| 摘要 |
A stabilizing system for use in joining flanged pipe sections together in an underwater environment including at least one flange stabilizing element having a back plate portion with a support portion affixed thereto and extending orthogonally out therefrom a distance substantially in excess of the thickness of one flange, providing laterally spaced lines of support adjacent to the front of the flange at different vertical positions along its width defining a curved support tray area consistent with the curvature of the flanges of the pipe sections to be joined. At least one stub also extends orthogonally out from said back plate portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the bolt holes of the flanges. A series of left and right flange stabilizing elements are placed on the flange of the first pipe section with their back plate portions against the backside of the flanges with the stubs extending through selected ones of the bolt holes of the flange, with the support portion extending out substantially past the flange forming a tray upon which the flange of the other pipe section can be placed for support and proper mating positioning. The back plate portion also preferably includes a circular opening aligned with a flange bolt hole, through the combination of which is placed a locking key with downwardly extending, vertically disposed ends, effectively temporarily locking the respective stabilizing element to the first pipe flange. The system is particularly useful in making up underwater connections between pipe sections, even in rough water, using one or more divers with the stabilizing tray preventing the other flanged pipe section from moving around without restriction, assisting the divers in making up the flanged pipe sections. Once the flange sections are partially made up or joined together with for example two or more loosely fastened bolts, the flange stabilizing element(s) and locking key(s) are removed, and the flange sections completely made up with the standard "O" ring(s) and bolts. |
