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

Abstract

Cable clamping device (1) intended to be attached to a tube (2) of a tubular 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 mount (4) comprising: a main portion (6) having a central segment (7), said central segment comprising a second opening (5') opposite the first opening, a first leg (8) capable of receiving a cable and comprising a first end forming a first stop surface (9), a second leg (10) capable of receiving a cable and comprising a second end forming a second stop surface (11), the clamping device further comprising a pressure means (13) having a third opening (25) opposite the first and second openings, and a rod (12) having an axis of rotation (R) and passing through the first,second and third openings, the pressure means being integral with the rod. [Fig 4],

Description

Title of the invention: Cable clamping device, cable protection system comprising such a device and tube equipped with such a system Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of cable clamping devices. The invention relates in particular to devices for fixing cables to tubes in a tubular column for applications in the production, transport and storage of energy, in particular in fields such as oil, gas, geothermal energy, hydrogen, or carbon capture and storage. In particular, the invention relates to devices for clamping cables in a production column of an oil well.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a cable protection system provided with such a clamping device. Finally, the invention also relates to a tube equipped with such a protection system. Technological background

[0003] A hydrocarbon tubular string generally consists of a plurality of tubes attached together. More specifically, a hydrocarbon tubular string for hydrocarbon wells or similar wells generally comprises a tubing string, also called a "tubing string" in English, and several casing strings, also called "casing strings" in English. The casing strings consist of a plurality of completion tubes, also called "completion tubes" in English, housed inside the casing string. The casing string consists of a plurality of casing tubes, also called "casing tubes" in English, arranged inside a borehole of the well. The casing tubes have a cross-sectional diameter greater than the cross-sectional diameter of the completion tubes and surround said completion tubes.In the lower part of the casing column, the casing tubes are also called liner tubes.

[0004] The hydrocarbon tubular columns can be assembled and installed on land or on offshore platforms, and they can be used to support cables, such as electrical cables, intended to supply submersible equipment, such as pumps, safety valves and other downhole equipment.

[0005] During completion operations, particularly those involving the attachment of electrical cables to tubular columns, operators operate within a risk zone. high, known as the "red zone" in English. This area is in close proximity to the column being assembled and presents particularly risky working conditions, given the immediate presence of heavy and moving equipment such as steel tubes, winches, cranes, live cables and any other type of equipment used for drilling, cementing and placing the tubes. Such conditions require sustained attention throughout the cable fastening operation, as well as appropriate safety measures. However, the human factor and fatigue linked to long working hours can compromise the vigilance of operators, further increasing the level of risk.

[0006] To minimize these inherent risks, it is imperative that operators follow strict protocols and receive adequate training to ensure the safe placement of electrical cables on the tube columns.

[0007] To do this, operators use devices referred to as cable protectors, also called "clamps" or "cable protectors" in English. These devices generally comprise a first part intended to tighten and align the cables, and a second part intended to be securely attached to a tube of the column being assembled, generally on a coupling element which assembles two tubes of the column.

[0008] In this regard, the prior art described in patent EP3951132: a fixing system intended to fix a cable to a tube for a tubular column for applications in the field of oil and gas, energy or storage, said fixing system comprising: • a first ring configured to rest on the tube, • a second ring configured to rest on the tube, • a central body arranged and locked in relative movement along a longitudinal axis between the first ring and the second ring, the fastening system further comprising a cable fastening mechanism having an outer housing for fastening the cable, said outer housing having an opening for receiving through said opening the cable in the outer housing, said opening of the outer housing being disposed on an outer surface of the fastening system, said outer surface facing outwardly with respect to an inner housing of the fastening system, said inner housing being configured to accommodate the tube. Such a system makes it possible to reduce the number of operators and the time required for the installation of the cables in comparison with older systems, and thus to limit the time spent by operators in the risk zone, or "red zone". However, a major drawback of such a system is that it can only accommodate a very limited number of cables. In particular, such a system cannot accommodate and fasten more than one or two cables.However, with the diversification and complexity of wells, the needs... operators have gradually evolved. Thus, there is currently a growing demand from operators to integrate more sensors and various electronic elements intended to collect data within their wells, in particular to monitor their construction and operation. For example, this may be temperature, pressure or hydrogen sulfide concentration data. Within a well, this data circulates via cables that are installed during the completion of the tubular strings. Consequently, operators also need more and more cables to ensure the circulation and feedback of an increasing amount of information from an increasing number of sensors. A device such as that presented in patent EP3951132 does not meet this demand from operators. Summary

