Clamping device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a winding device (100) intended to be mounted on an opening of a pipeline (40), said device (100) comprising a base (24A) with a through hole (26) and a seal (28) intended to seal the connection between the opening of said pipeline (40) and the through hole (26) of said base (24A). The base (24A) further comprises at least two fastening points (25A), the device (100) comprising an elongated element (31) intended to partially surround the pipeline (40), the elongated element (31) being mounted on the base (24A) by inserting an end of the elongated element (31) into the through opening and forming a loop around the end of the base (24A), and a clamping collar (30) comprising means (32) for adjusting the length of the clamping collar (30) so that the device (100) can be mounted on pipelines (40) of different diameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , ,

[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of take-up collars for connecting devices such as bypass conduits or pressure sensors or temperature sensors to a main pipeline.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a take-up device intended to be mounted on an opening of a pipeline, including at least one clamp collar having a diameter adapted to the diameters of several pipelines.

[0003] In particular, the present invention enables the take-up device to be adapted in situ to several types of existing pipelines.

Background Art

[0004] There are many devices for forming a bypass on a main pipeline to connect another conduit or a device such as a measurement sensor.

[0005] Prior art bypass devices, also known as "bypass collars" or actually as "take-up collars", are traditionally composed of a rigid base intended to be arranged in a sealed manner on the main pipeline facing a bypass orifice. For this purpose, the base can, for example, have a lower part intended to penetrate into the orifice. Also, a seal can be arranged between the base and the orifice of the pipeline. The bypass device further comprises a flexible flange that cooperates with the base to hold the base on the conduit.

[0006] US reference 4 435 476 discloses a bypass device having an elbow-shaped tubular section. One end of the elbow has a circular seal positioned so that the end of the elbow protrudes below the seal. This end is intended to be inserted into the orifice of the main pipeline. The seal, having a diameter larger than the diameter of the orifice, is intended to rest on the pipeline to seal the orifice. The flange is formed by a circular collar with a central opening. The collar is inserted around the tubular section to place the collar on the seal. Thus, when the collar is closed around the pipeline, it compresses the seal against the pipeline orifice.

[0007] However, that system cannot accommodate several types of devices on the pipeline. In fact, the collar opening has a fixed diameter, which limits the shape and dimensions of the additional equipment. In fact, the equipment must have a portion with a diameter smaller than or equal to the collar opening so that the collar can slide on the equipment, and a portion with a diameter larger than the opening so that the collar can hold the equipment against the pipeline.

[0008] Reference FR 2 933 764 describes a bypass device comprising a saddle with a through-opening including threads, which allows for the screwing in of a bypass pipe. The saddle also comprises means for fastening a flexible strip. The fastening means includes a through-opening provided at one end of the saddle, which allows for the insertion and locking of the flexible strip by a tongue. The other end of the saddle has a rotating metal rod system for winding up the flexible strip. The ends of the rod and strip are provided with openings for receiving screws that, on the one hand, prevent the rod from rotating, and on the other hand, hold the strip on the rod.

[0009] This system has asymmetrical means for securing the flexible strip, complicating the installation of the device on the pipeline. Furthermore, the manufacture of such a device is extremely complex and expensive. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Therefore, the technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to develop a bypass device that can be adapted to several pipe diameters and is easier and cheaper to manufacture than conventional devices.

[0011] To solve this problem, the present invention proposes the development of a winding device that includes at least one clamp collar made from a flexible material and can be adapted to several different pipeline shapes and sizes.

[0012] Contrary to all assumptions, the flexible clamp collar of the present invention can also replace the rigid collar of the prior art, which is intended for mounting under high pressure.

[0013] In fact, those skilled in the art may consider that the flexible clamp collars of the present invention are at too high a risk of wear and deformation, particularly when subjected to pressures between 5 and 20 bar, more precisely between 8 and 12 bar. Therefore, those skilled in the art may avoid using these clamp collars to limit safety risks.

