Systems and methods for handling control lines in well operations

Abstract

A control line handling apparatus (100) comprising: a base (101), a guide head (102) arranged on and movable in relation to the base (101) by an actuator arm (106), the movable guide head (102) compri

Description

In well operations, for example operations to prepare a petroleum well for operation or operating a petroleum well, there may be a need to position tools or equipment downhole, where such tools or equipment may require a supply of power or control io signals from a surface location. For example, a downhole pump may be arranged to assist the production of petroleum products, with the pump being powered electrically from surface. One known way of providing such power or control signals is to fix a control line to an outside of a pipe string, for example a so-called tubing string, and run the pipe string with the control line into the well. The tool or is equipment, such as an electrical submersible pump (ESP), may in such a case be positioned at a lower end of the pipe string. An example of the general principles associated with such an operation is shown in US Patent 6,920,931 B1. Other documents which may be useful for understanding the field of technology include US 2008 / 00308281 A1 and WO 2014 / 133566 A1. 20 There is a continuous need for improved safety and efficiency for such well operations, in order to reduce cost, improve operational uptime and reduce risk of injuries or damage to personnel or equipment. The present disclosure has the objective to provide such improvements, or at least to provide an alternative to known solutions. 25 SUMMARY According to the invention, there is provided a control line handling apparatus comprising a base, a guide head arranged on and movable in relation to the base by an actuator arm, the movable guide head comprising at least one guide slot for 24 guiding a control line, a clamp support head arranged on and movable in relation to the base by a clamp head arm, the clamp support head comprising a clamp holder operable to hold a clamp, the guide head and clamp support head each being movable between a first, retracted position, spaced from a pipe string extending 5 vertically into a well, and a second, advanced position, adjacent the pipe string, and a guide tower comprising at least one line guide member arranged at an upper part thereof, the guide tower being integral with the base. The clamp support head comprises an actuator operable to move the clamp support head vertically in relation to the clamp head arm. io The detailed description and claims below outline further aspects and embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other characteristics will become clear from the following description of illustrative, non-restrictive examples, with reference to the attached drawings, in is which: Figs 1-2 are perspective views of a control line handling apparatus. Figs 3-5 illustrate various details of the apparatus shown in Figs 1-2. Figs 6-11 illustrate details of a control line handling apparatus similar to the example shown in Figs 1-2. 20 Figs 12-15 illustrate an example of a control line handling apparatus comprising a clamp head arm having a clamp support head. Figs 16-25 illustrate an example of a control line handling apparatus and an operational sequence thereof. Figs 26 and 27 illustrate a clamp suitable for use with the apparatus. 25 Fig. 28 illustrates details of a clamp head according to an example. Fig. 29 illustrates a clamp head and guide head in one operational situation of the apparatus. 24 Fig. 30 illustrates a pivotable connection between a clamp head arm and a base according to an example. Figs 31-34 illustrate a clamp according to an example. Figs 35-39 illustrate various clamps according to other examples. 5 Figs 40-41 illustrate an example of a control line handling apparatus having a clamp unlock actuator. Figs 42-43 illustrate an example of a control line handling apparatus having a pipe string vertical position sensor. 10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description may use terms such as “horizontal”, “vertical”, “lateral”, “back and forth”, “up and down”, "upper”, “lower”, “inner”, “outer”, “forward”, “rear”, etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the drawings and that are associated with a normal use of the invention. The terms are is used for the reader’s convenience only and shall not be limiting. Figures 1 and 2 show a control line handling apparatus 100 according to an example. The control line handling apparatus 100 can be used to assist the handling of control lines 103 for fixing the control lines 103 to a pipe string 105, such as a tubing string, for lowering into a well through an opening on a drill floor. The control 20 lines 103 may typically be provided from reels or the like (not shown). Although the control lines 103 are illustrated and described in the plural herein, it should be understood that in any example there may be only a single control line 103, if the operational requirements are such that only a single control line 103 is needed. Figures 3-5 illustrate further detail of the apparatus 100 shown in Figs 1 and 2. The 25 apparatus 100 comprises a base 101 (see Figs 1 and 2). An actuator arm 106 is operable to move a guide head 102 in relation to the base 101 between at least a first, retracted position and a second, advanced position. In the first, retracted position, the guide head 102 is spaced from the pipe string 105. This is illustrated in Fig. 1. In the second, advanced position, the guide head 102 is positioned adjacent 24 the pipe string 105, as shown in Figs 2 and 4. The guide head 102 may advantageously be positioned in contact with the pipe string 105 in the second, advanced position. Illustrated in Fig. 3, the movable guide head 102 comprises at least one guide slot 5 104 for guiding a control line 103. Advantageously, the guide head 102 comprises several guide slots or one guide slot capable of handling several control lines 103. The guide slots may be arranged partly or fully on rollers or the like in the guide head 102, such as to allow unhindered longitudinal movement of the control lines 103 while the control lines 103 are held in the guide slot(s) 104. io Fig. 5 illustrate the actuator arm 106 and guide head 102 in further detail. The actuator arm 106 may be telescopically extendable, for example having first and second telescopic parts 107a,b to permit extension and retraction of the arm 106. The arm 106 may, additionally or alternatively, be rotatably fixed to the base 101 via a pivotable connector 108 fixing the arm 106 to the base 101. (See also, for is example, the description in relation to Fig. 12 below.) Advantageously, the pivotable connector 108 can be made vertically movable in relation to the base 101. In this manner, the vertical position of the arm 106 can be adjusted. Such vertical movement can, for example, be realized by means of a linear actuator, such as a threaded rod arrangement. 