Patent ID: 9080392
Filing Date: 2015-07-14
Classification: B63B,E21B,F16L

Abstract:
1. A method of retrofitting a vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression device to a tubular structure, the method comprising: opening a VIV suppression device underwater using one of an ROV or a diver, the VIV suppression device having a handle to facilitate opening of the VIV suppression device by the ROV or diver; positioning the VIV suppression device around the tubular structure; and closing the VIV suppression device around the tubular structure using a spring hinge coupled to the VIV suppression device that biases the VIV suppression device in the closed position, wherein the spring hinge comprises a pin which provides a pivot point for rotation of a first side and a second side of the VIV suppression device between an open position and the closed position and a spring having a first end positioned along the first side and a second end positioned along the second side, and wherein the first end and the second end apply a biasing force to the first side and the second side and the biasing force is in a direction tangential to a radius of the pin such that the first side and the second side are biased toward the closed position.