Cable clamping device, cable protection system comprising such device, and pipe comprising such system

Abstract

A cable clamp device (1) designed to be attached to a tube (2) of a tubular column used for energy production, transport and storage, comprising a base (3) extending in a first plane and having a first opening (5), and a mount (4), the mount (4) The main part (6) has a central segment (7), the central segment (7) having a second opening (5') opposite to the first opening, • A first leg (8) having a first end that can receive a cable and forms a first contact surface (9), • A second leg (10) having a second end that can receive a cable and forms a second contact surface (11) and Equipped with, The cable clamp device (1) further comprises a pressing means (13) having a third opening (25) opposite to the first and second openings, and a rod (12) having a rotating shaft (R) that passes through the first, second and third openings, wherein the pressing means (13) is integrated with the rod (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cable clamping devices. The present invention particularly relates to an apparatus for clamping a cable to a pipe in a tubular column used for energy production, transportation and storage, especially in fields such as petroleum, gas, geothermal energy, hydrogen, and also carbon capture and storage. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for clamping a cable in a production column of an oil well.

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

[0003] A tubular hydrocarbon column generally consists of a plurality of pipes attached to each other. More specifically, a tubular hydrocarbon column for a hydrocarbon well or similar wells generally comprises a "pipe string" and a plurality of "casing strings". The pipe string consists of a plurality of "completion pipes" accommodated in the casing string. The casing string consists of a plurality of "casing pipes" arranged in the borehole of the well. The casing pipes have a diameter cross-section larger than that of the completion pipes and surround these completion pipes. At the lower part of the casing string, the casing pipes are also called "liner pipes".

[0004] The tubular hydrocarbon column can be assembled and installed on land or on a so-called "offshore" platform, and can be used to support cables such as electric cables designed to supply power to submersible equipment such as pumps, safety valves and other equipment at the bottom of the well.

[0005] During the completion of the work, particularly the securing of electrical cables to tubular columns, operators move within a high-risk zone known as the “red zone.” This zone presents particularly hazardous working conditions, given its proximity to the columns under assembly and the presence of heavy moving equipment such as steel pipes, winches, cranes, live cables, and any other types of equipment used for drilling, cementing, and positioning the pipes. Such situations require continuous attention throughout the cable securing work, in addition to appropriate safety measures. However, human factors and fatigue due to long working hours can reduce the operator's level of attention, potentially increasing the level of risk even further.

[0006] To minimize these inherent risks, it is essential that operators follow strict procedures and receive appropriate training to ensure complete safety in positioning electrical cables into the pipe columns.

[0007] To achieve this, operators use devices referred to as "clamps" or "cable protectors." These devices typically consist of a first part designed to clamp and align cables, and a second part designed to be fixed to the column tubes during assembly, typically on a coupling element that brings together two tubes of the column.

