This invention relates to an undersea riser bearing designed to operate at higher temperatures over an extended time frame while maintaining performance advantages of high capacity laminate (HCL) elastomeric composite bearings.

This invention relates to an undersea riser bearing designed to operate at higher temperatures over an extended time frame while maintaining performance advantages of high capacity laminate (HCL) elastomeric composite bearings.

Systems and methods are disclosed herein that include providing a flexible joint for use in a steel catenary riser that includes a compression bearing (106) having a transition shim (120) and a plurality of alternating flexible elements (116) and shims (118) collectively stacked and bonded to a lower portion of the transition shim (120). The flexible joint also includes an inner bonding material (126) having a profile that is complementary to a profile of an extension tube (104), the inner bonding material (126) being disposed between the extension tube (104) and compression bearing (106) and configured to serve as a bonding mechanism between extension tube and compression bearing.

Systems and methods are disclosed herein that include providing a flexible joint for use in a steel catenary riser that includes a compression bearing (106) having a transition shim (120) and a plurality of alternating flexible elements (116) and shims (118) collectively stacked and bonded to a lower portion of the transition shim (120). The flexible joint also includes an inner bonding material (126) having a profile that is complementary to a profile of an extension tube (104), the inner bonding material (126) being disposed between the extension tube (104) and compression bearing (106) and configured to serve as a bonding mechanism between extension tube and compression bearing.