[0009] The invention solves the drawbacks and meets the needs mentioned above by proposing a cable clamping and protection system that makes it possible to fix and install a larger number of cables while respecting an installation time that is acceptable for the operators. A first aim of the invention is therefore to simplify the fixing of cables to a column of tubes during assembly. Furthermore, a second aim of the invention is to increase the number of cables that can be housed and fixed in the same clamping device and in the same cable protector.

[0010] Thus, the invention provides a cable clamping device for attachment to a tube of a tubular column for applications in energy production, transportation and storage, the device comprising a base extending in a first plane and comprising a first opening, and a mount comprising: • a main portion having a central segment, said central segment comprising a second opening opposite the first opening, • a first tab capable of receiving a cable and comprising a first end forming a first stop surface, • a second tab capable of receiving a cable and comprising a second end forming a second stop surface, the clamping device further comprising a pressure means having a third opening opposite the first and second openings, and a rod having an axis of rotation R and passing through the first, second and third openings, the pressure means being integral with the rod so that when the rod rotates around its axis R and at least one cable is placed on the first and second legs the pressure means simultaneously performs the same rotation and presses the cable against the first and second stop surfaces so as to bend the cable.

[0011] Herein, "so as to bend the cable" means that the bending of each cable is sufficient so that all cables are sufficiently tight and none can accidentally slip from the device under operating or testing conditions.

[0012] Thanks to these characteristics, it is possible to clamp more than two cables between the pressure means and the first and second stop surfaces. Indeed, the curvature generated by the stresses applied by the pressure means and the stop surfaces makes it possible to keep all the cables clamped between the pressure means and the stop surfaces. In the absence of such curvature, the cables not directly subjected to the thrust of the pressure means or the stop surfaces, i.e. the one or ones located at the center of a set of cables, would be too loosely clamped and would end up slipping out of the device under operating conditions.

[0013] The cable may be an electrical power cable, an electrical communication cable, a control line, a hydraulic cable, a fiber optic 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 positioned such that a projection of a center of any one of said openings onto an axis passing through the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface lies between said abutment surfaces.

[0014] Preferably, a projection of a center of any one of the first, second, third and fourth openings on an axis passing through the first abutment surface and through the second abutment surface is located between said abutment surfaces and equidistant from the abutment surfaces. Such a configuration makes it possible to obtain the most efficient curvature for tightening the cables, in particular when there are more than two cables.

[0015] Due to this arrangement of the openings, the point of application of the thrust force exerted by the pressure means on a cable is offset relative to the support points represented by the stop surfaces. The application of all of these constraints mechanically causes a curvature of all the cables, thus allowing them to be kept clamped between the pressure means and the stop surfaces. In the absence of such a curvature, the cables not directly subjected to the thrust of the pressure means or the stop surfaces, that is to say those located in the center of the set of cables, would be too loosely clamped and would end up slipping out of the device under operating or test conditions.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the clamping device further comprises a retaining means having a fourth opening opposite the first, second and third openings, said retaining means being axially positioned between the central segment and the pressure means, and said retaining means being integral with the pressure means.

[0017] With such a configuration, when the rod rotates about its axis R, the holding means and the pressure means simultaneously perform the same rotation as the rod. Thanks to this characteristic, in addition to being clamped against the stop surfaces by the pressure means, the cables are also retained in the event of accidental loosening of the cables between the pressure means and the first and second stop surfaces. This constitutes a double safety for holding the cables against the column and does not change the fixing operation in any way.

[0018] In the context of the invention, the term "facing" when used to denote the positioning of the first, second, third and fourth openings, means that the mentioned openings are placed directly opposite each other, so that a straight line drawn from the center of one would pass through the center of the other. In other words, the centers of the openings are coaxial and the axis of rotation R of the rod passes through each of the centers.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the mount is fixed to the base by welding the first and second legs.

