Clamps and clamping

Abstract

An apparatus (300) for securing to an outer surface of a section of a flexible pipe body (302) comprising: an outer clamp portion (310) positionable around a region of the flexible pipe body and comprising a plurality of outer body members (308) each comprising an inner surface (312); and an inner clamp portion (320) positionable in abutting relationship between the outer clamp portion and the flexible pipe body, the inner clamp portion comprising a plurality of inner body members (326) each comprising an outer surface (330) comprising a mating region having a shape that mates with a shape of a corresponding mating region of the inner surface of the outer clamp portion; wherein each mating region comprises at least one clamping surface region (342) positionable oblique to a main axis of the flexible pipe body in an imaginary plane extending through the flexible pipe body and comprising the main axis when the inner clamp portion is positioned between the outer clamp portion and the flexible pipe body.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the position of auxiliary equipment installed on a flexible tube body. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a clamping mechanism for securing auxiliary equipment, such as a buoyancy module, at a desired longitudinal position along the flexible tube, or for use in a stop clamp to prevent undesired movement of the auxiliary equipment along the flexible tube beyond a predetermined position.

[0002] Traditionally, flexible tubing is used to transport produced fluids such as oil and / or gas and / or water from one location to another. Flexible tubing is particularly useful for connecting subsea locations (which can be deep-sea, such as 1000 meters or more) to sea-level locations. Tubing can typically have an inner diameter up to about 0.6 meters (e.g., diameters can range from 0.05 m to up to 0.6 m). Flexible tubing is generally formed as an assembly of a flexible tubing body and one or more end fittings. The tubing body is typically formed as a combination of layered materials that form a pressure-bearing conduit. The tubing structure allows for large flexural bending without inducing bending stresses that would impair the tubing's function over its lifespan. Different types of flexible tubing exist, such as unbonded flexible tubing manufactured according to API 17J or composite flexible tubing. The tubing body is typically constructed as a combination of polymer layers and / or composite layers and / or metal layers. For example, the tubing body may include polymer layers and metal layers, or polymer layers and composite layers, or polymer layers, metal layers, and composite layers. Layers can be formed from a single piece (such as an extruded tube), or by spirally winding one or more wires at a desired pitch, or by connecting multiple discrete loops arranged concentrically side by side. Depending on the type of flexible tube used and the layers of the flexible tube, some of the tube layers may be bonded together or remain unbonded.

[0003] Some flexible pipes have been used for development in deepwater (less than 3,300 feet (1,005.84 meters) and ultra-deepwater (greater than 3,300 feet). The demand for oil exploration at increasingly greater depths (e.g., over 8,202 feet (2,500 meters)) is growing, where environmental factors are becoming increasingly extreme. For example, in such deepwater and ultra-deepwater environments, seafloor temperatures increase the risk of produced fluids cooling to temperatures that can cause pipe blockage. In practice, flexible pipes are traditionally designed to operate at temperatures ranging from -30°C to +130°C, and are being developed for even more extreme temperatures. The increasing depth also increases the risk of... The pressure associated with the environment in which the flexible tubing must operate is also a factor. For example, the flexible tubing may need to operate under external pressures ranging from 0.1 MPa to 30 MPa. Similarly, transporting oil, gas, or water can readily generate high pressures acting on the flexible tubing from within, such as internal pressures from wellbore fluids ranging from zero to 140 MPa. This increases the need for high-level performance in certain layers of the flexible tubing body, such as the tubing body layer, pressure armor layer, or tension armor layer. It should be noted that, for completeness, flexible tubing can also be used in shallow water applications (e.g., depths less than approximately 500 meters) or even in coastal (onshore) applications.

[0004] It is often desirable to be able to secure auxiliary equipment at a desired location along the length of the flexible tube body. For example, a buoyancy module may be needed to help the flexible tube conform to a desired profile during use. Alternatively, it is often desirable to provide so-called stop clamps on the flexible tube body, which help prevent other components from accidentally running too far along the flexible tube body. Regardless of the specific application, it is often desirable to provide a mechanism for securing it to the outer surface of the flexible tube body. It should be understood that this outer surface is typically provided by the outer sheath of the flexible tube body, and this may present a relatively smooth surface in other ways.

[0005] For example, regarding buoyancy modules, internal clamps are conventionally fitted to the flexible riser, allowing the buoyancy module sections to be mechanically locked in the desired position along the flexible riser. Such buoyancy modules have internal grooves that transfer buoyancy to each clamp and thus to the flexible riser. The internal clamps of the buoyancy module typically withstand forces up to 3 tons and require extensive engineering to resist slippage. Given the magnitude of the applied load, designing conventional internal clamps is often a challenge in maintaining a relatively small profile to maximize buoyancy from the buoyancy module sections while still achieving the desired level of fixation. During implementation, due to the low coefficient of friction between the flexible tube layers, the internal clamps typically require high compression to prevent undesirable slippage along the predetermined longitudinal position of the flexible tube. Traditionally, this compression is applied via strip-based clamping forces. This transfers the compression through the clamp sections. Conventional strip systems and adjacent fasteners are subjected to high tension requiring high-strength materials such as aramid fiber strips and titanium fasteners. Therefore, conventional clamping mechanisms typically rely on applying sufficient radial compression to clamp the underlying layers, such as tension armor lines.

[0006] Stop clamps are another common device that can fix a flexible tube body at a desired location along its longitudinal length. Such stop clamps are typically used in vertically suspended flexible tubes below bending stiffeners. Bending stiffeners are used near a rigid structure to which the end fittings of the flexible tube are secured during use. Bending stiffeners are also used near connectors or end fittings to gradually reduce the stiffness of the flexible tube. This prevents excessive bending stress that could damage the flexible tube body should a portion of it move relative to the rigid structure, for example, with rising or falling sea levels.

[0007] When connectors or end fittings are secured to a rigid structure, the bending reinforcement (which itself is a bulky component that can weigh over 500 kg) must slide along the flexible tube to the desired position. This forms part of the connection process. During this process, the bending reinforcement and a portion of the flexible tube body are typically oriented vertically. If the bending reinforcement is partially or completely unsupported due to errors during assembly, it can fall downwards along the length of the tube by gravity. This can be very inconvenient, especially when the flexible tube body is long. To overcome this problem, a stop clamp has been proposed, located at a predetermined distance from the position where the bending reinforcement is to be secured. If an error occurs during assembly and the bending reinforcement is accidentally left unsupported, it will fall, but only to a predetermined depth, such as 3 meters, to the position where the stop clamp is held in place by the flexible tube. Therefore, the stop clamp needs to have a strong clamping force capable of resisting the impact forces caused by the heavy bending reinforcement. Such strength can typically only be provided by an institution that may fail and / or poses a risk of damaging one or more parts of the flexible tube itself.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to at least partially alleviate one or more of the problems mentioned above.

[0009] The purpose of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for fixing to the outer surface of a flexible tube body.

[0010] The purpose of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide a stop clamp or buoyancy clamp or other such fixing / fastening element at a desired location, thereby providing a strong clamping force without requiring expensive high-strength materials such as the qualified materials described in API 17L for their manufacture or reducing the amount / volume of expensive materials required.

[0011] The object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide a clamping assembly comprising separate internal and external sections that cooperate in a mating manner, such that the clamping pressure actually increases with the increase of the applied force (e.g., due to the weight of a falling bending reinforcement or the lifting force of a buoyancy element provided by a heavy buoyancy element).

[0012] The object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide a clamping mechanism that provides greater clamping efficiency and / or reduces the overall clamping size and / or reduces the need for high-capacity strip system components, as is typically required by conventional clamping mechanisms.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for fixing to the outer surface of a section of a flexible tube body is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0014] An external clamping portion, capable of being positioned around a region of the flexible tube body, includes multiple external body members, each of which includes an inner surface; and

[0015] An internal clamping portion is positioned in an abutting relationship between the external clamping portion and the flexible tube body. This internal clamping portion includes multiple internal main body components, each including an outer surface with a mating area. This mating area has a shape that matches the corresponding mating area on the inner surface of the external clamping portion.

[0016] Each mating area includes at least one clamping surface area that, when the inner clamping portion is located between the outer clamping portion and the flexible tube body, is tilted to be positioned on the main axis in an imaginary plane extending through the flexible tube body and including the main axis of the flexible tube body.

[0017] Appropriately, each clamping surface region includes at least a portion of the side surface of a truncated circular cone.

[0018] Appropriately, each clamping surface area includes at least one flattened V-shaped surface.

[0019] Appropriately, each internal body component includes an annular element that has a flat or gently curved inner surface in cross-section for abutting against the outer surface of the flexible tube body and provides a cylindrical or generally cylindrical abutment surface.

[0020] Suitablely, each internal main body component includes an annular element that includes an outer surface in cross-section, the outer surface being inclined and constantly flaring outward from a first edge of the annular element to the remaining edges of the annular element.

[0021] Suitablely, each internal main component includes an annular element that has a V-shaped outer surface in cross-section, the outer surface having a thinner thickness at the respective edges of the annular element and a maximum thickness at the central region of the annular element.

[0022] Appropriately, each internal main component includes an annular element that includes an outer surface in cross-section, the outer surface including a plurality of flattened V-shaped surfaces.

[0023] Appropriately, each annular element includes multiple arcuate ring portions that are capable of being positioned end-to-end in a circular shape, and the combined outer surface of each ring portion provides the outer surface.

[0024] Appropriately, each internal body component includes a finger element aligned substantially parallel to the main axis of the flexible tube, the finger element having a flat or gently curved inner surface in cross-section for abutting against the outer surface of the flexible tube body.

[0025] Suitable, each internal body component includes a finger element that has an outer surface in cross-section, the outer surface being inclined and constantly flaring outward from a first end of the finger element to the remaining ends of the finger element.

[0026] Suitablely, each internal main component includes a finger element that has a V-shaped outer surface or an undulating surface in cross-section, the outer surface having a thinner thickness at the respective ends of the finger element and a maximum thickness at the central region of the finger element.

[0027] Suitable, the device also includes at least one fixing element for securing the first outer body member to another outer body member, and for pressing the inner clamping portion between the outer clamping portion and the flexible tube body when the first outer body member and the other outer body member are secured together.

[0028] Suitable, the device also includes at least one fixing element for securing the first outer body member to another outer body member, and for pressing the inner clamping portion between the outer clamping portion and the flexible tube body when the first outer body member and the other outer body member are secured together.

[0029] Suitablely, the device also includes at least one additional external body member arranged circumferentially between the first external body member and another external body member, each external body member being pivotally connected to two adjacent external body members.

[0030] Suitable, each external body component includes an annular element that has an inner surface in cross-section, the inner surface being inclined and constantly flaring outward from a first edge of the annular element to the remaining edges of the annular element.

[0031] Suitablely, each external body component includes an annular element that has a V-shaped inner surface in cross-section, the inner surface having a thinner thickness at the respective edges of the annular element and a maximum thickness at the central region of the annular element.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a buoyancy module is provided, the buoyancy module comprising:

[0033] The external clamping portion is capable of being positioned around a region of the flexible tube body and includes multiple external body components, each of which includes an inner surface;

[0034] At least one buoyancy element, the at least one buoyancy element being fixed to or including the external clamping portion; and

[0035] An internal clamping portion is positioned in an abutting relationship between the external clamping portion and the flexible tube body. This internal clamping portion includes multiple internal main body components, each including an outer surface with a mating area. This mating area has a shape that matches the corresponding mating area on the inner surface of the external clamping portion.

[0036] Each mating area includes at least one clamping surface area that, when the inner clamping portion is located between the outer clamping portion and the flexible tube body, is tilted to be positioned on the main axis in an imaginary plane extending through the flexible tube body and including the main axis of the flexible tube body.

