Submarine line clamp assembly and method for securing a submarine line.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- BR112022013980
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-01
Smart Images
Figure 00000042_0000 
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Abstract
Description
1 / 35 “SUBMARINE LINE CLAMP ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR FIXING A SUBMARINE LINE”
[001] The present application relates to a submarine line clamp assembly adapted for anchoring a submerged line, such as a marine riser pipeline, to a seabed anchor, such as a suction pile.
[002] In the production of oil or gas from a subsea oil well, the production fluids are generally recovered to the well surface by means of a production string housed in a marine riser that extends from the surface to the seabed. The marine riser typically connects at the surface to a floating production storage and offloading unit (FPSO) and at the seabed may be connected to a subsea distribution tubular chamber, such as a wellhead, by a marine riser pipeline, such as a flowline.
[003] US2017 / 0350196, US2006 / 0204338 and US2004 / 0156684 disclose sets of clamps useful for understanding the invention. SUMMARY
[004] According to the present invention, a submarine line clamp assembly is provided, comprising a body with a shaft and a clamping element, the body comprising at least two segments adapted for mounting around a submarine line, the body having an anchor attachment point adapted for attaching the body to a submarine anchor, the clamping element being movable relative to the body and having an outer surface adapted for engaging an inner surface of the body and an inner surface adapted for engaging the submarine line within the submarine line clamp assembly, the inner surface of the body having at least a first tapered portion and the outer surface of the clamping element having at least a second tapered portion arranged for engaging the first tapered portion on the inner surface of the body. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 8 / 91 2 / 35
[005] A submarine line may comprise a pipeline, such as a marine riser pipeline, for example, a marine riser or a pipeline that is adapted to connect to a marine riser, such as a flow line or other pipe. Optionally, the submarine line may be a cable or other line without necessarily comprising a pipeline. Optionally, the submarine line may be an anchor cable, for example, for a floating vessel or installation, such as a floating wind turbine or wave power generator.
[006] Optionally, the tapered portions may form part of a repeating pattern on the body and clamp element. The pattern may optionally comprise a sawtooth pattern formed by teeth. Optionally, each tooth has a first face and a second face. Optionally, each first face is tapered and, optionally, the tapered portion is formed on the first face. Optionally, each second face is perpendicular to the axis of the body or is tapered at a steeper angle than the first face. Optionally, the first face on the body engages with the first face on the clamp element and the first faces on the body and the clamp element are optionally oriented towards opposite ends of the submarine line clamp assembly.
[007] Optionally, each first tapered portion in the body is part of a tooth, having a first face that extends radially inward toward the clamping element from an external radial position spaced from the body axis to an internal radial position closer to the body axis, forming the first tapered portion, and a second face that extends radially outward from the internal radial position back to the external radial position relative to the body axis. Optionally, adjacent teeth in each body are separated by a portion parallel to the axis of the internal body surface, arranged parallel to the body axis. Optionally, the parallel-axis portion extends between adjacent teeth, for example, between the second portion of a tooth and the Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 9 / 91 3 / 35 first portion of the adjacent tooth and, optionally, between the end of the first face and the beginning of the second face. The portion parallel to the axis is typically located at a peak between the teeth, radially close to the body axis, optionally in the internal radial position. Optionally, the body teeth are identical.
[008] Optionally, each second tapered portion in the clamp element is part of a tooth, having a first face that extends radially inward toward the hole of the clamp assembly from an outward radial position relative to the body axis to an inward radial position closer to the axis and forming the tapered portion, and a second face that extends radially outward from the inward radial position back to the outward radial position relative to the body axis. Optionally, the second faces are perpendicular to the axis. Optionally, adjacent teeth in the clamp element are separated by a portion parallel to the axis of the clamp element, arranged parallel to the body axis.Optionally, the parallel-axis portion extends between adjacent teeth, for example, between the second portion of one tooth and the first portion of the adjacent tooth, and optionally between the end of the second face and the beginning of the first face. The parallel-axis portion is typically located in a channel between the teeth, radially close to the body axis, i.e., in the internal radial position. Optionally, the teeth in the clamping element are identical. Optionally, the parallel-axis portions in the body and the clamping element overlap at least partially in one direction along the body axis.
[009] Optionally, the clamping element is radially movable relative to the body. Optionally, the clamping element is axially movable relative to the body, optionally in only one direction. Optionally, the clamping element is radially and axially movable relative to the body. The axial movement of the clamping element in a first direction when the first and second Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 10 / 91 4 / 35 tapered portions are engaged normally propelling the clamp element in a radial direction relative to the body, for example, into the body, against the subsea line. Optionally, the second face on the body engages with the second face on the clamp element, and the second faces on the body and the clamp element optionally face opposite ends of the subsea line clamp assembly. Optionally, the engagement of the second faces resists axial movement of the clamp element relative to the body in a second direction. Optionally, the sliding of the first and second tapered surfaces against each other during axial movement of the clamp element relative to the body in the first direction propels the inner surface of the clamp element against the outer surface of the subsea line.Optionally, the maximum extent of axial movement of the clamping element relative to the body in the first direction, optionally between a first position in which the second faces of the tapered portions of the clamping element are engaged with the second faces of the tapered portions of the body, and a second position in which the second faces of the clamping element have the greatest axial separation from the second faces of the body, corresponds to between 5% and 15% (optionally 8% to 12%) of an axial dimension of the first and second tapered portions.
[010] Optionally, the submarine line clamp assembly is adapted to support an axial load on the submarine line greater than 50 tons, optionally greater than 100 tons, optionally greater than 200 tons.
[011] Optionally, the inner surface of the body has more than one tooth, optionally a set of teeth. Optionally, the tapered portions are annular, extending around at least a portion of the inner surface of the clamp element. Optionally, the inner surface of the body comprising the first tapered portion(s) may be formed into a separate component connected to another component to form the body. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 11 / 91 5 / 35 Optionally, the outer surface of the clamping element has more than one tooth, optionally a set of teeth. Optionally, the teeth are annular, extending around at least a portion of the outer surface of the clamping element. Optionally, the outer surface of the clamping element comprising the second tapered portion(s) may be formed into a separate component fixed to another component to form the clamping element. Optionally, the first and second tapered portions are tapered at the same angle relative to a body axis.
[012] The radial depth of the tapered portions may vary in different instances. Optionally, the radial depth of at least one of the first and second tapered portions (e.g., the distance between the radial maximum and minimum of the tapered portion) is greater than the maximum radial deflection of the subsea line over the service life of the subsea line. The outside diameter of the subsea line may decrease when submerged at depth and / or may decrease in response to environmental conditions and / or may decrease naturally over time, for example, due to deformation. The reduction in the outside diameter of the subsea line may occur primarily due to the contraction of an insulation layer on the outer surface of the marine riser pipeline.The greater radial depth of the first and second tapered portions is optionally useful for submarine lines with high compression factors, and a smaller radial depth is optionally useful for submarine lines made of stiffer materials with lower compression factors. The maximum radial deflection range, for example, the maximum range of the submarine line's outer diameter over its lifetime, may be quantifiable or may be a known parameter of the material used for the submarine line or its insulation. Optionally, the radial depth of the first and second tapered portions is greater than the maximum predicted contraction of the submarine line's outer diameter over its lifetime. Optionally, Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 12 / 91 6 / 35 the radial depth of the first and second tapered portions is approximately equal.
