Cable clamping device, cable protection system comprising such a device, and pipe equipped with such a system

Abstract

A cable clamping device (1) designed to be attached to a pipe (2) of a pipe column for applications in the production, transport and storage of energy, the device comprising a base (3) extending in a first plane and comprising a first opening (5), and a mounting seat (4) comprising a main portion (6) having a central segment (7) comprising a second opening (5') opposite the first opening, a first leg (8) able to house a cable and comprising a first end forming a first abutment surface (9), a second leg (10) able to house a cable and comprising a second end forming a second abutment surface (11), the clamping device further comprising a pressing device (13) having a third opening (25) opposite the first and second openings and a stem (12) having a rotation axis (R) and passing through the first, second and third openings, the pressing device being integral with the stem.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cable clamping equipment. In particular, it relates to equipment for securing cables to pipes in a string for energy production, transportation, and storage, especially in the capture and storage of resources such as oil, natural gas, geothermal energy, hydrogen, and even carbon. Specifically, this invention relates to equipment for clamping cables in a production string of an oil well.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cable protection system equipped with such a clamping device. Finally, the present invention also relates to a pipe equipped with such a protection system. Background Technology

[0003] A tubular hydrocarbon column typically consists of multiple tubes connected together. More specifically, tubular hydrocarbon columns used in oil and gas wells or similar wells generally include a "tubing string" and multiple "casing strings." The tubing string consists of multiple "completion tubes" housed within the casing string. The casing string consists of multiple "casings" arranged within the well borehole. The casings have a larger diameter cross-section than the completion tubes and surround the completion tubes. At the bottom of the casing string, the casing is also referred to as the "liner."

[0004] Tubular hydrocarbon columns can be assembled and installed on land or on so-called “offshore” platforms. They can be used to support cables, such as power cables, and are designed to power submersible equipment such as pumps, safety valves, and other bottom-of-well equipment.

[0005] During well completion operations, particularly those involving securing power cables to the tubing string, operators enter a high-risk area known as the "red zone." This zone, located immediately adjacent to the tubing string during assembly, represents exceptionally dangerous working conditions due to the direct presence of heavy moving equipment such as steel pipes, winches, cranes, live cables, and any other types of equipment used for drilling, cementing, and piping installation. These conditions require continuous monitoring throughout the cable securing operation, in addition to appropriate safety measures. However, human factors and fatigue from prolonged work can impair operator alertness, further increasing the risk level.

[0006] To minimize these inherent risks, operators must adhere to strict procedures and benefit from adequate training to ensure the safe placement of power cables on the poles.

[0007] To achieve this, operators use devices referred to by the terms "clamp" or "cable protector." These devices typically consist of a first part designed to clamp and align the cable and a second part designed to securely fasten to the tubes of the post during assembly, usually at the connecting element of the two tubes of the assembled post.

[0008] In this regard, prior art describes a fastening system in patent EP 3951132, which is designed to fasten cables to a pipe for use in oil and gas, energy, or storage applications. This fastening system includes:

[0009] The first ring is configured as a contact pipe. The second ring is configured as a contact pipe. The central body, arranged along the longitudinal axis between the first and second rings, blocks relative displacement. The fastening system also includes a cable fastening mechanism with an external receptacle for fastening the cable. This external receptacle has an opening through which the cable is received. The opening is located on the outer surface of the fastening system, facing outwards relative to the inner receptacle configured as a receiving tube. Compared to older systems, this system reduces the number of operators and the time required for cable installation, thus limiting the time operators spend in risk areas or "red zones." However, a major drawback of this system is its limited capacity to accommodate only a very limited number of cables. Specifically, it cannot accommodate and fasten more than one or two cables. However, with the increasing diversity and complexity of wells, the requirements for operators are also changing. Therefore, there is a growing demand for integrating more sensors and various electronic devices designed to collect well-hole data, particularly for monitoring construction and operations. This could be, for example, temperature data, pressure data, or data related to hydrogen sulfide concentration. In the well, this data is distributed via cables installed during tubing completion. Therefore, operators need a greater number of cables to ensure the distribution and transmission of the ever-increasing amount of information from numerous sensors. The device disclosed in patent EP 3951132 does not meet this need of operators. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This invention addresses these drawbacks and responds to the aforementioned requirements by providing a system for clamping and protecting cables, thereby enabling the securing and installation of a greater number of cables while adhering to operator-acceptable installation times. Therefore, a first objective of this invention is to simplify the securing of cables to the tubing during assembly. Furthermore, a second objective of this invention is to increase the number of cables that can be accommodated and secured within the same clamping device and the same cable protector.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention provides a cable clamping device designed to attach a pipe to a connecting post for applications in the production, transportation, and storage of energy. The device includes a base extending in a first plane and including a first opening, and a mounting base comprising: The main part has a central section, the central section including a second opening opposite to the first opening. The first leg is capable of receiving the cable and includes a first end forming a first abutting surface. The second leg is capable of receiving the cable and includes a second end forming a second abutment surface (11). The clamping device also includes a pressing device having a third opening opposite to the first and second openings and a rod having a rotation axis R and passing through the first, second and third openings. The pressing device is integral with the rod, such that when the rod rotates about its axis R and at least one cable is placed on the first and second legs, the pressing device simultaneously performs the same rotation and presses the cable against the first and second abutment surfaces, thereby bending the cable.