[0014] Therefore, the present invention stems from the discovery that such devices can be adapted to pipelines in which high pressure prevails, typically fire protection pipelines in which the pressure is between 5 bar and 20 bar, more precisely between 8 bar and 12 bar. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] Thus, the present invention relates to a winding device intended to be installed in the opening of a pipeline, wherein the pipeline is located within a facility, and the device: - A one-piece base with a through hole, - A seal intended to seal the connection between the opening of the pipeline and the through hole in the base.

[0016] The device has the following features: - The base further includes at least two more fixing points. - The device is equipped with at least one clamp collar: At least one clamp collar is required: An elongated element intended to partially surround the pipeline, comprising an elongated element cooperating with the base at the attachment point, The device comprises an adjustment means independent of the base, which allows the length of the at least one clamp collar to be adapted so that the device can be mounted on a pipeline having a different diameter.

[0017] Another method involves an adjustment mechanism that allows the length of the clamp collar to be adapted to the diameter of the pipeline. For example, the collar may have a length sufficient to accommodate a diameter of 25 to 50 mm.

[0018] To achieve this adaptability, the adjustment means may be the formation of a clasp that cooperates with a notch provided on an elongated element.

[0019] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism is located in a zone away from the base and is therefore independent of the base so that it can withstand the compressive load applied to the pipeline opening. In fact, the further the adjustment mechanism is from the base, the more the clamp collar can withstand stretching, deformation, and breakage.

[0020] Preferably, the adjustment means is installed on the diametrically opposite side of the pipeline opening to best compensate for the compressive force applied to the base from the pipeline opening. Since tension acts around the pipeline, the compressive force is better distributed.

[0021] According to the present invention, the base is a single piece, i.e., the base is a one-piece formed part, in contrast to parts resulting from assembling several components as described, for example, in document WO 2018 / 014066. Considering the high pressure, using a one-piece base makes it possible to guarantee a guaranteed operating duration, e.g., a long-term resistance for an operation of 5 years or 10 years.

[0022] By combining a seal, adjusting means, and an elongate element that cooperates with the base, it is possible to guarantee the tightness of the connection between the pipeline and the winding device and the adaptability of the clamp collar to different pipeline diameters. In fact, the elongate element makes it possible to press the base against the pipeline, and in so doing, the seal intervening between the base and the pipeline is compressed. Under the traction of the elongate element on the base, the seal deforms to ensure the seal of the base around the through-hole of the pipeline and matches the curvature of the pipeline. Thus, under the pressure of the base, the seal makes it possible to absorb the difference in curvature between the pipeline and the base. In addition, the adjusting means makes it possible to fix the elongate element at the position where the seal is compressed, whereby the compression capacity of the seal overcomes the displacement of the fixed position of the clamping means.

[0023] The traction exerted by the elongate element on the base, the modularity of the adjusting means, and the deformation capacity of the seal make it possible to adapt the winding device to pipelines having various diameters.

[0024] Furthermore, the adjusting means and the elongate element are long-lasting, i.e., they do not deform or malfunction over time. Thus, the connection is permanently maintained firmly.

[0025] Furthermore, the combination of the adjustment means and the seal also makes it possible to adapt the length of the clamp collar to very small variations in the diameter of the pipeline due to manufacturing tolerances. In fact, for a pipeline of a given diameter, such as 25 mm in diameter for example, the manufacturer's tolerance can provide a margin of ±1 mm within which the diameter of the pipeline can vary. Preferably, the pitch of the notches of the adjustment means is small enough to be able to adapt to the manufacturer's tolerance.

[0026] The bypass device can be arranged in any orientation with respect to the pipeline, provided that it is fixed to the opening of the pipeline. As an example, the device can be arranged above, below or to the side of the pipeline.