[013] Optionally, the radial force applied to the outer surface of the submarine line by the inner surface of the clamping element is related to the angle of the tapered portions relative to the body axis. Optionally, the angle of the tapered portions relative to the body axis varies from 45 to 3 degrees, optionally from 25 to 5 degrees, optionally from 15 to 10 degrees. In some examples, an angle of 3 degrees to 15 degrees is especially useful.
[014] Optionally, the axial length of the first and second tapered portions, optionally in a direction parallel to the body axis, is related to the respective angles of the first and second tapered portions and, optionally, is related to the respective radial depths of the first and second tapered portions. Optionally, the axial length of the first and second tapered portions depends on, optionally determined by, both the angles and radial depths of the first and second tapered portions.
[015] Optionally, the clamp element is segmented. Optionally, the clamp element may comprise three longitudinal segments, but two may be sufficient in some cases. In addition to being divided longitudinally, the clamp element may optionally be divided circumferentially, optionally into two axial sections, optionally into three, four, five or more axial sections. Optionally, the axial sections of the clamp element may have approximately equal axial length. Optionally, each axial section of the clamp element may comprise an integer number of tapered portions, optionally two, three or more tapered portions.
[016] Optionally, the body may comprise three longitudinal segments, but two may be sufficient in some cases. The body may also be divided in circumference, optionally into two axial sections, optionally Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 13 / 91 7 / 35 in three, four, five or more axial sections. Optionally, the axial sections of the body may have approximately equal axial length. Optionally, each axial section of the body may comprise a whole number of tapered portions, optionally two, three or more tapered portions.
[017] Optionally, each axial section of the clamp element has the same number of tapered portions as each axial section of the body. Optionally, the axial length of each axial section of the clamp element is less than the axial length of each respective axial section of the body. Optionally, the axial sections of the body are connected to each other by fasteners, optionally screws. Optionally, each fastener extends through the axial length of the entire body.
[018] Optionally, the clamp element can be fixed to the body (e.g., to one or more body segments) during installation of the clamp assembly on the subsea line, but can be released from the body after installation to allow movement of the clamp element relative to the body during operation. Optionally, the clamp element and the body are divided in one direction along the axis into the same number of segments, with each body segment having a respective clamp element segment. Optionally, the body segments have a larger angular dimension than the clamp element segments. Optionally, each body segment has a larger angular dimension than the respective clamp element segment. Optionally, the clamp element segments are divided along the body axis by a gap when the body segments are assembled.Optionally, the body segments are adapted to be fastened together by threaded fasteners, such as screws.
[019] Optionally, the inner surface of the clamping element comprises a high-friction material. Optionally, the inner surface of Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 14 / 91 The 8 / 35 clamping element is formed or coated with a pattern, such as ridges or grooves, increasing the coefficient of friction of the inner surface of the clamping element. Optionally, the inner surface of the body and the outer surface of the clamping element are coated or formed from a low-friction material, such as PTFE or similar, so that the friction between the inner surface of the body and the outer surface of the clamping element is less than the friction between the inner surface of the clamping element and the outer surface of the subsea line.
[020] Optionally, the outer surface of the clamping element and the inner surface of the body incorporate a stop element that restricts the axial movement of the clamping element in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Optionally, the stop element may comprise the second faces of the teeth.
[021] Optionally, the clamp element is pre-energized or preloaded, optionally after the subsea line is received into the clamp assembly orifice and optionally before the subsea line exerts axial load on the clamp assembly. Optionally, when the clamp element is pre-energized, the clamp element exerts a radial force, optionally a minimum radial force, on the outer surface of the subsea line, optionally before the subsea line exerts any axial load on the clamp assembly, optionally when there is no significant axial load on the clamp assembly.
[022] Optionally, the clamping element is pre-energized by one or more fasteners, optionally fasteners, optionally screws. Optionally, one or more fasteners are axially oriented and optionally drive the movement, optionally the axial movement, of the clamping element in the first direction relative to the body. Optionally, one or more fasteners cause the clamping element to exert an increased radial force on the outer surface. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 15 / 91 9 / 35 of the submarine line. Optionally, one or more fasteners extend axially through an end surface of the body and optionally engage with an end surface of the clamping element. Optionally, one or more openings, optionally arranged circumferentially around an end surface of the body, are adapted to receive one or more fasteners for pre-energizing the clamping element.
[023] Optionally, the inner surface of the body, optionally the inner surfaces of the body segments, are radially spaced from the outer surface of the subsea line. Optionally, the radial dimension of the clamping element, optionally the radial dimension of the clamping element segments, is equal to or optionally greater than the radial spacing between the body and the subsea line. Optionally, the clamping element is pre-energized when the radial dimension of the clamping element is greater than the radial dimension of the radial spacing between the body and the subsea line, optionally when the radial dimension of the clamping element is 100% to 110% of the radial spacing between the inner surface of the body and the outer surface of the subsea line.
[024] Optionally, the body is made of a metal, optionally steel. Optionally, the clamping element is made of a metal, optionally steel. Optionally, the body, or optionally the clamping element, may be made from non-metallic materials, optionally synthetic materials, for example, synthetic composite materials, such as a fiber-reinforced plastic or fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), or carbon fiber-reinforced polymer.
[025] The invention also provides a submarine line clamp assembly, comprising: a body having an axis and being divided into segments adapted to be mounted around a submarine line, the body having an anchor attachment point adapted to secure the body to a submarine anchor, Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 16 / 91 10 / 35 a clamping element having an outer surface adapted for engaging an inner body surface extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the clamping element and an inner surface adapted for engaging the submarine line within the submarine line clamping assembly, wherein at least one segment of the clamping element is radially and axially movable relative to the body when the assembly is mounted around the submarine line, the inner body surface having a plurality of first tapered portions and the outer surface of the clamping element having a plurality of second tapered portions arranged for engaging the first tapered portions on the inner body surface during movement of the clamping element relative to the body,wherein the first and second tapered portions are directed toward opposite ends of the submarine line clamp assembly and wherein the axial movement of the clamp element in a first direction relative to the body, when the first and second tapered portions are engaged, propels the inner surface of the clamp element radially inward relative to the body.
[026] The invention also provides a method for securing a submarine line, comprising mounting a submarine line clamp assembly on an outer surface of the submarine line, comprising the submarine line clamp assembly: a body having an axis and being divided into segments adapted to be mounted around the submarine line, the body having an anchor attachment point adapted to attach the body to a submarine anchor, a clamping element having an outer surface adapted to engage an inner surface of the body extending in circumference around the outer surface of the clamping element and an inner surface adapted to Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 17 / 91 11 / 35 Engaging the submarine line within the submarine line clamp assembly, wherein at least one segment of the clamp element is radially and axially movable relative to the body when the assembly is mounted around the submarine line, the inner surface of the body having a plurality of first tapered portions and the outer surface of the clamp element having a plurality of second tapered portions arranged to engage the first tapered portions on the inner surface of the body during the movement of the clamp element relative to the body, wherein the first and second tapered portions are facing opposite ends of the submarine line clamp assembly, and wherein the friction between the inner surface of the body and the outer surface of the clamp element is less than the friction between the inner surface of the clamp element and the outer surface of the submarine line, and wherein: The axial movement of the clamping element in a first direction relative to the body, when the first and second tapered portions are engaged, propels the inner surface of the clamping element radially inward relative to the body against the outer surface of the submarine line.