[0012] "Thus bending the cable" is understood to mean that the curvature of each cable is large enough so that all cables are fully clamped and no cable will accidentally slip off the equipment under operating or testing conditions.

[0013] Because of these features, more than two cables can be clamped between the pressing device and the first and second abutment surfaces. More specifically, the curvature created by the stress applied by the pressing device and the abutment surfaces allows all cables to be clamped between the pressing device and the abutment surfaces. Without this curvature, the cables would not be directly subjected to the thrust of the pressing device or the abutment surfaces; that is, the cables, or those located at the center of the cable assembly, would be clamped too loosely and eventually slip out of the equipment under operating conditions.

[0014] The cable can be a power cable, an electrical communication cable, a control line, a hydraulic cable, an optical fiber cable, a chemical injection cable, or any other type of cable. According to one embodiment, the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening are arranged such that the projection of the center of any one of the openings onto an axis passing through the first and second abutment surfaces lies between the abutment surfaces.

[0015] Preferably, the projection of the center of any one of the first, second, third, and fourth openings onto an axis passing through the first and second abutment surfaces lies between the abutment surfaces and is equidistant from them. This configuration allows for the most efficient curvature to clamp the cables, especially when there are two or more cables.

[0016] With this arrangement of openings, the point of application of the thrust exerted on the cable by the compression device is offset relative to the support point represented by the abutment surface. The application of all these stresses mechanically causes bending in all the cables, allowing them to be clamped between the compression device and the abutment surface. Without this bending, the cable would not be directly subjected to the thrust of the compression device or the abutment surface; the cable located at the center of the cable assembly would be clamped too loosely and eventually slip out of the equipment under operating or testing conditions.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the clamping device further includes a retaining device having a fourth opening opposite to the first, second, and third openings, the retaining device being axially arranged between the central section and the pressing device, and the retaining device being integral with the pressing device.

[0018] With this configuration, as the rod rotates about its axis R, the retaining device and the pressing device simultaneously perform the same rotation as the rod. Due to this feature, in addition to being clamped by the pressing device against the abutment surface, the cable is also retained even if it unintentionally comes loose between the pressing device and the first and second abutment surfaces. This constitutes a double safety for securing the cable to the post without altering the fastening operation in any way.

[0019] In the context of this invention, when the term "relative" is used to refer to the arrangement of the first, second, third, and fourth openings, it means that the openings are placed directly opposite each other such that a straight line drawn from the center of one opening will pass through the other opening. In other words, the centers of the openings are coaxial, and the axis of rotation R of the rod passes through each center.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the mounting base is fixed to the base by welding the first and second legs.

[0021] According to one embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth openings is a through hole with a circular cross-section.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the pressing device is a cam.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the retaining device is a tongue.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the tongue and / or rod may be metal.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the clamping device is entirely metal. In other words, all components constituting the clamping device are metal.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the rod has an upper portion configured to be coupled to a drive tool, which is designed to drive the rod to rotate about its rotation axis R, thereby moving the pressing device and / or holding device from a first angular position to a second angular position, and vice versa.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the first corner position allows cables to be mounted on the first and second legs, and the second corner position allows the pressing device to apply a pushing force to the cables, thereby clamping the cables on the first and second abutment surfaces, and / or allows the retaining device to hold the cables, thereby mounting them on the first and second legs.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first corner position is the so-called "open position" and the second corner position is the so-called "closed position".

