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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/729,564, filed Nov. 24, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A difficult obstacle associated with the exploration and production of oil and gas is management of significant ocean currents. These currents can produce vortex-induced vibration (VIV) and/or large deflections of tubulars associated with drilling and production. VIV can cause substantial fatigue damage to the tubular or cause suspension of drilling due to increased deflections. Both helical strakes and fairings can provide sufficient VIV suppression, but can be slow and unsafe to install. 
     Most helical strakes consist of one or more fins that are attached to a shell, often with the fins molded into the shell. However, the elimination of the shell can reduce cost substantially. 
     One method for eliminating the shell of a helical strake section is to wind the fins around the pipe directly without a shell present. However, it is difficult to align the pitch of each of the fins quickly and/or precisely without using measuring tools which can substantially slow down the installation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an installation assembly, such as a machine, and methods of, installing helical strake fins around a pipe directly without a shell present. The machine is configured to allow for quick and precise installation of the fins. In one embodiment, installation assembly may include an outer ring member dimensioned to encircle an underlying tubular and an inner ring member positioned concentrically inward from the outer ring member. The inner ring member is configured to rotate with respect to at least one of the outer ring member or the tubular as the outer ring member moves axially along the tubular. The apparatus may further include a fin guide configured to receive a fin and helically position the fin along the tubular as the inner ring member rotates. 
     Another embodiment of the invention the installation assembly may include a support member configured to wrap a VIV suppression fin helically around a tubular. The support member may be dimensioned to retain the VIV suppression fin along an inner surface. The support member may also be modifiable between a first open configuration and a second closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the VIV suppression fin is in a helical shape such that when the support member is wrapped around a tubular, the fin is helically positioned around the tubular. The support member may further include an attachment opening formed through a portion of the support member aligned with the VIV suppression fin. The opening may be used to receive a fastener to facilitate attachment of the VIV suppression fin helically around the tubular once the support member is removed. 
     Another embodiment of the invention may include a method of installing a vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression fin about a tubular which includes removably attaching a VIV suppression fin to an installation member. The installation member may be positioned along a tubular and moved about the tubular to helically position the fin around the tubular. Once the fin is helically positioned about the tubular, the installation member may be removed. 
     The above summary does not include an exhaustive list of all aspects of the present invention. It is contemplated that the invention includes all apparatuses that can be practiced from all suitable combinations of the various aspects summarized above, as well as those disclosed in the Detailed Description below and particularly pointed out in the claims filed with the application. Such combinations have particular advantages not specifically recited in the above summary. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and they mean at least one. 
         FIG. 1A  is a top view of one embodiment of a reeled installation system turning ring. 
         FIG. 1B  is side view of the reeled installation system of  FIG. 1A  with a turning ring. 
         FIG. 1C  is side view of the reeled installation system of  FIG. 1B  with wheels to turn the rail system. 
         FIG. 1D  is a side view of one embodiment of a band holding solid material fins in place. 
         FIG. 1E  is a side view of one embodiment of a band holding two-piece fins in place. 
         FIG. 1F  is a side view of one embodiment of a band holding two-piece fins in place. 
         FIG. 2A  shows a plan view of one embodiment of a flexible installation sheet for positioning fins around a tubular. 
         FIG. 2B  shows a plan view of one embodiment of a flexible installation sheet for positioning fins around a tubular. 
         FIG. 2C  shows a front plan view of one embodiment of a flexible installation sheet for positioning fins around a tubular. 
         FIG. 2D  shows a back plan view of the flexible installation sheet of  FIG. 2C . 
         FIG. 2E  is a side view of one embodiment of an installation sheet in place around a tubular. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a side view of one embodiment of a rigid installation shell in place around a tubular. 
         FIG. 3B  shows the installation shell of  FIG. 3A  along line A-A′. 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of one embodiment of a geared installation ring. 
         FIG. 4B  is an end view of the geared installation ring of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4C  is a side view of one embodiment of a geared installation ring that is perpendicular to the view of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view of one embodiment of a sleeved installation ring. 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross section view of the sleeved installation ring of  FIG. 5A  along line B-B′. 
         FIG. 5C  is a cross section view of the sleeved installation ring of  FIG. 5A  along line C-C′. 