[027] One advantage arising from the combination of features in some embodiments of the invention is that, in addition to applying a clamping force to the submarine line when initially mounted around it, the embodiments of the present assembly allow for the maintenance of a consistent clamping force throughout the service life of the submarine line, despite the deformation and compression actions acting on the reduction of the duct's outer diameter. The reduction of the submarine line's outer diameter occurs naturally over time as a result of the gradual degradation or compression of the outer insulation layer, or deformation resulting from stress. As this reduction progresses, the first and second tapered portions are able to slide relative to each other and maintain a relatively consistent clamping force on the duct's outer diameter. Thus, as the Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 18 / 91 Although the 12 / 35 outside diameter of the subsea line decreases over its service life, the clamping force does not decrease to the same extent. This advantage allows for more consistent clamp performance throughout the subsea line's lifespan and reduces the risk of uncontrolled hydrocarbon leakage from connections between or through the subsea line and tubular distribution chambers, such as pipe terminations.
[028] The various aspects of the present invention can be practiced alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects, as will be verified by those skilled in the relevant techniques. The various aspects of the invention may optionally be provided in combination with one or more of the optional features of the other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, the optional features described in relation to one aspect may typically be combined alone or in conjunction with other features in different aspects of the invention. Any subject described in this descriptive report may be combined with any other subject in the descriptive report to form a new combination.
[029] Several aspects of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Still other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the whole description thereof, including the figures, which illustrate various exemplary aspects and implementations. The invention is also susceptible to other and different examples and aspects, and its various details may be modified in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the present invention. Consequently, each example herein should be understood as having broad application and intended to illustrate a possible way of carrying out the invention, without any intention of suggesting that the scope of this disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that example. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used in this document are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope. In particular, unless otherwise indicated in Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, p. 19 / 91 13 / 35 Conversely, the dimensions and numerical values included in this document are presented as examples illustrating a possible aspect of the claimed subject matter, without limiting the disclosure to the specific dimensions or values cited. All numerical values in this disclosure are understood to be modified by approximately. All singular forms of elements or any other components described in this document are understood to include plural forms thereof and vice versa.
[030] Language such as including, comprising, having, containing, or involving and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed below, equivalents, and additional unstated subject matter, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, whole numbers, or steps. Similarly, the term comprising is considered synonymous with the terms including or containing for applicable legal purposes. Thus, throughout the descriptive report and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprising or its variations, such as comprises or including, shall be understood as implying the inclusion of a stated whole number or group of whole numbers, but not the exclusion of any other whole number or group of whole numbers.
[031] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the descriptive report only for the purpose of providing context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters were part of the prior art basis or were common knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[032] In this revelation, whenever a composition, an element or a group of elements is preceded by the transitional phrase comprising, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases consisting essentially of, consisting of, selected from the group of consisting of, including or is preceding the recitation Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 20 / 91 14 / 35 of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa. In this disclosure, the words typically or optionally should be understood as intended to indicate optional or non-essential features of the invention that are present in certain examples, but which may be omitted in others without departing from the scope of the invention.
[033] References to directional and positional descriptions, such as top and bottom and directions, for example, up, down, etc., should be interpreted by a reader versed in the context of the examples described to refer to the orientation of the features shown in the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term, but rather should be understood by the versed recipient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the attached drawings:
[034] Figures 1a and 1b show schematic side and perspective views of a system for anchoring a submarine line such as a marine riser;
[035] Figures 2a and 2b show front and perspective views of a submarine line clamp assembly for use in the system of figure 1;
[036] Figures 3a to 3e show different views of the submarine line clamp assembly of figure 2;
[037] Figures 4a to 4d show different views of the body segments of the submarine line clamp assembly of figure 2;
[038] Figures 5a to 5d show different views of the clamp element of the submarine line clamp assembly of figure 2;
[039] Figures 6a to 6f show different views of a second example of a submarine line clamp assembly;
[040] Figures 7a and 7b show isometric and planar views of a plate. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 21 / 91 15 / 35 end for attaching to the axial ends of the submarine line clamp assembly in Figure 6;
[041] Figures 8a to 8d show different views of the body sections of the submarine line clamp assembly of figure 6 and
[042] Figures 9a to 9c show different views of the clamp element sections of the submarine line clamp assembly of Figure 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[043] With reference now to the drawings, a first example of an installation of a subsea line clamp assembly 1 is illustrated in figure 1a. A subsea line in the form of a marine riser pipeline or flow line 3 (which may be a separate pipe adapted to connect to a marine riser 4 or may simply be an extension of the marine riser 4) extends along the seabed between a floating production storage and offloading unit (FPSO) and a pipeline termination end (PLET), such as a wellhead. The FPSO may be prone to movement due to, for example, wave action, heavy swell or weather conditions.Any movement of the FPSO generally towards the PLET can be accommodated by floating sections of riser 4 that connects the flowline 3 to the FPSO, but any significant movement of the FPSO away from the PLET can result in stretching of the flowline 3 and cause tension, stress or even disconnection of the flowline from the PLET. Therefore, movement of the flowline 3 away from the PLET is restricted by the subsea line clamp assembly 1, which is secured or tied by cables or chains 6a, 6b to one or more (typically two) anchoring devices, such as suction stakes 5a, 5b seen in figure 1b.
[044] The exterior of the riser clamp assembly 1 according to a first example of the invention is shown in figures 2a and 2b. The riser clamp assembly 1 generally comprises a cylindrical duct with a hole 1b having Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 22 / 91 16 / 35 an X-axis. As will be explained in more detail below, the riser clamp assembly comprises a body 10 and a clamp element 50 disposed within the body 10. Only the body 10 is visible in figures 2a and 2b. The body 10 is generally cylindrical and in this example comprises three equal longitudinal segments 20a, 20b and 20c, seen in figure 2a. The divisions between segments 20a, 20b, 20c are approximately equally spaced around the outer circumference of the body 10 and are parallel to the X-axis of hole 1b of the riser assembly 1. In other examples, the body 10 may comprise fewer than three segments, for example, only two segments, or there may be more than three segments, and the divisions between the segments need not be regularly spaced around the outer circumference of the body 10, nor parallel to the X-axis of hole 1b.
[045] As shown in figures 2a and 2b, one or more eyelets are arranged on the outer surface 22 of the body 10. In this example, one or more first eyelets 18 are optionally adapted for connection to one or more flotation modules 7, which support the weight of the riser clamp assembly 1 and, optionally, also the weight of an end portion of the cables or chains 6a, 6b closest to the riser assembly 1. In other words, the riser clamp assembly 1 and the flotation module 7 combined float approximately neutrally, or float slightly negatively, and the flotation module optionally prevents the riser clamp assembly 1 from settling or sinking into the seabed material, such as mud or silt.
[046] Also in this example, the second eyelets 19a, 19b are also arranged on the outer surface 22 of the body 10. The eyelets 19a, 19b are adapted for connection to the chains 6a, 6b that fasten the riser clamp assembly 1 to the suction piles 5a, 5b, as shown in figure 1b.
