Connector Assembly

Abstract

This application describes a connector assembly comprising a male member (200) that can be removably positioned in a female member (104). One of the male and female members comprises at least one highly flexible yet resilient retaining element (132). The retaining element (132) is located in a fixed edge region between at least one first support surface (118) and at least one second support surface (128), and extending radially and terminating in a free edge region (134) beyond the respective edges of the first and second support surfaces. The other of the male and female members comprises a highly rigid, radially extending flange region (202). The flange region (202) engages with at least one retaining element (132) when at least one of the male and female members is moved axially toward or away from the other. At least one resilient retaining element is axially propelled by engaging with a highly rigid flange region, positioning this flange region on the first or second side of the resilient retaining element, so as to bend around the respective edges of the first and second support surfaces when connecting or disconnecting the male and female members, respectively. This connector assembly can be configured to automatically and repeatedly connect and disconnect the underwater bend stiffener connector (BSC) to a hang-off position on a rigid structure, and / or to the pullhead of an underwater pipe / cable, etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly for connecting opposed end regions of two elongate members, and more particularly to an assembly for connecting a bend stiffener to a hang-off structure and / or pull head of a subsea pipe or cable.

Background Art

[0002] A bend stiffener is generally a conical structure made of a flexible polymeric material that surrounds an elongate subsea member such as a flexible riser, steel pipe, umbilical, power cable, etc., and provides bend protection at the hang-off location in a rigid structure such as a floating structure, monopile, oilfield drilling rig / platform, or jacket's I-tube. An "I-tube" is generally a vertical tube attached to a platform for receiving a riser. Alternatively, a so-called "J-tube" can be used in applications where the riser is not vertical as it enters the tube.

[0003] A bend stiffener connector (BSC) is generally a mechanism attached to the connecting end of a bend stiffener and is used to position and connect the resulting assembly to a hang-off structure such as an I-tube. A typical BSC for use offshore has an extension of about 0.5 - 2 m. Once the BSC is positioned, the pull head of the subsea pipe must be disconnected and the pipe allowed to continue to be tensioned through the bend stiffener and hang-off of the rigid structure and terminated above the sea surface. Generally, the BSC or latch mechanism requires manual intervention by a diver or a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to either attach to the hang-off or release the pull head during setup. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,387,469 describes a clamping device for clamping a flange of an I-tube hang-off to a corresponding flange of a bend stiffener.

[0004] Depending on the operating conditions, a BSC may need to be disconnected from a rigid structure hang-off up to 10 times during its service life, and manual intervention is generally required to perform this disconnection. This may be to set or remove the clamping mechanism below the bend stiffener assembly, or to disengage any devices used to position the BSC in hang-off. After disconnecting from hang-off or connecting to a pullhead, components within the BSC generally need to be recovered in the sea or on board the vessel and manually reset, which generally adds complexity, time, and cost. Therefore, a system with complete autonomy that does not require manual intervention between at least 10 setups, disconnections, and resets is desirable. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,387,469 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] An object of a particular embodiment of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly for automatically and repeatedly connecting and disconnecting two elongated members together.

[0007] An object of a particular embodiment of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly and method for automatically and repeatedly connecting and disconnecting a submersible BSC to a hang-off position of a rigid structure, and / or to a pullhead of a submersible pipe / cable, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided, which is: The female member comprises a male member that can be detachably positioned within the female member. One of the male and female members comprises at least one highly flexible yet resilient retaining element. This retaining element is located in a fixed edge region that extends radially between at least one first support surface and at least one second support surface, and terminates in the free edge region beyond the respective edges of the first and second support surfaces. The other of the male and female members comprises a radially extending flange region that has high rigidity. This flange region engages with at least one retaining element when at least one of the male and female members is moved axially toward or away from the other of the male and female members. At least one resilient retaining element is axially propelled by engaging with a highly rigid flange region to position the flange on the first or second side of the resilient retaining element, and is configured to curve around the respective edges of the first and second support surfaces when connecting or disconnecting the male and female members, respectively.

[0009] Optionally, the first support surface extends radially from the fixed edge region of the elastic retaining element toward its free edge region at a greater distance than the second support surface, such that the axial force required to disconnect the male and female members is greater than the axial force required to connect them.

[0010] Optionally, at least one first and second support surface is substantially annular and coaxially arranged with at least one resilient retaining element.

[0011] Optionally, at least one resilient retaining element is substantially annular and defines a substantially continuous free-edge region.

[0012] Optionally, at least one resilient retaining element comprises a plurality of separated free edge regions.

