Patent ID: 6050747
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: B63B,E21B,F16L

Abstract:
A rotating connector for interconnection between at least one fluid passage (9) through a submerged buoy (1, 2) and a pipe system on a floating vessel for the production of hydrocarbons, comprising a pair of cooperating, fluid-transferring swivel members in the form of a female member (3) and a male member (4) which may be introduced axially into or withdrawn from each other, the female member being permanently fixed to the buoy (1, 2), and an electrohydraulic swivel (30) constituting a part of the male member (4) and being arranged for transfer of electrical power and electrical and hydraulic control signals, the swivel members (3, 4) at their lower ends comprising cooperating connector parts (81, 82; 83, 84) for interconnection of respective power, signal and hydraulic lines from the swivel and the buoy, CHARACTERIZED IN that the electrohydraulic swivel (30) is arranged on the top of the male swivel member (4) and comprises a slip-ring arrangement (37, 45) for the transfer of high electric power and control signals, and that the female and male swivel members (3, 4) include cup-like housing members (60, 61) which are insertable into each other and have coupling discs (62, 63) with said cooperating connector parts (81, 82; 83, 84) forming part of respective underwater couplers (72, 73), the housing members (60, 61) being arranged to be filled with water, for submerged operation of the underwater couplers (72, 73).