         FIG. 5D  is a cross section view of the sleeved installation ring of  FIG. 5A  along line D-D′. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In this section we shall explain several preferred embodiments with reference to the appended drawings. Whenever the shapes, relative positions and other aspects of the parts described in the embodiments are not clearly defined, the scope of the embodiment is not limited only to the parts shown, which are meant merely for the purpose of illustration. Also, while numerous details are set forth, it is understood that some embodiments may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description. 
     Referring now to the invention in more detail,  FIG. 1A  illustrates a top view of a reeled installation system turning ring. The turning ring  103  is made up of three sections  103 A,  103 B, and  103 C that are contained in ring housing  102  which is also made up of three sections  102 A,  102 B, and  102 C. Each of ring sections  103 A- 103 C and housing sections  102 A- 102 C may be separable to facilitate positioning of the assembly around tubular  100 , or integrally formed as one continuous unit. Connectors  155 A,  155 B, and  155 C join ring  103  with ring  101 , which surrounds tubular  100 . Ring  101  helps to stabilize ring  103  around tubular  100  at a fixed distance. Reels  104 A,  104 B, and  104 C contain fin rolls  105 A,  105 B, and  105 C, respectively. Reels  104 A- 104 C may be fixedly attached to turning ring  103  by any suitable mechanism (e.g., bolt, screw, bracket, molding, adhesive or the like) such that reels  104 A- 104 C rotate along with turning ring  103 . Guides  107 A,  107 B, and  107 C assist in laying out fins  106 A,  106 B, and  106 C, respectively. 
     Again referring to  FIG. 1A , when ring  103  is rotated (as illustrated by arrow  180 ), reels  104 A- 104 C and ring housing  102  are also rotated. As reels  104 A- 104 C rotate, fins  106 A- 106 C, which are wound around reels  104 A- 104 C, are unwound and laid out onto the underlying tubular  100 . By rotating ring  103  and laying out fins  106 A- 106 C as tubular  100  is lowered (into the page), fins  106 A- 106 C produce a helical pattern on tubular  100 . This helical pattern can be controlled by varying the rate of rotation of ring  103  relative to the lowering of tubular  100 . Ring  103  may be rotated manually, such as by a technician on deck, or automatically, such as by a motor assembly connected to ring  103 . Once fins  106 A- 106 C are helically arranged along tubular  100 , the reeled installation system can be removed leaving fins  106 A- 106 C helically installed along tubular  100 . 
     Any number of ring sections  103 A- 103 C, housing sections  102 A- 102 C, connectors  155 A- 155 C, reels  104 A- 104 C, fin rolls  105 A- 105 C, fins  106 A- 106 C, and guides  107 A- 107 C may be used depending upon the design. Fins  106 A- 106 C may be made of material fabricated solely to act as a VIV suppression device or may be made of other auxiliary lines that assist with, or perform, other functions, or any combination thereof. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1A , tubular  100  may range between 2 inches and 60 inches in diameter. Fins  106 A- 106 C will typically have a thickness within a range from 5 percent to 30 percent of the diameter of tubular  100 . Reels  104 A-C may be dimensioned to contain between 6 ft. and 1000 ft. of fins  106 A- 106 C on fin rolls  105 A- 105 C. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1A , ring  103 , housing  102 , connectors  155 A- 155 C, and reels  104 A- 104 C may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, fiberglass, wood, and composites. However, the material must be strong enough so that ring  103  may turn freely. Fin rolls  105 A- 105 C and fins  106 A- 106 C may also be made of any suitable material but typically will be made of a more flexible material such as an elastomer, plastic, or composite. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1B ,  FIG. 1B  is a side view of  FIG. 1A  but with only two fins  106 A- 106 B shown wrapped around tubular  100 , and thus only two reels  104 A- 104 B and two fin rolls  105 A- 105 B are needed. Housing  102  sits on legs  112  which sit on deck  111 . 
