Abstract: A pad for a track-type tensioner includes an interface layer made up of a plurality of rigid elements that together define a contact face of the pad for gripping a pipeline or other elongate product supported by the tensioner in use. A substrate layer of pliant material is sandwiched between a rigid base plate and the interface layer. The flexibility of the substrate layer supports the elements of the interface layer for movement relative to each other and relative to the base plate to suit an outer shape profile of the product. For example, by virtue of pivoting or translational movement of the rigid elements relative to the base plate, the same pads can adapt to different products that have different diameters.

Abstract: A pad for a track-type tensioner comprises an interface layer made up of a plurality of rigid elements that together define a contact face of the pad for gripping a pipeline or other elongate product supported by the tensioner in use. A substrate layer of pliant material is sandwiched between a rigid base plate and the interface layer. The flexibility of the substrate layer supports the elements of the interface layer for movement relative to each other and relative to the base plate to suit an outer shape profile of the product. For example, by virtue of pivoting or translational movement of the rigid elements relative to the base plate, the same pads can adapt to different products that have different diameters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pipeline component design are described. Input parameters and output parameters for the component design are identified. An analytic model is constructed using a design of experiments technique to represent influence of the input parameters on the output parameters. Value sets for the input parameters which meet a selection criterion for at least one of the output parameters are then identified. Finite element analysis is conducted on the identified value sets, and a pipeline component design choice is identified from results of the finite element analysis. Pipeline components are then manufactured according to the identified design.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pipeline component design are described. Input parameters and output parameters for the component design are identified. An analytic model is constructed using a design of experiments technique to represent influence of the input parameters on the output parameters. Value sets for the input parameters which meet a selection criterion for at least one of the output parameters are then identified. Finite element analysis is conducted on the identified value sets, and a pipeline component design choice is identified from results of the finite element analysis. Pipeline components are then manufactured according to the identified design.