[0013] Optionally, at least one resilient retaining element comprises a plurality of retaining elements spaced apart and arranged in a ring.

[0014] Optionally, the free edge region of at least one elastic retaining element is provided with a tapered surface that engages with a highly rigid flange region while connecting the male and female members.

[0015] Optionally, the ratio of a first radial distance M1 defined between the edge of the first support surface and the edge of the high-rigidity flange region to a second radial distance M2 defined between the edge of the second support surface and the edge of the high-rigidity flange region is approximately 1:3.

[0016] Optionally, the ratio of the overlap O between at least one resilient retaining element and a high-rigidity flange region to the thickness ET of at least one resilient retaining element is approximately 3:2.

[0017] Optionally, at least one resilient retaining element is made of polyurethane material.

[0018] Optionally, the female member comprises at least one resilient retaining element extending radially inward to define a central aperture, and the male member comprises a highly rigid flange region extending radially outward adjacent to the flange end region.

[0019] Optionally, the assembly comprises at least one first spacer extending from the base region of the female member, which axially separates the first support surface from this base region and defines a cavity between them to accommodate the rigid flange region of the male member when connected to the female member.

[0020] Optionally, the assembly includes at least one second spacer that axially separates the second support surface from the first support surface.

[0021] Optionally, at least one of the first and second spacers is provided with a hollow sleeve through which a bolt is positioned to fasten the assembly together.

[0022] Optionally, the first support surface and the second support surface are provided by a first annular plate and a second annular plate, respectively.

[0023] Optionally, at least one of the first and second spacers is provided by a continuous wall extending substantially vertically from the base region and around the base region, and the first and second support surfaces extend radially inward from this wall region.

[0024] Optionally, the base region includes a central hole and a hollow portion, and the tubular portion of the open end extends axially from this central hole beyond the first support surface.

[0025] Optionally, the tubular portion includes at least one rigid flange region extending inwardly adjacent to its open end. This open end is for engaging at least one retaining element that is highly flexible yet elastic, and this retaining element extends from the second male member. The second male member can be axially inserted into and removably connected to the tubular portion having the open end. At least one elastic retaining element of the second male member is positioned in a fixed edge region between at least one first support surface and at least one second support surface, extends radially, and terminates at a free edge region beyond each respective end of the first and second support surfaces.

[0026] Optionally, at least one elastic retaining element in the male member includes a plurality of axially spaced elastic retaining elements, each of which is positioned between the first and second support surfaces respectively. Each first support surface extends axially towards the free edge region by a greater distance from the fixed edge region of the elastic retaining element than the second support surface.

[0027] Optionally, the second male member is attachable to a pull head in the sea and includes a central through bore for receiving a subsea cable or pipe.

[0028] Optionally, the I-tube hang-off structure defines a male component, and the bend stiffener connector defines a female component for removably connecting a bend stiffener assembly, attached to a submarine cable or pipe, to the I-tube hang-off structure.

[0029] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for removably connecting a male member to a female member, which is: Moving a male component toward a female component, or vice versa, in the axial direction; Engaging a first annular flange region of an outwardly extending male member with a second annular flange region of an inwardly extending female member, wherein one of the first and second flange regions comprises a highly rigid flange region, and the other of the first and second flange regions comprises a highly flexible yet elastic retaining element, which is positioned in a fixed edge region between at least one first support surface and at least one second support surface, extends radially, and terminates in a free edge region beyond the respective edges of the first and second support surfaces; Promoting a highly rigid flange region to curve around the edge of the first support surface axially from the first side to the second side, beyond at least one resilient retaining element; and, A highly rigid flange region is positioned on the second side of at least one elastic retaining element to connect the male member to the female member. Includes.

[0030] Optionally, the method includes selectively adjusting at least one of the following depending on the desired bending stiffness in at least one elastic retaining element: Material for at least one resilient retaining element; The thickness of at least one resilient retaining element; The shape of at least one elastic retaining element; and An overlapping portion between at least one elastic retaining element and a highly rigid flange region.

[0031] Optionally, the method includes selectively adjusting at least one of the following depending on the desired bending stiffness in at least one elastic retaining element: A first radial distance M1 defined between the edge of the first support surface and the edge of the high-rigidity flange region; and A second radial distance M2 is defined between the edge of the second support surface and the edge of the high-rigidity flange region.

[0032] Optionally, the first support surface extends further than the second support surface, from a fixed end region toward a free end region, along at least one resilient retaining element.

