Method of installing flange on tubular body at desired elevation

Abstract

A method is disclosed of connecting first and second bodies in a mechanical assembly at a desired connection location. An elongate connection structure is provided on the first body. The first body is installed, extending at least to the desired connection location. The first body is axially reduced, to terminate around the desired axial connection location. A second body is connected relative to the desired connection location to the first body using the connection structure. Further sub-assemblies may be installed, and electrically insulated from other parts of the mechanical assembly to protect against corrosion.

1 . A method of connecting a first body having a first bore with a first axis and a second body having a second bore and a second axis substantially aligned with the first axis, comprising: 
 providing an elongate connection structure on the first body;    selectively cutting the first body to reduce an axial length of the connection structure on the first body, such that the connection structure terminates at a desired axial connection location; and    connecting the second body with the first body.    
   
   
       2 . A method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the elongate connection structure comprises a plurality of grooves about the first body.  
   
   
       3 . A method as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of grooves comprises an externally threaded area along the first body.  
   
   
       4 . A method as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the second body comprises a second flange having an internally threaded connection member; and 
 connecting the second body with the first body comprises threadably engaging the internally threaded connection member with the externally threaded area along the first body.    
   
   
       5 . A method as defined in  claim 3 , further comprising: 
 connecting another flange with the second flange.    
   
   
       6 . A method as defined in  claim 5 , further comprising: 
 positioning an insulating material between the second flange and the another flange, to electrically insulate between the second flange and the another flange.    
   
   
       7 . A method as defined in  claim 5 , further comprising: 
 positioning an insulating material between the first body and the another flange, to insulate between the first body and the another flange.    
   
   
       8 . A method as defined in  claim 5 , further comprising: 
 providing one or more threaded members for joining the second flange and the another flange; and    positioning an insulating material between the another flange and the one or more threaded members, to insulate between the another flange and the one or more threaded members.    
   
   
       9 . A method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the first body is one of the group consisting of an upper and lower body, and the second body is the other of the group consisting of the upper and lower body.  
   
   
       10 . A method as defined in  claim 2 , wherein connecting the second body to the first body comprises: 
 providing a radially movable latch member with the second body, the latch member comprising teeth adapted to engage the grooves about the first body; and    moving the latch member radially inward to engage the grooves about the first body.    
   
   
       11 . A method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein connecting the second body with the first body follows reducing the axial length of the connection structure.  
   
   
       12 . A method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein reducing the axial length of the connection structure follows connecting the second body with the first body.  
   
   
       13 . A method of connecting a first body having a first bore with a first axis and a flange having a second bore and a second axis substantially aligned with the first axis, comprising: 
 providing an elongate connection structure on the first body;    selectively cutting the first body to reduce an axial length of the connection structure on the first body, such that the connection structure terminates at the desired axial connection location; and    connecting the flange with the first body at the desired axial connection location.    
   
   
       14 . A method of connecting a first body having a first bore with a first axis and a second body having a second bore and a second axis substantially aligned with the first axis, comprising: 
 providing an elongate connection structure on the first body;    selectively cutting the first body to reduce an axial length of the connection structure on the first body, such that the connection structure terminates at the desired axial connection location;    connecting the second body at the desired axial connection location with the first body;    connecting a tubular member with the second body; and    sealing between the second body and the tubular member at a location radially inward at the connection structure on the first body.    
   
   
       15 . A method as defined in  claim 13 , wherein the elongate connection structure comprises a plurality of grooves on an external surface of the first body.  
   
   
       16 . A method as defined in  claim 13 , further comprising: 
 connecting another flange with the flange; and    connecting one or more tubular members with the another flange.    
   
   
       17 . A method as defined in  claim 16 , further comprising: 
 positioning an electrical insulating material between the flange and the another flange.    
   
   
       18 . A method as defined in  claim 16 , further comprising: 
 positioning an electrical insulating material between the first body and the another flange.    
   
   
       19 . A method as defined in  claim 16 , further comprising: 
 providing one or more threaded members for joining the second flange and the another flange; and    positioning an insulating material between the another flange and the one or more threaded members, to insulate between the another flange and the one or more threaded members.    
   
   
       20 . A method as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the second body is a flange, and another flange on the tubular member is connected with the second body.  
   
   
       21 . A method as defined in  claim 20 , further comprising: 
 positioning an electrical insulating material between the flange and the another flange.    
   
   
       22 . A method as defined in  claim 20 , further comprising: 
 positioning an electrical insulating material between the first body and the another flange.    
   
   
       23 . A method as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the elongate connection structure comprises a plurality of grooves on an external surface of the first body.  
   
   
       24 . A method as defined in  claim 14 , further comprising: 
 providing one or more threaded members for joining the second flange and the another flange on the tubular member; and    positioning an insulating material between the another flange and the one or more threaded members, to insulate between the another flange and the one or more threaded members.    
   
   
       25 . A method as defined in  claim 14 , wherein connecting the second body to the first body comprises: 
 providing a radially movable latch member with the second body, the latch member comprising teeth adapted to engage the grooves about the first body; and    moving the latch member radially inward to engage the grooves about the first body.