[0037] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a stop clamp is provided, the stop clamp comprising:

[0038] An external clamping portion, capable of being positioned around a region of the flexible tube body, includes multiple external body members, each of which includes an inner surface; and

[0039] An internal clamping portion is positioned in an abutting relationship between the external clamping portion and the flexible tube body. This internal clamping portion includes multiple internal main body components, each including an outer surface with a mating area. This mating area has a shape that matches the corresponding mating area on the inner surface of the external clamping portion.

[0040] Each mating area includes at least one clamping surface area that, when the inner clamping portion is located between the outer clamping portion and the flexible tube body, is tilted to be positioned on the main axis in an imaginary plane extending through the flexible tube body and including the main axis of the flexible tube body.

[0041] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a rotating or tethering clamp is provided, the rotating or tethering clamp comprising:

[0042] An external clamping portion, capable of being positioned around a region of the flexible tube body, includes multiple external body members, each of which includes an inner surface; and

[0043] An internal clamping portion is positioned in an abutting relationship between the external clamping portion and the flexible tube body. This internal clamping portion includes multiple internal main body components, each including an outer surface with a mating area. This mating area has a shape that matches the corresponding mating area on the inner surface of the external clamping portion.

[0044] Each mating area includes at least one clamping surface area that, when the inner clamping portion is located between the outer clamping portion and the flexible tube body, is tilted to be positioned on the main axis in an imaginary plane extending through the flexible tube body and including the main axis of the flexible tube body.

[0045] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for fixing a section of a flexible tube body to the outer surface of the flexible tube body at a desired longitudinal position along the flexible tube body, the method comprising the steps of:

[0046] An internal clamping portion is provided, the internal clamping portion including a plurality of internal main body components, the plurality of internal main body components being in abutment relationship with the cylindrical surface of a section of the flexible tube body;

[0047] An external clamping portion is provided surrounding the internal clamping portion, the external clamping portion including a plurality of external body members; and

[0048] When the outer body component is provided around the inner clamping portion, the clamping surface areas of the inner body component and the outer body component, which are inclined to the main axis of the flexible tube body, are pushed into an abutting fit.

[0049] Suitable, the method further includes suppressing axial movement by means of opposing clamping surface areas driven together via the pushing force when the outer clamping portion is pushed away from the desired longitudinal position on the flexible tube body in the axial direction, thereby converting the axial force into a radially inward compressive force to effectively clamp the inner clamping portion and the outer clamping portion at the desired position.

[0050] The method may also include providing an internal body component by positioning a plurality of annular elements around the flexible tube body in a coaxially spaced relationship.

[0051] Appropriately, the method also includes providing an internal body component by positioning a plurality of finger elements circumferentially side by side around the flexible tube body.

[0052] Suitablely, the method further includes, after securing the outer clamp portion around the inner clamp portion at a desired longitudinal position, pushing the relatively inclined surfaces of the relative clamping surface areas of the inner and outer body members to straddle each other, thereby pushing at least one of the inner body members against the outer sheath of the flexible tube body.

[0053] Suitable, the method also includes simultaneously pushing multiple opposing clamping surface regions together along the axial range of the inner clamping portion and the outer clamping portion, thereby dispersing the radially inward clamping force caused by the axial force applied to the outer clamping portion.

[0054] Suitable, the method further includes applying preload pressure to the inner clamp portion and the outer clamp portion by securing a section of the first outer body member around the flexible tube body to another outer body member, thereby securing the inner clamp portion and the outer clamp portion at a desired longitudinal position.

[0055] The method may also include providing an external body member by positioning a plurality of annular elements around an internal clamping portion in a coaxially spaced relationship.

[0056] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for fixing at a desired longitudinal position on the outer surface of a section of a flexible tube body.

[0057] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for clamping that utilizes a force that would otherwise overcome the clamping force to drive an increased clamping pressure.

[0058] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a device for fixing at a desired longitudinal position, the device utilizing an outer clamping body and an inner clamping body having mating opposing surfaces. When one clamping body is driven in the opposite direction relative to the other clamping bodies, the mating surfaces operate to convert longitudinal force into radial force.

[0059] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method for securing a target object by clamping. The clamping generates a radially inward force that presses the clamp body against and around the outer surface of the outer sheath of the flexible tube body. The circumferentially extending compression effect acts around the tube body in a radially inward manner, and this radially inward force is generated by a conversion mechanism produced by the opposing surfaces of the separating components, such that the force generated during axial movement is converted into a clamping force. The clamping force increases accordingly with increasing longitudinal force.

[0060] Some embodiments of the present invention provide stop clamps or buoyancy module clamps, etc., with improved characteristics compared to conventional clamps.

[0061] Some embodiments of the invention will now be described below by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1 The flexible tube body is shown;

[0063] Figure 2 This illustrates some applications of flexible tubing;

[0064] Figure 3 A clamping device is shown for fixing a section around the body of the flexible tube;

[0065] Figure 4 Finger-shaped elements are shown;

[0066] Figure 5 Different perspectives of the finger-like element are shown;

[0067] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show schematic diagrams of various external and internal clamping parts;

[0068] Figure 7 The finger-like elements that abut against the section of the flexible tube body and the outer body components are shown;

[0069] Figure 8 An alternative embodiment of the clamping device is shown;

[0070] Figure 9 It shows from different perspectives Figure 8 Clamping equipment;

[0071] Figure 10 The section fixed around the body of the flexible tube is shown. Figure 8 Clamping equipment;

[0072] Figure 11a and Figure 11b The sections fixed around the body of the flexible tube are shown from different perspectives. Figure 8 Clamping equipment;

[0073] Figure 12 An alternative embodiment of the internal clamping portion is shown;

[0074] Figure 13 Various complementary cross-sectional profiles of the internal clamping portion and the external clamping portion are shown;

[0075] Figure 14 Shown from a perspective Figure 8 Clamping equipment;

[0076] Figure 15 This is shown from the "end" perspective when the section surrounding the flexible tube body is fixed. Figure 8 Clamping equipment;

[0077] Figure 16 It shows from different perspectives Figure 8 Part of the clamping device;

[0078] Figure 17 A buoyancy module including a clamping device is shown;

[0079] Figure 18 A stop clamp for limiting the movement of a bending reinforcement is shown;

[0080] Figure 19 Another buoyancy module, including a clamping device, is shown;

[0081] Figure 20 A rotating clamp is shown that fixes a section around the body of the flexible tube.

[0082] Figure 21 It shows from different perspectives Figure 20 Rotary clamp;

[0083] Figure 22 It shows the effect of longitudinal external force. Figure 20 The rotating clamp; and

[0084] Figure 23 Showing more details Figure 22 The segments of the rotating clamp.

[0085] In the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals refer to similar parts.

[0086] Throughout this specification, reference will be made to flexible tubes. It should be understood that certain embodiments of the invention are applicable to a variety of flexible tubes. For example, certain embodiments of the invention can be used for flexible tube bodies and associated end fittings of the type manufactured according to API 17J. Such flexible tubes are generally referred to as unbonded flexible tubes. Other embodiments are associated with other types of flexible tubes.

[0087] Go to Figure 1 It should be understood that the flexible tube shown is an assembly of a tube body and one or more end fittings (not shown), with the respective ends of the tube body terminating in each of the one or more end fittings. Figure 1 This illustrates how a tube body 100 is formed from a combination of layered materials that form a pressure-bearing conduit. As described above, although Figure 1 Several specific layers are shown, but it should be understood that certain embodiments of the invention are broadly applicable to coaxial tube body structures comprising two or more layers made of a variety of possible materials. The tube body may include one or more layers comprising a composite material, thereby forming a tubular composite layer. It should also be noted that layer thicknesses are shown for illustrative purposes only. As used herein, the term "composite material" is used broadly to refer to a material formed of two or more different materials, such as a material formed of a matrix material and reinforcing fibers.

[0088] Therefore, a tubular composite layer is a layer having a generally tubular shape formed from a composite material. Alternatively, a tubular composite layer is a layer having a generally tubular shape formed from multiple components, one or more of which are formed from a composite material. Layers or any elements of the composite layer can be manufactured via extrusion, pultrusion, or deposition processes, or by a winding process in which adjacent coils of a strip having a composite structure are bonded together. Regardless of the manufacturing technique used, the composite material may optionally comprise a matrix or body of a material having a first characteristic, in which additional elements with different physical properties are embedded. That is, elongated fibers aligned to a certain extent or smaller fibers with random orientation can be placed in the body, or spheres or other regularly or irregularly shaped particles can be embedded in the matrix material, or a combination of more than one of the above. Suitablely, the matrix material is a thermoplastic material, which is polyethylene or polypropylene or nylon or PVC or PVDF or PFA or PEEK or PTFE or such material with reinforcing fibers made of one or more of glass, ceramics, basalt, carbon, carbon nanotubes, polyester, nylon, aramid, steel, nickel alloy, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, etc., or with fillers made of glass, ceramics, carbon, metal, buckyballs, metal silicates, carbides, carbonates, oxides, etc.

[0089] Figure 1The illustrated tube body 100 includes an internal pressure sheath 110, which serves as a fluid retention layer and includes a polymer layer ensuring the integrity of the internal fluid. This layer provides a boundary for any fluid being transported. It should be understood that this layer itself may include multiple sublayers. It should be understood that when using the carcass layer 120, the internal pressure sheath is generally referred to by those skilled in the art as a barrier layer. In operations without such a carcass (so-called smooth bore operation), the internal pressure sheath may be referred to as a liner. Figure 1 The barrier layer is shown in the image.

[0090] It should be noted that the carcass layer 120 is a pressure-resistant layer providing an interlocking structure that can be used as the innermost layer to completely or partially prevent the inner pressure sheath 110 from collapsing due to tube decompression, external pressure, tensile armor pressure, and mechanical fracture loads. The carcass is a pressure-resistant layer. It should be understood that certain embodiments of the invention are therefore optionally suitable for 'coarse-hole' applications (having a carcass). Suitably, the carcass layer is a metallic layer. Suitably, the carcass layer is formed of stainless steel, corrosion-resistant nickel alloy, etc. Suitably, the carcass layer is formed of composite materials, polymers, or other materials or combinations of materials and components. The carcass layer is radially positioned within the barrier layer.

[0091] The tube body includes a pressure armor layer 130, which is a pressure-resistant layer providing structural support. This structural layer increases the flexibility of the tube's resistance to internal and external pressures, as well as mechanical fracture loads. This layer also structurally supports the internal pressure sheath. Appropriately, such as Figure 1 As shown, the pressure armor layer is formed as a tubular layer. Suitablely, for unbonded flexible tubes, the pressure armor layer consists of an interlocking structure of lines with an arrangement angle close to 90°. Suitablely, in this case, the pressure armor layer is a metallic layer. Suitablely, the pressure armor layer is formed of carbon steel, aluminum alloy, etc. Suitablely, the pressure armor layer is formed of a pultruded composite interlocking layer. Suitablely, the pressure armor layer is formed of a composite material formed by extrusion, pultrusion molding, or deposition. The pressure armor layer is radially positioned outside the underlying barrier layer.

[0092] The flexible tube body also includes a first tensile armor layer 140 and a second tensile armor layer 150. Each tensile armor layer is used to maintain tensile loads and optionally also maintain internal pressure. Suitably, for some flexible tubes, the tensile armor coil is metal (e.g., steel, stainless steel, or titanium). For some composite flexible tubes, the tensile armor coil may be a polymer composite strip coil (e.g., provided with thermoplastic, such as nylon, matrix composite, or thermosetting, such as epoxy resin, matrix composite). For non-bonded flexible tubes, the tensile armor layer is formed of multiple wires (to impart strength to the layer), said multiple wires being located above the inner layer and helically wound along the length of the tube at an angle typically between about 10° and 55°. Suitably, the tensile armor layers are wound in pairs in opposite directions. Suitably, the tensile armor layer is a metallic layer. Suitably, the tensile armor layer is formed of carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, etc. Suitably, the tensile armor layer is formed of composite materials, polymers, or other materials or combinations of materials.