[0033] Next, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a submerged bend stiffener connected to a hang-off of an I-tube by a connector for a bend stiffener according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2a] This figure shows a connector for a bend stiffener that is provided until it hangs off during the connection operation. [Figure 2b] This figure shows a hang-off flange positioned on a connector for a bend stiffener, and the hang-off securely connected to the bend stiffener. [Figure 2c] This diagram shows an underwater pipe or cable being pulled through a bend stiffener and hang-off by a pull head attached to the pipe or cable. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a test to determine the adjustment effect of a connector assembly configuration according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5a]This figure shows the steps of connecting and disconnecting a pull head to a connector for a bend stiffener, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5b] This figure shows the steps of connecting and disconnecting a pull head to a connector for a bend stiffener, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5c] This figure shows the steps of connecting and disconnecting a pull head to a connector for a bend stiffener, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5d] This figure shows the steps of connecting and disconnecting a pull head to a connector for a bend stiffener, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5e] This figure shows the steps of connecting and disconnecting a pull head to a connector for a bend stiffener, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5f] This figure shows the steps of connecting and disconnecting a pull head to a connector for a bend stiffener, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5g] This figure shows the steps of connecting and disconnecting a pull head to a connector for a bend stiffener, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5h] This figure shows the steps of connecting and disconnecting a pull head to a connector for a bend stiffener, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, a bend stiffener assembly 100 according to a particular embodiment of the present invention includes a bend stiffener 102 and a connector for bend stiffener (BSC) 104. The bend stiffener 102 consists of a sleeve material fitted around a flexible member 106 to be protected, such as a submersible pipe or cable. The sleeve is tapered from a wide end region 108 to a narrow end region 110. The sleeve may be a one-piece element or consist of two substantially symmetrical halves, which are bolted together on the flexible member to form a tapered sleeve. The shape of this bend stiffener depends on the increasing cross-sectional diameter of the sleeve and the material coefficient that provides resistance to bending during use. Other preferred shapes of the bend stiffener may be used.

[0036] The BSC104 may be fixed to the broad end region 108 of the bend stiffener 102, or it may be an integral part of the bend stiffener. For example, the main body of the BSC104 may be a separate component attached to the substantially flat and relatively broad end of the bend stiffener by bolts or the like, or the BSC body may be formed integrally with the bend stiffener, such as in a composite bend stiffener assembly with a polymer bend stiffener body molded on a metal BSC.

[0037] Alternatively, for relatively light-load applications, the BSC body may be a polymer component formed integrally with the polymer bend stiffener body. The BSC body may be substantially one piece, corresponding to a one-piece bend stiffener. Or, the BSC body may comprise multiple sections connected together, corresponding to a bend stiffener composed of two or more parts, such as two halves as described above. Further alternative, the BSC body may be substantially one piece and be attached to the broad end region of a one-piece bend stiffener 102 by bolts or the like.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2a, the BSC 104 includes a cylindrical hollow body 112, which defines a base region 114, a cylindrical wall region 116, and a first flange region 118. The first flange region 118 extends inward from the distal end of the wall region relative to the base region. The first flange region 118 is axially separated from the base region 114 and defines a cavity 119. The base region and the wall region have outer diameters that substantially correspond to the outer diameter of the broad end region 108 of the bend stiffener 102. The base region 114 includes a central hole 120, and the first flange region 118 defines a central aperture 122. The aperture 122 is larger in diameter than the hole 120. The hollow tubular portion 124 with an open end extends axially upward from the hole 120 through the aperture 122, defining the aperture in an annular shape. The tubular portion 124 extends beyond the first flange region 118. The inner diameter of the hole 120 and the bore 126 extending along the tubular portion 124 are sized to accommodate the flexible member 106. The inner diameter of the tubular portion 124 is sized to fit within the hang-off of the I-shaped or J-shaped tube, and the central aperture 122 is sized to receive the flange region in the hang-off of the I-shaped or J-shaped tube, as will be further described below.