[0008] In this regard, prior art, in European Patent Application Publication No. 3951132, describes a fastening system designed to secure a cable to a tube for a tubular column used in the field of oil and gas, energy, or storage, and this fastening system, • A first ring configured to contact the tube, • A second ring configured to contact the tube, • A central body positioned between the first and second rings, with relative displacement along the longitudinal axis prevented. The fixing system further comprises a cable fixing mechanism having an outer housing for fixing cables, the outer housing having an opening through which the cable is received into the outer housing, the opening of the outer housing being located on the outer surface of the fixing system, the outer surface facing outward relative to the inner housing of the fixing system, and the inner housing being configured to accommodate the pipe. Such a system can reduce the number and time required for cable installation compared to older systems, and thus reduce the time operators spend in the risk zone or "red zone". However, the main drawback of such a system is that it can only accommodate a very limited number of cables. In particular, such a system cannot accept and fix two or more or three or more cables. However, with the diversification and complexity of wells, the requirements of operators are gradually changing. Therefore, at present, there is an increasing demand on the operator's side to integrate further sensors and various electronic devices designed to collect data in the well, in particular to monitor the construction and operation of the well. For example, this may be temperature data, pressure data, or data on hydrogen sulfide concentration. Within the well, this data is distributed by cables installed when completing the tubular column. As a result, the operator requires more cables to ensure the distribution and transmission of the ever-increasing amount of information from more sensors. Devices such as those disclosed in European Patent Application Publication No. 3951132 cannot meet this operator requirement. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0009] The present invention solves the shortcomings and addresses the above requirements by proposing a system for clamping and protecting cables, enabling the securing and installation of a larger number of cables while respecting an acceptable installation period for the operator. Thus, the first objective of the present invention is to simplify the securing of cables to the column of pipes during assembly. Furthermore, the second objective of the present invention is to increase the number of cables that can be accommodated and secured by the same clamping device and the same cable protector.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention relates to a cable clamping device designed to be attached to a tube of a tubular column used for energy production, transport, and storage, comprising a base extending in a first plane and having a first opening, and a mount, the mount being, The main part has a central segment, the central segment having a second opening opposite to the first opening, • A first leg having a first end that can receive a cable and forms a first contact surface, • A second leg having a second end that can receive a cable and forms a second contact surface Equipped with, The clamping device further comprises a pressing means having a third opening opposite to first and second openings, and a rod having a rotation axis R and passing through the first, second, and third openings, wherein the pressing means is integrated with the rod such that the rod performs rotation about its axis R, and when at least one cable is positioned on the first and second legs, the pressing means performs the same rotation simultaneously, pressing the cable against the first and second contact surfaces and bending the cable.

[0011] "Bending the cables" is understood to mean that all cables are properly clamped and that each cable is sufficiently curved so that no cable unintentionally slips out of the device under operating or test conditions.

[0012] These features make it possible to clamp three or more cables between the pressing means and the first and second contact surfaces. More specifically, the curvature caused by the stress applied by the pressing means and the contact surfaces allows all the cables clamped between the pressing means and the contact surfaces to be held in place. Without such curvature, the cables would not be directly pressed by the pressing means or the contact surfaces, meaning that one or more cables located in the center of the cable assembly would not be clamped tightly enough and would slip out of the device under operating conditions.

[0013] The cable may be a power cable, telecommunications cable, control line, hydraulic cable, fiber optic cable, chemical injection cable, or any other type of cable. According to one embodiment, the first opening, second opening, third opening, and fourth opening are arranged such that a projection from the center of any one of these openings onto an axis passing through the first contact surface and the second contact surface lies between these contact surfaces.

[0014] Preferably, the projection from any one center of the first, second, third, and fourth openings onto an axis passing through the first and second contact surfaces is located between and equidistant from these contact surfaces. Such a configuration makes it possible to obtain the most effective curvature for clamping the cables, especially when there are three or more cables.

[0015] This arrangement of the opening offsets the point at which the thrust force applied by the pressing means to the cable is applied relative to the support point provided by the contact surface. The application of all these stresses mechanically causes all the cables to bend, allowing them to be clamped and held between the pressing means and the contact surface. Without such bending, the cables would not be directly pressed by the pressing means or the contact surface, meaning that cables positioned at the center of the cable assembly would not be clamped tightly enough and would slip out of the device under operating or test conditions.

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

[0017] With this configuration, when the rod rotates around its axis R, the holding means and pressing means rotate simultaneously with the rod. This feature ensures that the cable is held not only by being clamped against the contact surface by the pressing means, but also if the clamping of the cable between the pressing means and the first and second contact surfaces is unintentionally lost. This provides a double level of security regarding the retention of the cable to the column and never alters the fixing operation.

[0018] In the context of this invention, the term “opposing” is used to refer to the arrangement of the first, second, third, and fourth openings, meaning that the openings are arranged directly opposite each other such that a straight line drawn from the center of one opening passes through the center of the other opening. In other words, the centers of the openings are coaxial, and the axis of rotation R of the rod passes through each center.

