MOORING SYSTEM BEARING FOR A TENSIONED LEG PLATFORM

摘要

Tensioned leg platforms are widely used in offshore oil production, being moored to the sea bed by tensioned lines or "legs" which undergo considerable stress variation due to varying sea conditions. The invention provides a bearing apparatus for connecting a tensioned "leg" to a platform which minimizes stress variation and resulting component wear. The mooring system bearing apparatus (28) has a flexible connector (16). The body (32) is connected to a bearing sleeve (52) through elastomeric bearings (40, 42). Stops (44, 60, 46, 62) limit strain of the elastomeric bearings.