Patent ID: 9267336
Filing Date: 2016-02-23
CPC Classification: E21B,F16B,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A method for connecting a flexible line to a structure of a fluid exploitation installation, comprising the following steps: providing a flexible line and a bend limiter axially immobilized around the flexible line by a releasable immobilizing mechanism; partially inserting the flexible line through a hollow rigid member secured to the structure; immobilizing the bend limiter on the hollow rigid member; deactivating the releasable immobilizing mechanism; and moving the flexible line relative to the bend limiter in the hollow rigid member, the bend limiter remaining substantially axially stationary relative to the hollow rigid member, wherein: the releasable immobilizing mechanism is deactivated independently of the movement of the flexible line with respect to the bend limiter, the releasable immobilizing mechanism includes a retaining member secured to the flexible line and a moving engaging member mounted on the bend limiter, the moving engaging member is a segmented nut, the bend limiter includes an articulated upper assembly comprising multiple tubular vertebrae axially assembled end-to-end, the bend limiter further includes an upper retaining flange protruding radially from the upper assembly, a through opening being formed through said upper retaining flange to accommodate the retaining member of the immobilizing mechanism, and the moving engaging member is configured for being placed in an engaging configuration of the retaining member, the deactivating step including moving the moving engaging member from the engaging configuration to a released configuration of the retaining member, independently of the movement of the flexible line, the retaining member being in the meantime received in the through opening of the upper retaining flange of the bend limiter.