Subsea Riser Tensioning Systems

The weight of the marine riser system must be supported while it is deployed. Otherwise, the weight of the joints at the top of the string can crush the joints below. If not supported, a conventional marine riser buckles in water depths greater than 200 to 300 ft (60 to 90 m). A riser tensioning system (shown below) must support the weight of the longest riser string at the rig’s deepest operating water depth.

Riser Tensioning System (Courtesy of Shaffer)