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

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

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

[0022] According to one embodiment, the holding means is a tongue.

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

[0024] According to one embodiment, the clamping device is completely made of metal. In other words, all elements constituting the clamping device are made of metal.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the rod has an upper portion configured to couple with a drive tool designed to drive the rod to rotate about its rotation axis R, for moving the pressing 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 placed on the first and second legs, and the second angular position allows a thrust force to be exerted on the cable by the pressing means to clamp the cable against the first and second abutment surfaces, and / or allows the cable to be retained by the retaining means to keep the cable installed on the first and second legs.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the first angular position is a so-called "open position", and the second angular position is a so-called "closed position".

[0028] The features disclosed above allow a single operator to place a cable on the legs of the clamping device, prepare a simple tool, and rotate the pressing means and / or the retaining means in one single operation. The corresponding tool may be an adjustable wrench, or any other tool known to those skilled in the art and suitable for this operation. The simple rotation that enables fixing of the cable, as well as the number of operators and time required in the "red zone" for installing and fixing the cable on a pipe, are less than or equal to those of the most efficient devices of the prior art. Accordingly, a single operator can fix additional cables, for example three cables, without taking more time than any other device of the prior art.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the retaining means has a length such that, at a second angular position, the retaining means extends above all or part of the cable, holding the cable between one, i.e., the retaining means, and the other, i.e., the first and second legs.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the clamping device comprises an arm extending from a base via a third end and extending in a second plane perpendicular to a first plane of the base, the arm having a blocking means configured to prevent rotational movement of the holding means about the rotation axis R of the rod. Thus, the arm and the base are connected to each other by the third end.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the retaining means has an end near the fourth opening, the end of which is provided with a lug configured to be blocked by a retaining means to prevent the retaining means from returning to its original position.

[0032] These features ensure that the retaining mechanism is held in a second angular position and cannot return to the first angular position without operator intervention. This constitutes a third level of security for holding the cable against the column without altering the cable securing process.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the arm is configured to allow the operator to release the lug from the retaining means by pushing the arm in a direction that removes the arm from the mount. This is understood to mean that the arm has elasticity that allows the arm to bend by an angle of curvature that allows the lug to be released from the retaining means, in order to move the retaining means from a second angular position to a first angular position. According to one embodiment, it is worth noting that this elasticity of the arm also allows the lug to slide under pressure against the arm during the rotational motion of the retaining means about the axis R of the rod by the operator's movement, in order to move the retaining means from a first angular position to a second angular position.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the arm has a fourth end that is far from the base and protrudes from the mount.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the fourth end extends into a third plane that is perpendicular to both the first and second planes.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the fourth end is positioned relative to the mount and has a projection that protrudes from the main part of the mount.

[0037] Such a configuration of the fourth end makes the arm more accessible to the operator and therefore allows the operator to push the arm more easily in order to push the area of ​​the fourth end to release the lug and bend the arm when the operator wishes to move the retaining means from a second angular position to a first angular position.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first leg has a first barb that forms a first housing capable of receiving all or part of at least one cable, and the second leg has a second barb that faces the first housing (20) and forms a second housing capable of receiving all or part of at least one cable.

[0039] When the term "opposing" is used to refer to the arrangement of the first and second housings relative to each other, it means that the first and second housings are opposite to each other such that when a cable passes through one of the two housings, the cable also passes through the other of the two housings.

[0040] Therefore, the barb and housing perform functions similar to and complementary to those of the retaining means, constituting a fourth level of security for holding the cable.

[0041] According to one embodiment, each of the retaining means, the first barb, and the second barb has a length such that, at a second angular position, it holds at least one cable between one side, i.e., the retaining means and the first and second barbs extending above the cable, and the other side, i.e., the first and second legs on which the cable rests.