[0020] According to one embodiment, each of the first, second, third and fourth openings is a through hole of circular section.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the pressure means is a cam.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the retaining means is a tab.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the tongue and / or the rod may be metallic.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the clamping device is entirely metallic. in other words, all the elements that make up the clamping device are metallic.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the rod has an upper part configured to be coupled to a driving tool intended to drive the rod in rotation around its axis of rotation R so as to move the pressure means and / or the retaining means from a first angular position to a second angular position and vice versa.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first angular position allows a cable to be installed on the first and second legs, and the second angular position allows the pressure means to exert a pushing force on the cable so as to clamp the cable against the first and second abutment surfaces, and / or the retaining means to retain the cable so as to keep it installed on the first and second legs.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the first angular position is called the “open position”, and the second angular position is called the “closed position”.

[0028] Thanks to the characteristics presented above, a single operator can place the cables on the legs of the clamping device and, equipped with a simple tool, rotate the pressure means and / or the retaining means in a single movement. The tool in question can be a wrench, or any other tool known to those skilled in the art and suitable for this operation. A simple rotation allowing the cables to be fixed, the number of operators and the time required in the "red zone" to install and fix cables to a tube are not higher than with the most efficient devices of the prior art. Thus, a single operator can fix more cables, for example three cables, without taking more time than with any of the devices of the prior art.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the retaining means has a length such that in the second angular position said retaining means extends above all or part of the cable so that said cable is retained between, on one side the retaining means, and on the other side the first and second legs.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the clamping device comprises an arm extending from the base by a third end and in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane of the base, said arm having a locking means configured to block a rotational movement of the retaining means around the axis of rotation R of the rod. The arm and the base are therefore connected to each other by the third end.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the retaining means has an end proximal to the fourth opening, said end comprising a lug configured to be blocked by the blocking means so as to prevent a return of the retaining means.

[0032] Thanks to these characteristics, the retaining means is maintained in the second angular position and cannot return to the first angular position without the intervention of an operator. This constitutes a third safety feature for maintaining the cables against the column, without changing anything in the cable fixing operation.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the arm is configured to allow an operator to release the lug from the locking means by pushing the arm in a direction that moves the arm away from the mount. It is understood here that the arm has an elasticity making it capable of being curved at least according to an angle of curvature allowing the lug to come out of the locking means, to move the retaining means from the second angular position to the first angular position. It should be noted that according to one embodiment, this elasticity of the arm can also allow the lug to slide under pressure against the arm during a rotational movement of the retaining means around the axis R of the rod, under the action of an operator, to move the retaining means from the first angular position to the second angular position.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the arm has a fourth distal end at the base and projecting from the mount.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the fourth end extends in a third plane, said third plane being orthogonal to both the first plane and the second plane.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the fourth end is pressed against the frame and has a protrusion projecting from the main portion of the frame.

[0037] Such configurations of the fourth end make the arm more accessible to the operator, thus allowing him to push more easily on the arm to bend it, by pushing at the fourth end, in order to release the lug when the operator wishes to move the retaining means from the second angular position to the first angular position.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first tab comprises a first return forming a first housing capable of receiving all or part of at least one cable, and the second tab comprises a second return forming a second housing opposite the first housing (20) and capable of receiving all or part of at least one cable.

[0039] Here, the term "facing" when used to designate the positioning of the first and second housings relative to each other, means that the first and second housings are opposite each other such that when a cable passes through one of the two housings, said cable also passes through the other of the two housings.

[0040] Thus, the returns and the housings fulfill a function similar and complementary to the function of the retaining means, which constitutes a fourth security for the maintenance of the cables.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the retaining means, the first return and the second return each have a length such that in the second angular position the at least one cable is retained between, on one side the retaining means and / or the first and second returns which extend above the cables, and on the other side the first and second legs on which the cables rest.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first leg and the second leg are of the same length.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first return and the second return are of the same length.

