Patent ID: 6367846
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: E21B,F16L

Abstract:
A coupling for use with pipe sections having central pipe stems and coaxially located buoyancy cans, wherein the coupling comprises:a pair of coupling flanges, each of the coupling flanges having an inner flange portion configured to be connected to the pipe stem of the corresponding pipe section, and an outer flange portion positioned near the periphery of the corresponding buoyancy can; wherein each of the coupling flanges is configured to be connected to one of the pipe sections; wherein when the coupling flanges are secured to each other, a seal is formed between the pipe stems of the pipe sections and the outer flange portions form a brace between the buoyancy cans of the pipe sections; and wherein the outer flange portion of at least one of the coupling flanges comprises one or more water vents.