     Again referring to  FIG. 1B , since housing  102  is essentially fixed to deck  111  through legs  112 , the rotation of reels  104 A- 104 B is dependent upon rotation of the ring (not visible but shown in  FIG. 1A  as ring  103 ) which is constrained by housing  102 . By lowering tubular  100  while the ring (and therefore housings  104 A- 104 B) is rotating, the fins  106 A- 106 B are wrapped in a helical fashion around tubular  100 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1B , deck  111  is typically part of an offshore drilling or production platform, but can also represent other support structures. For example, fins  106 A- 106 B could be wrapped around a structure in air as tubular  100  is raised (instead of lowered) while the ring is rotating. In addition, banding of the fins  106 A- 106 B can occur at the same, or different, level or deck  111 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1C , this figure is similar to  FIG. 1B  except that legs  112  have been replaced with casters  113 . 
     Again referring to  FIG. 1C , since casters  113  are able to roll along deck  111 , housing  102  may be rotated around tubular  100  and thus a rotatable ring, such as ring  103  of  FIG. 1A , is not required. This simplifies the system but requires a deck  111  that can accommodate the rolling action of the casters  113  and also requires careful rotation of housing  102  about tubular  100  to keep them concentric. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1D ,  FIG. 1D  shows how a typical end termination can be made for fins  106 A- 106 B in order to secure them to tubular  100 . Representatively, in one embodiment, band  121  is put under tension so that it produces compression forces on fins  106 A-B and tubular  100 . Band  121  may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to metal, plastic, synthetic, composite, rubber or other elastomer, or combinations of these materials. Alternatively, a collar or other clamp may be used in place of band  121 . Typically, band  121  may be under tension, but the only requirement is that band  121  produce a compressive force on fins  106 A-B and tubular  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1E ,  FIG. 1E  is similar to  FIG. 1D  except that two part fins are presented along with additional end termination hardware. Representatively, in this embodiment, fins  106 A- 106 B include core portions  181 A and  181 B and sleeves  131 A and  131 B. Sleeves  131 A- 131 B are wrapped around core portions  181 A- 181 B, respectively. Core portions  181 A- 181 B are elongated structures which extend around tubular  100  while sleeves  131 A- 131 B are short tubular segments which wrap around core portions  181 A- 181 B, respectively. End terminations  136 A and  136 B may be used to assist with keeping core portions  181 A and  181 B in place as well with keeping sleeves  131 A- 131 B from sliding past band  121 . 
     Again referring to  FIG. 1E , by placing sleeves  131 A- 131 B around core portions  181 A- 181 B, a relatively large fin which extends out from tubular  100  may be produced. Sleeves  131 A- 131 B may be hollow, and typically there will be a significant annulus between sleeves  131 A- 131 B and core portions  181 A- 181 B. Sleeves  131 A- 131 B and core portions  181 A- 181 B may be of any suitable cross sectional shape, including round, polygonal, elliptical, and partial common shapes (such as a semi-circle). End terminations  136 A- 136 B may consist of any useful device that can be clamped onto, or attached to, core portions  181 A- 181 B such as thimbles, clamps (including hose clamps), hooks, and fasteners. End terminations may also be partially or fully comprised of part of core portions  181 A- 181 B such as by tying a knot along the length. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1E , sleeves  131 A- 131 B and core portions  181 A- 181 B may be of any suitable size. Typically core portions  181 A- 181 B will range from about 1 percent to 10 percent of the diameter of tubular  100  while sleeves  131 A- 131 B will range from 5 percent to 30 percent of the diameter of tubular  100 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1E , end terminations  136 A- 136 B, sleeves  131 A- 131 B and core portions  181 A- 181 B may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to metal, plastic, synthetic, composite, rubber or other elastomer, or combinations of these materials. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1F , this figure is similar to  FIG. 1E  except that fins  106 A and  106 B are aligned with one another by aligning their end terminations  136 A- 136 B using bands  121 A- 121 B. In one embodiment, end terminations  136 A and  136 B may be lined up by placing them under appropriate positions of their adjacent bands  121 A- 121 B and/or by connecting end terminations  136 A- 136 B to each other or to bands  121 A- 121 B.  