[0039] The inwardly extending second flange region 128 is located between the first flange region 118 and the base region 114, and spaced apart from the first flange region 118, defining a continuous slot or channel 130 around the wall region 116 to position and support a highly elastic retaining element 132. The retaining element 132 is annular and defines a central aperture 134 having a diameter larger than the spaced tubular member 124 and smaller than the flange region 202 of the hang-off 200 of the I-tube. The elastic retaining element 132 is a suitable polymer material, such as polyurethane rubber or plastic. As shown, the first flange region 118 above / distal to the retaining element 132 is longer than the second flange region 128 below / proximal to the retaining element, where proximal and distal are relative to the base region 114 of the BSC. The free ends inside each flange region 118, 128 define hinge points for the resilient retaining element 132 such that it curves approximately upward or downward axially during use, around the proximal or distal direction relative to the base region 114 of the BSC. Different extensions of the first and second flange regions 118, 128 define cantilever extensions of the retaining element 132 in each curvature direction, and consequently define its bending stiffness. A relatively short second flange region 128 defines a relatively long cantilever extension such that the retaining element 132 has relatively low bending stiffness and consequently greater flexibility around its hinge point. Conversely, a relatively long first flange region 118 defines a relatively short cantilever extension such that the retaining element 132 has relatively high bending stiffness and consequently less flexibility around its hinge point. This arrangement means that the force required to push the resilient retaining element 132 away from the base region 114 of the BSC is greater than the force required to push the resilient retaining element 132 in the opposite direction toward the base region 114 of the BSC, and that the extensions of one or both of the first and second flange regions can be selected to correspond to the desired bending stiffness of the retaining element and the associated indentation or tensile force.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2a, a pullhead 300, connected to the proximal end of the pull wire 302, is mounted in the proximal end region of the underwater pipe 106, allowing the pipe to be pulled up to a fixed or floating structure such as a monopile, oil rig / platform, or jacket. The pullhead 300 and pipe 106 are pulled through an internally positioned and fixed I-tube hang-off 200. The I-tube hang-off 200 pulls BSC 104 and a bend stiffener 102 mounted on BSC 104 toward the flange region 202 of the hang-off 200.

[0041] The tubular portion 124 of the BSC 104 slides inward along the inside of the tubular hang-off 200, thereby axially guiding the retaining element 132 of the BSC toward the flange region 202 of the hang-off 200. The flange 202 of the hang-off engages with the outer / upper surface of the retaining element 132, and further tension from the pullhead 300 applies an axial force to the retaining element, pushing it toward the base region 114 of the BSC. When this force increases and reaches the insertion force threshold, exceeding the bending stiffness or flexural rigidity of the retaining element, it causes an axial inward curvature of the retaining element toward the base region around the hinge point defined by the second flange region 128. The curvature of the retaining element 132 toward the base region 114 increases the diameter of the central aperture 134 until the flange region 202 of the hang-off 200 passes through the retaining element 132 and is positioned within the cavity 119 and below the retaining element 132, i.e., between the retaining element and the base region of the BSC as shown in Figure 2b. The base region 114 of the BSC acts as a restraining surface, limiting the axial movement of the BSC relative to the flange 202 of the hang-off, while the cavity 119 between the retaining element 132 and the base region 114 provides some tolerance to allow the retaining element to curve inward and further ensure that the flange 202 of the hang-off fully enters the cavity 119 and is properly positioned below the retaining element 132. The BSC 104 and its associated bend stiffener 102 are then securely connected to the hang-off 200.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2c, the pull head 300 and the pipe 106 attached to the pull head 300 can then be pulled through the hang-off to a fixed or floating structure for setting, connecting, etc.

[0043] The BSC can be automatically disconnected from the flange 202 of the hang-off in a similar manner by reversing the axial movement of the BSC 104 relative to the hang-off 200. This is achieved by controllably releasing / detaching the pull wire from the wire spool / winch, allowing the pipe and the bend stiffener assembly connected to the pipe to descend by their own weight. This descent prompts the BSC to move away from the flange 202 of the hang-off, and consequently, a force is applied to the lower / inner surface of the retaining element 132, causing the retaining element 132 to bend upward / away from the base region 114 around the hinge point defined by the first flange region 118 of the BSC. In terms of the first flange region 118 being longer than the second flange region 128 and extending further inward radially along the retaining element, the force required to cause the hang-off flange 202 to extend beyond the retaining element 132 on the opposite axial side is greater than the force required to connect the hang-off to the BSC. This allows the BSC to be connected to the hang-off relatively easily, while also providing a firm connection when in position.

[0044] The base region 114, wall region 116, and flange regions 118, 128 of the shown BSC104 are integrated, while the base region 114 and flange regions 118, 128 may be individual plates. The base plate may be axially separated from the second plate. The second plate defines the second flange region by a first set of annularly arranged tubular spacers / sleeves. The first plate defining the first flange region may be supported axially separated on the second plate by a second set of axially arranged tubular spacers / sleeves that are axially aligned with the corresponding first set of spacers / sleeves. Bolts may extend through each pair of axially aligned spacers / sleeves. At least one nut fastens this arrangement together, in detail, the retaining element between the first and second plates. In this method, the desired bending stiffness of the retaining element, and the resulting indentation / extraction force, can be set by the diameter of the central aperture, i.e., the annular widths of the first and second plates, and / or the annular width of the retaining element itself. Furthermore, the first and / or second plates can be replaced with plates of different configurations having different annular widths to selectively adjust the bending stiffness of the retaining element in each axial direction, and the resulting indentation or extraction force for connecting / disconnecting the BSC to / from the hang-off.