[0044] The invention also provides a protection system for protecting and securing a cable to a tube of a tubular column for applications in the production, transport and storage of energy, said system comprising a cable clamping device according to the invention.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the protection system comprises a longitudinal axis A1, a first portion and a second portion each having a substantially cylindrical internal surface and configured to at least partially surround a tube.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first portion and the second portion are assembled to each other by a first assembly means and / or a second assembly means.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the first assembly means and / or the second assembly means is a screw-nut system.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first assembly means or the second assembly means is a hinge.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the hinge is welded to each of the first and second portions.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first portion and / or the second portion comprises at least one longitudinal groove extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A1, the clamping device being fixed in said longitudinal groove. Thus, the clamping device is housed in the longitudinal groove, so as to protect it once in a well. Thanks to this feature, once installed in a well, the clamping device is kept at a distance from any external element present in the well, thus ensuring that the cables remain well fixed in the clamping device inside the longitudinal groove during assembly of the tubular string and in the operating conditions of the well.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first portion and / or the second portion comprises two longitudinal grooves.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the clamping device is fixed by welding.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the first portion comprises a first housing lateral and the second portion comprises a second lateral housing, said first and second lateral housings being opposite each other.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first and second lateral housings are configured to house the second assembly means.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the second assembly means is welded to the first and second portions in the first and second lateral housings.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the protection system is metallic.

[0057] Finally, the invention also provides an assembly for a tubular column intended for applications in the production, transport and storage of energy, said assembly comprising a tube and a protection system according to the invention, the protection system being fixed to the tube. When the protection system is fixed to the tube, the longitudinal axis A1 of the protection system is coincident with a longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the protection system is fixed to the tube by tightening at least one screw-nut system. The at least one screw-nut system then acts like a clamp around the tube, which fixes it to the tube. The screw-nut system thus fulfills two functions: the first is to assemble the two portions of the protection system around the tube, the second is to fix, by tightening, the protection system to the tube.

[0059] Thanks to the above-mentioned features, the protection system comprising the clamping device can be fixed to the tube before the column assembly process. The protection system is then said to be "pre-installed" on the tube. It is therefore no longer necessary to install the protection system during the assembly process. This makes it possible to considerably reduce the assembly time and the number of operators in the "red zone", which has the direct consequence of reducing the level of risk and costs. Brief description of the figures

[0060] The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings.

[0061] It should be understood, however, that the present application is not limited to the precise arrangements, structures, features, embodiments and appearance shown. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims to the embodiment(s) shown in these drawings.

[0062] Therefore, it should be understood that where features mentioned in the claims are followed by references, said references are included solely to improve the understanding of the claims and in no way limit the scope of the latter. 1. [Fig.l] is a three-dimensional diagram of an exploded view of a cable clamping device according to one embodiment of the invention. 2. [Fig. 2] is a three-dimensional diagram of the clamping device of [Fig. 1] in the assembled state in which the pressure means and the retaining means are in the open position and further illustrating a cable. 3. [Fig.3] is a three-dimensional diagram of the clamping device of [Fig.l] in the assembled state without the retaining means in which the pressure means is in the closed position and further illustrating three cables. 4. [Fig.4] is a three-dimensional diagram of a rear view of the clamping device of [Fig.2] illustrating three cables and in which the pressure means and the retaining means are in the closed position. 5. [Fig.5] is a three-dimensional diagram of an exploded view of a system of protection according to one embodiment of the invention. 6. [Fig.6] is a diagram of a cross-sectional view of an assembly according to the invention which comprises the protection system of [Fig.5] in the mounted state. 7. [Fig.7] is a three-dimensional diagram of the whole of [Fig.6]. Description of the embodiments

[0063] It should be noted that in all the figures, the common elements are identified by identical numerical references.

[0064] [Fig.l] is a three-dimensional diagram of an exploded view of a cable clamping device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0065] The cable clamping device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is metallic. The clamping device 1 comprises a base 3, a mount 4, a rod 12, a pressure means 13 and a retaining means 14. It should be noted that the pressure means 13 and the mount 4 are not integral, but that the representation made in [Fig. 1] is such that the pressure means 13 is partially hidden by a part of the mount 4.

[0066] The base 3 extends in a first plane. The base 3 is of substantially rectangular shape and has rounded corners. The base 3 comprises a first opening 5 and an arm 16.

[0067] The first opening 5 is a through hole of circular section.

