Method and assembly for joining a sheet of a cable

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an assembly for joining a sheath of a cable. An armor engagement assembly (20) for a cable (100) comprises: two tubes (21) adapted to be fitted on the cable (100), each tube (21) being provided with a respective flange (22); -a plurality of annular gaskets (23) intended to be positioned continuously with each other between the two flanges (22); -two sorters (30) respectively positioned on the sides of the two flanges (22), each sorter (30) comprising at least one annular element (33, 33 ', 34, 34') adapted to configure a respective armor wire (131, 131 ') of a respective cable (100); -two conical housings (24), each adapted to be positioned around a respective cable (100) and to be coupled to a respective flange (22), so as to make a closed housing (25) enclosing a respective sorter (30), the conical housings (24) being provided with loading holes (26) for insertion of the resin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and assemblies for engaging armor of cables, particularly submarine cables.

[0002] The present disclosure also relates to a splicing system comprising the above-mentioned armor splicing assembly applied to two spliced ​​cables. Background Art

[0003] Typically, a submarine cable comprises at least one cable core, which is usually formed by an electrically conductive metallic conductor covered by an insulation system. The insulation system comprises, in sequence, an inner semiconducting layer, an intermediate insulating layer and an outer semiconducting layer.

[0004] The insulation system may be made of extruded polymer material or oil impregnated paper or paper polypropylene laminates.

[0005] The submarine cable core should be protected from moisture or water penetration that could lead to electrical breakdown. For this purpose, submarine cables typically include a metal barrier surrounding each cable core of the cable in order to block water penetration during cable installation and operation. Thus, the metal barrier typically surrounds the insulation system and may be made of aluminum, lead or copper.

[0006] The metal barrier may be made by extrusion, especially in the case of lead barriers, or in the form of a longitudinally folded sheath with welded edges or overlapping glued edges.

[0007] Furthermore, the metal barrier is covered by a polymeric, optionally semiconductive protective sheath, such as a polyethylene sheath.

[0008] Submarine cables intended for use at very high depths also include one or more layers of armor wire helically wrapped around the cable core to provide suitable tensile resistance, particularly during cable deployment when lengths of cable are suspended from a vessel.

[0009] For example, armor threads can be made of metal (usually steel) or tensile polymers.

[0010] The outermost armor layer can then be surrounded by a service layer to protect it from wear. For example, the service layer can be made of asphalt polypropylene yarn.

[0011] Submarine cables are often joined together to form a single cable line extending for several kilometers or to repair damaged cables.

[0012] During the joining operation, at the end of the cable to be joined, all the layers surrounding the conductor are cut and removed, leaving an exposed conductor end. The joining is performed between the two corresponding exposed conductors according to known procedures, for example by using a ferrule or reinforced MIG welding or other similar methods, including ferrules and welding on both sides and finally mechanical connection. The insulation system, metal barrier and protective sheath are then restored according to known procedures.

[0013] Joining two submarine cables also means connecting the corresponding armor layers to each other.

[0014] Such a connection can be made by a welding operation according to known procedures.

[0015] In particular, the armor wires are properly arranged on the cables in such a way as to replicate their original laid lengths and to balance their lengths as much as possible, and then each armor wire of one cable is joined to the armor wire of another cable. In the case of metal wires, the joining is carried out by welding. In the case of polymer wires, the joining can be carried out by a combination of resin and appropriate overlap or other mechanical means. Obviously, in both cases, the wire joining operation is time-consuming, but it also takes up a lot of space, typically ranging in length from a few meters (e.g. five meters) for metal wires to tens of meters for polymer wires. Therefore, it is necessary to have even more space on board to be able to operate properly.

[0016] Alternatively, an armor joint assembly may be used, which is a fitting to which the armor layer of the joined cable is secured.

[0017] In particular, the armor joint assembly should ensure that the armor layers have the same tensile strength and should maintain a quick response of the armor lines to the application of tension to minimize any transfer of excessive stress to the conductors in the cable joint.

[0018] Known armor joining assemblies provide pre-tensioning means for this purpose, but the problem remains of achieving appropriate pre-tensioning for all the threads of the armor layer in a safe and effective manner.

[0019] The choice of welding to be used and the type of armor to be joined depends on the characteristics of the armor to be joined.