[0029] Due to the features disclosed above, a single operator can place the cable on the legs of the clamping device and, with simple tools, rotate the pressing and / or retaining devices with a single gesture. The tools discussed can be an adjustable wrench or any other tool known to those skilled in the art suitable for this operation. The simple rotation required for cable tightening, the number of operators, and the time required to install and tighten the cable onto the conduit in the “red zone” do not exceed that of the most efficient devices in the prior art. Therefore, a single operator can tighten more cables, such as three cables, without requiring significantly more time than any other device in the prior art.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the retaining device has a length such that, at a second corner position, the retaining device extends over all or part of the cable, thereby holding the cable between the retaining devices on one hand and between the first and second legs on the other.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the clamping device includes an arm extending from a base via a third end and extending in a second plane perpendicular to a first plane of the base. The arm has a blocking device configured to block rotational movement of the holding device about a rotation axis R of the rod. Thus, the arm and the base are connected to each other via the third end.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the retaining device has an end near the fourth opening, the end including a lug configured to be blocked by a blocking device to prevent the retaining device from returning.

[0033] Due to these features, the retaining device is held in the second corner position and cannot be returned to the first corner position without operator intervention. This constitutes a third level of safety for securing the cable to the post without altering any operation of the cable fastening mechanism.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the arm is configured to allow an operator to release the lug from the blocking device by pushing the arm in the direction that removes the arm from the mounting base. This is understood to mean that the arm is elastic, allowing it to bend, at least according to the angle of bending that allows the lug to be removed from the blocking device, so as to move the retaining device from a second angle position to a first angle position. Notably, according to one embodiment, during the rotational movement of the retaining device about the axis R of the rod, this elasticity of the arm can also cause the lug to slide against the arm under pressure by the operator's action, so as to move the retaining device from the first angle position to the second angle position.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the arm has a fourth end that is away from the base and protrudes from the mounting base.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the fourth end extends within a third plane, which is perpendicular to both the first and second planes.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the fourth end is placed against the mounting base and has a protrusion protruding from the main part of the mounting base.

[0038] This configuration at the fourth end makes it easier for the operator to access the arm, thereby enabling the operator to more easily push the arm to bend it, and to push in the area at the fourth end to release the lug when the operator wishes to move the retaining device from the second corner position to the first corner position.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the first leg includes a first return portion, which forms a first receiving portion capable of accommodating all or part of at least one cable, and the second leg includes a second return portion, which forms a second receiving portion opposite to the first receiving portion (20), which is capable of accommodating all or part of at least one cable.

[0040] When the term “relative” is used to refer to the arrangement of the first and second receptacles relative to each other, it means that the first and second receptacles are opposite each other, such that when a cable passes through one of the two receptacles, the cable also passes through the other of the two receptacles.

[0041] Therefore, the return section and the receiving section achieve functions similar to and complementary to those of the holding device, which constitutes the fourth level of safety for the holding cable.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the holding device, the first return section, and the second return section each have a length such that at the second corner position, at least one cable is held on one hand between the holding device and the first and second return sections extending above the cable, and on the other hand between the first and first legs against which the cable rests.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first leg and the second leg have the same length.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the first return section and the second return section have the same length.

[0045] The present invention also provides a protection system designed to protect and secure cables to a tube in a column for applications in energy production, transportation and storage, the system including a cable clamping device according to the present invention.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the protection system includes a longitudinal axis A1, a first portion and a second portion, each portion having a generally cylindrical inner surface and configured to at least partially surround the tube.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the first part and the second part are assembled to each other by a first assembly device and / or a second assembly device.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first assembly device and / or the second assembly device is a screw-nut system.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the first assembly device or the second assembly device is a hinge.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the hinge is welded to each of the first and second parts.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first and / or second portion includes at least one longitudinal groove extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A1, in which the clamping device is secured. Thus, the clamping device is housed in the longitudinal groove to protect it after it enters the well. Due to this feature, once installed in the well, the clamping device is kept at a distance from any external components present in the well, thereby ensuring that the cable remains well secured within the clamping device in the longitudinal groove during tubing assembly and well operating conditions.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first portion and / or the second portion includes two longitudinal grooves.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the clamping device is fastened by welding.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first portion includes a first lateral receiving portion, and the second portion includes a second lateral receiving portion, the first and second lateral receiving portions being opposite to each other.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first and second transverse receiving portions are configured to receive the second assembly device.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the second assembly device is welded to the first and second portions in the first and second transverse receiving portions.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the protection system is metallic.

