• Ocean Systems Engineering
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• 제7권1호
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• pp.21-38
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• 2017

In real sea environments, excessive dynamic axial tension variations can be exerted on the top-tensioned risers (TTRs) and lead to structural integrity issues. The traditional riser-tension-variation analysis, however, by using parametric formulation is only conditionally valid under certain strict limits and potentially underestimates the total magnitudes of tension variations. This phenomenon is especially important for the long stroke tensioner in dry-tree semisubmersible with larger global heave motion and longer stroke. In this paper, the hydro-pneumatic tensioner (HPT) is modeled in detailed component-level which includes a set of hydraulic and pneumatic components. The viscous fluid frictional effect in the HPT is considered. The main objectives are (i) to develop a detailed tension variation model of the HPT; (ii) to identify the deviations between the conventional parametric formulation and component-level formulation; (iii) to numerically analyze the tension variation of long stroke tensioner in a dry-tree semisubmersible (DTS). The results demonstrate the necessity of component-level formulation for long stroke tensioner in the development of DTS.

• Ocean Systems Engineering
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• 제7권3호
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• pp.225-246
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• 2017

Excessive dynamic-tension variations on the top-tensioned risers (TTRs) deteriorate the structural integrity and cause potential safety hazards. This phenomenon has become more remarkable in the development of deep-water fields with harsher environmental loads. The conventional prediction method of tension variations in hydro-pneumatic tensioner (HPT) has the disadvantage to underestimate the magnitude of cyclic loads. The actual excessive dynamic tension variations are larger when considering the viscous frictional fluid effects. In this paper, a suppression method of tension variations in HPT is modeled by incorporating the magneto-rheological (MR) damper and linear-force actuator. The mathematical models of the combined HPT and MR damper are developed and a force-control scheme is introduced to compensate the excessive tension variations on the riser tensioner ring. Numerical simulations and analyses are conducted to evaluate the suppression of tension variations in HPT under both regular- and irregular-wave conditions for a drilling riser of a tensioned-leg platform (TLP). The results show that significant reduction of tension variations can be achieved by introducing the proposed system. This research has provided a theoretical foundation for the HPT tension control and related structural protection.