[0020] For example, when using armor wires made of steel with a high carbon content, arc welding applied to such armor wires, when they have been positioned on the cable in their final position, may determine embrittlement of the area located near the weld and heat-affected areas. This is very dangerous when the armor is stressed due to the forces generated by the pulling and bending of the cable. In this case, it is convenient to use an armor joint assembly instead of arc welding.

[0021] Similar problems may arise when it is required to join metal armor and synthetic armor.

[0022] JP5875187 relates to an armor wire connection fitting used in a connection portion of a cable having wire armor, such as a submarine cable, and a method of connecting the armor wire using the fitting.

[0023] Methods for attaching armor wire include:

[0024] -Fix the armor wire of one cable to the fixing part of the first iron wire fixing fitting by welding,

[0025] -Fix the armor wire of the other cable to the fixing part of the second wire fixing fitting,

[0026] The tightening member tightens the flanges of the first wire fixing fitting and the second wire fixing fitting in a direction approaching each other, connects the first wire fixing fitting and the second wire fixing fitting, and applies tension to the armor wires of the two cables.

[0027] JP2014087201 and KR20110100356 describe other examples of joining of armored iron wires or steel wires for two cables. Summary of the invention

[0028] The problem faced by the Applicant is to provide an assembly for the armoring of joint cables which allows a simple, orderly and rapid positioning of the armoring wires and which is capable of withstanding high tensile stresses immediately when the joined cable is stretched, ensuring that the joint between the conductors is subjected to a minimum of tensile stresses.

[0029] In view of the above problems, the applicant has considered providing an armor joint assembly having two sorters arranged at a joint area around the cable, wherein each sorter comprises a corresponding series of seats intended to receive the armor wires of the cable to be joined. In particular, one series of seats opens toward one cable and the other series of seats opens toward the other cable.

[0030] In addition, the applicant considers configuring a series of seats of the two sorters to be spaced apart from each other by a distance, which can be reduced in a certain manner after the armor wire is configured in the corresponding seat, so as to provide a certain pre-tensioning of the armor wire. Then, the applicant considers enclosing the sorter with a shell in which the wire has been configured, and a resin is inserted into the shell to fix the wire to the corresponding seat.

[0031] In view of the above-mentioned technique, the applicant has experienced that it is possible to set the pre-tensioning of the wire in a certain and reproducible manner, ensuring that the performance of the armor is close to the design specifications, without relying on the skill of the operator who makes the joint. In addition, even in the case of non-metallic armor wires or armor of two different types and materials, the joint can be completed in a very simple and reliable manner.

[0032] Thus, according to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to an armor engagement assembly for a cable, comprising:

[0033] - two tubes suitable for fitting on said cable, each tube being provided with a respective flange;

[0034] - a plurality of annular gaskets intended to be positioned successively to one another between two of said flanges;

[0035] - two separators, which are respectively positioned on the sides of the two flanges, each separator comprising at least one annular element, the at least one annular element being suitable for configuring the corresponding armor wire of the corresponding cable;

[0036] - Two conical housings, each suitable for being positioned around a respective cable and being coupled to a respective flange to make a closed housing enclosing a respective sorter, each conical housing being provided with a loading hole for inserting the resin.

[0037] In one embodiment, each of the two tubes and the corresponding flange form a single body in the form of a flanged tube. In an alternative embodiment, each of the two tubes and the corresponding flange are elements operatively connected to each other.

[0038] In one embodiment, each sorter comprises an annular element for supporting an armor layer of the associated cable. In this embodiment, each annular element has a series of seats, for example, arranged on its radially outer surface and intended to receive one armor line respectively. Each annular element is arranged on the side of the corresponding flange.

[0039] In one embodiment, when each cable has two armor layers, namely an inner armor layer and an outer armor layer, each sorter includes two annular elements, which are positioned on the sides of the corresponding flange and overlap each other in the radial direction, the radially inner annular element is intended to receive the corresponding armor wire of the inner armor layer of the corresponding cable in its series seat, and the radially outer annular element is intended to receive the corresponding armor wire of the outer armor layer of the corresponding cable in its series seat.

