EP0565445A1 - Apparatus for securing a flexible line having a bend restrictor - Google Patents

Apparatus for securing a flexible line having a bend restrictor Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0565445A1
EP0565445A1 EP93400912A EP93400912A EP0565445A1 EP 0565445 A1 EP0565445 A1 EP 0565445A1 EP 93400912 A EP93400912 A EP 93400912A EP 93400912 A EP93400912 A EP 93400912A EP 0565445 A1 EP0565445 A1 EP 0565445A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flexible line
curvature limiter
rigid member
flexible
traction
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP93400912A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0565445B1 (en
Inventor
René Maloberti
Alain Coutarel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Technip France SAS
Original Assignee
Coflexip SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Coflexip SA filed Critical Coflexip SA
Publication of EP0565445A1 publication Critical patent/EP0565445A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0565445B1 publication Critical patent/EP0565445B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/01—Risers
    • E21B17/017—Bend restrictors for limiting stress on risers
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/01—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells specially adapted for obtaining from underwater installations
    • E21B43/0107—Connecting of flow lines to offshore structures
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/01—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells specially adapted for obtaining from underwater installations
    • E21B43/013—Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head
    • E21B43/0135—Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head using a pulling cable

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for mounting a flexible line to a structure, comprising a hollow rigid member forming part of said structure or fixed on said structure, and which the flexible line crosses after having been drawn using 'a traction cable fixed to one end of said flexible line, in particular on the end fitting mounted thereon for its connection to said structure.
  • the present invention is particularly intended for "offshore” petroleum exploitation.
  • the term “flexible line” means flexible conduits, in particular flexible tubular conduits for conveying fluids such as hydrocarbons, composite bundles of the “bundle” type, umbilicals, or electrical cables.
  • structure is meant any fixed or mobile structure usable in the "off shore” field, such as a fixed rigid "jacket” structure, an oscillating structure secured to the sea floor or a floating structure such as a naval surface support. , a semi-submersible platform, a floating vertical column, anchored, connected to an oil tanker for storage / separation which is moored to it, a buoy etc.
  • the invention relates to a device comprising a curvature limiter engaged on said flexible line and secured to fastening means capable of cooperating with fastening means secured to said hollow rigid member in order to embed the curvature limiter on said structure.
  • curvature limiter any type of device making it possible to impose on the flexible line a radius of curvature greater than a minimum radius of curvature in an area where the flexible line is subjected to bending, in particular repeated bending, risking cause its deterioration.
  • the curvature limiter can be of any known type, for example, consisting of rigid articulated elements called “vertebrae”, or preferably in the form of a stiffener.
  • Known stiffeners are generally blocks molded of plastic material such as a polyurethane, of at least partially frustoconical shape, placed on the flexible line and embedded on a mounting support mounted on and / or around the flexible line. .
  • embedding within the meaning of the invention means a rigid mechanical connection, at least in flexion and with respect to lateral translations, between the curvature limiter and its embedding support, that is to say a connection such that the embedding support blocks the angular displacements (curving around any axis perpendicular to the axis of the flexible line) and the transverse displacements of the curvature limiter, and consequently of the flexible line, the associated values of bending torques and support forces being fully supported by the mounting support.
  • said embedding may be an integral embedding, also ensuring the blocking of the axial displacements and of the effects of torsion around the longitudinal axis of the flexible pipe.
  • the hollow rigid member is a part of the structure or a member firmly embedded in the structure, such as a platform, to which one end of the flexible pipe is connected, said hollow rigid member having a central opening for the passage of the flexible line and constituting the last fulcrum of the flexible line on the support platform, in the manner of an hawk.
  • the hollow rigid member which constitutes the embedding support of the curvature limiter is an end section of a guide tube in which the flexible line is engaged, the embedding being carried out in the lower mouth zone of the end section of the guide tube.
  • guide tube within the meaning of the invention is meant both a vertical tubular element (I tube) and a tubular element with progressive cant (J tube).
  • the function of guide tube can, as a variant, be fulfilled by a trellis, or any other form of frame having an internal passage to guide the flexible line.
  • This technique can be used in different configurations of operating systems of underwater oil fields and for example in a production installation comprising one or more pipes or "flow-lines" connecting the different heads of underwater wells, or other equipment arranged on the bottom, to a structure forming a surface support as described above or to a subsurface structure, located at an intermediate level between the surface and the seabed, said structure comprising various equipment and, in in particular, piping elements which must be connected by the flexible pipe to the equipment arranged on the bottom.
  • the production installation may comprise, instead of equipment disposed on the bottom, a second surface support, or subsurface, to which is connected the second end of the flexible pipe which is either entirely suspended in a chain between the two supports, or partly rests on the bottom.
  • a flexible pipe is unwound from a laying vessel, a first end of the pipe being pulled by the "pull-in” technique so as to be able to connect this first end of the flexible pipe to the edge of the surface support opposite which the laying vessel is positioned.
  • the hose is then suspended "in a chain" between the laying vessel and the surface support. Then the laying vessel moves away and begins to unwind the flexible pipe on the bottom.
  • the second end of the flexible pipe is connected by a traction cable to the surface support then pulled on board and connected.
  • connection between the end fitting of the flexible pipe and the network of pipes installed on the support structure is made above the surface of the water, at a working bridge for example.
  • Such a device has the advantage of facilitating the connection of the flexible pipe on board the platform.
  • this device presents relatively serious risks for the flexible tubular pipe, which , without protection, must cross the splash zone.
  • the connection between the flexible pipe and the platform is made below the water surface, preferably in the lower part of the platform in the vicinity of Keel.
  • a curvature limiter in the form of a stiffener, securely recessed, aimed at distributing the bending stresses and at preventing the radius of curvature printed on the flexible line from reaching a critical lower value below which the flexible line risks being rapidly put out of use.
  • Such a device has the obvious drawback of requiring difficult and costly operations, subject to weather conditions, to make the subsea connections.
  • US-A-4 808 034 describes a device for connecting a flexible pipe to a floating structure in which an annular guide plate is joined to a stiffener mounted to play around the flexible pipe.
  • the guide plate comprises, projecting from its front end, fastening parts cooperating with corresponding hollow parts produced at the lower end of the vertical guide tube fixed to the structure.
  • cables are fixed to the fixing parts projecting at the periphery of the guide plate and the assembly consisting of the guide plate secured to the stiffener and the pipe provided with its end piece is pulled upwards, the latter being in abutment on the shoulder formed by the internal edge of the guide plate. Simultaneously another lifting cable is brought in, axially disposed and fixed to the end piece.
  • This known device requires the use of a plurality of traction cables during different stages.
  • This device is very difficult to implement, in particular in the case of flexible lines of which a certain length rests on the bottom, to ensure the traction of flexible lines of significant length and of high weight, weight to which are added the weights of the end piece, the stiffener and the guide plate.
  • the device described in the prior document is, taking into account the configuration of the means provided for the relative positioning and the fixing of the guide plate and of the end of the guide tube, limited to an implementation with a vertical guide tube.
  • this device has the serious drawback that the embedding of the stiffener, as it is produced by the fixing of the guide plate on the end of the guide tube, lacks solidity.
  • the present invention proposes to provide a device which is easier to implement than the previously known devices, and is not limited to an implementation with a vertical guide tube, while allowing efficient and reliable embedding. of the curvature limiter, in particular underwater and preferably without the intervention of divers.
  • the present invention essentially relates to a device for mounting a flexible line on a structure comprising a rigid hollow member, forming part of said structure or fixed on said structure, and which the flexible line crosses after having been drawn using a traction cable fixed to one end of said flexible line, preferably on the end fitting mounted on said flexible line for its connection to said structure, and a curvature limiter, engaged on said flexible line and secured to fixing means capable of cooperating with fixing means secured to said hollow rigid member for embedding the curvature limiter on said structure, characterized in that it comprises means for immobilizing the curvature limiter on said flexible line at a distance from said end thereof during a first phase of traction of the flexible line at the end of which the curvature limiter is brought to the level of the mouth of said hollow rigid member with a view to its insertion rement, said hollow rigid member comprising at least during said first phase of traction a flared mouthpiece.
  • the installation operation of the flexible pipe and the connection device according to the invention comprises two phases of pulling the flexible pipe by "pull-in", these two phases being separated by an intermediate step during which the curvature limiter is immobilized on the structure. It should be noted that, according to the invention, the traction of the flexible pipe, during each of the two successive phases of traction is carried out by hauling a single and same cable which is the traction cable fixed to the end fitting flexible pipe.
  • the device according to the invention thus has the advantage of allowing an easy installation operation, in comparison with the device described in US-A-4 808 034 which requires a set of complementary cables fixed peripherally on end pieces in projection of the guide plate mounted on the curvature limiter to perform the first phase of traction preceding the fixing of the guide plate to the lower end of the guide tube.
  • Another advantage of the device according to the invention is that, throughout the duration of the installation operation of the flexible pipe and, subsequently, during the operation of the installation in service, it allows, at the location critical corresponding to the upper zone of the free part of the flexible pipe which is just below the mouth of the hollow rigid member serving as a hawk, to permanently ensure a regular distribution of the bending stresses and the limitation of the radius of curvature of the flexible line with respect to the minimum value allowed.
  • this result is obtained thanks to the flared mouthpiece provided in the mouth area of the hollow rigid member, such as the end section of a guide tube .
  • this function of controlling the curvature of the flexible line is performed by the curvature limiter which was built into the structure.
  • the device according to the invention also has the advantage of allowing solid embedding of the curvature limiter, the positioning operation being able to be carried out easily.
  • the installation of the device is carried out without plungers by means of remote-controlled members from the surface.
  • the means for immobilizing the curvature limiter on the flexible line during said first traction phase are releasable from said curvature limiter after immobilization thereof.
  • the curvature limiter is mounted on the flexible line with a radial clearance so as to allow, after release of the immobilization means of the curvature limiter, which remain axially blocked on the flexible line, a sliding of the flexible line compared to the curvature limiter.
  • the flared mouthpiece can be permanently mounted on the hollow rigid member or is separable to allow the implementation of the mechanical members which carry out the embedding.
  • the embedding of the curvature limiter can be achieved by any appropriate means, in particular by assembling, using fixing members, flanges facing the curvature limiter and the hollow rigid member, or by engagement in correspondence of shapes of two complementary bearing surfaces, for example frustoconical, facing, of the curvature limiter and of the hollow rigid member or of the flared mouthpiece.
  • the complementary bearing surfaces are preferably applied one against the other with sufficient axial force by tightening means, such as a screw-nut assembly or advantageously a clamp with corner effect.
  • the means for immobilizing the curvature limiter on the flexible line achieve permanent attachment of the curvature limiter on the flexible line, the embedding being effected by sliding fitting cylindrical bearing surfaces facing one another of the curvature limiter and of the hollow rigid member.
  • the distance between the location at which the bend limiter is immobilized on the flexible line and the end of the flexible line which must be connected to the structure must be predetermined so that, in the embedding position of the curvature limiter, the end of the flexible line is at the level provided for its connection to the structure.
  • Rigid guide tubes 3 are fixed along the structure of the floating column 1, inside which are engaged, for the ascent of the hydrocarbons, flexible tubular conduits 4 which may be of the type of those manufactured and sold on a large scale. length and in different diameters by the applicant company.
  • the flexible tubular conduits 4 are equipped, in a known manner, with a set of buoys 5 so as to determine a zone with a concavity of reverse direction oriented towards the bottom.
  • each flexible tubular pipe 4 at the lower end of the corresponding guide tube 3 there is provided a curvature limiting element 6 which will be described in more detail below.
  • FIG. 1 also shows schematically a vessel 7 used for laying flexible tubular conduits 4.
  • the curvature limiter 6 of this embodiment is produced in the form of a stiffener, in particular made of polyurethane, put in place with a radial clearance on the flexible tubular pipe 4 before the latter has been provided with its end piece. 'end 8. This radial clearance allows relative sliding between the stiffener and the flexible pipe after the embedding of the stiffener, described below.
  • the stiffener can be of any known type and in particular of one of the types described in patent application PCT / FR91 / 01073 of the applicant company.
  • a mouth piece 9 On the lower end of the mouth of the guide tube 3 is mounted a mouth piece 9, in the shape of a trumpet, comprising a flange 10 for its attachment to a flange 11 at the end of the mouth of the guide tube 3 .
  • the stiffener 6 has a flange 12 at its front end.
  • An immobilization means such as a retaining collar 13, is put in place and securely fixed on the flexible pipe 4 behind the stiffener 6 so as to immobilize the latter in position on the flexible tubular pipe during the first phase of ascent thereof, as will be described, said collar 13 being able to be separated from the stiffener 6 once the embedding has been carried out.
  • the end piece 8 is connected to the end of a traction cable 14 associated with lifting means, such as a winch mounted on the structure, such as the column 1 to which the flexible tubular pipe must be connected.
  • lifting means such as a winch mounted on the structure, such as the column 1 to which the flexible tubular pipe must be connected.
  • a pulling force is exerted upwards on the cable 14, which causes the assembly constituted by the end piece 8, the flexible tubular pipe 4 and the stiffener 6 , held in abutment by the collar 13, until the end piece 8 after having passed through the flared mouthpiece 9 in the shape of a trumpet at the lower end of the guide tube 3, enters the latter by driving driving 4.
  • the flared mouthpiece 9 provides continuous support with a determined curvature to support the flexible pipe in its critical zone so as to maintain its radius of curvature above the minimum value admitted and prevent its damage.
  • the collar 13 can be left in place on the pipe 4.
  • the collar 13 is fixed in advance on the flexible line 4 in a position such that the length of flexible line between the collar and the end piece 8 is sufficient for the collar to be spaced a certain distance apart. relative to the rear end of the stiffener, when, once the pulling operation is completed, the end piece 8 is definitively connected to a connection member of the support platform such as a flange 38 ( Figure 8).
  • This arrangement illustrated in FIG. 4, makes it possible to prevent the collar 13 from striking the stiffener 6 when, subsequently, the length of the flexible pipe 4 is caused to vary slightly as a function of the conditions of service, for example due to the internal pressure in the pipe, sliding inside the stiffener 6.
  • the flexible pipe 4 is raised to the maximum, so that the collar 13 pushing the stiffener 6 with the flange 12 against the flange 11, the embedding of the stiffener 6 is achieved by fixing the two opposite flanges for example by bolting, the end piece 8 being at a level slightly raised relative to the flange 38 to which it must be connected.
  • connection between the end piece 8 and the flange 38 is then made by slightly lowering the flexible pipe 4 which slides through the stiffener 6, which makes it possible to separate the collar 13 from the stiffener.
  • the guide tube 3 used in the illustrated embodiment is of the "J tube” type, that is to say a progressive cant tube.
  • the invention is in no way limited to implementation with a vertical guide tube of the "I tube” type.
  • the mouthpiece 15 in the shape of a trumpet is, unlike that of the previous embodiment, permanently mounted at the lower end of the guide tube 3.
  • the stiffener 16 is provided with a fixing flange 17 capable of coming to bear on an end flange 18 provided at the end of the mouthpiece 15.
  • the stiffener 16 and the flange 17 are integral with a male frustoconical part 19 which is constituted by a rigid structure, for example made of sheet steel, with clearance surrounding the flexible pipe 4, and the surface of which external, continuous or discontinuous, constitutes a mounting surface, of generally frustoconical shape, which corresponds to that of the female frustoconical recess 20 of the mouthpiece 15.
  • the facing surfaces of the frustoconical parts, respectively male and female, 19 and 20 form regulated and axisymmetric geometric surfaces.
  • these surfaces are in the form of cones of revolution of the same angle.
  • the mouthpiece 15 comprises a plurality of pawls 21, pushed by springs 22, and capable of sliding in housings 23 arranged radially in a same plane perpendicular to the axis of the central cylindrical passage that presents the part 15 and in which flexible pipe 4 must be housed.
  • a groove 24 is provided in the external surface of a front part which extends the male frustoconical part 19 and which constitutes a rigid structure integral with this male frustoconical part 19.
  • This front part has a passage central, for example cylindrical, inside which the flexible pipe 4 is disposed, and an outer surface, of general shape, for example cylindrical, such that it can take place inside the upper part of the part d '' mouth 15.
  • the front end of the front part secured to the male frustoconical part 19 comprises an element 39 made so that it can be fixedly fixed on the flexible pipe 4.
  • the front part integral with the tapered male part 19 has a rupture zone 25 which has a limited determined value of resistance to the axial tensile force, so as to be able to be broken when the cable 14 exerts a traction greater than the resistance limit value.
  • the rupture zone 25 can be produced according to any known principle, for example by a cy sleeve lindrique of reduced thickness, a cylindrical sleeve comprising a plurality of holes of a certain diameter, or a groove, or even plurality of longitudinal studs forming a cylindrical cage.
  • the end fitting 8 having penetrated into the mouthpiece 15 the flexible pipe 4 is guided in the female frustoconical bearing which, like the mouthpiece 9 of the previous embodiment, allows it to maintain its radius curvature above the minimum allowable value.
  • the frusto-conical part 19 at the front of the stiffener 16 reaches the level of the female frusto-conical part 20 of the mouth piece 15.
  • the pawls 21 engage in the groove 24 immobilizing the stiffener relative to the guide tube.
  • the pawls can have an asymmetrical profile allowing, in combination with the profile of the groove 24, automatic engagement in the upward pulling direction, and blocking of the device in the opposite direction.
  • the pawls 21 ensure the immobilization of the stiffener 16 temporarily, prior to its embedding, so that the realization of the embedding is made easier.
  • the width of the groove 24 in the direction of the axis of the flexible pipe is slightly greater than that of the pawls 21, the resulting longitudinal play making it possible to secure the embedding in an easier and more solid manner.
  • the flanges 17 and 18 are then facing each other, at the start of contact or at a very short distance, without however being tightened.
  • the rupture zone 25 is torn off, the flexible tubular pipe 4 being able to slide inside the guide tube 3 up to its final position of connection with the support platform, the end piece 8 being connected to the connection member, such as the flange 38, secured to the platform ( Figure 8).
  • a clamp 26 comprising two jaws articulated around the mouthpiece 15, capable of coming to cap the flanges facing 17 and 18, the peripheral profile of the flanges and the peripheral profile of the jaws, being suitable for, when applying the collar to the flanges, causing by corner effect an axial movement of the flanges towards one another. 'other so as to bring in tight contact the frustoconical parts 19 and 20 respectively integral with the stiffener and the mouthpiece.
  • At least one of the flanges and the corresponding part of the collar 26 have a ramp-shaped peripheral profile making it possible to obtain, by virtue of a relatively small clamping force on the collar, a sufficient axial compressive force between the parts tapered male and female 19 and 20 so as to achieve a solid embedding.
  • the collar 26 may be a member independent of the other elements of the device, or it may be carried by the assembly constituted by the stiffener 16 and the male frustoconical part 19, or also, as illustrated in the advantageous variant of FIGS. 5 to 8, it can be supported by the mouthpiece 15.
  • the clamping function from the outside performed by the collar 26 essentially has the effect of ensuring the resumption of the relatively weak axial forces, and not of ensuring resistance to the bending moments applied by the pipe.
  • the operation of closing the jaws of the clamp 26, which makes it possible, as described above, to ensure both clamping and locking, achieving the final embedding of the embedding surfaces 19 and 20, can be made as soon as the pawls 21 are in place in the groove 24, or alternatively, once the flexible pipe 4 is put in place and the end piece 8 connected to the platform.
  • a groove 27 capable of receiving clamping punches 28 capable of sliding radially in a guide flange 29 mounted on the mouth piece 15.
  • the various punches 28 are capable of being moved radially so as to engage in the groove 27 under the action of a rotary ring 30 provided with ramp-shaped surfaces 31, the rotation of the ring around the axis of the frustoconical part 20 causing the pushers 32 to radially driving the clamping punches.
  • the ring can be rotated by any suitable means, in particular by pulls, jacks, spur gears or tangent screws, or even by means remotely controlled from the surface.
  • the location of the clamping punches in the female frustoconical part is determined so that, as in the previous embodiment, the cooperation of the ramp-shaped surfaces of the groove 27 and the punches 28 which act like keys clamping causes by corner effect, a final axial movement of approaching the frustoconical facing surfaces respectively secured to the stiffener and the mouthpiece to achieve an exact and solid fitting in correspondence of shapes of the corresponding parts.
  • Ratchets (not shown), in cooperation with the groove 24, provide the retaining function beforehand, in the same way as in the previous embodiment.
  • a mouthpiece 33 is permanently fixed to a cylindrical tube 40 forming the lower end of the guide tube 3.
  • the stiffener 6 is secured by its end flange 12 with the rear end flange 34 of a cylindrical part 35 whose outside diameter corresponds with a slight clearance to the inside diameter of the tube 40 in order to form a fitting in correspondence of shapes inside the tube 40.
  • the part 35 in the form of a cylindrical cuff has a conical end portion 36 and is preferably produced in two rigid half-shells comprising clamping means 37 on the flexible tubular pipe 4.
  • the part 35 is thus firmly fixed on the pipe 4 and ensures, in a non-releasable manner, the immobilization of the stiffener on the latter at a determined distance from the end piece 8.
  • the cuff 35 integral with the stiffener realizes an embedding in correspondence of shapes with the cylindrical tube 40 forming the lower end of the guide tube 3.
  • the tube 40 constituting the end of the guide tube 3 has its own manufacturing tolerances and may have been locally deformed, in particular by welding or various manipulations.
  • the stiffener 16 constitutes the rear part of an assembly which has an axial central passage for the flexible pipe 4 and which comprises a rigid male frustoconical part 19, as well as 'a front part whose front end comprises an element 39 which can be fixedly fixed in the manner of a collar on the pipe 4 and thus constituting a means for immobilizing said assembly integral with the stiffener 16.
  • the front part has a rupture zone 25 as described above.
  • the outer surface of the frustoconical part 19 comprises an annular hollow part 41 whose contour has, in its front part, a conical bearing 42.
  • the flexible pipe 4 and the integral assembly of the stiffener 16 are brought up, which remains immobilized on the flexible pipe, during the first phase of the traction operation, by means of the clamping element 39.
  • the mouthpiece 15, which may constitute the lower part of a guide tube 3, comprises a female frustoconical part 20 defining a conical internal surface which is in correspondence of shapes with the external surface enveloped by the male frustoconical part 19.
  • a plurality of latches or dogs 43 are arranged inside housings 44 where they are guided so as to be able to be movable in translation along radial axes relative to the longitudinal axis of the part frustoconical 20.
  • Springs 45 push the latches 43 towards the center.
  • the front part, directed towards the axis of the latches has, in a meridian plane passing through said longitudinal axis of the device, a wedge-shaped outer contour 46.
  • the male frusto-conical part 19 penetrates inside the female frusto-conical part 20 and comes into contact with the front part 46 of the latches 43, at the conical surface 47 of the male frusto-conical part 19 which is located just in front of the hollow part 41.
  • the zone concerned of the front part 46 (dashed line on the right half of FIG. 15A) has a cam profile such that the latches 43 are pushed back inside. housings 44 by compressing the springs 45, so as to release the internal surface of the female frustoconical part 20 (line in solid line on the right half of FIG. 15A).
  • the latches 43 are then opposite the hollow part 41 in which they enter under the action of the springs 45, to find themselves again in the extended position as illustrated in the left half of Figure 15A.
  • the active zone of the front part 46 of the latches 43 which is the anterior zone on the top side of the conical shapes 19 and 20, has a cam profile such as the latches 43, penetrating inside the hollow part 41, bear on the conical bearing 42.
  • the latches 43 fill, both and successively, in cooperation with the hollow part 41 and the conical bearing 42, on the one hand the provisional retaining function of the stiffener provided, for example , by the pawls 21 engaging in the groove 24 in the case of the variant of FIGS. 5 to 8, or of the variant of FIGS. 9 to 11, and, on the other hand, the tightening function of the embedding members which was produced by the collar 26 with the flanges 17 and 18 in the case of the variant of FIGS. 5 to 8, and by the punches 28 penetrating into the groove 27 in the case of the variant of FIGS. 9 to 11.
  • the device is then permanently locked in the embedding position thus produced.
  • various known mechanical means allowing, independently of the action of the springs 45, to irreversibly block the latches 43 against the conical bearing 42 facing.
  • bolts 48 are used which are directed along the same radial axis of the housings 44 as the latches 43, and which are pushed into abutment against the rear face of the latches 43 by screwing in nuts 49 integral with the housings 44.
  • the bolting of the bolts 48 can be carried out, for example, by a remote-controlled underwater robot such as a ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle).
  • ROV Remote Operated Vehicle
  • the latches 43 can be locked by fingers, similar to the clamping punches 28 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, and which are pushed under the effect of the rotation of a rotary ring having shaped surfaces of ramps similar to the ramps 31 of the ring 30.
  • a rotary ring having surfaces in the form of ramps which constitute a cylindrical or conical surface around the longitudinal axis of the frustoconical part 20, and not inscribed in a radial plane, in this case, the ramps can act, always by wedge effect, on a lateral face of the rear part of the latches having a suitable angle slope. It is also possible to produce such devices which are entirely remote-controlled from the surface, for example by using hydraulic drive members.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)
  • Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)
  • Flexible Shafts (AREA)
  • Installation Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
  • Revetment (AREA)
  • Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)

