# US 12,000,218 B2 · Adapter tool for coupling a bend stiffener with interface for bell mouths of models with BSN900E type connection in a diverless bell mouth (BSDL) and interconnection methods > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,000,218 B2 - Document ID: US12000218B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/549,173 - Filed: 2021-12-13 - Published: 2022-06-16 - Granted: 2024-06-04 - Earliest claimed: 2020-12-14 - Assignees: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras - Applicants: PetróLeo Brasileiro S.A.—PetrobráS - Inventors: Flavio Barroso De Mello; Bruno Pinho Dos Reis; Vinicius Gasparetto - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12000218B2 ## CPC - E21B 19/004: {supporting a riser from a drilling or production platform} - F16L 37/096: by means of hooks hinged about an axis - E21B 17/01: Risers - E21B 17/017: {Bend restrictors for limiting stress on risers} - E21B 43/0107: {Connecting of flow lines to offshore structures (E21B43/013 takes precedence)} - F16L 37/098: by means of flexible hooks - F16L 37/127: using hooks hinged about an axis {(F16L37/1215 takes precedence)} - E21B 33/038: Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser - H02G 1/10: in or under water - H02G 9/02: laid directly in or on the ground, river-bed or sea-bottom; Coverings therefor, e.g. tile - E21B: EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS - F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL - H02G: INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES ## Abstract In order to achieve the objects described above, the present invention provides an adapter tool for coupling a ben stiffener with interface for bell mouths of models with connection type BSN900E in a diverless bell mouth (BSDL), consisting of a adapter split ring (1), guide pin holes (C), fastener eyes (D), and through holes (E). The adapter tool is capable of keeping interchangeability and flexibility between projects or project phases, even if different bellmouth models are used. The interconnection method between the helmet (9) and the adapter split ring (1) can be done by direct attachment by bolt, or by attachment by ring/rod support. Both interconnections can be made on board a flexible line launching vessel, in the case of reusing lines from other projects, or at the factory, in the case of sharing new flexible lines. ## Claims ### Claim 1 Adapter tool for coupling a bend stiffener with interface for bell mouths of models having a first type of connection in a bell mouth having a second type of connection, the second type of connection being different from the first type of connection, the adapter tool comprising an adapter split ring (1) having an upper part geometry compatible with a dovetail profile of a helmet on a bell mouth having the first type of connection and a lower part geometry, compatible with a helmet setting profile on a tongue of the bell mouth having the second type of connection, wherein the adapter split ring includes holes for guide pins (C), eyes (D) for fasteners, and through holes (E), and wherein the upper part geometry of the adapter split ring (1) enables the dovetail profile of the helmet to fit onto the adapter split ring (1). ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The adapter tool according to claim 1, the holes for guide pins (C) are positioned on diametrically opposite faces of the split ring. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The adapter tool according to claim 1, wherein the eyes (D) for fasteners are configured to accept eyebolts for joining the split ring. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The adapter tool according to claim 1, wherein the through holes (E) are configured to accept bolts to connect the split ring with the helmet of the bell mouth having the first connection type by direct bolt attachment. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The adapter tool according to claim 1, wherein that the adapter split ring (1) is installed in the helmet (9) of the bell mouth having the first connection type through direct bolt attachment. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The adapter tool according to claim 1, wherein the adapter split ring (1) being installed in the helmet (9) of the bell mouth having the first connection type through attachment by ring/rod support. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The adapter tool according to claim 6, wherein the ring/rod support includes a support split ring (5) and support rods (7) attached to the support split, ling (5) with bolts (6 and 8). ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) Method of interconnection between the helmet and the adapter split ring, using direct attachment by bolts, of an adapter tool defined in claim 1, the method comprising the following steps: a) Mounting guide pins (2) on one of the adapter split ring halves (1); b) Positioning the adapter split ring (I) below the helmet (9); c) Attaching the adapter split ring (I) with fasteners through the through holes (E); d) Positioning a second half of the adapter spit ring (1) below the helmet (9), performing a fit in a first half through the guide pins (2); d) Attaching the second half of the adapter split ring (1) with fasteners through the through holes (E); and f) Locking the adapter split ring (l) using fasteners through the eyes (D). ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) Method of interconnection between a helmet and an adapter split ring, using direct attachment by ring/rod support, of an adapter tool defined in claim 1, the method comprising the following steps: a) Mounting guide pins (2) on one of the adapter split ring halves (1); b) Mounting rods (7) on both halves of a support ring (5); c) Positioning a first half of the adapter split ring (1) below the helmet (9), together with the support ring (5) and the rods (7); d) Positioning a second half of the adapter split ring (1) below the helmet (9), performing a fit in the first half of the adapter split ring through the guide pins (2), together with the support ring (50) and the rods (7); d) Locking the adapter split ring (1) using fasteners through the eyes (D); and f) Locking the support ring (1) using fasteners (6 and 8).