20 Advantageously, the pivotable connector 108 can be arranged vertically higher than the guide head 102. Particularly, the pivotable connector 108 can be arranged to be vertically higher than the guide head 102 in both the guide head’s first, retracted position and its second, advanced position. In this manner, the arm 106 operates with an angle in relation to the drill floor, i.e. not parallel with the drill floor, in both 25 the guide head’s first, retracted position and its second, advanced position. Alternatively, the arm 106 can be arranged to be horizontal in at least the guide head’s second, advanced position or, optionally, in both the guide head’s first, retracted position and in its second, advanced position, as illustrated e.g. in Fig. 22 and described in further detail below. 30 As can be seen particularly in Figs 3 and 5, the guide head 102 may comprise a receptacle 109 configured for receiving the pipe string 105. The receptacle 109 can advantageously be a U-shaped or V-shaped recess for receiving the pipe string 105 24 therein. In this manner, the positioning of the guide head 102 in relation to the pipe string 105 can be improved and simplified, as can be seen in e.g. Fig. 4. The control line handling apparatus 100 in this example further comprises a guide tower 120 having at least one line guide member 121 arranged at an upper part 5 thereof. The guide tower 120 and at least one guide member 121 are arranged to guide the control lines 103 between a storage position (such as a control line reel) and the guide head 102 / pipe string 105. The guide tower 120 and associated components are described further in relation to Figs 6-11, which show a similar example of a control line handling apparatus 100 as that shown in Figs 1-5. io As shown in Fig. 6A, the guide tower 120 extends vertically upwardly from the base 101. The guide tower 120 may for this purpose be integral with the base 101, e.g. be in the form of an elongate structure flanged or welded onto the base 101. Advantageously, the guide tower 120 is extendible in a vertical direction, for example wherein the guide tower 120 is telescopically extendible in the vertical is direction. This provides advantages in that the operational height of the guide tower 120 can be adjusted according to any prevailing requirements, for example in view of the distance between the base 101 and the pipe string 105, the available vertical space at the site, and / or in view of the type of control lines 103 used and the desirable angles for the control lines extending towards the guide head 102 and pipe 20 string 105. The at least one guide member 121 can thus be arranged vertically higher than the guide head 102. Also illustrated in Fig. 6A, the base 101 may comprise wheels 156 or the like for movement of the base 101. The wheels 156 may, for example, be retractable such as to lower the base 101 onto the underlying deck during operation. Providing the 25 base 101 with wheels 156 or equivalent movement means, such as belts or skids, can allow the base 101 and the entire control line handling apparatus 100 to be move between different well slots on an installation or to be moved between installations. Alternatively, the control line handling apparatus 100 may be lifted, for example by a crane, for this purpose. 30 The arm 106 may be fixed to the guide tower 120, as illustrated in e.g. Fig. 6A. Alternatively, the arm 106 can be fixed to the base 101 separate from the guide tower 120. 24 The guide tower 120 or the base 101 can advantageously comprise a platform 122 on which the at least one line guide member 121 is arranged. Alternatively, or additionally, the platform 122 can provide access for an operator 125, such as a technician, to access the at least one line guide member 121. (See Fig. 10.) The 5 platform 122 can be arranged on a vertically movable part of the guide tower 120, as illustrated in Figs 6A and 9, and / or on the base 101 or fixed relative to the base 101, as illustrated in Figs 6A and 10. Figs 6B and 6C illustrate in a simplified manner a design in which the arm 106 is arranged substantially horizontally while operating, and where the guide head 102 is io movable only horizontally between retracted and advanced positions. (As also discussed in further detail below, e.g. in relation to Figs 16-24.) This may provide advantages of simplified control. The arm 106 may, for example, have a parking position which is substantially vertical, along the guide tower 120 (see e.g. Fig. 9 and the corresponding discussion below). The arm 106 may then be extended to a is horizontal operating position, as shown in Figs 6B and 6C, in which the guide head 102 is horizontally movable between advanced and retracted positions. Illustrated in detail in e.g. Figs 7-9, but applicable to any example described herein, the guide member(s) 121 may comprise at least one sheave 129. The sheave(s) can have a curved portion for guiding the control line 103 along a plurality of rollers 20 arranged at and along the curved portion, i.e. be a roller sheave (a so-called ‘banana sheave’ or ‘banana block’), as illustrated most clearly in Fig. 7. Alternatively, the sheave(s) 129 may have only a single, larger sheave wheel over which the guide member(s) 121 run. Advantageously, the at least one guide member 121 can comprise a brake 124 25 operable to engage the control line 103 or the sheave(s) 129 and provide a tensioning force onto the control line 103. The brake 124 may, for example, be a friction brake arranged