Connection of the upper end of an ocean upwelling pipe to a floating structure

摘要

Apparatus is provided for connecting to a floating structure the upper end of a pipe assembly disposed substantially vertically in an ocean and the like. The pipe can be an upwelling pipe in an ocean thermal energy conversion installation. Gimbal apparatus are coupled between the pipe and the structure concentrically about the pipe. The gimbal apparatus define two orthogonal gimbal axes about which the pipe can move relative to the structure. The gimbal apparatus carry essentially all of the load between the pipe and the structure. Ball joint apparatus are coupled between the upper end of the pipe and the structure to define the boundaries of a path of fluid flow between the pipe and the structure. The ball joint apparatus includes an element associated with the pipe and an element associated with the structure. The ball joint apparatus is centered in the intersection of the gimbal axes.