BUOYANCY TENSIONING SYSTEMS FOR OFFSHORE MARINE RISERS AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

Devices and methods for the enhanced assembly and disassembly of offshore marine risers through the use of a combination of passive and active buoyancy elements in a marine riser. Methods for assembling passive buoyancy joints comprise providing disc handling devices capable of simultaneously manipulating a plurality of buoyancy discs capable of nesting and interlocking with one another. The combination of passive and active buoyancy elements along with a near surface disconnect package allow for quicker upper riser recovery especially in the event of an approaching tropical storm.