초록 ▼

A variable-buoyancy marine riser and a method for providing and adjusting the buoyancy for such a riser. The riser is comprised of a main riser conduit on which a plurality of cans are affixed. A slurry of buoyant material, e.g. small, hollow spheres, is pumped into the cans to displace the seawater

A variable-buoyancy marine riser and a method for providing and adjusting the buoyancy for such a riser. The riser is comprised of a main riser conduit on which a plurality of cans are affixed. A slurry of buoyant material, e.g. small, hollow spheres, is pumped into the cans to displace the seawater therein and give buoyancy to the riser. When it is desired to reduce the buoyancy of the riser, the spheres are removed by merely opening the cans and allowing the surrounding seawater to displace the spheres from the cans.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for providing buoyancy for a marine riser, said method comprising:affixing at least one can to said marine riser; andflowing a slurry of particulate, buoyant material into said at least one can after said marine riser has been installed at an offshore location wh

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for providing buoyancy for a marine riser, said method comprising:affixing at least one can to said marine riser; andflowing a slurry of particulate, buoyant material into said at least one can after said marine riser has been installed at an offshore location wherein said particulate, buoyant material accumulates within said at least one can to provide said buoyancy for said marine riser.