[047] As best seen in figures 3a and 3e, the inner surface 23 of body 10 closest to the FPSO is lowered (i.e., scarified) along the greater Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, p. 23 / 91 17 / 35 part of the axial length of the body. A radial projection 28 is formed on the inner surface 23 of the body 10, adjacent to the end of the body 10 closest to the PLET. In this example, the depth or radial dimension of the projection 28 is approximately equal to the wall thickness of the clamp element 50, so that the inner diameter of the clamp element 50 is approximately equal and continuous with the inner diameter of the body 10 adjacent to the recessed portion of the body 10. In other words, in this example, the inner diameter of the hole 1b of the riser clamp assembly 1 is approximately constant along the entire axial length of the riser clamp assembly.
[048] Each of the outer segments 20a, 20b, 20c of body 10 (seen in figure 3d) is shown in detail in figures 4a to 4d. The inner surface 23 of the recessed portion of each segment 20a, 20b, 20c comprises a plurality of tapered annular portions 30, although one is sufficient. When the segments 20a, 20b, 20c of body 10 are assembled as shown in figures 2a and 2b, each tapered portion 30 tapers from a larger inner diameter of body 10 to a smaller inner diameter. The maximum inner diameters of the tapered annular portions 30 are all approximately equal and the minimum inner diameters of the tapered annular portions are also approximately equal. The maximum internal diameter of each tapered portion is positioned immediately adjacent to the minimum internal diameter of the next tapered portion, and vice versa.In this example, the taper of each tapered portion 30 is constant, or in other words, the inner surface of each tapered portion makes a constant angle with the X-axis of hole 1b of the riser clamp assembly 1. Also in this example, the inner surface 23 also comprises a small portion parallel to the optional axis 31 (best seen in figure 4d) adjacent to the minimum inner diameter of each tapered portion, i.e., at the peaks between adjacent teeth. The portions parallel to axis 31 can be shaped to allow for manufacturing tolerances in the formation of the 'peaks'. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 24 / 91 18 / 35 of the minimum internal diameters of each of the annular tapered portions 30, to ensure consistent engagement of the tapered portions 30 of the body 10 with the tapered portions 70 of the clamping element 50.
[049] Thus, the tapered annular portions 30 of the inner surface 23 of each body segment 20a, 20b, 20c form a series of projections or teeth 32 that extend radially inward from the inner surface of each body segment. In this example, the portions parallel to axis 31 of the inner surface 23 of the body segments 20a,b,c are located at the peaks between the adjacent teeth 32. In this example, the face perpendicular to axis 33a of each tooth 32 facing the end 25 of each body segment 20a, 20b, 20c closest to the PLET is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis of hole 1b (does not need to be precisely perpendicular) and the tapered face 33b of each radial tooth 32 facing the end 24 of each body segment closest to the FPSO makes an angle of 3 degrees to 45 degrees with the X-axis of hole 1b, optionally 5 degrees to 25 degrees, optionally 10 degrees to 15 degrees.In this example, the tapered faces 33b have an angle of 11 degrees with respect to the X-axis.
[050] Each of the inner segments 60a, 60b, 60c of the clamp element 50 (seen in figure 3d) is shown in detail in figures 5a to 5d. The inner segments 60a, 60b, 60c of the clamp element 50 are generally similar in shape to the outer segments 20a, 20b, 20c of the body 10, but the inner segments comprise a plurality of annular tapered portions 70 on their outer surfaces 62, which are adapted to engage with the annular tapered portions 30 on the inner surfaces 23 of the outer segments 20a, 20b, 20c. Also in this example, the tapered portions 70 on the outer surface 62 of the inner segments 60a, 60b, 60c extend along the entire axial length of each of the inner segments. In a manner corresponding to the tapered portions 30 of body segments 20a, 20b, 20c, each tapered portion 70 of Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, p. 25 / 91 19 / 35 clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60C comprise a larger clamp element outer diameter 50 and a smaller clamp element outer diameter 50. The maximum outer diameters of the annular tapered portions 70 are all approximately equal, and the minimum outer diameters of the annular tapered portions 70 are also approximately equal. The maximum outer diameter of each tapered portion 70 is disposed immediately adjacent to the minimum outer diameter of the next tapered portion and vice versa. In this example, the taper of each tapered portion 70 is constant, or in other words, the outer surface of each tapered portion 70 makes a constant angle with the X-axis of hole 1b of riser clamp assembly 1.In this example, similar to the tapered portions 30 of the outer segments 20a, 20b, 20c of the body 10, the outer surface 62 of each segment 60a, 60b, 60c of the clamping element 60 comprises a small portion parallel to the optional axis 71 (best seen in figure 5d) of the outer surfaces 62 adjacent to the minimum outer diameter of each tapered portion, i.e., in the channels between the adjacent teeth. The parallel-to-axis portions 71 can be formed to allow for manufacturing tolerances in the formation of the 'channels' of the minimum outer diameters of each of the annular tapered portions 70, to ensure consistent engagement of the tapered portions 30 of the body 10 with the tapered portions 70 of the clamping element 50.More specifically, depending on the manufacturing process used to form the body segments 20a, 20b, 20c and the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c, which may be, for example, molding, forging or CNC milling, the peaks and channels of the teeth 32, 72 of the body segments and clamp element segments, respectively, may be prone to manufacturing inaccuracies and / or deviations from the exact design dimensions. The optional parallel-axis portions 31, 71 of the body segments and clamp element segments, respectively, introduce a tolerance deviation from the dimensions. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 26 / 91 20 / 35 exact design, relaxing the necessary precision at the interface between the respective peaks and channels of the teeth 32, 72. In this example, the portions parallel to the axis 31, 71 are radially spaced by a radial clearance, allowing deviations in the tip portions of the peaks without affecting the sliding of the tapered portions against each other during use. Without the portions parallel to the axis 31, 71, any irregularities in the formed teeth 32, 72 may prevent or restrict the uniform engagement of the tapered portions 30, 70 of the body 10 and the clamping element 50, which, in turn, may lead to adhesion or jamming of the body and clamping element during the relative axial movement of the inner surface 23 of the body with the outer surface 62 of the clamping element.
[051] Thus, the annular tapered portions 70 of the outer surface 62 of each clamp element segment 60a, 60b, 60c form a series of protrusions or teeth 72 that extend radially outward from the outer surface of each clamp element segment. In this example, the face perpendicular to the axis 73a of each tooth 72 facing the end 65 of each clamp element segment 60a, 60b, 60c closest to the PLET is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis of hole 1b and the tapered face 73b of each tooth 72 facing the end 64 of each clamp element segment closest to the FPSO also makes an angle of 3 degrees to 45 degrees with the X-axis of hole 1b, optionally 5 degrees to 25 degrees, optionally 10 degrees to 15 degrees. In this example, the tapered faces 73b have an angle of 11 degrees with respect to the X-axis.
[052] In this example, each body segment 20a, 20b, 20c describes an arc of approximately 120 degrees, so that when riser clamp assembly 1 is mounted, body 10 comprising body segments 20a, 20b, 20c forms a cylinder with a continuous circumference. In contrast, in this example, each clamp element segment 60a, 60b, 60c describes an arc of less than 120 degrees, for example, from 100 degrees to 119 degrees. Thus, when the assembly of Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 27 / 91 21 / 35 riser clamp 1 is initially mounted around the marine riser pipe, the clamp element 50 comprising the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c does not form a cylinder with a continuous circumference and each clamp element segment is spaced from adjacent clamp element segments by a longitudinal gap between adjacent edge faces on the circumference of the clamp element segments.