on the sheave, which engages the control line 103 directly to provide a friction force and thereby controlling the tension in the control line 103 going out of the sheave and towards the guide head 102. Alternatively, or 30 additionally, the brake 124 may be a brake or motorized drive (such as an electric motor) which operates on the sheave(s) or rollers, i.e. to control the rotational 24 resistance and thereby create a tension force on the control line(s) 103 running over the sheave(s). Allowing control of the tension in the control line(s) 103 can ensure that the control line(s) 103 maintain the correct position during the operations, for example to avoid 5 slack in the control line(s) 103, while at the same time ensuring that the control line(s) 103 are not subjected to excessive loads, such as tensile loads. The brake 124 may, in any of the examples or embodiments described herein, be a variable brake, i.e. a brake which is controllable and allows manual or automatic regulation of the braking force. The guide member(s) 121 can also be equipped with io a load sensor, such as a force sensor, to measure the tension force applied on the control line(s) 103 at any given time. Such measurement may, for example, be done by measuring a downward force in a guide member connector 123a,b (described below). A feedback control loop can be used to regulate the brake to ensure a setpoint representing a desired tension value is maintained. Alternatively, the brake is force can be passively controlled by design of the brake itself, for example by applying a friction brake which applies a given braking force up to a maximum value but allows the control line(s) 103 to run through the guide member(s) 121 if the maximum value is surpassed. In this manner, a substantially constant tension can be held in the control line(s) 103. 20 As illustrated in Fig. 8, the guide member(s) 121 may in this manner maintain a tension on the control line(s) 103 on the control line part(s) 103b which run out of the guide member(s) 121 and towards the guide head 102 and the pipe string 105. Tension in the “reel side” part 103a of the control line(s) 103 is in this respect less critical, and slack may be allowed (or even be desirable) on the control line(s) 103 in 25 the part 103a running into the guide member(s) 121. Advantageously, if also having the guide member(s) 121 height-adjustable, such as making the guide tower 120 telescopic or otherwise vertically extendible, control of both (i) the angles of the control line(s) 103 towards the guide head 102 and / or the pipe string 105, and (ii) the tension in the control line(s) 103 can be obtained. This 30 provides benefits of enhanced operational control, to ensure smooth operations and avoid excessive loads, such as too high tensile and / or bending loads, on the control line(s) 103. 24 Illustrated in Figs 7 and 9, the guide member(s) 121 can be connected to the guide tower 120 via a guide member connector 123a,b which provides a pivotable connection about a vertical axis. This can provide advantages if, for example, the control line(s) 103 enter the guide member(s) 121 from different angles, for example 5 if control line reels are positioned at different locations behind the control line handling apparatus 100. In this manner, angular deflections on the control line(s) 103 can be minimized, thereby reducing loads, wear and the risk of damage to the control line(s) 103 or associated components. Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of parts of the apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 6A and io Fig. 11 shows a top view of the apparatus 100 arranged adjacent a deck 150. Shown in e.g. Fig. 9 and 10, the actuator arm 106 may further comprise a parking position in which the actuator arm 106 is positioned vertically or substantially vertically. In the parking position, the actuator arm 106 can, for example, be arranged vertically and positioned along and adjacent the base 101 or the guide is tower 120. In this manner, the apparatus 100 can be made compact, for example in a transport or movement configuration. In the parking position of the actuator arm 106, the guide head 102 can be positioned in a third position which is spaced from the guide head’s first and second positions. This can further contribute to a compact arrangement in a non-operative position of the apparatus 100, such as a transport 20 position. Now referring to Figs 12-15, the apparatus 100 may further comprise a clamp head arm 131 having a clamp support head 130. Although the clamp head arm 131, clamp support head 130 and associated components are described in relation to Figs 12-15, these are applicable with all examples or embodiments described 25 herein. The clamp head arm 131 is movable between a first, retracted position in which the clamp support head 130 is spaced from the pipe string 105 and a second, advanced position in which the clamp support head 130 is positioned adjacent the pipe string 105 (not shown in Figs 12-15, but see e.g. Fig. 22 and the associated description 30 below). 24 The clamp support head 130 in this example comprises a clamp holder 134, where the clamp holder 134 is arranged for holding a clamp 155 (not shown in Figs 12-15 but illustrated in Figs 26 and 27) and carrying the clamp 155 for engagement with the pipe string 105 in the second position. The clamp support head 130 may further 5 comprise a clamp actuator 140 arranged for providing a closing force on the clamp in the second position to close the clamp on the pipe string 105. The function of the clamp holder 134 and clamp actuator 140 will be described in further detail below. The clamp actuator arm 131 is movable independently of the actuator arm 106 over at least part of the distance between the first and second positions. The clamp io actuator 131 may be independently movable over the full distance between the first and second positions, i.e. movable fully independently from the actuator arm 106. Alternatively, the clamp head arm 131 is operable to move independently of the actuator arm 106 over a part of the distance between the first and second positions, and configured to move in unison with the guide head 102 over another part of the is distance between the first and second positions. For