LARGE DIAMETER PIPE FLEXIBLE CONNECTION

摘要

A flexible connection is described for use between a vertical, large diameter cold water conveying pipe and a floating platform that supports the cold water conveying pipe or another pipe to permit the pipe and the platform to rotate in roll and pitch directions relative to one another without imposing excessive bending moments or strain on the cold water pipe. The flexible connection also contains internal and external pressure across the connection. The flexible connection includes an articulation mechanism that interconnects the vertical cold water conveying pipe and the platform or a pipe on the platform, and a flexible, fluid impermeable bellows.

主权项

1. A flexible connection that permits articulation between a first fluid conveying member and a second member that are movable relative to each other in roll and pitch directions, comprising:
means of articulation interconnecting the first fluid conveying member and the second member, the means of articulation including a first portion fixed to the first fluid conveying member and a second portion fixed to the second member; and a flexible, fluid impermeable bellows adjacent to the means of articulation, the flexible bellows includes a first end fixed to the first fluid conveying member and a second end fixed to the second member, the flexible bellows is configured to contain internal and/or external fluid pressure across the flexible connection.