Assembly for connecting underwater pipes

摘要

An underwater connection assembly, and a connection method, for connecting a riser (12) and a flexible pipe (26). The riser (12) has an upper connection end (52) and the flexible pipe (26) has a lower connection end (30). The connection assembly includes a longitudinal frame (36) having a foot (46) rigidly connected to the upper connection end (52) and a head (42) linked to a float (20). A connector (34), and a curved pipe (32) having two opposing ends (62, 64). The opposing end (62) is rigidly connected to the lower connection end (30), and the connector (34) is mounted to the other opposing end (64), to be able to pull the connector (34) towards the upper connection end (52) in a direction oriented from the head (42) to the foot (46).

主权项

1. An underwater connection assembly for connecting, between a seabed and a sea surface,
said assembly comprising a riser pipe extending from said seabed toward said sea surface, and a flexible pipe extending to said sea surface, said riser pipe having a connecting upper end and said flexible pipe having a connecting lower end; a longitudinal frame including a foot fastened to said connecting upper end and a head configured to be connected to a float; a connector; and a curved pipe having two opposite ends, said curved pipe being configured to connect said flexible pipe in a catenary manner to said riser pipe with the connector; wherein said frame comprises opposing guide ramps extending in a direction oriented from said head toward said foot, one of said opposite ends of said curved pipe is configured to be fastened to said connecting lower end of said flexible pipe while said connector is mounted at the other of said opposite ends of said curved pipe, wherein said connector is configured to be received between the opposing guide ramps to guide said curved pipe through said frame to drive said connector toward said connecting upper end in said direction oriented from said head toward said foot.