this purpose, the clamp actuator arm 131 and the actuator arm 106 can be equipped with controllers, for example electronic and / or hydraulic controls, in order to control the position and movement of each arm in relation to each other. Alternatively, or additionally, the apparatus 100 may comprise a connector 132 20 having a first connector part 132a arranged on the clamp support head 130 and a second connector part 132b arranged on the guide head 102. The first and second parts 132a,b are selectively connectable such as to mechanically connect the clamp support head 130 to the guide head 102. In this manner, the clamp support head 130 can be mechanically locked to the guide head 102, whereby movement in 25 unison of the two components can be secured, and the relative position between the two is also ensured. This can provide advantages in the positioning of the clamp support head 130 and guide head 102 in relation to the pipe string 105. Figs 12 and 13 illustrate a first part of the movement of the clamp actuator arm 131 towards the advanced position. In this first part of the movement, the clamp actuator 30 arm 131 is moved independently of the actuator arm 106 and the guide head 102. Shown in Fig. 14, between the first and second positions, the first and second connector parts 132a,b are brought into engagement such as to mechanically lock 24 the guide head 102 and the clamp support head 130 together. The guide head 102 and the clamp support head 130 can thereafter be moved in unison towards the pipe string 105 and towards the advanced position. The connector 132 can for example be a pin-and-slot arrangement as illustrated, 5 wherein a pin arranged on one part is received and locked in a slot arranged on the other part. Various other mechanical connector principles would, however, be equally suitable for this purpose. When connected, movement of the guide head 102 and the clamp support head 130 can be effected by an actuator on the actuator arm 106, by an actuator operating on io the clamp actuator arm 131, or by both such actuators in unison. These actuators may, for example, be hydraulic cylinders. Advantageously, one of the actuators may be put in an idle state or a low-powered, constant tension state when connected, so that only one actuator is operative and the other simply follows the motion. The clamp head arm 131 in the examples shown here comprises a pantograph or is scissor mechanism for horizontal movement of the clamp head arm 131 between the first and second positions. Such mechanism can be advantageous for producing linear motion, as the mechanism can be made very compact in the retracted position. Alternatively, another mechanism such as a pivotable and / or telescopic arm similar to that illustrated in relation to actuator arm 106 may be used for the 20 clamp head arm 131. Another alternative can include a linearly movable arm mechanism supported on tracks on the deck 150. The clamp head arm 131 can be arranged to be movable partly or fully in a horizontal direction. In the examples shown, the clamp head arm 131 is movable only in a horizontal direction, between the first and second positions. This obviates 25 the need for an actuator and motion mechanism to move the clamp head arm 131 vertically. The clamp support head 130 may be movable vertically in relation to the clamp head arm 131. This can, for example, be done by means of an actuator 133 (see Fig. 14) operable to move the clamp support head 130 vertically in relation to the clamp 30 head arm 131. The actuator can, for example, be a hydraulic cylinder, a threaded rod arrangement, or any other suitable actuator. Preferably, the actuator can be a 24 linear actuator moving the clamp support head 130 vertically. The clamp support head 130 may be arranged on the clamp head arm 131 on rails, rods, or the like, along which the clamp support head 130 can move, illustrated in Figs 14 and 15 with rails 139. Such vertical movement can be beneficial for allowing the clamp 5 support head 130 to be correctly positioned in relation to the pipe string 105, for example in relation to a tool joint on the pipe string 105, as also described further below. Some further aspects and an operational sequence of a control line handling apparatus 100 will now be described with reference to Figs 16-25. The sequence io shown in Figs 16-25 is shown without the control line(s) 103, however it will be understood that control line(s) 103 are foreseen similarly as e.g. in Figs 1-2 above. Shown in Fig. 16, the base 101 is positioning on a deck 150 adjacent a well opening 151. The control line handling apparatus 100 can be made modular and movable for this purpose, such that the base 101 is removably positioned on the deck 150. For is this purpose, the base 101 may comprise a frame 152 or enclosure 153 (see Fig. 6A) into which the clamp head arm 131, actuator arm 106 and / or the guide tower 120 is at least partly retractable. As will be shown in Figs. 17ff, in this example the apparatus 100 comprises all these components, however optionally the apparatus 100 may comprise only some of these, such as only a guide tower 120 and an 20 actuator arm 106 (cf. also Figs 1,2 and 6A). In the retracted state, where these components are retracted into the frame 152 or enclosure 153, a transport configuration of the control line handling apparatus 100 is obtained such as to allow simplified movement of the apparatus 100 between positions (e.g., different wells) at an installation, or movement between installations or sites. 