Abstract

Device for securing a flexible line to a structure, including a hollow rigid member, forming part of the said structure or fixed onto the said structure, and which the flexible line passes through after having been drawn, with the aid of a hauling cable fixed to one end of the said flexible line, particularly onto the end fitting mounted on the latter for its connection to the said structure, and a bend restrictor engaged on the said flexible line and secured to fixing means capable of interacting with fixing means secured to the said hollow rigid member for fitting the bend restrictor onto the said structure. It comprises means (13) for immobilising the bend restrictor (6) on the said flexible line (4) at a distance from the said end of the latter during a first phase of hauling the flexible line, at the end of which phase the bend restrictor is brought level with the opening zone of the said hollow rigid member (3) for the purpose of fitting it, the said hollow rigid member including, at least during the said first hauling phase, a flared mouthpiece (9). <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un dispositif de montage d'une ligne flexible à une structure, comportant un organe rigide creux faisant partie de ladite structure ou fixé sur ladite structure, et que traverse la ligne flexible après avoir été tirée à l'aide d'un câble de traction fixé à une extrémité de ladite ligne flexible, en particulier sur l'embout d'extrémité monté sur celle-ci pour son raccordement à ladite structure.The present invention relates to a device for mounting a flexible line to a structure, comprising a hollow rigid member forming part of said structure or fixed on said structure, and which the flexible line crosses after having been drawn using 'a traction cable fixed to one end of said flexible line, in particular on the end fitting mounted thereon for its connection to said structure.

La présente invention est particulièrement destinée à l'exploitation pétrolière "off shore".The present invention is particularly intended for "offshore" petroleum exploitation.

On entend par ligne flexible au sens de l'invention des conduites flexibles, en particulier des conduites tubulaires flexibles pour véhiculer des fluides tels que des hydrocarbures, des faisceaux composites du type "bundle", des ombilicaux, ou des câbles électriques. On entend par structure toute structure fixe ou mobile utilisable dans le domaine "off shore", telle qu'une structure rigide fixe "jacket", une structure oscillante assujettie au fond de la mer ou une structure flottante telle qu'un support naval de surface, une plate-forme semi-submersible, une colonne verticale flottante, ancrée, reliée à un navire pétrolier de stockage/séparation qui est amarré à elle, une bouée etc.For the purposes of the invention, the term “flexible line” means flexible conduits, in particular flexible tubular conduits for conveying fluids such as hydrocarbons, composite bundles of the “bundle” type, umbilicals, or electrical cables. By structure is meant any fixed or mobile structure usable in the "off shore" field, such as a fixed rigid "jacket" structure, an oscillating structure secured to the sea floor or a floating structure such as a naval surface support. , a semi-submersible platform, a floating vertical column, anchored, connected to an oil tanker for storage / separation which is moored to it, a buoy etc.

