Importance

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Abstract

A coupling for two pipe sections having integral buoyancy cans, wherein the coupling includes two coupling flanges, each having an inner flange portion configured to couple the pipe stems of the pipe sections and an outer flange portion configured to brace or secure the buoyancy cans of the pipe sections against each other and thereby stabilize the pipe sections. In one embodiment, the inner and outer flange portions of each coupling flange are connected by a plurality of connecting plates. Each coupling flange also includes a plurality of reinforcing plates between the inner and outer flange portions. Each of the inner flange portions is configured as a female box flange. In one embodiment, a pin flange is positioned between the inner flange portions in the assembled coupling to form pin-and-box connections with the inner flange portions. The outer flange portions are bolted together to secure the coupling. In another embodiment, the coupling flanges have complementary tapered mating surfaces which are used in conjunction with a tapered seal ring to form the connection between the pipe stems of the pipe sections. In this embodiment, a plurality of bolts positioned adjacent to the inner flange portions are used to provide a load on the seal ring and ensure a good seal.

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First Claim