[0093] Suitablely, the flexible tube body includes an optional strip layer 160, which helps to contain the underlying layers and, to some extent, prevents wear between adjacent layers. The strip layer may optionally be a polymer or composite material or a combination of materials, and may also optionally include a tubular composite layer. The strip layer can be used to help prevent metal-to-metal contact, thus helping to prevent wear. The strip layer on the tension armor can also help prevent the "birdcage effect."

[0094] The flexible tube body also includes an optional insulation layer 165 and an outer sheath 170, which comprises a polymer layer for protecting the tube from penetration, corrosion, abrasion, and mechanical damage from seawater and other external environments. Any insulation layer helps limit heat loss through the tube wall to the surrounding environment.

[0095] Each flexible tube includes at least one portion (referred to as a section or segment) of a tube body 100, and an end connector located at at least one end of the flexible tube. The end connector provides a mechanical means for forming a transition between the flexible tube body and the connector. For example, as... Figure 1 The different tube layers shown are terminated in the end joint, allowing load to be transferred between the flexible tube and the connector.

[0096] Figure 2 A riser assembly 200 is shown, suitable for conveying produced fluids such as oil and / or gas and / or water from a seabed location 221 to a floating facility 222. For example, in... Figure 2 In the middle, seabed location 221 includes a flexible floating pipeline 225. The flexible floating pipeline 225 includes a flexible pipe wholly or partially resting on or buried beneath the seabed 230 for static applications. Floating facilities may consist of platforms and / or buoys or, for example... Figure 2The vessel shown is provided with riser assembly 200 in the form of a flexible riser, i.e., a flexible pipe 240 connecting the vessel to the seabed facility. The flexible pipe may be located in a section of the flexible pipe body having connecting end joints.

[0097] It should be understood that different types of risers exist, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Certain embodiments of the present invention can be used with any type of riser, such as freely suspended risers (free-suspension catenary risers), partially constrained risers (buoys, chains), fully constrained risers, or risers enclosed in pipes (I-pipes or J-pipes). Some (though not all) examples of such configurations can be found in API 17J. Figure 2 It also shows how a portion of the flexible tube can be used as a jumper wire 250.

[0098] Figure 3 A clamping device 300 for securing a section to the body of a flexible tube is shown. It should be understood that... Figure 3 A cross-sectional perspective view depicting both the clamping device and a segment 302 of the flexible tube body is shown, and therefore only a portion of the clamping device 300 and this segment of the flexible tube body are shown. It should be understood that the segment 302 of the flexible tube body presents a substantially cylindrical outer surface 304, and the clamping device 300 extends circumferentially around the segment 302 of the flexible tube body and has a substantially annular shape. Suitably, the outermost portion of the clamping device 300 can be any other suitable shape. The clamping device defines a clamping hole 306 in which the segment 302 of the flexible tube body is located when the clamping device 300 is secured to the flexible tube. It should be understood that the clamping device 300 can be used to secure auxiliary devices such as buoyancy modules, turbines, batteries, sensors, coupling devices, etc., to the segment 302 of the flexible tube body and to limit the movement / sliding of the auxiliary devices along the segment of the flexible tube body due to external forces. Suitably, such auxiliary devices may themselves include the clamping device 300. Appropriately, the clamping device 300 can be used as a stop clamp / cap to restrict the movement of auxiliary devices such as bending reinforcements, which may move axially along the flexible tube body beyond a specific point in a section of the flexible tube body due to mechanical failure, etc.

[0099] like Figure 3 As shown, the clamping device 300 includes an external clamping portion 308. The external clamping portion 308 includes four external body members 310. Figure 3 Only two external main body components 310 are shown in the cross section. Figure 3The two outer body members 310 shown are curved, substantially arc-shaped, and connected side-by-side along the long edge of each outer body member. It should be understood that the outer body members 310 are arranged such that, when properly secured together, they form a substantially annular outer clamp portion 308. It should be understood that each outer body member 310 may include bolt holes or threaded holes for receiving fastening elements such as suitably threaded screws or bolts, thereby securing the respective ends of the outer body members to the respective ends of adjacent outer body members. Therefore, the outer body members 310 can be securely connected using bolted or threaded connections, etc. Alternatively, the outer body members 310 may be securely connected via aramid fibers or metal strips / ropes / cords, etc. Suitablely, metal or alloy strips, such as titanium strips, are used. Suitablely, any other suitable connection method may be used. Suitablely, one or more hinge joints may be provided between the two outer body members 310, thereby allowing rotational movement of the outer body member 310 relative to the other connected outer body member 310 about a hinge axis. It should be understood that any other suitable number of external body members 310 may be used. For example, two external body members 310 (each external body member being curved and substantially C-shaped) may be arranged to connect at the two ends of each substantially C-shaped external body member 310 to form a substantially annular external clamp portion 308. Alternatively, three, five or more curved, substantially arcuate external body members 310 may be similarly connected to form a substantially annular external clamp portion 308.

[0100] Each outer body member 310 of the outer clamping portion 308 includes an inner surface 312. When the outer body members 310 are arranged such that the outer clamping portion 308 is substantially annular, such as when it is secured to a segment 302 of a flexible tube body in use, the inner surface 312 of the outer body members 310 constitutes a radially inner surface of the outer clamping portion 308. Figure 3As shown, the inner surface 312 of each outer body member 310 is shaped such that the inner surface 312 is substantially undulating in cross-section, the undulation extending along an axis parallel to the main axis of the segment 302 of the flexible tube body defined by the clamping hole 306. The substantially undulating inner surface 312 includes two raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 314 and flares outward at either end 316 of the cross-section of the outer body member 310. The peaks of the raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 314 and the flared ends 316 of the inner surface 312 cross-section constitute the radially thickest region of each outer body member 310. Alternatively, the inner surface 312 of the outer body member 310 can be considered to include an undulating profile extending parallel to the axis defined by the clamping hole 306 and the main axis of the segment 302 of the flexible tube body, including three raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 318. Suitablely, the inner surface 312 profile may alternatively utilize any other suitable number of protrusions or recesses in the flat V-shaped cross-section profile 314, 318. It should be understood that the flat V-shaped cross-section profile is a substantially triangular profile, with the peak of the flat V-shaped cross-section profile having an apex angle greater than 90 degrees. Suitablely, the apex angle is between 90 degrees and 135 degrees. Suitablely, the apex angle is between 135 degrees and 180 degrees. It should be understood that the outer body member 310 is arranged such that the cross-sectional profiles of each inner surface 312 are aligned, thereby providing a substantially continuous profile around the entire inner surface of the outer clamp portion 308. Suitablely, the outer body member 310 is made of a metallic or alloy material. Suitablely, the outer body member 310 is made of a polymer material. Suitablely, the outer body member 310 is made of a relatively low-density material. Suitablely, the outer body member 310 is made of nylon 6, polyurethane, polyketone, low-density / foamed ceramic, epoxy / thermoplastic composite, or rigid elastomer material. Appropriately, the external main body component 310 may be made of any other suitable material.

[0101] Figure 3 The clamping device 300 also includes an inner clamping portion 320 radially located within the outer clamping portion 308. In use, it should be understood that the inner clamping portion 320 abuts against a segment 302 of the flexible tube body via its radially inner surface 322 and against the radially inner surface of the outer clamping portion 308 via its radially outer surface 324, thus securing the clamping device 300 against that segment of the flexible tube body. The inner clamping portion 322 includes a plurality of inner body members, which are elongated finger-like elements 326. Figure 3In the cross-section of the clamping device 300 shown, eight finger elements 326 are illustrated. It should be understood that another finger element 326 is included within the clamping device 300 such that the internal clamping portion 322 is arranged radially around the clamping hole 306 and the segments 302 of the flexible tube body in a spaced-apart arrangement. Suitably, the finger elements 326 are not spaced apart. Alternatively, the fingers may optionally be circumferentially spaced around the flexible tube body. Figure 3 The clamping device 300 therefore includes sixteen finger elements 326. Suitably, any other suitable number of finger elements 326 may be included. Suitably, the finger elements may be joined together via one or more connecting members such as fibers, filaments, ropes, strands, etc., or ropes or strips containing these, which intersect at least two finger elements, making handling and installation easier. Suitably, the connecting members comprise a woven or knitted fabric material on which the finger elements are continuously cast, such that the series can be wound around the tube as an array of elements, whereby the fabric material forms at least a portion of the inner surface 328 of at least some of these finger elements. Suitably, the connecting members may be thin and flexible strips of finger element material, which may be formed simultaneously with the finger elements themselves, or may be precursors to this formation process. The finger elements 326 are oriented such that their elongated long axes are parallel to the axis of the clamping hole 306, and therefore when... Figure 3 The segment 302 shown is parallel to the long axis of the section of the flexible tube body during use. The radially inner surface of each finger element forms an abutment surface for abutting against the outer surface 304 of the segment 302 of the flexible tube body located within the clamping hole 306, such as an outer sheath. Suitably, the inner surface 328 may be substantially smooth to avoid damaging the outer surface 304 of the segment 302 of the flexible tube body. Suitably, the inner surface 328 may incorporate ridges, teeth, or other similar contours to increase friction and thus increase clamping effectiveness. The inner surface 328 may be made of or coated with a material having a high coefficient of friction. Suitably, the inner surface 328 is substantially parallel to the axis defined by the clamping hole 306. Suitably, the inner surface 328 may be angled / inclined relative to the axis defined by the clamping hole 306. Suitably, the finger element 326 is made of a metallic or alloy material. Suitably, the finger element 326 is made of a polymer material. Suitablely, the finger element 326 is made of a relatively low-density material. Suitablely, the finger element 326 is made of nylon 6, polyurethane, polyolefin monomers, polymers or copolymers, polyketones, polyetherketones, polyetheretherketones, polyetherketones, polytetrafluoroethylene, ceramics, epoxy / thermoplastic composites, or rigid elastomer materials. Suitablely, the finger element 326 is made of any other suitable material. The finger element 326 can be manufactured using any suitable methods understood by those skilled in the art. These may include, but are not limited to, casting, injection molding, co-injection molding, machining, and additive manufacturing.

[0102] Each finger element 326 includes a shaped, substantially undulating outer surface 330, which in cross-section comprises three raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 332 extending continuously parallel to the main axis of the segment 302 of the section defined by the clamping hole 306 and the flexible tube body. Conversely, the undulating profile can be described as comprising two concave flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 334 in series, and tapering inward at each end 336 of the cross-section of the finger element 326. Suitably, any other suitable number of raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 332 or concave flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 334 may be used alternatively in the undulating profile of the outer surface 330 of the finger element 326. Thus, when concentrically arranged relative to the outer clamping portion 308 in the clamping device 300, the peaks of the raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 332 constitute the thickest region of the finger element 326 in the radial direction. Therefore, when concentrically arranged in the clamping device 300 relative to the external clamping portion 308, the peak of the recessed flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 334 constitutes the thinnest region of the finger element 326 in the radial direction. The flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 332 and 334 of the outer surface 330 of the finger element 326 are manufactured to be complementary to the flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 314 and 318 of the inner surface 312 of the outer body member 310, and the flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 314, 318, 332, and 334 of the inner surface 312 of the outer body member 310 and the outer surface of the finger element 326 have substantially the same width and height.

[0103] Finger elements 326 are radially arranged within the outer clamp portion 308 such that each of the raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 332 of the outer surface 330 of the finger element 326 is positioned therein in abutment with a portion of the recessed flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 318 of the inner surface 312 of the outer body member 310 of the outer clamp portion 308. Similarly, the finger elements 326 are arranged such that a portion of each of the raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 314 of the inner surface 312 of the outer body member 310 is positioned therein in abutment with a corresponding recessed flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 334 of the outer surface 330 of the finger element 326. The entire outer surface 330 of each finger element 326 abuts and engages with a complementary portion of the inner surface 312 of the outer body member 310. Therefore, the entire outer surface 330 of each finger element 326 constitutes a mating region 338. Alternatively, only a portion of the outer surface 330 of the finger element 326 may mate with a complementary portion of the inner surface 312 of the outer body member 310, and thus only that portion of the outer surface 330 of each finger element 326 constitutes a mating region 340. The portion of the complementary inner surface 312 of the outer body member 310 that mates with the outer surface 330 of the finger element 326 also constitutes a mating region.

[0104] In use, when the segment 302 surrounding the flexible tube body is clamped, the abutment relationship between the finger element 326 and both the segment 302 of the flexible tube body and the external body member 310 prevents or at least restricts the axial movement of the clamping device 300 along the length of that segment of the flexible tube body. It should be understood that the abutment relationship between the finger element 326 and both the segment 302 of the flexible tube body and the external clamp portion 308 is generated by the tight fixation of the external body member 310 via bolts, strips, buckles, or other fasteners arranged in a left-right swinging manner as fixing elements. Suitablely, more than one bolt / strip / buckle / fastener may be used. Suitablely, any other suitable fixing method may be used. It should be understood that in use, external forces can be applied to the clamping device 300 from multiple directions. External forces can be generated, for example, by collisions between auxiliary equipment and the clamping device 300 caused by mechanical failure. External forces can also be generated, for example, by water movement in the use of flexible tubes on the seabed. It should be understood that, depending on the nature of the external forces that may be subjected, clamping equipment 300 may be needed to restrict the movement of the section along the flexible tube body in both axial directions.

[0105] When the clamping device 300 is subjected to an external force, the longitudinal component of the force relative to the segment of the flexible tube body can be used to push the clamping device 300 away from the desired longitudinal position of the segment of the flexible tube body. The raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 314 of the mating area of ​​the inner surface 312 of the outer body member 310 and the raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 332 of the mating area of ​​the outer surface 330 of the finger element 326 are driven together. When driven together, the angled ramp side of the corresponding raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 314 of the inner surface 312 of the outer body member 310 straddles the axially adjacent and abutting angled ramp side of the raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 332 of the outer surface 330 of the finger element 326 upward / downward, such that the peak of the corresponding raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 314 of the outer body member 310 is axially misaligned with the peak of the corresponding radially adjacent recessed V-shaped profile 334 of the finger element 326. It should be understood that this results in the radially inward driving of the finger element 326 and provides a radially inward clamping force.

[0106] It should also be understood that the opposite sides of each axially adjacent raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 314, 332 will be driven together, depending on the axial direction in which the longitudinal component of the external force acts on the clamping device 300. For example, if the longitudinal component of the external force is vertically downward (in... Figure 3When the force acts on the external clamping portion, the bottom-facing side of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 314 of the external main body member 310 will be pushed against the corresponding top-facing side of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 332 of the finger element 326. The bottom-facing side of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 314 of the external main body member 310 and the top-facing side of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 332 of the finger element 326 thus constitute clamping surface regions 342, 344 that are inclined relative to the main axis of the segment 302 of the flexible tube body. However, it should be understood that the clamping surface regions 342, 344 extend substantially in an imaginary plane defined by the main axis of the segment 302 of the flexible tube body, but are inclined relative to this imaginary plane. It should be understood that when the force along... Figure 3 When the middle acts in the downward direction, Figure 3 The opening end region 316 of the inner surface 312 of the outer main body member 310, which is closest to the vertical upper surface of the clamping device 300, also constitutes the clamping surface region. If the longitudinal component of the external force is from Figure 3 Given that the bottom of the clamping device 300 is oriented in the same direction, it should be understood that the inner clamping portion 322 and the outer clamping portion 308 are driven together in opposite directions, and thus the clamping surface area is reversed, including the open end region 316 of the inner surface 312 of the outer body member 310 closest to the vertical lower surface of the clamping device 300. The two sloping sides of each flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile of the mating area of ​​the inner surface of the outer clamping portion and the outer surface of the inner clamping portion, as well as the two open end regions of the mating area of ​​the inner surface of the outer clamping portion, thus constitute the clamping surface area.

[0107] When the complementary clamping surface regions 342 and 344 of the outer clamping portion 308 and the inner clamping portion 322 are driven together, the longitudinal component of the external force acting in the axial direction relative to the segment 302 of the flexible tube body is essentially converted into a radially inward compressive force by means of the inclination angles of the clamping surface regions 342 and 344 of the flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 314 and 332 of the outer body member 310 and the finger element 326. It should be understood that the inclination angles of the clamping surface regions 342 and 344 cause the inner clamping portion 322 to be driven toward the outer surface 304 of the segment 302 of the flexible tube body, thereby further increasing the clamping force applied to the segment 302 of the flexible tube body by the radially inner surface 328 of the inner body portion 322 as the longitudinal component of the external force increases. Therefore, the radially inward clamping force relative to the external force acting on the clamping device 300 is dynamically variable. It should be understood that the load applied to the clamping device 300 due to the applied external force is distributed across each engaging clamping surface region 342, 344 provided by a plurality of flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 314, 318, 332, 334 of the outer surface 330 of the inner clamping portion and the inner surface 312 of the outer body member 310. This reduces the likelihood of mechanical failure of the clamping device 300. The distribution of the load applied to the clamping device by the applied external force across each engaging clamping surface region 342, 344 allows the applied clamping force to be distributed substantially uniformly along the length of each finger element 326, which reduces the maximum / peak clamping pressure on the segment 302 of the flexible tube body section.

[0108] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the finger element 400 is shown in perspective. Figure 4 The finger-like element 400 shown is an internal main component. Similar to... Figure 3 Multiple finger elements 400 can be arranged such that the finger elements 400 radially surround a segment of the flexible tube body and form the internal body portion of the clamping device. Each finger element includes an elongated, generally rectangular inner surface 410. When arranged radially around a segment of the flexible tube body, the inner surface 410 of each finger element 400 forms a radially inner surface that abuts against that segment of the flexible tube body. This surface can be flat or recessed, or as... Figure 4 As shown, it is slightly convex. The outer surface 420 of the finger element is undulating in cross-section and includes two tandemly convex flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 430. Conversely, it can be considered that the outer surface 420 of the finger element 400 includes a recessed flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 440 and tapers inward at each elongated end 450 in cross-section. It should be understood that in the use of Figure 4The associated outer body member in the outer clamping portion of the clamping device for the finger element 400 will be manufactured to include an inner surface having a complementary cross-sectional profile to the outer surface of the finger element. Therefore, the associated outer body member will include an inner surface having a cross-section comprising an undulating profile including two concave, flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles extending continuously parallel to the clamping holes defined by the clamping device, particularly the inner surface 410 of the finger element when radially arranged. Conversely, the cross-sectional profile of the inner surface of the associated outer body member may be considered to include a convex, flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile and flare at each end of the outer body member cross-section.

[0109] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Another perspective view of the finger-like element. Figure 5 The image shows, in more detail, the undulating outer surface 420 of the finger element 400. The outer surface 420 of the finger element 400 has a cross-sectional profile including two raised, flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 430. Conversely, it can be considered that the outer surface 420 of the cross-sectional profile of the finger element 400 includes a recessed, flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 440 and tapers inward at each elongated end 450. Therefore, the thickest region of the finger element 400 in cross-section is the peak 510 of the two raised, flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 430. The thinnest region of the finger element 400 in cross-section is the elongated end 450 and the peak 520 of the recessed V-shaped shape 440.

[0110] Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c show schematic diagrams of the internal and external clamping portions of various clamping devices. Figure 6a shows a cross-section of a clamping device 600 including an internal clamping portion 602 and an external clamping portion 604, wherein the internal main body component of the internal clamping portion is similar to... Figure 4 and Figure 5The finger element 605 is shown. As shown in FIG. 6a, an inner clamping portion 602 and an outer clamping portion 604 define a central clamping hole 606. The clamping hole 606 is substantially surrounded by the inner clamping portion 602, which consists of the finger element 605. The inner clamping portion 602 is surrounded by the outer clamping portion 604, which includes an outer body member 608. The inner surface 610 of the outer body member 608 and the outer surface 611 of the finger element 605 have complementary undulating cross-sectional profiles. The outer surface 611 of each finger element includes two tandemly raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 612. Conversely, the outer surface 611 of the finger element 605 can be considered to include a recessed flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 613 and tapers inward at each elongated end 614 in the cross-section. Each outer body member 608 includes an inner surface 610 having an undulating profile that includes two recessed flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 615 extending continuously parallel to the axis of the clamping hole 606. Conversely, the cross-sectional profile of the inner surface 610 of the associated outer body member 608 may be considered to include a raised, flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 616 and to open at each end 617 of the cross-section of the outer body member.

[0111] The outer clamping portion 604 and the inner clamping portion 602 are arranged such that the two protruding flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 612 of each finger element 605 are located within the two recessed flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 615 of the outer body member 608, the protruding flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 616 of the outer body member 608 is located within the recessed flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 613 of the finger element 605, and the open end region 618 of the outer body member 608 extends radially inward toward the inwardly tapering end region of the finger element 605. The finger element 605 thus engages and abuts against the corresponding outer body member 608. The entire outer surface 611 of each finger element 605 and a portion of the inner surface 610 of the outer body member 608 against which the finger element 605 abuts thus constitute a mating region. Suitablely, in an alternative embodiment, only a portion of the outer surface of the finger element 605 mates with a corresponding portion of the outer body member 608, so that the mating area constitutes only the complementary contact portion of the finger element 605 and the outer body member 608.

[0112] Figure 6a also shows two bolts / screws / fasteners 618, which are fastening elements for securing the two outer body members 608 together. Alternatively, one or more screws, one or more snap rings, one or more strips, or any other suitable fastening method may be used. Securing the outer body members 608 together also serves to push the outer clamping portion 602 radially inward into the inner clamping portion 602, which subsequently drives the inner clamping portion 602 onto / inside a segment of the flexible tube body during use, thereby allowing clamping.

[0113] Figure 6b shows a clamping device 620, including an outer clamping portion 622 and an inner clamping portion 624, from an "end" view. The clamping device shown in Figure 6b can be the clamping device 600 of Figure 6a or Figure 6c, which utilizes... Figure 3 or Figure 4 , Figure 5 Similar to the finger elements 326, 400 shown in Figure 6a, and with Figure 3 Or complementary external body components 310, 608 similar to those shown in Figure 6a, including those with... Figure 3 Or a complementary inner surface similar to that shown in Figure 6a. Suitablely, the clamping device 620 may utilize any other suitable finger elements and complementary outer body members. An outer clamping portion 622 and an inner clamping portion 624 define a clamping hole 626. The clamping hole is surrounded by the inner clamping portion 624, which consists of fourteen inner body members, which are finger elements 628 that may be referred to as fingers. The outer clamping portion 622 surrounds the inner clamping portion 624 and includes a first outer body member 6301, a second outer body member 6302, and another outer body member 6303. The finger elements 628 include a shaped outer surface 632 that abuts against and mates with a portion of the complementary shaped inner surface 634 of the corresponding outer body member 630. It should be understood that the clamping device 620 of Figure 6b is similar to... Figure 3 The clamping device 300 includes a different number of finger elements 628 and an external body member 630. Suitablely, any suitable number of external body members 630 and finger elements 628 can be used.