[0040] In such an embodiment, the series of seats of the annular element may be made in the form of a plurality of grooves engraved on the radially outer surface of the annular element, each groove having a width to accommodate a corresponding armor line.

[0041] This way, positioning the armor line is very quick and easy.

[0042] In such an embodiment, each sorter may include one or more fastening elements, such as elastic rings, which are intended to be positioned around the armor wire once it is deployed in the seat.

[0043] In this way, the armor wire can be firmly held into the groove.

[0044] In one embodiment, the grooves are parallel to each other and are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the joint at an angle substantially the same as the laydown angle of the associated armor thread layer.

[0045] In this way, the armor wires arranged in the grooves substantially maintain their original laying length around the corresponding cable, thus ensuring a uniform axial stiffness contribution. In order to match the original laying length as closely as possible, each annular element carrying the armor wire can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the related cable. The rotation can be carried out before positioning the conical housing and before inserting the resin.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, each flange comprises at least one set of a plurality of first holes (through holes or blind holes) arranged in a circumferential manner, and each sorter comprises a first annular element in the form of a gasket, comprising at least one set of a plurality of second holes (through holes) arranged in a circumferential manner around a central hole. The at least one annular element is intended to configure the side of the associated flange, juxtaposing the plurality of second holes with the plurality of first holes.

[0047] In this case, a length of armor wire of one armor layer is deployed against an associated flange in a radial pattern, not covering the first hole. An annular element is positioned against the length and the length is secured against the flange by blocking elements (e.g., screws and nuts), each of which passes through a second hole and into or through the first hole. Once the annular element is deployed against the length and the blocking element is inserted, the annular element and flange can be rotated together so that the armor wire replicates the helical direction in which the armor layer is wrapped around the cable.

[0048] When each cable has more than one armor layer, each sorter comprises one annular element for each armor layer. In the case of two armor layers, an inner and an outer armor layer, the first annular element is intended to be arranged against the armor line of the inner layer and on the side of the flange, and the second annular element is intended to be arranged against the armor line of the outer armor layer and on the side of the first annular element. The first annular element in the form of a gasket comprises at least one set of a plurality of second holes as through holes arranged in a circumferential manner around the central hole. The second annular element in the form of a gasket comprises a plurality of third holes as through holes, which are arranged in a circumferential manner around the central hole and are intended to be juxtaposed with the second holes when the second annular element is arranged on the side of the first annular element.

[0049] In the case of a cable with two armor layers, the length portions of the armor wires of the inner armor layer are arranged against the associated flanges as described above. After the first annular element is positioned and fastened to the sides of the flange, the length portions of the armor wires of the outer armor layer are arranged in a radial pattern against the associated first annular element between the blocking elements fastening the first annular element to the sides of the flange. The second annular element is positioned against these length portions and the length portions are fastened against the first annular element by using the blocking elements already present in the second holes and now each passing through a third hole. For example, the fastening is performed by inserting a further nut into the already existing screw that passes through the respective first, second and third holes.

[0050] In one embodiment, the flange and / or the annular element in the form of a gasket comprises two groups of first plurality of holes, second plurality of holes and / or third plurality of holes, respectively, in order to increase the mechanical stability.

[0051] The flange of the present armor joint assembly may have a plurality of fourth holes as through holes which are circumferentially arranged at radially outer positions relative to any plurality of first holes.

[0052] In one embodiment, both conical shells of the armor joint assembly have a plurality of holes arranged in a circumferential manner and intended to be juxtaposed with the fourth holes of the associated flange. In particular, one conical shell has a plurality of fifth holes as through holes and the other conical shell has a plurality of sixth holes as blind holes.

[0053] In one embodiment, the conical housing may be provided with vents to monitor the insertion of the resin within the housing.

[0054] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a joining system comprising:

[0055] - a first cable and a second cable, each of said cables comprising: at least one cable core comprising, in order, an electrical conductor, an insulation system surrounding said electrical conductor; optionally one or more protective layers surrounding said cable core and one or more armor layers surrounding said at least one cable core and the optional one or more protective layers, wherein the electrical conductors of said cables are electrically bonded to each other to form a core bond;

[0056] - An armour engagement assembly as described above positioned about said cable.

[0057] In one embodiment, the armor junction may be positioned at or beside the core junction.

