Benchmarking of VIV Suppression Systems

Abstract

A new form of Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV) suppression device, the AIMS Dual-fin Flow Splitter (ADFS), has been developed, tested and benchmarked against bare-pipe, 5d and 15d pitch strakes and conventional teardrop fairings. Testing included high-mode number in-situ tests as well as low Reynolds number (<300,000) and high Reynolds number (<1.9 million) forced and free tank tests. Finally, wind tunnel tests and in-water Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) were used to test the hypothesis that the dual-fin flow splitter replaces the oscillating wake of a blunt body with a stable, attached circulation behind the body and between the fins. Such a replacement was hypothesized to result in reduced drag, and the elimination of almost all VIV. The paper will describe the testing program and results, and present the incorporation of the test results into riser models.