de l'articulation flexible dans son ensemble, laquelle deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée est solida­risée à l'extrémité de la ligne tendue et au fond du boîtier d'articulation et se compose, comme la première struc­ture lamifiée, d'une pluralité de couches élastomères alternées à des couches métalliques galbées adhérisées aux couches élastomères.The subject of the present invention is a flexible articulation for the mooring line of a floating oil platform, known as a taut line platform, comprising at each end of the line:
- a joint box of the corresponding end which is secured to a fixing connector and which is delimited by:
. a cover provided with a central opening allowing the passage of the taut line and the angular displacements of the latter corresponding to the displacements of the floating platform,
. a side wall, and
. a fund,
this side wall and this bottom defining the enclosure of the housing,
said flexible articulation, housed in said housing, allowing the rotation of the corresponding end of the taut line and comprising:
. a first laminated annular structure with spherical symmetry, with respect to a center of curvature located inside the articulation box, and arranged around the tensioned line, which first laminated structure is secured at the end of the tensioned line and at cover of the housing and consists of a plurality of elastomeric layers alternating with curved metallic layers adhered to the elastomeric layers and having the aforementioned center of curvature,
which flexible joint is characterized in that it further comprises:
. a second laminated annular structure also with spherical symmetry, with respect to a point which coincides with the center of curvature of said first laminated structure and which therefore constitutes the center of curvature of the flexible joint as a whole, which second laminated annular structure is secured to the end of the taut line and to the bottom of the articulation box and is composed, like the first laminated structure, of a plurality of elastomeric layers alternated with curved metal layers adhered to the elastomeric layers.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'articu­lation flexible conforme à l'invention, ladite deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée est disposée, par rapport au centre de courbure de l'articulation, du même côté où se situe ladite première structure annu­laire lamifiée.According to a preferred embodiment of the flexible joint according to the invention, said second laminated annular structure is arranged, relative to the center of curvature of the joint , on the same side where said first laminated annular structure is located.

Selon une disposition avantageuse de ce mode de réalisation, le fond du boîtier d'articulation présente une saillie tubulaire centrale (axiale) se prolongeant à l'intérieur du boîtier en direction du couvercle de celui-­ci , jusqu'à dépasser le centre de courbure précité,et l'extrémité de la ligne tendue présente un évidement (une concavité) dans lequel vient se loger sans contact une portion de ladite saillie tubulaire, ladite deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée étant adhérisée entre deux pièces annulaires métalliques dont la première pièce est fixée à ladite saillie tubulaire,tandis que la deuxième pièce annulaire est fixée à l'extrémité de la ligne tendue.According to an advantageous arrangement of this embodiment, the bottom of the articulation housing has a central tubular projection (axial) extending inside the housing in the direction of the cover thereof, until it exceeds the center of curvature aforementioned, and the end of the taut line has a recess (a concavity) in which is housed without contact a portion of said tubular projection, said second laminated annular structure being adhered between two metallic annular pieces, the first piece of which is fixed to said tubular projection, while the second annular part is fixed to the end of the taut line.

Selon une modalité préférée de cette disposition, ladite première pièce annulaire de support de ladite deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée est enfilée autour de ladite saillie tubulaire du fond du boîtier et vient en appui sur un épaulement de la paroi externe de cette saillie tubulaire,ledit épaulement étant ménagé sensible­ment au niveau du centre de courbure de l'articulation flexible.According to a preferred form of this provision, said first annular support piece of said second laminated annular structure is threaded around said tubular projection of the bottom of the housing and comes to bear on a shoulder of the external wall of this tubular projection, said shoulder being formed substantially at the center of curvature flexible joint.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation avantageux de l'articulation flexible conforme à l'invention, ladite deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée est disposée, par rapport au centre de courbure de l'ar­ticulation, du côté opposé à celui où se situe ladite première structure annulaire lamifiée.According to another advantageous embodiment of the flexible joint according to the invention, said second laminated annular structure is arranged, relative to the center of curvature of the joint, on the side opposite to that where said first laminated annular structure is located .

Selon une disposition avantageuse de ce mode de réalisation, l'extrémité de la ligne tendue présente une saillie tubulaire centrale (axiale) se prolongeant en direction du fond du boîtier d'articulation, jusqu'à dépas­ser le centre de courbure précité,et le fond du boîtier présente une ouverture centrale dans laquelle vient se loger une portion de ladite saillie tubulaire, ladite deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée étant adhérisée entre deux pièces annulaires métalliques dont la première pièce est fixée à ladite saillie tubulaire,tandis que la deuxième pièce annulaire est fixée au fond du boîtier.According to an advantageous arrangement of this embodiment, the end of the taut line has a central tubular (axial) projection extending towards the bottom of the articulation box, until it exceeds the aforementioned center of curvature, and the bottom of the housing has a central opening in which is housed a portion of said tubular projection, said second laminated annular structure being adhered between two metallic annular parts, the first part of which is fixed to said tubular projection, while the second annular part is fixed to case back.