[0058] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for installing the above-mentioned armor joint assembly around two joined cable cores, the method comprising the steps of:

[0059] - providing two tubes with corresponding flanges and two separators positioned on the sides of the two flanges, respectively, the flanges being spaced apart by a plurality of annular spacers positioned successively to each other so as to define an initial distance between the two flanges;

[0060] - operatively associating each thread of the armor layer to said sorter;

[0061] - Enclosing the sorter in two conical housings, the conical housings being provided with at least one loading hole;

[0062] - fixing each conical housing to the corresponding flange by means of at least one fixing element, which passes through the associated fifth hole, the associated fourth hole and is inserted into the associated sixth hole, so as to produce a closed housing formed with a space;

[0063] - filling the space within each closed shell with an embedding resin;

[0064] - Once the embedding resin has cured, the one or more annular gaskets are removed while the two flanges are brought closer to each other by means of the at least one fixing element, thereby gradually pre-tensioning the armor threads to obtain a predetermined tension for all the armor threads.

[0065] By "exposed layer of the cable" for the purposes of the present invention it is meant that any further layers which might be arranged around such exposed layer have been removed, such that said exposed layer is directly accessible from the outside.

[0066] For the purposes of this specification and the claims that follow, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Furthermore, all ranges include any combination of the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

[0067] In addition, the term "a" or "an" is used to describe the elements and components of the present disclosure. This is done only for convenience and to give a general sense of the present disclosure. The description should be understood to include one or at least one, and unless it is obvious that there is another meaning, the singular also includes the plural.

[0068] As an "insulating layer", it means that the conductivity is between 10 -16 S / m and 10 -14 Layers made of materials between S / m.

[0069] As a "semi-conductive layer", it means that the conductivity is between 10 -1 Layers made of materials between S / m and 10 S / m. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] Other features will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0071] - Figures 1a to 1e is a schematic perspective view of successive steps of a method for joining armor of a joined cable according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] - Figure 1f yes Figure 1e Detailed picture of

[0073] - Figure 2 is a schematic side partial view of a stage of a method according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] - Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a bonding system according to the present disclosure;

[0075] - Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an armor joint assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure applied to two joined cables;

[0076] - Figure 5a and Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of two annular elements in the form of washers of a sorter included in an armor engagement assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] - Figure 6a to Figure 6g is a schematic perspective partial view of successive steps of a method for joining armor of a joined cable according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] Reference Figure 3 , schematically illustrating a joining system 10 according to the present disclosure.

[0079] In particular, the splicing system 10 includes the armor splicing assembly 20 in an assembled configuration when applied to two spliced ​​cables 100 .

[0080] like Figure 2 As shown, each cable 100 comprises at least one core 110 including an electrical conductor 115, an insulation system 150 surrounding the electrical conductor 115. The insulation system may be made of polymer material by extrusion or made of mass impregnated (MI) paper or paper polypropylene laminate (PPL).

[0081] For example, the cable 100 may be a single-core cable or a multi-core cable including a plurality of, for example, three cores.

[0082] The cable 100 may include one or more protective layers 120 , 125 surrounding the cable core 110 .

[0083] In particular, the one or more protective layers 120 , 125 include, in sequence, a metal barrier 120 and a polymer sheath 125 .

[0084] The metal barrier 120 acts as a water barrier and an electrical shield.

[0085] In the case of a single-core cable, the metal barrier 120 surrounds the cable core 110 .

[0086] In the case of a multi-core cable, each core of the cable may be provided with its own metallic barrier 120 and polymeric jacket 125, or alternatively, a single metallic barrier 120 and a single polymeric jacket 125 may be provided to surround all the cores.

[0087] For example, the metal barrier 120 may be made of aluminum, lead, or copper.

[0088] like Figure 1e As shown, each cable 100 also includes at least one armor layer 130, 130' surrounding the polymer protective sheath to improve the impedance under high voltage, wherein each armor layer 130, 130' can be made of a plurality of armor wires 131, 131' spirally wound on the lower layer. Such armor wires can be made of metal or polymer material. The metal used for the armor wire can be steel with low carbon content or high carbon content. The polymer material can be a high tensile polymer material such as aramid or ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE).