[053] Also in this example, the teeth 72 of each clamp element segment 60a, 60b, 60c are coated with a low-friction material or layer, for example, xylan, in order to reduce the friction between the teeth 72, 32 of the clamp element and the body segments, respectively. Furthermore, in this example, the inner surface 63 of each clamp element segment 60a, 60b, 60 is coated with a high-friction material or layer, such as a rubber layer or sheet. Alternatively or additionally, the inner surface 63 may comprise a profiled or patterned surface, such as ridges or grooves, in order to increase the friction between the outer surface of a flow line 3 and the inner surface 63 of the clamp element segments.
[054] Riser clamp assembly 1 can be mounted around a flowline 3 as follows. Riser clamp assembly 1 is typically mounted on the flowline 3 before the flowline is lowered to the seabed, for example, on the deck of a service vessel deploying the flowline 3 and riser 4, although in some instances, assembly 1 can be adapted to an existing subsea line, for example, using ROVs.
[055] The corresponding segments 20a, 20b, 20c and 60a, 60b, 60c of the body and clamp elements 10, 50 are first fixed to each other by installation screws 40, shown in detail in figure 3c. The installation screws 40 serve only to keep each pair of body segments and clamp element 20a, 60a, 20b, 60b and 20c, 60c in proper alignment with each other. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 28 / 91 22 / 35 while the riser clamp assembly 1 is mounted and are removed before operation of the riser clamp assembly. In this example, five installation bolts 40 are used to join each pair of body segments and clamp element, but the number of installation bolts 40 is not limiting. As best seen in figures 4b, 4c and 5c, a series of openings 34 are arranged approximately equidistant along the axial length of the body segments 20a, 20b, 20c and a series of corresponding circular recesses 74 are arranged approximately equidistant along the axial length of the outer surfaces 62 of the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c.The openings 34 and recesses 74 of each pair of body segments and clamp element are aligned with each other when each pair of body segments and clamp element is properly oriented with each other for mounting the riser clamp assembly 1, as best illustrated in figure 3a. The openings 34 extend radially between the inner and outer surfaces 22, 23 of each body segment 20a, 20b, 20c, but the recesses 74 extend radially only a short distance on the outer surface 62 of each clamp element segment 60a, 60b, 60c, as shown in figure 3c. Therefore, neither the recesses 74 nor the installation screws 40 extend through the inner surface 63 of the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c.
[056] When each pair of body segments and clamp element 20a, 60a, 20b, 60b and 20c, 60c have been secured with the installation screws 40, the body segments 20a, 20b, 20c are assembled to form the complete riser clamp assembly 1. As best seen in Figure 4b, a series of circular openings 36 are arranged approximately equidistant along each circumferential edge face 26a, 26b of each of the body segments 20a, 20b, 20c. In this example, each opening 36 extends into the wall of each body segment in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential edge faces 26a, 26b until it joins. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 29 / 91 23 / 35 to a corresponding recess 37 on the outer surface 22 of each body segment 20a, 20b, 20c, as best seen in figure 4c. The body segments 20a, 20b, 20c are assembled by aligning the openings 36 on each circumferential edge face 26a, 26b of each body segment 20a, 20b, 20c with the openings 36 of adjacent body segments, so that the body segments 20a, 20b, 20c form a complete cylinder, as best illustrated in figure 3a, which shows the riser clamp assembly 1 with one body segment removed for clarity.
[057] When all body segments 20a, 20b, 20c are positioned relative to each other to form a cylinder, fastening screws or other fasteners (not shown in the figures) can be passed through the aligned openings 36 of adjacent body segments and fastened to secure the circumferential edge faces 26a, 26b of adjacent body segments to each other.
[058] As best seen in figures 3a and 3d, when the riser clamp assembly 1 in this example is mounted as described above, the circumferential edge faces 26a, 26b of adjacent body segments 20a, 20b, 20c come into contact and are fastened together by the fastening screws. However, the circumferential edge faces 66a, 66b of the adjacent clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c (which are still fastened to the respective body element segments 20a, 20b, 20c by installation screws 40) do not come into contact. In other words, the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c are spaced circumferentially from each other by a gap between the adjacent circumferential edge faces 66a, 66b.
[059] Before the riser clamp assembly 1 is deployed, for example, before the section of the flowline 3 around which the riser clamp assembly is mounted is lowered towards the seabed, the installation bolts 40 are removed from the body 10 (although the bolts 40 Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 30 / 91 24 / 35 can optionally be removed at sea, for example, if assembly 1 is installed on an existing subsea line). After removing screws 40, the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c are no longer fixed to the body segments 20a, 20b, 20c and are free to move relative to the body segments. However, the inner diameter of the clamp element 50 comprising the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c is typically dimensioned to be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the flow line 3 passing through hole 1b of the riser clamp assembly 1 and, therefore, the tapered profile of the outer surface 62 of each clamp element segment 60a, 60b, 60c remains in contact with the tapered profile of the inner surface 23 of each body segment 20a, 20b, 20c even after the installation bolts 40 are removed.
[060] In this example, before the riser clamp assembly 1 is exposed to any axial loads from the flowline 3 (and normally before the riser clamp assembly is lowered to the seabed), the clamp element 50 is pre-energized. The purpose of pre-energizing the clamp element 50 is to artificially introduce a small amount of axial movement between the clamp element 50 and the body 10, which in turn causes the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c to exert a radial force on the outer surface of the flowline 3, before there is any actual axial load on the flowline.This ensures that the inner surfaces 63 of the clamp element segments are in full contact with the outer surface of the flow line 3 and, optionally, reduces any risk of the flow line 3 'sliding' relative to the clamp element 50 when the flow line is axially loaded during normal operations.
[061] In this example, the clamp element 50 is pre-energized by the introduction of one or more axially movable elements, typically with threads Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 31 / 91 25 / 35 external, such as screws (not shown in the figures), in axially threaded holes 29 arranged in the circumference around the end face 25 (on the protrusion 28) of the body 10, as best seen in figures 3e and 4a. In this example, three holes 29 are equally spaced around the end faces 25 of each of the body segments 20a, 20b, 20c, but in other examples there may be fewer or more holes 29 and in still other examples the means for pre-energizing the clamp element 50 may not require axial holes or threaded fastenings.
[062] The threaded holes 29 extend axially through the shoulder 28 of the body 10, as best seen in figure 3e, are positioned radially, so that the inner end of each hole 29 opens into the countersunk portion of the body. Since the radial dimension of the shoulder 28 is approximately equal to the wall thickness of the clamping element 50, the inner end of each hole 29 is radially aligned with the end faces 65 (seen in figure 5b) of each of the clamping element segments 60a, 60b, 60c.Thus, a screw or tensioner passed through the holes 29 contacts the end faces 65 of the clamp element segments and then pushes the clamp element segments axially away from the shoulder 28, causing axial movement of the clamp element 50 relative to the body 10 which is equivalent to the axial movement of the clamp element relative to the body that will be caused by the axial load at the yield line 3, as described in more detail below.
[063] In operation, the riser clamp assembly 1 acts to initially restrict and then substantially impede the axial movement of the flowline 3 through the riser clamp assembly toward the FPSO or away from the PLET. The body 10 of the riser clamp assembly 1 surrounds the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c and maintains contact between them. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 32 / 91 26 / 35 inner surfaces 63 of the clamp element segments and the outer surface of the flowline 3, as seen in Figure 3f. As described above, in this example, the inner surfaces of the clamp element segments comprise a high-friction material or layer. The high-friction material ensures that, in the event of an axial load on the flowline 3, for example, axial stress caused by the FPSO moving away from the riser clamp assembly 1, any movement of the flowline 3 relative to the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c is substantially impeded. In other words, the flowline 3 should not slide past the clamp element 50.