Selon une modalité préférée de cette disposition, ladite première pièce annulaire de support de ladite deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée est enfilée autour de ladite saillie tubulaire de l'extrémité de la ligne tendue et vient en appui contre un épaulement de la paroi externe de cette saillie tubulaire, ledit épaulement étant ménagé sensiblement au niveau du centre de courbure de l'articulation flexible.According to a preferred form of this arrangement, said first annular support piece of said second laminated annular structure is threaded around said tubular projection of the end of the taut line and comes to bear against a shoulder of the external wall of this tubular projection. , said shoulder being formed substantially at the center of curvature of the flexible joint.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation préféré de l'ar­ticulation conforme à l'invention, la hauteur de la paroi latérale du boîtier d'articulation est choisie en fonction d'un degré de précontrainte préfixé que l'on désire induire dans lesdites première et deuxième structures annulaires lamifiées de l'arti­culation flexible.According to another preferred embodiment of the joint according to the invention, the height of the side wall of the joint housing is chosen according to a prefixed degree of prestressing which it is desired to induce in said first and second laminated annular structures of the flexible joint.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation avantageux de l'articulation conforme à l'invention, ladite première structure lamifiée est solidarisée au couvercle du boîtier d'articulation par l'intermédiaire d'une pièce destinée à être encastrée dans le couvercle.According to another advantageous embodiment of the articulation according to the invention, said first laminated structure is secured to the cover of the articulation box by means of a part intended to be embedded in the cover.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation de l'ar­ticulation conforme à l'invention, les couches élastomères de chacune desdites première et deuxième structures annu­laires lamifiées présentent des épaisseurs différentes.According to yet another embodiment of the joint according to the invention, the elastomeric layers of each of said first and second laminated annular structures have different thicknesses.

Outre les dispositions qui précèdent, l'inven­tion comprend encore d'autres dispositions, qui ressorti­ront de la description qui va suivre.In addition to the foregoing provisions, the invention also comprises other provisions, which will emerge from the description which follows.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à l'aide du complément de description qui va suivre, qui se réfère aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • - la figure 1 est une vue schématique d'une plate-forme pétrolière flottante, du type dit à lignes tendues (TLP), à savoir d'une plate-forme qui est amarrée au fond de la mer par des lignes d'ancrage articulées à leurs extrémités inférieures et supérieures par l'inter­médiaire de connecteurs fixés au fond de la mer et aux colonnes de la plate-forme, respectivement,
  • - la figure 2, comme déjà évoqué plus haut, illustre une articulation flexible de l'Art antérieur fixée à un connecteur E ménagé dans le fond de la mer et représenté schématiquement avec arrachements, laquelle articulation flexible est disposée à l'intérieur d'un boîtier d'arti­culation B et comprend une structure annulaire élasto­mère lamifiée à symétrie sphérique, F, et une rotule R coopérant avec l'extrémité élargie de la ligne d'ancrage 1 ;
  • - les figures 3 et 4 représentent un premier mode de réa­lisation de l'articulation flexible selon l'invention et diffèrent essentiellement en ce qui concerne le mode de fixation au couvercle du boîtier d'articulation d'une des deux structures lamifiées dont se compose l'articulation flexible,
  • - les figures 5 et 6 représentent un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'articulation flexible selon l'invention, et diffèrent pour les mêmes carac­tères évoqués en rapport avec les figures 3 et 4.
The invention will be better understood with the aid of the additional description which follows, which refers to the appended drawings in which:
  • - Figure 1 is a schematic view of a floating oil platform, of the type known as taut lines (TLP), namely of a platform which is moored at the bottom of the sea by articulated anchor lines at their lower and upper ends by means of connectors fixed to the sea floor and to the columns of the platform, respectively,
  • - Figure 2, as already mentioned above, illustrates a flexible joint of the prior art fixed to a connector E formed in the sea floor and shown schematically with cutouts, which flexible joint is arranged inside a articulation box B and comprises an annular laminated elastomeric structure with spherical symmetry, F, and a ball joint R cooperating with the widened end of the anchoring line 1;
  • - Figures 3 and 4 show a first embodiment of the flexible joint according to the invention and differ essentially as regards the method of attachment to the cover of the joint housing of one of the two laminated structures of which consists l flexible joint,
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 represent a second embodiment of the flexible joint according to the invention, and differ for the same characters mentioned in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4.

Il doit être bien entendu, toutefois, que ces dessins et les parties descriptives correspondantes, sont donnés uniquement à titre d'illustration de l'objet de l'invention, dont ils ne constituent en aucune manière une limitation.It should be understood, however, that these drawings and the corresponding descriptive parts, are given solely by way of illustration of the subject of the invention, of which they do not in any way constitute a limitation.

Les figures 3 à 6 montrent une des extrémités 10 d'une des lignes tendues 1 d'amarrage d'une plate-forme flottante (non représentée: voir toutefois la figure 2) au fond de la mer, qui est entourée par un boîtier d'arti­culation 2 de l'extrémité 10.Figures 3 to 6 show one end 10 of one of the taut lines 1 for mooring a floating platform (not shown: see, however, Figure 2) at the bottom of the sea, which is surrounded by a housing d hinge 2 of the end 10.

Le boîtier,qui est fixé à un connecteur (non repré­senté : toutefois, voir encore la figure 2), est délimité par :
- un couvercle 3 pourvu d'une ouverture centrale 4 permet­tant le passage de la ligne 1 et les déplacements angu­laires de celle-ci correspondant aux déplacements de la plate-forme flottante sous l'action des vagues et des vents,
- une paroi latérale 5, et
- un fond 6,
ce fond et la paroi latérale définissant l'enceinte 15 du boîtier.The housing, which is fixed to a connector (not shown: however, see still Figure 2), is delimited by:
a cover 3 provided with a central opening 4 allowing the passage of the line 1 and the angular displacements of the latter corresponding to the displacements of the floating platform under the action of waves and winds,
a side wall 5, and
- a background 6,
this bottom and the side wall defining the enclosure 15 of the housing.

