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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Pretensioned catenary free deep sea mooring system

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5878427

A pretensioned catenary free deep sea mooring system for marine vessels and structures incorporating a number of elongated rigid tension members and an automated sagging preventer. The tension members are secured in end-to-end relation by connecting links, thus forming an elongated articulated mooring chain that is capable of withstanding predetermined forces in tension. The tension members and the connecting links have a neutral buoyancy in water. The mooring chain is anchored at one extremity to a submerged anchor or pile and extends upwardly in angularly oriented relation to an automated sagging preventer which is connected to the marine vessel or structure. When placed in tension, the neutrally buoyant mooring chain extends in straight line manner from the anchorine point to the connection point at the vessel or structure without forming a catenary. Each mooring chain of the mooring system is pretensioned by means of a constant force application that allows restrained movement of the vessel or structure.

Assignee:
EDB-85-061108
Patent Number(s):
US 4471709
OSTI ID:
5878427
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English