Vessel with a disconnectable riser supporting buoy
US5941746A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 22, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 22, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B21/508
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a vessel which is attached to the sea floor by at least one anchor line. A riser support buoy (9) is releasably connected to the vessel. The anchor line or anchor lines are attached to the vessel outside the area of the riser support buoy (9) such that the buoy can be detached from the vessel independently from the attachment of the anchor lines. By releasing the riser support buoy while maintaining the anchor lines in place, the buoy can be released by maintenance purposes, inspection of the buoy body or the riser without the vessel going adrift. Also the forces between the vessel and the buoy are reduced as the anchor lines are not attached to the riser supporting buoy. The riser supporting buoy may be provided with stabilisation lines (45,45') which on one end comprise a ballast weight (46,46').
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.