A sealing device (1) and method for sealing between a chain (2)
and
a chain pipe (3), said chain for example being an anchor chain on a marine
offshore platform or on a ship, and said chain pipe (3) leading for example
to a chain locker for onboard storage of the chain in said platform or ship. The
sealing device (1) comprises at least two opposing cover lids (7)
positioned at the mouth (8) of the chain pipe (3) or an extension
collar (7) thereof. The cover lids (7) are movably arranged from
an open position into a closed position in which the cover lids (7) abut
each other and seal the chain pipe (3) from water intrusion by sealingly
engaging a chain link (10) of the chain. Furthermore, the cover lids (7)
are provided—in mutual abutment sides (15) thereof—with one
or more recesses (16) shaped in conformity with the contacting outer periphery
(17) of said chain link (10). The invention is especially characterized
in that the cover lids (7) each exhibit at least one inflatable seal element
(18), said seal element (18) extending along a respective mutual
abutment side (15) of the cover lids (7) and being adapted to expand
upon pressurization with a fluid such as pressurized air, into a radial sealing
engagement with the chain link (10), and that the cover lids (7)
are attached to an extension collar (9) of the chain pipe (3), said
extension collar (3) being movably arranged with respect to the rest of
the chain pipe (3) by means of a flexible interconnection collar (47)
mounted therebetween.