Plus précisément, l'invention est relative à un dispositif comprenant un limiteur de courbure engagé sur ladite ligne flexible et solidaire de moyens de fixation aptes à coopérer avec des moyens de fixation solidaires dudit organe rigide creux pour réaliser un encastrement du limiteur de courbure sur ladite structure.More specifically, the invention relates to a device comprising a curvature limiter engaged on said flexible line and secured to fastening means capable of cooperating with fastening means secured to said hollow rigid member in order to embed the curvature limiter on said structure.

Par limiteur de courbure, on entend tout type de dispositif permettant d'imposer à la ligne flexible un rayon de courbure supérieur à un rayon de courbure minimal dans une zone où la ligne flexible est soumise à des flexions, notamment des flexions répétées, risquant de provoquer sa détérioration.By curvature limiter is meant any type of device making it possible to impose on the flexible line a radius of curvature greater than a minimum radius of curvature in an area where the flexible line is subjected to bending, in particular repeated bending, risking cause its deterioration.

Le limiteur de courbure peut être de tout type connu, par exemple, constitué d'éléments rigides articulés appelés "vertèbres", ou de préférence sous la forme d'un raidisseur.The curvature limiter can be of any known type, for example, consisting of rigid articulated elements called "vertebrae", or preferably in the form of a stiffener.

Les raidisseurs connus sont généralement des blocs moulés en matière plastique telle qu'un polyuréthane, de forme au moins en partie tronconique, mis en place sur la ligne flexible et encastrés sur un support d'encastrement monté sur et/ou autour de la ligne flexible.Known stiffeners are generally blocks molded of plastic material such as a polyurethane, of at least partially frustoconical shape, placed on the flexible line and embedded on a mounting support mounted on and / or around the flexible line. .

Par encastrement au sens de l'invention, on entend une liaison mécanique rigide, au moins en flexion et vis-à-vis de translations latérales, entre le limiteur de courbure et son support d'encastrement, c'est-à-dire une liaison telle que le support d'encastrement bloque les déplacements angulaires (incurvation autour d'un axe quelconque perpendiculaire à l'axe de la ligne flexible) et les déplacements transversaux du limiteur de courbure, et par conséquent de la ligne flexible, les valeurs associées de couples de flexion et de forces d'appui étant intégralement supportées par le support d'encastrement. En variante, ledit encastrement peut être un encastrement intégral, assurant également le blocage des déplacements axiaux et des effets de torsion autour de l'axe longitudinal de la conduite flexible.By embedding within the meaning of the invention means a rigid mechanical connection, at least in flexion and with respect to lateral translations, between the curvature limiter and its embedding support, that is to say a connection such that the embedding support blocks the angular displacements (curving around any axis perpendicular to the axis of the flexible line) and the transverse displacements of the curvature limiter, and consequently of the flexible line, the associated values of bending torques and support forces being fully supported by the mounting support. As a variant, said embedding may be an integral embedding, also ensuring the blocking of the axial displacements and of the effects of torsion around the longitudinal axis of the flexible pipe.

L'organe rigide creux est une partie de la structure ou un organe solidement encastré sur la structure, telle qu'une plateforme, à laquelle une extrémité de la conduite flexible est raccordée, ledit organe rigide creux comportant une ouverture centrale pour le passage de la ligne flexible et constituant le dernier point d'appui de la ligne flexible sur la plateforme support, à la manière d'un écubier. Couramment, l'organe rigide creux qui constitue le support d'encastrement du limiteur de courbure est un tronçon d'extrémité d'un tube-guide dans lequel est engagée la ligne flexible, l'encastrement étant effectué dans la zone d'embouchure inférieure du tronçon d'extrémité du tube-guide.The hollow rigid member is a part of the structure or a member firmly embedded in the structure, such as a platform, to which one end of the flexible pipe is connected, said hollow rigid member having a central opening for the passage of the flexible line and constituting the last fulcrum of the flexible line on the support platform, in the manner of an hawk. Commonly, the hollow rigid member which constitutes the embedding support of the curvature limiter is an end section of a guide tube in which the flexible line is engaged, the embedding being carried out in the lower mouth zone of the end section of the guide tube.

Par tube-guide au sens de l'invention, on entend aussi bien un élément tubulaire vertical (I tube) qu'un élément tubulaire à dévers progressif (J tube). La fonction de tube-guide peut, en variante, être remplie par un treillis, ou toute autre forme de charpente présentant un passage interne pour guider la ligne flexible.By guide tube within the meaning of the invention is meant both a vertical tubular element (I tube) and a tubular element with progressive cant (J tube). The function of guide tube can, as a variant, be fulfilled by a trellis, or any other form of frame having an internal passage to guide the flexible line.

La technique consistant à tirer une ligne flexible par une extrémité au travers d'un tube-guide solidaire d'une structure, dite technique de "pull-in" est couramment utilisée dans le domaine pétrolier "off shore".The technique of pulling a flexible line at one end through a guide tube secured to a structure, called the "pull-in" technique is commonly used in the "off shore" petroleum field.

Cette technique peut être utilisée dans différentes configurations de systèmes d'exploitation de champs pétrolifères sous-marins et par exemple dans une installation de production comportant une ou plusieurs conduites ou "flow-lines" reliant les différentes têtes de puits sous-marines, ou autres équipements disposés sur le fond, à une structure formant un support de surface tel que décrit ci-dessus ou à une structure de subsurface, située à un niveau intermédiaire entre la surface et le fond sous-marin, ladite structure comportant divers équipements et, en particulier, des éléments de tuyauterie qui doivent être reliés par la conduite flexible aux équipements disposés sur le fond. Alternativement, l'installation de production peut comporter, au lieu d'un équipement disposé sur le fond, un deuxième support de surface, ou de subsurface, auquel est raccordée la seconde extrémité de la conduite flexible qui se trouve soit entièrement suspendue en chaînette entre les deux supports, soit repose en partie sur le fond.This technique can be used in different configurations of operating systems of underwater oil fields and for example in a production installation comprising one or more pipes or "flow-lines" connecting the different heads of underwater wells, or other equipment arranged on the bottom, to a structure forming a surface support as described above or to a subsurface structure, located at an intermediate level between the surface and the seabed, said structure comprising various equipment and, in in particular, piping elements which must be connected by the flexible pipe to the equipment arranged on the bottom. Alternatively, the production installation may comprise, instead of equipment disposed on the bottom, a second surface support, or subsurface, to which is connected the second end of the flexible pipe which is either entirely suspended in a chain between the two supports, or partly rests on the bottom.

Dans un premier mode de mise en oeuvre dans ce type d'installation, une conduite flexible est déroulée à partir d'un navire de pose, une première extrémité de la conduite étant tirée par la technique de "pull-in" de façon à pouvoir raccorder cette première extrémité de la conduite flexible à bord du support de surface en face duquel est positionné le navire de pose.In a first embodiment in this type of installation, a flexible pipe is unwound from a laying vessel, a first end of the pipe being pulled by the "pull-in" technique so as to be able to connect this first end of the flexible pipe to the edge of the surface support opposite which the laying vessel is positioned.

Le flexible est alors suspendu "en chainette" entre le navire de pose et le support de surface. Ensuite, le navire de pose s'éloigne et commence à dérouler la conduite flexible sur le fond.The hose is then suspended "in a chain" between the laying vessel and the surface support. Then the laying vessel moves away and begins to unwind the flexible pipe on the bottom.

Dans un second mode de mise en oeuvre, une fois la conduite flexible déposée sur pratiquement toute sa longueur par le navire de pose sur le fond sous-marin, la deuxième extrémité de la conduite flexible est reliée par un câble de traction au support de surface puis tirée à bord et raccordée.In a second embodiment, once the flexible pipe has been laid over practically its entire length by the laying vessel on the seabed, the second end of the flexible pipe is connected by a traction cable to the surface support then pulled on board and connected.

De façon habituelle, le raccordement entre l'embout terminal de la conduite flexible et le réseau de tuyauteries installé sur la structure formant support est réalisé au dessus de la surface de l'eau, au niveau d'un pont de travail par exemple. Un tel dispositif présente l'avantage de faciliter le raccordement de la conduite flexible à bord de la plateforme. Par contre, malgré la possibilité de disposer autour de l'extrémité supérieure de la conduite flexible un limiteur de courbure sous forme de raidisseur solidement encastré par rapport à la structure de support, ce dispositif présente des risques relativement sérieux pour la conduite tubulaire flexible, qui, dépourvue de protection doit traverser la zone de marnage (splash zone).Usually, the connection between the end fitting of the flexible pipe and the network of pipes installed on the support structure is made above the surface of the water, at a working bridge for example. Such a device has the advantage of facilitating the connection of the flexible pipe on board the platform. On the other hand, despite the possibility of having around a bending limiter around the upper end of the flexible pipe in the form of a stiffener firmly embedded in relation to the support structure, this device presents relatively serious risks for the flexible tubular pipe, which , without protection, must cross the splash zone.

De plus, lorsque la structure de support est flottante, ancrée, la conduite tubulaire flexible, subit les conséquences d'excursion de la structure à laquelle elle doit être fixée, notamment du fait que cette dernière, en tirant sur ses ancrages, s'écarte par rapport à la verticale de son lieu théorique de stationnement.In addition, when the support structure is floating, anchored, the flexible tubular conduit, undergoes the consequences of excursion of the structure to which it must be fixed, in particular the fact that the latter, by pulling on its anchors, departs relative to the vertical of its theoretical parking location.

Selon un autre dispositif connu, en particulier lorsque la structure est une plateforme flottante ancrée, le raccordement entre la conduite flexible et la plateforme est réalisé au dessous de la surface de l'eau, de préférence dans la partie basse de la plateforme au voisinage de la quille. L'avantage d'un tel dispositif est qu'il met la conduite flexible relativement à l'abri, en l'éloignant de la zone de turbulence maximale créée à la surface par la houle. Il est, néanmoins, considéré couramment comme nécessaire de mettre en place, au droit du raccordement de la ligne flexible à la structure, à l'extrémité inférieure du tube-guide solidaire de la structure, un limiteur de courbure sous forme de raidisseur, solidement encastré, visant à répartir les contraintes de flexion et à interdire au rayon de courbure imprimé à la ligne flexible d'attein- dre une valeur inférieure critique en deça de laquelle la ligne flexible risque d'être rapidement mise hors d'usage. Un tel dispositif présente l'inconvénient évident de nécessiter des opérations difficiles et coûteuses, assujetties aux conditions météorologiques, pour réaliser les connexions sous-marines.According to another known device, in particular when the structure is an anchored floating platform, the connection between the flexible pipe and the platform is made below the water surface, preferably in the lower part of the platform in the vicinity of Keel. The advantage of such a device is that it puts the flexible pipe relatively to the shelter, away from the zone of maximum turbulence created on the surface by the swell. It is, however, commonly considered necessary to install, at the right of the connection of the flexible line to the structure, at the lower end of the guide tube integral with the structure, a curvature limiter in the form of a stiffener, securely recessed, aimed at distributing the bending stresses and at preventing the radius of curvature printed on the flexible line from reaching a critical lower value below which the flexible line risks being rapidly put out of use. Such a device has the obvious drawback of requiring difficult and costly operations, subject to weather conditions, to make the subsea connections.

Par ailleurs, US-A-4 808 034 décrit un dispositif de raccordement d'une conduite flexible à une structure flottante dans lequel une plaque de guidage annulaire est réunie à un raidisseur monté à jeu autour de la conduite flexible. La plaque de guidage comporte, en saillie de son extrémité frontale, des pièces de fixation coopérant avec des pièces évidées correspondantes réalisées à l'extrémité inférieure du tube-guide vertical fixé à la structure.Furthermore, US-A-4 808 034 describes a device for connecting a flexible pipe to a floating structure in which an annular guide plate is joined to a stiffener mounted to play around the flexible pipe. The guide plate comprises, projecting from its front end, fastening parts cooperating with corresponding hollow parts produced at the lower end of the vertical guide tube fixed to the structure.

Dans cette réalisation, on met en oeuvre essentiellement deux phases de traction à l'aide de câbles de levage différents.In this embodiment, essentially two traction phases are implemented using different lifting cables.

Tout d'abord, on fixe des câbles aux pièces de fixation disposées en saillie à la périphérie de la plaque de guidage et on tire vers le haut l'ensemble constitué par la plaque de guidage solidaire du raidisseur et la conduite munie de son embout, ce dernier se trouvant en appui sur l'épaulement constitué par le bord interne de la plaque de guidage. Simultanément on fait venir un autre câble de levage disposé axialement et fixé à l'embout.First of all, cables are fixed to the fixing parts projecting at the periphery of the guide plate and the assembly consisting of the guide plate secured to the stiffener and the pipe provided with its end piece is pulled upwards, the latter being in abutment on the shoulder formed by the internal edge of the guide plate. Simultaneously another lifting cable is brought in, axially disposed and fixed to the end piece.

Une fois réalisée la solidarisation de la plaque de guidage avec l'extrémité du tube-guide, on tire à l'aide dudit autre câble de levage, fixé à l'embout, ce dernier ainsi que la ligne flexible, au travers du tube-guide, l'embout étant ensuite, de manière connue, raccordé à la structure à, ou au delà de, l'extrémité supérieure du tube-guide.Once the guide plate has been joined to the end of the guide tube, the other lifting cable, fixed to the end piece, is pulled, the latter as well as the flexible line, through the tube- guide, the end piece then being, in known manner, connected to the structure at, or beyond, the upper end of the guide tube.

Ce dispositif connu nécessite d'utiliser une pluralité de câbles de traction au cours d'étapes différentes.This known device requires the use of a plurality of traction cables during different stages.