[0027] The length of the clamp collar corresponds to the useful part of the collar, which is intended to be arranged in contact with the wall of the pipeline. In fact, the clamp collar can have a fixed overall length, but only a part of the collar can be effectively used to hold the bypass device against the pipeline during adjustment. The non-useful part can be optionally cut off so as not to interfere with the maintenance of the installation.

[0028] Furthermore, a clamp collar that can be adapted to several pipeline diameters makes it possible to limit the number of reference collar sizes and to limit the production costs. Furthermore, the adjustment of the clamp collar can be carried out in a substantially continuous manner.

[0029] In one embodiment, the winding device comprises only a single clamp collar and two fixing points arranged on both sides of the base.

[0030] In fact, those skilled in the art might consider the flexible clamp collar of the present invention to be too susceptible to wear and deformation. Therefore, those skilled in the art would be led to double the number of clamp collars to reinforce the structure of the clamp collar. However, contrary to all assumptions, the present invention allows the use of only a single clamp collar, for example, without increasing the risk of leakage.

[0031] In the context of the present invention, “locking points” correspond to elements for receiving the base, enabling the clamp collar to be locked in place when it is clamped around the pipeline. These locking points may correspond to openings or protrusions such as lugs.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the fastening point is a through-opening oriented parallel to the main direction of the pipeline, and the elongated element is attached to the base by inserting at least one end of the elongated element into the base through the through-opening and forming a loop around the edge of the base.

[0033] According to the present invention, the main direction of the pipeline corresponds to the direction parallel to the length of the pipeline.

[0034] Therefore, the adjustment method can be easily reproduced, and since it requires little to no tools, it becomes easy to attach the clamp collar to the base. For example, it is sufficient for an elongated element to traverse two openings from bottom to top so as to surround the pipeline. The ends of the elongated member are then pulled from above the base, folded over the ends of the base, and clamp the clamp collar around the pipeline. The ends of the elongated element are then brought together and secured by the adjustment mechanism. Thus, the overall installation of the winding device on the pipeline is made faster.

[0035] In practice, the through-hole may correspond to a slot created within the base. In a modified example, the through-hole may correspond to a space formed between the base and a pin attached to the base.

[0036] Preferably, the through-opening is positioned symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the base, thereby reducing the risk of incorrect positioning of the winding device relative to the pipeline opening.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the two ends of the elongated element are configured to cooperate with fastening points located on both sides of the base, such that the elongated element partially surrounds the pipeline following its action on the adjustment means.

[0038] In practice, each fixing point comprises a housing separated by two lugs. The two lugs are separated by a slot formed to allow an elongated element to pass through. The housing is intended to receive a pin fixed to one end of the elongated element, and the lugs are intended to allow the pin to be inserted into the housing before the adjustment mechanism acts on it, and to prevent the pin from being withdrawn after the adjustment mechanism acts on it.

[0039] Therefore, the adjustment method can be easily reproduced, and since it requires little to no tools, the clamp collar can be easily attached to the base. It is sufficient that an elongated element surrounds the pipeline, and its end with a pin locks into the housing of the base. The clamp collar is then fitted to the diameter of the pipeline via an adjustment mechanism. Thus, the installation of the winding device onto the pipeline is made faster overall.

[0040] In the modified version, each fastening point includes a lug intended to work in conjunction with a hole provided at the end of the elongated element.

[0041] The clamp collar is mounted on the base by attaching an elongated element around the pipeline, so that its perforated end locks onto the lug on the base. The clamp collar is then fitted to the diameter of the pipeline via an adjustment mechanism.

[0042] The elongated element can take on various forms. In the first configuration, the elongated element is a strap, i.e., it is shaped like a tape. In a variation, the elongated element is a cable, which is thin but nevertheless equally strong. In fact, the present invention makes it possible to use a narrower elongated element without compromising the safety of the equipment.

[0043] In practice, the elongated elements are formed from metal materials. This is because, surprisingly, the present invention makes it possible to use different metal materials in the manufacture of the elongated elements without compromising the safety of the equipment.

