Systems and Methods for Tethering Subsea Blow-Out-Preventers
AssigneeTrendsetter Vulcan Offshore, Inc.
InventorsJAMES V. MAHER, RICKY BROWN, DANIEL MCCELVEY, DONALD LA VIGNE
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tensioning system includes a combined rope gripper and tension cylinder. A rope passes through the combined rope gripper and tension cylinder. Once the length and/or tension of the rope has been adjusted, a reel lock handle can be actuated to prevent further rotation of the reel. The combined rope gripper and tension cylinder can be actuated to hold the rope. The combined rope gripper and tension cylinder can also be actuated to reduce or prevent the release of tension in the rope.
Claims12
A tethering system for tethering a subsea BOP, comprising:
- an anchor;
- and
- a tensioning system, the tensioning system including:
- a frame;
- a reel rotatably coupled to the frame;
- a rope, a first end of the rope being attached to the reel;
- a capstan rotatably coupled to the frame, the capstan having a locked position wherein rotation of the capstan is prevented, and an unlocked position wherein the capstan is capable of rotating freely;
- wherein the rope is wrapped around the capstan.
- wherein a second end of the rope is attached to one of the subsea BOP and the anchor;
- wherein the tensioning system is mounted on the other of the subsea BOP and the anchor.
A method of tethering a subsea BOP, comprising:
- providing a tensioning system, the tensioning system including:
- a frame;
- a reel rotatably coupled to the frame;
- and
- a capstan rotatably coupled to the frame, the capstan having a locked position wherein rotation of the capstan is prevented, and an unlocked position wherein the capstan is capable of rotating freely;
- attaching a first end of a rope to the reel of the tensioning system;
- attaching a second end of the rope to one of the subsea BOP and the anchor;
- mounting the tensioning on the other of the subsea BOP and the anchor;
- wrapping the rope around a capstan coupled to the frame;
- unlocking the capstan rotatably whereby the capstan is capable of rotating freely relative to the frame;
- and
- locking the capstan whereby rotation of the capstan is prevented.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.