Flowline Clamp Assembly for Aligned Axial Conduit Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp assemblies for oil and gas well flowlines are inefficient in breaking and re-making connections, particularly in high-pressure scenarios, and often require extensive maintenance, which disrupts operations and complicates the handling of large bore conduits.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly with pivotally interconnected segments and guide rods that allow for axial movement while maintaining alignment, enabling the separation and re-connection of conduits with reduced operational downtime and simplified maintenance, and includes features like latching devices and hydraulic mechanisms for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If clamp members are rigidly connected to maintain alignment, then alignment is maintained, but relative axial movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp members are divided into multiple clamp segments that can move relative to each other. The guide rods are also segmented with movable connections, allowing the system to maintain overall alignment while permitting necessary axial movement of individual segments during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Movable connections act as intermediaries between the clamp members and guide rods, enabling relative axial movement while maintaining alignment. These intermediary elements facilitate the decoupling of alignment maintenance from rigid connection, allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If clamp segments are rigidly connected, then structural stability is maintained, but rapid deployment is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into modular clamp segments connected by pivotal connections. This segmentation allows the segments to be quickly assembled and deployed in the field without requiring complex rigging or extensive assembly procedures, significantly reducing deployment time while maintaining structural integrity when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp segments incorporate movable pivotal connections that allow dynamic adjustment during deployment and operation. This dynamic capability enables rapid opening and closing actions, facilitating quick deployment and retrieval while maintaining structural stability when the clamp is in the closed, load-bearing position.
3Stability of the object's composition
If guide rods are fixed in position, then alignment is maintained, but operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rod system is segmented with movable connections that allow individual segments to move relative to each other. This segmentation provides operational flexibility for tasks such as bearing ring removal and conduit separation while the guide rods collectively maintain alignment of the clamp members throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rods incorporate movable connections that enable dynamic adjustment during operation. This allows the guide rod system to adapt to different operational requirements, such as accommodating axial movement during conduit separation or bearing ring removal, while maintaining alignment when needed.
4Area of stationary object
If clamp assembly is designed for large bore conduits, then conduit handling capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp members are divided into multiple clamp segments that can be arranged to accommodate large bore conduits. This segmentation allows the clamp to engage with large diameter conduits through distributed contact points around the circumference, providing effective handling capability without requiring a single overly complex structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly incorporates multiple functional elements including clamp segments for engagement, guide rods for alignment, movable connections for flexibility, and pivotal connections for deployment. These multi-functional elements work together to handle large bore conduits effectively, providing the necessary capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly is disclosed for breaking a severable connection in a pressurised flowline of an oil or gas well. First and second clamp members have first and second interconnected and clamp segments which are pivotally moveable to close around a conduit. First and second guide rods with parallel axes connect the respective first and second clamp segments of the first and second clamp members. A drive mechanism drives axial movement of the first and second clamp members relative to each other. The first and second clamp members engage first and second conduits on opposite sides of the severable connection. Each clamp segment has an inner surface comprising a recess adapted to receive a load shoulder on the conduits.