SLOR-CHAIN
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SLOR-CHAIN is a high integrity, high capacity (650Tonnes) tether for hybrid risers.

It combines an oversized chain section (approximately 20m length) with rugged, automatic latches or bearing units at each end for the quick, safe connection of the top assembly of a hybrid riser to the aircan or buoyancy tank above.

The latches are each fitted with a robust universal joint whereby two axial bearings, mounted perpendicular to each other provide articulation of up to 20 degrees. The bearings are designed to provide low rotational stiffness and controlled wear over a 25 year design life. The low friction bearing ensures that all relative rotation is accommodated at the bearing locations and both bending and wear of individual chain links is eliminated. SRP’s proprietary bearings used in SLOR-CHAIN have been specifically selected for long term subsea service, with application specific qualification testing conducted by SRP using an in-house purpose built test rig.

For installations where the automatic latch is not required, or required at one end only SLOR-CHAIN can be configured with a simple weldable interface to the bearing unit, eliminating the latch mechanism and allowing it to be welded to the SLOR top assembly and/or buoyancy tank during fabrication and configured for deck make-up.

SLOR-CHAIN is fabricated from readily available stock materials enabling short schedule manufacture and high local content.

Technical Advantages

  • Specifically designed for hybrid risers
  • Bearings proven over 10M cycle representative wear tests
  • Uses readily available components and materials
  • Rapid self-energizing latch with secondary lock by ROV or torque tooling
  • High tension capacity
  • Simple structural interface with riser SLOR top and buoyancy tank
  • Integrated tension monitoring system available

Commercial Advantages

  • Pre-engineered solution
  • Short lead time and low cost
  • Manufacturable with high in-country content
  • Simple and quick installation

Installation

Latch base is welded to or fabricated within the design of the hybrid riser top assembly and a similar interface is employed at aircan/buoyancy tank. The connection is thus made between SLOR top assembly and aircan on either on deck or subsea. The connection has its full structural strength immediately after automatic latching, allowing the secondary mechanical lock to be performed later or remotely, avoiding the need for personnel to work under the structures on deck.