Fairing system for subsea drilling rigs and method for installation and removal
US5738034A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L1/123
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for minimizing vortex induced vibrations and hydrodynamic drag of a drilling riser. Vortex induced vibrations and hydrodynamic drag are minimized by installing on a drilling riser streamlined faring sections. The fairing sections are installed on and removed from a riser through the use of one or more door panels on a rounded front portion that have a latch mechanism which can be easily opened and closed. The fairing sections are configured so they can nest one inside the other for easy storage. A tapered back or tail section of each fairing section has an attachment receptacle for engagement by a handling mechanism with a telescoping arm for grasping the fairing section. The handling mechanism is designed to move the fairing sections between a rack, where they are stored, and a position adjacent to the riser.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.