[0089] In one embodiment, the cable 100 may have two armor layers 130 , 130 ′ arranged one above the other in radial direction, in particular an inner armor layer 130 and an outer armor layer 130 ′ surrounding the inner armor layer 130 .

[0090] In one embodiment, the armor layer may then be surrounded by a service layer (not shown).

[0091] In the following "joined cable" it is intended to mean two cables with respective cable cores and optional protective layers joined together, in particular with restoration of an insulation system around the joined electrical conductors and restoration of one or more protective layers around the restored insulation system.

[0092] The armor joint assembly 20 is configured to join the armor layers of two joined cables.

[0093] The armor engagement assembly 20 comprises two tubes 21 mounted on the cable 100 , wherein each tube 21 is provided with a corresponding flange 22 .

[0094] Each tube 21 and its corresponding flange 22 may be made as a single piece, or alternatively may be integrally coupled together as separate pieces.

[0095] The pipe 21 and the flange 22 may be made of a metal material such as steel.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 22 are adapted to be coupled together by means of coupling elements 29, such as plate elements.

[0097] The armor joint assembly 20 also includes a plurality of annular gaskets 23 , which are intended to be positioned continuously with one another between the two flanges 22 to define an initial distance between the two flanges 22 .

[0098] The annular spacer 23 may be made of two or more pieces so that they can be arranged around the cable 100 after joining and can be removed in this case. The annular spacer 23 may be made of a metal material.

[0099] The annular gaskets 23 have a predetermined thickness so that when they are continuously arranged between the flanges, the initial distance between the flanges 22 is a predetermined distance. The initial distance depends on the type of armor line, i.e., the size, shape, material and axial stiffness of the armor line. At the end of the installation of the armor joint assembly, a plurality or all of the annular gaskets 23 can be removed according to the procedure to be described below. Figure 4 , the armor engagement assembly 20 is shown with the annular gasket 23 still positioned between the flanges 22 prior to removal.

[0100] The armor joint assembly 20 also includes two sorters 30, which are respectively positioned on the sides of the two flanges 22; each sorter 30 includes at least one annular element 33, 34, which is intended to face the corresponding cable 100 and is suitable for configuring the corresponding armor lines 131, 131' of the corresponding cable 100.

[0101] Furthermore, the armor engagement assembly 20 includes two conical housings 24 positioned around the respective cables 100 and coupled to the respective flanges 22 to form a closed housing 25 enclosing the respective sorters 30. The conical housings 24 are provided with loading holes 26 for inserting resin such as insert resin.

[0102] In one embodiment, the conical housing 24 may be provided with at least one vent 27 .

[0103] When the armor joint assembly 20 is installed on the joined cable 100, the conical shell 24 extends along the longitudinal direction X of the cable joint and has a larger outer diameter that basically matches the diameter of the corresponding flange 22 and a smaller inner diameter that directly contacts the corresponding cable 100 so as to tightly prevent water penetration.

[0104] exist Figures 1a to 1e , Figure 2 and Figure 4In the embodiment shown, each sorter 30 comprises at least one annular element 33 for supporting each armor layer of the associated cable 100. Each annular element 33 has a corresponding series of seats 31, for example on a radially outer surface.

[0105] Each annular element 33 is adapted to be positioned on a side of a corresponding flange 22 .

[0106] In the present embodiment, each cable 100 has two armor layers 130, 130', and each sorter 30 includes two annular elements 33, 33', which are positioned on the side of the corresponding flange 22 and overlap each other in the radial direction.

[0107] The first annular element 33, i.e. the radially inner annular element 33, receives the corresponding armor wire 131 of the inner armor layer 130 of the corresponding cable 100 in its series seat 31, while the second annular element 33', i.e. the radially outer annular element 33', receives the corresponding armor wire 131' of the outer armor layer 130' of the corresponding cable 100 in its series seat 31'.

[0108] In one embodiment, for example, Figure 1a to Figure 1d As shown in , the series of seats 31, 31' of the annular elements 33, 33' can be made in the form of a plurality of grooves engraved on the radially outer surface of the annular elements 33, 33'. Each groove can have a width to accommodate a corresponding armor line.

[0109] The seats 31 , 31 ′ in the form of grooves may be substantially parallel to each other and inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the cable 100 at substantially the same angle as the laying angle of the associated armor thread layer.

