Retrofit Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV) Suppression Device
AssigneeOceaneering International, Inc.
InventorsSamao SILVA, Nikunj PATEL, Matthew SMITH
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Abstract
The disclosed invention comprises a vortex-induced-vibration (VIV) suppression system for tubulars, such as tubular structures (e.g., a riser), and uses a winding, e.g., ropes or cables, wound around tubular structures in a helical manner already deployed subsea. The helically wound ropes or cables tend to act as a VIV suppression device.
Claims14
A vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression system, comprising:
- a. a first collar, dimensioned to fit about and be secured to an outer circumference of a tubular;
- b. a second collar, dimensioned to rotatably fit about and be secured to the outer circumference of the tubular at a predetermined secured position disposed away from the first collar;
- and
- c. a predetermined set of windings adapted to be arrayed helically around the tubular intermediate the first collar and the second collar, the predetermined set of windings operatively secured to either the first collar or the second collar.
A method of deploying a vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression 1 system (1) about a tubular, the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression system (1) comprising a first collar, dimensioned to fit about and be secured to an outer circumference of a tubular, a second collar which is dimensioned to rotatably fit about and be secured to the outer circumference of the tubular at a predetermined secured position disposed away from the first collar, and a predetermined set of windings adapted to be arrayed helically around the tubular intermediate the first collar and the second collar where the predetermined set of windings are operatively secured to either the first collar or the second collar, the method comprising:
- a. securing the first collar about an outer surface of a tubular at a first predetermined initial position;
- b. positioning the second collar about the outer surface of the tubular at a second predetermined initial position distally from the first collar with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular;
- c. attaching a first end of the predetermined set of windings to the first collar;
- d. securing a first portion of predetermined set of windings to the second collar;
- and
- e. rotating the second collar in a predetermined circumferential direction to wind predetermined set of windings into a helix about the tubular.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.