Saipem has been granted a patent for a system that connects an offshore riser duct to a floating unit. The system includes a tubular coupling recipient on the floating unit, a pulling device, and a locking mechanism. A pulling line is extended through the coupling recipient and connected to the riser duct’s upper end, which is then pulled into the coupling recipient. The system also includes a pulling line redirecting system with a curved deviating surface. The deviating surface is formed by a member connected to the coupling recipient at a smaller distance from the longitudinal axis. GlobalData’s report on Saipem gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Saipem, H2 powered aircraft propulsion was a key innovation area identified from patents. Saipem's grant share as of September 2023 was 67%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method and system for connecting an offshore riser duct
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11773661B2) describes a system and method for connecting an offshore riser duct to a floating unit. The system includes a tubular coupling recipient installed on the floating unit, which receives a coupling adapter of the riser duct's upper end. A puller is also installed on the floating unit and is used to pull a pulling line connected to the upper end of the riser duct, drawing it into the coupling recipient. A lock is provided at the coupling recipient to secure the coupling adapter and prevent it from being withdrawn.
The system also includes a pulling line redirecting system, which consists of at least one curved deviating surface. This surface is formed by a member connected to the coupling recipient and is designed to redirect the pulling line's direction. The member can be arranged partially or entirely inside the coupling recipient and has a continuous curvature in both the circumferential and longitudinal directions of the recipient.
The patent also describes various configurations and features of the system, such as the use of rotatable pulleys or rollers supported by the coupling recipient's side wall, the shape of the coupling recipient's side wall, and the inclusion of additional deviation gutters on the floating unit's vessel side wall.
The method described in the patent involves installing the coupling recipient and puller on the floating unit, pulling the riser duct into the coupling recipient using the pulling line, and locking the coupling adapter in place. The method can also include connecting a spool duct to the riser duct for a permanent hydraulic connection and using a flexible tubular pull-resistant duct for the lower end section of the pulling line.
Overall, this patent presents a system and method for efficiently and securely connecting an offshore riser duct to a floating unit, providing a reliable solution for offshore oil and gas operations.
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GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
