Abstract: A connector (10) for securing an elongate member such as an umbilical (12) a female receiving member such as an I-tube (14), has an elongate bend stiffening portion (25) and a securing portion (26) connected to the bend stiffening portion and continuous passage (36) extends through the bend stiffening portion and the securing portion. The securing portion has one or more securing members (e.g. steel balls (40)) displaceable radially outwardly into engagement with the inner face of the tube, thereby securing the connector to the I-tube.

Abstract: A clamp for mounting upon a cylindrical member, such as a sub-sea riser or umbilical, has a set of outer clamp shells shaped to be arranged around the cylindrical member, and preferably adapted to be secured to one another in this configuration, e.g., by means of bolts. Within the structure thus formed are inner clamp members shaped to seat upon the cylindrical member, e.g., through part-circular inner faces. The inner clamp members are biased into engagement with the cylindrical member by means of spring elements pre-stressed upon assembly of the clamp between opposed surfaces of the respective outer clamp shell and inner clamp member. Preferably, the spring elements each act along a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for suppressing vortex induced vibration of a submerged elongate member such as a marine riser. Also disclosed is a marine riser having VTV suppression features. The VIV suppression features comprise multiple circumferential de-correlation rings at intervals along the member's length, each ring comprising multiple vortex tripping features at intervals around the member. The ring may for example take the form of a clamp (10) used to locate fairing units (108). However it may alternatively be a loose ring mounted on the member, or may comprise discrete features at intervals around the circumference of the member. By reducing correlation between shed vortices at different locations on the pipe, embodiments of the invention serve to prevent or reduce the coherent action of shed vortices which lead to VIV.

Abstract: A cladding section for mounting upon an elongate member and suppressing vortex induced vibration of it, the cladding section being formed of plastics sheet shaped to define two or more parallel, part tubular portions having respective vortex induced vibration suppression features, material joining neighboring part tubular sections being sufficiently pliant to allow the cladding section to be re-configured from a quasi-flat state to a state in which it forms a tube for receiving the elongate member. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a cladding section for mounting upon an elongate underwater member and suppressing vortex induced vibration of it, the method including thermoforming the cladding section in one piece.

Abstract: A cladding assembly for an elongate flexible member such as an underwater riser has a series of tubular buoyant sleeve members arranged end-to-end along the riser. The two ends of each buoyant member are formed into a part-spherical shape and are each received in a complementarily-shaped part-spherical socket in a securing collar. The buoyant sleeves are pivotable with respect to the securing collars, which allows the cladding assembly as a whole to flex with the riser.

Abstract: A bend stiffener 30 is disclosed which serves to resist excessive bending of an elongate underwater member 32, such as a cable, in a region where it meets a supporting structure such as an oil rig or buoy. The bend stiffener has a stiffener body 36 which defines a through-going channel for receiving and embracing the elongate member. A connection part 42, which may for example be formed as a tube, is shaped and positioned to enable it to be engaged with some complementary feature of the supporting structure (e.g. an upright I-tube) by upward movement of the bend stiffener. When thus engaged, the connection part serves to locate the stiffener body laterally and angularly. In accordance with the present invention, the bend stiffener is positively buoyant so that, once the connection part is engaged with the supporting structure, the bend stiffener's buoyancy suffices to maintain it in engagement.

Abstract: A cladding section for mounting upon an elongate member and suppressing vortex induced vibration of it, the cladding section being formed of plastics sheet shaped to define two or more parallel, part tubular portions having respective vortex induced vibration suppression features, material joining neighbouring part tubular sections being sufficiently pliant to allow the cladding section to be re-configured from a quasi-flat state to a state in which it forms a tube for receiving the elongate member. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a cladding section for mounting upon an elongate underwater member and suppressing vortex induced vibration of it, the method including thermoforming the cladding section in one piece.