An apparatus (1) for restricting the bending of a tubular member underwater comprises a plurality of interlocking modules each formed from a first half shell component (2) circumferentially displaced from a second half-shell component (3), wherein the first half shell component comprises one or more projections (19) extending from a side edge (18) thereof and the second half shell component comprises one or more grooves (21) in a side edge (18) thereof, the projections and grooves being angled to the side edges of the first and second half shell components, the arrangement being such that when assembled together each of the one of more projections of the first half shell component are inter-engaged with a corresponding groove of the second half shell component to secure the two half shells together.

Systems and methods for initiating an emergency disconnect sequence (EDS) are provided. In an aspect, a disconnection system is provided and configured to initiate the EDS, and includes a controller including a processor and a memory operably coupled to the processor. The controller receives, from a set of motion reference units (MRU(s)) operably coupled to a flexible joint, position data generated by the set of motion references units and associated with the joint when the joint is operably coupled to and disposed between a drilling riser and a lower marine riser package (LMRP). The controller determines, based on the position data, an angular offset of the joint. The controller sends, to a subsea control pod disposed at or adjacent to the LMRP, a trigger signal in response to determining that the angular offset exceeds a predetermined threshold, such that the subsea control pod initiates the EDS.

The present invention comprises a structure with the same external geometry as a generic hook, but with a topology (internal structuring) that allows a greater distribution of deformation energy to all elements of the part, with load transfer to other less stressed regions. When the present invention is subjected to a loading, said flexible parts deform in a pre-specified manner, transferring part of a loading that would be excessive in a given region to another less loaded region, without any power supply or external interference. In this way, the deformation pattern that occurs in the present invention relieves stresses where they are greatest and, at the same time, provides flexibility (compliance), more adequately distributing coupling loads between the various fastening components.

A technique facilitates monitoring and managing fatigue related a flexible conduit deployed from a surface vessel. Movements of the surface vessel may be measured to obtain vessel movement/position data. Based on this data, a flexible conduit bend profile may be determined via a computer-based data processing system. The flexible conduit bend profile may then be used to provide a flexible conduit fatigue profile for assessment of the flexible conduit in light of the environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the fatigue profile and assessment of the flexible conduit may be based on both functional loading and environmental loading.

Disclosed are systems for securing a bend stiffener to a riser in an offshore energy production facility. In one system, the lower end of the bend stiffener has a magnet that repels a magnet in a clamp on the riser a distance below the bend stiffener. The magnets repel one another with a force during operation to decelerate falling and prevent contact between the clamp and the bend stiffener. Methods are provided for retrofitting a riser system by adding the magnets. In another system, the riser has an upper portion and a tapered portion immediately below the upper portion. The outer diameter of the tapered portion increases such that the tapered portion can be friction fit into the lower end of the bend stiffener in the event that the bend stiffener is forced down or free falls onto the riser.

A vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression device including a body portion dimensioned to encircle an underlying tubular and a tail portion extending laterally outward from the body portion, the tail portion having a top end and a bottom end. The device further including an engaging member positioned at least at the top end or the bottom end of the body portion or the tail portion. The engaging member may be dimensioned to engage with an adjacent VIV suppression device.

A pliant link to mitigate fatigue-inducing motion of a subsea catenary riser has an articulated spine having a longitudinal series of interconnected rigid segments. The spine can be coupled to upper and lower sections of the riser to transmit loads along the riser through the link on a load path that extends through the segments. The link also has a pliant pipe terminating in end fittings that can be joined, respectively, to the upper and lower sections of the riser for fluid communication along the riser through the link.

An element for a bend restrictor including a first part and a second part which together provide a cavity for receipt of a flexible pipe, in use, the two parts are pivotably connected together at a first portion thereof and are releasably coupled or couplable together at a second portion thereof. Successive elements may be secured together to form a bend restrictor.

An offshore installation comprising a riser pipe and a bend stiffener. The riser pipe comprises a flexible pipe body having a pipe length and an end fitting and the riser has a longitudinal pipe axis. The bend stiffener comprises a helically shaped body arranged to surround a stiffened length section of the flexible pipe body. The bend stiffener has a root end and a far end, wherein the root end is closer to the end fitting than the far end and the root end is locked at an axial distance to the end fitting, determined along the longitudinal pipe axis.

Techniques and systems to reduce deflection of a riser extending from an offshore vessel. A device may include a fairing assembly having a body segment configured to at least partially circumferentially surround a main tube of a riser joint of the riser, and a tail segment. The tail segment is configured to retract into a collapsed position and extend into an expanded position along an expansion direction. An expanded width of the fairing assembly in the expanded position is between 20 to 200 percent greater than a collapsed width of the fairing assembly. In some embodiments, the collapsed width of the fairing assembly is less than 1.5 times a length across the main tube, and an expanded width of the fairing assembly is greater than 1.5 times the length of the main tube.