THE SUPPRESSION OF VORTEX INDUCED VIBRATION IN MARINE RISERS

In the marine environment slender structures, such as marine risers, often suffer from vortex induced vibration which can cause severe problems due to increased drag and decreased fatigue life. In some situation, provided the problem is foreseen, it can be designed out, however when the offshore oil industry is faced with a serious vortex induced vibration problem, the solution usually involves the use of a so-called 'clamp on' suppression device, such as a fairing or helical strake. This paper presents a review of the various methods which can be used to control vibration levels, with particular emphasis on the offshore environment. The technical and economic advantages and disadvantages of various suppression devices are discussed. In addition to traditional designs of suppression device, recent ideas and development are presented which include the flexible shroud and the buoyant suppression device. Information is also included on the performance of suppression devices in critical flows and in non-uniform flows, both of which are very common in the marine environment. The importance of being able to predict the performance of suppression devices is stressed, and the paper ends with summary of the current methods which are available for this purpose.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Inst Marine Engrs Trans, v 105 pt 5, 1993, p 197 [13 p, 27 ref, 16 fig]
• Authors:
  • Jones, G S
  • Lamb, W S
• Publication Date: 1993

Language

• English

Subject/Index Terms

• Old TRIS Terms: Risers; Suppression; Vortex induced vibration
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00706695
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 1995 12:00AM