Subsea Line Clamp Assembly With Self-Adjusting Tapered Teeth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing subsea line clamp assemblies struggle to maintain a consistent clamping force over the service life of subsea lines, particularly due to creep and compression that reduce the outer diameter of the conduit.

Innovation Solution

A subsea line clamp assembly featuring a body with segmented construction and a clamp member with radially and axially movable segments, utilizing tapered portions on both the body and clamp member to maintain a consistent clamping force despite changes in the subsea line's diameter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed clamp assembly is used, then the initial clamping force is sufficient, but the clamping force decreases over time due to creep and compression of the subsea line

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping force consistencyVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp member is designed to move axially relative to the body, transforming a static clamp into a dynamic system. The axial movement of the clamp member along the tapered portions enables continuous adjustment of the clamping force to compensate for diameter changes in the subsea line over time, maintaining reliable anchoring throughout the service life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered portions on both the body and clamp member create a geometric relationship where axial movement of the clamp member automatically adjusts the radial clamping force. As the subsea line diameter changes due to creep and compression, the clamp member moves axially along the tapered surfaces, maintaining consistent clamping pressure without requiring external intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the clamp member is fixed relative to the body, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to diameter changes of the subsea line

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to diameter changesVSAvoidclamp structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly uses the tapered geometry to automatically adjust itself. As the subsea line diameter changes, the clamp member naturally moves axially along the tapered surfaces, self-regulating the clamping force without requiring external control systems or additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution ensures a consistent clamping force throughout the service life of the subsea line, reducing the risk of uncontrolled hydrocarbon escape and maintaining performance despite changes in the line's diameter due to creep and compression.

Implementation Method 1

The inner surface of the body has at least one first tapered portion, and the outer surface of the clamp member has at least one second tapered portion arranged to engage the first tapered portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTapered geometry mechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS12215805B2Subsea line clamp assembly

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 BALMORAL COMTEC

AI summary

A subsea line clamp assembly (1) has a body (10) having an axis and a clamp member (50), assembled in segments around a subsea line (3), and tethered to a subsea anchor (5). The clamp member (50) is movably located within the body (10). The inner surface of the body (10) and the outer surface of the clamp member (50) have respective tapered portions as part of teeth (32, 72) arranged to inter-engage. Adjacent teeth (32, 72) may be separated by axis-parallel portions. The clamping force on the subsea line (30) can be maintained at a consistent clamping force throughout the service life of the subsea line (3), despite the actions of creep and compression acting to reduce the outer diameter of the line (3).