Segmented Flexible Pipe Clamp for Buoyancy Jacket Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps for flexible pipes in subsea gas and oil production are bulky, difficult to manufacture, and not easily adaptable for different diameters, leading to handling issues and insufficient structural definition, which complicates the attachment of buoyancy jackets.
Innovation Solution
A clamp comprising a radial array of wedge-shaped elements with engagement means, a compressive strap, and resilient spacer cushions, allowing for adjustable frictional engagement and easy assembly around the flexible pipe, with features like plug and socket formations and filaments for structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bulky C-shaped bodies are used to form the clamp, then the clamp can provide sufficient structural strength and rigidity, but the clamp becomes difficult to manufacture, heavy, and not easily adaptable for different pipe diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple discrete wedge-shaped elements (typically 3-5 elements) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled around the pipe. Each element is a simple wedge shape that can be easily manufactured, yet when assembled in a radial array they collectively provide the necessary structural strength and rigidity to secure the pipe and buoyancy jacket.
2Strength
If bulky C-shaped bodies are used to form the clamp, then the clamp can provide sufficient structural strength, but the clamp becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the clamp into multiple small wedge elements rather than using a single bulky C-shaped body, the overall weight is significantly reduced while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed arrangement of elements in a radial array around the pipe.
3Strength
If bulky C-shaped bodies are used to form the clamp, then the clamp can provide sufficient structural strength, but the clamp is not easily adaptable for use on risers having different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped elements are designed to be movable relative to each other through engagement means such as hinges or pivot points. This dynamic configuration allows the radial array of elements to adapt to pipes of different diameters by adjusting the angular spacing and radial position of each element, while still maintaining sufficient structural strength when closed around the pipe.
4Adaptability or versatility
If relatively small elements are arranged in a radial array, then the clamp becomes more adaptable and easier to manufacture, but the clamp lacks structural definition when in rest, making it difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible compression band or strap is used to surround and tie together the radial array of wedge elements. When the clamp is in its open rest position, this flexible binding maintains the general cylindrical shape and structural definition of the assembly, making it easier to handle and install, while still allowing the individual elements to move and adapt to different pipe diameters when needed.
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 provides a secure, adaptable, and lightweight solution for attaching buoyancy jackets to flexible pipes, enhancing handling and manufacturing ease while ensuring effective frictional engagement and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the clamps are able to exert sufficient force onto the riser to frictionally prevent slippage of the riser's thermoplastic sleeve over its internal webbing
Implementation Method 2
The interface may be a resiliently deformable strip disposed along a length of the inner face
Implementation Method 3
The cushions are resiliently deformable
Data Source
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AI summary
A clamp for a flexible pipe, to provide a load bearing flange on the flexible pipe permitting buoyancy jackets to be joined thereto. The clamp has a longitudinal axis arranged to extend along the length of the flexible pipe and a radial axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The clamp further comprises: a plurality of separate clamp elements being supported together in a radial array extending at least partially around the longitudinal axis; engagement means located between neighbouring clamp elements to movably interconnect the clamp elements; and a strap being adapted to surround the clamp elements, in use for exerting a compressive force thereon. Also provided is a clamp element for use in the aforementioned clamp.