Riser element with integrated auxiliary pipes

• US 6,623,044 B1
• Filed: 09/22/2000
• Issued: 09/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
• Original Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
• Inventors: Le Comte, Marcel, Guesnon, Jean
• Primary Examiner(s): Nicholson, Eric K.
• Application Number:
  US09/667,788
• Time in Patent Office: 1,096 Days
• Field of Search: 285/124--12, 285/114, 166/241.1, 166/241.6, 166/341, 166/342, 166/348
• US Class Current: 285/124.1
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 17/01 Risers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a riser pipe element comprising a main tube (5), connection means (2) at both ends, at least one auxiliary pipe length (4) arranged substantially parallel to the tube. The auxiliary pipe length is secured at both ends to the connection means of the main tube so that the longitudinal mechanical stresses to which the connection means are subjected are distributed in the tube and in the pipe.

Claims

1. A riser pipe element comprising a main tube comprising a plurality of elements, connection means connecting ends of the elements of the main tube, at least one auxiliary pipe length each comprising a plurality of sections arranged substantially parallel to said main tube, wherein said connection means are subjected to tension stresses, and fastening means securing adjacent ends of sections of said auxiliary pipe length to said connection means so as to distribute tension stresses in the main tube and the auxiliary pipe when the riser pipe element is tensioned.

2. A riser pipe element as claimed in claim 1, wherein one end of said auxiliary pipe comprises a fastening device allowing a determined longitudinal play.

3. A riser pipe element as claimed in claim 2, wherein said play is not zero in the absence of load on said element.

4. A riser pipe element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary pipe has one end running through a flange secured to a connector of the tube and comprises a dog limiting the displacement of said pipe in relation to the flange.

5. A riser pipe element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said play corresponds to the elongation of the main tube under a determined load value.

6. A riser pipe element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary pipe is a steel tube hooped by reinforcing wire layers.

7. A riser pipe element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said main tube is a steel tube hooped by reinforcing wire layers.

8. A riser pipe element as claimed in claim 7, wherein said reinforcing wires are made of glass, carbon or aramid fibers coated in a polymer matrix.

9. A riser pipe element as claimed in claim 6, wherein said reinforcing wires are made of glass, carbon or aramid fibers coated in a polymer matrix.