25 Shown in Fig. 17, the base 101 is positioned adjacent a well opening 151 on a deck 150. A guide tower 120 can be extended upwardly, having guide members 121 (e.g., sheaves) arranged thereon, similarly as described above. Further, an actuator arm 106 can be extended from a parking position to an extended, operative position. Control line(s) 103 (not shown here) may at this stage be arranged on the guide 30 members 121 and guide head 102. The operative position of the actuator arm 106 may, as shown in Fig. 18, be substantially horizontal or horizontal. In this horizontal or substantially horizontal 24 position, the actuator arm 106 may move the guide head 102 between its advanced and retracted positions. Advantageously, this can require only a telescoping motion of the actuator arm 106 for this purpose. Alternatively, the actuator arm 106 may be arranged with an angle to the horizontal when in the operative position, such as for 5 example the examples in Figs 1,2 and 6A. Shown in Figs 19 and 20, a clamp head arm 131 with a clamp head 130 can be extended from the base 101. The clamp head arm 131 with a clamp head 130 are generally similar to those described above in relation to Figs 12-15. The clamp head 130 preferably carries a clamp 155 (see Figs 26 and 27) when extended from the io base 101, however optionally a clamp 155 may be positioned in the clamp head 130 prior to the clamp head 130 engaging the pipe string 105, for example by a human operator on the deck 150. In Figs 20 and 21, a different alternative for the connector 132 is however shown, wherein an extendible and retractable pin is used for engaging and releasing the is coupling between the guide head 102 and the clamp head 130. (See the encircled parts of Figs 20 and 21.) With the guide head 102 and the clamp head 130 mechanically connected (Fig. 21), these can be advanced farther towards the pipe string 105 in unison. Positioning of the guide head 102 and the clamp head 130 in relation to the pipe string 105 may be 20 assisted by means of a receptacle 109 or equivalent on the guide head 102 or the clamp head 130 (see e.g. Fig. 5 above). In the advanced position (Fig. 22), the pipe string 105 is arranged in the clamp head 130. The vertical position of the clamp head 130 can, optionally, be vertically adjusted at this stage, as described above. (See Figs 14 and 15 and the associated 25 description.) Particularly, the clamp head 130 may be vertically adjusted such as to position the clamp 155 correctly in relation to a tool joint 105a or equivalent on the pipe string 105 (see also Figs 20 and 21). A tool joint 105a is typically a connection between two sections of pipe and forms a protrusion on the outer surface of the pipe string 105. It may be desirable to position the clamp 155 such as to span the tool 30 joint 105a, i.e. to clamp the control line(s) 103 at positions immediately above and below the tool joint 105a. For this purpose, a vertical adjustment of the clamp head 130 can be beneficial, to reduce the requirements for an accurate positioning of the 24 pipe string 105 in relation to the apparatus 100 when the pipe string 105 is hung off in the well opening 151. Fig. 22 illustrates the clamp head 130 prior to such a vertical adjustment, while Fig. 23 illustrates the clamp head 130 after vertical adjustment to position the clamp head 130 adjacent the tool joint 105a. (Highlighted 5 in the encircled part of Fig. 23.) When in the correct position, the clamp actuator 140 may be activated to close the clamp 155 on the pipe string 105 and thereby fix the control line(s) 103, which are positioned inside the clamp 155 and between the clamp 155 and the pipe string 105, to the pipe string 105. This stage is illustrated in Fig. 24. Fig. 25 illustrates further io details of the clamp head 130 in this closing operation, where the clamp actuator 140 is operated to push the clamp 155 closed. The clamp 155 can be seen arranged about the pipe string 105 in the clamp head 130 in Fig. 25. (See also Figs 26 and 27.) The clamp actuator 140 may for this purpose, for example, have a hinged member which is driven by a linear actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder, and is is operable to exert a force onto the clamp 155. Figs 26 and 27 illustrate a clamp 155 suitable for use with the apparatus 100. The clamp 155 comprises a first part 155a, which may be held fixed by the clamp head 130 when moving the clamp head 130 towards the pipe string 105 and when bringing the clamp head 130 into engagement with the pipe string 105. The first part 20 155a may, for example, be held magnetically or via a gripper by the clamp head 130. The clamp 155 further comprises at least one second part 155b which is movable relative to the first part 155a, for example hinged on the first part 155a. In this example, the clamp 155 comprises two second parts 155b. For closing the clamp 155 on the pipe string 105, the clamp actuator 140 is provided with an 25 engagement surface which pushes the second part(s) 155b closed, as illustrated in Fig. 27. The clamp 155 may have a lock mechanism to hold the clamp 155 closed after activation of the clamp actuator 140, for example in the form of a click-on connector or a ratchet lock mechanism. Other suitable locking mechanisms for the clamp 155 may be a one-way friction-based lock, a spring-based lock. The clamp 30 155 may, alternatively, have a manual connector, such as a bolt or screw connector, and wherein the clamp head 130 comprises appropriate tools to engage the connector and fix / make up the connection. 24 Fig. 28 illustrates the clamp head 130 with the clamp actuator 140, driven by a linear actuator 140a. An inward-facing surface of the clamp actuator 140 engages the second part(s) 155b in order to close the clamp 155. The clamp 155 may be held in the clamp holder 134 by the clamp holder 134 5 engaging the first part 155a, for example by a gripper or magnetically. As illustrated in Figs 26 and 27, the first part 155a may be connected to the second part(s) 155b via a hinge on the clamp 155. When the clamp 155 is held in the clamp holder 134, the second part(s) 155b can be supported against the clamp actuator 140 when in the “clamp open” position or state (as shown in Fig. 26), and the clamp actuator 140 io can be operable to, via a movable closing member 140b (see Fig. 28), move the at least second part 155b to bring the clamp 155 to a closed position or state (i.e. the one illustrated in Fig. 27). Advantageously, the second part(s) 155b can be made pivotable relative to the first part 155a about a vertical axis, via the hinged connection. In this manner, the is movable closing member can push the clamp 155 closed by a horizontal force applied on the second part(s) 155b. The closing member 140b can be arranged pivotable about a vertical axis for this purpose, as illustrated in Fig. 28, and thereby move pivotably along with the second part(s) 155b during the closing motion. The clamp 155 may have a spring (or another type of biasing