[0114] Each of the three external body members 6301, 6302, and 6303 is substantially arcuate, has substantially the same length, substantially the same degree of curvature, and is connected to form a substantially annular shape. It should be understood that other corresponding dimensions may be used to circumferentially surround the fingers and close the clamping mechanism. The first external body member 6301 shown includes a horizontal bolt hole 6361 near its end. Suitably, more than one horizontal bolt hole 6361 is included. Suitably, one or more horizontal threaded holes are included for receiving screws with complementary threads. A vertical through hole 6381, axially parallel to the clamping hole 626, is positioned near the remaining ends of the arcuate external body member 6301. The second external body member 6302 is substantially identical to the first external body member, including both a vertical through hole 6382 and a horizontal through hole 6382 near its respective end. Suitably, more than one horizontal through hole 6362 is included. Suitably, one or more horizontal threaded holes are included for receiving screws with complementary threads. However, the curvature direction of the second outer body member 6302 is reversed relative to the first outer body member 6301. Alternatively, another outer body member 6303 includes a vertical through-hole at each end 6383. The first outer body member 6301 and the second outer body member 6302 are secured to the opposite ends of the other outer body member 6303 such that the first outer body member 6301 and the second outer body member 6302 are bent toward each other by inserting fasteners 640 through the vertical through-holes 6383 of the other outer body member 6303 and the vertical through-holes 6381, 6382 of the first outer body member 6301 and the second outer body member 6302, respectively, thereby forming two hinge joints 642. Suitably, the fastener 640 is at least one hex socket head cap screw. Suitably, the fastener 640 is a bolt. Suitably, the fastener 640 is a stud or other transverse member. Suitably, any other suitable fastener 640 may be used. Suitably, any other suitable type of hinge joint may be used alternatively. Due to the hinge joint 642, the first outer body member 6301 and the second outer body member 6302 are able to rotate at least partially about the corresponding hinge axis relative to the other outer body member 6303.

[0115] The first external body member 6301 and the second external body member 6302 can be secured via their respective horizontal through holes 6361, 6362 by providing another fastener 644 through the horizontal through holes 6361, 6362 and properly tightening the other fastener 644. Suitablely, the other fastener 644 is a bolt. Suitablely, the other fastener 644 is a screw. Suitablely, the other fastener 644 is an internal hex socket screw. Suitablely, the other fastener 644 is a stud. Suitablely, any other suitable other fastener 644 can be used. Tightening the other fastener 644 causes the internal clamping portion 624 to abut against a segment of the flexible tube body present in the clamping hole 626, thereby securing the external clamping portion 622 and the internal clamping portion 624 to the segment of the flexible tube body. The hinge joint 642 allows for relatively easy removal and attachment of the clamping device 620 to a section of flexible tube, requiring only mechanical tightening / fixing between the ends of the first outer body portion 6301 and the second outer body portion 6302. This further reduces the likelihood of mechanical failure of the clamping device 620 compared to clamping devices that rely on more bolts, screws, strips, fasteners, etc.

[0116] Figure 6c shows a schematic cross-section of the clamping device 650, when using a similar... Figure 3 When the finger-like element 326 is shown, the clamping device can be the clamping device of FIG. 6b. It should be understood that the clamping device 650 shown in FIG. 6c can alternatively be... Figure 3 The clamping device 300 shown in FIG. 6c. It should be understood that the clamping device 650 shown in FIG. 6c may alternatively include any number of external body members and finger elements. The clamping device 650 includes an external clamping portion 652 and an internal clamping portion 654. The external clamping portion 652 and the internal clamping portion 654 are similar to those arranged in FIG. 6a; however, the finger elements 656 constituting the internal clamping portion 654 include similar... Figure 3 The radial outer surface 658 of the outer surface 330 of the finger-like element 326 shown. Additionally, the outer body member 660 constituting the outer clamp portion 652 includes components similar to... Figure 3 The inner surface 662 of the inner surface 312 of the outer body member 310 shown. Similar to the clamping devices of FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, the clamping device of FIG. 6c further includes two fasteners 662 for securing the respective end regions of the two outer body members 660 together.

[0117] Figure 7 Showing more details Figure 3 The clamping device 300 has an abutment relationship with the finger element 326 and the outer main body component 310. The clamping device 300 is radially fixed around the outer surface 304 of the segment 302 of the flexible tube body. Force F is applied in... Figure 7The clamping device 300 is subjected to a left-to-right direction (indicated by the arrows). The right-facing angled ramp side 710 of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 314 of the outer body member 310 and the radially open end region 316 closest to the leftmost surface of the clamping device 720 straddle the corresponding and axially adjacent left-facing angled ramp side 730 of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 332 of the finger element 326 upwards / downwards. Therefore, the right-facing angled ramp side 710 of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 314 of the inner surface 312 of the outer body member 310, the radially open end region 316 closest to the leftmost surface of the clamping device 720, and the left-facing angled ramp side 730 of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 332 of the outer surface 330 of the finger element 326 constitute the clamping surface region. The clamping surface region is inclined relative to an imaginary plane defined by the main axis of segment 302 of the flexible tube body, but extends substantially within the imaginary plane defined by the main axis of segment 302 of the flexible tube body. It should be understood how the engagement of the inclined clamping surface region radially pushes the finger element 326 toward segment 302 of the flexible tube body.

[0118] Figure 8 A cross-sectional perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the clamping device 800 is shown. The clamping device 800 defines a clamping hole 802, a segment of the flexible tube body ( Figure 8 (Not shown) can be fixed in the clamping hole. Figure 8 The clamping device 800 includes basically similar to Figure 3 The external clamping portion 308 is the external clamping portion 804. Four external body members 806 are included in the external clamping portion 804 of the clamping device 800. Suitably, any other suitable number of external body members 806 may constitute the external clamping portion 804. It should be understood that, due to Figure 8This is a sectional view of the clamping device 800, therefore only two of the outer body members 806 are depicted. The outer body members 806 are substantially arc-shaped and arranged in an end-to-end configuration that substantially forms a ring shape. Suitably, the outer body members may be arranged similarly to the outer body members 6301, 6302, and 6303 described in Figure 6b. Suitably, two of the end-to-end connections between the outer body members 806 may form hinged joints, and the remaining end-to-end connections between the outer body members 806 may be releasable and secured by bolts or screws, etc. Suitably, two, three, or all four end-to-end connections between the outer body members 806 include bolts / screws / fasteners, etc. Suitably, only one of the end-to-end connections between the outer body members 806 is a hinged joint. Suitably, hinged joints are not included. Suitably, the outer body members are secured by a band, such as a titanium band or a strip, such as a titanium strip. Suitablely, the external clamping portion 804 comprises only two curved external body members 806, each curved external body member being substantially C-shaped and arranged end-to-end in a substantially annular configuration. It should also be understood that the external clamping portion 804 may alternatively comprise four substantially arcuate external body members 806. Suitablely, the external body members 806 are made of a metallic or alloy material. Suitablely, the external body members 806 are made of a polymer material. Suitablely, the external body members 806 are made of a relatively low-density material. Suitablely, the external body members 806 are made of nylon 6, polyurethane, polyketone, ceramic, epoxy / thermoplastic composite, or rigid elastomer material. Suitablely, the external body members 806 are made of any other suitable material.

[0119] Each outer body member 806 includes an inner surface 808 located on the radially inner surface of the outer clamping portion 804 when the outer clamping portion 804 is arranged substantially annularly via an end-to-end connection of the outer body members 806. The inner surface 808 of each outer body portion forms an undulating cross-sectional profile, characterized by a main axis along an axis parallel to the clamping hole 802 and provided by segments of the flexible tube body when fixed. Figure 8Multiple flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles (not shown) extending continuously along an axis. It should be understood that the flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile is essentially a triangular profile, with the peak of the flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile having an apex angle greater than 90 degrees. Suitablely, the apex angle is between 90 degrees and 135 degrees. Suitablely, the apex angle is between 135 degrees and 180 degrees. The cross-sectional profile of the inner surface 808 of the outer body member 806 includes three concave flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 810 arranged in series. Conversely, the cross-sectional profile of the inner surface may include two convex flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 812 arranged in series, and flared at each end 814 of the cross-section of the inner surface 808 of the outer body member 806. It should be understood that any other suitable number of concave and convex flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 810, 812 may alternatively be used in the cross-sectional profile of the inner surface 808 of the outer body member 806. The external body members 806 are arranged such that the contours of the inner surfaces 808 of each external body member 806 are aligned, thereby providing a substantially continuous contour around the entire inner surface of the external clamp portion 804.

[0120] Figure 8 The clamping device 800 also includes an internal clamping portion 816, which comprises a plurality of internal body components, these internal body components being annular elements 818. Three annular elements 818 are included... Figure 8 In the clamping device 800. It should be understood that any other suitable number of annular elements 818 may be used, depending on the suitable cross-sectional profile of the inner surface 808 of the outer main body member 806. Each annular element 818 consists of a plurality of arcuate annular portions 820 arranged end-to-end. Figure 8 The annular element 818 includes four annular portions 820 (in which...) Figure 8The provided cross-sectional view shows only two annular portions 820 for each annular element 818. Suitablely, any other number of annular portions may constitute each annular element. Suitablely, the annular element 818 is solid and does not include arcuate annular portions. Suitablely, each end of each annular portion 820 is secured to the corresponding adjacent end of the adjacent annular portion by bolting, threading, welding, gluing, or any other suitable fastening method. Suitablely, the annular element 818 is made of a metallic or alloy material. Suitablely, the annular element 818 is made of a polymer material. Suitablely, the annular element 818 is made of a relatively low-density material. Suitablely, the annular element 818 is made of nylon 6, polyurethane, polyolefin monomers, polymers or copolymers, polyketones, polyetherketones, polyetheretherketones, polyetherketones, polytetrafluoroethylene, low-density / foamed ceramics, epoxy / thermoplastic composites, or rigid elastomer materials. Suitablely, the annular element 818 is made of any other suitable material. The annular element 818 can be manufactured using any suitable mechanism understood by those skilled in the art. These may include, but are not limited to, casting, injection molding, co-injection molding, machining, and additive manufacturing.

[0121] Each annular element 818 includes a radially inner surface 822 and a radially outer surface 824. The radially inner surface 822 of the annular element 818 forms the abutment surface of the outer layer for abutting the section of the flexible tube body. Figure 8 (Not shown in the image). The inner surface 822 of the annular element 818 is very slightly arcuate, curving radially inward. Suitablely, the inner surface 822 of the annular element 818 may be smooth to reduce damage to the outer surface of the segments of the flexible tube body, or may include a ridged or toothed profile to increase clamping efficiency. The outer surface 824 of each annular element 818 constitutes an abutment surface for abutting the shaped inner surface 808 of the corresponding outer body member 806. The outer surface 824 of each annular element 818 has a raised single flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 826. The outer surface 824 of each annular element 818 may alternatively include multiple flat V-shaped cross-sections. The height and width of the raised single flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 826 of the outer surface 824 of the annular element 818 are manufactured to be complementary to the recessed flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 810 of the inner surface 808 of the outer body member 806.

[0122] The inner clamping portion 816 is radially arranged inside the outer clamping portion 804, such that the annular elements 818 are arranged in series along an axis defined by the clamping hole 802, and the annular elements 818 and the outer clamping portion 804 are arranged concentrically. The outer surface 824 of the raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 826 of each annular element 818 is arranged to lie within one of the recessed flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 810 of the inner surface 808 provided by the aligned outer body member 806 of the outer clamping portion 804. The outer surface 824 of each annular element 818 thus forms an abutting and mating relationship with the complementary portion of the inner surface 808 of the outer clamping portion 804 provided by the adjacent outer body member 806. Therefore, the outer surface 824 of each annular element 818 constitutes a mating region 828. The portion of the inner surface 808 of the outer body member 806 that abuts with the annular element 818 thus also constitutes a mating region 830. The mating region 830 of the inner surface 808 of the outer body member 806 substantially surrounds the recessed flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 810 of the inner surface 808. However, the mating region 830 of the inner surface 808 of the outer body member 806 does not include the peak 832 of the raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 812 of the inner surface 808 (but does surround a considerable portion of each angled ramp side of each raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 812).