A l'intérieur du boîtier 2 est logée une articu­lation flexible 40 ou 50 (cf. les figures 3, 4 et 5, 6 respectivement) permettant la rotation de l'extrémité 10 et comprenant :
- une première structure annulaire lamifiée 20 à symétrie sphérique par rapport à un centre C, disposée autour de la ligne 1, qui est adhérisée à l'extrémité 10 et au cou­vercle 3 du boîtier 2 et qui se compose d'une pluralité de couches élastomères 8 alternées à des couches galbées 9, de préférence métalliques, adhérisées aux couches 8, le centre de courbure de la structure lamifiée 20 dans son ensemble et des couches galbées 9 en particulier étant défini par le point C,
- une deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée à symétrie sphérique qui est solidarisée à l'extrémité 10 et au fond 6 du boîtier d'articulation 2 et qui se compose, comme la première structure lamifiée 20, d'une pluralité de couches élastomères alternées à des couches galbées métalliques adhérisées aux couches élastomères, le centre d e courbure de la deuxième structure lamifiée et de ses couches galbées coïncidant avec le centre de courbure C de la première structure lamifiée 20.Inside the housing 2 is housed a flexible articulation 40 or 50 (cf. FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, 6 respectively) allowing the rotation of the end 10 and including:
- A first laminated annular structure 20 with spherical symmetry with respect to a center C, disposed around the line 1, which is adhered to the end 10 and to the cover 3 of the housing 2 and which consists of a plurality of elastomeric layers 8 alternating with curved layers 9, preferably metallic, adhered to layers 8, the center of curvature of the laminated structure 20 as a whole and curved layers 9 in particular being defined by point C,
- A second laminated annular structure with spherical symmetry which is secured to the end 10 and to the bottom 6 of the articulation box 2 and which is composed, like the first laminated structure 20, of a plurality of elastomer layers alternated with layers curved metal adhered to the elastomeric layers, the center of curvature of the second laminated structure and its curved layers coinciding with the center of curvature C of the first laminated structure 20.

Les figures 3 et 4 diffèrent par rapport aux figures 5 et 6 essentiellement en ce que dans les figures 3 et 4 la deuxième structure lamifiée 30 se trouve, par rapport au centre de courbure C, du même côté où se situe la première structure lamifiée 20, tandis que dans les figures 5 et 6 la deuxième structure lamifiée 30a se trouve du côté opposé.Figures 3 and 4 differ from Figures 5 and 6 essentially in that in Figures 3 and 4 the second laminated structure 30 is located, with respect to the center of curvature C, on the same side where the first laminated structure 20 is located , while in FIGS. 5 and 6 the second laminated structure 30 a is on the opposite side.

A cet effet, dans les figures 3 et 4 la struc­ture lamifiée 30 est portée par une saillie tubulaire centrale (axiale) et rentrante 14 du fond 6 du boîtier 2, alors que dans les figures 5 et 6 la structure lamifiée 30a est portée par une saillie tubulaire centrale (axiale) et dépassante 24 de l'extrémité 10.For this purpose, in FIGS. 3 and 4 the laminated structure 30 is carried by a central (axial) and re-entrant tubular projection 14 from the bottom 6 of the housing 2, while in FIGS. 5 and 6 the laminated structure 30 a is carried by a central (axial) tubular projection 24 projecting from the end 10.

En faisant maintenant plus particulièrement référence aux figures 3 et 4, il y a lieu de remarquer que la deuxième structure lamifiée 30, composée de couches élastomères 12 adhérisées à des couches galbées métal­liques 13, est adhérisée entre deux pièces annulaires 16 et 17.Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, it should be noted that the second laminated structure 30, composed of layers elastomers 12 adhered to metallic curved layers 13, is adhered between two annular parts 16 and 17.

La pièce 16 est enfilée autour de la saillie tubulaire 14 du fond 6 du boîtier 2 et vient en appui sur un épaulement 18 de la paroi externe de cette saillie tu­bulaire 14, la fixation de la pièce annulaire 16 au fond du boîtier étant obtenue par des boulons 19.The part 16 is threaded around the tubular projection 14 of the bottom 6 of the housing 2 and comes to bear on a shoulder 18 of the external wall of this tubular projection 14, the fixing of the annular part 16 to the bottom of the housing being obtained by bolts 19.

La pièce annulaire 17 est fixée à l'extrémité 10 de la ligne 1 par des boulons 21.The annular part 17 is fixed to the end 10 of the line 1 by bolts 21.

Pour permettre la coopération entre l'extrémité 10 et la saillie tubulaire 14 un évidement 25 (concavité) est ménagé(e) dans cette extrémité.To allow cooperation between the end 10 and the tubular projection 14 a recess 25 (concavity) is formed in this end.

En ce qui concerne les figures 5 et 6, on peut noter que la deuxième structure lamifiée 30a, composée de couches élastomères 22 adhérisées à des couches galbées métalliques 23, est adhérisée entre deux pièces annulaires 26 et 27.With regard to FIGS. 5 and 6, it can be noted that the second laminated structure 30 a , composed of elastomeric layers 22 adhered to curved metallic layers 23, is adhered between two annular parts 26 and 27.

La pièce 26 est enfilée autour d'une saillie tubulaire 24 de l'extrémité 10 de la ligne 1 et vient en appui contre un épaulement 28 de la paroi externe de cette saillie tubulaire 24, la fixation de la pièce annulaire 26 à l'extrémité 10 étant obtenue par des boulons 29.The part 26 is threaded around a tubular projection 24 from the end 10 of the line 1 and comes to bear against a shoulder 28 of the external wall of this tubular projection 24, the fixing of the annular part 26 to the end 10 being obtained by bolts 29.

La pièce annulaire 27 est fixée au fond 6 par des boulons 31.The annular part 27 is fixed to the bottom 6 by bolts 31.