FIG. 1F  further illustrates that in some embodiments, a stopper member  141  may be positioned around core portion  181 A (or  181 B) to help hold sleeves  131 A (or sleeves  131 B) at a desired position along core portion  181 A. Stopper member  141  may be, for example, a clamp, clip, ring, or any other structure capable of preventing movement of sleeves  131 A along core portion  181 A. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2A  shows a wrap  201  with adjacent fins  206 A- 206 C. Openings  252  are present in wrap  201 . In this embodiment, fins  206 A- 206 C may be temporarily, or permanently, attached to wrap  201  so that, when wrap  201  is placed around a tubular, fins  206 A- 206 C are helically wrapped around the tubular. Openings  252  are present to assist with attaching fins  206 A- 206 C to the tubular. Wrap  201  may consist of more than one layer to provide proper stiffness and shape for a given application. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2A , fins  206 A- 206 C may be of any size, similar to the fins discussed above. Wrap  201  may be of any suitable shape (e.g., square, rectangular, circular, triangular, elliptical, etc.) and often will have an odd or non-geometric shape so that it can accommodate the fins and encircle the tubular with minimal overlap. Openings  252  may be of any size and shape so as to fulfill their function of assisting with fin attachment. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2A , fins  206 A- 206 C and wrap  201  may be of any suitable material including, but not limited to metal, plastic, fabric, synthetic, composite, rubber or other elastomer, or combinations of these materials. For example, fins  206 A- 206 C might consist of a rope such as polyester or nylon rope. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2B ,  FIG. 2B  is similar to  FIG. 2A  except that fin openings  251 A- 251 C have been formed in wrap  201 . Fasteners  255  attach fins  206 A- 206 C to wrap  201  and openings  252 , such as those discussed in reference to  FIG. 2A , are present to assist with attaching fins  206 A- 206 C to the tubular. 
     Again referring to  FIG. 2B , fin openings  251 A- 251 C may be of any size or shape but are typically at least a little wider than fins  206 A- 206 C. Fin openings  251 A- 251 C may extend entirely through wrap  201  or may be receptacles or channels formed in wrap  201  which do not extend entirely through wrap  201 . Fin openings  251 A- 251 C may be of any suitable orientation but will typically be at an angle relative to the sides of wrap  201 . Fins  206 A- 206 C will typically align with fin openings  251 A- 251 C but may be at an angle relative to fin openings  251 A- 251 C. Fins  206 A- 206 C may, or may not, extend past wrap  201  as shown in  FIG. 2B . The advantage of extending fins  206 A- 206 C past wrap  201  is that the ends of fins  206 A- 206 C may be banded or clamped against the tubular without removing all of, or part of, wrap  201 . However wrap  201  may completely cover fins  206 A- 206 C and additional openings  252  may be used to assist in attaching fins  206 A- 206 C to the tubular. 
     Fasteners  255  may further be provided to assist with attaching fins  206 A- 206 B to wrap  201 . Fasteners  255  may be a tape (shown in  FIG. 2B ), screws, bolts, clamps, or any suitable fastening material. Fasteners  255  may be permanently attached to wrap  201  and/or fins  206 A-C, or fasteners  255  may be temporarily attached to wrap  201  and/or fins  206 A-C. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2B , each of the wrap  201 , fins  206 A- 206 C and fasteners  255  may be made of any suitable material. It is further contemplated that in some embodiments, a collar may be substituted for any of the previously discussed bands to facilitate with attachment and/or alignment of fins  106 A- 106 C and/or fins  206 A- 206 C along the associated tubular. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2C  and  FIG. 2D ,  FIG. 2C  and  FIG. 2D  are similar to  FIG. 2B  except that straps  261  are included to facilitate positioning of wrap  201  about the tubular.  FIG. 2C  illustrates a front side view similar to  FIG. 2B . Fin openings  251 A- 251 C are shown formed through wrap  201  and aligned with fins  206 A- 206 C. Openings  252  assist with attaching fins  206 A- 206 C to the underlying tubular (not shown). Fasteners  255  (shown as tape segments in  FIG. 2C ) attach fins  206 A- 206 C to wrap  201 . 