[0045] The resilient retaining element 132 is shown as a single continuous annular element, but may appropriately comprise multiple annularly arranged and spaced elements. This retaining element or each retaining element may have an angled top / outer surface. It is tapered inward to a relatively narrow free end region / internal region. The gradual decrease in thickness of this retaining element or each retaining element toward the narrow free end region reduces the bending stiffness of the cantilevered retaining element along its extension from the fixed end to its free end. This thereby provides sufficient retaining force while making this retaining element or each retaining element shorter. The tapered free end region also helps the hang-off flange 202 to slide over the retaining element during connection. This resilient retaining element or each retaining element 132 may consist of a polymer, composite material, or elastomer material such as rubber. Furthermore, one or more rows of axial retaining elements may be provided, where each row comprises a single retaining element, or multiple retaining elements are positioned between the first and second flanges, respectively, each providing a hinge point / region.

[0046] Referring to the schematic shown in Figure 3, the applicant conducted numerous important tests to determine the effects on load during connection and disconnection by adjusting the configuration of the connector assembly according to a particular embodiment of the present invention. An annular, highly flexible but elastic retaining element 332 was tightened between a first clamping member 318 (corresponding to the first flange region 118 in the embodiments shown in Figures 2a and 2b) and a second clamping member 328 (corresponding to the second flange region 128 in the embodiments shown in Figures 2a and 2b). The annular flange 352 extends outward from an axially movable pressurizing device 350, corresponding to the hang-off 200 of the I-tube in the embodiments shown in Figures 2a and 2b. A load cell 355 measured the force required to push the flange 352 over the retaining element 332 in both axial directions, repeatedly connecting (upward in Figure 3) and disconnecting (downward in Figure 3). The material and dimensions of the retaining element 332 were adjusted, as was the number of "finger-like" portions extending radially inward from the continuous outer fixed edge region of the annular retaining element. The overlapping portion O between the retaining element 332 and the flange 352, as well as the lateral space / gap M1 between the first clamping member 318 and the retaining element 332, and the lateral space / gap M2 between the second clamping member 328 and the retaining element 332, were also adjusted to determine their effect on the force required to connect and disconnect the flange 352 to the retaining element 332.

[0047] The applicant has confirmed that an annular, elastic polyurethane retaining element 332, having a Shore D hardness of approximately 50, a thickness ET of approximately 40 mm, and a width of approximately 100 mm (radial dimension from its inner edge to its outer edge), combined with a gap M1 of approximately 40 mm (between the end of the first clamping member 318 and the end of the hang-off flange 202), a void M2 of approximately 120 mm (between the end of the second flange region 128 and the end of the hang-off flange 202), and an overlapping portion O of approximately 60 mm (between the retaining element 132 and the hang-off flange 202), exhibited particularly good performance for a specific application of a submersible BSC with respect to a hang-off connection section where the hang-off flange has a diameter of approximately 482 mm. The retaining element 332 has a continuous outer fixed edge region and a plurality of flexible but elastic "finger-like" portions, or projections, extending radially inward, defining an intermittent inner free edge region. Appropriately, the ratio of the gap M2 to the gap M1 is approximately 3:1, i.e., the gap M2 is approximately 3 times the gap M1. Appropriately, the ratio of the overlap O to the thickness ET is approximately 3:2, i.e., the overlap O is approximately 1.5 times the thickness of the retaining element. However, various dimensions and material properties of the retaining element, as well as the configuration of the support flange, load support flange, and overlap, will differ depending on the different technical applications and specific embodiments of the present invention, and can be selectively adjusted to achieve the desired load during connection and release.

[0048] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, a flexible yet resilient retaining element is clamped between two surfaces such that the load required to engage / disengage a mechanical latching member to a connector, such as a hang-off flange, can be selectively adjusted by adjusting the cross-sectional shape, thickness, and / or material properties of the resilient retaining element, and / or by adjusting the offset (M1 and / or M2) between the end of the retaining element and the ends of the respective clamping surfaces to adjust the load required to engage or disengage the mechanical latching member in each direction.

