Offshore riser cardan joint - with contactless pressure pads sealing ball linkage to well head

摘要

Cardan joint for the riser of an offshore well production platform is housed in a pedestal bearing over the well head on the sea bed. The spherical shell part of the bearing has an outer flange on top. The diverging bottom end of the riser which extends over and around the pedestal bearing has an inner flange at the bottom. Contactless sealing pads between the two flanges provide for freedom of motion. Low-cost universal joint is readily accessible for the inspection and exchange of wearing parts. The absence of sliding friction results in longer service life of the joint and its parts.