     Again referring to  FIG. 2C  and  FIG. 2D , when wrap  201  is closed around a tubular, fins  206 A- 206 C will be wrapped helically around the tubular. Straps  261  assist in pulling the wrap tight against itself. Straps  261  may be used to temporarily hold wrap  201  closed or may be used to pull on wrap  201  while fins  206 A- 206 C are secured around the tubular. Straps  261  may consist of any suitable mechanism or material. For example, straps  261  may consist of Velcro strips, hooks, buckles, belts, or latches. Once wrap  201  is closed around a tubular, fins  206 A- 206 C are clamped to the tubular using bands, collars, or any suitable attachment device. Openings  252  may be used to assist with clamping fins  206 A- 206 C to the tubular, for example by inserting a band over fins  206 A- 204 C but under the wrap and around the tubular. Once fins  206 A- 206 C are secure, then wrap  201  may be removed by opening straps  261  and removing wrap  201 . Fasteners  255  may be removed from wrap  201  or reused to for the next set of fins. Openings  251 A- 251 C may be used for attachment of fins  206 A- 206 C to wrap  201  or openings  251 A- 251 C may be used for simply marking the underlying tubular so that fins  206 A- 206 C may be attached with, or without, wrap  201 . Once fins  206 A- 206 C are placed around the tubular, a coating (such as a field joint coating) or other bonding material may be used to keep fins  206 A- 206 C in place on the tubular. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2C  and  FIG. 2D , straps  261  may be of any size, shape, or material suitable for attaching wrap  201  to a tubular and may be optional. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2E ,  FIG. 2E  shows a wrap  201  similar to the wrap in  FIG. 2C  placed around tubular  200  with a pull ring  280  and twist handles  281  present. Pull ring  280  and twist handles  281  are attached to, or part of, wrap  201 . Fins  206 A- 206 B (fin  206 C is not shown) are clamped against tubular  200  by bands  221 A- 221 C while wrap  201  is temporarily secured around tubular  200  using straps  261  along seam  275 . Openings  252  are used to assist in getting band  221 C into position. Opening  270  is an extra opening shown here that provides room for connecting the two ends of band  221 C. Note that any fin openings are not shown in  FIG. 2D  but, as noted above in the discussion of  FIG. 2B , underlying fin receptacles may be present in wrap  201 . 
     Again referring to  FIG. 2E , in this embodiment, wrap  201  is placed around tubular  200  and secured with straps  261 . Band  221 A is then placed around fins  206 A- 206 B to hold them in place (the band  221 A may be attached to wrap  201  before installation of wrap  201  or after installation of wrap  201 ; a collar or other clamping device may be substituted for band  206 A). While pulling up on ring  280  and using twist handles  281  to keep the fins  206 A- 206 B in the proper helical position, bands  221 C and  221 B are secured around fins  206 A- 206 B. Once fins  206 A- 206 B are secured to tubular  200  by bands  221 A- 221 C, wrap  201  may be removed, fitted with three more fins, and the installation process may be repeated. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2E , opening  270  may be of any suitable size and shape and will typically be sufficiently large to accommodate any installation tools for band  221 C. As noted previously, bands  221 A- 221 C may be replaced by collars or other clamping devices in which case opening  270  would be sized to install those devices and accommodate their installation tools. Pull ring  280  and twist handles  281  may be made in any suitable size, shape, or material and may be fastened to wrap  201  or may be integral to wrap  201 . Pull ring  280 , twist handles  281 , and opening  270  are optional but may be used if they are useful for installation of fins  206 A- 206 C around tubular  200 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3A  illustrates a shell  301  similar to wrap  201  of  FIG. 2A-2E  except that shell  301  is a more rigid, less flexible shell-type structure having a first section  301 A and a second section  301 B. Shell  301  may, however, have a similar size and shape to that of wrap  201 . Fins  306 A- 306 C may be attached to shell  301  with underlying structures or with openings and fasteners (not shown here but identical to those of  FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 2C ). Latches  363  are used to close shell  301  along seam  375  while bands  321 A- 321 C are used to clamp fins  306 A- 306 C to tubular  300 . Optional end terminations  336 A- 336 B are used to assist with keeping fins  306 A- 306 C from sliding past the adjacent bands. In this aspect, terminations  336 A- 336 B may be any type of structure capable of modifying (e.g., enlarging) the ends of fins  306 A- 306 C so that they do not slide under bands  321 A- 321 B. Openings  352  and  370  assist with attachment of band  321 C. 
