Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of manufacturing a marine riser constructed of an aluminum alloy having a high strength-to-weight ratio is provided. The inventive riser apparatus comprises a plurality of riser sections coupled serially end-to-end, wherein each of the riser sections comprises a pipe having a first end and a second end, a first flanged coupling welded to the first end of the pipe, and a second flanged coupling welded to the second end of the pipe, wherein the pipe is constructed of an aluminum alloy having a strength-to-weight ratio greater than that of steel. The riser apparatus may optionally include one or more auxiliary lines providing hydraulic communication with a blowout preventer.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 27, 2002
Date of Patent:
September 9, 2003
Assignee:
Noble Drilling Corporation
Inventors:
Hans Herman Jacques Deul, Peter Mackinnon Keith Campsie, Mikhail Yakovlevich Gelfgat