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

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

[0044] Furthermore, the present invention provides a protective system designed to protect cables and secure them to the tubes of tubular columns used for energy production, transport, and storage, and comprising a cable clamping device according to the present invention.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the protective system comprises a longitudinal axis A1, a first portion, and a second portion, each of which has a substantially cylindrical inner surface and is configured to at least partially surround the tube.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first part and the second part are assembled together by the first assembly means and / or the 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 parts.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first and / or second portion comprises at least one longitudinal groove extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A1, and the clamping device is fixed within the longitudinal groove. Thus, the clamping device is housed within the longitudinal groove so as to be protected when it is in the well. Because of this feature, once installed in the well, the clamping device is held at a distance from any external elements present in the well, and thus ensures that the cable remains securely fixed to the clamping device in the longitudinal groove during the assembly of the tubular column and under the operating conditions of the well.

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

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

[0053] According to one embodiment, the first part comprises a first transverse housing, and the second part comprises a second transverse housing, with the first and second transverse housings facing each other.

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

[0055] According to one embodiment, a second assembly means is welded to the first and second parts within the first and second transverse housings.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the protective system is made of metal.

[0057] Finally, the present invention provides an assembly for a tubular column designed for use in the production, transport, and storage of energy, comprising a tube and a protective system according to the present invention, the protective system being fixed to the tube. When the protective system is fixed to the tube, the longitudinal axis A1 of the protective system aligns with the longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the protective system is secured to the pipe by clamping at least one screw-nut system. Thus, at least one screw-nut system acts in the form of a clamp collar around the pipe that secures it to the pipe. Thus, the screw-nut system performs two functions: the first is to assemble the two parts of the protective system around the pipe, and the second is to secure the protective system to the pipe by clamping.

[0059] Due to the features described above, the protective system, equipped with a clamping device, can be fixed to the tube before the column assembly process. Therefore, the protective system is, so to speak, "pre-installed" on the tube. Consequently, there is no longer a need to install the protective system during the assembly process. This significantly reduces assembly time and the number of operators required in the "red zone," and as a direct result, lowers the level of risk and costs.

[0060] As the following description of several specific embodiments of the invention, presented in an illustrative and non-limiting manner with reference to the attached drawings, progresses, the invention will become clearer, and its further objectives, details, features, and advantages will become more apparent.

[0061] However, it should be understood that this application is not limited to the exact arrangement, structure, features, embodiments, and appearance shown. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are not designed to limit the technical scope of the claims to the embodiments shown in these drawings.

[0062] Therefore, when reference numerals follow features described in the claims, it should be understood that these reference numerals are included solely to improve the understanding of the claims and are not intended to limit their scope. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0063] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an exploded view of a cable clamping device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the clamping device of Figure 1 in its installed state, with the pressing and holding means in the open position, and the cable further illustrated. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic three-dimensional view of the clamp device of Figure 1 in its mounted state without the holding means, with the pressing means in the closed position and three cables further illustrated. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional schematic view of the clamping device shown in Figure 2, viewed from the rear, illustrating the three cables, with the pressing and holding means in the closed position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an exploded view of a protection system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the assembly according to the present invention, which includes the protective system shown in Figure 5 in an installed state. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the assembly shown in Figure 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0064] Note that in all figures, common elements are referenced by the same reference number.

[0065] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an exploded view of a cable clamping device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] The cable clamp device 1 shown in Figure 1 is made of metal. The clamp device 1 comprises a base 3, a mount 4, a rod 12, a pressing means 13, and a holding means 14. Note that the pressing means 13 and the mount 4 are not a single unit, but the diagram shown in Figure 1 is such that the pressing means 13 is partially obscured by a part of the mount 4.

[0067] The base 3 extends within the first plane. The base 3 is substantially rectangular and has rounded corners. The base 3 comprises a first opening 5 and an arm 16.

[0068] The first opening 5 is a through hole with a circular cross-section.

