Patent ID: 8286714

Claim:
A riser tensioning system for applying tension to a riser extending from subsea equipment to a floating platform, comprising: a tension ring assembly coupleable to the riser to enable a force applied to the tension ring assembly to be transferred to the riser; a plurality of cylinder assemblies, each of the cylinder assemblies comprising: a cylinder a piston carried slidably within the cylinder and a piston rod joining the piston and extending from the cylinder, each of the cylinder assemblies having one end pivotally mounted to the tension ring assembly and one end to be pivotally mounted to the floating platform, the cylinder being pressurized with fluid pressure below the piston to apply an upward force through the piston rod and tension ring assembly to the riser; a tubular shroud assembly having at least two shroud segments extending around the piston rod; and wherein one end of the tubular shroud assembly is secured to the cylinder and the other to the piston rod for movement therewith, the shroud segments telescoping relative to one another when the piston moves relative to the cylinder.