Flexible Risers and Umbilicals

The Type I Diverless Bend Stiffener Connectors (DBSCs) comprises a ball connector, bend stiffener, and a ROV removable installation clamp connecting the umbilical or riser to the end of the stiffener, this takes the weight of the bend stiffener during installation and is removed by an ROV once the connector is installed. A fixed back-up clamp is placed below the bend stiffener allowing it to be more easily recovered and reconnected. This also acts as a fail-safe contingency in the unlikely event the bend stiffener should fail, the clamp prevents the bend stiffener falling to the sea bed.

In the absence of a female connector receptacle, the DBSC design include a ROV 'hot stab' hydraulic clamp to activate and lock the connector's balls in position and meet the DBSC's torque requirements, preventing the bend stiffener rotating through the connector. The cylinder clamp can also be deactivated by an ROV to allow the bend stiffener connector to be removed, if necessary.

DBSC Type 1 Connection Process
 

Type 1 DBSC for I/J tubes and bellmouths