Pour permettre le logement de la saillie tubu­laire 24 de l'extrémité 10,ainsi que de la deuxième struc­ture lamifiée 30a avec les pièces annulaires qui la portent 26 et 27, le fond 6 du boîtier d'articulation 2 est pourvu d'une ouverture centrale 32 qui est fermée par l'ensemble des éléments 26, 30a et 27, en coopération avec l'extrémité 10 de la ligne 1.To allow the housing of the tubular projection 24 of the end 10, as well as of the second laminated structure 30 a with the annular parts which carry it 26 and 27, the bottom 6 of the articulation box 2 is provided with an opening central 32 which is closed by all of the elements 26, 30 a and 27, in cooperation with the end 10 of the line 1.

Quel que soit le positionnement de la deuxiéme structure lamifiée, 30 ou 30a, par rapport au centre de courbure C de l'articulation flexible, 40 ou 50, la première structure lamifiée 20 peut être adhérisée au couvercle 3 directement (cf. les figures 3 et 5) ou par l'intermédiaire d'une pièce 33 destinée à être encastrée dans le couvercle 3 (cf. les figures 4 et 6), ce qui facilite le moulage. D'une façon générale, les différentes solutions représentées aux figures 3 à 6 ont de l'inci­dence sur le moulage des pièces et sur le montage de celles-ci.Whatever the positioning of the second laminated structure, 30 or 30 a , relative to the center of curvature C of the flexible joint, 40 or 50, the first laminated structure 20 can be adhered to the cover 3 directly (see Figures 3 and 5) or by means of a part 33 intended to be embedded in the cover 3 (see Figures 4 and 6), which facilitates molding. In general, the different solutions shown in Figures 3 to 6 have an impact on the molding of the parts and on the mounting thereof.

En ce qui concerne la préparation des deux stuctures lamifiées 20 et 30 (ou 30a) préalable au montage des différentes pièces de l'articulation selon l'invention, il y a lieu de remarquer que la structure lamifiée 20 est moulée directement et simultanément sur l'extrémité 10 de la ligne tendue 1 et sous le couvercle 3 du boîtier 2, dans les modes de réalisation illustrés aux figures 3 et 5, ou sur les pièces 33 destinées à être encastrées dans le couvercle du boîtier, en ce qui concerne les modes de réalisation illustrés aux figures 4 et 6.As regards the preparation of the two laminated structures 20 and 30 (or 30 a ) prior to the mounting of the various parts of the joint according to the invention, it should be noted that the laminated structure 20 is molded directly and simultaneously on the end 10 of the taut line 1 and under the cover 3 of the housing 2, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, or on the parts 33 intended to be embedded in the housing cover, as regards the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6.

La structure lamifiée 30 (ou 30a) est moulée entre les deux pièces annulaires de support et de solida­risation 16, 17 (ou 26, 27).The laminated structure 30 (or 30 a ) is molded between the two annular support and securing parts 16, 17 (or 26, 27).

Le montage des différentes pièces s'effectue dans l'ordre suivant :
- encastrement du couvercle 3 du boîtier d'articulation sur la pièce 33 lorsque celle-ci existe,
- fixation de la deuxième structure lamifiée 30 ou 30a à l'extrémité 10 de la ligne tendue 1 par l'intermé­diaire de la pièce annulaire de raccord 17 ou 26, res­pectivement, et
- fixation de l'enceinte 15 du boîtier d'articulation au couvercle 3 de celui-ci (par l'intermédiaire de boulons 11) et à la pièce annulaire de raccord 16 ou 27, respectivement ; lors de cette opération, les deux structures annulaires lamifiées 20 et 30 ou 30a sont soumises à une précontrainte dont le degré est réglé en fonction de la hauteur de la paroi latérale 5 du boîtier 2 par rapport à l'encombrement axial de l'articulation flexible 40 ou 50. En pratique, on impose au montage une précontrainte supérieure à la tension maximale qui est in­duite dans la première et/ou dans la deuxième structure la­mifiées 20 et 30 ou 30a de l'articulation flexible lors de la transmission d'un effort contraire au sens normal de fonctionnement de la ligne d'ancrage dû à des conditions exceptionnelles (démontage,manipula­tion, etc...), mais suffisantes pour endommager l'autre et/­ou l'autre des structures lamifiées. De cette manière, l'éventuelle mise en traction de l'ensemble, notamment lors de la déconnexion mécanique de la ligne d'ancrage, laisse l'élastomère des structures lamifiées toujours en compression.The various parts are assembled in the following order:
- fitting of the cover 3 of the articulation box on the part 33 when the latter exists,
- fastening the second laminated structure 30 or 30 has the end 10 of the tension leg 1 via the annular coupling part 17 or 26, respectively, and
- Fixing the enclosure 15 of the articulation box to the cover 3 of the latter (by means of bolts 11) and to the annular connection piece 16 or 27, respectively; during this operation, the two laminated annular structures 20 and 30 or 30 a are subjected to a prestressing, the degree of which is adjusted in function of the height of the side wall 5 of the housing 2 relative to the axial size of the flexible joint 40 or 50. In practice, the prestressing is imposed greater than the maximum tension which is induced in the first and / or in the second laminated structure 20 and 30 or 30a of the flexible joint during the transmission of a force contrary to the normal direction of operation of the anchor line due to exceptional conditions (disassembly, handling, etc.) ), but sufficient to damage the other and / or the other of the laminated structures. In this way, the possible pulling of the assembly, in particular during the mechanical disconnection of the anchoring line, leaves the elastomer of the laminated structures always in compression.

Il est facile de vérifier que l'articulation conforme à la présente invention répond aux buts visés par celle-ci et indiqués plus haut, en particulier en ce qui concerne la maîtrise des efforts latéraux (ou trans­versaux), l'élimination de tout contact métal/métal et de toute tension dans les structures lamifiées dont elle se compose.It is easy to verify that the articulation in accordance with the present invention meets the aims targeted by it and indicated above, in particular as regards the control of lateral (or transverse) forces, the elimination of any metal contact. / metal and any tension in the laminated structures of which it is composed.

