Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A long strut between a sea-platform and the ocean bed needs to have its weight supported. Otherwise, much of its strength is used merely in supporting itself. The strut disclosed is made in sections, joined typically by screw threads. The joints need to be inspected periodically. The hollow sections of the strut have their buoyancy disposed internally, yet with the joints exposed internally for inspection by a probe that passes down inside along the length of the strut. The vulnerable joint area is made accessible to the probe. When the joint area includes welds, they too are vulnerable and need to be inspected; the fact that the buoyancy forces also have to be fed into the strut at the joint areas makes for even greater difficulty in providing access for the probe to all the places that need to be inspected. This access is provided in the various manners as shown. The buoyancy may take the form of enclosures formed by welding diaphgrams into the sections, or of separate air-canisters positioned inside the sections and made of plastic.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim