Pipeline tension using load cells
Share
Nobel Systems' shear beam load cells are being used in high capacity tensioners in a pipelay ramp system installed on board the MSV Fennica by Norson.
The pipelay ramp system includes a triple tracked 120 tonne tensioner on Nobel KISD-6 1MN double shear beam load cells at the four corners of the machine's frame. These load cells measure the pipe tension by measuring the horizontal reaction force between the tension and the deck of the ship. The system has a 30 metre ramp which can elevate up to 90 degrees and traverse 3m, obviating a spooling system on the pipe storage reel.
During operation the system compensates for the large bending and buckling stresses that can be generated in addition to forces imparted by the vessel's motion. As the pipeline is laid to the seabed, the tension must be exact as too much tension could overstress the pipe and too little tension could allow a sag bend resulting in buckling.