member) urging the 20 first part 155a and the at least one second part(s) 155b towards the clamp open position. Such as spring may, for example, be arranged in the hinge between the parts, as indicated in Fig. 26. In this manner, the second part(s) 155b may be held against the closing member 140b prior to activation, e.g. in order that the clamp support head 130 can reliably move the clamp 155 in the correct position in relation 25 to the pipe string 105 with the clamp 155 in the open position or state (Fig. 26). The closing member 140b may then be activated to close the clamp 155 on the pipe string 105, pushing the second part(s) 155b closed against the spring force, and lock the clamp 155 closed as described above. Referring now back to Fig. 16, the base 101 may further comprise a clamp 30 magazine 154. The clamp support head 130 can be configured for receiving a clamp 155 from the clamp magazine 154 when in the first, retracted position. The first, retracted position of the clamp support head 130 may for this purposes be inside the 24 frame 152 or enclosure 153, such that the clamp support head 130 is retracted to a position within the frame 152 or enclosure 153 to receive a new clamp 155 during successive clamp installation operations along the pipe string 105 as the pipe string 105 is lowered into the well opening 151. In this manner, placing a new clamp 155 5 onto the clamp head 130 can be done in a controlled manner in a secure location. This may reduce the need for personnel in high-risk areas, such as on the deck 150 around the well opening 151. The positioning of a new clamp 155 onto the clamp head 130 can be done manually, for example by a human operator, or automatically, for example by a robotic arm. A robotic arm for this purpose is illustrated in Fig. 18, io where the apparatus 100 comprises a clamp transport arm 111 operable to pick up a clamp 155 from the magazine 154 and position the clamp 155 onto or adjacent the clamp support head 130. This may be done while the clamp support head 130 is in a retracted position, such as that illustrated in Fig. 18 or Fig. 19. The clamp transport arm 111 can, as illustrated, be operable to reach into the magazine 111 from above 15 to pick up a clamp 155, and then move the clamp 155 to the clamp support head 130. The clamp transport arm 111 may, for example, be arranged on rails or with a hydraulic positioning arrangement for this purpose, such that the clamp transport arm 111 is movable between individual slots of the magazine 154 and an advanced position in which the clamp 155 can be delivered to the clamp support head 130. 20 This configuration further reduces health and safety risks, in that the need for human personnel in operating areas is reduced. The clamp magazine 154 may, optionally, be arranged such as to be replaceable, i.e. wherein a new clamp magazine 154 can be provided during operation with additional clamps 155. Advantageously, in any of the examples or embodiments described herein, the 25 clamp head arm 131 can be fixed to the guide tower 120. This is illustrated in Fig. 30. Alternatively, the clamp head arm 131 can be fixed to another part of the base 101. Also illustrated in Fig. 30 is that the clamp head arm 131 can be pivotably fixed to the guide tower 120. (Optionally, the clamp head arm 131 can be pivotably fixed to 30 another part of the base 101.) In this manner, the clamp head arm 131 can be made pivotable about a vertical axis when the clamp support head 130 is in the first, retracted position. This pivotable motion may be provided for while the clamp head arm 131 and the clamp head 130 are inside the frame 152 or enclosure 153. This 24 allows the clamp head arm 131 to be moved (e.g., swung sideways) between a clamp pick-up position and an active position in which the clamp head arm 131 can be moved towards the second, advanced position. This arrangement can be advantageous to allow a new clamp 155 to be positioned on the clamp head 130 in 5 a safe and reliable manner, in that the clamp head 130 can, for example, be swung sideways to a side or back area of the base 101, where a human operator or a robotic arm (e.g., a clamp transport arm 111 as described above) can be positioned for providing a new clamp 155 to the clamp head 130. Fig. 29 illustrates an example of the guide head 102 and clamp head 130 when in io engagement with the pipe string 105, and with control line(s) 103 held in position against the pipe string 105. According to some examples or embodiments described herein, improved operational efficiency and reliability can be achieved when carrying out operations on control lines, while ensuring that the control lines are correctly positioned and is installed on the pipe string. The apparatus may further be designed comply with health and safety requirements, for example if it is desirable to reduce the presence of human operators in critical areas. Illustrated in Figs 31-34, in an aspect there is provided a clamp 155 for holding a control line 103 (or several control lines) on a pipe string 105. The pipe string 105 20 may, as in the examples described above, for example be a production tubing for positioning in a petroleum well. The clamp 155 comprises a first part 155a and at least one second part 155b. In the example shown, the clamp 155 has two vertically spaced second parts 155b. The second parts 155b in this example are connected to the first part 155a via a 25 hinge 157. The hinge 157 provides a pivot functionality such that the at least one second part 155b is pivotable relative to the first part 155a about a vertical axis. A lock 158 is operable to lock the first part 155a to the second part 155b. The lock has first lock parts 158a arranged on the first part 155a of the clamp 155 and second lock parts 158b arranged at each second part 155b. Fig. 31 illustrates the clamp 155 30 in the open position, and Fig. 32 illustrates the closed position of the clamp. Figs 33 and 34 illustrate top views of the open and closed position of the clamp 155, respectively. When closing the clamp 155, as illustrated in Fig. 32, the lock parts 24 158a-b come into engagement and lock the second part(s) 155b to the first part 155a. Advantageously, the hinge 157 is arranged at a first side 161a of the clamp 155 and the lock 158 is arranged on a second, radially opposite side 161b of the clamp 155. 