[0069] The arm 16 extends from the base 3 via a third end 26 into a second plane perpendicular to the first plane of the base 3, and extends to a fourth end 27 further from the base 3. The fourth end 27 extends into a third plane perpendicular 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 the fourth end 27 protrudes from the mount 4 when the clamp device 1 is attached. The arm 16 further comprises a blocking means 17. The blocking means 17 shown in Figure 1 consists of a notch 29 formed between a first projection 28 and a second projection 30 formed on the arm 16. The first projection 28 and the second projection 30 are symmetrical with respect to each other along an axis of symmetry that passes through the center of the notch 29 and is also the axis of symmetry of the notch 29. Thus, the axis of symmetry of the notch 29 is also the axis of symmetry of the blocking means 17.

[0070] Mount 4 comprises a main part 6, a first leg 8, and a second leg 10.

[0071] The main portion 6 is U-shaped and therefore has a central segment 7 extending along a first axis X, the ends of which are bent to form a first transverse segment 7' and a second transverse segment 7''. Thus, the first transverse segment 7' extends from the first end of the central segment 7 and together with the central segment 7 forms a rounded upper section. The first transverse segment 7' extends in a first direction along a second axis Y, which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis X. The second transverse segment 7'' extends from the second end of the central segment 7 and together with the central segment 7 forms a rounded upper section. The second transverse segment 7" extends in the first direction along the 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 face the first opening 5 when the clamping device 1 is attached. The second opening 5' is also a through-hole with a circular cross-section having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the first opening 5. The second opening 5' has a central position on the central segment 7. Thus, the center of the second opening 5' is also the center of symmetry of the central segment 7.

[0072] The first leg 8 extends from the first transverse segment 7' to the first end. The first end comprises a first contact surface 9 and a first barb 19. The first leg 8 extends in a second direction along the 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 contact surface 9 and the first barb 19 form the first housing 20 of the first leg 8. The first contact surface 9 extends along an axis substantially parallel to the second axis Y and substantially perpendicular to the fourth axis Z. The first barb 19 extends along an axis substantially parallel to the fourth axis Z and substantially perpendicular to the second axis Y.

[0073] The second leg 10 extends from the second transverse segment 7" to the second end. The second end comprises a second contact surface 11 and a second barb 21. The second leg 10 extends in the second direction along the fifth axis Z'. The fifth axis Z' forms a second angle β with the third axis Y'. The fifth axis Z' is substantially perpendicular to the third axis Y'. 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 β are substantially equal and have a value of 90°. The second contact surface 11 and the second barb 2 1 forms the second housing 22 of the second leg 10. The second contact 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, and in particular, of the same length. As a result, the second opening 5' is equidistant from the first contact surface 9 and the second contact surface 11.

[0074] The first housing 20 and the second housing 22 are designed to receive one or more cables for the tubular column. The cables may be power cables, telecommunications cables, control lines, hydraulic cables, fiber optic cables, chemical injection cables, or any other type of cable.

[0075] The rod 12 has a generally cylindrical shape, and its diameter portion is smaller than the diameters of the first opening 5 and the second opening 5'. Thus, the rod 12 has an axis of rotation, which is also the axis of rotation R of the rod 12. The rod further comprises an upper part 15, which may also be called a head, and the head is designed to be coupled with a drive tool to drive the rod 12 around its axis R. The upper part 15 forms a flange that can abut the upper surface of the central segment 7 when the device 1 is mounted. The upper part 15 shown in Figure 1 is a hexagonal head. The axis perpendicular to axis R and passing through the center of the second opening 5' is the axis of symmetry of the main part 6 of the mount 4.

[0076] The pressing means 13 has a third opening 25 configured to face the first opening 5 and the second opening 5' when the clamping device 1 is attached. The third opening 25 is also a through-hole with a circular cross-section having a diameter substantially equal to the diameters of the first opening 5 and the second opening 5'. The pressing means 13 has a shape configured to move the cable linearly when the pressing means 13 rotates around the axis R of the rod 12. Thus, the pressing means 13 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is substantially an oval cam, but may have any other shape.

