A RISER CONNECTOR

摘要

A system for introducing upwardly a flexible member into a tubular fixed structure with a sleeve surrounding the flexible member in the region where the flexible member attaches to the tubular fixed structure. The system comprises means for enabling the flexible member to be drawn upwardly into a bore of the tubular fixed structure, said bore being defined by an inner surface of said tubular structure, clamping means on the sleeve temporarily clamping the sleeve and flexible member together, and release means on the sleeve adapted to automatically release the clamping means when the sleeve attains a fixed disposition with respect to the tubular fixed structure, such as to permit continued movement of the flexible member with respect to the sleeve. The clamping means comprise a plurality of locking dogs attached to and radially moveable with respect to the sleeve between an inner locking position in which they engage with the flexible member, and an outer release position in which they are disengaged from the flexible member. The release means comprises a latch ring disposed on a substantially cylindrical surface so that it may be deflected axially along said surface on contact between the sleeve and tubular fixed structure to permit release of said locking dogs.