초록 ▼

Apparatus and methods for suppressing vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) of aquatic elements of underwater structures. The system includes use of a sleeve positioned around at least a portion of an aquatic element and at least one strake positioned along at least a portion of the length of the aquatic

Apparatus and methods for suppressing vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) of aquatic elements of underwater structures. The system includes use of a sleeve positioned around at least a portion of an aquatic element and at least one strake positioned along at least a portion of the length of the aquatic member. The apparatus further comprises copper to suppress the growth of aquatic organisms.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system comprising: (a) a first flange; (b) a second flange; and (e) an elongated strake member having a first and a second end; wherein the first end of the elongated strake member is connected to the first flange, and wherein the second end of the elongated strake member is connected to

1. A system comprising: (a) a first flange; (b) a second flange; and (e) an elongated strake member having a first and a second end; wherein the first end of the elongated strake member is connected to the first flange, and wherein the second end of the elongated strake member is connected to the second flange; and wherein at least a portion of the system comprises copper in the range of about 60 wt % to about 100 wt %, based on the total weight of that portion. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: (d) a marine element; wherein the first and second flanges define an inner periphery, and wherein at least a portion of the marine element is positioned within the inner periphery. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the system is comprised of copper in the range of about 90 wt % to about 100 wt %. 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: (d) an elongated sleeve; wherein the first and second flanges define an inner periphery, and wherein at least a portion of the elongated sleeve is positioned within the inner periphery. 5. The system of claim 4 further comprising: (e) a marine element; wherein at least a portion of the marine element is positioned within the elongated sleeve. 6. The system of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the system is comprised of copper in the range of about 75 wt % to about 100 wt %. 7. The system of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the system is comprised of copper in the range of about 90 wt % to about 100 wt %. 8. The system of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the system is comprised of copper in the range of about 95 wt % to about 100 wt %. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the system is helically-shaped. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the system is comprised of copper in the range of about 75 wt % to about 100 wt %. 11. The system of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the system is comprised of copper in the range of about 90 wt % to about 100 wt %. 12. The system of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the system is comprised of copper in the range of about 95 wt % to about 100 wt %. 13. A method of modifying a structure intended to operate while at least partially immersed in an aquatic environment, wherein the method comprises: (a) arranging a plurality of elongated members around at least a portion of the structure, wherein at least a portion of the elongated member comprise copper in the range of about 60 wt % to about 100 wt %, based on the total weight of the elongated member. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: (b) forming the plurality of elongated members into a helical shape around at least a portion of the structure. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising, prior to step (a), arranging a sleeve around at least a portion of the structure, and then in step (a) arranging the plurality around the sleeve. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step prior to step (a) and the steps (a) and (b) are performed on a water craft. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the elongated members are comprised of copper in the range of about 75 wt % to about 100 wt %. 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the elongated members are comprised of copper in the range of about 90 wt % to about 100 wt %. 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the elongated members are comprised of copper in the range of about 95 wt % to about 100 wt %.