[0077] The retaining means 14 is flat and generally elongated in shape. "Flat" is understood to mean that the retaining means 14 has a surface and shape that is essentially two-dimensional, i.e., extends mainly within a single plane such as a horizontal or vertical plane, and has no meaningful volume in a third dimension, i.e., is slender or thin in this third dimension. Thus, the retaining means 14 is a tongue in the examples shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4. 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 attached. The fourth opening 25' is also a through-hole with a circular cross-section having a diameter substantially equal to the diameters of the first opening 5, the second opening 5', and the third opening 25. The retaining means 14 comprises an end near the fourth opening 25' and an end farther from the fourth opening 25'. The end near the fourth opening 25' comprises a lug 18.

[0078] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the clamping device of Figure 1 in its installed state, with the pressing means 13 and holding means 14 in the open position, and the cable 50 is further illustrated.

[0079] Thus, in the installed state, the mount 6 is fixed to the base 3 by welding the first leg 8 and the second leg 10 to the base 3. The retaining means 14 is positioned axially between the central segment 7 and the pressing means 13. The retaining means 14 is welded to the pressing means 13. Therefore, the retaining means 14 and the pressing means 13 are a single unit. The pressing means 13 is welded to the rod 12 (not visible). Therefore, the pressing means 13 and the rod 12 are a single unit. Thus, the rod 12, the retaining means 14, and the pressing means 13 constitute a mechanically integrated assembly that can be driven to rotate about the axis R of the rod. In this way, the retaining means 14 and the pressing means 13 can move from a first angular position, also called the “open position”, to a second angular position, also called the “closed position”.

[0080] Furthermore, in the mounted state, the first, second, third, and fourth openings 5, 5', 25, and 25' face 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 abuts 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 contact surface 9 and the second contact surface 11. As a result, a projection from a point located on the axis R of the rod 12, for example, the center of any of the first, second, third, and fourth openings 5, 5', 25, and 25', onto the axis passing through the first contact surface 9 and the second contact surface 11, lies between these contact surfaces 9 and 11 and is equidistant from them. Thus, because the position of the pressing means is offset with respect to the contact surface, the point at which the thrust force exerted by the pressing means on the cable assembly is also offset with respect to the support point represented by the contact surface. The application of all stresses mechanically causes all cables to bend, enabling the cables to be clamped and held between the pressing means and the contact surface. Without such bending, the cables would not be directly pressed by the pressing means or the contact surface, meaning that cables located at the center of the cable assembly would not be clamped tightly enough and would slip out of the device under operating conditions.

[0081] Thus, in Figure 2, it can be seen that both the holding means 14 and the pressing means 13 are in the open position. As a result, the pressing means 13 does not press the cable 50, and the holding means 14 is not in a position to hold the cable 50. Therefore, in the open position, the cable 50 is not fixed.

[0082] Figure 3 is a schematic three-dimensional view of the clamp device 1 of Figure 1 in an installed state without the holding means 14, with the pressing means 13 in the closed position, and three cables 51a, 51b, and 51c further illustrated. The curvature that occurs in the assembly of the first cable 51a, the second cable 51b, and the third cable 51c due to the effect of the pressing means 13 on cable 51a can be seen in Figure 3. The pressure applied to the first cable 51a bends the cable assembly present within the clamp device 1. In this way, even the second cable 51b, which is centrally located and not subjected to direct pressure, is held within the cable assembly and therefore fixed within the clamp device 1.

[0083] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional schematic view of the clamping device 1 of Figure 2, viewed from the rear, illustrating the three cables 51a, 51b, and 51c, with the pressing and holding means in the closed position.

