Slide actuating tubular connector

摘要

A subsea riser assembly connects two tubular members with axial movement of an outer sleeve. The assembly includes a first tubular member having an end, and a second tubular member having an end with a plurality of box end fingers separated by slots, the second tubular member coaxial with the first tubular member. The end of the first tubular member is inserted into the end of the second tubular member. An outer sleeve having an inner diameter that engages an outer diameter of each box end finger. Axial movement of the outer sleeve relative to the box end fingers causes the inner diameter of the outer sleeve to interact with the outer diameter of the box end fingers, thereby causing the box end fingers to contract radially. The radial contraction of the box end fingers secures the first tubular member to the second tubular member in a made-up position.

主权项

1. A tubular connector comprising:
a first tubular member having an axis and an end portion with grooves formed on an outer diameter of the end portion; a second tubular member having an end portion with a plurality of box end fingers separated by slots and grooves formed on an inner surface of the box end fingers, the second tubular member being coaxial with the first tubular member; a convex outer surface on an outer side of each of the fingers; wherein the grooves of the first tubular member are proximate to the grooves of the second tubular member when the first tubular member is inserted into the end of the second tubular member in an initial position; an outer sleeve disposed around the box end fingers and having an inner surface with an annular recess engaged by the convex arcuate surfaces of the fingers; an unlocking ring interposed between the first tubular member and the outer sleeve; and wherein axial movement of the outer sleeve relative to the box end fingers causes the recess in the inner surface of the outer sleeve to slide against the convex outer surface of the box end fingers, causing the box end fingers to contract radially into engagement with the grooves on the end portion of the second tubular member, such that the outer sleeve seals against the first tubular member, thereby securing the first tubular member to the second tubular member in a made-up position.