Pendant la première phase de l'opération d'installation du dispositif, il est nécessaire de haler plusieurs câbles à la fois, en équilibrant leurs longueurs et tensions respectives pour tirer sur la plaque de guidage qui entraîne l'embout et la conduite flexible, et, en outre, d'amener simultanément le câble de levage axial avec un effort de traction minimum juste suffisant pour empêcher ce câble d'avoir du mou.During the first phase of the installation operation of the device, it is necessary to haul several cables at the same time, balancing their respective lengths and tensions to pull on the guide plate which drives the end piece and the flexible pipe, and , in addition, to simultaneously bring the axial lifting cable with a minimum tensile force just sufficient to prevent this cable from slack.

Ce dispositif est très difficile à mettre en oeuvre, en particulier dans le cas de lignes flexibles dont une certaine longueur repose sur le fond, pour assurer la traction de lignes flexibles de longueur importante et de poids élevé, poids auquel s'ajoutent les poids de l'embout, du raidisseur et de la plaque de guidage. De plus, le dispositif décrit dans le document antérieur est, compte-tenu de la configuration des moyens prévus pour le positionnement relatif et la fixation de la plaque de guidage et de l'extrémité du tube-guide, limité à une mise en oeuvre avec un tube-guide vertical. En outre, ce dispositif présente l'inconvénient grave que l'encastrement du raidisseur, tel qu'il est réalisé par la fixation de la plaque de guidage sur l'extrémité du tube-guide, manque de solidité.This device is very difficult to implement, in particular in the case of flexible lines of which a certain length rests on the bottom, to ensure the traction of flexible lines of significant length and of high weight, weight to which are added the weights of the end piece, the stiffener and the guide plate. In addition, the device described in the prior document is, taking into account the configuration of the means provided for the relative positioning and the fixing of the guide plate and of the end of the guide tube, limited to an implementation with a vertical guide tube. In addition, this device has the serious drawback that the embedding of the stiffener, as it is produced by the fixing of the guide plate on the end of the guide tube, lacks solidity.

La présente invention se propose de réaliser un dispositif qui soit d'une mise en oeuvre plus facile que les dispositifs antérieurement connus, et ne soit pas limité à une mise en oeuvre avec un tube-guide vertical, tout en permettant un encastrement efficace et fiable du limiteur de courbure, en particulier sous l'eau et de préférence sans intervention de plongeurs.The present invention proposes to provide a device which is easier to implement than the previously known devices, and is not limited to an implementation with a vertical guide tube, while allowing efficient and reliable embedding. of the curvature limiter, in particular underwater and preferably without the intervention of divers.

La présente invention a essentiellement pour objet un dispositif de montage d'une ligne flexible sur une structure comportant un organe rigide creux, faisant partie de ladite structure ou fixé sur ladite structure, et que traverse la ligne flexible après avoir été tirée à l'aide d'un câble de traction fixé à une extrémité de ladite ligne flexible, de préférence sur l'embout d'extrémité monté sur ladite ligne flexible pour son raccordement à ladite structure, et un limiteur de courbure, engagé sur ladite ligne flexible et solidaire de moyens de fixation aptes à coopérer avec des moyens de fixation solidaires dudit organe rigide creux pour réaliser un encastrement du limiteur de courbure sur ladite structure, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend des moyens pour immobiliser le limiteur de courbure sur ladite ligne flexible à distance de ladite extrémité de celle-ci pendant une première phase de traction de la ligne flexible à la fin de laquelle le limiteur de courbure est amené au niveau de la zone d'embouchure dudit organe rigide creux en vue de son encastrement, ledit organe rigide creux comportant au moins pendant ladite première phase de traction une pièce d'embouchure évasée.The present invention essentially relates to a device for mounting a flexible line on a structure comprising a rigid hollow member, forming part of said structure or fixed on said structure, and which the flexible line crosses after having been drawn using a traction cable fixed to one end of said flexible line, preferably on the end fitting mounted on said flexible line for its connection to said structure, and a curvature limiter, engaged on said flexible line and secured to fixing means capable of cooperating with fixing means secured to said hollow rigid member for embedding the curvature limiter on said structure, characterized in that it comprises means for immobilizing the curvature limiter on said flexible line at a distance from said end thereof during a first phase of traction of the flexible line at the end of which the curvature limiter is brought to the level of the mouth of said hollow rigid member with a view to its insertion rement, said hollow rigid member comprising at least during said first phase of traction a flared mouthpiece.

L'opération d'installation de la conduite flexible et du dispositif de raccordement selon l'invention comprend deux phases de traction de la conduite flexible par "pull-in", ces deux phases étant séparées par une étape intermédiaire pendant laquelle le limiteur de courbure est immobilisé sur la structure. Il convient de noter que, selon l'invention, la traction de la conduite flexible, lors de chacune des deux phases successives de traction est effectuée par halage d'un seul et même câble qui est le câble de traction fixé à l'embout terminal de la conduite flexible. Le dispositif selon l'invention présente ainsi l'avantage de permettre une opération d'installation facile, par comparaison avec le dispositif décrit dans US-A-4 808 034 qui nécessite un ensemble de câbles complémentaires fixés périphériquement sur des pièces d'extrémité en saillie de la plaque de guidage montée sur le limiteur de courbure pour effectuer la première phase de traction précédant la fixation de la plaque de guidage à l'extrémité inférieure du tube-guide.The installation operation of the flexible pipe and the connection device according to the invention comprises two phases of pulling the flexible pipe by "pull-in", these two phases being separated by an intermediate step during which the curvature limiter is immobilized on the structure. It should be noted that, according to the invention, the traction of the flexible pipe, during each of the two successive phases of traction is carried out by hauling a single and same cable which is the traction cable fixed to the end fitting flexible pipe. The device according to the invention thus has the advantage of allowing an easy installation operation, in comparison with the device described in US-A-4 808 034 which requires a set of complementary cables fixed peripherally on end pieces in projection of the guide plate mounted on the curvature limiter to perform the first phase of traction preceding the fixing of the guide plate to the lower end of the guide tube.

Un autre avantage du dispositif selon l'invention est que, pendant toute la durée de l'opération d'installation de la conduite flexible et, ultérieurement, lors de l'exploitation de l'installation en service, il permet, à l'endroit critique correspondant à la zone supérieure de la partie libre de la conduite flexible qui se trouve juste en dessous de la zone d'embouchure de l'organe rigide creux servant d'écubier, d'assurer en permanence une répartition régulière des contraintes de flexion et la limitation du rayon de courbure de la ligne flexible par rapport à la valeur minimale admise. Pendant la première phase de l'opération de traction, ce résultat est obtenu grâce à la pièce d'embouchure évasée prévue dans la zone d'embouchure de l'organe rigide creux, tel que le tronçon d'extrémité d'un tube-guide. Pendant la deuxième phase de l'opération de traction ainsi que de façon définitive, pendant toute la durée de l'exploitation de l'installation en service, cette fonction de contrôle de la courbure de la ligne flexible est réalisée par le limiteur de courbure qui a été encastré sur la structure.Another advantage of the device according to the invention is that, throughout the duration of the installation operation of the flexible pipe and, subsequently, during the operation of the installation in service, it allows, at the location critical corresponding to the upper zone of the free part of the flexible pipe which is just below the mouth of the hollow rigid member serving as a hawk, to permanently ensure a regular distribution of the bending stresses and the limitation of the radius of curvature of the flexible line with respect to the minimum value allowed. During the first phase of the pulling operation, this result is obtained thanks to the flared mouthpiece provided in the mouth area of the hollow rigid member, such as the end section of a guide tube . During the second phase of the traction operation as well as definitively, during the entire period of operation of the installation in service, this function of controlling the curvature of the flexible line is performed by the curvature limiter which was built into the structure.

Le dispositif selon l'invention présente encore l'avantage de permettre un encastrement solide du limiteur de courbure, l'opération de mise en place pouvant être effectuée facilement. En particulier, dans un mode avantageux de mise en oeuvre, l'installation du dispositif est réalisée sans plongeurs grâce des organes télécommandés depuis la surface.The device according to the invention also has the advantage of allowing solid embedding of the curvature limiter, the positioning operation being able to be carried out easily. In particular, in an advantageous embodiment, the installation of the device is carried out without plungers by means of remote-controlled members from the surface.

Dans un premier mode de réalisation, les moyens pour immobiliser le limiteur de courbure sur la ligne flexible pendant ladite première phase de traction sont libérables dudit limiteurde courbure après immobilisation de celui-ci. Dans ce cas, le limiteur de courbure est monté sur la ligne flexible avec un jeu radial de manière à permettre, après libération des moyens d'immobilisation du limiteur de courbure, qui restent bloqués axialement sur la ligne flexible, un coulissement de la ligne flexible par rapport au limiteur de courbure.In a first embodiment, the means for immobilizing the curvature limiter on the flexible line during said first traction phase are releasable from said curvature limiter after immobilization thereof. In this case, the curvature limiter is mounted on the flexible line with a radial clearance so as to allow, after release of the immobilization means of the curvature limiter, which remain axially blocked on the flexible line, a sliding of the flexible line compared to the curvature limiter.

Ainsi, après réalisation de l'encastrement, il est possible de mettre en oeuvre, à l'aide du même câble de traction la seconde phase de traction permettant la mise en place définitive de la ligne flexible parcou- lissement à l'intérieur de l'organe rigide creux jusqu'au raccordement final de l'embout d'extrémité à la structure.Thus, after completion of the embedding, it is possible to implement, using the same traction cable, the second traction phase allowing the final positioning of the flexible overhead line inside the rigid hollow member until the final connection of the end fitting to the structure.

Dans ce premier mode de réalisation, la pièce d'embouchure évasée peut être montée à demeure sur l'organe rigide creux ou est séparable pour permettre la mise en oeuvre des organes mécaniques qui réalisent l'encastrement.In this first embodiment, the flared mouthpiece can be permanently mounted on the hollow rigid member or is separable to allow the implementation of the mechanical members which carry out the embedding.

L'encastrement du limiteur de courbure peut être réalisé par tous moyens appropriés notamment par assemblage, à l'aide d'organes de fixation, de brides en regard du limiteur de courbure et de l'organe rigide creux, ou par engagement en correspondance de formes de deux portées complémentaires, par exemple tronconiques, en regard, du limiteurde courbure et de l'organe rigide creux ou de la pièce d'embouchure évasée. Les portées complémentaires sont de préférence appliquées l'une contre l'autre avec un effort axial suffisant par des moyens de serrage, tels qu'un ensemble vis-écrous ou avantageusement un collier de serrage à effet de coin.The embedding of the curvature limiter can be achieved by any appropriate means, in particular by assembling, using fixing members, flanges facing the curvature limiter and the hollow rigid member, or by engagement in correspondence of shapes of two complementary bearing surfaces, for example frustoconical, facing, of the curvature limiter and of the hollow rigid member or of the flared mouthpiece. The complementary bearing surfaces are preferably applied one against the other with sufficient axial force by tightening means, such as a screw-nut assembly or advantageously a clamp with corner effect.

Dans un second mode de réalisation de l'invention, les moyens pour immobiliser le limiteur de courbure sur la ligne flexible réalisent une solidarisation permanente du limiteur de courbure sur la ligne flexible, l'encastrement étant effectué par emmanchement coulissant de portées cylindriques en regard solidaires du limiteur de courbure et de l'organe rigide creux.In a second embodiment of the invention, the means for immobilizing the curvature limiter on the flexible line achieve permanent attachment of the curvature limiter on the flexible line, the embedding being effected by sliding fitting cylindrical bearing surfaces facing one another of the curvature limiter and of the hollow rigid member.

Dans ce cas, la distance entre l'emplacement auquel le limiteur de courbure est immobilisé sur la ligne flexible et l'extrémité de la ligne flexible qui doit être raccordée à la structure, doit être prédéterminée pour que, dans la position d'encastrement du limiteur de courbure, l'extrémité de la ligne flexible se trouve au niveau prévu pour son raccordement à la structure.In this case, the distance between the location at which the bend limiter is immobilized on the flexible line and the end of the flexible line which must be connected to the structure, must be predetermined so that, in the embedding position of the curvature limiter, the end of the flexible line is at the level provided for its connection to the structure.

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description suivante de différents exemples de mise en oeuvre donnés à titre nullement limitatif en se référant au dessin annexé dans lequel :

  • - la figure 1 illustre schématiquement une installation pétrolière off shore dans laquelle peut être mis en oeuvre le dispositif selon l'invention,
  • - les figures 2 à 4 illustrent différentes phases de mise en oeuvre d'un premier exemple de réalisation de dispositif selon l'invention, la figure 2 comportant deux zones montrées agrandies,
  • - les figures 5 à 8 illustrent schématiquement différentes phases de mises en oeuvre d'un second exemple de réalisation de dispositif selon l'invention, la figure 5 comportant deux zones montrées agrandies,
  • - les figures 9 et 10 illustrent schématiquement une variante de ce second exemple de réalisation,
  • - la figure 11 est une vue en coupe selon XI-XI de la figure 10, et
  • - les figures 12 et 13 illustrent schématiquement un autre exemple de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention selon deux phases de mises en oeuvre, la figure 12 comportant deux zones montrées agrandies,
  • - les figures 14 et 15 illustrent schématiquement encore un autre exemple de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention et sa mise en oeuvre.
Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the following description of various examples of implementation given without any limitation being given with reference to the appended drawing in which:
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an offshore oil installation in which the device according to the invention can be used,
  • FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate different phases of implementation of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, FIG. 2 comprising two zones shown enlarged,
  • FIGS. 5 to 8 schematically illustrate different phases of implementation of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, FIG. 5 comprising two zones shown enlarged,
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 schematically illustrate a variant of this second exemplary embodiment,
  • FIG. 11 is a sectional view along XI-XI of FIG. 10, and
  • FIGS. 12 and 13 schematically illustrate another embodiment of the device according to the invention according to two phases of implementation, FIG. 12 comprising two zones shown enlarged,
  • - Figures 14 and 15 schematically illustrate yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention and its implementation.