Cela étant, il est clair que l'existence des sollicitations transversales provoque l'application d'un couple - par rapport au centre de courbure C - à chaque couche de la première structure lamifiée 20, ce qui donne­rait lieu à un basculement latéral de cette structure lamifiée, et donc à une instabilité du systéme, si n'exis­tait pas la deuxième structure lamifiée, 30 ou 30a, qui assure la nécessaire stabilité en reprenant (à savoir, en transmettant) les efforts transversaux, résultant de la combinaison des efforts axiaux et des débattements angu­laires : elle se comporte donc comme une structure lami­fiée "de sécurité".That said, it is clear that the existence of transverse stresses causes the application of a torque - relative to the center of curvature C - to each layer of the first laminated structure 20, which would give rise to a lateral tilting of this laminated structure, and therefore system instability, if the second laminated structure, 30 or 30 a , did not exist, which provides the necessary stability by taking up (i.e., transmitting) the transverse forces, resulting from the combination of forces axial and angular deflections: it therefore behaves like a laminated "safety" structure.

Il y a aussi lieu de souligner que les rigidités de l'articulation flexible dans son ensemble sont la somme des rigidités de chaque composant et que la raideur ra­diale de la deuxième structure lamifiée, 30 ou 30a, est du même ordre de grandeur que la raideur axiale de la première structure lamifiée 20.It should also be emphasized that the rigidities of the flexible joint as a whole are the sum of the rigidities of each component and that the radial stiffness of the second laminated structure, 30 or 30 a , is of the same order of magnitude as the axial stiffness of the first laminated structure 20.

La contribution à la transmission des efforts de la part des deux structures lamifiées de l'articulation flexible selon l'invention dépend de la raideur de chaque structure lamifiée. Dans le cadre de la présente inven­tion on préconise :
- pour le rapport entre les rigidités axiales Ka₁ et Ka₂ de la première et de la deuxième structure lamifiées, respectivement , les valeurs suivantes :

Figure imgb0001
avec Ka₁ ≧ 4·10⁶kN/m, et
- pour la rigidité en rotation Kr (à savoir,de torsion et conique) des valeurs du même ordre de grandeur par angle de rotation unitaire, à savoir :
Kr ≦ 150kNm/deg.The contribution to the transmission of forces from the two laminated structures of the flexible joint according to the invention depends on the stiffness of each laminated structure. In the context of the present invention, it is recommended:
- for the ratio between the axial rigidities Ka₁ and Ka₂ of the first and the second laminated structure, respectively, the following values:
Figure imgb0001
 with Ka₁ ≧ 4 · 10⁶kN / m, and
- for the rotational stiffness K r (i.e., torsional and conical) values of the same order of magnitude per unit angle of rotation, namely:
K r ≦ 150kNm / deg.

Ainsi que cela ressort de ce qui précède, l'inven­tion ne se limite nullement à ceux de ses modes de réali­sation et d'application qui viennent d'être décrits de façon plus explicite ; elle en embrasse, au contraire, toutes les variantes qui peuvent venir à l'esprit du technicien en la matière, sans s'écarter du cadre, ni de la portée, de la présente invention. En particulier, il doit être bien entendu que, pour des raisons pratiques, les deux extrémités 10 d'une ligne d'ancrage, équipées cha­cune de l'articulation flexible correspondante, ne sont pas réalisées en une seule pièce avec la ligne d'ancrage, mais qu'elles sont amovibles,en sorte que les structures représentées aux figures 3 à 6 sont rapportées aux lignes d'ancrage proprement dites (auxquelles elles sont fixées par tous les moyens appropriés, de préférence amovibles).As is apparent from the above, the invention is in no way limited to those of its embodiments and of application which have just been described more explicitly; on the contrary, it embraces all the variants which may come to the mind of the technician in the matter, without departing from the scope, or the scope, of the present invention. In particular, it should be understood that, for practical reasons, the two ends 10 of an anchor line, each equipped with the corresponding flexible joint, are not made in one piece with the anchor line , but they are removable, so that the structures shown in Figures 3 to 6 are related to the actual anchor lines (to which they are fixed by all appropriate means, preferably removable).

En outre, il est clair que dans le cadre de la présente invention est défini un procédé de montage de l'articulation flexible selon l'invention, à savoir des différentes pièces dont se compose celle-ci, et qui con­siste essentiellement en une mise sous précontrainte, à savoir en un montage avec précontrainte, des stuctures annulaires lamifiées 20 et 30 ou 30a.In addition, it is clear that in the context of the present invention is defined a method of mounting the flexible joint according to the invention, namely the different parts of which it is composed, and which essentially consists of placing under prestressed, namely in a prestressed assembly, of the laminated annular structures 20 and 30 or 30a.

La mise sous contrainte des structures annulai­res lamifiées 20 et 30 ou 30a est effectuée lors de la fi­xation de l'enceinte 15 du boîtier d'articulation 2 au couvercle 3 de celui-ci, et ce après avoir fixé, d'une part, la première structure annulaire lamifiée 20 au couvercle 3 du boîtier d'articulation 2 et, d'autre part, la deu­xième structure annulaire lamifiée 30 ou30a à l'extrémité amovible 10 de la ligne d'amarrage 1. Cette mise sous précontrainte est obtenue en choisissant la hauteur de la paroi latérale 5 de l'enceinte 15 du boîtier d'articula­tion 2 de manière à faire passer les structures annulai­res lamifiées précitées 20 et 30 ou 30a de l'état normal (I) à l'état précontraint (II) : cf la figure 4.Stressing of the laminated annular structures 20 and 30 or 30a is carried out when the enclosure 15 of the articulation box 2 is fixed to the cover 3 thereof, and this after having fixed, on the one hand, the first laminated annular structure 20 at the cover 3 of the articulation box 2 and, on the other hand, the second laminated annular structure 30 or 30a at the removable end 10 of the mooring line 1. This prestressing is obtained by choosing the height of the side wall 5 of the enclosure 15 of the articulation box 2 so as to pass the above-mentioned laminated annular structures 20 and 30 or 30a from the normal state (I) to the pre-stressed state (II): see figure 4.

