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TENSIONING SYSTEM
Maintaining proper tension in the drilling riser is important
to prevent buckling and to ensure a long fatigue life. Riser
deflections due to winds, waves, currents, and platform offset
require that the tensioning system allow changes in the apparent
length of the riser relative to the TLP decks. The tensioner system
supports the surface BOP from a point below while providing the
1,000,000-lb working tension anticipated for the high-pressure
drilling riser. The tensioner module is a hydraulic-pneumatic
system consisting of support beam structure, hydraulic cylinder,
accumulators, air bottles, interconnecting piping, control console,
air supply, and compressors with dryers (fig. 2.33).
Figure 2.33 – Drilling riser tensioner
The drilling riser tensioner is designed to allow passage of
the lower wellhead connector and high pressure flex joints so the
riser may be run through the drilling riser tensioner. permitting a
straightforward, simple running procedure.
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