     Again referring to  FIG. 3A , when shell  301  is closed around tubular  300  as shown, fins  306 A- 306 C are held against tubular  300 . Bands  321 A- 321 C are then tightened around fins  306 A- 306 C and, in the case of band  321 C, utilizing openings  352  and  370 . Once bands  321 A- 321 C are in place, shell  301  may be removed. Shell  301  may be removed above the ocean surface or it may be removed below the ocean surface. For example, shell  301  may be used to assist with installing fins  306 A- 306 C via s-lay and removed underwater by a diver or by a remote operated vehicle or by other similar methods. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3A , shell  301  may be any size and may be made of any material suitable for facilitating attachment of fins  306 A- 306 C to tubular  300 . Representative materials may include, but are not limited to, plastic, metal, fiberglass, composite, wood, synthetics, and ceramics. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3B ,  FIG. 3B  is a cross section along line A-A′ of  FIG. 3A  looking downward. Only a representative slice is shown and the bands are omitted. Only a slice of the fins  306 A- 306 C and fin housings  391 A- 391 C are shown for ease of understanding. Shell  301  has optional shell liner  390  attached to it. Fin housings  391 A- 391 C are attached to shell liner  390  and keep fins  306 A- 306 C aligned. In one embodiment, shell  301  and shell liner  390  are formed in sections that can be opened and closed around tubular  300 . Hinge  367  and latch  363  may be attached to opposing ends of the shell sections  301 A- 301 B and/or liner sections to allow for shell  301  and shell liner  390  to be opened up and placed around tubular  300 . 
     Again referring to  FIG. 3B , shell liner  390  helps to decrease the inside diameter of shell  301  and/or to provide a surface to which to attach fin housings  391 A- 391 C. When shell  301  and shell liner  390  are placed around tubular  300 , fins  306 A- 306 C are pressed against tubular  300 . The latch  363  may be used to keep the shell  301  and shell liner  390  pressed against the tubular  300 . Next, fins  306 A- 306 C may be clamped (e.g., by using the bands shown in  FIG. 3A ) against tubular  300  after which the shell  301  and shell liner  390  may be removed. Note that, while  FIG. 3B  shows shell  301  and shell liner  390  to be hinged, it is possible to simply make these parts in two halves and press them against tubular  300  by other means. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3B , shell liner  390 , fin housings  391 A- 391 C, latch  363 , and hinge  367  may be made of any shape or material suitable for facilitating attachment of fins  306 A- 306 B to tubular  300 , and each are optional with this design. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4A  is a side view of an installation method that has fins  406 A- 406 B attached against tubular  400  using band  421  and other bands (not shown). Outer ring  457  is concentric with tubular  400  and inner (rotating) ring  458 , which is hidden in this view but can be seen in  FIG. 4B . Worm gear  497  turns gear  498  which, in turn, rotates ring  458 . Handles  484  allow for ease of moving the rings axially along tubular  400 . End terminations  436 A- 436 B assist in keeping fins  406 A- 406 B from sliding under the bands. 
     Again referring now to  FIG. 4A , when outer ring  457  is pushed axially (upwards in  FIG. 4A ) by pushing on optional handles  484 , worm gear  497  turns and engages gear  498  which, in turn, rotates inner ring  458 . Fins  406 A and  406 B go through slots in ring  458  that wind fins  406 A- 406 B axially along tubular  400  as outer ring  457  traverses axially along tubular  400 . Outer ring  457  is donut shaped so that fins  406 A- 406 B can move freely around tubular  400  without engaging outer ring  457 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 4A , outer ring  457 , inner ring  458 , handles  484 , worm gear  497 , and gear  498  may be of any size suitable for positioning fins  406 A- 406 B around tubular  400 . Typically, worm gear  497  and gear  498  are sized to produce the required pitch for the helical winding of fins  406 A-B. Other gear types may also be used with the only limitation being that the gearing function must translate the axial movement of outer ring  457  to a combined axial and rotational movement of fins  406 A-B. Other ring arrangements may also be used to assist with providing structural support for this function. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 4A , outer ring  457 , inner ring  458 , handles  484 , worm gear  497 , and gear  498  may be made of any material suitable for facilitating attachment of fins  406 A- 406 B about tubular  400 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4B ,  FIG. 4B  shows an end view of  FIG. 4A  except that only a cross section of fins  406 A- 406 C and fin housings  491 A- 491 C are shown. The handles are also omitted for clarity.  FIG. 4B  shows outer ring  457  and inner ring  458  approximately concentric with tubular  400 . Outer ring  457  and inner ring  458  have hinge  467  and latch  463  to ease with placement around tubular  400 . Fin housings  491 A- 491 C can extend from an inner surface of inner ring  458  and toward tubular  400 . In this aspect, fin housings  491 A- 491 C can hold fins  406 A- 406 C in place against tubular  400  while they are being helically wound around tubular  400 . Representatively, as inner ring  458  rotates and travels along the tubular axis, fins  406 A- 406 C slide through housings  491 A- 491 C. Worm gear  497  rotates as the rings travel along the tubular axis and, in turn, turns gear  498  which, in turn, turns inner ring  458  through inner ring gear teeth  478 . Worm gear  497  is attached to ring  458  through struts  449 . 