[064] Thus, any axial movement of the flow line 3 through the riser clamp assembly 1 causes axial movement of the clamp element 50 relative to the body 10. The clamp element 50 is prevented from axial movement relative to the body 10 towards the PLET, due to the protrusions 28 of each body segment 20a, 20b, 20c which act as stops against the end faces 64 of each clamp element segment 60a, 60b, 60C. Furthermore, the faces perpendicular to axis 73a of each tooth 72 on the outer surfaces 62 of the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c abut the faces perpendicular to axis 33a of each tooth 32 on the inner surfaces 23 of the body segments 20a, 20b, 20c, also preventing the relative movement of the clamp element 50 in relation to the body 10 towards the PLET.
[065] As can be best seen in figure 3g, the axial movement of the clamping element 50 relative to the body 10 towards the FPSO causes the end faces 64 of each clamping element segment 60a, 60b, 60c to separate from the projections 28 of each body segment 20a, 20b, 20c. In addition, the tapered faces 73b of each tooth 72 on the outer surfaces 62 of the clamping element segments 60a, 60b, 60c begin to slide axially over the tapered faces 33b of each tooth 32 on the inner surfaces 23 of the body segments. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 33 / 91 27 / 35 20a, 20b, 20c. As the tapered faces 73b, 33b of the corresponding teeth 72, 32 slide axially relative to each other, the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60 are also driven radially inward. In other words, as the maximum outer diameter of each annular tapered portion 70 of the outer surface 62 of the clamp element 50 approaches the minimum inner diameter of each annular tapered portion 30 of the inner surface 23 of the body 10, the clamp element 50 is displaced radially inward, away from the inner surface 23 of the body 10. In Figure 3g, the extent of compression of the outer surface of the flowline 3 is exaggerated for the purposes of the figure.
[066] As the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c move radially inward, the circumferential gaps between the clamp element segments also decrease. In this example, the initial circumferential gaps between the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c (best seen in figure 3d) are dimensioned to ensure that they do not close completely, even at the maximum extent of the radial inward movement of the clamp element segments. In other words, in this example, the continued radial inward movement of the clamp element segments is not restricted or impeded by the circumferential edge faces 66a, 66b of each clamp element segment in contact with adjacent clamp element segments.Instead, the inward radial movement of the clamp element segments relative to body 10 is limited only by the maximum deflection of the outer surface of the flow line 3 under radial compression.
[067] As the additional radial movement into the segments of the clamp element 60a, 60b, 60c (caused by the additional axial movement of the flowline 3 relative to the riser clamp assembly) begins to be contained by the reaction of the flowline 3 to the radial compression of the line of Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 34 / 91 28 / 35 flow 3, the pressure between the tapered faces 73b, 33b of the teeth 72, 32 on the outer and inner surfaces of the clamp element 50 and body 10, respectively, begins to increase. The increasing pressure between the tapered faces 73b, 33b of the corresponding teeth 72, 32 generates an axial force between the clamp element 50 and the body 10 that opposes the axial movement of the clamp element 50 relative to the body 10. When the opposing axial force generated between the teeth 72, 32 of the clamp element 50 and the body 10 balances the axial force of the flow line tension 3 through the riser clamp assembly 1, further axial movement of the flow line 3 through the riser clamp assembly is prevented.
[068] If the axial stress in flowline 3 increases further, for example, in response to the FPSO moving further away from the riser clamp assembly 1, the clamp element 50 may move further axially relative to the body 10. This causes more inward radial movement of the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c and increased radial compression of flowline 3. The increased reaction of flowline 3 to the increased inward radial force in the flowline further increases the pressure between the tapered faces 73b, 33b of the corresponding teeth 72, 32, in turn increasing the opposing axial force generated between the teeth 72, 32. When the increased opposing axial force again balances the axial force acting on flowline 3, the additional axial movement of flowline 3 relative to the riser clamp assembly 1 is again contained.
[069] In this example, the radial dimensions of the faces perpendicular to the axis 73a, 33a of teeth 72, 32 are dimensioned to ensure that even under maximum design axial load on the flow line 3 and with maximum radial deflection of the outer surface of the flow line 3 (including any change in the outer diameter of the flow line 3 over time, for example, due to effects Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 35 / 91 29 / 35 due to deformation and / or aging in the material of the outer surface of the flow line, or due to the temperature of the fluids passing through the flow line), the peaks of the corresponding teeth 72, 32 cannot pass through each other in an axial direction. In other words, the faces perpendicular to the axis 73a, 33a of the teeth 72, 32 are sufficiently large (e.g., sufficiently deep in a radial direction) to ensure that the teeth 72, 32 cannot 'pass through' each other. Typically, in this example, the largest axial separation between the faces perpendicular to the axis 73a, 33a of the corresponding teeth 72, 32 of the clamp element and body segments, when the flow line 3 and the clamp element 50 are under maximum design axial load relative to the body 10, is 5% to 15% of the axial dimension of each tooth 72, 32.In other examples, the largest separation between the faces perpendicular to the 73a, 33a axis of the corresponding teeth 72, 32 may be greater or less than this, for example, less than 5%, or 50% or more.
[070] On the other hand, if the axial stress in the flow line 3 decreases, the opposing axial force between the corresponding teeth 72, 32 of the clamp element 50 and the body 10 (due to the reaction of the flow line 3 to the radial compression applied by the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c in their current radial position) may be greater than the reduced axial force in the flow line 3. This causes the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c to move axially in the opposite direction towards their initial positions and also in a radially outward direction, until the axial forces acting on the flow line 3 are balanced.
[071] A second example of a submarine line clamp assembly 101 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 6a. The second example is generally similar to the first example described above, and the equivalent parts are numbered similarly, but the reference numbers are Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 36 / 91 30 / 35 increased by 100. In the second example, the riser clamp assembly comprises a body 110 and a clamp element 150 disposed within the body 110. The body 110 is generally cylindrical in the same manner as the body 10 of the first example.
[072] As best seen in figures 6b and 6e and shown in figures 7a and 7b, end plates 114a, 114b, 114c are arranged at opposite axial ends of the body 110 when the body is fully assembled, as will be described in more detail below. In this example, each end plate 114a, 114b, 114c comprises two larger circular axial openings 115 and three smaller circular axial openings 116, but the exact number of openings 115, 116 is not limiting.
[073] In the second example, the longitudinal segments 120a, 120b, 120c of body 110 are modular and each longitudinal segment, for example, 120a, is further divided into eight axial sections 121a to 121h, as best seen in figure 6d and in detail in figures 8a and 8b. In this example, each of the axial sections 121a to 121h has approximately equal axial lengths and comprises two tapered portions 130, but in other examples the axial sections may have varying axial lengths and there may be fewer or more than eight axial sections. Each axial section may also comprise more or less than two tapered portions 130. In this example, each axial section 121 of the body 110 also has a portion parallel to the axis 131 adjacent to the end face 124 (i.e., closest to the FPSO) of each tapered portion 130, as best seen in figure 8a.