[0058] Finally, the present invention also provides an assembly for a tubular column, designed for applications in the production, transport, and storage of energy, the assembly comprising a tube and a protection system according to the invention, the protection system being fastened to the tube. When the protection system is fastened to the tube, the longitudinal axis A1 of the protection system is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0059] According to one embodiment, a protection system is fastened to a pipe by clamping at least one screw-nut system. Thus, the at least one screw-nut system functions as a clamping ring around the pipe, thereby fastening it to the pipe. Therefore, the screw-nut system achieves two functions: first, assembling the two parts of the protection system around the pipe; and second, fastening the protection system to the pipe by clamping.

[0060] Due to the aforementioned features, the protective system, including the clamping device, can be fastened to the tube before the assembly process. Therefore, the protective system is essentially "pre-installed" on the tube. Consequently, it is no longer necessary to install the protective system during assembly. This allows for a significant reduction in assembly time and the number of operators in the "red zone," directly reducing risk and cost. Attached Figure Description

[0061] In the course of the following description of several specific embodiments of the invention, the invention will be more clearly understood, and its further objects, details, features and advantages will become more apparent, which are provided in an illustrative and non-limiting manner only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] However, it should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, and appearances indicated. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are not designed to limit the scope of the claims to the embodiments shown in these drawings.

[0063] Therefore, it should be understood that when a feature mentioned in a claim is followed by a reference sign, the inclusion of the reference sign is only for improving the understanding of the claim and does not limit its scope in any way.

[0064] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an exploded view of a cable clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the clamping device in the installed state, with the pressing and holding devices in the open position, and the cable also shown.

[0066] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the clamping device in the installed state, showing no retaining device, the pressing device in the closed position, and three cables.

[0067] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the rear view of the clamping device, showing three cables with the pressing and holding devices in the closed position.

[0068] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an exploded view of a protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a component according to the present invention, the component including a component in an installed state. Figure 5 The protection system.

[0070] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A 3D schematic diagram of the components. Detailed Implementation

[0071] It should be noted that common elements are indicated by the same reference numerals in all the accompanying drawings.

[0072] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an exploded view of a cable clamping device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 1 The cable clamping device 1 shown is made of metal. The clamping device 1 includes a base 3, a mounting base 4, a rod 12, a pressing device 13, and a retaining device 14. It should be noted that the pressing device 13 and the mounting base 4 are not integral, but... Figure 1 The view shown shows the pressing device 13 partially hidden by a portion of the mounting base 4.

[0074] The base 3 extends within a first plane. The base 3 is substantially rectangular in shape and has rounded corners. The base 3 includes a first opening 5 and an arm 16.

[0075] The first opening 5 is a through hole with a circular cross-section.

[0076] Arm 16 extends from base 3 via a third end 26 to a second plane perpendicular to the first plane of base 3, reaching a fourth end 27 at the distal end of base 3. The fourth end 27 extends within the third plane, which is perpendicular to both the first plane of base 3 and the second plane of arm 16. Figure 2 , 3 As can also be seen in Figures 4 and 5, when the clamping device 1 is in the installed state, the fourth end 27 extends from the mounting base 4. The arm 16 also includes a blocking device 17. Figure 1The blocking device 17 shown consists of a groove 29 formed on the arm 16 between a first protrusion 28 and a second protrusion 30. The first protrusion 28 and the second protrusion 30 are symmetrical about each other along an axis of symmetry passing through the center of the groove 29, which is also the axis of symmetry of the groove 29. Therefore, the axis of symmetry of the groove 29 is also the axis of symmetry of the blocking device 17.

[0077] Mounting base 4 includes main part 6, first leg 8, and second leg 10.

