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 the maximum tension load at the maximum specified laying speed.

The tensioner consists of a welded steel structure on which other subassemblies are assembled.

The lower track is installed on the base structure and can be manually adjusted (if requested at the order) within a specified range. The upper track is assembled on a frame supported by four screwed jacks that are used to position the track in elevation with respect to the pipe. The necessary clamping load on the pipe is obtained through a pneumatic clamping device installed into both tracks.

The tracks are 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 motors.

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

Plates with screwed oscillating 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 and/or adjusted 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 suspensions formed by a group of rollers that are installed on double supports screwed on the track structure.

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

The load-cells are installed in the rear part of the tracks. 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-cells and controls the machine.

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

Since the machine operations are electronically controlled and managed, this guarantees the safety of the operations.

Thanks to the open frame machine configuration a wide passageway is availble to accomodate a wide range of pipe diameters, according to the table listed at the beginning of this page.