Methods and systems for tensioner connection
AssigneeDril-Quip, Inc.
InventorsNeil B. Prasad, Steven M. Hafernik, Fife B. Ellis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Improved methods and systems for connecting a riser tensioner system to a riser are disclosed. A system for coupling a tensioner cylinder to a riser includes a top pin connection disposed at a first distal end of the tensioner cylinder. The top pin connection couples the tensioner cylinder to a platform. The tensioner cylinder includes an extension rod and a bottom pin connection is disposed at a second distal end of the tensioner cylinder on the extension rod. A tension ring is coupled to the riser. An adjustable linkage system is coupled to the tensioner cylinder and includes an attachment mechanism and a positioning mechanism. The adjustable linkage system is operable to couple the tensioner cylinder to the tension ring.
Claims23
A system for coupling a tensioner cylinder to a riser comprising:
- a top pin connection disposed at a first distal end of the tensioner cylinder,
- wherein the top pin connection rotatably couples the tensioner cylinder to a platform;
- wherein the tensioner cylinder comprises an extension rod;
- a bottom pin connection disposed at a second distal end of the tensioner cylinder,
- wherein the bottom pin connection is disposed on the extension rod;
- a tension ring coupled to the riser;
- an adjustable linkage system coupled to the tensioner cylinder, the adjustable linkage system comprising an attachment mechanism and a positioning mechanism, wherein the adjustable linkage system is operable to couple the tensioner cylinder to the tension ring;
- wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a retention device disposed on the tension ring,
- wherein the positioning mechanism rotates the tensioner cylinder about the top pin connection between a first position and a second position;
- and
- wherein the bottom pin connection is disengaged from the retention device when the tensioner cylinder is in the first position, and wherein the bottom pin connection is directly engaged with the retention device when the tensioner cylinder is in the second position.
A method of coupling one or more tensioner cylinders to a riser comprising:
- coupling a tension ring to the riser;
- rotatably coupling a first distal end of a first tensioner cylinder to a platform at a top pin connection;
- providing a bottom pin connection at a second distal end of the first tensioner cylinder;
- coupling an adjustable linkage system to the first tensioner cylinder, the adjustable linkage system comprising an attachment mechanism and a positioning mechanism;
- activating the positioning mechanism, wherein the positioning mechanism rotates the first tensioner cylinder about the top pin connection between a first position and a second position;
- and
- activating the attachment mechanism, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a retention device disposed on the tension ring, and wherein the attachment mechanism couples the bottom pin connection of the first tensioner cylinder to the tension ring;
- wherein the bottom pin connection is disengaged from the retention device when the tensioner cylinder is in the first position, and wherein the bottom pin connection is directly engaged with the retention device when the tensioner cylinder is in the second position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.