Composite Riser Clamp Structure for Buckling and Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing riser clamps are inadequate in preventing buckling and vortex-induced vibrations of auxiliary fluid lines attached to subsea risers, especially under pressurized conditions and during handling.
Innovation Solution
A riser clamp configuration featuring separate body portions and planar pipe saddle parts made from fiber-reinforced composite materials, with a strap and tensioning arrangement to securely clamp the body portions onto the riser, and securing bars to prevent the pipe saddle parts from being removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auxiliary lines are merely supported at their lowermost and uppermost ends, then the clamp structure is simple, but the auxiliary lines buckle during use especially when pressurized
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is divided into multiple segments (first and second clamp body segments) that can be assembled around the riser, allowing the auxiliary line to be supported at multiple intermediate points along its length, preventing buckling while maintaining a modular, manageable structure
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe saddle part extends radially outwardly from the clamp body in a direction perpendicular to the riser axis, creating a three-dimensional support structure that contacts the auxiliary line from the radial direction, thereby preventing buckling without requiring additional longitudinal supports
2Strength
If fiber-reinforced composite materials are used for clamp parts, then the clamp has sufficient strength, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into separate components (clamp body segments and pipe saddle part) that can be manufactured independently using fiber-reinforced composite materials, then assembled together, reducing the manufacturing complexity of each individual component while maintaining overall strength
Solution Approach 2:
Fiber-reinforced composite materials are used for the clamp body segments and pipe saddle part to provide high strength-to-weight ratio and sufficient structural strength, with the composite structure tailored to specific components to optimize manufacturing feasibility
3Device complexity
If the pipe saddle part is separate and planar extending radially outwardly, then the clamp body can be simpler, but the pipe support geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe saddle part is separated from the clamp body segments and designed as an independent planar component extending radially outwardly, allowing the clamp body to remain simple while the pipe support geometry is optimized separately for effective auxiliary line contact and support
Data Source
AI summary
A riser clamp for supporting fluid pipes in parallel with and spaced from an external surface of a tubular riser. The riser clamp includes at least one body portion which is arrangeable to form a clamp body which is substantially circular or partially circular, and a pipe saddle part. The clamp body encircles a clamp axis. The at least one body portion has an external surface which faces radially outwards and an internal surface which faces radially inwards. The pipe saddle part is provided to be separate and substantially planar, and is arranged to extend radially outwardly from the clamp body.