[0044] Advantageously, means for adjusting the length of at least one clamp collar include markings that allow the seal to be compressed to a predetermined level.

[0045] This embodiment facilitates the installation of the clamp collar and eliminates the risk of error. Technicians can rely on visible markings during installation to indicate how far to tighten the clamp collar, ensuring the seal is optimally compressed as a function of diameter and operating pressure, preventing leaks. In variations, these markings can be associated with or replaced by a device for measuring the adjusted tension of the clamp collar.

[0046] In these two embodiments, the openings are preferably positioned symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the base. In this way, the system makes it possible to reduce the risk of mispositioning the winding device relative to the counter opening of the pipeline.

[0047] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the adjustment means is integrated with one end of the elongated element. In fact, this embodiment allows the winding device to be tightened on the pipeline by performing a simple tensile action on the free end of the elongated element.

[0048] Advantageously, clamp collars having the above characteristics make it possible to eliminate and reduce the time required to install winding devices on pipelines.

[0049] However, the locking system for the elongated elements can be different without any adverse effect on the proper function of the present invention.

[0050] In another aspect, the present invention: - At least one pipeline having at least one opening, and -The invention relates to equipment including at least one winding device as described above.

[0051] Preferably, the pipeline is a pipeline whose inner and outer surfaces are painted or pre-painted. That is, the pipeline includes a coating that covers its inner and outer surfaces. This coating makes it possible to protect the pipeline from damage, particularly rust.

[0052] The paint to be applied must allow for the creation of holes and cuts without peeling, thus significantly reducing manufacturing time in the workshop. In fact, the painting step that typically follows manufacturing in known processes is eliminated.

[0053] Preferably, the pipeline coating includes an epoxy polymer binder that is particularly resistant during drilling and cutting.

[0054] Typically, the equipment may be fire protection equipment whose value will be measured, such as a pressure gauge. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0055] Methods for carrying out the present invention and the advantages arising therefrom will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, which will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1]This is a perspective view of a bypass device attached to a pipeline and clamp collar according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the clamp collar fastener. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of the means for adjusting the length of the clamp collar. [Figure 4a] This is a cross-sectional view of the first step for mounting the means for adjusting the length of the clamp collar according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4b] This is a cross-sectional view of the second step for mounting, showing means for adjusting the length of the clamp collar according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4c] This is a cross-sectional view of a third step for mounting a means for adjusting the length of the clamp collar according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4d] This is a cross-sectional view of the third step for mounting, showing means for adjusting the length of the clamp collar according to the third embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view from above of the base of the winding device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a front view perspective of the winding device. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a perspective view from the bottom of the winding device. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of a winding device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a front view of the winding device. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is a side view of the winding device. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of a winding device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is a front view of the winding device. [Figure 13] Figure 11 is a side view of the winding device. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of a winding device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 14 is a front view of the winding device. [Figure 16] Figure 14 is a side view of the winding device. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view of a winding device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figure 17 is a front view of the winding device. [Figure 19] Figure 17 is a side view of the winding device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] As shown in Figure 1, the bypass devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 are installed in a facility that includes at least one pipeline 40.

[0057] The pipeline 40 is configured to contain a fluid such as water or gas. For this purpose, the pipeline 40 is preferably made of steel, stainless steel, copper, or superchlorinated polyvinyl chloride. In some embodiments, the pipeline 40 can be configured to withstand a pressure of about 10 bar, for example, 5 to 20 bar, preferably 8 to 12 bar.

[0058] Furthermore, the diameter of the pipeline 40 can typically vary between 20 and 600 mm, and these are also known by the initials "DN 20" or "DN 600".

