Page 56: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (May/Jun 2013)

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EPIC

Single independent risers offer a simple, reliable, and cost-effective system

The Single Independent Riser allows is tensioned at the top through

By François Lirola and a steep wave confguration where a buoyancy tank via a tethered

François-Régis Pionetti, Saipem the buoyancy is distributed or connection, and anchored at the continuous.

With the booming deep and ultra- riser base with a pile foundation, deepwater feld developments, the Figure 1. However, technical need for innovative riser technology challenges appear as the water depth of the SHR concept. This SIR to cover this market has increased increases, and conventional SHR concept is adaptable to any foater, very quickly. Saipem has worked to solutions are not suitable because even in harsh environments.

develop new concepts specifcally of the size of the required buoyancy Along with these solutions, adapted to operators’ needs. tank. Saipem has also developed an

The Single Hybrid Riser (SHR) Saipem developed a new type innovative buoyancy and insulating is a feld-proven riser concept of deep and ultra-deepwater riser material called “Glass Bubble Gum” for deepwater felds and consists concept called Single Independent (GBG). It offers good insulating of a vertical, rigid steel riser that Riser (SIR) that addresses drawbacks properties as well as low density and

OE | May 2013 oedigital.com 58 (2)EPIC1_glassbubbles_Saipem.indd 58 4/22/13 3:21 AM