[0123] Suitablely, adjacent annular elements 818 may be joined together by one or more connecting members such as fibers, filaments, ropes, strands, or cords, or strips containing these, which will intersect with at least two annular elements, thereby facilitating handling and installation. Suitablely, the connecting members comprise woven or knitted fabric material on which the annular elements are continuously cast, such that the series can be wound around and / or along a tube as an array of elements, whereby the fabric material forms at least a portion of the inner surface 822 of at least some of these annular elements. Suitablely, the connecting members may be thin and flexible strips of annular element material, which may be formed simultaneously with the annular elements themselves, or may be precursors to the formation process.

[0124] Figure 9 Shown cross-sections from different perspectives Figure 8 The clamping device is 800. Figure 9 An annular external clamp portion 804 is shown, which includes a generally arcuate external body member 806 connected end-to-end. Figure 9 The diagram also shows three annular elements 818 arranged concentrically and radially within the outer clamping portion 804, which constitute the inner clamping portion of the clamping device 800. Figure 8 It can be seen from this how the annular element 818 abuts and fits with the external main body component 806.

[0125] Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 and Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the clamping device 800 when it is fixed to a segment 1002 of the flexible tube body 1004. The segment 1002 of the flexible tube body has a substantially cylindrical external shape. Figure 10 As shown, segment 1002 of the flexible tube body is fixed in the central clamping hole 802 of the clamping device 800. An inner clamping portion 816, composed of three annular elements 818, is located between the fixed segment 1002 of the flexible tube body and the outer clamping portion 804. The inner clamping portion 816 abuts against both the fixed segment 1002 of the flexible tube body and the outer body member 806 of the outer clamping portion 804 via the radially inner surface 822 and the radially outer surface of the annular elements 818, respectively. It should be understood that the clamping device 800 includes bolts, screws, snap rings, fasteners, etc., for securely connecting the two outer body members 806 together end-to-end. Suitablely, the clamping device 800 includes multiple bolts, screws, snap rings, fasteners, etc. It should be understood that the external main body components connected by bolts, screws, buckles, fasteners, etc., serve to tighten the clamping device 800 around the segment 1002 of the flexible tube body, thereby driving or even inserting the inner surface 822 of the annular element 818 toward the outer surface 1006 of the segment 1002 of the flexible tube body. The clamping device 800 is thus fixed to the segment 1002 of the flexible tube body.

[0126] In use, the abutment relationship between the annular element 818 and the segment 1002 of the flexible tube body and the external body member 806 prohibits or at least restricts the axial movement of the clamping device 800 along the length of the segment of the flexible tube body. It should be understood that the abutment relationship between the annular element 818 and the segment 1002 of the flexible tube body and the external clamping portion 804 is generated by the tight, end-to-end fastening of the external body member 806 via bolts, screws, snap rings, etc. Suitablely, more than one bolt, screw, snap ring, etc. is provided. When the clamping device 800 is subjected to an external force, the longitudinal component of that force relative to the segment 1002 of the flexible tube body can be used to push the clamping device 800 away from the desired longitudinal position of the segment of the flexible tube body. The mating area 830 of the raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 812 of the inner surface 808 of the outer body member 806 and the mating area 828 of the raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 826 of the outer surface 824 of the corresponding annular element 818 are driven together. When driven together, the angled ramp-shaped side of the corresponding raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 812 of the inner surface 808 of the outer body member 806 rides upward / downward across the axially adjacent and abutting angled ramp-shaped side of the raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 826 of the outer surface 824 of the annular element 818. It should be understood that this results in a radially inward drive of the annular element 818 and provides a radially inward clamping force.

[0127] It should be understood that, depending on the axial direction in which the longitudinal component of the external force acts on the clamping device 800, the opposite sides of each raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 812, 826 will be driven together. For example, if the longitudinal component of the external force F is in... Figure 10 When the force F acts from left to right on the outer clamping part of the clamping device, the right-facing side of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 826 of the outer main body member 806 will be pushed against the left-facing side of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 812 of the corresponding axially adjacent annular element 818. The force F thus creates contact between the right-facing side of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 826 of the outer main body member 806 and the left-facing side of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 812 of the corresponding axially adjacent annular element 818. Due to the axial movement of the outer main body member relative to the inner clamping part from left to right (generated by the force F) (in... Figure 10In the middle), the gap will tend to appear between the left-facing side of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 812 of the outer body member 806 and the right-facing side of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile 826 of the corresponding axially adjacent annular element 818. In contrast, the right-facing side of the flat V-shaped cross-section profile 812 of the outer body member 806 and the left-facing side of the flat V-shaped cross-section profile 826 of the annular element 818 tend to be driven together and thus form clamping surface regions 1008, 1010, which are inclined relative to the main axis of the segment of the flexible tube body, but extend substantially in an imaginary plane defined by the main axis of the segment of the flexible tube body. It should be understood that the clamping surface regions are also inclined to the imaginary plane. It should be understood that in Figure 10 The opening end region 814 of the inner surface 808 of the outer main body member 806, which is closest to the left-hand side surface of the clamping device 800, also constitutes the clamping surface region 1012. If the longitudinal component of the external force is in Figure 10 In the clamping device 800, pointing from right to left, it should be understood that the inner clamping portion 816 and the outer clamping portion 804 are driven together in opposite directions, and thus the clamping surface areas are reversed. Therefore, the two ramp-shaped sides of each raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile on the mating area of ​​the inner surface of the outer body member and the mating area of ​​the annular element, as well as the two open end areas of the outer body member, can constitute clamping surface areas 1008, 1010, 1012, 1020, and 1022. Thus, the clamping surface areas are surface areas driven together by external force, and clamping force is generated due to the "approaching" action.

[0128] When the complementary clamping surface areas of the outer clamping portion 804 and the inner clamping portion 816 are driven together, the longitudinal component of the external force F acting in the axial direction relative to the segment 1002 of the flexible tube body is essentially converted into a radially inward compressive force by means of the inclination angles of the clamping surface areas 1008, 1010, 1012 of the flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 812, 826 of the outer body member 806 and the annular element 818. It should be understood that the inclination angles of the clamping surface areas 1008, 1010, 1012 cause the inner clamping portion 816 to be driven toward the outer surface 1006 of the segment 1002 of the flexible tube body, thereby further increasing the clamping force applied to the segment of the flexible tube body by the radially inner surface 822 of the inner clamping portion 816 as the longitudinal component of the external force increases. Therefore, the radially inward clamping force relative to the external force acting on the clamping device 800 is dynamically variable. It should be understood that the load applied to the clamping device 800 due to the applied external force is distributed on each engaging clamping surface area 1008, 1010, 1012 provided by a plurality of flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 812, 826 of the outer surface 824 of the inner clamping portion 816 and the inner surface 808 of the outer clamping portion 804, which reduces the possibility of mechanical failure of the clamping device 800.

[0129] Figure 11a and Figure 11b Cross-sections of 1100° are shown from different perspectives. Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The clamping device is 800. Figure 11a This illustrates a generally cylindrical external shape provided by the outer surface 1006 of a segment 1002 of a segmental flexible tube body. (See diagram.) Figure 11a As can be seen, segments 1002 of the flexible tube body are arranged in clamping holes 802 provided by the inner surface 822 of annular elements 818. Three annular elements 818 are arranged in series along the axis of the clamping holes 802 and concentrically surround segments 1002 of the flexible tube body at intervals. An outer body member 806 is arranged radially and concentrically around the annular elements 818, thereby providing a substantially annular clamping device 800.

[0130] Figure 11b It shows Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11a The upper portion of the clamping device 800 shows the contact relationship between each annular element 818 and the outer surface 1006 (via the inner surface 822 of each annular element 818) of the segment 1002 of the flexible tube body and the inner surface 808 (via the outer surface 824 of the annular element 818) of the outer body member 806.

[0131] Figure 12 Another embodiment of the internal clamping portion 1202 is shown. The internal clamping portion 1202 is substantially annular and includes two substantially arcuate internal clamping sections 1204. Suitably, the internal clamping portion 1202 may include any suitable number of arcuate internal clamping sections 1204. Suitably, the internal clamping portion includes only one singular internal clamping section 1204. The internal clamping portion defines a clamping hole 1206 into which segments of the flexible tube body can be secured in use. The internal clamping portion 1202 includes a substantially tapered radially outer surface 1208 that is inclined relative to the axis of the clamping hole 1206 but extends substantially in the axial direction defined by the clamping hole 1206. It should be understood that in use, the outer surface of the internal clamping portion abuts against and engages with the complementary tapered inner surface of an outer clamping portion arranged radially around the internal clamping portion 1202.

[0132] Figure 13 Various complementary cross-sectional profiles are shown that can be utilized on the outer surface of the internal body member and the inner surface of the external body member to provide mating areas. It should be understood that any of these complementary profiles can be utilized in an internal clamping section, which incorporates finger-like or ring-like elements as the internal body member discussed above. Figure 13 Detailed drawing (a) shows a cross-section of an inner body member 1302 concentrically arranged within an outer body member 1304, defining a clamping hole 1306. The outer body member 1304 includes an inner surface 1308 having a raised parabolic cross-sectional profile 1310. The inner body member 1302 includes an outer surface 1312 having a complementary recessed parabolic cross-sectional profile 1314. It should be understood that the parabolic cross-sectional profiles 1310 and 1314 of the inner body member 1302 and the outer body member 1304 constitute a mating region. It should be understood that... Figure 13 In detailed view (a), the force acting from left to right on the outer body member 1304 drives the rightmost 1316 of the inner surface 1308 of the outer body member 1304 and the rightmost 1318 of the outer surface 1312 of the inner body member 1302 together. Therefore, the rightmost 1316 of the inner surface 1308 of the outer body member 1304 and the rightmost 1318 of the outer surface 1312 of the inner body member 1302 constitute a clamping surface area inclined relative to the axis of the clamping hole 1306. It should also be understood that... Figure 13In detailed view (a), the force acting from right to left on the outer main body member 1304 drives the leftmost 1320 of the inner surface 1308 of the outer main body member 1304 and the leftmost 1322 of the outer surface 1312 of the inner main body member 1302 together. The leftmost 1320 of the inner surface 1308 of the outer main body member 1304 and the leftmost 1322 of the outer surface 1312 of the inner main body member 1302 thus form a clamping surface area inclined relative to the axis of the clamping hole 1306. Figure 13 Detailed view (b) shows the outer body member 1324 and the inner body member 1326 in cross section, wherein the outer body member 1324 includes an inner surface having a concave parabolic cross-sectional profile 1328. The inner body member 1326 includes an outer surface having a complementary convex parabolic cross-sectional profile 1330.

[0133] Figure 13 Detailed drawing (c) shows the outer body member 1332, which includes an inner surface 1334 having a cross-sectional profile comprising two adjacent raised parabolic surfaces 13361, 13362. The inner body member 1338 includes an outer surface 1340 having a complementary cross-sectional profile comprising two adjacent recessed parabolic surfaces 13421, 13422. It should be understood that the inner surface 1334 and the outer surface 1340 comprising the two adjacent raised parabolic surfaces 13361, 13362 and the two adjacent recessed parabolic surfaces 13421, 13422 of the inner body member 1338 and the outer body member 1332 constitute corresponding mating areas. It should be understood that... Figure 13 In detailed drawing (c), the forces acting from left to right on the outer body member 1332 drive the rightmost 13441, 13442 of each of the raised parabolic surfaces 13361, 13362 of the inner surface 1334 of the outer body member 1332 and the corresponding rightmost 13461, 13462 of each of the recessed parabolic surfaces 13421, 13422 of the outer surface 1340 of the inner body member 1338 together. The rightmost 13441, 13442 of each of the raised parabolic surfaces 13361, 13362 of the inner surface 1334 of the outer body member 1332 and the rightmost 13461, 13462 of each of the recessed parabolic surfaces 13421, 13422 of the outer surface 1340 of the inner body member 1338 thus constitute a clamping surface region inclined to the clamping hole axis 1348. It should also be understood that... Figure 13In detail drawing (c), the right-to-right force on the outer body member 1332 drives the leftmost sides of each of the raised parabolic surfaces 13361, 13362 of the inner surface 1334 of the outer body member 1332 and the corresponding left-hand sides of each of the recessed parabolic surfaces 13421, 13422 of the outer surface 1340 of the inner body member 1338 together. The leftmost sides of each of the raised parabolic surfaces 13361, 13362 of the inner surface 1334 of the outer body member 1332 and the leftmost sides of each of the recessed parabolic surfaces 13421, 13422 of the outer surface 1340 of the inner body member 1338 thus form a clamping surface area inclined to the clamping hole axis 1348. Figure 13 Detailed drawing (b) shows the outer body member 1350, which includes an inner surface 1352 having a cross-sectional profile comprising two adjacent concave parabolic surfaces 13541, 13542. The inner body member 1356 includes an outer surface 1358 having a complementary cross-sectional profile comprising two adjacent convex parabolic surfaces 13601, 13602.

