ELECTRONICALLY-NONCONDUCTING SYSTEM FOR THE CONNECTION OF METAL TUBULAR ELEMENTS, ESPECIALLY SUITABLE FOR USE AS AN ANTENNA FRAMEWORK LOCATED AT GREAT DEPTH

摘要

A joint for end-to-end coupling of two tubular elements includes tapered coupling surfaces on the tubular elements which are bonded together by adhesive. The coupling surfaces comprise a plurality of cylindrical sections of gradually increasing and decreasing diameters, respectively. A plurality of axially spaced-apart centering rings are interposed between the tubular elements to provide proper positioning thereof and to facilitate injection of bonding material between the coupling surfaces. A series of axially spaced-apart conducting rings forming part of an antenna surround one of the tubular elements and are insulated therefrom by a layer of bonding material. The conducting rings are separated from each other by toric joints and shims. Openings are provided in one of the tubular elements for injecting the bonding material under pressurized conditions, and an insulating sheath is bonded to inner peripheries of the tubular elements.