[074] Body 110 optionally incorporates at least one section 121 incorporating first eyelets 118 (shown in figures 6a and 6b) which are optionally adapted for connection to one or more flotation modules, for reasons explained earlier in relation to the first example of a subsea line clamp assembly. Body 110 also generally incorporates at least one (optionally different) section 121 incorporating second eyelets 119a, 119b (also Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 37 / 91 31 / 35 shown in figures 6a and 6b), or another anchor attachment point, which are adapted to attach the body with chains or cables to a submarine anchor or suction stake, again as explained previously for the first example.
[075] In the second example 101, the longitudinal segments 160a, 160b, 160c of the clamp element 150 are also modular and are similarly divided into axial sections, as shown in figures 9a and 9b. Thus, for example, the clamp element segment 160a is divided into eight axial sections 161a to 161h as shown in figure 6d. In this example, each axial section of the clamp element 161a to 161h is identical and corresponds to a respective axial section of the body 121a to 121h. In this example, each axial section 161 of the clamp element 150 also has a portion parallel to the axis 171 between the tapered portions 170.
[076] Also in this example, the axial length of each axial section 161 of the clamp element 150 is typically shorter than the corresponding axial section 121 of the body 120. In other words, when the submarine line clamp assembly 101 is fully assembled, the end faces 124, 125 of each axial section 121 of the body 120 contact (and are clamped against) the corresponding end faces 124, 125 of adjacent axial sections. In contrast, in this example, the end faces 164, 165 of each axial section 161 of the clamp element 150 are axially spaced from the end faces 164, 165 of adjacent axial sections. This axial spacing is in addition to the circumferential spacing that also exists between the circumferential edge faces 166a, 166b of the axial sections 161 of adjacent longitudinal segments 160a, 160b, 160c, as described earlier in the first example.The axial spacing between the adjacent axial section 161 of the clamp element 150 provides a tolerance in the exact axial dimensions of each axial section, for. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 38 / 91 32 / 35 allow for any manufacturing inaccuracies and / or deviations from the exact design dimensions and to ensure that such manufacturing inaccuracies do not restrict or inhibit the free axial movement of each axial section 161 in response to the axial movement of the flowline 103 relative to the subsea line clamp assembly 101.
[077] The second example of a submarine line clamp assembly 101 can be mounted around a flowline 103 in a manner similar to the submarine line clamp assembly 1 of the first example described earlier. Typically, the axial sections 121a to 121h of each body segment 120a, 120b, 120c are first mounted by aligning the openings 138 that extend axially through the wall of each axial section between the axial edge faces 124, 125 of each axial section. In the second example, it is possible to select as many axial sections 121a to 121h as are needed to compose the required total length of the submarine line clamp assembly 101.For example, in applications where the maximum axial load to be applied by the flowline 103 is known to be less than a certain limit, the total length of the subsea line clamp assembly 101 may be shorter (and therefore composed of fewer axial sections 121a to 121h) than another subsea line clamp assembly adapted for higher axial loads, which may comprise a greater number of axial sections 121. When all axial sections 121a to 121h are positioned relative to each other to form, for example, the longitudinal segment 120a, end plates 114a are placed at either axial end of the longitudinal segment 120a and fastening bolts or screws 139 are passed through the openings 115 of the end plate 114a and through each of the aligned openings 138 of the axial sections, and then tightened or otherwise secured to fasten the edge faces. axial sections 124, 125 adjacent to each other.In this example, the axial fastening screws 139 are. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, pp. 39 / 91 33 / 35 approximately equal to or slightly longer than the entire axial length of body segments 120a, 120b, 120c and therefore each fastening screw extends between the end faces of body 110.
[078] After the longitudinal segments 120a, 120b, 120c of body 110 have been assembled, the corresponding segments 160a, 106b, 160c of clamp element 150 are fixed to the respective segments 120a, 120b, 120c of body 110 by installation screws 140, in a manner generally similar to the first example. In this example, each axial section 161a to 161h, for example, of clamp element segment 160a is aligned with body segment 120a, so that the recesses 174 of each axial section 161a, 161b, 161c (best seen in figures 9b and 9c) are aligned with the respective openings 134 (best seen in figure 8a), for example, of body segment 160a. Therefore, instead of five installation screws 40 used to fasten, for example, the body and clamp element segments 20a, 60a in the first example, in this example each installation screw 140 can be used to fasten a single axial section 161a to 161h.In other examples, each axial section can be secured with more than one 140 installation screw.
[079] Body segments 120a, 120b, 120c are then assembled to form the complete submarine line clamp assembly 101, similarly to the first example. In this example, as shown in figures 8a to 8c, openings 126 are arranged along the circumferential edge faces 126a, 126b of each axial section 121 of body segments 120a, 120b, 120c. Each opening 126 is joined to a corresponding recess 137 on the outer surface of each body segment 120a, 120b, 120c. Body segments 120a, 120b, 120c are assembled by aligning the openings 136 of each body segment 120a, 120b, 120c with the openings 136 of adjacent body segments and then passing fixing screws or other fasteners (not shown in the figures) through the Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, pp. 40 / 91 34 / 35 aligned openings 136 of adjacent body segments to fasten circumferential edge faces 126a, 126b of adjacent body segments to each other.
[080] Alternatively, the submarine line clamp assembly 101 can be assembled by first fixing the axial sections 161 of the clamp element 150 to the corresponding axial sections 121 of the body 110 and then joining the circumferential edge faces 126a, 126b of the axial sections 121 to form cylindrical portions of the body 110, before joining all these cylindrical portions of the body and end plates 114a, 114b, 114c with axial fastening screws 139.
[081] In operation, the second example of a submarine line clamp assembly 101 functions similarly to the first example described above. Although the body segments 120a, 120b, 120c of the second example comprise individual axial sections, since the body 110 is fully assembled with axial and radial fastening bolts or other fasteners, it is structurally and functionally equivalent to the body 10 of the first example. In contrast, each of the clamp element segments 160a, 160b, 160c of the second example is separated into individual axial sections 161a to 161h and after the removal of the temporary installation bolts 140, each axial section of each longitudinal segment of the clamp element 50 is axially spaced from other adjacent axial sections and is free to adjust its position and orientation independently of all other axial sections.This offers advantages over the unitary clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c from the first example.
[082] First, since the segments of the clamp element 160a, 160b, 160c are not continuous, the outer surface of the flowline 103 is not normally compressed uniformly by the clamp element 150 of the second example. The portions of the flowline 103 in contact with the axial sections 161a to 161h are typically compressed to a greater extent than the portions of the flowline that are not in contact. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, pp. 41 / 91 35 / 35 with the axial sections of the clamp element segment 160a, 160b, 106c. In other words, the outer diameter of the flow line 103 can be reduced more in areas of the outer surface of the flow line in contact with the axial sections 161a to 161h than in areas aligned with the axial spans between sections 161a to 161h. Thus, each axial section 161a to 161h can be slightly embedded in the outer surface of the flow line 103 compared to the outer surface of the flow line between each axial section 161a to 161h. This can advantageously prevent or further reduce the risk of axial 'slippage' between the clamp element 150 and the flow line 103 when the flow line is under axial load.