[0110] In one embodiment, each selector 30 may include a fastening element 35 positioned around the annular element 33, 33' and in contact with the armor wire 131, 131' once the armor wire 131, 131' is deployed in the seat 31, 31'.

[0111] exist Figure 6a to Figure 6g In the alternative embodiment shown, each flange 22 comprises a plurality of first holes 28 (through holes or blind holes) arranged in a circumferential manner, and each sorter 30 comprises a first annular element 34 in the form of a gasket arranged on the side of the associated flange 22. The first annular element 34 comprises a plurality of second holes 37 as through holes, which are arranged circumferentially around the central hole at positions corresponding to the positions of the first holes 28 when the first annular element 34 is arranged on the side of the flange 22.

[0112] exist Figure 6a to Figure 6gIn the embodiment of the present invention, each cable 100 has two armor layers 130, 130', and each sorter 30 further includes a second annular element 34' in the form of a gasket arranged on the side of the first annular ring 34. The second annular element 34' includes a plurality of third holes 40 as through holes, and when the second annular element 34' is arranged on the side of the first annular element 34, the plurality of third holes 40 are arranged in a circumferential manner around the central hole at positions corresponding to the positions of the second holes 37.

[0113] exist Figure 6a to Figure 6g In the embodiment, the flange 22 and the first annular element 34 respectively include two sets of first holes 28, 28' and two sets of second holes 37, 37' to improve mechanical stability. In other embodiments, the second annular element 34' may also include two sets of third holes.

[0114] The following will describe a method for installing the armor joint assembly 20. Such a method is performed after the joint between the electrical conductors has been made and the insulation system and the protective layer of the cable have been restored.

[0115] The method for installing the armor joint assembly 20 includes the initial step of providing two tubes 21 with corresponding flanges 22 and two separators 30 on the cable 100. The flanges 22 may be located at the cable joint or at another suitable point and are spaced apart by a plurality of annular spacers 23 located successively to each other.

[0116] In one embodiment, the thickness of each annular gasket 23 is 2 mm; if there are 10 annular gaskets 23, the initial distance between the flanges 22 is equal to about 20 mm.

[0117] After the above-mentioned initial steps, the method for installing the armor joint assembly 20 includes the steps of positioning the armor lines 131 , 131 ′ of the armor layers 130 , 130 ′ into the corresponding sorters 30 .

[0118] In case of two armor layers 130, 130', the armor threads 131 of the inner armor layer 130 are first contacted via their respective annular elements 33, 34 and then the armor threads 131' of the outer armor layer 130' are contacted via their respective seats 33', 34'.

[0119] In the case where the sorter 30 comprises an annular element 33, 33' supporting the armor wires 131, 131', the seats 31, 31' are in the form of grooves on the radially outer surface of the annular element 33, 33', and the armor wires 131, 131' are positioned one after another in the corresponding grooves.

[0120] In the case where the sorter 30 comprises an annular element 34 , 34 ′ in the form of a gasket, the flange comprises a first hole 28 and the length portion of the armor thread 131 of the inner armor layer 130 is first arranged in a radial pattern against the associated flange 22 without covering the first hole 28 .

[0121] After the armor wires 131 of the inner armor layer 130 are configured, the first annular elements 34 are positioned against the length portions and secured against the flange 22 by the blocking elements 32, each of which passes through a second hole and into or through the first hole 28. In one embodiment, the blocking elements 32 are screws and nuts, the length of the screws being suitable for engaging all of the annular elements of each sorter to the associated flange via one or more nuts. The first annular elements 34 and the flange 22 can then be rotated together so that the armor wires 131 are in substantially the same winding helical direction of the armor layer on the cable.

[0122] The length portions of the armor lines 131' of the outer armor layer 130' are then arranged in a radial pattern against the associated first annular element 34 between the blocking elements that fasten the first annular element 34 to the side of the flange 22. The second annular elements 34' are positioned against these length portions and are fastened against the first annular elements 34 by the blocking elements 32 already present in the second holes 37, each of which now passes through one of the third holes 40 of the second annular elements 34'.