[0068] The arm 16 extends from the base 3 by a third end 26 in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane of the base 3, to a fourth end 27 distal to the base 3. The fourth end 27 extends in a third plane which is orthogonal to both the first plane of the base 3 and the second plane of the arm 16. In Figures 2, 3 and 4 it can also be seen that when the clamping device 1 is in the mounted state, the fourth end 27 projects from the mount 4. The arm 16 further comprises a locking means 17. The locking means 17 shown in [Fig.l] consists of a notch 29 arranged between a first protrusion 28 and a second protrusion 30 formed on the arm 16. The first and second protrusions 28 and 30 are symmetrical with respect to each other along an axis of symmetry passing through the center of the notch 29 and which is also an axis of symmetry of the notch 29.Thus, the axis of symmetry of the notch 29 is also an axis of symmetry of the locking means 17.

[0069] The mount 4 comprises a main portion 6, a first leg 8 and a second leg 10.

[0070] The main portion 6 is U-shaped and therefore has a central segment 7 which extends along a first axis X and the ends of which are curved and form a first lateral segment 7' and a second lateral segment 7”. Thus, the first lateral segment 7' extends from a first end of the central segment 7, forming a rounded apex with said central segment 7. The first lateral segment 7' extends in a first direction along a second axis Y. The second axis Y is substantially perpendicular to the first axis X. The second lateral segment 7” extends from a second end of the central segment 7, forming a rounded apex rounded with said central segment 7. The second lateral segment 7” extends in the first direction along a third axis Y'. The third axis Y' is substantially perpendicular to the first axis X. Thus, the second axis Y and the third axis Y' are substantially parallel to each other. The central segment 7 has a second opening 5' configured to be opposite the first opening 5 when the clamping device 1 is in the mounted state. The second opening 5' is also a through hole of circular section having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the first opening 5. The second opening 5' has a central position on the central segment 7. Thus, a center of the second opening 5' is also a center of symmetry of the central segment 7.

[0071] The first leg 8 extends from the first lateral segment 7' to a first end. The first end comprises a first stop surface 9 and a first return 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 stop surface 9 and the first return 19 form a first housing 20 of the first leg 8. The first stop surface 9 extends along an axis substantially parallel to the second axis Y and substantially perpendicular to the fourth axis Z. The first return 19 extends along an axis substantially parallel to the fourth axis Z and substantially perpendicular to the second axis Y.

[0072] The second leg 10 extends from the second lateral segment 7” to a second end. The second end comprises a second abutment surface 11 and a second return 21. The second leg 10 extends in the second direction and along a fifth axis Z'. The fifth axis Z' forms a second angle [3 with the third axis Y'. The fifth axis Z' is substantially perpendicular to the third axis Y'. Thus, the fourth axis Z and the fifth axis Z' are substantially parallel to each other and the first angle α and the second angle [3 are substantially equal and have a value of 90°. The second abutment surface 11 and the second return 21 form a second housing 22 of the second leg 10. The second abutment surface 11 extends along an axis substantially parallel to the third axis Y' and substantially perpendicular to the fifth axis Z'.The second return 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 are of equal dimensions, in particular they are of the same length. Consequently, the second opening 5' is equidistant from the first stop surface 9 and the second stop surface 11.

[0073] The first housing 20 and the second housing 22 are intended to receive one or multiple cables for a tubular column. The cable can be an electrical power cable, an electrical communication cable, a control line, a hydraulic cable, a fiber optic cable, a chemical injection cable, or any other type of cable.

[0074] The rod 12 has a generally cylindrical shape with a cross-sectional diameter smaller than the diameter of the first and second openings 5 ​​and 5'. Thus, the rod 12 has an axis of revolution which is also an axis of rotation R of the rod 12. The rod further comprises an upper part 15, which can also be called a head, intended to be coupled with a driving tool to drive the rod 12 around its axis R. The upper part 15 forms a collar capable of abutting against an upper surface of the central segment 7 when the device 1 is in the mounted state. The upper part 15 shown in [Fig.l] is a hexagonal head. An axis perpendicular to the axis R and passing through a center of the second opening 5' is an axis of symmetry of the main portion 6 of the mount 4.

[0075] The pressure means 13 has a third opening 25 configured to be opposite the first opening 5 and the second opening 5' when the clamping device 1 is in the mounted state. The third opening 25 is also a through hole of circular section having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the first and second openings 5 ​​and 5'. The pressure means 13 has a shape configured to cause a linear movement of the cables when the pressure means 13 rotates around the axis R of the rod 12. Thus, the pressure means 13 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is a cam of substantially oval shape, but it could have another shape.

