Patent ID: 8100437
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: E21B,F16L

Abstract:
1. A marine riser assembly comprising: a first tubular member having a first end face and an external surface, there being a plurality of first, axially spaced, formations on said external surface adjacent said first end face; a second tubular member, said second tubular member having a second end face and an external surface, there being a plurality of second, axially spaced, formations adjacent said second end face, said first and second end faces being adjacent each other; a seal assembly for sealing against external and internal pressure; a segmented ring in surrounding relationship to said first and second tubular members and spanning said adjacent end faces, said segmented ring having an inner surface, there being a plurality of third, axially spaced, formations engageable with said first formations on said inner surface and a plurality of fourth, axially spaced, formations engageable with said second formations on said inner surface, said first and third formation having engaged surfaces urging said first end face toward said second end face when said segmented ring is under radially inwardly directed compressive force, said second and fourth formations having engaged surfaces urging said second end face toward said first end face when said segmented ring is under radially inwardly directed compressive force, said segmented ring having an external surface with at least a portion being tapered; said tapered portion extending in a single direction for the majority of the length of said segmented ring; and a sleeve having an inner surface with at least a portion having a taper complementary to said tapered portion of said external surface of said segmented ring, said sleeve spanning said adjacent end faces, said sleeve exerting said compressive force when said tapered surface portions are engaged, whereby said first and second end faces are forced into engagement.