Available now: 16Q Riser tensionRIGLOGICOS / SOLUTIONS
Riser · API Std 16Q

16Q Riser
tension.

Marine drilling riser tension to API Std 16Q. Find the minimum slip-ring and top tension for your water depth and mud weight, including the cases where tensioners fail, and see how much margin the tensioners have left.

For: offshore drilling contractors, riser engineers, operators planning deepwater wells.

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Minimum top tensionChange depth, mud and failed tensioners
Illustrative riser
Drilling rig with six riser tensioners holding a riser down to the BOP at the seabed 5,000 ft Top tension 702 kips 12.0 ppg mud LMRP + BOP
Inside: tensioners can hold it
Tensioners failed
Slip-ring tension527 kips
Min top tension702 kips
Tensioner limit1,350 kips
Margin648 kips
Max mud here18.2 ppg
Within tensioner capacity

Simplified API 16Q minimum-tension form with illustrative 21 in riser data: 120 lb/ft submerged weight, 80 lb/ft buoyancy lift, 19.5 in bore, six 250 kip tensioners used to 90 %, reduction factor 0.9. Not for design.

What the module covers

How much tension, and how much is left.

Heavier mud and deeper water both need more top tension, and a failed tensioner means the rest must carry the load. The riser module works out the minimum tension for every case and turns it into an operating envelope the rig floor can read at a glance.

  • Minimum slip-ring and top tensionIncluding the cases where tensioners fail.
  • Tensioner sizingThe margin left at each mud weight and water depth.
  • Reuses your stack weightsThe LMRP and BOP weights already in your rig file.
  • A one-page operating envelopeFor the rig floor.
From your rig file
BOP stack · reusedLMRP weight · reusedRiser joints · newTensioners · new
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Planning deepwater wells?

Email us for access, a walkthrough on your own data, or a question about the module. The button opens your email app with the subject and a short form already filled in.

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