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. The main function of this machine is to apply to the pipes a maximum tension load of 40 tons at a maximum laying speed of 40 m/min.

This is performed by clamping the pipe within the two tracks that exert a uniform pressure all over the pipe. The pipe can also be moved onward or backward by the track motors that are controlled from control desk console.

The pipe tensioner consists of a welded steel main structure on which other subassemblies are installed.

The lower track is installed on the main structure and the upper track is assembled on a frame that is connected to the structure through an oscillating arm; the arm is operated by two hydraulic jacks that exert the necessary clamping load on the pipe to avoid the slipping during the laying process.

Each track is operated through two gearboxes driven by two direct current motors equipped with auxiliary coolers.

The operating speed of the motors, and so the laying speed of the process, is controlled by two speedometer dynamos connected to the lower motors.

The length of the laid pipe is measured by encoders installed on the motors.

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

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 track and saddles is supported by an elastic suspension device that is formed by a group of rollers assembled on single rockers; the rockers oscillate on a hinge formed by a double rocker installed on a central rocker.

The tensioner is fastened to the floor through four attachments and each of them contain preloaded rubber nags to avoid vertical movements but to allow longitudinal movements; the traction loads are so transferred along the axis of the load-cell.

The load-cell is installed on the front part of the structure, along the longitudinal axis, and it is connected to the fixed elements (main structure and foundation plate) through two pivots.

The traction load of the tensioner is so 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 desk)

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

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.

The machine operation is electronically controlled and managed to ensure the safety of the operations.

The Pipe Tensioner can also be controlled as a stand alone machine or as a unit that is part of a laying line consisting of an Abandonment and Recovery Winch and up to 3 Pipe Tensioners.

Thanks to the reduced and compact machine dimensions the 40 Tons Pipe Tensioner can be supplied within a dedicated container that provides sheltering both for the operations and the outdoor storage.