[083] Secondly, each axial section 161a to 161h can adjust its circumferential position and orientation (e.g., pitch and yaw) independently of adjacent axial sections. This optionally allows the clamp element 150 to compensate for any localized irregularities in the outer diameter and / or stiffness of the outer surface of the flow line 103, which, compared with the clamp element segments 60a, 60b, 60c of the first example, reduces the possibility of the clamp element 150 sticking or catching against the body 110 and also reduces the possibility of localized and excessive radial compression of the outer surface of the flow line 103. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, pp. 42 / 91
Claims
1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. Submarine line clamp assembly, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a body (10; 110) with a shaft and a clamp element (50; 150), the body comprising at least first and second body segments (20a,b,c; 120a,b,c) adapted for mounting around a submarine line (3), the body having an anchor attachment point (19a,b,c; 119a,b,c) adapted for attaching the body to a submarine anchor (5a,b), the clamp element comprising at least first and second clamp element segments (60a,b,c; 160a,b,c), the clamp element being movable relative to the body and having an outer surface (62) adapted for engaging an inner surface of the body (10; 110), and an inner surface adapted for engaging the submarine line within the clamp assembly. of submarine line, the inner surface (23) of the body (10; 110) having at least one first tapered portion (30),and the outer surface (62) of the clamping element having at least a second tapered portion (70) arranged to engage the first tapered portion on the inner surface of the body, wherein the clamping element and the body are divided in one direction along the axis into the same number of segments, and wherein each body segment has a respective clamping element segment, wherein each body segment has an angular dimension greater than its respective clamping element segment, and wherein the clamping element and the body are divided into axial sections (121), with each axial body section having a respective axial clamping element section, and wherein each axial body section has an axial dimension greater than its respective axial clamping element section,and in which at least one end face of each of the sections of the axial clamp element is axially spaced from at least one end face of an adjacent section of the axial clamp element.
2. Submarine line clamp assembly, according to claim Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 43 / 91 2 / 6 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the clamp element (50; 150) is radially and axially movable in relation to the body (10; 110) and in that the axial movement of the clamp element (50; 150) in a first direction in relation to the body (10; 110) when the first and second tapered portions are engaged impels the inner surface of the clamp element (50; 150) radially inward in relation to the body (10; 110) against the outer surface of the submarine line (3).
3. Submarine line clamp assembly, according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the first and second tapered portions (30, 70) face opposite axial ends of the submarine line clamp assembly.
4. Submarine line clamp assembly, according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the or each first tapered portion (30) in the body (10;110) is part of a tooth (32), having a first face that extends radially inward toward the clamping element from an external radial position spaced from the body axis to an internal radial position closer to the body axis and forming the first tapered portion, and a second face that extends radially outward from the internal radial position back to the external radial position relative to the body axis, and wherein the or each second tapered portion (70) in the clamping element is part of a tooth (72), having a first face that extends radially inward toward the body from an external radial position relative to the body axis to an internal radial position spaced even further from the axis and forming the second tapered portion, and a second face that extends radially outward from the internal radial position back to the external radial position relative to the body axis.
5. Submarine line clamp assembly, according to claim Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, page 44 / 91 3 / 6 4, CHARACTERIZED in that the second faces of the teeth (32, 72) are perpendicular to the axis.
6. Submarine line clamp assembly, according to claim 4 or 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the teeth (32, 72) are arranged in repeated annular rows.
7. Submarine line clamp assembly, according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the friction between the inner surface (23) of the body and the outer surface (62) of the clamp element is less than the friction between the inner surface of the clamp element and the outer surface of the submarine line.
8. Submarine line clamp assembly, according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the clamp element (50; 150) is axially movable relative to the body (10; 110) in a first direction, and in that the outer surface (62) of the clamp element and the inner surface (23) of the body incorporate a stop element that restricts the axial movement of the clamp element in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
9. Submarine line clamp assembly, according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the inner surface (23) of the body has a set of first tapered portions (30), wherein the first tapered portions are annular, extending around at least a portion of the inner surface of the body, and wherein the outer surface (62) of the clamp element has a set of second tapered portions (70), wherein the second tapered portions are annular, extending around at least a portion of the outer surface of the clamp element.
10. Submarine line clamp assembly, according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the first and second tapered portions (30, 70) are tapered at the same angle relative to an axis of the body.
11. Submarine line clamp assembly, according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that it incorporates at least one parallel-axis portion between the first and second repeated tapered portions (30, 70) of the body and clamp element wherein the parallel-axis portions (31) of the inner surface (23) of the body are adjacent to a minimum inner diameter of each first tapered portion, and wherein the parallel-axis portions (71) of the outer surface (62) of the clamp element are adjacent to a minimum outer diameter of each second tapered portion; and / or wherein the parallel-axis portion is arranged in a radial minimum.
12. Subsea line clamp assembly, according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the inner surface (23) of the body and the outer surface (62) of the clamp element each incorporate axis-parallel portions (31, 71), wherein the respective axis-parallel portions in the body and in the clamp element overlap axially in the subsea line clamp assembly; wherein the axially overlapping axis-parallel portions in the body and in the clamp element are radially spaced from each other by a radial gap.
13. Subsea line clamp assembly, according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that it incorporates a marine riser pipe (3) disposed within a hole of the subsea line clamp assembly.
14. Method of attaching a submarine line, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises mounting a submarine line clamp assembly on an outer surface of the submarine line, the submarine line clamp assembly comprising: Petition 870260069089, dated 13 / 07 / 2026, page 46 / 91 5 / 6 a body having an axis and being divided into at least first and second body segments adapted to be mounted around the submarine line, the body having an anchor attachment point adapted to attach the body to a submarine anchor, a clamp element (50; 150) comprising at least first and second clamp element segments (61a,b,c), the clamp element having an outer surface (62) adapted to engage an inner surface (23) of the body extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the clamp element,and an inner surface adapted for engaging the submarine line within the submarine line clamp assembly, wherein the clamp element and the body are divided in one direction along the axis into the same number of segments, and wherein each body segment (20a,b,c) has a respective clamp element segment (61a,b,c), wherein each body segment has a larger angular dimension than its respective clamp element segment, wherein at least one clamp element segment is radially and axially movable relative to the body when the assembly is mounted around the submarine line, the inner surface (23) of the body having a plurality of first tapered portions (30) and the outer surface (62) of the clamp element having a plurality of second tapered portions (70) arranged to engage the first tapered portions on the inner surface of the body during the movement of the clamp element relative to the body,wherein the first and second tapered portions face opposite ends of the submarine line clamp assembly, and wherein the friction between the inner surface of the body and the outer surface of the clamp element is less than the friction between the inner surface of the clamp element and the outer surface of the submarine line, wherein: the axial movement of the clamp element in a first direction in relation to the body when the first and second tapered portions are engaged propels the inner surface of the clamp element radially inward relative to the body against the outer surface of the submarine line, wherein the clamp element and the body are divided into axial sections, with each axial body section having a respective axial clamp element section,and wherein each axial body section has a larger axial dimension than its respective axial clamp element section, and wherein the method includes axially spacing at least one end face of each axial clamp element section from at least one end face of an adjacent axial clamp element section.
15. Method according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED in that the submarine line is a marine riser pipeline (3).
16. Method, according to claim 14 or 15, CHARACTERIZED in that the clamping element slides in the first direction relative to the body to maintain consistency of the clamping force on the submarine line in case of reduction in the outer diameter of the submarine line after mounting the submarine line clamp assembly on the outer surface of the submarine line. Petition 870260069089, dated 07 / 13 / 2026, pp. 48 / 91