     Again referring to  FIG. 4B , fin housings  491 A- 491 C may be of any size and shape suitable for keeping fins  406 A- 406 B in place adjacent to tubular  400  and thus any suitable design will work. For example, housings  491 A- 491 C may be channels, recesses or other similar structure that retains fins  406 A- 406 C and open in a direction of tubular  400  so that fins  406 A- 406 C face tubular  400  and can slide through housings  491 A- 491 C as they are being helically wound around tubular  400 . Inner ring gear teeth  478  extend along an inner circumference of inner ring  458 , however, do not necessarily have to cover the entire circumference of inner ring  458  depending upon how much of the circumference is traversed as outer ring  457  travels down the pipe to install a given set of fins  406 A- 406 C. Worm gear  497 , gear  498 , inner ring gear teeth  478 , and inner ring  458  may be customized for a given application. Tubular diameter, fin size, desired fin pitch, etc. will determine the actual sizes and geometry of each of these parts. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 4B , each part may be made of any material suitable for facilitating installation of fins  406 A- 406 C about tubular  400 . For this design, and for all of the other designs presented herein, it is to be understood that any number of fins and fin housings may be used. In some embodiments, fin housings  491 A- 491 C may be omitted and other methods may be used to keep fins  406 A- 406 C in place during installation, such as fastening or gluing fins  406 A- 406 C to ring  458 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4C , this figure is similar to  FIG. 4A  except a different angle is shown and inner ring  458  has a slightly different design. In  FIG. 4C , inner ring  458  extends through the opening of outer ring  457  which helps support outer ring  457  to keep it concentric with ring  457 .  FIG. 4C  also illustrates how handles  484  might connect to outer ring  457 . Band  421  keeps fins  406 A- 406 B in place at one end, and end connectors  436 A- 436 B help insure fins  406 A- 406 B do not slide out from under band  421 . In this aspect, end connectors  436 A- 436 B may be structures which are part of, or attached to, the end of fins  406 A- 406 B and of any size and shape suitable to prevent fins  406 A- 406 B from sliding out from under band  421 . Worm gear  499 , gear  498 , and inner ring  458  assist in turning inner ring  458  as outer ring  458  is pushed along tubular  400 . 
     Again referring to  FIG. 4C , when inner ring  458  turns around tubular  400 , the portions on both sides of outer ring  457  turn together. Outer ring  457  does not turn. If outer ring  457  moves from right to left in  FIG. 4C , worm gear  499  and gear  498  will stay on top of the pipe as shown, but inner ring  458  will rotate thereby wrapping fins  406 A- 406 B helically around tubular  400 . Inner ring  458  may be designed to produce a little tension in fins  406 A- 406 B to keep them tight against tubular  400 . This tension may be imposed by any one of several means, ranging from a geometric misalignment of the fin as it passes through inner ring  458  to one or more actual springs that keep fins  406 A- 406 C in tension. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A , this figure shows a ring  555  that rotates through a sleeve  556 . Ring  555  has ring ridges  569  that rotate when they engage internal sleeve ridges  539  in sleeve  556 . Fins  506 A- 506 C extend through sleeve  556  and ring  555  and to an end that may have optional end terminations  536 A- 536 B, such as any of those previously discussed. Fins  506 A- 506 C are clamped to tubular  500  by bands  521 A- 521 C. 