5 In the example shown, the two vertically spaced second parts 155b are independently pivotable relative to the first part 155a about the same vertical axis. The clamp 155 may further comprise a biasing member, for example a spring 159, urging the first part 155a and the at least one second part 155b towards a clamp open position (i.e., the position shown in Figs 31 and 33). io Each of the first and second parts 155a-b may be formed such as to make up substantially a half-circle in the horizontal plane, such that the first and second parts 155a-b in conjunction fully enclose the pipe string 105 when the clamp 155 is in the closed position. The lock 158 may be one-way lock, i.e. a lock which engages and locks when the is first and second lock parts 158a-b are brought into contact. This may be in the form of a click-on or snap-on connector as illustrated in Figs 31-34. Suitable locks include a ratchet-type lock, a spring-loaded latch, friction-based one-way locking system, an over-centre type lock, a buckle, or another type of one-way lock. Alternatively to having a hinge between the first part 155a and the second part(s) 20 155b, the second part(s) 155b can be connectable to the first part 155a via one or more one-way lock(s). For example, the second part(s) 155b can be connectable to the first part 155a via two one-way locks arranged on radially opposite sides 161a-b (see Fig. 34) of the clamp 155. In this manner, the second part(s) 155b can be separate from the first part 155a. A one-way lock can be provided in place of the 25 hinge 159 in such an example. The one-way locks may in such an example be similar to the lock 158 described above. The clamp 155 may further comprise an elastic member 160 configured for engagement with the pipe string 105. In the illustrated example, the elastic member 160 is a compressible member arranged at an inwardly facing part of the clamp 155. 30 The elastic member 160 can in this manner be arranged to provide a pre-tensioning 24 force between the clamp 155 and the pipe string 105, such as to give a tighter connection between and reduce the risk of the clamp 155 or the control line(s) 103 moving in relation to the pipe string 105. Additionally, the elastic member 160 can assist in holding the lock 158 in the closed position by setting up a force urging the 5 first and second lock parts 158a-b into tight engagement after a clamp locking force (e.g. from a clamp actuator 140 as described above) has been released. The elastic member(s) 160 can be arranged on the second part(s) 155b, as illustrated in Figs 31-34. One elastic member 160 can be provided on each second part 155b, or only one second part 155b may be provided with the elastic member io 160. In this example, the elastic member(s) 160 will not be in engagement with the pipe string 105 in the clamp open position (Figs 31 and 33). When closing the clamp 155, the elastic member(s) 160 will be pressed towards the pipe string 105 and compressed. As the lock(s) 158 engage(s), the compression force will exert a pretensioning force between the clamp 155 and the pipe string 105, assisting in holding is the clamp 155 and control line(s) 103 correctly in place in relation to the pipe string 105. Alternatively, the elastic member 160 can be arranged on the first part 155a, or elastic members 160 can be arranged both on the first part 155a and on the second part(s) 155b. 20 The elasticity of the elastic member(s) 160 is thus higher than that of the first and second parts 155a-b, which are typically made of a rigid material, such as a metal. The elastic member(s) 160 can, for example comprise or be made entirely of an elastomer. Advantageously, the elastic member(s) 160 may comprise or be made of rubber. 25 The elastic member(s) 160 can be arranged integrally with and fixed to the second part(s) 155b, as illustrated in Fig 31, 33 and 34. In this manner, the elastic member 160 can be fixed to the clamp 155 while handling the clamp 155, for example if handling the clamp 155 with a machine according to one of the examples or embodiments described above, or while handling the clamp 155 manually. The 30 elastic member(s) 160 can, similarly, be arranged integrally with the first part(s) 155a, if applicable. 24 Optionally, the clamp 155 may comprise an anti-slip insert 162 (see Figs 31 and 32). The anti-slip insert 162 can be releasably fixed in the first part 155a or the second part 155b, for example by means of a screw or bolt and a bracket or similar. The anti-slip insert 162 can be used to provide increased friction between the clamp 155 5 and the pipe string 105. For this purpose, the anti-slip insert 162 can be arranged with a surface having higher friction than the rest of the clamp 155. The anti-slip insert 162 may, for example, be similar to dies used in oilfield drilling equipment such as pipe slips, power tongs, or similar machinery handling pipes. Figs 35-39 illustrate other examples of a clamp 155. The clamp 155 is shown io arranged on a pipe string 105, across a tool joint 105a of the pipe string 105. The second parts 155b are arranged to engage the pipe string 105 on longitudinally opposite sides of a tool joint 105a on the pipe string 105. Figs 35-38 further illustrate a plurality of control lines 103 held in place by the clamp 155. Figs 35-39 illustrate various alternative locks 158 of the snap-on, click-on and is friction (Fig. 38) types. Fig. 39 illustrates details of the friction lock illustrated in Fig. 38, wherein the second part 155b is engaged by a wedge pin fixed in a one-way friction lock mechanism arranged on the first part 155a. In Fig. 35, the elastic member 160 is arranged as a sheet insert between the second parts 155b and the pipe string 105. In Fig. 36, the elastic member 160 is arrange as 20 an integral part of the second parts 155b, i.e. the elastic member 160 is provided by making a section of the second parts 155b elastic. The section can, for example, be made more elastic than the rest of the second parts 155b by providing this section made up of a different material, and / or by making this section out of thinner and more flexible material while the rest of the second parts 155b are made more rigid. 