[0134] Figure 13 Detailed drawing (e) shows an outer body member 1362 with a substantially wedge-shaped cross-section, including a substantially inclined inner surface 1364, and an inner body member 1366 with a substantially wedge-shaped cross-section, including a substantially inclined outer surface 1368. It should be understood that the inclined inner surface 1364 of the outer body member 1362 and the inclined outer surface 1368 of the inner body member 1366 constitute a mating region. It should be understood that in... Figure 13 In detailed drawing (e), a right-to-left force on the outer main member 1362 or a left-to-right force on the inner main member 1366 drives the inclined inner surface 1364 of the outer main member 1362 and the inclined outer surface 1368 of the inner main member 1366 together. The inclined inner surface 1364 of the outer main member 1362 and the inclined outer surface 1368 of the inner main member 1366 thus constitute a clamping surface area.

[0135] Figure 14 Shown from the "end" perspective Figure 8 The clamping device is 800. For example... Figure 14 As can be seen, the annular elements 818 constituting the connecting annular portion are concentrically arranged within the outer main body members 806 connected in a side-by-side relationship, thereby forming a substantially annular shape. The inner surface 822 of the annular element 818 defines a clamping hole 802. It should be understood that... Figure 14 Only half of the clamping device 800 is shown, and the clamping device 800 circumferentially surrounds the clamping hole 802.

[0136] Figure 15This is shown from an "end" perspective when the outer surface 1006 of segment 1002 surrounding the flexible tube body is fixed. Figure 8 The clamping device 800. The section is located in the clamping hole 802. The inner surface of the annular element abuts against the outer surface 1006 of the segment 1002 of the flexible tube. The outer surface 824 of the annular element 818 abuts against the inner surface 808 of the outer body member 806. The annular element 818 is therefore in contact with both the outer surface 1006 of the segment 1002 of the flexible tube body and the outer body member 806 constituting the outer clamping part 804. It should be understood that in Figure 15 Only half of the clamping device 800 is shown, and the clamping device 800 circumferentially surrounds the segment 1002 of the flexible tube body.

[0137] Figure 16 It shows Figure 8 Another perspective view of a portion of the clamping device 800. Figure 16 Indicates how the annular portion 820 constituting the annular element 818 is arranged within the outer body member 806 of the outer clamping portion 804. For example... Figure 16 As can be seen, the outer surface 824 of the raised flat V-shaped cross-section profile of each annular portion 820 is located within the corresponding recessed flat V-shaped cross-section profile 810 of the inner surface 808 of the outer main body member 806.

[0138] Figure 17 A buoyancy module 1702 is shown fixed to a segment 1704 surrounding a section of a flexible tube body. During seabed use, the buoyancy module 1702 provides buoyancy to the 1704 segment of the flexible tube body and helps manage the contour of the flexible tube to help limit areas of localized stress caused by tube bending, etc. The buoyancy module 1702 is fixed to the outer surface 1706 of the flexible segment, such as an outer sheath. The buoyancy module 1702 includes an inner clamping portion 1708 that abuts against the outer surface 1706 of the segment 1704 of the flexible tube body via its inner surface 1710, and against an outer clamping portion 1712 of the buoyancy module 1702 via its outer surface 1716. The inner clamping portion 1708 is thus radially located within the outer clamping portion 1712 and surrounds the segment 1704 of the flexible tube body. It should be understood that the internal clamping portion 1708 may include Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 Figures 6a-6c and Figure 7 finger-like elements or Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figures 11a-11b , Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 The ring-shaped element. Alternatively, any other suitable internal clamping portion 1708 may be utilized. The buoyancy module 1702 therefore includes a clamping device, which may optionally be Figure 3 Clamping device 300, clamping device 600 (Figure 6a), clamping device 620 (Figure 6b), clamping device 650 (Figure 6c) or Figure 8 The clamping device 800. Alternatively, any other suitable clamping device may be used. The inner surface 1718 of the outer clamping portion 1712 and the outer surface 1716 of the inner clamping portion 1708 are profiles complementary. These profiles may include Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 Figures 6a-6c and Figure 7 The flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile shown. These profiles may alternatively include... Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figures 11a-11b , Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 The flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile shown. Alternatively, these profiles may include... Figure 13 Any of the cross-sectional profiles shown. These profiles may include any other suitable profiles. It should be understood that the relative axial movement of the outer clamping portion 1708 relative to the inner clamping portion 1708 along the main axis of the segment 1704 of the flexible tube body forces the inner clamping portion 1708 radially inward, thereby increasing the clamping force acting on the outer surface 1706 of the segment 1704 of the flexible tube body. The buoyancy module 1702 also includes compartments for storing buoyancy materials / structures to provide buoyancy, such as composite materials, inflatable spheres, shells, etc. Suitablely, the buoyancy module may be a pressure vessel containing gas or other buoyancy media to provide buoyancy. It should be understood that the buoyancy module 1702 may also include valves, etc.

[0139] Figure 18A stop clamp 1802 is shown for, for example, a bending reinforcement 1804. The bending reinforcement 1804 can be used at the top end of the flexible tube assembly to help limit bending of the tube at the end, which may be connected to top equipment or a platform, etc. The bending reinforcement 1804 surrounds the end of a segment 1806 of the flexible tube body. The bending reinforcement is attached to a top surface 1807. The stop clamp is positioned distal to the bending reinforcement 1804 along the segment 1806 of the flexible tube body. The stop clamp surrounds a segment 1808 of the segment 1806 of the flexible tube body. The stop clamp 1802 includes an inner clamp portion 1810 that surrounds the segment 1806 of the flexible tube body substantially radially. An inner surface 1812 of the inner clamp portion abuts against an outer surface of the segment 1806 of the flexible tube body, which may be an outer sheath. An outer clamp portion 1814 radially surrounds the inner clamp portion 1810. Therefore, the stop clamp constitutes a clamping device. The inner clamp portion 1810 and the outer clamp portion 1814 are essentially wedge-shaped. The inclined, sloping outer surface 1818 of the inner clamp portion 1810 and the inclined, sloping inner surface 1820 of the outer clamp portion 1814 are in an abutting and mating relationship. Therefore, the inclined, sloping outer surface 1818 and the inclined, sloping inner surface 1820 of the inner clamp portion 1810 and the outer clamp portion 1814 respectively constitute mating areas.

[0140] Sometimes, due to mechanical failure or other reasons, the bending reinforcement 1804 may detach from the top surface 1807, and due to the low coefficient of friction of the flexible tube's outer sheath, the bending reinforcement may fall axially downwards, causing significant mechanical damage to the flexible tube and related equipment. The axial movement direction of the bending reinforcement 1804 is indicated by an arrow. A stop clamp 1802 helps to limit the movement of the bending reinforcement 1804 in this situation. When the bending reinforcement impacts the stop clamp 1802, the outer clamp portion 1814 is axially driven in the same direction as the movement of the bending reinforcement 1804 (and is therefore also indicated by an arrow). The inclined, sloping inner surface 1820 of the outer clamp portion 1814 is thus driven to straddle the inclined, sloping outer surface 1818 of the inner clamp portion 1810. The inner clamp portion 1810 is therefore further driven radially inwards toward the section of the flexible tube body by means of the inclined, sloping outer surface 1818 and the inclined, sloping inner surface 1820. The inclined, sloping outer surface 1818 and the inclined, sloping inner surface 1820 thus constitute the clamping surface area. The axial force generated by the impact between the stop clamp 1802 and the bending reinforcement 1804 is at least partially converted into a radially inward clamping force.

[0141] It should be understood that the stop clamp 1802 can alternatively utilize a mechanism including finger elements. Figure 3Clamping device 300, clamping device 600 of Figure 6a, clamping device 620 of Figure 6b, clamping device 650 of Figure 6c, or including annular elements. Figure 8 The clamping device 800. It should also be understood that the inclined, sloping outer surface 1818 of the inner clamping portion 1810 and the inclined, sloping inner surface 1820 of the outer clamping portion 1814 may alternatively include a flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile, such as... Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and Figure 7 Those shown. These outlines may alternatively include... Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figures 11a-11b , Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 The flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile shown. Alternatively, these profiles may include... Figure 13 Any of the cross-sectional profiles shown.

[0142] Figure 19 Another buoyancy module 1900, including a clamping device, is shown. The buoyancy module 1900 includes an internal clamping portion 1902 and an external clamping portion 1904. The internal clamping portion 1902 may be similar to... Figure 8 The examples shown are single annular elements. Alternatively, the internal clamping portion may include multiple annular elements. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 Figures 6a-6c and Figure 7 Any number of finger elements as shown. Alternatively, the internal clamping portion may include... Figure 13 Any of the contours shown (the outer clamp portion therefore includes a complementary contour). The inner clamp portion surrounds and abuts the outer surface 1906 of a segment 1908 of the flexible tube body. The outer clamp portion 1904 radially surrounds the inner clamp portion 1902. The outer clamp portion itself includes a buoyancy material / structure 1910 to provide buoyancy to the buoyancy module 1900. The buoyancy material / structure can be, for example, a composite material, an inflatable sphere, a shell, etc.

[0143] The radially inner surface 1912 of the outer clamping portion 1904 abuts against the radially outer surface 1914 of the inner clamping portion 1902. The radially inner surface 1912 of the outer clamping portion 1904 includes a recessed flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 1916. It should be understood that the flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile is a substantially triangular profile, with the peak of the flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile having an apex angle greater than 90 degrees. Suitably, the apex angle is between 90 degrees and 135 degrees. Suitably, the apex angle is between 135 degrees and 180 degrees. The radially outer surface 1914 of the inner clamping portion 1902 includes a raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profile 1918. The flat V-shaped shapes 1916, 1918 thus constitute a mating area. It should be understood that the inner surface 1912 of the outer clamping portion 1904 and the outer surface 1914 of the inner clamping portion 1902 may include any number of complementary flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles. It should be understood that... Figure 19 The buoyancy module 1900 may include Figure 3 Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c or Figure 8 The clamping device, wherein at least a portion of the external clamping part 1904 constitutes a buoyancy device.

[0144] Figure 20 A rotating clamp 2000 is shown fixing a section 2002 around the body of the flexible tube. It should be understood that... Figure 20 The rotating clamp 2000 and the flexible tube body segment 2002 are shown in cross-section. The rotating clamp 2000 includes an inner clamp portion 2004, an outer clamp portion 2006, an outer cover 2008, and a rotating portion 2009. The inner clamp portion 2004 surrounds the flexible tube body segment 2002. The inner surface 2010 of the inner clamp portion abuts against the outer surface 2012 of the flexible tube body segment 2002. Suitably, the inner surface 2010 may be smooth, recessed, raised, ridged, or toothed. The radially outer surface 2014 of the inner clamp portion 2004 includes an undulating profile extending along an axis defined by the segment of the flexible tube body segment 2002. The undulating profile includes a plurality of raised flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles and recessed flat V-shaped cross-sectional profiles 2018. Suitably, these shapes may include convex curves and concave curves. The internal clamping portion 2004 is composed of multiple arc-shaped internal main body members 2020, which are joined in a left-right swing configuration to form a substantially cylindrical shape. Suitablely, the internal main body members can be ring-shaped elements or finger-shaped elements.

