ABERDEEN, UK – Maritime Developments (MDL) is building a new four-track tensioner to support pipe and flex-lay operations.
The system is based on the company’s TTS-4/140 tensioner series design, with upgrades to increase handling capacity. These include an extended track contact length of 4.074 m (13.37 ft); and squeeze capability of 44.7-metric tons/m (49.3 tons) per track, leading to an increased line pull capability of 51 metric tons (56.2 tons) and an improved coefficient of friction of 0.07.
According to MDL, the changes will allow the system to handle a wider spectrum of product in horizontal or vertical orientation, or in a greater range of water depths and sea-state windows.
The patented cylindrical design enables two tracks to open in vertical mode and a single track in horizontal or inclined mode, resulting in optimized clearance for product acceptance and abandonment.
The system has been designed in line with the DNV Recommended Practice for pipeline and cable laying equipment, DNVGL-RP-0232.