On se réfère tout d'abord à la figure 1 où l'on voit une installation de production d'hydrocarbures offshore comprenant une colonne verticale flottante 1 munie de lignes d'ancrage 2 au fond sous-marin.We first refer to Figure 1 where we see an offshore hydrocarbon production facility comprising a floating vertical column 1 provided with anchor lines 2 to the seabed.

Le long de la structure que constitue la colonne flottante 1 sont fixés des tubes-guides rigides 3 à l'intérieur desquels sont engagées, pour la remontée des hydrocarbures, des conduites tubulaires flexibles 4 qui peuvent être du type de celles fabriquées et commercialisées en grande longueur et en différents diamètres par la société déposante.Rigid guide tubes 3 are fixed along the structure of the floating column 1, inside which are engaged, for the ascent of the hydrocarbons, flexible tubular conduits 4 which may be of the type of those manufactured and sold on a large scale. length and in different diameters by the applicant company.

Les conduites tubulaires flexibles 4 sont équipées, de manière connue, d'un ensemble de bouées 5 de façon à déterminer une zone à concavité de sens inversé orientée vers le fond.The flexible tubular conduits 4 are equipped, in a known manner, with a set of buoys 5 so as to determine a zone with a concavity of reverse direction oriented towards the bottom.

Dans la zone de raccordement de chaque conduite tubulaire flexible 4 à l'extrémité inférieure du tube-guide correspondant 3, il est prévu un élément limiteur de courbure 6 qui sera décrit plus en détail dans la suite.In the connection area of each flexible tubular pipe 4 at the lower end of the corresponding guide tube 3, there is provided a curvature limiting element 6 which will be described in more detail below.

On a également schématisé sur la figure 1 un navire 7 utilisé pour la pose des conduites tubulaires flexibles 4.FIG. 1 also shows schematically a vessel 7 used for laying flexible tubular conduits 4.

On se réfère maintenant aux figures 2 à 4 qui illustrent un premier exemple de réalisation de dispositif selon l'invention, ainsi que les étapes de sa mise en place.Referring now to Figures 2 to 4 which illustrate a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, as well as the steps of its implementation.

Le limiteur de courbure 6 de ce mode de réalisation est réalisé sous la forme d'un raidisseur, notamment en polyuréthane, mis en place avec un jeu radial sur la conduite tubulaire flexible 4 avant que cette dernière n'ait été munie de son embout d'extrémité 8. Ce jeu radial permet un coulissement relatif entre le raidisseur et la conduite flexible après l'encastrement du raidisseur, décrit ci-après.The curvature limiter 6 of this embodiment is produced in the form of a stiffener, in particular made of polyurethane, put in place with a radial clearance on the flexible tubular pipe 4 before the latter has been provided with its end piece. 'end 8. This radial clearance allows relative sliding between the stiffener and the flexible pipe after the embedding of the stiffener, described below.

Le raidisseur peut être de tout type connu et en particulier de l'un des types décrits dans la demande de brevet PCT/FR91/01073 de la société déposante.The stiffener can be of any known type and in particular of one of the types described in patent application PCT / FR91 / 01073 of the applicant company.

Sur l'extrémité inférieure d'embouchure du tube-guide 3 est montée une pièce d'embouchure 9, en forme de trompette, comportant une bride 10 pour sa fixation à une bride 11 à l'extrémité d'embouchure du tube-guide 3.On the lower end of the mouth of the guide tube 3 is mounted a mouth piece 9, in the shape of a trumpet, comprising a flange 10 for its attachment to a flange 11 at the end of the mouth of the guide tube 3 .

Le raidisseur 6 comporte à son extrémité frontale une bride 12.The stiffener 6 has a flange 12 at its front end.

Un moyen d'immobilisation, tel qu'un collierde retenue 13, est mis en place et solidement fixé sur la conduite flexible 4 en arrière du raidisseur 6 de manière à immobiliser celui-ci en position sur la conduite tubulaire flexible pendant la première phase de remontée de celle-ci, comme cela va être décrit, ledit collier 13 pouvant être séparé du raidisseur 6 une fois l'encastrement réalisé.An immobilization means, such as a retaining collar 13, is put in place and securely fixed on the flexible pipe 4 behind the stiffener 6 so as to immobilize the latter in position on the flexible tubular pipe during the first phase of ascent thereof, as will be described, said collar 13 being able to be separated from the stiffener 6 once the embedding has been carried out.

Pour effectuer la remontée par traction de la conduite flexible, l'embout 8 est connecté à l'extrémité d'un câble de traction 14 associé à des moyens de levage, tels qu'un treuil monté sur la structure, telle que la colonne 1 sur laquelle doit être connectée la conduite tubulaire flexible.To raise the flexible pipe by traction, the end piece 8 is connected to the end of a traction cable 14 associated with lifting means, such as a winch mounted on the structure, such as the column 1 to which the flexible tubular pipe must be connected.

Pour mettre en oeuvre le dispositif selon l'invention, on exerce vers le haut un effort de traction sur le câble 14, ce qui provoque la remontée de l'ensemble constitué par l'embout 8, la conduite tubulaire flexible 4 et le raidisseur 6, maintenu en butée par le collier 13, jusqu'à ce que l'embout 8 après avoir traversé la pièce d'embouchure évasée 9 en forme de trompette à l'extrémité inférieure du tube-guide 3, pénètre dans celui-ci en entraînant la conduite 4.To implement the device according to the invention, a pulling force is exerted upwards on the cable 14, which causes the assembly constituted by the end piece 8, the flexible tubular pipe 4 and the stiffener 6 , held in abutment by the collar 13, until the end piece 8 after having passed through the flared mouthpiece 9 in the shape of a trumpet at the lower end of the guide tube 3, enters the latter by driving driving 4.

Pendant cette phase intermédiaire, illustrée à la figure 3, la pièce d'embouchure évasée 9 assure un appui continu avec une courbure déterminée pour supporter la conduite flexible dans sa zone critique de façon à maintenir son rayon de courbure au-dessus de la valeur minimale admise et empêcher son endommagement.During this intermediate phase, illustrated in FIG. 3, the flared mouthpiece 9 provides continuous support with a determined curvature to support the flexible pipe in its critical zone so as to maintain its radius of curvature above the minimum value admitted and prevent its damage.

En poursuivant la traction sur le câble 14, le raidisseur 6 parvient à proximité de la pièce d'embouchure évasée 9.By continuing to pull the cable 14, the stiffener 6 reaches close to the flared mouth piece 9.

On procède alors au démontage de la pièce d'embouchure, en désassemblant les brides 10 et 11, ce qui permet alors d'assembler la bride 12 du raidisseur 6 avec la bride 11 à l'extrémité inférieure du tube-guide 3.We then disassemble the mouthpiece, by disassembling the flanges 10 and 11, which then allows to assemble the flange 12 of the stiffener 6 with the flange 11 at the lower end of the guide tube 3.

Cette solidarisation des brides réalise un encastrement fiable du raidisseur à l'extrémité inférieure du tube-guide.This joining of the flanges achieves reliable embedding of the stiffener at the lower end of the guide tube.

Après réalisation de l'encastrement, le collier 13 peut être laissé en place sur la conduite 4.After completion of the fitting, the collar 13 can be left in place on the pipe 4.

De préférence, le collier 13 est fixé à l'avance sur la ligne flexible 4 en une position telle que la longueur de ligne flexible entre le collier et l'embout 8 soit suffisante pour que le collier se trouve écarté d'une certaine distance par rapport à l'extrémité arrière du raidisseur, lorsque, une fois l'opération de traction terminée, l'embout 8 est définitivement connecté à un organe de raccordement de la plateforme-support tel qu'une bride 38 (Figure 8). Cette disposition, illustrée par la figure 4, permet d'éviter que le collier 13 vienne heurter le raidisseur 6 lorsque, ultérieurement, la longueur de la conduite flexible 4 est amenée à varier légèrement en fonction des conditions de service, par exemple du fait de la pression interne dans la conduite, en coulissant à l'intérieur du raidisseur 6.Preferably, the collar 13 is fixed in advance on the flexible line 4 in a position such that the length of flexible line between the collar and the end piece 8 is sufficient for the collar to be spaced a certain distance apart. relative to the rear end of the stiffener, when, once the pulling operation is completed, the end piece 8 is definitively connected to a connection member of the support platform such as a flange 38 (Figure 8). This arrangement, illustrated in FIG. 4, makes it possible to prevent the collar 13 from striking the stiffener 6 when, subsequently, the length of the flexible pipe 4 is caused to vary slightly as a function of the conditions of service, for example due to the internal pressure in the pipe, sliding inside the stiffener 6.

Pour réaliser l'installation dans ces conditions, on peut, par exemple, procéder de la façon suivante : on relève la conduite flexible 4 au maximum, de sorte que le collier 13 venant pousser le raidisseur 6 avec la bride 12 contre la bride 11, l'encastrement du raidisseur 6 est réalisé par fixation des deux brides en regard par exemple par boulonnage, l'embout 8 se trouvant à un niveau un peu surélevé par rapport à la bride 38 à laquelle il doit être connecté.To carry out the installation under these conditions, one can, for example, proceed as follows: the flexible pipe 4 is raised to the maximum, so that the collar 13 pushing the stiffener 6 with the flange 12 against the flange 11, the embedding of the stiffener 6 is achieved by fixing the two opposite flanges for example by bolting, the end piece 8 being at a level slightly raised relative to the flange 38 to which it must be connected.

On réalise ensuite la connexion entre l'embout 8 et la bride 38 en rabaissant légèrement la conduite flexible 4 qui coulisse au travers du raidisseur 6 ce qui permet d'écarter le collier 13 par rapport au raidisseur.The connection between the end piece 8 and the flange 38 is then made by slightly lowering the flexible pipe 4 which slides through the stiffener 6, which makes it possible to separate the collar 13 from the stiffener.

En variante, il est possible de monter le collier 13 solidarisé, de manière séparable, avec le raidisseur6, par des organes mécaniques de connexion aptes à être rompus de façon à permettre le glissement relatif entre le raidisseur et la conduite flexible une fois l'encastrement réalisé, le collier 13 étant de préférence fixé en avant du raidisseur 6.As a variant, it is possible to mount the collar 13 secured, in a separable manner, with the stiffener 6, by mechanical connection members capable of being broken so as to allow relative sliding between the stiffener and the flexible pipe once the embedding produced, the collar 13 preferably being fixed in front of the stiffener 6.

A cet effet, différents modes d'exécution sont possibles.To this end, different modes of execution are possible.

Ainsi, il est possible de relier le collier au raidisseur par des organes tels que des câbles susceptibles d'être sectionnés, notamment par des plongeurs.Thus, it is possible to connect the collar to the stiffener by members such as cables capable of being cut, in particular by plungers.

En variante, il est possible de prévoir des moyens commandables à distance pour réaliser cette séparation ou encore de réaliser entre le collier et le raidisseur une liaison séparable sous l'effet d'une traction sur la conduite tubulaire flexible après réalisation de l'encastrement, du type par exemple des liaisons qui seront décrites plus loin en relation avec les exemples de réalisation des figures 5 à 11.As a variant, it is possible to provide means that can be controlled remotely to achieve this separation or else to produce between the collar and the stiffener a separable connection under the effect of a pull on the flexible tubular pipe after completion of the embedding, of the type for example of the connections which will be described later in relation to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 11.

On constate, en examinant le dessin, que le tube-guide 3 utilisé dans le mode de réalisation illustré est de type "J tube", c'est-à-dire un tube à dévers progressif. Ainsi, l'on comprend que l'invention n'est en aucune manière limitée à la mise en oeuvre avec un tube-guide vertical de type "I tube".It is found, by examining the drawing, that the guide tube 3 used in the illustrated embodiment is of the "J tube" type, that is to say a progressive cant tube. Thus, it is understood that the invention is in no way limited to implementation with a vertical guide tube of the "I tube" type.

On se réfère maintenant aux figures 5 à 8 qui illustrent un second exemple de réalisation de dispositif selon l'invention.Referring now to Figures 5 to 8 which illustrate a second embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Dans cette réalisation, la pièce d'embouchure 15 en forme de trompette est, contrairement à celle du mode de réalisation précédent, montée à demeure à l'extrémité inférieure du tube-guide 3.In this embodiment, the mouthpiece 15 in the shape of a trumpet is, unlike that of the previous embodiment, permanently mounted at the lower end of the guide tube 3.

Le raidisseur 16 est muni d'une bride de fixation 17 susceptible de venir en appui sur une bride d'extrémité 18 prévue à l'extrémité de la pièce d'embouchure 15.The stiffener 16 is provided with a fixing flange 17 capable of coming to bear on an end flange 18 provided at the end of the mouthpiece 15.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, le raidisseur 16 et la bride 17 sont solidaires d'une partie tronconique mâle 19 qui est constituée par une structure rigide, par exemple en tôle d'acier, entourant avec jeu la conduite flexible 4, et dont la surface extérieure, continue ou discontinue, constitue une portée d'encastrement, de forme générale tronconique, qui correspond à celle de l'évidement tronconique femelle 20 de la pièce d'embouchure 15. De préférence, les surfaces en regard des parties tronconiques, respectivement mâle et femelle, 19 et 20 forment des surfaces géométriques réglées et axisymétriques. Avantageusement, ces surfaces sont en forme de cônes de révolution de même angle.In this embodiment, the stiffener 16 and the flange 17 are integral with a male frustoconical part 19 which is constituted by a rigid structure, for example made of sheet steel, with clearance surrounding the flexible pipe 4, and the surface of which external, continuous or discontinuous, constitutes a mounting surface, of generally frustoconical shape, which corresponds to that of the female frustoconical recess 20 of the mouthpiece 15. Preferably, the facing surfaces of the frustoconical parts, respectively male and female, 19 and 20 form regulated and axisymmetric geometric surfaces. Advantageously, these surfaces are in the form of cones of revolution of the same angle.