[0145] The outer clamping portion 2006 includes five annular elements 2022. Alternatively, any other suitable number of annular elements 2022 may be used. Alternatively, the outer clamping portion 2006 may include finger elements. Alternatively, the outer clamping portion 2006 may include multiple arcuate outer body members. The two outermost annular elements 2022 have a substantially wedge-shaped cross-section, including an inclined radially inner surface 2024. The remaining three annular elements 2022 have a substantially triangular cross-section and include a radially inner surface with a raised, flattened V-shaped cross-sectional profile. The inner surfaces 2024, 2026 of each annular element 2022 are located within corresponding undulations of the outer surface 2014 of the inner clamping portion 2004. The inner surfaces 2024, 2026 of each annular element 2022 thus constitute a mating area. The portion of the recessed, undulating outer surface 2014 of the internal clamping portion 2004 that contacts or can contact the inner surfaces 2024, 2026 of the annular element 2022 thus also constitutes a mating area. It should be understood that the annular element 2022 can be integrated into the outer cover 2008. It should be understood that the rotating portion 2009 is rotatable and, if it is part of the outer cover 2008, is held in place within the channel at its outer diameter. It should be understood that the rotating clamp 2000 can alternatively utilize... Figure 3 Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c Figure 7 or Figure 8 Clamping devices. Alternatively, one can utilize... Figure 13 Either the internal main component or the external main component shown.

[0146] The rotating portion 2009 of the rotary clamp 2000 radially surrounds and connects to the outer cover 2008. The interface between the rotating portion 2009 and the outer cover 2008 includes a low-friction or frictionless surface, which may be mediated by a low-friction material sleeve, ball bearings, or lubricant. Suitably, the outer surface of the outer clamp / cover and the inner surface of the rotating portion 2009 may be smooth, have a low coefficient of friction, or may include a suitable coating to reduce friction. The rotating portion 2009 thus rotates freely about an axis defined by a segment 2002 of the flexible tube body. The rotating portion 2009 thus rotates freely about the clamping hole 2030, the inner annular element 2022, and the outer cover 2008. Optionally, the outer cover 2008 is not connected to the outer clamp portion 2006 and rotates independently of it, and is integral with the rotating portion 2009. Suitably, the interface between the outer cover 2008 and the outer clamp portion 2006 is frictionless or low-friction. Two eyelets 2032 are included on the radially opposite sides of the rotating part 2009 for securing another device and / or fixed subsea structures to the rotating clamp 2000 via ropes, shackles, belts, strips, cable chains, etc., for example, as tethering clamps. Of course, one, two or more eyelets may be optionally provided.

[0147] Figure 21 The perspective view shows the segmental fixing of section 2002 surrounding the flexible tube body. Figure 20 Rotary clamp 2000. Figure 21 An outer cover 2008 is indicated to radially surround an annular element 2022, which radially surrounds an inner clamping portion 2004. A rotating portion 2009 and an inner clamping portion 2004 are radially fixed around a section 2002 of the flexible tube body.

[0148] Figure 22 This illustrates the effect when an external longitudinal force F acts on the clamp in the direction defined by the axis of section 2002 of the flexible tube body. Figure 20 The rotating clamp. Force F in Figure 22 The force F acts from left to right. It causes the rotating part 2009 to move axially through the outer cover 2008, and thus causes the connected outer clamping part 2006 to move to the left relative to the inner clamping part 2004. The right-facing ramp-like portions 2202 of the inner surfaces 2024, 2026 of the annular element 2022 are therefore driven and straddled by the adjacent left-facing ramp-like portion 2204 of the raised undulation portion 2016 of the outer surface 2014 of the inner clamping part 2004. As the outer clamping part 2006 moves axially, the angle of inclination of the ramp-like portions 2202, 2204 relative to the axis defined by the segment 2002 of the flexible tube body forces the inner clamping part 2004 inward. The longitudinal force F is thus at least partially converted into a radially inward clamping force. It should be understood that if the force in the longitudinal direction is reversed, the relatively inclined ramp-shaped portions of the inner clamp portion 2004 and the outer clamp portion 2006 will be driven together and will provide a similar clamping force radially inward.

[0149] Figure 23 Showing more details Figure 22 A perspective view of a section of the rotating clamp 2200. A longitudinal force F acting on the rotating part 2009 and passing through the outer cover 2008 drives the right-facing ramp-shaped portion 2202 of the inner surface 2026 of the annular element 2022 to straddle the adjacent left-facing ramp-shaped portion 2204 of the raised undulation portion 2016 of the outer surface 2014 of the inner clamp portion 2004.

[0150] Further applications of certain embodiments of the invention include tethering or rotating clamps, wherein a fixed connection position on a riser is connected to a fixed seabed location (such as a gravity base or anchor pile) via a connecting element (e.g., a tether, chain, or biasing element); the fixed connection is coupled with a tethering clamp at a predetermined positioning position on the riser, the so-called tethering clamp providing a mechanism through which the connecting element can be attached, such as a sling. D-rings, etc., can be connected via the sling, and the tether / chain or biasing element can also be secured through the sling. The force of the tethering clamp restricts the riser to a desired position, thereby producing a preferred shape of the riser in the water, ensuring the achievement of the riser's design life. The tethering clamp thus holds its position on the riser in the desired location and is able to transmit various static and dynamic forces between the fixed seabed location and the riser via the tether / chain / biasing element. The rotating clamp is similar to the tethered clamp, but provides a mechanism by which the connector can rotate to align with the tether / chain / biasing element and the fixed seabed position, and provides a more flexible connection arrangement with rotational freedom relative to the riser.

[0151] Throughout the detailed description and claims, the terms "comprising" and "containing," and variations thereof, mean "including but not limited to," and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other parts, additives, components, integrals, or steps. Throughout the detailed description and claims, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context requires otherwise. Specifically, where indefinite articles are used, the description should be understood to consider both the plural and the singular unless the context requires otherwise.

[0152] Features, integrals, characteristics, or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention should be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described herein, unless incompatible therewith. All features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, the abstract, and the drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except that at least some of the features and / or steps are mutually exclusive combinations. The invention is not limited to any details of any of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel feature or novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, the abstract, and the drawings), or to any novel step or novel combination of steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0153] The reader’s attention is drawn to all papers and documents filed concurrently with or prior to this specification in conjunction with this patent application that disclose a public examination of this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An apparatus for securing to an outer surface of a segment of a flexible pipe body, the apparatus comprising: an outer clamp portion positionable around a region of a flexible pipe body and comprising a plurality of outer body members each comprising an inner surface; and an inner clamp portion positionable in abutting relation between the outer clamp portion and the flexible pipe body, the inner clamp portion comprising a plurality of inner body members each comprising an outer surface, the outer surface comprising a mating region having a shape mating with a corresponding mating region of the inner surface of the outer clamp portion; wherein each mating region comprises at least one clamping surface region positionable oblique to a main axis of the flexible pipe body in an imaginary plane extending through the flexible pipe body and comprising the main axis when the inner clamp portion is positioned between the outer clamp portion and the flexible pipe body; characterized in that each clamping surface region comprises at least one flat V-shaped surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: each clamping surface region comprises at least a portion of a lateral surface of a truncated right circular cone.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: each inner body member comprises a ring-like element comprising a flat or gently arcuate inner side surface in cross-section for abutting against an outer surface of the flexible pipe body and providing a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical abutting surface.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: each inner body member comprises a ring-like element comprising an outer side surface in cross-section, the outer side surface being oblique and constantly flaring outwardly from a first edge of the ring-like element to the remaining edges of the ring-like element.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: each inner body member comprises a ring-like element comprising a V-shaped outer side surface in cross-section, the outer side surface having a thinner thickness at respective edges of the ring-like element and a maximum thickness at a central region of the ring-like element.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: each inner body member comprises a ring-like element comprising an outer side surface in cross-section, the outer side surface comprising a plurality of flat V-shaped surfaces.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising: each ring-like element comprises a plurality of arcuate ring portions positionable end-to-end in a circle, and a combined outer surface of each ring portion provides the outer surface.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: each inner body member comprises a finger-like element aligned substantially parallel to a main axis of the flexible pipe, the finger-like element comprising a flat or gently arcuate inner side surface in cross-section for abutting against an outer surface of the flexible pipe body.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: Each inner body member comprises a finger element comprising in cross-section an outer side surface which is inclined and constantly flares outwardly from a first end of the finger element to a remaining end of the finger element.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: Each inner body member comprises a finger element comprising in cross-section a V-shaped outer side surface or comprising a contoured surface having a thinner thickness at respective ends of the finger element and a maximum thickness at a central region of the finger element.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: At least one fixing element for fixing a first outer body member to another outer body member and for pressing the inner clamp portion between the outer clamp portion and the flexible pipe body when the first outer body member and the another outer body member are fixed together.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: At least one further outer body member arranged circumferentially between the first outer body member and the another outer body member, each outer body member being pivotally connected to two adjacent outer body members.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: Each outer body member comprises a ring element comprising in cross-section an inner side surface which is inclined and constantly flares outwardly from a first edge of the ring element to a remaining edge of the ring element.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: Each outer body member comprises a ring element comprising in cross-section a V-shaped inner side surface having a thinner thickness at respective edges of the ring element and a maximum thickness at a central region of the ring element.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: Each outer body member comprises a ring element comprising in cross-section an inner side surface comprising a plurality of flat V-shaped surfaces.

16. A buoyancy module comprising the apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one buoyancy element fixed to the outer clamp portion or comprising the outer clamp portion.

17. A stop clamp, a swivel clamp or a tethering clamp comprising the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. A method of fixing to an outer surface of a section of a flexible pipe body at a desired longitudinal position along the flexible pipe body, the method comprising the steps of: providing an inner clamp portion comprising a plurality of inner body members in abutting relationship with a cylindrical surface of a section of a flexible pipe body; providing an outer clamp portion around the inner clamp portion, the outer clamp portion comprising a plurality of outer body members; and when the outer body member is provided about the inner clamp portion, urging the clamping surface regions of the inner and outer body members that are oblique to the principal axis of the flexible pipe body into abutting engagement; each clamping surface region comprises at least one flat V-shaped surface.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: when the outer clamp portion is urged in the axial direction away from a desired longitudinal position on the flexible pipe body, inhibiting axial movement by the opposing clamping surface regions being driven together via the urging force, whereby axial force is converted into radially inwardly directed compressive force to effectively clamp the inner and outer clamp portions at the desired position.

20. The method of claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising: the inner body member is provided by locating a plurality of ring-like elements in coaxially spaced apart relationship about the flexible pipe body.

21. The method of claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising: the inner body member is provided by locating a plurality of finger-like elements circumferentially side-by-side about the flexible pipe body.

22. The method of claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising: after securing the outer clamp portion about the inner clamp portion at a desired longitudinal position, urging the opposing oblique surfaces of the opposing clamping surface regions of the inner and outer body members along across one another, whereby at least one of the inner body members is urged against the outer sheath of the flexible pipe body.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: simultaneously urging a plurality of opposing clamping surface regions together along the axial extent of the inner and outer clamp portions, whereby radially inwardly applied clamping force resulting from axial force applied to the outer clamp portion is dispersed.

24. The method of claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising: applying a pre-load pressure to the inner and outer clamp portions by securing a first outer body member to another outer body member about a segment of the flexible pipe body, whereby the inner and outer clamp portions are secured at a desired longitudinal position.

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