A Tensioner System for a Deepwater Pipelaying Vessel

To ensure the safety of pipeline in the laying process, a tensioner system for a pipelaying vessel was designed to realize the constant control to pipeline. The tensioner uses two tracks to clamping pipeline, hydraulic system to drive upper track, AC servo motor to send the pipeline into the sea. In this design, as the critical component of the tensioner, track shoe was designed; furthermore its strength and deformation are analyzed. In the hydraulic system, after determining the parameter of all elements, the hydraulic cylinders on the stage of fast-forward, press, pressure maintaining, quick return, and synchronism were emulated. The result showed that the upper track was stably and the clamping tension was invariable. In driving system, fuzzy controller was adopted to control AC servo motor to output constant tension. According to simulation analysis, the result showed, during the working period of laying pipeline, the pipeline kept the constant tension.