[0059] To add the bypass devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 of the present invention, one or more openings are provided in the pipeline 40. The openings are, for example, circular and have a diameter of 10 to 500 mm, and these are also known by the initials "DN 10" or "DN 500". The diameter of the opening is proportional as a function of the diameter of the pipeline and the device to be integrated.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1, the devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 each comprise a one-piece base 24A-24G having a substantially flat parallelepiped shape and a thickness of 0.5 to 1.5 cm. In a modified example, the underside of the base 24A-24G may have a slight curvature, as illustrated in Figure 1. The curvature of the underside is selected to match the curvature of larger diameter pipelines 40 to which the devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 can accommodate. The base 24A-24G can be obtained directly by a molding process, a material subtraction process such as machining or laser cutting, or an additive process such as 3D printing.

[0061] Furthermore, the bases 24A-24G have through-openings 26 with diameters ranging from 10 to 500 mm.

[0062] Advantageously, the seal 28 is positioned facing the underside of the base 24A-24G, typically between the base 24A-24G and the pipeline 40, surrounding the openings of the base 24A-24G and the pipeline 40, respectively. As an example, the seal 28 is a rubber O-ring with a thickness of 0.2 to 0.7 cm. Alternatively, for larger diameter pipelines, the seal may have a lip and have a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 3 cm.

[0063] Devices such as bypass pipelines, fire nozzles, or pressure gauges, as illustrated in Figures 8 to 19, can be mounted to bases 24A to 24G by aligning the device with the through-openings 26 of bases 24A to 24G. For example, the device may have a threaded male portion that can cooperate with a second thread provided in the wall of the through-opening 26 of bases 24A to 24G. Thus, the device may be screwed to bases 24A-24G.

[0064] The clamp collar 30 allows the device to be fixed and held on the pipeline 40.

[0065] The clamp collar 30 consists of an elongated element, such as a strip with a width of 0.5 to 2 cm, or a cable with a diameter of 0.2 to 1 cm, and the elongated element can be a "hose clamp" type clamp element manufactured from a metal material. The clamp collar 30 also includes means 32 for adjusting the length and tightening the clamp collar 30. One or more clamp collars 30 can be provided on the base 24A-24G depending on the installation requirements and the diameter of the pipeline 40.

[0066] The adjustment means 32 is independent of the bases 24A-24G.

[0067] For example, the adjustment means 32 may be independent of the elongated element 31. The adjustment means may consist of one or more inserts that can be fixed or fitted onto the elongated element 31 to hold it in place.

[0068] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the clamp collar 30 may be formed from a metal strap 31, and the adjustment means may include a fastener 33A that includes a housing 35 into which the end of the strap 31 is inserted, independently of the strap 31.

[0069] The self-tapping screw 34 allows straps 31 of varying thicknesses to pass through. Advantageously, the fastener 33A has an opening 36 for receiving the lower portion of the body of the self-tapping screw 34.

[0070] Therefore, the elongated elements can be directly adapted to the diameter and tolerances of the pipeline 40 by creating the opening necessary for the seal 28 to be compressed to the optimal level of pressure and for the connection between the pipeline and the winding device to be as airtight as possible. The adjustment is "made to measure," and the possibilities for adjustment are almost continuous.

[0071] In modified forms, in embodiments not shown in the figures, the elongated element may be a metal strap having regularly spaced openings close together along the elongated element. The pitch between the openings is preferably less than or equal to the manufacturer's tolerance, so that the elongated element can be directly fitted to the pipeline diameter and tolerance. Typically, if the pipeline diameter is 25 mm and the tolerance is ±1 mm, the pitch between the openings is 1 mm or less. Thus, the seal can be compressed at an optimal level of pressure, and the connection between the pipeline and the winding device is as tight as possible.

[0072] To secure the base 24A onto the pipeline 40, the base is positioned over the opening in the pipeline 40. The two ends of the strap 31 are inserted in a bottom-to-top motion through the fastening points created by the lateral opening 25A so that the strap 31 surrounds the pipeline 40. The ends of the strap 31 are then pulled from above the base 24A and bent over the ends of the base 24A to clamp the clamp collar 30 around the pipeline 40. The ends of the strap 31 are then brought together, thereby forming loops around each edge of the base 24A. The ends of the strap 31 are then fastened together by the adjustment means 32.