La pièce d'embouchure 15 comporte une pluralité de cliquets 21, poussés par des ressorts 22, et aptes à coulisser dans des boîtiers 23 disposés radialement dans un même plan perpendiculaire à l'axe du passage cylindrique central que présente la pièce 15 et dans lequel doit être logée la conduite flexible 4.The mouthpiece 15 comprises a plurality of pawls 21, pushed by springs 22, and capable of sliding in housings 23 arranged radially in a same plane perpendicular to the axis of the central cylindrical passage that presents the part 15 and in which flexible pipe 4 must be housed.

Pour l'engagement des cliquets 21, il est prévu une gorge 24 dans la surface extérieure d'une partie antérieure qui prolonge la partie tronconique mâle 19 et qui constitue une structure rigide solidaire de cette partie tronconique mâle 19. Cette partie antérieure présente un passage central, par exemple cylindrique, à l'intérieur duquel est disposée la conduite flexible 4, et une surface extérieure, de forme générale,par exemple cylindrique, telle qu'elle peut prendre place à l'intérieur de la partie supérieure de la pièce d'embouchure 15.For the engagement of the pawls 21, a groove 24 is provided in the external surface of a front part which extends the male frustoconical part 19 and which constitutes a rigid structure integral with this male frustoconical part 19. This front part has a passage central, for example cylindrical, inside which the flexible pipe 4 is disposed, and an outer surface, of general shape, for example cylindrical, such that it can take place inside the upper part of the part d '' mouth 15.

L'extrémité avant de la partie antérieure solidaire de la partie tronconique mâle 19 comporte un élément 39 réalisé de façon à pouvoir être serré de manière fixe sur la conduite flexible 4. Entre l'élément de serrage 39 et la gorge 24, la partie antérieure solidaire de la partie tronconique mâle 19 comporte une zone de rupture 25 qui présente une valeur déterminée limitée de résistance à l'effort axial de traction, de façon à pouvoir être rompue lorsque le câble 14 exerce une traction supérieure à la valeur limite de résistance. La zone de rupture 25 peut être réalisée selon tout principe connu, par exemple par un manchon cylindrique d'épaisseur réduite, un manchon cylindrique comportant une pluralité de trous d'un certain diamètre, ou une gorge, ou encore pluralité de goujons longitudinaux formant une cage cylindrique.The front end of the front part secured to the male frustoconical part 19 comprises an element 39 made so that it can be fixedly fixed on the flexible pipe 4. Between the clamping element 39 and the groove 24, the front part integral with the tapered male part 19 has a rupture zone 25 which has a limited determined value of resistance to the axial tensile force, so as to be able to be broken when the cable 14 exerts a traction greater than the resistance limit value. The rupture zone 25 can be produced according to any known principle, for example by a cy sleeve lindrique of reduced thickness, a cylindrical sleeve comprising a plurality of holes of a certain diameter, or a groove, or even plurality of longitudinal studs forming a cylindrical cage.

Pour réaliser l'engagement et l'immobilisation dans la pièce d'embouchure 15 de l'ensemble constitué par le raidisseur 16, la bride 17 et la partie tronconique mâle 19, comme cela sera expliqué ci-après, on exerce une traction vers le haut, comme illustré aux figures 5 et 6, sur le câble de traction 14 remontant la conduite tubulaire flexible 4 par l'intermédiaire de son embout d'extrémité 8, ledit ensemble étant ainsi simultanément entraîné, grâce à l'élément de serrage 39 solidement fixé sur la conduite 4.To achieve engagement and immobilization in the mouthpiece 15 of the assembly constituted by the stiffener 16, the flange 17 and the male frustoconical part 19, as will be explained below, a pull is exerted towards the top, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, on the traction cable 14 going up the flexible tubular conduit 4 via its end tip 8, said assembly thus being simultaneously driven, thanks to the clamping element 39 securely fixed on the pipe 4.

A un moment du déplacement l'embout d'extrémité 8 ayant pénétré dans la pièce d'embouchure 15 la conduite flexible 4 est guidée dans la portée tronconique femelle qui comme la pièce d'embouchure 9 du mode de réalisation précédent permet de maintenir son rayon de courbure au-dessus de la valeur minimale admise.At a time of movement, the end fitting 8 having penetrated into the mouthpiece 15 the flexible pipe 4 is guided in the female frustoconical bearing which, like the mouthpiece 9 of the previous embodiment, allows it to maintain its radius curvature above the minimum allowable value.

Dans la suite du déplacement, la partie tronconique 19 à l'avant du raidisseur 16 parvient au niveau de la partie tronconique femelle 20 de la pièce d'embouchure 15. Simultanément, les cliquets 21 s'engagent dans la gorge 24 immobilisant le raidisseur par rapport au tube-guide. Les cliquets peuvent présenter un profil dissymétrique permettant, en combinaison avec le profil de la gorge 24, l'engagement automatique dans le sens de la traction vers le haut, et le blocage du dispositif en sens opposé. Dans le mode de réalisation illustré par les figures 5 à 8, les cliquets 21 assurent l'immobilisation du raidisseur 16 de façon provisoire, préalablement à son encastrement, de telle sorte que la réalisation de l'encastrement est rendue plus facile. Avantageusement, la largeur de la gorge 24 dans le sens de l'axe de la conduite flexible est légèrement supérieure à celle des cliquets 21, le jeu longitudinal résultant permettant d'assurer l'encastrement de façon plus facile et plus solide. Les brides 17 et 18 sont alors en regard, en début de contact ou à très faible distance, sans toutefois être serrées.In the rest of the movement, the frusto-conical part 19 at the front of the stiffener 16 reaches the level of the female frusto-conical part 20 of the mouth piece 15. Simultaneously, the pawls 21 engage in the groove 24 immobilizing the stiffener relative to the guide tube. The pawls can have an asymmetrical profile allowing, in combination with the profile of the groove 24, automatic engagement in the upward pulling direction, and blocking of the device in the opposite direction. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8, the pawls 21 ensure the immobilization of the stiffener 16 temporarily, prior to its embedding, so that the realization of the embedding is made easier. Advantageously, the width of the groove 24 in the direction of the axis of the flexible pipe is slightly greater than that of the pawls 21, the resulting longitudinal play making it possible to secure the embedding in an easier and more solid manner. The flanges 17 and 18 are then facing each other, at the start of contact or at a very short distance, without however being tightened.

En poursuivant la traction à l'extrémité de la conduite tubulaire flexible, on provoque, comme illustré à la figure 7, l'arrachement de la zone de rupture 25, la conduite tubulaire flexible 4 pouvant coulisser à l'intérieur du tube-guide 3 jusqu'à sa position finale de raccordement avec la plateforme support, l'embout terminal 8 étant connecté à l'organe de raccordement, tel que la bride 38, solidaire de la plateforme (figure 8).By continuing to pull at the end of the flexible tubular pipe, as shown in FIG. 7, the rupture zone 25 is torn off, the flexible tubular pipe 4 being able to slide inside the guide tube 3 up to its final position of connection with the support platform, the end piece 8 being connected to the connection member, such as the flange 38, secured to the platform (Figure 8).

Pour réaliser l'encastrement, il est prévu selon l'invention, dans le cas de la variante illustrée par les figures 5 à 8, un collier de serrage 26 comprenant deux mâchoires articulées autour de la pièce d'embouchure 15, aptes à venir coiffer les brides en regard 17 et 18, le profil périphérique des brides et le profil périphérique des mâchoires, étant adaptés pour, lors de l'application du collier sur les brides, provoquer par effet de coin un mouvement axial des brides l'une vers l'autre de manière à amener en contact serré les parties tronconiques 19 et 20 respectivement solidaires du raidisseur et de la pièce d'embouchure. De préférence, l'une au moins des brides et la partie correspondante du collier 26 présentent un profil périphérique en forme de rampe permettant d'obtenir, grâce à un effort de serrage du collier relativement faible, une force de compression axiale suffisante entre les parties tronconiques mâle et femelle 19 et 20 de façon à réaliser un encastrement solide. Le collier 26 peut être un organe indépendant des autres éléments du dispositif, ou il peut être porté par l'ensemble constitué par le raidisseur 16 et la partie tronconique mâle 19, ou encore, ainsi qu'illustré dans la variante avantageuse des figures 5 à 8, il peut être supporté par la pièce d'embouchure 15.To achieve the embedding, there is provided according to the invention, in the case of the variant illustrated by Figures 5 to 8, a clamp 26 comprising two jaws articulated around the mouthpiece 15, capable of coming to cap the flanges facing 17 and 18, the peripheral profile of the flanges and the peripheral profile of the jaws, being suitable for, when applying the collar to the flanges, causing by corner effect an axial movement of the flanges towards one another. 'other so as to bring in tight contact the frustoconical parts 19 and 20 respectively integral with the stiffener and the mouthpiece. Preferably, at least one of the flanges and the corresponding part of the collar 26 have a ramp-shaped peripheral profile making it possible to obtain, by virtue of a relatively small clamping force on the collar, a sufficient axial compressive force between the parts tapered male and female 19 and 20 so as to achieve a solid embedding. The collar 26 may be a member independent of the other elements of the device, or it may be carried by the assembly constituted by the stiffener 16 and the male frustoconical part 19, or also, as illustrated in the advantageous variant of FIGS. 5 to 8, it can be supported by the mouthpiece 15.

On assure ainsi entre le raidisseur et le support d'encastrement constitué par la pièce d'embouchure à l'extrémité inférieure du tube-guide, un encastrement très efficace grâce à l'effet d'emboîtement conique entre les portées tronconiques 19 et 20 complémentaires.There is thus provided between the stiffener and the embedding support constituted by the mouthpiece at the lower end of the guide tube, a very effective embedding thanks to the conical interlocking effect between the frustoconical bearing surfaces 19 and 20 complementary .

Il est à noter que la fonction de serrage par l'extérieur réalisée par le collier 26 a essentiellement pour effet d'assurer la reprise des efforts axiaux, relativement faibles, et non pas d'assurer une résistance aux moments de flexion appliqués par la conduite tubulaire flexible et transmis par le raidisseur 16. Ces moments de flexion qui sont, dans la pratique très importants, sont directement repris par la coopération en correspondance de formes, au niveau de l'emmanchement conique des portées 19 et 20.It should be noted that the clamping function from the outside performed by the collar 26 essentially has the effect of ensuring the resumption of the relatively weak axial forces, and not of ensuring resistance to the bending moments applied by the pipe. flexible tubular and transmitted by the stiffener 16. These bending moments which are, in practice very important, are directly taken up by cooperation in correspondence of shapes, at the level of the conical fitting of the bearings 19 and 20.

L'opération de fermeture des mâchoires du collier de serrage 26, qui permet, ainsi que décrit ci-dessus, d'assurer à la fois le serrage et le verrouillage, réalisant l'encastrement définitif des portées d'encastrement 19 et 20, peut être réalisée dès que les cliquets 21 sont en place dans la gorge 24, ou bien encore, alternativement, une fois la conduite flexible 4 mise en place et l'embout 8 raccordé à la plateforme.The operation of closing the jaws of the clamp 26, which makes it possible, as described above, to ensure both clamping and locking, achieving the final embedding of the embedding surfaces 19 and 20, can be made as soon as the pawls 21 are in place in the groove 24, or alternatively, once the flexible pipe 4 is put in place and the end piece 8 connected to the platform.

Dans la variante de réalisation illustrée aux figures 9 à 11, il est prévu, pour le serrage par l'extérieur, dans la partie tronconique 19 solidaire du raidisseur, une gorge 27 apte à recevoir des poinçons de serrage 28 aptes à coulisser radialement dans une collerette de guidage 29 montée sur la pièce d'embouchure 15. Les différents poinçons 28 sont susceptibles d'être déplacés radialement pour venir s'engager dans la gorge 27 sous l'action d'une bague rotative 30 munie de surfaces en forme de rampes 31, la rotation de la bague autour de l'axe de la partie tronconique 20 entraînant radialement des poussoirs 32 entraînant les poinçons de serrage.In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11, there is provision, for clamping from the outside, in the frustoconical part 19 integral with the stiffener, a groove 27 capable of receiving clamping punches 28 capable of sliding radially in a guide flange 29 mounted on the mouth piece 15. The various punches 28 are capable of being moved radially so as to engage in the groove 27 under the action of a rotary ring 30 provided with ramp-shaped surfaces 31, the rotation of the ring around the axis of the frustoconical part 20 causing the pushers 32 to radially driving the clamping punches.

La rotation de la bague peut être réalisée par tout moyen approprié, notamment par tire-forts, vérins, engrenages droits ou vis tangente, ou encore par des moyens télécommandés depuis la surface. L'emplacement des poinçons de serrage dans la partie tronconique femelle est déterminée de telle sorte que, comme dans le mode de réalisation précédent, la coopération des surfaces en forme de rampes de la gorge 27 et des poinçons 28 qui agissent à la façon de clavettes de serrage provoque par effet de coin, un mouvement axial final de rapprochement des surfaces tronconiques en regard respectivement solidaires du raidisseur et de la pièce d'embouchure pour réaliser un encastrement exact et solide en correspondance de formes des pièces correspondantes.The ring can be rotated by any suitable means, in particular by pulls, jacks, spur gears or tangent screws, or even by means remotely controlled from the surface. The location of the clamping punches in the female frustoconical part is determined so that, as in the previous embodiment, the cooperation of the ramp-shaped surfaces of the groove 27 and the punches 28 which act like keys clamping causes by corner effect, a final axial movement of approaching the frustoconical facing surfaces respectively secured to the stiffener and the mouthpiece to achieve an exact and solid fitting in correspondence of shapes of the corresponding parts.