De façon plus précise, la précontrainte est supérieure à la tension maximale qui est induite dans l'une quelconque des première et deuxième structures an­nulaires lamifiées 20 et 30 ou 30a de l'articulation flexible 40, 50, lors de la transmission d'un effort con­traire au sens normal de fonctionnement de la ligne d'amarrage, cet effort étant dû à des conditions excep­tionnelles, telles que les montages ou manipulations, mais suffisantes pour endommager l'une quelconque des struc­tures annulaires lamifiées 20 et 30 ou 30a, ce qui permet à ces dernières de travailler toujours en compression, comme déjà évoqué plus haut.More precisely, the prestress is greater than the maximum tension which is induced in any one of the first and second laminated annular structures 20 and 30 or 30a of the flexible joint 40, 50, during the transmission of a force. contrary to the normal operating direction of the mooring line, this effort being due to exceptional conditions, such as mounting or handling, but sufficient to damage any of the annular laminated structures 20 and 30 or 30a, which allows the latter to always work in compression, as already mentioned above.

Claims (12)

1.- Articulation flexible pour ligne d'amarrage d'une plate-forme pétrolière flottante, dite plate-forme à lignes tendues (TLP),comportant à chaque extrémité (10) de la ligne (1):
- un boîtier d'articulation (2) de l'extrémité correspon­dante (10), qui est solidarisé à un connecteur (E) de fixa­tion et qui est délimité par :
. un couvercle (3) pourvu d'une ouverture centrale (4) permettant le passage de la ligne tendue (1) et les déplacements angulaires de celle-ci correspondant aux déplacements de la plate-forme flottante ,
. une paroi latérale (5), et
. un fond (6) ,
cette paroi latérale (5) et ce fond (6) définissant l'enceinte (15) du boîtier (2), ladite articulation flexible (40, 50), logée dans ledit boîtier (2), permettant la rotation de l'extrémité cor­respondante de la ligne tendue (1) et comprenant :
. une première structure annulaire lamifiée (20) à symé­trie sphérique, par rapport à un centre de courbure (C) si­tué à l'intérieur du boîtier d'articulation (2), et dis­posée autour de la ligne tendue (1), laquelle première structure lamifiée (20) est solidarisée à l'extrémité (10) de la ligne tendue (1)et au couvercle (3) du boî­tier (2) et se compose d'une pluralité de couches élastomères (8) alternées à des couches métalliques galbées (9) adhérisées aux couches élastomères et ayant le centre de courbure précité,
laquelle articulation flexible est caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend en outre :
. une deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée (30, 30a) également à symétrie sphérique, par rapport à un point qui coïncide avec le centre (C) de courbure de ladite première structure lamifiée (20), et qui constitue donc le centre de courbure (C) de l'articulation flexible (40,50) dans son ensemble, laquelle deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée (30, 30a) est solidarisée à l'extrémité (10) de la ligne tendue (1) et au fond (6) du boîtier d'articulation (2) et se compose, comme la première structure lamifiée (20), d'une pluralité de couches élastomères (22) alternées à des couches métalliques galbées (23) adhérisées aux couches élastomères,
et en ce que les structures annulaires lamifiées (20, 30, 30a) sont à l'état précontraint (II), à savoir mon­tées avec précontrainte, la hauteur de la paroi laté­rale (5) de l'enceinte (15) du boîtier d'articulation (2), étant définie par rapport à l'encombrement axial de l'articulation flexible (40, 50) et étant choisie en fonction du degré de précontrainte souhaité.1.- Flexible joint for mooring line of a floating petroleum platform, called taut line platform (TLP), comprising at each end (10) of the line (1):
- an articulation box (2) of the corresponding end (10), which is secured to a connector (E) for fixing and which is delimited by:
. a cover (3) provided with a central opening (4) allowing the passage of the taut line (1) and the angular displacements of the latter corresponding to the displacements of the floating platform,
. a side wall (5), and
. a background (6),
this side wall (5) and this bottom (6) defining the enclosure (15) of the housing (2), said flexible articulation (40, 50), housed in said housing (2), allowing the rotation of the corresponding end of the stretched line (1) and comprising:
. a first laminated annular structure (20) with spherical symmetry, with respect to a center of curvature (C) situated inside the articulation box (2), and arranged around the taut line (1), which first structure laminate (20) is secured to the end (10) of the tensioned line (1) and to the cover (3) of the housing (2) and consists of a plurality of elastomer layers (8) alternated with curved metal layers (9) adhered to the elastomeric layers and having the aforementioned center of curvature,
which flexible joint is characterized in that it further comprises:
. a second laminated annular structure (30, 30 a ) also with spherical symmetry, with respect to a point which coincides with the center (C) of curvature of said first laminated structure (20), and which therefore constitutes the center of curvature (C ) of the flexible joint (40.50) as a whole, which second structure laminated ring (30, 30 a ) is secured to the end (10) of the tensioned line (1) and to the bottom (6) of the articulation box (2) and is composed, like the first laminated structure (20) , a plurality of elastomeric layers (22) alternating with curved metal layers (23) adhered to the elastomeric layers,
and in that the laminated annular structures (20, 30, 30a) are in the pre-stressed state (II), namely mounted with pre-stress, the height of the side wall (5) of the enclosure (15) of the housing d articulation (2), being defined with respect to the axial size of the flexible articulation (40, 50) and being chosen as a function of the desired degree of prestressing. 2.- Articulation selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ladite deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée (30) est disposée, par rapport au centre de courbure (C) de l'articu­lation (40), du même côté où se situe ladite première struc­ture annulaire lamifiée (20).2.- Joint according to claim 1, characterized in that said second laminated annular structure (30) is arranged, relative to the center of curvature (C) of the joint (40), on the same side where said first structure is located laminated ring (20). 3.- Articulation selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que le fond (6) du boîtier d'articula­tion (2) présente une saillie tubulaire centrale (axiale, 14) se prolongeant à l'intérieur du boîtier (2) en direc­tion du couvercle (3) de celui-ci,jusqu'à dépasser le centre de courbure précité (C), l'extrémité (10) de la ligne tendue (1) présentant un évidement (une concavité, 25) dans lequel vient se loger sans contact une portion de ladite saillie tubulaire (14), et en ce que ladite deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée (30) est adhérisée entre deux pièces annulaires métalliques (16, 17) dont la première pièce (16) est fixée à ladite saillie tubulaire (14), tandis que la deuxième pièce annulaire (17) est fixée à l'extrémité (10) de la ligne tendue (1).3.- Joint according to claim 2, characterized in that the bottom (6) of the joint housing (2) has a central tubular projection (axial, 14) extending inside the housing (2) towards the cover (3) thereof, until it exceeds the aforementioned center of curvature (C), the end (10) of the taut line (1) having a recess (a concavity, 25) in which is housed without contact a portion of said tubular projection (14), and in that said second laminated annular structure (30) is adhered between two metallic annular parts (16, 17), the first part (16) of which is fixed to said tubular projection (14 ), while the second annular part (17) is fixed to the end (10) of the stretched line (1). 4.