[0073] Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, the clasp 33A is positioned on the first thickness of the strap 31. Next, the ends of the strap 31 are folded back and inserted into the housing 35 of the clasp 33A and tightened to effectively hold the base 24A on the pipeline 40. The ends of the strap 31 protrude on both sides of the housing 35 for a length of at least 1 cm. Thus, the ends of the strap 31 overlap in the body 37 of the clasp 33A. Finally, the screw 34 is inserted in this overlap and penetrates the thickness formed by the two ends of the strap 31.

[0074] In modified examples, as illustrated in Figures 4a to 4d, the adjustment means 32 is integrated with one end of the elongated element. Thus, the clamp collar 30 may be in the form of a metal strap 31, and the adjustment means may include a fastener 33B including a housing 35 fixed to the end of the strap 31.

[0075] The housing 35 may take the form of a tube having a parallelepiped section intended to allow a portion of the metal strap 31 to pass through. In addition, fastening means such as self-tapping screws 34 may be placed on the housing 35 perpendicular to the length of the tube and the direction of movement of the strap 31 within the tube to limit the displacement of the strap 31 when it is compressed around the pipeline 40 and inserted into the tube.

[0076] In alternative embodiments not shown, the fastening means includes a ball housed within the tube and intended to prevent displacement of the elongated element. For this purpose, the tube has a variable cross-section. Typically, a section of the tube narrows from a dimension larger than the diameter of the ball to a dimension substantially equal to the diameter of the ball. Thus, during the sliding of the elongated element within the tube, the ball is driven toward the narrowed section of the tube in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the elongated element, where it locks. The ball thus also blocks the displacement of the elongated element.

[0077] The space 25B in the base 24B is used to create an anchoring point for the strap 31. For this purpose, as illustrated in Figure 4a, the end of the strap 31 without the fastener 33B is inserted according to a first movement M1 so as to surround the first anchoring point for the base 24B. This movement M1 is performed by inserting the strap 31 into the space 25B from the top surface of the base 24B to the bottom surface of the base 24B until the strap 31 travels along the pipeline 40.

[0078] Next, the strap 31 is displaced around the pipeline 40 to the second anchoring point of the base 24B. As illustrated in Figure 4b, the strap 31 is then introduced into space 25B according to movement M2 so as to surround the second anchoring point of the base 24B. This movement M2 is caused by inserting the strap 31 into space 25B from the bottom surface of the base 24B to the top surface of the base 24B until the strap 31 travels along the pipeline 40.

[0079] Next, as illustrated in Figure 4c, the strap 31 is introduced into the fastener 33B according to movement M3. Then, the clamp collar 30 is passed through the housing of the fastener 33B according to movement M4, and then compressed around the pipeline 40 by pulling the end of the strap 31.

[0080] In one embodiment, once the desired compressive tension of the strap 31 is achieved, means for securing the strap 31 within the housing can be inserted into the clasp 33C by the action of M5 perpendicular to the length of the housing 35, as illustrated in Figure 4d. Subsequently, the remaining end of the strap 31 protruding from the clasp 33C may be optionally cut off.

[0081] In addition, the elongated element 31 may also have notches or grooves for receiving or locking the adjustment means 32.

[0082] Advantageously, the clamp collar 30 also has markings, allowing the tightening to be adapted to the prevailing pressure within the pipeline 40. Similarly, the winding devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 may also be equipped with an integrated device for measuring the tension of the strap 31. Similarly, an external device may be used to check the clamp tension.

[0083] Numerous examples exist of attaching the clamp collar 30 to the base 24A-24G.

[0084] As illustrated in Figure 1, in the first embodiment, the base 24A has a parallelepiped shape, for example, with tapped holes at the corners. The base 24A has a length of 2 to 10 cm and a width of 2 to 5 cm. The length of the base 24A is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipeline 40.

