Method for automatic slip clutch tension on a reel
OwnerBenton F. Baughinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The method of preventing over tension to an umbilical wrapped on the spool of an offshore reel when the umbilical is being normally deployed or retrieved or when the umbilical is unexpectedly pulled from the spool on the reel, comprising providing a main disk, mounting the main disk on the spool of the reel with a slip connection which will be automatically controlled, connecting motor power for the reel to the main disk, connecting brakes to the main disk, such that when the diameter of deployment varies the slip connection torque will be automatically adjusted and prevent the umbilical from being subjected to tension higher than the desired amount.
Claims22
The method of controlling the maximum tension on an umbilical wrapped on a spool of an offshore reel, comprising
- providing a motor,
- providing brakes,
- providing an adjustable sliding connection operably mounted to said spool which slides when a load on the said adjustable sliding connection exceeds a predetermined load amount,
- providing that said adjustable sliding connection comprises a main disk and one or more sliding pads,
- providing controls which determine an approximate radius between the centerline of said spool and the centerline of the umbilical on said spool as said umbilical leaves said spool,
- controlling an adjustment of the said adjustable sliding connection generally in proportion to said approximate radius to control said maximum tension on said umbilical.
The method of controlling a maximum tension on an umbilical wrapped on a spool of an offshore reel, comprising
- providing a circular disk with a gear profile on an outer surface,
- providing a motor which engages said gear profile,
- providing brakes which engage said circular disk,
- providing an adjustable sliding connection between said circular disk and said spool which slides when a load on the said adjustable sliding connection exceeds a predetermined load amount,
- providing that said adjustable sliding connection comprises one or more sliding pads,
- providing controls which determine an approximate radius between the centerline of the spool and the centerline of said umbilical on the said spool as said umbilical it leaves the said spool,
- controlling an adjustment of said adjustable sliding connection generally in proportion to said approximate radius to control said maximum tension on said umbilical as said umbilical leaves said spool.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.