All dimensions, weight and performances are for reference only and are subject to change without advice.
Each equipment can be custom made according customer specifications.

This machine has been designed and developed to help the laying of pipes in the sea; its main function is to apply to the pipes a maximum tension load of 25 tons at a maximum laying speed of 40 m/min.

The tensioner consists of a welded steel structure on which other subassemblies are installed. The lower track is assembled on a frame that is mounted on the structure. The upper track is assembled onto a frame that can move up and down along the structure column on two slides; two screwed jacks are used to lift and lower the upper track.

The necessary clamping load on the pipe is obtained through a pneumatic clamping device, consisting of air springs, that is installed into both the tracks.

Each track is operated through a gearbox that is driven by one direct current motor equipped with an auxiliary cooler.

The operating speed of the motors, and so the laying speed of the process, is controlled by two encoders installed on each motor. The encoders are used also to measure the length of the laid pipe.

Plates with screwed saddles, on which fixed rubber pads equally distribute the contact pressure on the pipe surface to ensure a good coefficient of friction, have been installed on the tracks.

The saddles can be replaced to fit the processed pipe diameter; the contact radius of the rubber pads must fit the pipe diameter in order to avoid a stress concentration that could damage the pipe envelope and in order to ensure the tension capability of the machine.

The assembly consisting of the track and the saddles is supported by a suspension device that is formed by a group of rollers installed on double supports; these supports are screwed onto the track structure.

The tensioner is fastened to the floor through attachment blocks and screws; the traction loads are so transferred along the axis of the load-cell.

The load-cells are installed in the centre part of the track frames. The traction load of the tensioner is strictly controlled during the operation.

At the start-up of the motors it is possible to select one of the following operating modes:

• motor torque control (constant tension adjustable from the control console)

• speed control (motor speed adjustable from the control console)

In the automatic operating mode (constant tension), the PLC receives the feedback signal from the load-cell and controls the machine.

All the operating modes and the adjustments are controlled and set through a control desk.

Thanks to the reduced and compact machine dimensions the 25 Tons Pipe Tensioner can be supplied within a dedicated container that provides sheltering both for the operations and the outdoor storage.