Sensor Applications on Tension Risers

Lloyd’s Register Energy - Drilling

Failures in Marine Riser Tensioner systems (MRTs) can result in costly downtime and
lost production. Traditional monitoring systems are often unable to detect wide
variations in total system load that can be indicative of trouble ahead. Lloyd’s
Register Energy - Drilling’s pioneering work in the application of optical sensors to
MRT monitoring adds a new dimension to the information at your disposal,
unavailable with traditional systems based on pressure transducers. This can
contribute to a better understanding, improved foresight and a higher level of
confidence in your operations.

The key problem is friction, and it is
undetectable by traditional pressure
transducer monitoring. As friction acts on
system components, such as hydraulic
cylinder rods, end connections, sheave
bearings and wire ropes, additional load
is transmitted through the cylinder
structure.
However, this additional load does not
affect system pressure, the only variable
measurable by most current monitoring
systems. Consequently, wide variations in
load that can be indicative of incipient
problems go undetected. People charged
with monitoring these systems are forced
to work partially blind.
This has resulted in numerous shutdowns Lloyd’s Register Energy - Drilling’s Fiber
that might have been avoided if Optic Supervisory Control and Data
additional stress data was available - Acquisition (FO SCADA) enable you to
rod seal carrier bolt failure is a salient establish accurate, empirical baselines for
example. normal tension variation, increasing the
means available for detecting problems
in the making or simply knowing when
We have a solution
service or exchange is called for. The data
Using cutting edge optical sensor
is logged into a safe local system and
technology, Lloyd’s Register Energy -
can be transmitted for offshore analysis.
Drilling provides expanded visibility
Historical data can serve as a basis for
utilizing an inherently safe technology
comparative and long-term analysis.
suitable for continuous operation in
hazardous areas.
Fiber optic gauges register strain which
in turn can be used to determine loads,
such as individual cylinder axial and
bending loads.

Working together
for a safer world
E.
Meeting the requirements of API 16Q
These capabilities are particularly
important as a new revision of API 16Q
will soon be released.
API 16Q will include new requirements
for a more accurate determination of
the riser tension reduction factor, Rf. In
the past, assumed values have been used
in this determination. Under the new
standards, Rf will have to be calculated
based on empirical data – data that is not
currently available in most situations.
Pressure-based measurements will not
fulfill the intent of the new revision of
API 16Q.
Its inability to measure friction also
renders traditional monitoring
inadequate for predictive failure
forecasting.
Explore all the ways we can help your drilling operations at:
www.lrenergy.org or contact us at drilling.info@lr.org
ModuSpec and WEST Engineering Services are now Lloyd’s Register Energy – Drilling
www.lrenergy.org
January 2014
Lloyd’s Register and variants of it are trading names of Lloyd’s Register Group Limited, its subsidiaries and affiliates.
Copyright © Lloyd’s Register Group Services Limited. [2014] A member of the Lloyd’s Register group.
FO SCADA does the job
FO SCADA enables you to accurately
determine the load on your riser
tensioner system, with no need for
unsubstantiated assumptions. It also
provides historical data on cyclical
changes that will be necessary for an
accurate determination of the API 16Q
Rf value.
Moreover, by comparing load variations
against historical baselines and
projections, the system provides a basis
for managing the maintenance and
timely exchange of the cylinders.
This additional dimension of knowledge
will enable a fuller understanding of your
current and historical operations, helping
to protect life, property and revenue.
Related Services
Construction oversight
Drilling equipment training
Engineering consulting
Regulatory compliance and verification
Risk assessments
Rig surveys
Why Lloyd’s Register
Energy?
Lloyd’s Register Energy is a world-
leading independent risk management
organization working to improve our
clients’ quality, safety, environmental
and business performance. In choosing
Lloyd’s Register Energy, you are assured
of a service which provides:
– p ractical experience and expertise
in all aspects of the strategic and
operational management of safety,
reliability, business and project risk
– access to multi-disciplinary teams
with competence across all aspects
of design, construction, risk
management, monitoring and
inspection
– a tailored and cost-effective solution
focused on your concerns and
enhancing your project, drawing on
our long experience and combined
services