Abstract: The invention describes apparatuses and methods of monitoring fatigue, structural response, and operational limits in structural components. More particularly, the present invention relates to fatigue, response, and operational monitoring systems on steel catenary risers using optical fiber sensors. The sensors can be pre-installed on new risers, or post-installed sub-sea on existing risers, using a variety of methods.

Abstract: The invention describes apparatuses and methods of monitoring fatigue, structural response, and operational limits in structural components. More particularly, the present invention relates to fatigue, response, and operational monitoring systems on steel catenary risers using optical fiber sensors. The sensors can be pre-installed on new risers, or post-installed sub-sea on existing risers, using a variety of methods.

Abstract: The invention describes a cost-effective alternative for deploying and installing subsea equipment using a workboat or other vessel of opportunity. The equipment is not supported directly by the vessel, but is instead supported by one or more buoys below the wave zone. The buoys are controlled by a combination of chain, wire rope, and synthetic line linking it to the workboat. As such, the buoy system described herein decouples vessel motion from the payload by supporting the payload from the buoys below the wave zone. Because the buoys are below the wave action and its associated turbulence, there is little energy and hence little tendency for motion. The result is a stable, inexpensive, maneuverable system capable of servicing large subsea payloads in a wide range of water depths.

Abstract: The invention describes apparatuses and methods of monitoring fatigue, structural response, and operational limits in structural components. More particularly, the present invention relates to fatigue, response, and operational monitoring systems on steel catenary risers using optical fiber sensors.

Abstract: The invention describes a cost-effective alternative for deploying and installing subsea equipment using a workboat or other vessel of opportunity. The equipment is not supported directly by the vessel, but is instead supported by one or more buoys below the wave zone. The buoys are controlled by a combination of chain, wire rope, and synthetic line linking it to the workboat. As such, the buoy system described herein decouples vessel motion from the payload by supporting the payload from the buoys below the wave zone. Because the buoys are below the wave action and its associated turbulence, there is little energy and hence little tendency for motion. The result is a stable, inexpensive, maneuverable system capable of servicing large subsea payloads in a wide range of water depths.

Abstract: A compliant tower is disclosed having a foundation connected to a wide-bodied compliant framework with a plurality of vertically extending legs a minimum of horizontal bracing. The compliant framework is configured to maintain a substantially wide, open riser suspension corridor. A topside facility is supported by the compliant framework and a plurality of freely suspended production risers extend through the riser suspension corridor from the vicinity of the topside facility to communicate with the reservoir. These production risers are spaced to provide clearance to prevent riser interference in response to normal flexure of the compliant tower and normal environmental loads on the risers. A riser support assembly is configured to accomodate relative motion between the risers and the topside facility, supporting the production risers in tension near their upper ends to provide the principal load transfer between the riser and the compliant framework.