25 This can, for example, be done by forming the second parts 155b out of a sheet metal having a section bent to a serrated profile, as illustrated in Fig. 36. In Fig. 37, the elastic members 160 are made up of disc springs integrated in the second part 155b. As can be seen, in Fig. 37, the clamp 155 comprises a single second part 155b. 30 The clamp 155 according to the examples illustrated in Figs 31-39 can be arranged for use with a control line handling apparatus 100 according to other examples or 24 embodiments described herein, for use with other types of automatic machines for handling such clamps, or for use manually by personnel on e.g. the drill floor. In one example, illustrated in Fig. 40, the clamp holder 134 of the control line apparatus 100 may comprise a clamp unlock actuator operable to engage a lock 5 part 158a,b on a clamp 155 such as to open the clamp 155 while the clamp is in the clamp holder 134. The clamp unlock actuator may, for example, be an actuated push member 135, such as a pin or “finger” as illustrated in Fig. 40, which is operable to engage the lock part(s) 158a,b on the clamp 155. The push member 135 is in this example illustrated with a linear actuator 136 for activation. In this io manner, the clamp 155 can be provided to the clamp holder 134 in a closed configuration (for example automatically or semi-automatically from the magazine 154, as described above) and the clamp unlock actuator be operated to open the clamp prior to engagement with the pipe string 105. Alternatively, or additionally, the clamp unlock actuator can be operated to release the clamp 155 from the pipe string is 105 if / when the pipe string 105 is being pulled out of the well or the clamp 155 for other reasons needs to be removed from the pipe string 105. Fig. 40 illustrates the clamp 155 positioned in the clamp holder 134 prior to engagement by the clamp unlock actuator, while Fig. 41 illustrates the clamp 155 having been opened by the clamp unlock actuator. 20 Fig. 42 illustrates a further example, wherein the control line handling apparatus 100 comprises a sensor 137 operable to identify a vertical position of a tool joint 105a. The sensor 137 may, for example, be an optical sensor operable to identify a width difference between the tool joint 105a and the rest of the pipe string 105, and thereby be able to determine whether the clamp holder 134 is at a correct vertical 25 position relative to the pipe string 105. The sensor 137 is advantageously arranged on the clamp holder 134 and directly adjacent the pipe string 105 when the clamp holder 134 is moved towards the pipe string 105, but may optionally be placed at a different location in the apparatus 100. Having identified the vertical position of the tool joint 105a via the sensor 137, an operator or an automatic controller may, for 30 example, determine that the clamp 155 can be moved towards and into engagement with the pipe string 105. Alternatively, the sensor 137 can provide information to adjust the height of the clamp holder 134, either automatically or manually, before bringing the clamp 155 into engagement with the pipe string 105. Such height (vertical) adjustment can, for example, be done via an actuator 133, described above in relation to Fig. 14. Fig. 43 illustrates the clamp 155 having been brought into engagement with the pipe string 105 and ready for closing via closing members 140b. 5 The invention is not limited by the examples or embodiments described above; reference should be had to the appended claims. 24

Claims

1. A control line handling apparatus (100) comprising: a base (101),a guide head (102) arranged on and movable in relation to the base5 (101) by an actuator arm (106), the movable guide head (102) comprising atleast one guide slot (104) for guiding a control line (103),a clamp support head (130) arranged on and movable in relation to the base (101) by a clamp head arm (131), the clamp support head (130) comprising a clamp holder (134) operable to hold a clamp (155),io the guide head (102) and clamp support head (130) each beingmovable between a first, retracted position, spaced from a pipe string (105) extending vertically into a well, and a second, advanced position, adjacent the pipe string (105), anda guide tower (120) comprising at least one line guide member (121)is arranged at an upper part thereof, the guide tower (120) being integral withthe base (101),wherein the clamp support head (130) comprises an actuator (133) operable to move the clamp support head (130) vertically in relation to the clamp head arm (131).

202. The control line handling apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the guide tower (120) is extendible in a vertical direction.

3. The control line handling apparatus (100) of any preceding claim, wherein25 the actuator arm (106) is operable to move the guide head (102) horizontallyand while the actuator arm (106) is arranged substantially horizontally.

4. The control line handling apparatus (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one guide member (121) comprises at least one sheave.

305. The control line handling apparatus (100) of claim 4, wherein the at least one guide member (121) comprises a brake (124) or drive mechanism operable to provide a tensioning force onto the control line (103).

6. The control line handling apparatus (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the clamp support head (130) comprises a clamp actuator (140), the clamp actuator (140) arranged for providing a closing force on the clamp to close 5 the clamp on the pipe string (105).

7. The control line handling apparatus (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the base (101) comprises a frame (152) or enclosure (153), and wherein the io clamp head arm (131), actuator arm (106) and the guide tower (120) is atleast partly retractable into the frame (152) or enclosure (153) in a transport configuration of the control line handling apparatus (100).

8. The control line handling apparatus (100) of claim 7, wherein the guide head 15 (102) and the clamp support head (130) are retractable into the frame (152)or enclosure (153) in the transport configuration of the control line handling apparatus (100).

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