[0076] The retaining means 14 is flat and generally elongated in shape. Here, “flat” means that the retaining means 14 has a surface area and shape that is essentially two-dimensional, i.e., it extends primarily in a single plane, such as a horizontal or vertical plane, and has no significant volume in a third dimension, meaning that it is thin or fine in this third dimension. Thus, in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the retaining means 14 is a tab. The retaining means 14 has a fourth opening 25′ 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 of circular section having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the first, second and third openings 5, 5' and 25.The retaining means 14 comprises an end proximal to the fourth opening 25' and an end distal to the fourth opening 25'. The end proximal to the fourth opening 25' comprises a lug 18. .

[0077] [Fig. 2] is a three-dimensional diagram of the clamping device of [Fig. 1] in the assembled state in which the pressure means 13 and the retaining means 14 are in the open position and further illustrating a cable 50.

[0078] Thus, in the mounted state, the mount 6 is fixed to the base 3 by welding the first tab 8 and the second tab 10 to the base 3. The retaining means 14 is axially positioned between the central segment 7 and the pressure means 13. The retaining means 14 is welded to the pressure means 13. The retaining means 14 and the pressure means 13 are therefore integral. The pressure means 13 is welded to the rod 12 (not visible). The pressure means 13 and the rod 12 are therefore integral. Thus, the rod 12, the retaining means 14 and the pressure means 13 constitute a mechanically integral assembly capable of being driven in rotation about the axis R of the rod. In this way, the retaining means 14 and the pressure means 13 can move from a first angular position, also called the “open position”, to a second angular position, called the “closed position”.

[0079] Furthermore, in the assembled state, the first, second, third and fourth openings 5, 5', 25 and 25' are opposite each other. The rod 12 passes through the first, second, third and fourth openings 5, 5', 25 and 25' and the head 15 of the rod 12 rests against the upper surface of the central segment 7 of the mount 6. The first, second, third and fourth openings 5, 5', 25 and 25' as well as the rod 12 are equidistant from the first abutment surface 9 and the second abutment surface 11. Therefore, a projection of a point lying on the axis R of the rod 12, such as a center of any one of the first, second, third and fourth openings 5, 5', 25 and 25', onto an axis passing through the first abutment surface 9 and the second abutment surface 11 is located between said abutment surfaces 9 and 11 and equidistant from said abutment surfaces 9 and 11.Due to this offset position of the pressure means relative to the stop surfaces, the point of application of the thrust force exerted by the pressure means on a set of cables is also offset relative to the support points represented by the stop surfaces. The application of all of these constraints mechanically causes a curvature of all the cables, thus allowing them to be kept tight between the pressure means and the stop surfaces. In the absence of such a curvature, the cables not directly subjected to the thrust of the pressure means or the stop surfaces, that is to say those located at the center of a set of cables, would be too loosely clamped and would end up slipping out of the device under operating conditions.

[0080] Thus, it is observed in [Fig. 2] that in the open position the retaining means 14 and the pressure means 13 are both in the open position. Consequently, no thrust is exerted by the pressure means 13 on the cable 50 and the retaining means 14 is not in a position to retain the cable 50. Thus, in the open position, the cable 50 is therefore not fixed.

[0081] [Fig. 3] is a three-dimensional diagram of the clamping device 1 of [Fig. 1] in the assembled state without the retaining means 14 in which the pressure means 13 is in the closed position and further illustrating three cables 51a, 51b, and 51c. In [Fig. 3] one can observe the curvature which is generated on the assembly of a first cable 51a, a second cable 51b and a third cable 51c, by the effect of the pressure means 13 on the cable 51a. The pressure exerted on the first cable 51a bends the assembly of cables present in the clamping device 1. In this way, even the second cable 51b located in the center and not subjected to any direct pressure is held in the assembly of cables and thus fixed in the clamping device 1.

[0082] [Fig.4] is a three-dimensional diagram of a rear view of the device of clamp 1 of [Fig.2] illustrating three cables 51a, 51b, and 51c and in which the pressure means and the retaining means are in the closed position.