[0084] In the closed position, Figure 4 shows that the retaining means 14 extends above portions of the cables 51a, 51b, and 51c and extends in the direction of the first and second barbs 19 and 21. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the retaining means 14 extends above the first and second cables 51a and 51b and partially extends above the third cable 51c. The first barb 19 and the second barb 21 are of the same length and partially extend above the third cable 51c in the direction opposite to the retaining means 14. Thus, the cable is positioned and secured between one side, i.e., the retaining means 14 and the first and second barbs 19 and 21 extending above the cable, and the other side, i.e., the first and second legs 8 and 10 on which the cable rests.

[0085] As can be seen in Figure 4, in the closed position, the lug 18 is located within the notch 29 of the retaining means 17 formed in the arm 16, thereby preventing the retaining means 14 from unintentionally returning to the open position.

[0086] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an exploded view of a protection system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] The protective system 100 has a longitudinal axis A1. The protective system 100 comprises a first portion 102 having a first inner surface 108 and a second portion 104 having a second inner surface 108'. The first and second inner surfaces 108 and 108' are substantially cylindrical and are configured to at least partially surround a tube, such as a tube in a tubular column of a hydrocarbon well. The first portion 102 extends over a first length along an axis parallel to axis A1, and the second portion 104 extends over a second length along an axis parallel to axis A1.

[0088] The first section 102 comprises a first longitudinal groove 110 and a second longitudinal groove 112. Each of the first longitudinal groove 110 and the second longitudinal groove 112 extends along an axis parallel to axis A1 over the entire first length of the first section 102. The first and second longitudinal grooves 110 and 112 are separated by a wall 111 that extends longitudinally over the entire length of the first section 102 along an axis parallel to axis A1. The protective system 100 shown in Figure 5 further comprises two clamping devices 1. Each of the first and second longitudinal grooves 110 and 112 is configured to accommodate a clamping device 1. Thus, when a cable is installed in the protective system 100, the cable passes through the protective system 100 over its entire length and into the longitudinal groove in which it is installed. Thus, the cable is secured within the longitudinal groove by the clamping device 1. This prevents the cable from coming into direct contact with the structural elements of the well, in particular when completing the pipe column in the well. The first part 102 comprises a first transverse housing 114, and the second part 104 comprises a second transverse housing 115. The first and second parts 102 and 104 are configured such that the first and second transverse housings 114 and 115 face each other when the protective system 100 is installed.

[0089] The protective system 100 further comprises a first assembly means 50 and a second assembly means 60. In the embodiment shown in Figure 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 threaded shaft 54, and a retaining ring 52, also called a circlip. The hinge shown in Figure 5 consists of a first body 62, a second body 64, and a third body 66, all three of which are connected by a pin 68 that constitutes the pivot pin of the hinge. The first, second, and third bodies 62, 64, and 66 are designed to be fixed to the first and second parts 102 and 104 to be assembled. Any type of hinge may be suitable for realizing the protective 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 protective system 100 is installed.

[0090] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembly 300 according to the present invention, which includes the protective system 100 of Figure 5 in an installed state, having two clamping devices 1 according to the present invention. The protective system 100 is fixed to the pipe 2.

[0091] The first clamping device 1 comprises two cables 70 and is welded to the first portion 102 within the first longitudinal groove 110. The second clamping device 1 comprises a cable 71 and is welded to the second portion 104 within the second longitudinal groove 112. The two clamping devices 1 are in the closed position.

[0092] The second assembly means 60, which acts as a hinge, is housed in the first and second transverse housings 114 and 115. The second assembly means 60 is fixed to the protective system 100 by welding the first, second, and third bodies 62, 64, and 66 to the first and second parts 102 and 104 in the first and second transverse housings 114 and 115. In this way, the second assembly means 60 assembles the first part 102 and the second part 104. A pin 68 connecting the first body 62, the second body 64, and the third body 66 allows the first and second parts 102 and 104 to rotate around the pin 68. Thus, the protective system 100 can be opened and closed by rotating the first and second parts 102 and 104 around the pin 68. In this way, the protective system 100 can be positioned around the tube 2 when open and then closed into the tube 2. Next, the protective system 100 is secured to the pipe 2 by clamping with the screw-nut system 50. In this way, the protective system 100 is secured to the pipe 2 by clamping the first assembly means 50.

