Patent ID: 9074426
Filing Date: 2015-07-07
Classification: B63B,E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a collar member dimensioned to encircle an underlying tubular, the collar member having a base portion and flanges extending perpendicularly from the base portion, the flanges operable to (1) support a vortex induced vibration (VIV) suppression device entirely above or entirely below the collar member and (2) axially position the VIV suppression device along an underlying tubular such that the VIV suppression device remains axially aligned along an underlying tubular and is free to weathervane around a tubular while the collar member remains substantially stationary, the collar member having a height less than 25 percent a height of the VIV suppression device and a modifiable diameter to accommodate a change in a diameter of the underlying tubular; a resilient member coupled to the collar member, the resilient member having a plurality of discrete sections protruding from an outer surface of the collar member to accommodate a change in the diameter of the underlying tubular, wherein the outer surface faces away from an underlying tubular around which the collar member is positioned, and wherein the plurality of discrete sections are annularly spaced a distance from one another around the underlying tubular such that spaces are formed between each of the plurality of sections and portions of the collar member within the spaces are exposed; and a band positioned around, and having an inner surface in direct contact with, each of the discrete sections of the resilient member.