Composite buoyancy module
US6488447B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B2035/442
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A buoyancy system for a deep water floating platform includes at least one composite buoyancy module coupled to the a riser having a length greater than 1000 feet and an associated weight. The composite buoyancy module is sized to have a volume to produce a buoyancy force at least as great as the weight of the riser. The composite buoyancy module may include a vessel with a composite vessel wall. The buoyancy module or vessel may have a non-circular cross-section defining an area which is greater than approximately 79 percent of an area defined by a square with sides tangent to the vessel wall to maximize buoyancy. A second buoyancy module may be directly coupled to the first buoyancy module to achieve a desired buoyancy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.