[0078] The main part 6 is U-shaped, and therefore has a central segment 7 extending along the first axis X, the ends of which are bent to form a first transverse segment 7' and a second transverse segment 7". Thus, the first transverse segment 7' extends from the first end of the central segment 7, forming a rounded top with the central segment 7. The first transverse segment 7' extends along the second axis Y in a first direction. The second axis Y is substantially perpendicular to the first axis X. The second transverse segment 7" extends from the second end of the central segment 7, forming a rounded top with the central segment 7. The second transverse segment 7" extends along the third axis Y' in a first direction. The third axis Y' is substantially perpendicular to the first axis X. Therefore, the second axis Y and the third axis Y' are substantially parallel to each other. The central segment 7 has a second opening 5', which is configured opposite to the first opening 5 when the clamping device 1 is in the installed state. The second opening 5' is also a through hole with a circular cross-section, the diameter of which is substantially equal to the diameter of the first opening 5. The second opening 5' has a central position on the central segment 7. Therefore, the center of the second opening 5' is also the center of symmetry of the central segment 7.

[0079] A first leg 8 extends from a first transverse segment 7' to a first end. The first end includes a first abutting surface 9 and a first return portion 19. The first leg 8 extends in a second direction and along a fourth axis Z. The fourth axis Z forms a first angle α with the second axis Y. The fourth axis Z is substantially perpendicular to the second axis Y. The first abutting surface 9 and the first return portion 19 form a first receiving portion 20 of the first leg. The first abutting surface 9 extends along an axis substantially parallel to the second axis Y and substantially perpendicular to the fourth axis Z. The first return portion 19 extends along an axis substantially parallel to the fourth axis Z and substantially perpendicular to the second axis Y.

[0080] The second leg 10 extends from the second transverse segment 7" to the second end. The second end includes a second abutting surface 11 and a second return portion 21. The second leg 10 extends in a second direction and along the fifth axis Z'. The fifth axis Z' forms a second angle β with the third axis Y'. The fifth axis Z' is substantially perpendicular to the third axis Y'. Therefore, the fourth axis Z and the fifth axis Z' are substantially parallel to each other, and the first angle α and the second angle β are substantially equal, having a value of 90º. The second abutting surface 11 and the second return portion 21 form a second receiving portion 22 of the second leg 10. The second abutting surface 11 extends along an axis substantially parallel to the third axis Y' and substantially perpendicular to the fifth axis Z'. The second return portion 21 extends along an axis substantially parallel to the fifth axis Z' and substantially perpendicular to the third axis Y'. The fourth axis Z and the fifth axis Z' are substantially parallel to each other. The first leg 8 and the second leg 10 have equal dimensions, in particular, they have the same length. Therefore, the second opening 5' is equidistant from the first abutting surface 9 and the second abutting surface 11.

[0081] The first receiving section 20 and the second receiving section 22 are designed to accommodate one or more cables for the tubing column. The cables may be power cables, electrical communication cables, control lines, hydraulic cables, fiber optic cables, chemical injection cables, or any other type of cable.

[0082] The rod 12 has a generally cylindrical shape, with a diameter section smaller than the diameter of the first opening 5 and the second opening 5'. Therefore, the rod 12 has a pivot, which is also the axis of rotation R of the rod 12. The rod also includes an upper portion 15, which may also be referred to as a head, designed to be connected to a drive tool to drive the rod 12 about its axis R. The upper portion 15 forms a flange that abuts against the upper surface of the central section 7 when the device 1 is in the mounted state. Figure 1 The upper part 15 shown is a hexagonal head. The axis perpendicular to axis R and passing through the center of the second opening 5' is the axis of symmetry of the main part 6 of the mounting base 4.

[0083] The pressing device 13 has a third opening 25, which is configured opposite to the first opening 5 and the second opening 5' when the clamping device 1 is in the installed state. The third opening 25 is also a through hole with a circular cross-section, the diameter of which is substantially equal to the diameter of the first opening 5 and the second opening 5'. The pressing device 13 has a shape that, when rotated about the axis R of the rod 12, causes linear movement of the cable. Therefore, Figures 1 to 4 The pressing device 13 shown is a roughly elliptical cam, but it can also have any other shape.

