Flexible joint for submarine pipes - has mercury in cup receiving upper pipe end to allow large telescopic or angular movements

摘要

The sealed joint permits large linear or angular movements between two, near vertical pipes. Around the top of the lower pipe (2) a deep annular cup is formed, into which is fitted the lower end of the upper pipe (1). The cup is filled with liquid (3), preferably mercury, so that large linear movements are possible. For angular movements, the pipe ends and cup are made part spherical. Bearings may be interposed between the walls, to react lateral loads and in the angular case, a cardan suspension centred on the sphere centre may be used.