Marine riser connector

Abstract

A marine riser including a uniquely designed three element connection structure and associated connecting and releasing means for the inhibiting of fatigue failure caused by moments and axial loads resulting from relative motion between the fixed ocean bottom and a floating drilling platform or ship, such as a semisubmersible rig. The system includes a preloaded connection including a female member and a male member coaxially aligned and held in compression by a nut placed in tension. The connection holds riser pipe sections together. The connection is preloaded through a tool to a degree such that when a load equal to the yield strength of the pipe section material is applied to the pipe sections joined by the connector, the compressed faces of the male and female members do not separate from each other. The degree of preload would be sufficient to maintain the contact between the compressed faces under expected working loads of the pipe sections. The tool operates in conjunction with lugs located on the nut and a flange or platform with mounting holes located on the male member. A lock is provided on the nut to prevent the disengagement of the male and female members after they are brought into compression by the nut. The position of the lock relative to the nut lugs determines the sustained preload of the connection. Seals are provided between the male and female member to prevent leakage of fluid between the interior of the riser connector and the surrounding environment. The connector also includes provision for the support and connection of sections of kill and choke lines.