[0049] Alternative embodiments of the present invention may appropriately include a resilient retaining element attached to another elongated member, such as the male hang-off itself. The rigid flange of the female BSC may engage with and bend the resilient element when connecting the two components together, and vice versa, during the disconnection operation, by being prompted to move beyond the resilient element in the hang-off. The flange region of the hang-off may act as a longer first flange. The resilient retaining element may be fastened between the flange region of the hang-off and a support ring, etc., bolted to the flange region providing a shorter second flange. In this method, the flange region of the hang-off acts as a hinge region for the resilient element, bending during the disconnection operation and requiring a greater force (compared to the force required during the connection operation) to prompt the resilient element to move beyond the rigid flange of the BSC, ensuring a firm connection in use between the hang-off and the bend stiffener.

[0050] Alternatively, a resilient retaining element may be mounted on a male elongated member and extend radially outward from there. A flange region that can engage with the retaining element during connection operations in use may extend radially inward from the tubular wall of a female elongated tubular member.

[0051] For example, as shown in Figure 4, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the upper region of the tubular portion 426 of the BSC 404 may include at least one inwardly extending annular flange, and preferably a plurality of axially spaced, annular, highly flexible but resilient retaining flanges 452, 454, 456. The upper region of the tubular portion 426 acts as a female connector. A hollow male connector 460 is mounted on the underside of the pull head 300, through which the submarine cable or pipe 106 extends to connect to the pull head. The male connector 460 is attached to the pull head by bolts positioned through holes in the outwardly extending mounting flange 461 of the male connector. At least one annular, resilient retaining element, and preferably a plurality of axially spaced and outwardly extending, resilient retaining elements 462, 464, 466 are attached to or form part of the male connector 460. Each resilient retaining element 462, 464, and 466 is positioned on or adjacent to the outwardly extending support flanges 472, 474, and 476. The radial dimension of each support flange is less than that of each retaining element, so that each retaining element bends relative to the corresponding support flange when pushed axially downward by the force applied to the upper surface of the retaining element during use. The male connecting member 460 may appropriately comprise an upper mounting section 480 including a mounting flange 461, a first (upper) annular, resilient retaining element 462 fastened between the lower end of the upper mounting section 480 and a first support plate providing the first support flange 472, a second (intermediate) annular, resilient retaining element 464 fastened between a first spacer 482 and a second support plate providing the first spacer and the second support flange 474, and a third (lower) annular, resilient retaining element 466 fastened between the second spacer 484 and a lower end plate providing the second spacer 484 and the third support flange 476. This arrangement is appropriately fastened together axially by bolts or tie rods, etc.Ideally, the upper mounting section 480, as well as the first and second spacers 482, 484, also act as support flange areas, providing hinge points / areas for each retaining element, and bending in the opposite (upward) axial direction when subjected to a force applied to the underside of the retaining element during use.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5a, during use, typically on a vessel, the male connector 460 is axially inserted into the open upper end region of the tubular portion 426, i.e., into the female connector of the BSC 404. The lower resilient retaining element 466 is urged to go over all three retaining flanges 452, 454, and 456 of the tubular female member 426, the intermediate retaining element 464 is urged to go over the second retaining flanges 452, and 454, and the upper retaining element 462 is urged to go over the first retaining flange 452 so that each resilient retaining element engages under one of the retaining flanges. The pull head 300 (and the associated cable / pipe 106 attached to the pull head 300) is then securely connected to the BSC 400 (and consequently to the bend stiffener 102) via the tubular female member 426. The mounting flange 461 of the upper mounting section 480 engages properly with the upper end of the female tubular portion 426, and each of the resilient retaining elements 462, 464, and 466 is positioned under their respective retaining flanges 452, 454, and 456 for a secure connection. To provide a range of tolerances, each retaining element is allowed to move axially a certain distance under its respective support flange, ensuring an efficient and stable connection, thereby, when tension is applied to the pull wire 302 during use and the pull head 300 and the male connector 460 are pushed upward, a small gap 485 appropriately appears between the mounting flange 461 and the upper end of the female tubular portion 426, at which point, as shown in Figure 5b, the resilient retaining elements of the male connector 460 are moved upward and engage under their respective retaining flanges 452, 454, and 456 in the female connector 426.

[0053] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the force required to connect the male connector 460 into the female connector 426 is less than the force required to separate the two members, in terms of the different radial extensions / widths of the first support regions (support flanges 472, 474, and 476 provided by the respective plates) relative to the second support regions (provided by spacers 482, 484 and the upper mounting section 480, respectively).