[0123] Also in this case, the second annular element 34', the first annular element 34 and the flange 22 can be rotated together so that the armor wires 131, 131' are in substantially the same winding helical direction of the armor layers 130, 130' on the cable.

[0124] After the armor lines 131, 131' are positioned in the separator 30, the method for installing the armor joint assembly 20 includes enclosing the separators 30 in corresponding conical housings 24 assembled on the cable 100, and connecting each conical housing 24 to the corresponding flange 22 to form two closed housings 25.

[0125] In one embodiment, the flange 22 has a plurality of fourth holes 52 as through holes, which are arranged circumferentially at radially outer positions relative to the plurality of first holes 28, while both conical housings 24 have a plurality of holes arranged circumferentially and intended to be juxtaposed with the fourth holes 52 of the associated flange. Figure 4 As shown, one conical housing 24 has a plurality of fifth through holes 54 , while the other conical housing 24 has a plurality of sixth blind holes 56 .

[0126] At least one fixing element 50 , such as a screw, passes through at least one fifth through hole 54 , then passes through at least one fourth hole 52 , and finally is inserted into at least one sixth blind hole 56 .

[0127] After fixing the conical housing 24 to the flange 22 thereby obtaining the closed housing 25, the method for mounting the armor joint assembly 20 provides for filling the space within the closed housing 25 with a resin, such as an embedding resin.

[0128] For example, suitable intercalation resins are available from Millfield Enterprises Ltd. as and and sold under the trademark Philystran Blue trademark sales.

[0129] The filling of the closed housing 25 is done by inserting the resin in the loading hole 26 and can be monitored through the vent 27 according to known procedures, for example by observing the leakage of resin from the vent 27 .

[0130] Once the resin has cured, the method for mounting the armor joint assembly 20 comprises the steps of removing one or more annular spacers 23 while bringing the two flanges 22 closer to each other by means of at least one fixing element 50, thereby gradually pre-tensioning the armor lines 131, 131' to obtain a predetermined tension for all the armor lines. If the tension is not satisfactory, the fixing element 50 is released, allowing the appropriate number of annular spacers 23 to be removed.

[0131] In one embodiment, once the resin has cured, the coupling elements 29, if present, are removed.

[0132] After removing the plurality of spacers 23, tightening the fixing elements 50 is used to reach a predetermined tightening force value. The predetermined tightening force value of each fixing element 50 is a value that results in a predetermined tension value on all armor lines 131, 131'.

[0133] The predetermined tension value applied to all armor lines is a force value that allows the armor layer to react quickly to the application of tension to avoid any stress transfer to the conductors.

[0134] If a predetermined tightening force value is reached, the coupling element is fixed to the flange 22 and the joining is terminated.

[0135] If the predetermined tightening force value is not reached, the annular gasket is further installed again and the screw is tightened again to try to reach the predetermined tightening force value. This process is repeated until the predetermined tightening force value is reached.

Claims

1. An armor joint assembly (20) for a cable (100), comprising: - two tubes (21) suitable for being mounted on said cable (100), each tube (21) being provided with a respective flange (22); - a plurality of annular gaskets (23) intended to be positioned successively to one another between two of said flanges (22); - two sorters (30), which are respectively positioned on the sides of the two flanges (22), each sorter (30) comprising at least one annular element (33, 33', 34, 34'), and the at least one annular element (33, 33', 34, 34') is suitable for configuring the corresponding armor line (131, 131') of the corresponding cable (100); - Two conical housings (24) each adapted to be positioned around a corresponding cable (100) and coupled to a corresponding flange (22) to form a closed housing (25) enclosing a corresponding sorter (30), said conical housings (24) being provided with a loading hole (26) for inserting resin.

2. The armor engagement assembly (20) according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the two pipes (21) and the corresponding flange (22) are elements operatively connected to each other.

3. The armor joint assembly (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each sorter (30) comprises at least one annular element (33, 33'), each annular element being arranged on the side of the corresponding flange (22), and each annular element having at least one series of seats (31, 31'), and each seat (31, 31') is intended to receive an armor wire (131, 131').

4. The armor engagement assembly (20) according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one series of seats (31, 31') is provided on the radially outer surface of one of the annular elements (33, 33').