[0085] At its end, the base 24A has two substantially parallel transverse grooves 25A provided in the thickness direction of the base 24A, intended for the strap 31 of the clamp collar 30 to pass through.

[0086] Alternatively, a bore 46 may be provided at the bottom of the groove 25A to allow the groove 25A to open outwards. This bore 46 allows the strap 31 to better adapt to the shape of the pipeline 40.

[0087] In a modified example, as illustrated in Figures 4a to 4d, the base 24B may have two recesses at its end, thereby enabling the creation of an opening 25B. The ends of the recesses may have two pins 43. Thus, the strap 31 of the clamp collar 30 can pass through the opening 25B and form a loop around the pins 43.

[0088] In another example, the base 24B may have means for fastening two pins 43 attached to both sides of the base 24B. The pins 43 are positioned such that a free space 25B is left between the edge of the base 24B and the pins 43. This space 25B is intended to allow the strap 31 of the clamp collar 30 to pass through and form a loop around the pins 43.

[0089] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, in the third embodiment, the base 24C has a substantially hexagonal shape with a length of 2 to 8 cm and a width of 2 to 5 cm. The longitudinal direction of the base 24C is oriented perpendicular to the main direction D of the pipeline 40.

[0090] The base 24C also has two pairs of lateral grooves 25C provided on both sides of the thickness of the base 24C, the lateral grooves 25C being substantially parallel in shape and intended to allow two clamp collars 30 to pass through. Preferably, the grooves are spaced 1 to 3 cm apart. This type of base 24C is used for larger diameter pipelines 40, typically larger than DN50.

[0091] The two clamp collars 30 are attached in the same manner as described in Figures 4a to 4d, and the clamp collars 30 can be attached simultaneously or sequentially.

[0092] As illustrated in Figures 8-10, in the fourth embodiment, the base 24D is provided with two fastening points 25D on either side of the base 24D. Each fastening point 25D is provided with a housing 49 formed to receive a pin 47 having a depth of 0.5-1 cm, a length of 1-3 cm, and a diameter of 0.1-1 cm. In this fourth embodiment, the housing 49 extends across the entire width of the base 24D. The housing 49 is bordered by two lugs 48. Preferably, the tops of the lugs 48 may be rounded or beveled to guide the movement of the pin 47 toward the housing 49. The two lugs 48 are separated by a slot that allows the cable 39 to pass through but prevents the pin 47 from passing through, so that the pin remains locked within the housing 49 and is held by the lugs 48.

[0093] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, in the fifth embodiment, the recess 49 of the fastening point 25E may be made shallower so that the pin 47 cannot be pulled out. Also, the width of the slot can be adapted to the width of the elongated element. In this fifth embodiment, the slot is formed to allow the strap 31 to pass through.

[0094] As shown in Figures 14 to 16, in the sixth embodiment, the base 24F has a fixing point 25F with a lug 50 intended to cooperate with a hole provided at the end of the elongated element 31. To mount the elongated element onto the base 24F, the lug 50 is inserted into the hole in the elongated element 51 so as to surround the pipeline 50, and then the clamp 30 is fitted to the diameter of the pipeline via an adjustment means 32.

[0095] As illustrated in Figures 17 to 19, in the seventh embodiment, the base 24G has a housing 49 bounded by two lugs 48 separated by a slot, which are formed to allow the width of an elongated element 31 to pass through. The slot is covered by a plate connecting the two lugs 48, thus creating a space 0.05 to 0.2 cm thick that allows only the elongated element 31 to pass through, and not the pin 47. Therefore, in order to insert the elongated element 31, the pin 49 must first be moved, and then the end portion of the elongated element 31 is inserted into the slot covered by the plate. Next, the pin 47 is secured to the end of the elongated element 31, for example, by sliding it into a fastener formed on the end of the elongated element 31. Finally, the pin 47 is inserted into the housing 49. Therefore, the pin 47 cannot be extracted from the housing 49 because it is blocked by the presence of the plate.

