Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Thompson & Wright, LLP
  • Patent number: 6615922
    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