[0084] The retaining device 14 is flat and has a generally elongated shape. "Flat" is understood to mean that the retaining device 14 has a substantially two-dimensional surface and shape, i.e., it extends primarily within a single plane, such as a horizontal or vertical plane, and it has no significant volume in the third dimension, meaning it is thin or narrow in the third dimension. Therefore, in Figure 1 , 2 In the example shown in Figure 4, the retaining device 14 is a tongue. The retaining device 14 has a fourth opening 25', which is configured to face the first opening 5, the second opening 5', and the third opening 25 when the clamping device 1 is in the mounted state. The fourth opening 25' is also a through-hole with a circular cross-section, the diameter of which is substantially equal to the diameters of the first opening 5, the second opening 5', and the third opening 25. The retaining device 14 includes an end near the fourth opening 25' and an end away from the fourth opening 25'. The end near the fourth opening 25' includes a lug 18.

[0085] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the clamping device in the installed state, wherein the pressing device 13 and the holding device 14 are in the open position, and the cable 50 is also shown.

[0086] Therefore, in the installed state, the mounting base 6 is secured to the base 3 by welding the first leg 8 and the second leg 10 to the base 3. The retaining device 14 is axially arranged between the central section 7 and the pressing device 13. The retaining device 14 is welded to the pressing device 13. Therefore, the retaining device 14 and the pressing device 13 are integral. The pressing device 13 is welded to the rod 12 (not visible). Therefore, the pressing device 13 and the rod 12 are integral. Therefore, the rod 12, the retaining device 14, and the pressing device 13 constitute a mechanically integrated assembly capable of rotational drive about the axis R of the rod. In this way, the retaining device 14 and the pressing device 13 can be moved from a first angular position (also called the "open position") to a second angular position (also called the "closed position").

[0087] Furthermore, in the installed state, the first opening 5, the second opening 5', the third opening 25, and the fourth opening 25' are opposite each other. The rod 12 passes through the first opening 5, the second opening 5', the third opening 25, and the fourth opening 25', with its head 15 abutting against the upper surface of the center section 7 of the mounting base 6. The first opening 5, the second opening 5', the third opening 25, and the fourth opening 25', as well as the rod 12, are equidistant from the first abutment surface 9 and the second abutment surface 11. Therefore, the projection from a point located on the axis R of the rod 12 (such as the center of any one of the first opening 5, the second opening 5', the third opening 25, and the fourth opening 25' on the axis passing through the first abutment surface 9 and the second abutment surface 11) lies between and is equidistant from the abutment surface 9 and the abutment surface 11. Due to this offset position of the pressing device relative to the abutment surface, the point of application of the thrust applied by the pressing device to the cable assembly is also offset relative to the support point represented by the abutment surface. The application of all stresses mechanically causes all cables to bend, thus enabling them to be clamped between the pressing device and the abutment surface. Without this bending, the cables would not be directly subjected to the thrust of the pressing device or the abutment surface; those cables located at the center of the cable assembly would be clamped too loosely and eventually slip out of the equipment under operating conditions.

[0088] Therefore, in Figure 2 As can be seen, in the open position, both the retaining device 14 and the pressing device 13 are in the open position. Therefore, the pressing device 13 does not apply a pushing force to the cable 50, and the retaining device 14 is not in the position of retaining the cable 50. Therefore, in the open position, the cable 50 is not secured.

[0089] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the clamping device 1 in its installed state without the retaining device 14, wherein the pressing device 13 is in the closed position, and three cables 51a, 51b and 51c are also shown. Figure 3 As can be seen, bending occurs in the assembly of the first cable 51a, the second cable 51b, and the third cable 51c due to the effect of the pressing device 13 on the cable 51a. The pressure applied to the first cable 51a causes the cable assembly present in the clamping device 1 to bend. In this way, even the second cable 51b, which is located in the center and is not subjected to any direct pressure, is held in the cable assembly and thus secured in the clamping device 1.

[0090] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the rear view of the clamping device 1 shows three cables 51a, 51b and 51c, with the pressing device and the holding device in the closed position.

[0091] like Figure 4 As shown, in the closed position, the retaining device 14 extends over a portion of cables 51a, 51b, and 51c and extends along the direction of the first return portion 19 and the second return portion 21. According to Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining device 14 extends above the first cable 51a and the second cable 51b, and partially extends above the third cable 51c. The first return portion 19 and the second return portion 21 have the same length and extend partially above the third cable 51c in a direction opposite to the retaining device 14. Therefore, the cable is arranged and secured between the retaining device 14 and the first return portion 19 and the second return portion 21 extending above the cable, and also arranged and secured between the first leg 8 and the second leg 10 against which the cable rests.