5. The armor engagement assembly (20) according to claim 3, wherein: Each sorter (30) comprises two annular elements (33, 33'), which are positioned on the side of the corresponding flange (22) and radially overlap each other, the radially inner annular element (33) being intended to receive the corresponding armor wire (131) of the inner armor layer (130) of the corresponding cable (100) in its series seat (31), and the radially outer annular element (33') being intended to receive the corresponding armor wire (131') of the outer armor layer (130') of the corresponding cable (100) in its series seat (31').

6. The armor engagement assembly (20) according to one or more of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The series of seats (31, 31') of the annular support element (33, 33') is made in the form of a plurality of grooves engraved on the radially outer surface of the annular support element (33, 33'), each groove having a width to accommodate a corresponding wire.

7. The armor engagement assembly (20) according to claim 3, wherein: Each sorter (30) comprises one or more fastening elements (35) intended to be positioned around the armor wire (131, 131') once the armor wire (131, 131') has been deployed in the seat (31, 31').

8. The armor joint assembly (20) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The grooves are parallel to each other and are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the joint at an angle substantially the same as the lay-down angle of the associated armor layer (130, 130').

9. The armor engagement assembly (20) according to claim 1, wherein: Each flange (22) comprises at least one set of a plurality of first holes (28) arranged in a circumferential manner, and each sorter (30) comprises a first annular element (34) in the form of a gasket having a central hole and intended to be arranged on the side of the associated flange (22), the first annular element (34) comprising at least one set of a plurality of second holes (37) arranged in a circumferential manner around the central hole and intended to juxtapose the plurality of second holes (37) with the plurality of first holes (28).

10. The armor engagement assembly (20) according to claim 9, wherein: Each sorter (30) comprises a second annular element (34') in the form of a washer having a central hole and intended to be arranged on the side of the associated first annular element (34), the second annular element (34') comprising at least one set of a plurality of third holes (40) arranged in a circumferential form around the central hole and intended to be juxtaposed with the plurality of second holes (37).

11. The armor engagement assembly (20) according to claim 1, wherein: The conical housing (24) is provided with a ventilation opening (27).

12. The armor engagement assembly (20) of claim 1, wherein: The flange (22) has a plurality of fourth holes (52) arranged circumferentially at radially outer positions relative to the plurality of first holes (28).

13. The armor engagement assembly (20) of claim 12, wherein: One conical housing (24) has a plurality of fifth through holes (54) and the other conical housing (24) has a plurality of sixth blind holes (56), the fifth through holes (54) and the sixth blind holes (56) being arranged in a circumferential manner and intended to be juxtaposed with the fourth holes (52) of the associated flange (22).

14. A joining system (10), comprising: - a first cable (100) and a second cable (100), each of the cables (100) comprising: at least one cable core (110) comprising an electrical conductor (115), an insulation system (150) surrounding the electrical conductor (115); optionally one or more protective layers (120, 125) surrounding the cable core (110), and one or more armor layers (130, 130') surrounding the cable core (110) and the optional one or more protective layers (120, 125), wherein the electrical conductors (115) of the submarine cables (100) are electrically bonded to each other to form a core bond; - An armor engagement assembly (20) according to one or more of the preceding claims, positioned around said cable (100).

15. A method for installing an armor engagement assembly (20) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps of: - providing two pipes (21) with corresponding flanges (22) and two separators (30) respectively positioned on the sides of the two flanges (22), the flanges (22) being spaced apart by a plurality of annular spacers (23) positioned successively to each other so as to define an initial distance between the two flanges; - each thread (131, 131') of the armor layer (130, 130') is operatively associated to said sorter (30); - Enclosing the sorter (30) in two conical housings (24), wherein the conical housings (24) are provided with at least one loading hole (26); - fixing each conical housing (24) to the corresponding flange (22) by means of at least one fixing element (50), which passes through the associated fifth through hole (50), the associated fourth hole (52) and is inserted into the associated sixth blind hole (56) to produce a closed housing (25) formed with a space; - filling the space inside each closed housing (25) with an embedding resin; - Once the embedding resin has cured, the one or more annular gaskets (23) are removed while the two flanges (22) are brought closer to each other by means of the at least one fixing element (50), thereby gradually pre-tensioning the armor threads to obtain a predetermined tension for all the armor threads.

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