- Articulation selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que ladite première pièce annulaire (16) de support de ladite deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée (30) est enfilée autour de ladite saillie tubulaire (14) du fond (6) du boîtier (2) et vient en appui sur un épau­lement (18) de la paroi externe de cette saillie tubulaire (14), ledit épaulement (18) étant ménagé sensiblement au niveau du centre de courbure (C) de l'articulation flexible (40).4.- Joint according to claim 3, characterized in that said first annular part (16) for supporting said second laminated annular structure (30) is threaded around said tubular projection (14) of the bottom (6) of the housing (2 ) and bears on a shoulder (18) of the outer wall of this tubular projection (14), said shoulder (18) being formed substantially at the center of curvature (C) of the flexible joint (40). 5.- Articulation selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ladite deuxième structure annu­laire lamifiée (30a) est disposée, par rapport au centre de courbure (C) de cette articulation (50), du côté opposé à celui où se situe ladite première structure annulaire lamifiée (20).5. A joint according to claim 1, characterized in that said second laminated annular structure (30 a ) is arranged, relative to the center of curvature (C) of this joint (50), on the side opposite to that where said said is located. first laminated annular structure (20). 6.- Articulation selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que l'extrémité (10) de la ligne tendue (1) présente une saillie tubulaire centrale (axiale, 24) se prolongeant en direction du fond (6) du boîtier d'ar­ticulation (2),jusqu'à dépasser le centre de courbure précité (C), le fond (6) du boîtier (2) présentant une ouverture centrale (32) dans laquelle vient se loger une portion de ladite saillie tubulaire (24), et en ce que ladite deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée (30a) est adhé­risée entre deux pièces annulaires métalliques (26, 27) dont la première pièce (26) est fixée à ladite saillie tubulaire (24),tandis que la deuxième pièce annulaire (27) est fixée au fond (6) du boîtier (2).6.- Joint according to claim 5, characterized in that the end (10) of the taut line (1) has a central tubular projection (axial, 24) extending towards the bottom (6) of the joint housing (2), up to exceeding the aforementioned center of curvature (C), the bottom (6) of the housing (2) having a central opening (32) in which a portion of said tubular projection (24) is housed, and in that said second laminated annular structure (30 a ) is adhered between two metallic annular parts (26, 27), the first part (26) of which is fixed to said tubular projection (24), while the second annular part (27) is fixed to the bottom (6) of the housing (2). 7.- Articulation selon la revendication 6, caractérisée en ce que ladite première pièce annulaire (26) de support de ladite deuxième structure annulaire lamifiée (30a) est enfilée autour de ladite saillie tubulaire (24) de l'extrémité (10) de la ligne tendue(1) et vient en appui contre un épaulement (28) de la paroi externe de cette saillie tubulaire (24), ledit épaulement (28) étant ménagé sensiblement au niveau du centre de courbure (C) de l'ar­ticulation flexible (50).7. A joint according to Claim 6, characterized in that said first annular member (26) for supporting the said second laminated annular structure (30 a) is fitted around said tubular projection (24) of the end (10) the taut line (1) and bears against a shoulder (28) of the external wall of this tubular projection (24), said shoulder (28) being provided substantially at the center of curvature (C) of the flexible joint (50). 8.- Articulation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisée en ce que les couches élastomères (8, 22) de chacune desdites première et deuxième structures annulaires lamifiées (20 ; 30, 30a) présentent des épaisseurs différentes.8.- Joint according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the elastomeric layers (8, 22) of each of said first and second laminated annular structures (20; 30, 30a) have different thicknesses. 9.- Articulation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisée en ce que ladite première structure lamifiée (20) est solidarisée au cou­vercle (3) du boîtier d'articulation (2) par l'intermé­diaire d'une pièce (33) destinée à être encastrée dans le couvercle (3).9.- Joint according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said first laminated structure (20) is secured to the cover (3) of the joint housing (2) via a part ( 33) intended to be embedded in the cover (3). 10.- Procédé de montage de l'articulation fle­xible selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que lesdites première et deuxième structures annulaires lamifiées (20 ; 30, 30a) sont mises sous contrainte, à savoir sont montées avec précon­trainte.10.- A method of mounting the flexible joint according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said first and second laminated annular structures (20; 30, 30a) are put under stress, namely are mounted with prestressing. 11.- Procédé selon la revendication 10, caracté­risé en ce que la mise sous contrainte desdites struc­tures annulaires lamifiées (20 ; 30, 30a) est effectuée lors de la fixation de l'enceinte (15) du boîtier d'ar­ticulation (2) au couvercle (3) de celui-ci, après avoir fixé, d'une part, la première structure annulaire lami­fiée (20) au couvercle (3) du boîtier d'articulation (2) et, d'autre part, la deuxième structure annulaire lami­fiée (30, 30a) à l'extrémité amovible (10) de la ligne d'amarrage (1), et en ce qu'elle est obtenue en choisis­sant la hauteur de la paroi latérale (5) de l'enceinte (15) du boîtier d'articulation (2) de manière à faire passer les structures annulaires lamifiées précitées (20 ; 30, 30a) de l'état normal (I) à l'état précontraint (II).11.- Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the stressing of said laminated annular structures (20; 30, 30a) is carried out during the fixing of the enclosure (15) of the articulation box (2) to the cover (3) thereof, after having fixed, on the one hand, the first laminated annular structure (20) to the cover (3) of the articulation housing (2) and, on the other hand, the second annular structure laminate (30, 30a) at the removable end (10) of the mooring line (1), and in that it is obtained by choosing the height of the side wall (5) of the enclosure (15) the articulation box (2) so as to pass the above-mentioned laminated annular structures (20; 30, 30a) from the normal state (I) to the prestressed state (II). 12.- Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendi­cations 10 ou 11, caractérisé en ce que la précontrainte est supérieure à la tension maximale qui est induite dans l'une quelconque desdites première et deuxième struc­tures annulaires lamifiées (20 ; 30, 30a) de l'articula­tion flexible (40, 50), lors de la transmission d'un ef­fort contraire au sens normal de fonctionnement de la ligne d'amarrage, cet effort étant dû à des conditions exceptionnelles, telles que les montages ou manipulations, mais suffisantes pour endommager l'une quelconque des struc­tures annulaires lamifiées (20 ; 30, 30a), ce qui permet à ces dernières de travailler toujours en compression.12.- Method according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the prestress is greater than the maximum tension which is induced in any one of said first and second laminated annular structures (20; 30, 30a) of the flexible joint (40, 50), during the transmission of a force contrary to the normal direction of operation of the mooring line, this force being due to exceptional conditions, such as mounting or handling, but sufficient for damaging any of the laminated annular structures (20; 30, 30a), which allows the latter to always work in compression.
EP19880403031 1987-12-03 1988-12-01 Flexible connector for the tension leg of an oil platform Expired - Lifetime EP0319419B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8716800 1987-12-03
FR8716800A FR2624089B1 (en) 1987-12-03 1987-12-03 FLEXIBLE JOINT FOR ANCHORING LINE OF OIL PLATFORM OF THE SAID TYPE WITH TIGHT LINES