     Again referring to  FIG. 5A , as ring  555  travels from right to left through sleeve  556 , the internal sleeve ridges  539  and the ring ridges  569  on ring  555  cause it to rotate. As fins  506 A- 506 C pass through ring  555 , they are adjacent to tubular  500  and pass through helically due to the ring rotation. The bands  521 A- 521 C are used to keep the fins  506 A- 506 C in place against tubular  500 . Use of end terminations  536 A- 536 B may allow for greater tension to be put onto fins  506 A- 506 C which may allow for less dense use of bands  521 A- 521 C. Multiple sleeves  539  may be used to allow for faster installation of fins  506 A- 506 C. Sleeve  539  and ring  555  may be slid over the end of tubular  500  or made in one or more parts that are fastened together through hinges, fasteners, latches, or any suitable means. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5A , sleeve  556 , ring  555 , fins  506 A- 506 C, and bands  521 A- 521 C may be made in any size or shape suitable for installation of fins  506 A- 506 C about tubular  500 . Fins  521 A- 521 C may be flexible to allow for ease of installation. Internal sleeve ridges  539  and ring ridges  569  may be of any quantity, circumferential coverage, size, shape, and angle that is desired, and will typically be designed to produce the desired pitch (angle relative to the pipe longitudinal axis). 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5A , all parts may be made of any material suitable for installing fins about a tubular, such as any of the previously discussed materials, and more than one material may be used for a given part. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5B , this figure shows cross-section along line BB′ of  FIG. 5A  across the ring  555 . Ring  555  is shown centralized onto tubular  500  by fin housings  591 A- 591 C and fins  506 A- 506 C. Ring ridges  569  are shown along the exterior of ring  555 . 
     Again referring to  FIG. 5B , fin housings  591 A- 591 C keep the fins from moving along the circumferential direction of tubular  500  and adjacent to tubular  500 . The fin housings  591 A- 591 C may be formed by any structure and geometry suitable for keeping the fins from moving along the circumferential direction of tubular  500  and adjacent to tubular  500 . For example, fin housings  591 A- 591 C may consist of channel, tape, fasteners, or any other suitable method of housing fins  506 A- 506 C. Fin housings  591 A- 591 C may be of any suitable size and material. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5C , this figure shows cross section C-C′ of  FIG. 5A  across sleeve  539  near the ring end. Internal sleeve ridges  567  are attached or part of sleeve  556  and the sleeve is external to tubular  500 . Fins  506 A- 506 C are free to move inside of sleeve  556  and are each shown at only one possible location. 
     Again referring to  FIG. 5C , since sleeve  539  is not free to rotate about tubular  500 , fins  506 A- 506 C will move around inside the annulus between sleeve  539  and tubular  500  as fins  506 A- 506 C are installed. Any number of internal sleeve ridges  567  may be used and they may be of any size or shape. Internal sleeve ridges  567  may, or may not, cover the entire circumference of the inside of sleeve  539 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5C , internal sleeve ridges  567  may be made of any suitable material but will typically be sufficiently rigid and strong such that they stay in place with minimal deformation during installation of fins  506 A- 506 C. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5D , this figure shows a cross section along line D-D′ of  FIG. 5A  across sleeve  539  near the clamped end. At this end, internal sleeve ridges are not required (but may be present) and thus are not shown. Fins  506 A- 506 C are free to move around inside of the annulus between sleeve  539  and tubular  500 . However, sleeve supports  586  will restrict the movement of fins  506 A- 506 C to the area between adjacent sleeve supports. Sleeve supports  586  are used to keep sleeve  539  approximately concentric with tubular  500  with an annulus sufficient for installation of fins  506 A- 506 C. 
     The above embodiments may be mixed and matched to form an installation system or method. For example, the embodiments of  FIG. 2A-D  may be used in conjunction with the reeled installation system presented in  FIG. 1A-F . The various features of each embodiment may be used in the other embodiments even if they are not specifically listed in the discussion of that invention. 
     While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. For several of the ideas presented herein, one or more of the parts may be optional. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Summary:
An apparatus and method for helically installing a vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression fin about a tubular. The apparatus may include an outer ring member dimensioned to encircle an underlying tubular and an inner ring member positioned concentrically inward from the outer ring member. The inner ring member is configured to rotate with respect to at least one of the outer ring member or the tubular as the outer ring member moves along the tubular. The apparatus may further include a fin guide configured to receive a fin and helically position the fin along the tubular as the inner ring member rotates. A method of installing a vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression fin about a tubular may include removably attaching a VIV suppression fin to an installation member. The installation member may be positioned along a tubular and moved about the tubular to helically position the fin around the tubular.