Offshore Tensioner Restraining Device Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct acting tensioner systems on offshore drilling rigs face issues with uncontrolled movement during waves and swell, leading to potential damage and safety hazards, as well as cumbersome and time-consuming seafastening processes that induce unwanted forces on equipment.
Innovation Solution
A restraining and seafastening device with a movable carrier and restraining member, featuring a rotatable and retractable stabilizing plate that can be locked to the tensioner cylinders, providing controlled movement and stabilization, and comprising actuator means for controlled positioning and locking mechanisms to secure the tensioner assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tensioner assembly is parked away from the well centre, then it does not interfere with other operations, but it becomes susceptible to uncontrolled swinging and may damage adjacent equipment
Solution Approach 1:
A restraining member with a stabilizing plate is introduced as an intermediary device between the tensioner assembly and the carrier. The stabilizing plate engages with the tensioner cylinders to provide restraint and prevent uncontrolled swinging, while the restraining member can be selectively locked to the carrier. This mediator enables the tensioner to be parked away from the well centre without interfering with operations, while simultaneously preventing the harmful uncontrolled motion that would damage equipment.
2Reliability
If traditional wire and winch seafastening systems are used, then the tensioner can be restrained, but the system becomes cumbersome and time-consuming to connect and activate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex wire and winch seafastening systems from the tensioner assembly. Instead, it provides an integrated restraining member with a stabilizing plate that is part of the tensioner structure itself. This stabilizing plate can be selectively engaged with the tensioner cylinders through locking mechanisms, providing the necessary restraint function without requiring separate wire and winch systems, thereby dramatically reducing connection time and operational complexity.
3Productivity
If the tensioner ring is connected to the telescopic joint during rig motion, then the tensioner is in operation, but the hydraulic and pneumatic hoses swing uncontrolled and are often damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining member with stabilizing plate provides preliminary anti-action by restraining the tensioner cylinders even when connected to the telescopic joint during operation. The stabilizing plate engages with the cylinders to prevent their uncontrolled movement, thereby preventing the hydraulic and pneumatic hoses from swinging and becoming damaged. This preliminary restraint action counteracts the harmful effects of rig motion before they can damage the hoses.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for restraining an assembly suspended by a structure on an offshore platform or vessel, includes a movable carrier configured for controllable movement on a structure of the platform or vessel. A restraining member is movably connected to the carrier via a joint and the restraining member includes an abutment region for abutment with at least one element of the assembly. An assembly-locking device is provided for selectively and releasably locking at least one element of the assembly to the restraining member. A restraining device for a tensioner assembly which is suspended by a structure on an offshore platform or vessel and extending into a moonpool, includes a pair of restraining apparatuses, arranged on opposite sides of the moonpool and individually movable on respective rails by a traction device in interaction with respective racks.