Segmented Clamp for Cable Stability in Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for fixing cables to pipelines in Direct Electric Heating systems are fragile during offshore handling and welding, particularly failing to maintain a stable electrical connection during thermal expansions.
Innovation Solution
A clamp with multiple curved segments and tension devices, including bolts and nuts, provides a secure and even clamping force along the cable's length, accommodating varying diameters and preventing stress concentration, ensuring reliable connection during thermal expansions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art solutions are used to fix the cable to the pipeline, then the cable can be attached to the pipeline, but the connection becomes fragile during offshore handling and welding and fails to maintain stable electrical connection during thermal expansions
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple clamp segments (typically three) that can be assembled around the cable. Each segment is connected to adjacent segments through tension devices, creating a modular structure that distributes mechanical stresses and maintains electrical connection stability during thermal expansions and offshore operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension devices include spring parts that provide elastic compliance, allowing the clamp to dynamically adapt to thermal expansions and contractions of the pipeline. The spring mechanism absorbs thermal stresses while maintaining constant electrical contact between the cable and pipeline.
2Reliability
If clamping force is applied onto a short portion of the cable, then the cable can be secured to the pipeline, but stress concentration damages the cable
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamp segments distributed along the cable length create multiple contact points, distributing the clamping force over an extended portion of the cable rather than concentrating it at a single location, thereby reducing stress concentration and preventing cable damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved sections of the clamp segments are specifically designed to match the cable geometry, creating localized contact areas that distribute pressure evenly across the cable surface. This localized adaptation ensures secure attachment while minimizing stress concentration through proper force distribution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The clamp ensures a stable and secure attachment of cables to pipelines, preventing damage from thermal expansions and maintaining electrical connectivity, making it suitable for Direct Electric Heating systems and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
The spring part also makes it possible for the clamp to accommodate a cable with varying diameter
Implementation Method 2
The cable supplies a current to metallic parts of the pipeline such as the pipe walls, which are used as a conductor generating a heating effect to prevent the formation of hydrates
Implementation Method 3
Due to the hot well stream flowing through the pipeline, the pipeline expands thermally
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3
AI summary
A clamp (1) for mounting to a cable. The clamp has attachment means for connecting to a pipeline. Further, the clamp comprises plural clamp segments (4a, 4b, 4c) each with a curved section and tension devices connecting the clamp segments to each other to form a cylindrically shaped attachment area for accommodation of the cable in contact with the curved sections.