[0083] It can be seen in [Fig.4] that in the closed position the retaining means 14 extends above a portion of the cables 51a, 51b and 51c and in the direction of the first and second returns 19 and 21. According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.4], the retaining means 14 extends above the first and second cables 51a and 51b and extends partially above the third cable 51c. The first return 19 and the second return 21 are of the same length and extend partially above the third cable 51c in a direction opposite to the retaining means 14. Thus, the cables are positioned and fixed between, on one side the retaining means 14 and the first and second returns 19 and 21 which extend above the cables, and on the other side the first and second legs 8 and 10 on which the cables rest.

[0084] It can also be observed in [Fig.4] that in the closed position, the lug 18 is located in the notch 29 of the locking means 17 formed on the arm 16, which prevents accidental return of the retaining means 14 to the open position.

[0085] [Fig. 5] is a three-dimensional diagram of an exploded view of a protection system 100 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0086] The protection system 100 has a longitudinal axis AL. The protection system 100 comprises a first portion 102 having a first internal surface 108, and a second portion 104 having a second internal surface 108'. The first and second internal surfaces 108 and 108' are substantially cylindrical and each is configured to at least partially surround a tube, such as a tube of a tubular string of a hydrocarbon well. The first portion 102 extends over a first length along an axis parallel to the axis Al and the second portion 104 extends over a second length along an axis parallel to the axis AL.

[0087] The first portion 102 comprises a first longitudinal groove 110 and a second longitudinal groove 112. The first longitudinal groove 110 and the second longitudinal groove 112 each extend along an axis parallel to the axis A1 and over the entire first length of the first portion 102. The first and second longitudinal grooves 110 and 112 are separated by a wall 111 which extends longitudinally along an axis parallel to the axis A1 and over the entire length of the first portion 102. The protection system 100 illustrated in [Fig. 5] further comprises two clamping devices 1. Each of the first and second longitudinal grooves 110 and 112 is configured to house a clamping device 1. Thus, when a cable is installed in the protection system 100, said cable passes through the protection system 100 over its entire length by passing into the longitudinal groove in which it is installed. Thus, the cable is fixed by the clamping device 1 inside a longitudinal groove.This protects the cable from any direct contact with a structural element of the well, in particular during the completion of a tubing string in a well. The first portion 102 comprises a first lateral housing 114 and the second portion 104 comprises a second lateral housing 115. The first and second portions 102 and 104 are configured so that the first and second lateral housings 114 and 115 are opposite each other when the protection system 100 is in the mounted state.

[0088] The protection system 100 further comprises a first assembly means 50 and a second assembly means 60. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5] the first assembly means 50 is a screw-nut system and the second assembly means 60 is a hinge. The first assembly means 50 comprises a screw 58, a washer 56, a cylindrical element 54 and its closing element 52. The hinge shown in [Fig. 5] is composed of a first body 62, a second body 64 and a third body 66, all three connected by a pin 68 which constitutes the pivot of the hinge. The first, second and third bodies 62, 64 and 66 are intended to be fixed to the first and second portions 102 and 104 to be assembled. Any type of hinge may be suitable for producing the protection system 100 of the present invention.The first and second lateral housings 114 and 115 are configured to house the second assembly means 60 when the protection system 100 is in the mounted state.

[0089] [Fig. 6] is a diagram of a cross-sectional view of an assembly 300 according to the invention which comprises the protection system 100 of [Fig. 5] in the assembled state with two clamping devices 1 according to the invention. The protection system 100 is fixed to a tube 2.

[0090] The first clamping device 1 comprises two cables 70 and is welded to the first portion 102 in the first longitudinal groove 110. The second clamping device 1 comprises a cable 71 and is welded to the second portion 104 in the second longitudinal groove 112. The two clamping devices 1 are in position closed.

[0091] The second assembly means 60, which is a hinge, is housed in the first and second lateral housings 114 and 115. The second assembly means 60 is fixed to the protection system 100 by welding the first, second and third bodies 62, 64 and 66 to the first and second portions 102 and 104 in the first and second lateral housings 114 and 115. In this way, the second assembly means 60 assembles the first and second portions 102 and 104. Thanks to the pin 68 which connects the first body 62, the second body 64 and the third body 66, the first and second portions 102 and 104 can rotate around the pin 68. Thus, the protection system 100 can open and close by rotation of the first and second portions 102 and 104 around the pin 68. In this way, the protection system 100 when open can be positioned around a tube 2 and then be closed on this tube 2.Then, the protection system 100 is fixed to the tube 2 by tightening, using the screw-nut system 50. The protection system 100 is therefore fixed to the tube 2 by tightening the first assembly means 50.

