Metal-to-composite interfaces
AssigneeSpencer Composites Corporation
InventorsBrian SPENCER, Richard GROVER
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Abstract
The invention relates to improved metal/composite interfaces, particularly for risers used in offshore oil and gas production to connect a subsea oil well to a surface drilling/production facility. The invention provides a composite hoop structure configured to a bearing surface of a metal groove of metal liner over which axial fibers are laid. The composite hoop structure provides for improved transition of axial, torsional and compressive forces between composite fibers and metal surfaces of the metal liner.
Claims11
A composite riser having a metal/composite interface comprising:
- a tubular metal liner comprising at least one tubular metal end connected to the tubular metal liner, the tubular metal end having at least one external groove having at least one bearing surface, and a base surface;
- a composite hoop structure within the at least one external groove and configured against the at least one bearing surface;
- a plurality of axial fibers laid over the composite hoop structure and the base surface, the axial fibers being secured by at least one layer of hoop fibers wound over the axial fibers within the external groove.
A method of manufacturing a composite riser having a tubular metal liner having at least one tubular metal end connected to the tubular metal liner, the tubular metal end having at least one external groove having at least one bearing surface, and a base surface, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) winding a composite hoop structure against a bearing surface and base surface of each external groove;
- b) laying axial fibers over the composite hoop structure and within a first external groove;
- c) securing the axial fibers against the composite hoop structure and within the first external groove by winding at least one layer of hoop or helical fibers over the axial fibers;
- d) repeating steps b) and c) for each groove of the tubular metal end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.