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0319419A1 true EP0319419A1 (en) 1989-06-07
EP0319419B1 EP0319419B1 (en) 1993-08-25

Family

ID=9357440

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19880403031 Expired - Lifetime EP0319419B1 (en) 1987-12-03 1988-12-01 Flexible connector for the tension leg of an oil platform

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0319419B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3883497T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2624089B1 (en)
NO (1) NO173539C (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103419903A (en) * 2013-06-28 2013-12-04 江苏亚星锚链股份有限公司 C-type shackle

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102009054608A1 (en) * 2009-12-14 2011-06-16 GICON-Großmann Ingenieur Consult GmbH Underwater production system for plants

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0045613A1 (en) * 1980-07-28 1982-02-10 Conoco Phillips Company Tension leg platform mooring tether connector
GB2084680A (en) * 1980-08-21 1982-04-15 Vetco Offshore Ind Inc Anchor connector for tension leg
GB2085063A (en) * 1980-10-01 1982-04-21 Armco Inc Devices for connecting strings of pipes to underwater installations
EP0087922A2 (en) * 1982-02-25 1983-09-07 Amoco Corporation Multiterminators for riser pipes

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0045613A1 (en) * 1980-07-28 1982-02-10 Conoco Phillips Company Tension leg platform mooring tether connector
GB2084680A (en) * 1980-08-21 1982-04-15 Vetco Offshore Ind Inc Anchor connector for tension leg
GB2085063A (en) * 1980-10-01 1982-04-21 Armco Inc Devices for connecting strings of pipes to underwater installations
EP0087922A2 (en) * 1982-02-25 1983-09-07 Amoco Corporation Multiterminators for riser pipes

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103419903A (en) * 2013-06-28 2013-12-04 江苏亚星锚链股份有限公司 C-type shackle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2624089A1 (en) 1989-06-09
NO173539C (en) 1993-12-29
NO885379D0 (en) 1988-12-02
DE3883497T2 (en) 1993-12-09
NO173539B (en) 1993-09-20
EP0319419B1 (en) 1993-08-25
FR2624089B1 (en) 1992-04-03
NO885379L (en) 1989-06-05
DE3883497D1 (en) 1993-09-30

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