Patent ID: 6488447
Filing Date: 2002-12-03
Classification: B63B,E21B

Abstract:
A buoyancy system, comprising:a riser, configured to extend vertically substantially between an ocean surface and an ocean floor, and having a length greater than 1000 feet and a weight; at least one composite buoyancy module, coupled to the riser, configured to be disposed below the ocean surface and filled with air, and having a volume sized to produce a buoyancy force at least as great as the weight of the riser; and a floating or submerged platform, in which the composite buoyancy module and a portion of the riser are movably disposed, and having a grid structure with at least one individual square compartment through which the composite buoyancy module is disposed, the square compartment having a cross-sectional area; and the composite buoyancy module having a non-circular cross-section defining an area greater than approximately 79 percent of the cross-sectional area of the square compartment.