Patent ID: 9341031
Filing Date: 2016-05-17
CPC Classification: E21B

Claim Text:
1. A riser assembly for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location comprising: a riser comprising at least one segment of flexible pipe, and apparatus for supporting the riser in a mid-water position, the apparatus comprising: an anchoring element for anchoring a supporting portion to a fixed structure, the supporting portion comprising: a positively buoyant element connected to the anchoring element and retained by the anchoring element in a mid-water position between the fixed structure and sea-level, and a saddle element on an underside of the positively buoyant element and between the positively buoyant element and the fixed structure, wherein the saddle element comprises a curved sheet-like member, an underside of the sheet-like member comprising a substantially U-shaped or substantially V-shaped bearing surface for the section of flexible pipe to bear against to thereby restrain the flexible pipe from upward movement, and wherein the section of flexible pipe bears against the bearing surface, wherein the bearing surface has a substantially U-shaped or substantially V-shaped configuration in a longitudinal direction with respect to the flexible pipe such that the flexible pipe exits the bearing surface at an upward angle at each side of the supporting portion and such that the flexible pipe is supported in a substantially U-shaped or substantially V-shaped configuration by the bearing surface.