Des cliquets (non illustrés), en coopération avec la gorge 24, assurent au préalable la fonction de retenue, de la même façon que dans le mode de réalisation précédent.Ratchets (not shown), in cooperation with the groove 24, provide the retaining function beforehand, in the same way as in the previous embodiment.

Dans le mode de réalisation des figures 12 et 13, une pièce d'embouchure 33 est fixée à demeure sur un tube cylindrique 40 formant l'extrémité inférieure du tube-guide 3. Le raidisseur 6 est solidarisé par sa bride d'extrémité 12 avec la bride d'extrémité arrière 34 d'une pièce cylindrique 35 dont le diamètre extérieur correspond avec un faible jeu au diamètre intérieur du tube 40 pour réaliser un encastrement en correspondance de formes à l'intérieur du tube 40.In the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13, a mouthpiece 33 is permanently fixed to a cylindrical tube 40 forming the lower end of the guide tube 3. The stiffener 6 is secured by its end flange 12 with the rear end flange 34 of a cylindrical part 35 whose outside diameter corresponds with a slight clearance to the inside diameter of the tube 40 in order to form a fitting in correspondence of shapes inside the tube 40.

La pièce 35 en forme de manchette cylindrique présente une partie d'extrémité conique 36 et est réalisée de préférence en deux demi-coquilles rigides comportant des moyens de serrage 37 sur la conduite tubulaire flexible 4.The part 35 in the form of a cylindrical cuff has a conical end portion 36 and is preferably produced in two rigid half-shells comprising clamping means 37 on the flexible tubular pipe 4.

La pièce 35 est ainsi solidement fixée sur la conduite 4 et assure, de façon non libérable, l'immobilisation du raidisseur sur cette dernière à distance déterminée de l'embout 8.The part 35 is thus firmly fixed on the pipe 4 and ensures, in a non-releasable manner, the immobilization of the stiffener on the latter at a determined distance from the end piece 8.

Il vient d'être mentionné que, par suite de la traction exercée sur la conduite flexible, la manchette 35 solidaire du raidisseur réalise un encastrement en correspondance de formes avec le tube cylindrique 40 formant l'extrémité inférieure du tube-guide 3.It has just been mentioned that, as a result of the traction exerted on the flexible pipe, the cuff 35 integral with the stiffener realizes an embedding in correspondence of shapes with the cylindrical tube 40 forming the lower end of the guide tube 3.

Il convient cependant de remarquer que, compte-tenu des tolérances sur le diamètre de fabrication de la conduite tubulaire flexible et de la nature des moyens de serrage des deux demi-coquilles de la manchette 35 sur la conduite tubulaire flexible, il est peu probable que la manchette assemblée présente à la fois une section droite parfaitement circulaire et un diamètre circonscrit exactement prévisible.However, it should be noted that, given the tolerances on the diameter of manufacture of the flexible tubular pipe and the nature of the means of tightening the two half-shells of the sleeve 35 on the flexible tubular pipe, it is unlikely that the assembled cuff has both a perfectly circular cross section and a precisely predictable circumscribed diameter.

En outre, le tube 40 constituant l'extrémité du tube-guide 3 a ses propres tolérances de fabrication et peut avoir été localement déformé, notamment par soudure ou diverses manipulations.In addition, the tube 40 constituting the end of the guide tube 3 has its own manufacturing tolerances and may have been locally deformed, in particular by welding or various manipulations.

De ce fait, dans la pratique, on prévoit un certain jeu entre le diamètre extérieur de la manchette 35 et le diamètre intérieur de la partie cylindrique inférieure 40 du tube-guide. On réalise ainsi, entre l'ensemble constitué par le raidisseur 6 et la manchette 35 immobilisés sur la conduite flexible 4, d'une part, et, d'autre part, le support d'encastrement constitué par le tube cylindrique 40 avec la pièce d'embouchure évasée 33, un encastrment non pas intégral, mais partiel, du type encastrement par emmanchement cylindrique ainsi qu'il a été décrit ci-dessus. Un tel encastrement bloque les effets de flexion et les effets d'appui radial, tout en permettant le coulissement axial relatif entre les deux ensembles, présentant ainsi l'avantage que les variations de longueur de la conduite tubulaire flexible en fonction des variations de pression interne dans la conduite sont librement absorbées.Therefore, in practice, a certain clearance is provided between the outside diameter of the cuff 35 and the inside diameter of the lower cylindrical part 40 of the guide tube. This produces, between the assembly constituted by the stiffener 6 and the cuff 35 immobilized on the flexible pipe 4, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the mounting support constituted by the cylindrical tube 40 with the part flared mouth 33, not an integral, but partial recess, of the recess type by cylindrical fitting as described above. Such embedding blocks the effects of bending and the effects of radial support, while allowing relative axial sliding between the two assemblies, thus having the advantage that variations in length of the flexible tubular conduit as a function of variations in internal pressure. in the pipe are freely absorbed.

Dans les cas où ce dispositif risquerait d'être affecté par des effets nuisibles de matage en permanence, il est possible d'intercaler une couche intermédiaire de matériau tampon apte à amortir les chocs dans l'espace annulaire entre la manchette 35 et le tube 40.In cases where this device is likely to be affected by harmful effects of permanently matting, it is possible to interpose an intermediate layer of buffer material capable of absorbing shocks in the annular space between the sleeve 35 and the tube 40 .

On se réfère maintenant aux figures 14 et 15.We now refer to Figures 14 and 15.

De même que dans le mode de réalisation illustré dans les figures 9 à 11, le raidisseur 16 constitue la partie postérieure d'un ensemble qui présente un passage central axial pour la conduite flexible 4 et qui comporte une partie tronconique mâle 19 rigide, ainsi qu'une partie antérieure dont l'extrémité frontale comporte un élément 39 pouvant être serré de manière fixe à la façon d'un collier sur la conduite 4 et constituant ainsi un moyen d'immobilisation dudit ensemble solidaire du raidisseur 16. Entre la partie tronconique 19 et l'élément de serrage 39, la partie antérieure comporte une zone de rupture 25 telle que décrite ci-dessus. Dans la réalisation des figures 14 et 15, la surface extérieure de la partie tronconique 19 comporte une partie annulaire en creux 41 dont le contour présente, dans sa partie antérieure, une portée conique 42.As in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9 to 11, the stiffener 16 constitutes the rear part of an assembly which has an axial central passage for the flexible pipe 4 and which comprises a rigid male frustoconical part 19, as well as 'a front part whose front end comprises an element 39 which can be fixedly fixed in the manner of a collar on the pipe 4 and thus constituting a means for immobilizing said assembly integral with the stiffener 16. Between the frustoconical part 19 and the clamping element 39, the front part has a rupture zone 25 as described above. In the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, the outer surface of the frustoconical part 19 comprises an annular hollow part 41 whose contour has, in its front part, a conical bearing 42.

En tirant depuis la plateforme-support, le câble de traction 14, dont l'extrémité est connectée à l'embout terminal 8 de la conduite 4 et qui passe dans l'ouverture centrale que comporte la pièce d'embouchure 15 solidaire de la plateforme 1 au voisinage de sa partie inférieure, on provoque la remontée de la conduite flexible 4 et de l'ensemble solidaire du raidisseur 16 qui reste immobilisé sur la conduite flexible, pendant la première phase de l'opération de traction, par l'intermédiaire de l'élément de serrage 39.By pulling from the support platform, the pulling cable 14, the end of which is connected to the end fitting 8 of the pipe 4 and which passes through the central opening which the mouthpiece 15 is integral with the platform 1 in the vicinity of its lower part, the flexible pipe 4 and the integral assembly of the stiffener 16 are brought up, which remains immobilized on the flexible pipe, during the first phase of the traction operation, by means of the clamping element 39.

La pièce d'embouchure 15, qui peut constituer la partie inférieure d'un tube-guide 3, comporte une partie tronconique femelle 20 définissant une surface intérieure conique qui est en correspondance de formes avec la surface extérieure enveloppée par la partie tronconique mâle 19. Une pluralité de loquets ou chiens 43, par exemple au nombre de trois, sont disposés à l'intérieur de boîtiers 44 où ils sont guidés de manière à pouvoir être mobiles en translation selon des axes radiaux par rapport à l'axe longitudinal de la partie tronconique 20. Des ressorts 45 poussent les loquets 43 vers le centre. La partie frontale, dirigée vers l'axe des loquets présente, dans un plan méridien passant par ledit axe longitudinal du dispositif, un contour extérieur en forme de coin 46.The mouthpiece 15, which may constitute the lower part of a guide tube 3, comprises a female frustoconical part 20 defining a conical internal surface which is in correspondence of shapes with the external surface enveloped by the male frustoconical part 19. A plurality of latches or dogs 43, for example three in number, are arranged inside housings 44 where they are guided so as to be able to be movable in translation along radial axes relative to the longitudinal axis of the part frustoconical 20. Springs 45 push the latches 43 towards the center. The front part, directed towards the axis of the latches has, in a meridian plane passing through said longitudinal axis of the device, a wedge-shaped outer contour 46.

Au repos, les loquets 43, poussés par les ressorts 45, sortent partiellement des boîtiers 44, et leur extrémité frontale se trouve en dépassement à l'intérieur de la surface interne de la partie tronconique femelle 20, comme il apparaît dans la moitié gauche de la figure 15 A.At rest, the latches 43, pushed by the springs 45, partially exit from the housings 44, and their front end is projecting inside the internal surface of the female frustoconical part 20, as it appears in the left half of Figure 15 A.

L'opération de traction étant poursuivie, la partie tronconique mâle 19 pénètre à l'intérieur de la partie tronconique femelle 20 et vient en contact avec la partie frontale 46 des loquets 43, au niveau de la portée conique 47 de la partie tronconique mâle 19 qui est située juste en avant de la partie en creux 41. La zone concernée de la partie frontale 46 (ligne en tirets sur la moitié droite de la figure 15A) présente un profil en came tel que les loquets 43 sont repoussés à l'intérieur des boîtiers 44 en comprimant les ressorts 45, de façon à dégager la surface intérieure de la partie tronconique femelle 20 (ligne en trait plein sur la moitié droite de la figure 15A). Lorsque les parties tronconiques, respectivement mâle et femelle 19 et 20, arrivent en appui l'une sur l'autre à la fin de la première phase de l'opération de traction, les loquets 43 se trouvent alors en face de la partie en creux 41 dans laquelle ils pénètrent sous l'action des ressorts 45, pour se trouver à nouveau en position sortie comme illustré sur la moitié gauche de la Figure 15A. La zone active de la partie frontale 46 des loquets 43, qui est la zone antérieure du côté du sommet des formes coniques 19 et 20, présente un profil en came tel que les loquets 43, en pénétrant à l'intérieur de la partie en creux 41, prennent appui sur la portée conique 42. La pénétration radiale des loquets 43 qui agissent à la façon de clavettes de serrage, détermine ainsi par effet de coin un effort de serrage axial permettant un encastrement solide de la partie tronconique mâle 19 solidaire du raidisseur 16 dans la partie tronconique femelle 20.The traction operation being continued, the male frusto-conical part 19 penetrates inside the female frusto-conical part 20 and comes into contact with the front part 46 of the latches 43, at the conical surface 47 of the male frusto-conical part 19 which is located just in front of the hollow part 41. The zone concerned of the front part 46 (dashed line on the right half of FIG. 15A) has a cam profile such that the latches 43 are pushed back inside. housings 44 by compressing the springs 45, so as to release the internal surface of the female frustoconical part 20 (line in solid line on the right half of FIG. 15A). When the frustoconical parts, male and female 19 and 20 respectively, come to bear one on the other at the end of the first phase of the traction operation, the latches 43 are then opposite the hollow part 41 in which they enter under the action of the springs 45, to find themselves again in the extended position as illustrated in the left half of Figure 15A. The active zone of the front part 46 of the latches 43, which is the anterior zone on the top side of the conical shapes 19 and 20, has a cam profile such as the latches 43, penetrating inside the hollow part 41, bear on the conical bearing 42. The radial penetration of the latches 43 which act in the manner of clamping keys, thus determines by corner effect an axial clamping force allowing a solid embedding of the tapered male part 19 integral with the stiffener 16 in the female frustoconical part 20.

On comprend que, dans ce mode de réalisation, les loquets 43 remplissent, à la fois et successivement, en coopération avec la partie en creux 41 et la portée conique 42, d'une part la fonction de retenue provisoire du raidisseur assurée, par exemple, par les cliquets 21 s'engageant dans la gorge 24 dans le cas de la variante des figures 5 à 8, ou de la variante des figures 9 à 11, et, d'autre part, la fonction de serrage des organes d'encastrement qui était réalisée par le collier 26 avec les brides 17 et 18 dans le cas de la variante des figures 5 à 8, et par les poinçons 28 pénétrant dans la gorge 27 dans le cas de la variante des figures 9 à 11.It is understood that, in this embodiment, the latches 43 fill, both and successively, in cooperation with the hollow part 41 and the conical bearing 42, on the one hand the provisional retaining function of the stiffener provided, for example , by the pawls 21 engaging in the groove 24 in the case of the variant of FIGS. 5 to 8, or of the variant of FIGS. 9 to 11, and, on the other hand, the tightening function of the embedding members which was produced by the collar 26 with the flanges 17 and 18 in the case of the variant of FIGS. 5 to 8, and by the punches 28 penetrating into the groove 27 in the case of the variant of FIGS. 9 to 11.

