|
RISER BEND STIFFENER CONNECTOR
|
| |
Figure 1 : Various parts of Bend
Stiffener Connector
|
|
Bend Stiffener Connector (BSC)
was developed by DTI to facilitate “diverless” connection of Umbilical and Flow
line bend stiffeners to I-tube or J-tube. The innovative design (patent
pending) enables easy installation in three simple steps which reduces the
complexity of the process and also reduces the cost of operation.
BSC consists of a funnel weldment (I-tube interface) and a shaft assembly Bend
stiffener interface) along with a locking mechanism. The top of the funnel assembly
is attached to the I-tube (welded or flanged) and the shaft is attached to the
bend stiffener with an adapter flange. The shaft assembly is pulled into the
funnel assembly and is Auto-latched to the funnel assembly with the dogs in the
latching mechanism. Figure 2(a) shows the initial position of the shaft and funnel.
Figure 2 (b) shows the shaft being pulled into the funnel. Figure 2 (c) shows the final
position after the cam plate is pushed by the ROV to the lock position.
|
| |
Figure 2 (a) |
Figure 2 (b) |
Figure 2 (c) |
|
| |
| Major benefits of using DTI Bend Stiffener Connectors |
| |
-
IMPROVED SAFETY - Eliminates need for diving operations for connecting bend stiffener to I-tube
-
LOWER SCHEDULING RISK - Eliminates the need to coordinate installation vessel activity with diving activity.
-
LOWER COST – Reduces the cost of installation by eliminating the need to have diving support available during
riser installation; and minimizing installation vessel standby time during the connection process.
-
TIME SAVING – The total time for making up the connection is less than 1/2 hour when compared to 10-12 hrs. total time
using divers or other connectors.
|
|
The BSC connectors are manufactured in three standard sizes with customizable end interfaces depending
on the requirement. The sizes and load specification is included in Table 1.
However the design is easily scalable to meet any Load / Functional requirements.
The current maximum static bending load capacity is upto 800,000 FT.-LB. (for 30” Connector)
|
| |
Table 1 : Standard sizes and corresponding load rating of BSCs.
| S/N |
Size (in) |
Min. Calculated Static
Bending Load (lb-ft) |
| 1. |
18 |
155,712 |
| 2. |
20 |
376,585 |
| 3. |
24 |
656,672 |
|
| |
|
Detailed FEA analysis is conducted on the BSC for structural integrity in static load conditions as well as
fatigue loading. Figure 3 shows a FEA image of the analysis conducted on the funnel and
the shaft assembly of the Bend stiffener connector.
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
| Figure 3 : FEA Image of Bend Stiffener Connector Funnel and Shaft |
| |
| For more details download Bend Stiffener Connectors Presentation |