[0093] Figure 7 is a three-dimensional schematic view of the assembly 300 of Figure 6. The protective system 100 is fixed to the pipe 2. According to the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, the protective system 100 secures three cables 70 and 71, but additional cables can also be secured. For example, the protective system 100 according to the present invention can secure three cables to each clamping device 1.

[0094] Therefore, a single clamping device 1 according to the present invention can secure three cables, i.e., more cables than existing devices. Furthermore, the protective system according to the present invention can comprise multiple clamping devices. For example, by configuring a second part 104 to have an additional longitudinal groove, the protective system 100 can comprise three or four clamping devices 1. Thus, the advantages of the present invention over the prior art are particularly important with respect to the number of cables that can be secured.

Claims

1. A cable clamp device (1) designed to be attached to a tube (2) of a tubular column used for energy production, transport and storage, comprising a base (3) extending in a first plane and having a first opening (5), and a mount (4), the mount (4) The main portion (6) has a central segment (7), the central segment (7) having a second opening (5') facing the first opening, A first leg portion (8) having a first end that can receive a cable and forms a first contact surface (9), A second leg (10) having a second end that can receive a cable and forms a second contact surface (11) and Equipped with, The cable clamp device (1) further comprises a pressing means (13) having a third opening (25) opposite to the first and second openings (5, 5'), and a rod (12) having a rotation axis (R) and passing through the first, second, and third openings (5, 5', 25), wherein the pressing means (13) is integral with the rod (12) such that when the rod (12) rotates about the axis (R) and at least one cable is positioned on the first and second legs (8, 10), the pressing means (13) simultaneously performs the same rotation, pressing the cable against the first and second contact surfaces (9, 11) and bending the cable.

2. The cable clamp device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a retaining means (14) having a fourth opening (25') opposite to the first, second, and third openings (5, 5', 25), wherein the retaining means (14) is axially positioned between the central segment (7) and the pressing means (13), and the retaining means (14) is integral with the pressing means (13).

3. The cable clamp device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rod (12) has an upper part (15) configured to be coupled with a drive tool designed to drive the rod (12) to rotate it about the rotation axis (R) in order to move the pressing means (13) and / or holding means (14) from a first angular position to a second angular position and vice versa.

4. The first angular position allows cables to be installed on the first and second legs (8, 10). The second angular position allows the pressing means (13) to apply a thrust force to the cable, thereby clamping the cable against the first and second contact surfaces (9, 11), and / or the holding means (14) to hold the cable in a position where it is installed on the first and second legs (8, 10). The cable clamping device (1) according to claim 3.

5. An arm (16) extending from the base (3) via a third end and extending in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane of the base (3). Furthermore, The cable clamp device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the arm (16) has a blocking means (17) configured to block the rotational movement of the holding means (14) about the rotation axis (R) of the rod (12).

6. The cable clamp device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the retaining means (14) has an end close to the fourth opening (25'), and the end comprises a lug (18) configured to be prevented by the stopping means (17) to prevent the retaining means (14) from returning.

7. The cable clamp device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first leg (8) comprises a first barb (19) forming a first housing (20) capable of receiving all or part of at least one cable, and the second leg (10) comprises a second barb (21) facing the first housing (20) and capable of receiving all or part of at least one cable, forming a second housing (22).

8. A protective system (100) designed to protect cables and be fixed to the tubes (2) of a tubular column used for energy production, transport, and storage, A protective system (100) comprising a cable clamp device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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

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

11. The protective 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. The protective 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 (A1), and the cable clamping device (1) is fixed within the groove (110, 112).

13. An assembly (300) for a tubular column designed for use in the production, transport, and storage of energy, The assembly (300) comprises a pipe (2) and a protective system (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the protective system (100) is fixed to the pipe (2).

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