[0092] from Figure 4 It can also be seen that, in the closed position, the lug 18 is located in the groove 29 of the blocking device 17 formed on the arm 16, which prevents the retaining device 14 from accidentally returning to the open position.

[0093] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an exploded view of a protection system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] The protection system 100 has a longitudinal axis A1. The protection system 100 includes a first portion 102 having a first inner surface 108 and a second portion 104 having a second inner surface 108'. The first inner surface 108 and the second inner surface 108' are substantially cylindrical, and each inner surface is configured to at least partially surround a tube, such as the tubing of an oil and gas well. The first portion 102 extends along an axis parallel to axis A1 for a first length, and the second portion 104 extends along an axis parallel to axis A1 for a second length.

[0095] The first portion 102 includes a first longitudinal groove 110 and a second longitudinal groove 112. Each of the first longitudinal groove 110 and the second longitudinal groove 112 extends along an axis parallel to axis A1 and extends over the entire first length of the first portion 102. The first longitudinal groove 110 and the second longitudinal groove 112 are separated by a wall 111 that extends longitudinally along an axis parallel to axis A1 and extends over the entire length of the first portion 102. Figure 5The illustrated protection system 100 also includes two clamping devices 1. Each of the first longitudinal slot 110 and the second longitudinal slot 112 is configured to receive a clamping device 1. Thus, when a cable is installed in the protection system 100, the cable passes through the protection system 100 along its entire length and enters the longitudinal slot where it is installed. The cable is thus secured within the longitudinal slot by the clamping device 1. This protects the cable from any direct contact with the structural elements of the well, particularly during well completion using the tubing string. The first portion 102 includes a first lateral receiving portion 114, and the second portion 104 includes a second lateral receiving portion 115. The first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are configured such that when the protection system 100 is in the installed state, the first lateral receiving portion 114 and the second lateral receiving portion 115 are opposite each other.

[0096] The protection system 100 also includes a first assembly device 50 and a second assembly device 60. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first assembly device 50 is a screw-nut system, and the second assembly device 60 is a hinge. The first assembly device 50 includes a screw 58, a washer 56, a threaded shaft 54, and a retaining ring 52, also known as a resilient retaining ring. Figure 5 The hinge shown consists of a first body 62, a second body 64, and a third body 66, which are connected by a pin 68, which forms the hinge's pivot pin. The first body 62, second body 64, and third body 66 are designed to be fastened to the first part 102 and the second part 104 to be assembled. Any type of hinge can be used to implement the protection system 100 of the present invention. The first lateral receiving portion 114 and the second lateral receiving portion 115 are configured to receive the second assembly device 60 when the protection system 100 is in the installed state.

[0097] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of component 300 according to the present invention, the component including components in an installed state. Figure 5 The protection system 100 has two clamping devices 1 according to the present invention. The protection system 100 is fastened to the tube 2.

[0098] The first clamping device 1 includes two cables 70, which are welded to a first portion 102 in a first longitudinal groove 110. The second clamping device 1 includes a cable 71, which is welded to a second portion 104 in a second longitudinal groove 112. Both clamping devices 1 are in a closed position.

[0099] The second assembly device 60, acting as a hinge, is housed in the first lateral receiving portion 114 and the second lateral receiving portion 115. The second assembly device 60 is secured to the protection system 100 by welding the first body 62, the second body 64, and the third body 66 to the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 in the first lateral receiving portion 114 and the second lateral receiving portion 115. In this way, the second assembly device 60 assembles the first portion 102 and the second portion 104. The first portion 102 and the second portion 104 can rotate about the pin 68 connecting the first body 62, the second body 64, and the third body 66. Therefore, by rotating the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 about the pin 68, the protection system 100 can be opened and closed. In this way, the protection system 100 can be positioned around the tube 2 when open and then closed onto the tube 2. Then, the protection system 100 is secured to the tube 2 by clamping due to the screw-nut system 50. Therefore, by clamping the first assembly device 50, the protection system 100 is secured to the tube 2.