[0054] The entire assembly can then be winched upward by a pull wire toward the I-tube hang-off 200, thereby pulling the pull head 300 and the tubular female member 426 into the I-tube hang-off 200 until the flange 202 of the hang-off engages with the top of the resilient retaining element 432 of the BSC 404, as shown in Figure 5c.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5d, by further pulling the bend stiffener assembly toward the hang-off 200, force is applied to the resilient retaining element of the BSC until it exceeds the bending stiffness / bending stiffness coefficient of the retaining element, causing this retaining element to bend downward around the second (lower) support flange / plate, allowing the flange 202 of the hang-off to pass over and enter the cavity 419 of the BSC. The BSC is then firmly connected to the hang-off.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5e, further winding of the pull wire with a winch presses the hang-off flange 202 against the base in the BSC cavity 419, which begins to pull the male connector 460 out from the upper end region of the female tubular portion 426 in the BSC, separating the pull head from the BSC and pulling the cable / pipe through the bend stiffener assembly and hang-off.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5f, once the male connector 460 is completely separated from the BSC 404, the bend stiffener assembly will sag under its own weight until the hang-off flange 202 engages with the retaining element 432 of the BSC, holding the bend stiffener assembly firmly in the hang-off position during cable / pipe retraction.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5h, the bend stiffener assembly can be restored by lowering the pull head and the male connector 460 attached thereto and returning them into the female tubular portion 426 in the BSC 404, thereby securely reconnecting the two components. The increased weight of the complete assembly, including the hang-off and the cable / pipe attached thereto, provides a force sufficient to exceed the bending stiffness / bending stiffness coefficient of the retaining element 432 of the BSC 404, causing the retaining element 432 to bend upward in the opposite axial direction, allowing the flange 202 of the hang-off to pass over the retaining element and separate from the BSC and, consequently, from the bend stiffener assembly. The bend stiffener assembly maintains a secure connection to the pull head via the male / female connector 460 / 426 while the assembly separates from the hang-off.

[0059] Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention provide a simple two-way (push-pull) connector for connecting and disconnecting a bend stiffener connector (BSC) to an underwater pipe or cable without requiring costly and time-wasting manual intervention, for example, by a diver or ROV, for the automatic connection and disconnection of opposing end regions of two elongated members. Connectors according to certain embodiments of the present invention can be used to automatically connect and disconnect a BSC connected to an underwater pipe or cable to, for example, a "bell mouth" attached to the end of a hang-off of a J-shaped tube. Alternatively, connectors according to certain embodiments of the present invention can be used to automatically connect and disconnect a pullhead to a bend stiffener assembly via a BSC. Connectors according to certain embodiments of the present invention enable complete automation of setting and disconnecting operations, eliminating the need for the undesirable but required reconfiguration for conventional BSCs. The connector accompanies a standard hang-off device without requiring the custom female receptacle that was undesirable but required for conventional BSCs. No custom manual intervention tools or personnel are required. The pull-head release system according to certain embodiments of the present invention does not rely on a "weal link" and cannot be unintentionally disconnected prior to its intended use. The connector is relatively simple in design and operation and allows for repeatable setting and disconnecting operations without the need for any manual resetting. The performance of the connector is not impaired by marine vegetation or corrosion and preferably does not include mechanical moving parts that may wear, corrode, and fail over time in harsh marine environments.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, A male member that can be removably positioned in a female member, wherein one of the male and female members comprises at least one highly flexible yet elastic retaining element, the retaining element is located in a fixed edge region that extends radially between at least one first support surface and at least one second support surface, and terminates in a free edge region beyond the respective edges of the first and second support surfaces, and the other of the male and female members comprises a flange region that extends radially and has high rigidity, the flange region is located in the male When at least one of the male member and the female member is moved axially toward or toward the other of the male member and the female member, it engages with at least one of the retaining elements, and at least one of the resilient retaining elements is axially propelled by engaging with the highly rigid flange region to position the flange on the first or second side of the resilient retaining element, and is configured to bend around the respective edges of the first and second support surfaces when connecting or disconnecting the male member and the female member, respectively, the male member, An assembly comprising:

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first support surface extends radially from the fixed edge region of the elastic retaining element toward its free edge region by a greater distance than the second support surface, and thereby the axial force required to disconnect the male and female members is greater than the axial force required to connect the male and female members.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second support surfaces is substantially annular and is arranged coaxially with at least one of the resilient retaining elements.

4. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the elastic retaining elements is substantially annular and defines a substantially continuous free edge region.

5. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the elastic retaining elements comprises a plurality of separated free edge regions.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the elastic retaining elements comprises a plurality of retaining elements spaced apart and arranged in a ring.

7. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the free edge region of at least one of the elastic retaining elements has a tapered surface that engages with a highly rigid flange region while connecting the male and female members.

8. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ratio between a first radial distance M1 defined between the edge of the first support surface and the edge of the high-rigidity flange region and a second radial distance M2 defined between the edge of the second support surface and the edge of the high-rigidity flange region is approximately 1:

3.

9. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the ratio of the overlapping portion O between at least one of the elastic retaining elements and the high-rigidity flange region to the thickness ET of at least one of the elastic retaining elements is approximately 3:

2.

10. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the elastic retaining elements is made of a polyurethane material.

11. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the female member comprises at least one of the elastic retaining elements, which extends radially inward and defines a central aperture, and the male member comprises the high-rigidity flange region, which extends radially outward adjacent to the end region of the flange.

12. The assembly according to claim 11, comprising at least one first spacer extending from the base region of the female member, wherein the first support surface is axially spaced from the base region and defines a cavity between them to accommodate the rigid flange region of the male member when connected to the female member.

13. The assembly according to claim 12, comprising at least one second spacer, wherein the second support surface is axially spaced from the first support surface.

14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the first and second spacers each comprises a hollow sleeve through which a bolt is positioned to fasten the assembly together.

15. The assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first support surface and the second support surface are provided by a first annular plate and a second annular plate, respectively.

16. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the first and second spacers is provided by a continuous wall extending substantially perpendicularly from and around the base region, and the first and second support surfaces extend radially inward from the wall region.

17. The assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the base region comprises a central hole and a hollow portion, and the tubular portion of the open end extends axially from the central hole beyond the first support surface.

18. The assembly according to claim 17, wherein the tubular portion comprises at least one rigid flange region extending inward adjacent to its open end, the rigid flange engaging with at least one retaining element that is highly flexible yet elastic, the retaining element extending from a second male member, the second male member being axially insertable and removablely connected to the tubular portion having an open end, and at least one of the elastic retaining elements of the second male member being positioned in a fixed edge region between at least one first support surface and at least one second support surface, and extending radially, terminating in a free edge region beyond the respective ends of the first and second support surfaces.

19. The assembly according to claim 18, wherein at least one of the elastic retaining elements in the male member comprises a plurality of elastic retaining elements spaced apart in the axial direction, each of which is positioned between a first and a second support surface, and each first support surface extends axially from the fixed edge region of the elastic retaining element toward the free edge region by a distance greater than that of the second support surface.

20. The assembly according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the second male member is attachable to a pullhead underwater and has a central through-bore for receiving a submerged cable or pipe.

21. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the hang-off structure of the I-tube defines the male member, and the connector for the bend stiffener defines the female member for removably connecting a bend stiffener assembly attached to a submersible cable or pipe to the hang-off structure of the I-tube.

22. A method for removably connecting a male member to a female member, Moving the male component toward the female component, or vice versa, in the axial direction. The engagement involves engaging the outwardly extending first annular flange region of the male member with the inwardly extending second annular flange region of the female member, wherein one of the first and second flange regions comprises a highly rigid flange region, and the other of the first and second flange regions comprises at least one retaining element that is highly flexible yet elastic, which is positioned in a fixed edge region between at least one first support surface and at least one second support surface, extends radially, and terminates in a free edge region beyond the respective edges of the first and second support surfaces. To cause the aforementioned highly rigid flange region to bend around the edge of the first support surface, axially from the first side to the second side, beyond at least one of the elastic retaining elements, and The high-rigidity flange region is positioned on the second side of at least one of the elastic retaining elements, thereby connecting the male member to the female member. Methods that include...

23. Depending on the desired bending stiffness in at least one of the elastic retaining elements, Material of at least one of the elastic retaining elements, The thickness of at least one of the elastic retaining elements, The shape of at least one of the elastic retaining elements, and The overlapping portion of at least one of the elastic retaining elements and the high-rigidity flange region, The method according to claim 22, comprising selectively adjusting at least one of the following.

24. Depending on the desired bending stiffness in at least one of the elastic retaining elements, A first radial distance M1 is defined between the edge of the first support surface and the edge of the high-rigidity flange region, and A second radial distance M2 is defined between the edge of the second support surface and the edge of the high-rigidity flange region. The method according to claim 22 or 23, comprising selectively adjusting at least one of the following.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the first support surface extends further than the second support surface along at least one of the elastic retaining elements, from the fixed end region of the retaining element toward the free end region of the retaining element.

Images