Patent ID: 6352115
Filing Date: 2002-03-05
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A device for fitting an end region of a submerged oil pipe onto a bearing structure, wherein the end region includes a rigid, substantially cylindrical or conical wall in the area of the bearing structure onto which the pipe is to be fitted, the device comprising a substantially hollow tube to be fixed on the bearing structure, the tube being sized for surrounding the wall of the pipe and the tube having an internal profile that is slightly greater than the external profile of the pipe wall;a lower support/centering device at the bottom of the tube; and a separate upper support/centering device spaced above the lower device and at the top of the tube, the support/centering devices being operable to interact with the wall in order to support the weight of the submerged pipe and also to center the end of the pipe, the operation of the lower support centering device being triggered by the operation of the upper support centering device.