[0096] In conclusion, the present invention makes it possible to obtain a bypass device that can be adapted to several pipeline diameters and is easier and less expensive to use than conventional devices.

Claims

1. Clamping devices (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) intended to be attached to the opening of the pipeline (40), wherein the clamping devices (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) are: - A base (24A-24G) having through holes (26), - A seal (28) for sealing the connection between the opening of the pipeline (40) and the through hole (26) of the base (24A-24G), - The one-piece base (24A-24G) further comprises at least two fastening points (25A-25G), - The clamping device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) comprises at least one clamp collar (30), the at least one clamp collar (30) being: Elongated elements (31, 39) intended to partially surround the pipeline (40), cooperating with the base (24A, 24G) at the fixing points (25A-25G), and having at least one notch, The device comprises an adjustment means (32) which is independent of the base (24A-24G) and is received or locked by the notches of the elongated elements (31, 39) to adjust the length of at least one clamp collar (30) so that the clamping device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) can be mounted on pipelines (40) of different diameters. The adjustment means (32) comprises a housing (35) into which both ends of the elongated elements (31, 39) are inserted into the housing (35), and at least one end moves in a direction (M4) in which the clamp collar (30) is compressed around the pipeline (40) to press the elongated elements (31, 39) against the pipeline, and a screw (34) is used to fix both ends of the elongated elements (31, 39) together to obtain a tension that presses the elongated elements (31, 39) and the tension can withstand a pressure of 5 to 20 bar. Clamping devices (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700).

2. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a single clamp collar (30) and two fixing points (25A-25G) arranged on both sides of the base (24A-24G).

3. The clamping device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing point (25A-25C) is a through-opening oriented in a direction parallel to the main direction (D) of the pipeline (40), and the elongated elements (31, 39) are attached to the base (24A-24C) by inserting at least one end of the elongated elements (31, 39) into the through-opening and forming a loop around the end of the base (24A-24C).

4. The clamping device according to claim 3, characterized in that the through-opening is a slot provided in the base (24A, 24C).

5. The clamping device according to claim 3, characterized in that the through-opening corresponds to a space formed between the base (24B) and the pin of the base (24B).

6. The clamping device according to claim 2, characterized in that the two ends of the elongated elements (31, 39) are configured to cooperate with fastening points (25D-25G) located on both sides of the base (24D-24G), and following the action of the adjusting means (32), the elongated elements (31, 39) partially surround the pipeline (40).

7. The clamping device according to claim 6, wherein the fixing point (25H-25K) comprises a housing (49) separated by two lugs (48) separated by a slot formed to allow elongated elements (31, 39) to pass through, the housing (49) intended to receive a pin (47) fixed to the ends of the elongated elements (31, 39), and the lugs (48, 50) are intended to allow the pin (47) to be inserted into the housing (49) before action on the adjusting means (32) and to block the extraction of the pin (47) after action on the adjusting means (32).

8. The clamping device according to claim 6, characterized in that each fixing point (25H to 25K) includes a lug (50) intended to cooperate with holes provided at the ends of the elongated elements (31, 39).

9. The clamping device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the elongated element (31) is a strap.

10. The clamping device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the elongated element (31) is a cable.

11. The clamping device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the elongated element (31) is manufactured from a metal material.

12. The clamping device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the means (32) for adjusting the length of at least one clamp collar (30) is characterized by comprising a marking that allows the seal (28) to be compressed to a predetermined level.

13. The clamping device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the adjusting means (32) is integral with the end of the elongated element (31).

14. A facility comprising: - at least one pipeline (40) having at least one opening (42); and - at least one clamping device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the pipeline (40) is a pipeline whose inner and outer surfaces are painted or pre-painted.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the coating of the pipeline (40) contains an epoxy polymer binder.

17. The equipment according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the equipment is a fire-prevention device.

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