Development And Load-carrying Properties Experimental Research Of Deepwater Clamp Connector

In the large number of offshore oil and gas production equipment, the underwater connector is an important equipment to connect the pipe and the oil pipeline, and the research of underwater connector is the foundation for ocean exploitation. Clamp connector is one of the most prospective connection form among the deep-water connectors. In this paper,according to the research about clamp connector technology in domestic and abroad, the whole scheme was designed and key structure was optimized, mechanical and bearing performance be analyzed of the 6 inch vertical pipelines clamp connector.According to the complicated environment and the special technical requirements of the high temperature and pressure,the whole scheme of the clamp connector was confirmed based on analysis the clamp part, sealing device and alignment structure, the motion analysis and simulation of the clamp mechanism are developed.Based on the overall precept of clamp connection, the mechanics analysis of the clamp claw and the influence between the contact angles of clamp claw and the sealing contact stress be done. the sensitivity of the turning angle, thickness and width of the clamp claw for determining the optimal value of each dimension be analyzed. The mechanical model of clamp mechanism was established, and the pre-tightening force was analyzed.Four mechanical models was established through theoretical analysis such as pull,compression, bending and torsion load, and confirmed the bearing properties of the clamp connector. The contact stress of the connection device under variable load was studied and the relationship between contact stress and load was determined.The hydrostatic pressure test for clamp connection prototype was carried out. It is verify the sealing performance can meet the requirements of practical application. Tension,compression,bending and torsion load tests were carried out by using the load test bench.Contrast the result of theoretical and test to verify the bearing performance. To test the clamp connection device in the ocean and investigate the coordination and installation between the connector and auxiliary tolls,internal pressure test was carried out to test the performance and installation reliability of the connector under the actual working conditions. The research and analysis of the existing problems in the actual working conditions provide guidance for the development of the engineering prototype.