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

Apparatus for tensioning a riser

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7181217
This patent describes an apparatus for resiliently interconnecting a substantially rigid riser with a deck of a floating production platform. The apparatus comprising a plurality of riser tensioner cylinders each including a piston rod with a piston head connected thereto. The piston rod having a first length, and the riser tensioner cylinder having a second length, means for mounting the piston rod for movement within the riser tensioner cylinder; means connecting each of the piston rods to the riser at an angle relative thereto; and spring means engaged between each the piston head and each the riser tensioner cylinder adapted to apply an upward tensioning force on the riser. Wherein the spring means exert a non-linearly increasing force between the deck and the riser as relative motion between the deck and the riser increases, such that the first length of the piston and the second length of the cylinder may be significantly reduced thereby reducing the overall vertical distance between the platform deck and the means interconnecting the riser and the piston rod.
Assignee:
Conoco, Inc., Ponca City, OK
Patent Number(s):
A; US 4883387
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-212801A
OSTI ID:
7181217
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English