US Patent 7427006 Pipe tensioner machine

A pipe tensioner machine for offshore pipelaying operations comprises adjustable tension banks for the transfer of tension to the pipe string. Four tension banks (14, 16, 18 20) are provided in an angle of substantially 90 degrees to each other mounted inside a framework (12). The tension banks are movable along guides. The tension banks (14, 16, 18, 20) comprise revolving tracks (22) carrying traction pads (24) transmitting the squeeze force to the pipe (26). The lower tension banks (18, 20) are longer than the upper tension banks (14, 16).