Trelleborg’s offshore operation has launched a new vortex induced vibration (VIV) suppression system.

According to the company, the Tri-Strake Combi, developed to complement the S-Lay capable Tri-Strake Stinger system and the Tri-Strake Lite system, should ease the installation and provide added resilience and load bearing capacity, including stinger installation loads.

Jonathan Fox, senior product development engineer for Trelleborg’s offshore operation, said: “Pipelines unsupported over free spans, such as steel catenary risers and rigid steel flowlines, are prone to VIV fatigue, which can lead to serious issues such as pipe girth weld failure or premature pipe malfunction. To combat this, the Tri-Strake™ Combi comprises interlocking moldings, with three-start helical strakes.”

“The Tri-Strake Combi was developed in response to market demand for a high quality, cost-effective VIV suppression solution. Using an established manufacturing technique we were able to meet these demands by using rapid manufacture leading to quick installation times and reduced transportation costs.

“Working with polymers across a number of technologies and industries, we were able to use our insight and innovation to improve VIV suppression performance using best-value engineered solutions,” added Fox.