Inventors:
Randy W. Masters - Houston TX
Rodney H. Masters - Houston TX
Michael P. Edfeldt - Helena AL
Assignee:
AIMS International, Inc. - Houston TX
International Classification:
F15D 110
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a fairing system for the reduction of vortex-induced vibration and minimization of drag about a substantially cylindrical element immersed in a fluid medium. The fairing system includes a plurality of cylindrical shells rotatably mounted about a cylindrical element immersed in a fluid medium. Each cylindrical shell has opposing edges defining a longitudinal gap configured to allow the shells to snap around the cylindrical element. The longitudinal gap has a circumference of about 120Â relative to the circumference of each shell. Alternatively the longitudinal gap can have a circumference of about 60Â relative to the circumference of each shell. The shells also include a fin positioned along the each opposing edge of the longitudinal gap, in which each fin extends outwardly from each shell. The fins are positioned on each shell so as to reduce vortex-induced vibration and minimize drag on the cylindrical element.