[0092] [Fig.7] is a three-dimensional diagram of the assembly 300 of [Fig.6]. The system protection system 100 is fixed to the tube 2. According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the protection system 100 fixes three cables 70 and 71, but it is able to fix more. For example, a protection system 100 according to the invention can fix three cables in each clamping device 1.

[0093] Thus, a single clamping device 1 according to the invention can fix three cables, i.e. more than existing devices. Furthermore, a protection system according to the invention can comprise several clamping devices. For example, by adapting the second portion 104 with additional longitudinal grooves, the protection system 100 can comprise three or four clamping devices 1. The contribution that the present invention constitutes with respect to the prior art is therefore significant, in particular with respect to the number of cables that can be fixed.

Claims

Claims

1. Cable clamping device (1) intended to be attached to a tube (2) of a tubular column for applications in the production, transport and storage of energy, the device (1) comprising a base (3) extending in a first plane and comprising a first opening (5), and a mount (4) comprising: • a main portion (6) having a central segment (7), said central segment (7) comprising a second opening (5') opposite the first opening, • a first tab (8) capable of receiving a cable and comprising a first end forming a first stop surface (9), • a second tab (10) capable of receiving a cable and comprising a second end forming a second stop surface (11), the clamping device (1) further comprising a pressure means (13) having a third opening (25) opposite the first and second openings (5, 5'),and a rod (12) having an axis of rotation (R) and passing through the first, second and third openings (5, 5', 25), the pressure means (13) being integral with the rod (12) so 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 pressure means (13) simultaneously performs the same rotation and presses the cable against the first and second stop surfaces (9, 11) so as to bend the cable.,

2. Clamping device (1) according to claim 1, the device further comprising a retaining means (14) having a fourth opening (25') opposite the first, second and third openings (5, 5', 25), said retaining means (14) being axially positioned between the central segment (7) and the pressure means (13), and said retaining means (14) being integral with the pressure means (13).

3. A clamping device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the rod (12) has an upper portion (15) configured to be coupled to a drive tool for driving the rod (12) in rotation around its axis of rotation (R) so as to move the pressure means (13) and / or the retaining means (14) from a first angular position to a second angular position and vice versa.

4. Clamping device (1) according to claim 3, wherein: • the first angular position allows a cable to be installed on the first and second legs (8, 10), and • the second angular position allows the pressure means (13) to exert a pushing force on the cable so as to clamp the cable against the first and second stop surfaces (9, 11), and / or the retaining means (14) to retain the cable so as to keep it installed on the first and second legs (8, 10).

5. Clamping device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the device further comprising an arm (16) extending from the base (3) by a third end and in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane of the base (3), said arm (16) having a locking means (17) configured to block a rotational movement of the retaining means (14) around the axis of rotation (R) of the rod (12).

6. Clamping device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the retaining means (14) has an end proximal to the fourth opening (25'), said end comprising a lug (18) configured to be blocked by the blocking means (17) so as to prevent a return of the retaining means (14).

7. Clamping device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first tab (8) comprises a first return (19) forming a first housing (20) capable of receiving all or part of at least one cable, and the second tab (10) comprises a second return (21) forming a second housing (22) opposite the first housing (20) and capable of receiving all or part of at least one cable.

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

9. Protection system (100) according to claim 8, the system comprising a longitudinal axis (Al), a first portion (102) and a second portion (104) each having an internal surface (108, 108') substantially cylindrical and configured to at least partially surround the tube (2).

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

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

12. Protection system (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the first portion (102) and / or the second portion (104) comprises at least one longitudinal groove (110, 112) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (Al), the clamping device (1) being fixed in said groove (110, 112).

13. Assembly (300) for a tubular column intended for applications in the production, transport and storage of energy, said assembly comprising a tube (2) and a protection system (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, the protection system (100) being fixed to the tube (2).

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