Matrix Drag and VIV Suppression
Matrix Drag and VIV Suppression
ENGINEERED FOR PERFORMANCE
Just as nature has evolved ingenious solutions to minimise drag and mitigate the effects of currents on marine life, Matrix has developed cutting-edge technologies to tackle drag and Vortex Induced Vibration (VIV) in subsea operations. Inspired by the Saguaro cactus, our Matrix LGS® (Longitudinal Groove System) technology—developed in collaboration with AMOG—features a uniquely grooved profile that disrupts vortex formation, much like the cactus withstands high winds, providing effective drag reduction and robust VIV suppression. For environments where VIV is the primary challenge, our Helical Strakes provide a targeted, high-performance solution.
LGS is a registered trademark of AMOG Technologies Pty Ltd
Choosing the right solution
Matrix LGS
Ideal when you need both low drag and reduced VIV. Offers a holistic approach to optimising hydrodynamic performance and structural integrity.
Helical Strakes
The optimal choice when VIV reduction or elimination is your main concern, delivering target VIV suppression for various subsea structures.
MATRIX LGS FOR DRILLING OPERATIONS – KEEP DRILLING WHEN OTHERS STOP
Matrix LGS leverages a hydrodynamically optimised grooved profile combined with high-performance syntactic foam buoyancy to significantly reduce drag and VIV in offshore drilling operations. Designed to disrupt vortex formation, it enables rigs to maintain continuous drilling even in challenging current conditions. With proven performance in diverse offshore environments worldwide, Matrix LGS stands out as a robust solution.
Benefits
- Increased uptime – up to 20% more operational time during eddy events.
- Enhanced capability – operable current speeds improved by 20%-30%.
- Reduced fatigue – VIV-induced fatigue damage is lowered by five to ten times compared to conventional systems.
- Cost-effective and versatile: Comparable buoyancy and manufacturing costs to traditional modules, with easy integration into existing systems.
Features
- Optimised grooved profile – engineered to disrupt vortex formation effectively
- High-performance syntactic foam – delivers low-density buoyancy with robust durability.
- Robust construction and customisability – built for harsh offshore conditions with configurations tailored to specific operational needs.
- Easy installation: Seamlessly integrates with existing riser handling and storage equipment.
MATRIX LGS FOR SURF INSTALLATIONS – REDUCING COSTS AND FATIGUE
Matrix LGS for SURF tackles the challenge of balancing drag loading with effective VIV suppression. Its low-profile significantly reduces VIV amplitude while maintaining drag loads at or below the level of a bare cylinder. The flexibility to install either before or after deployment enhances operational efficiency and lowers lifecycle costs.
Benefits
- VIV suppression – up to 80% suppression efficiency at coverage.
- Low drag – achieves typical static drag coefficient of 0.6 at the LGS outer diameter.
- Reduced drag amplification – outperforms a bare cylinder as per the Vandiver equation.
- Industry-standard compliance – materials and processes meet API 17L and pertinent DNV/API requirements, ensuring the highest quality and safety standards.
- Fully developed response models – incorporates integrated force models in Shear7 for riser systems and response models aligned with DNVGL-RP-F105 for pipelines and jumpers, including adjustments for partial coverage.
Features
- Streamlined LGS profile – optimised for superior hydrodynamic performance.
- Flexible and adaptable design – suitable for dynamic risers, fixed risers, jumpers/spools, and pipeline spans.
- High-quality materials – engineered for long-term reliability in harsh marine conditions.
- Proven track record: Demonstrated effectiveness across diverse subsea environments.
Applications
Rigid Production Risers & Caissons
Flexible Risers and Steel Catenary Risers
Pipelines
Matrix Helical Strakes – effective VIV suppression
In addition to our Matrix LGS solutions, our Helical Strakes are engineered specifically for VIV suppression.
Our VIV Strakes:
- Dampen oscillatory forces to reduce vibrations caused by vortex shedding.
- Enhance structural stability by lowering the stress on risers and flowlines.
- Extend asset lifespan by protecting subsea structures from wear and potential damage by mitigating vibrational impacts.
- Seamlessly integrated with existing systems for a comprehensive drag and vibration suppression solution.
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