CA2937254C - Cable protector clamps and related methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Cable protector clamps and related methods of use. Cable protector clamps have an anti-rotation device, such as an angular lock for engaging an array of bolts of a flange in a well tubular. Cable protector clamps have arcuate plates, conical noses, and other features to protect a cable. Cable protector clamps are used to protect the motor lead extension cable in an electric submersible pump assembly.

Description

CABLE PROTECTOR CLAMPS AND RELATED METHODS
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This document relates to cable protector clamps and related methods.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Cable protector clamps wrap around and engage the exterior surfaces of a downhole tubing string and electrical submersible pump assembly to secure a motor lead extension (MLE) cable against the exterior surfaces.
SUMMARY

[0003] A cable protector clamp is disclosed comprising: arcuate parts shaped to mate to define a well tubular passage in use, with one or more of the arcuate parts defining an axial cable channel; and an angular lock on one or more of the arcuate parts, the angular lock shaped to engage an array of bolts of a flange of a well tubular to lock the cable protector clamp, relative to the array of bolts, in a range of angular positions that are each separated from adjacent positions by less than the angular distance between axes of adjacent bolts in the array of bolts.

[0004] A cable protector clamp is disclosed comprising: arcuate parts shaped to mate to define a well tubular passage in use, with a first arcuate part of the arcuate parts defining an axial cable channel; and an angular lock formed on a second arcuate part of the arcuate parts, the angular lock shaped to engage an array of bolts of a flange of a well tubular to lock the cable protector clamp, relative to the array of bolts, in a range of angular positions.

[0005] A method is disclosed comprising clamping arcuate parts together around a well tubular such that: a cable, which runs in an axial direction along an external surface of the well tubular, is retained within a cable channel defined by one or more of the arcuate parts; and an angular lock, of one or more of the arcuate parts, engages an array of bolts of a flange of the well tubular to lock the arcuate parts, relative to the array of bolts, in a selected angular position of a range of angular positions that the angular lock is capable of locking the arcuate parts in, each of the range of angular positions being separated from adjacent =
positions by less than the angular distance between axes of adjacent bolts in the array of bolts.

[0006] A cable protector clamp is disclosed comprising: arcuate parts shaped to mate to form a collar that defines a well tubular passage in use; one or more of the arcuate parts forming an arcuate plate whose axial ends extend in respective axial directions beyond respective axial ends of the collar, in which a radially inward facing surface of the arcuate plate defines a cable channel that opens radially to the well tubular passage.

[0007] A method is disclosed comprising: assembling arcuate parts around a well tubular and a cable running in an axial direction on an external surface of the well tubular;
orienting the arcuate parts into a selected angular position of a range of angular positions that are each separated frOm adjacent positions by less than the angular distance between axes of adjacent bolts in the array of bolts clamping the arcuate parts together to secure the arcuate parts to the well tubular and engage an array of bolts of a flange of the well tubular to lock the arcuate parts, relative to the array of bolts, in a selected position of a range of angular positions that are each separated from adjacent positions by less than the angular distance between axes of adjacent bolts in the array of bolts.

[0008] In'vari.ous embodiments, there may be included any one or more of the following features: The angular lock comprises a plurality of fingers. The angular lock comprises a radially inward facing surface that is indented to form the plurality of fingers.
The radially facing surface is indented with scalloping. The axial cable channel is defined on a first arcuate part of the arcuate parts. The angular lock is formed on a second arcuate part of the arcuate parts. The first arcuate part is connected to mate by hinge to the second arcuate part. When the cable protector clamp is in a clamped position, first and second radial ends of the first arcuate part mate with first and second radial ends of the second arcuate part via first and second bolt and barrel nut connections, respectively. A barrel nut of the first bolt and barrel nut connection is located in a barrel defined in the first radial end of the first arcuate part, a bolt of the first bolt and barrel nut connection mounts on a bolt mount in the first radial end of the second arcuate part, and the bolt mount defines a radial slot to permit the bolt to swing out of and into engagement with the bolt mount when the cable protector clamp is out of a clamped position. The range of angular positions are each separated from adjacent positions by one half or less of the angular distance between axes of adjacent bolts in the array of bolts. The range of angular positions are each separated from adjacent positions by an angular distance of ic/X or less, where X = the number of bolts in the array of bolts . The cable channel opens radially to the well tubular passage in use. A pair of axial capillary line channels are defined adjacent respective opposed lateral sides of the cable channel. A
combination has a well tubular with a flange mounting an array of bolts; a cable protector clamp secured around the well tubular with the angular lock engaging the array of bolts; and a cable within the axial cable channel. The well tubular comprises an electric submersible pump assembly and the cable comprises a motor lead extension cable. The clamp is connected to a tubing string within a production well of a steam assisted gravity drainage well. Each axial end of the arcuate plate is defined by a respective pair of guide arms that are laterally spaced to define the cable channel and that extend in a respective axial direction beyond a respective axial end of the cable channel. Each axial end of the cable channel is defined by a respective bridge connecting the respective pair of guide arms, in which external surfaces of each respective bridge and pair of guide arms collectively form a cone-shaped nose. Each cone-shaped nose narrows in lateral width with increasing axial distance from the collar when viewed from a plane that is perpendicular to a plane that passes through both an axis of the well tubular passage and a center axis of the cable channel. Each cone-shaped nose is tapered with an angle of thirty-five degrees or less relative to an axis of the well tubular passage. Each cone-shaped nose is tapered with an angle of twenty-five degrees or less relative to an axis of the well tubular passage. A pair of axial capillary line channels are defined adjacent respective opposed lateral sides of the cable channel.
Each of the pair of axial capillary line channels is defined by a respective pair of slots that are located adjacent opposed axial ends of the cable channel and separated by a respective axial gap or void that forms part of the cable channel. The arcuate plate has a cylindrical external shape along an axial part of the arcuate plate underlying the cable channel. The radially inward facing surface that defines the cable channel tapers with decreasing distance from an axis of the well tubular passage when moving from a first axial end of the cable channel to a second axial end of the cable channel. The arcuate plate defines a centralizer guide slot at the first axial end of the cable channel. The cable channel has an angular width of twenty or more degrees at a base of the cable channel between lateral sides of the cable channel. The cable channel has an angular width of twenty five or more degrees defined at a base of the cable channel between lateral sides of the cable channel. The arcuate plate has an axial length of seven decimal five inches or more. The cable channel has an axial length of six inches or more. A ratio of an axial length of the cable channel to an axial length of the collar is four or more to one. A ratio of an axial length of the cable protector clamp to an axial length of the cable channel is one decimal two or more to one. The cable protector clamp of claim 2 in which each of the plurality of fingers points in a radially inward direction from a respective base to a respective tip. The first arcuate part is connected by hinge to the second arcuate part. When the cable protector clamp is in a clamped position, first and second radial ends of the first arcuate part mate with first and second radial ends of the second arcuate part via first and second bolt and barrel nut connections, respectively. The cable protector clamp is positioned within a jOint between downhole sections of the well tubular.

