Ram Style Tensioner With Fixed Conductor and Floating Frame
AssigneeVetco Gray Inc.
InventorsJoseph W. Pallini, Edward A. Mendoza
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A riser tensioner for an offshore floating platform has a frame stationarily mounted to the upper portion of the riser. Pistons and cylinders are spaced circumferentially around the riser and connected between the frame and the floating platform. A tubular guide member is mounted to the floating platform for movement in unison in response to waves and currents. The riser extends through the guide member. A guide roller support is mounted to and extends downward from the frame around the guide member. At least one set of guide rollers is mounted to the guide roller support in rolling engagement with the guide member as the guide member moves in unison with the platform.
Claims12
An offshore facility having a floating platform, a riser having a lower end secured to subsea equipment and an upper portion at the platform, an improved riser tensioner, comprising:
- a frame stationarily mounted to the upper portion of the riser;
- a plurality of pistons and cylinders, each piston and cylinder being mounted between the frame and the floating platform, the cylinders being supplied with a pressurized fluid to apply tension to the riser;
- a guide member mounted to the floating platform for movement in unison in response to waves and currents;
- and
- at least one bearing carried stationarily by the frame and in movable engagement with the guide member as the guide member moves in unison with the platform.
-17. (canceled)
A riser tensioner system for applying tension to a riser extending from a subsea location to a surface platform, comprising:
- a first member coupled to the riser to enable a force applied to the first member to be transferred to the riser;
- a plurality of piston and cylinder assemblies secured to the surface platform, wherein each piston is coupled to the first member to enable the plurality of piston and cylinder assemblies to provide a force to the first member to maintain the riser in tension;
- a guide member secured to the surface platform and adapted to guide movement of the first member relative to the surface platform;
- and
- a plurality of roller assemblies to enable the first member to roll along a length of the guide member.
A method for applying tension to a riser extending from a subsea location to a surface platform, comprising:
- coupling a first member to the riser to enable a force applied to the first member to be transferred to the riser;
- securing a plurality of piston and cylinder assemblies to the surface platform to enable the plurality of piston and cylinder assemblies to provide a force to the first member to maintain the riser in tension;
- securing a guide member to the surface platform, the guide member being adapted to guide movement of the first member relative to the surface platform;
- and
- coupling a plurality of roller assemblies to the first member to enable the first member to roll along a length of the guide members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.