A Novel Approach for Designing Boltless Connectors - Example on a New Drilling Riser Connector

Abstract

A new method which uses elastic and elasto-plastic Finite Element analyses is developed to design a double breech-block type connector. All relevant criteria proposed by API16F are fulfilled. In addition, plastic and bearing criteria have been added to support the use of lugs for load transfer in the connector. The proposed methodology has been applied and validated through experimental tests at different scales and in particular on laboratory specimens and small-scaled connectors. Based on these last structural tests, a safety factor of almost 8 was obtained for the design method on small-scaled connectors. Prototype tests at scale 1:1 allowed the methodology to be fully validated and a new product to be qualified. Certification bodies validated the whole design process, the employed methodology and the new connector.