[0100] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of component 300. The protection system 100 is fastened to pipe 2. According to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the protection system 100 secures three cables 70 and 71, but it can also secure other cables. For example, the protection system 100 according to the invention can secure three cables in each clamping device 1.

[0101] Therefore, a single clamping device 1 according to the invention can clamp three cables, more than existing devices. Furthermore, the protection system according to the invention can include multiple clamping devices. For example, by adapting the second portion 104 to additional longitudinal slots, the protection system 100 can include three or four clamping devices 1. Therefore, the advantages of the invention over the prior art are significant, particularly regarding the number of cables that can be clamped.

Claims

1. A cable clamping device (1) designed to be attached to a tube (2) of a column for applications in the production, transport and storage of energy, said device (1) comprising a base (3) extending in a first plane and including a first opening (5), and a mounting base (4) comprising: The main part (6) has a central segment (7) which includes a second opening (5') opposite to the first opening. The first leg (8) is capable of receiving the cable and includes a first end forming a first abutting surface (9). The second leg (10) is capable of receiving the cable and includes a second end forming a second abutment surface (11). The clamping device (1) further includes a pressing device (13) having a third opening (25) opposite to the first and second openings (5, 5') and a rod (12) having a rotation axis (R) and passing through the first, second, and third openings (5, 5', 25). The pressing device (13) is integral with the rod (12) such that when the rod (12) rotates about its axis (R) and at least one cable is placed on the first and second legs (8, 10), the pressing device (13) simultaneously performs the same rotation and presses the cable against the first and second abutment surfaces (9, 11), thereby bending the cable.

2. The clamping device (1) according to claim 1, the device further comprising a retaining device (14) having a fourth opening (25') opposite to the first, second and third openings (5, 5', 25), the retaining device (4) being axially arranged between the central section (7) and the pressing device (13), and the retaining device (14) being integral with the pressing device (13).

3. The clamping device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rod (12) has an upper portion (15) configured to be coupled to a drive tool designed to drive the rod (12) to rotate about its axis of rotation (R), thereby moving the pressing device (13) and / or the holding device (14) from a first angular position to a second angular position, and vice versa.

4. The clamping device (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The first corner position allows cables to be mounted on the first and second legs (8, 10), and The second angular position allows the pressing device (13) to apply a thrust to the cable, thereby clamping the cable on the first and second abutment surfaces (9, 11), and / or allows the retaining device (14) to hold the cable, thereby maintaining it mounted on the first and second legs (8, 10).

5. The clamping device (1) according to claim 2, the device further comprising an arm (16) extending from the base (3) via a third end and extending in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane of the base (3), the arm (16) having a blocking device (17) configured to block the rotational movement of the retaining device (14) about the rotation axis (R) of the rod (12).

6. The clamping device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the retaining device (14) has an end near the fourth opening (25') and the end includes a lug (18) configured to be blocked by the blocking device (17) to prevent the retaining device (14) from returning.

7. The clamping device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first leg (8) includes a first return portion (19) forming a first receiving portion (20) capable of accommodating all or part of at least one cable, and the second leg (10) includes a second return portion (21) forming a second receiving portion (22) opposite to the first receiving portion (20), the second receiving portion (22) capable of accommodating all or part of at least one cable.

8. A protection system (100) designed to protect and secure cables to a tube (2) of a column for use in energy production, transport and storage applications, said system comprising a cable clamping device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The protection system (100) according to claim 8, the system comprising a longitudinal axis (A1), a first portion (102) and a second portion (104), each portion having a generally cylindrical inner surface (108, 108') and configured to at least partially surround the tube (2).

10. The protection system (100) according to claim 9, wherein the first part (102) and the second part (104) are assembled to each other by a first assembly device (50) and / or a second assembly device (60).

11. The protection system (100) according to claim 10, wherein the first assembly device (50) and / or the second assembly device (60) is a screw-nut system.

12. The protection system (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first portion (102) and / or the second portion (104) includes at least one longitudinal groove (110, 112) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1), and the clamping device (1) is secured in the groove (110, 112).

13. An assembly (300) for a tubular column, designed for use in the production, transport and storage of energy, the assembly comprising a tube (2) and a protection system (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, the protection system (100) being fastened to the tube (2).

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