Patents Examined by Debbie L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4470722
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for a marine production riser system. The system includes a series of housing sections linked to form a vertical riser column. The integrity of the riser column is maintained by guidelines extending in tension between a subsea installation and a surface vessel. Each housing section has a plurality of passages extending therethrough. Fluid-handling lines retained within the passages are isolated from current forces by the housing sections. To utilize the invention, the nonbuoyant housing sections are positioned between the guidelines, are loosely banded to the guidelines, and are lowered to form the riser column. Fluid-handling lines are threaded through axially-coinciding passages located in each housing section and continuous throughout the riser column. The fluid-handling lines are connected at the sea floor and surface vessel to complete a fluid carrying system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Co.
    Inventor: Edward W. Gregory