Le dispositif est ensuite verrouillé définitivement dans la position d'encastrement ainsi réalisée. Acette fin, on peut utiliser divers moyens mécaniques connus permettant, indépendamment de l'action des ressorts 45, de bloquer de façon irréversible les loquets 43 contre la portée conique 42 en regard. Dans le cas illustré par la figure 15, on utilise des boulons 48 dirigés selon le même axe radial des boîtiers 44 que les loquets 43, et qui sont poussés en appui contre la face postérieure des loquets 43 par vissage dans des écrous 49 solidaires des boîtiers 44. Le vissage des boulons 48 peut être réalisé, par exemple, par un robot sous-marin télécommandé tel qu'un ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle). En variante, le blocage des loquets 43 peut être réalisé par des doigts, similaires aux poinçons de serrage 28 illustrés par les figures 10 et 11, et qui sont poussés sous l'effet de la rotation d'une bague rotative présentant des surfaces en forme de rampes analogues aux rampes 31 de la bague 30. Alternativement, on peut utiliser une bague rotative présentant des surfaces en forme de rampes qui constituent une surface cylindrique ou conique autour de l'axe longitudinal de la partie tronconique 20, et non pas inscrites dans un plan radial, dans ce cas, les rampes peuvent agir, toujours par effet de coin, sur une face latérale de la partie arrière des loquets présentant une pente d'angle convenable. Il est possible également, de réaliser de tels dispositifs entièrement télécommandés depuis la surface, par exemple en utilisant des organes de motorisation hydraulique.The device is then permanently locked in the embedding position thus produced. Acette end, it is possible to use various known mechanical means allowing, independently of the action of the springs 45, to irreversibly block the latches 43 against the conical bearing 42 facing. In the case illustrated in FIG. 15, bolts 48 are used which are directed along the same radial axis of the housings 44 as the latches 43, and which are pushed into abutment against the rear face of the latches 43 by screwing in nuts 49 integral with the housings 44. The bolting of the bolts 48 can be carried out, for example, by a remote-controlled underwater robot such as a ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle). Alternatively, the latches 43 can be locked by fingers, similar to the clamping punches 28 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, and which are pushed under the effect of the rotation of a rotary ring having shaped surfaces of ramps similar to the ramps 31 of the ring 30. Alternatively, it is possible to use a rotary ring having surfaces in the form of ramps which constitute a cylindrical or conical surface around the longitudinal axis of the frustoconical part 20, and not inscribed in a radial plane, in this case, the ramps can act, always by wedge effect, on a lateral face of the rear part of the latches having a suitable angle slope. It is also possible to produce such devices which are entirely remote-controlled from the surface, for example by using hydraulic drive members.

Lorsque l'encastrement du dispositif de raccordement est réalisé, et le verrouillage effectué, il est possible d'entreprendre la deuxième phase de l'opération de traction. En reprenant la traction sur le câble 14, on commence par provoquer la rupture de la zone 25, ce qui permet de libérer la conduite flexible 4 par rapport à l'ensemble solidaire du raidisseur 6 qui reste définitivement encastré sur le support d'encastrement 15, l'élément de serrage 39 restant fixé sur la conduite. On peut alors terminer l'opération de remontée de la conduite flexible jusqu'au raccordement de l'embout 8 avec l'organe 38, telle qu'une bride, à bord de la plateforme.When the fitting of the connection device is made, and the locking done, it is possible to undertake the second phase of the pulling operation. By resuming traction on the cable 14, one begins by causing the rupture of the zone 25, which makes it possible to release the flexible pipe 4 relative to the assembly integral with the stiffener 6 which remains permanently embedded on the mounting support 15 , the clamping element 39 remaining fixed on the pipe. We can then complete the raising operation of the flexible pipe until the connection of the nozzle 8 with the member 38, such as a flange, on board the platform.

Il est possible, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention d'installer le dispositif d'encastrement du raidisseur dans la partie supérieure de la plateforme-support à laquelle est raccordée la conduite flexible, au-dessus du niveau de la mer, et non pas, comme décrit ci-dessus, en position immergée au voisinage de la partie basse de la plateforme. Dans ce cas, la longueur du tronçon terminal de la conduite flexible entre son embout d'extrémité et le dispositif d'encastrement du raidisseur est relativement réduite, mais l'embout reste séparé de la zone d'encastrement.It is possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to install the embedding device of the stiffener in the upper part of the support platform to which the flexible pipe is connected, above sea level, and not not, as described above, in the submerged position in the vicinity of the lower part of the platform. In this case, the length of the end section of the flexible pipe between its end end piece and the embedding device of the stiffener is relatively reduced, but the end piece remains separated from the embedding area.

Bien que l'invention ait été décrite en liaison avec un mode de réalisation particulier, il est bien entendu évident qu'elle n'y est nullement limitée et qu'on peut lui apporter toutes modifications désirables sans sortir pour autant ni de son cadre ni de son esprit.Although the invention has been described in connection with a particular embodiment, it is of course obvious that it is in no way limited thereto and that any desirable modifications may be made to it without departing from its scope or of his mind.

Claims (12)

1 - Dispositif de montage d'une ligne flexible sur une structure, comportant un organe rigide creux, faisant partie de ladite structure ou fixé sur ladite structure, et que traverse la ligne flexible après avoir été tirée à l'aide d'un câble de traction fixé à une extrémité de ladite ligne flexible, en particulier sur l'embout d'extrémité monté sur celle-ci pour son raccordement à ladite structure, et un limiteur de courbure engagé sur ladite ligne flexible et solidaire de moyens de fixation aptes à coopérer avec des moyens de fixation solidaires dudit organe rigide creux pour réaliser un encastrement du limiteur de courbure sur ladite structure, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend des moyens (13,35,39) pour immobiliser le limiteur de courbure (6, 16) sur ladite ligne flexible (4) à distance de ladite extrémité de celle-ci pendant une première phase de traction de la ligne flexible à la fin de laquelle le limiteur de courbure est amené au niveau de la zone d'embouchure dudit organe rigide creux (3,40) en vue de son encastrement, ledit organe rigide creux comportant au moins pendant ladite première phase de traction une pièce d'embouchure évasée (9,15,33).1 - Device for mounting a flexible line on a structure, comprising a rigid hollow member, forming part of said structure or fixed on said structure, and which the flexible line crosses after being pulled using a traction cable fixed to one end of said flexible line, in particular on the end fitting mounted thereon for its connection to said structure, and a curvature limiter engaged on said flexible line and secured to fixing means capable of cooperating with fixing means secured to said hollow rigid member for embedding the curvature limiter on said structure, characterized in that it comprises means (13, 35, 39) for immobilizing the curvature limiter (6, 16) on said flexible line (4) at a distance from said end of the latter during a first phase of traction of the flexible line at the end of which the curvature limiter is brought to the level of the mouth of said hollow rigid member (3.40) in v eu of its embedding, said hollow rigid member comprising at least during said first phase of traction a flared mouthpiece (9,15,33). 2 - Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que les moyens (13, 39) pour immobiliser le limiteur de courbure sur la ligne flexible pendant ladite première phase de traction sont bloqués axialement sur la ligne flexible et sont libérables dudit limiteur de courbure après immobilisation de celui-ci.2 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (13, 39) for immobilizing the curvature limiter on the flexible line during said first traction phase are axially blocked on the flexible line and are releasable from said curvature limiter after immobilization thereof. 3 - Dispositif selon la revendication 2, caractérisé par le fait que lesdits moyens d'immobilisation libérables comportent un organe tel qu'un collier (13) immobilisé axialement sur la ligne flexible en arrière du limiteurde courbure (6), ledit limiteur de courbure étant en appui contre ledit collier pendant ladite première phase de traction.3 - Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said releasable immobilization means comprise a member such as a collar (13) immobilized axially on the flexible line behind the curvature limiter (6), said curvature limiter pressing against said collar during said first traction phase. 4 - Dispositif selon la revendication 2, caractérisé par le fait que lesdits moyens d'immobilisation libérables (39) sont solidaires du limiteur de courbure (16) pendant ladite première phase de traction et sont reliés à lui par une zone de rupture (25) présentant une valeur déterminée limitée de résistance à l'effort de traction axial.4 - Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said releasable immobilization means (39) are integral with the curvature limiter (16) during said first traction phase and are connected to it by a rupture zone (25) having a limited determined value of resistance to axial tensile force. 5 - Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 4, caractérisé par le fait que le limiteur de courbure est monté sur la ligne flexible de manière à permettre, après libération des moyens d'immobilisation (13, 39) du limiteur de courbure, un coulissement de la ligne flexible par rapport à ce dernier.5 - Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the curvature limiter is mounted on the flexible line so as to allow, after release of the immobilization means (13, 39) of the curvature limiter , a sliding of the flexible line relative to the latter. 6 - Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé par le fait que la pièce d'embouchure évasée (9) est séparable après réalisation de l'encastrement.6 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flared mouthpiece (9) is separable after completion of the fitting. 7 - Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé par le fait que la pièce d'embouchure évasée (15,33) est fixée à demeure sur l'organe rigide creux. 8 - Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 et 7, caractérisé par le fait que l'encastrement du limiteur de courbure est réalisé par engagement en correspondance de formes de portées (19,47,35 ; 20,40) en regard solidaires respectivement du limiteur de courbure et dudit organe rigide creux.7 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flared mouthpiece (15,33) is permanently fixed to the hollow rigid member. 8 - Device according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the embedding of the curvature limiter is produced by engagement in correspondence of bearing shapes (19,47,35; 20,40) facing each other respectively of the curvature limiter and of said hollow rigid member. 9 - Dispositif selon la revendication 8, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend des moyens de serrage (26;27,28;43,41) pour appliquer lesdites portées en appui mutuel.9 - Device according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises clamping means (26; 27.28; 43.41) for applying said bearing surfaces in mutual support. 10 - Dispositif selon la revendication 9, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend des moyens de retenue (21,24) pour immobiliser le limiteur de courbure (16) par rapport à l'organe rigide creux avant mise en oeuvre des moyens de serrage (26,27,28).10 - Device according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises retaining means (21,24) for immobilizing the curvature limiter (16) relative to the hollow rigid member before implementation of the clamping means (26,27,28). 11 - Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 10, caractérisé par le fait que lesdites portées (19,47 ; 20) sont tronconiques et réalisées respectivement sur le limiteur de courbure et la pièce d'embouchure évasée.11 - Device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that said bearing surfaces (19,47; 20) are frustoconical and produced respectively on the curvature limiter and the flared mouthpiece. 12 - Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 et 10, caractérisé par le fait que lesdites portées sont cylindriques.12 - Device according to any one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that said bearing surfaces are cylindrical. 13. Dispositif selon la revendication 8, caractérisé par le fait que lesdites portées (35,40) sont cylindriques et présentent un jeu radial permettant un coulissement axial entre elles.13. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said bearing surfaces (35,40) are cylindrical and have a radial clearance allowing axial sliding between them.
EP93400912A 1992-04-07 1993-04-07 Apparatus for securing a flexible line having a bend restrictor Expired - Lifetime EP0565445B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9204229A FR2689603B1 (en) 1992-04-07 1992-04-07 DEVICE FOR MOUNTING A FLEXIBLE LINE COMPRISING A CURVATORY LIMITER.
FR9204229 1992-04-07

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EP0565445A1 true EP0565445A1 (en) 1993-10-13
EP0565445B1 EP0565445B1 (en) 1995-06-28

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EP (1) EP0565445B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2620485B2 (en)
KR (1) KR930021911A (en)
CN (1) CN1030860C (en)
AU (1) AU667876B2 (en)
BR (1) BR9301461A (en)
CA (1) CA2093544C (en)
DE (1) DE69300215D1 (en)
DK (1) DK0565445T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2050641T3 (en)
FI (1) FI931560A (en)
FR (1) FR2689603B1 (en)
NO (1) NO304446B1 (en)
OA (1) OA10018A (en)

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FR2760813A1 (en) * 1997-03-14 1998-09-18 Coflexip DEVICE FOR CURVING A FLEXIBLE PIPE
WO1998041729A1 (en) 1997-03-14 1998-09-24 Coflexip Device for limiting the bending radius of a flexible duct
US6220303B1 (en) 1997-03-14 2001-04-24 Coflexip Device for limiting the bending radius of a flexible duct
FR2780763A1 (en) 1998-07-02 2000-01-07 Coflexip DEVICE FOR BUILT-IN OF A STRAINER SLEEVE OF OIL DUCT ON A CARRIER STRUCTURE
WO2000001920A1 (en) 1998-07-02 2000-01-13 Coflexip Device for fitting an oil pipe stiffening sleeve on a support structure
US6352115B1 (en) 1998-07-02 2002-03-05 Coflexip Device for fitting an oil pipe stiffening sleeve on a support structure
WO2008017807A1 (en) * 2006-08-08 2008-02-14 Wellstream International Limited Apparatus and method for controlling motion of a bend stiffener
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WO2008151660A1 (en) * 2007-06-11 2008-12-18 Vestas Wind Systems A/S A tubing arrangement for an offshore facility
FR2931867A1 (en) * 2008-05-30 2009-12-04 Technip France DEVICE FOR MOUNTING A FLEXIBLE LINE ON A STRUCTURE, INSTALLATION AND ASSOCIATED METHOD.
WO2009156639A1 (en) * 2008-05-30 2009-12-30 Technip France Device for mounting a flexible line on structure, and related equipment and method
US8596912B2 (en) 2008-05-30 2013-12-03 Technip France Device for mounting a flexible line on a structure, and related installation and method
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NO304446B1 (en) 1998-12-14
US5437518A (en) 1995-08-01
JPH0674367A (en) 1994-03-15
CA2093544C (en) 2004-03-23
BR9301461A (en) 1993-10-13
NO931229L (en) 1993-10-08
NO931229D0 (en) 1993-03-31
EP0565445B1 (en) 1995-06-28
ES2050641T1 (en) 1994-06-01
AU667876B2 (en) 1996-04-18
FI931560A0 (en) 1993-04-06
OA10018A (en) 1996-03-29
CN1083193A (en) 1994-03-02
FR2689603B1 (en) 1994-05-20
AU3569693A (en) 1993-10-14
DK0565445T3 (en) 1995-12-04
FI931560A (en) 1993-10-08
CN1030860C (en) 1996-01-31
CA2093544A1 (en) 1993-10-08
KR930021911A (en) 1993-11-23
DE69300215D1 (en) 1995-08-03
JP2620485B2 (en) 1997-06-11
ES2050641T3 (en) 1995-11-01
FR2689603A1 (en) 1993-10-08

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