[0009] These and other aspects of the device and method are set out in the claims, which are incorporated here by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures, in which like reference characters denote like elements, by way of example, and in which:

[0011] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cable protector clamp.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of an electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly positioned within a production well in a steam-assisted gravity drainage operation, with the ESP assembly mounting a plurality of cable protector clamps.

[0013] Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the cable protector clamp of Fig. 1 engaging an array of bolts of a flange of a well tubular.

[0014] Figs. 3A-D are a sequence of section views depicting various stages in a process for mounting the cable protector clamp of Fig. 1 to a well tubular in different angular positions. Fig. 3D is a section view taken along the 3D-3D section lines from Fig. 3, and Figs. 3A-C are all taken using the same relative section lines as used for Fig. 3D. Dashed lines are used in Fig. 3B to illustrate the angular increment about which the clamp is rotated to achieve the angular position shown in Figs. 3C, while Fig. 3D illustrates the angular position that is achieved by simply tightening the clamp from the position of Fig. 3B.

[0015] Fig. 4 is an end view of a downhole end of an arcuate part forming the top half of the cable protector clamp of Fig. I.

[0016]
Fig. 4A is a top plan view of the arcuate part shown in Fig. 4.

[0017] Fig. 4B is a side view of the arcuate part shown in Fig. 4.

[0018] Fig. 4C is a section view taken along the 4C-4C section lines from Fig. 4A.

[0019] Fig. 4D is a section view taken along the 4D-D section lines from Fig. 4.

[0020] Fig. 5 is a top plan view of an arcuate part forming the base half of the cable protector clamp of Fig. 1.

[0021] Fig. 5A is a section view taken along the 5A-5A section lines from Fig. 5.

[0022] Fig. 5B is a section view taken along the 5B-5B section lines from Fig. 5.

[0023] Fig. 5C is an end view of a downhole end of the arcuate part of Fig. 5.

[0024] Fig. 5D is a section view taken along the 5D-5D section lines from Fig. 5.

[0025] Fig. 5E is a bottom plan view of the arcuate part of Fig. 5.

[0026] Fig. 6 is a top plan view of an arcuate part of another embodiment of the base half of a cable protector clamp.

[0027] Fig. 6A is a section view taken along the 6A-6A section lines from Fig. 6.

[0028] Fig. 6B is a section view taken along the 6B-6B section lines from Fig. 6.

[0029] Fig. 6C is an end view of the uphole end of the arcuate part of Fig. 6.

[0030] Fig. 6D is a side view of the arcuate part of Fig. 6.

[0031] Fig. 6E is a bottom plan view of the arcuate part of Fig. 6.

[0032] Fig. 7 is a top plan view of an arcuate part of another embodiment of the base half of a cable protector clamp.

[0033] Fig. 7A is a section view taken along the 7A-7A section lines from Fig. 7.

[0034] Fig. 7B is a section view taken along the 7B-7B section lines from Fig. 7.

[0035] Fig. 7C is an end view of the uphole end of the arcuate part of Fig. 7.

[0036] Fig. 7D is a section view taken along the 7D-7D section lines from Fig. 7.

[0037] Fig. 7E is a bottom plan view of the arcuate part of Fig. 7.

[0038] Fig. 8 is atop plan view of an arcuate part of another embodiment of the base half of a cable protector clamp.

[0039] Fig. 8A is a section view taken along the 8A-8A section lines from Fig. 8, showing a pair of bolts from an array of flange bolts of an adjacent well tubular.

[0040] Fig. 8B is a section view taken along the 8B-8B section lines from Fig. 8.

[0041] Fig. 8C is a end view of the uphole end of the arcuate part of Fig.
8.

[0042] Fig. 8D is a section view taken along the 8D-8D section lines from Fig. 8.

[0043] Fig. 8E is a bottom plan view of the arcuate part of Fig. 8.

[0044] Fig. 9 .is a top plan view of an arcuate part of another embodiment of the base half of a cable protector clamp.

[0045] Fig. 9A is a section view taken along the 9A-9A section lines from Fig. 9.

[0046] Fig. 9B is a section view taken along the 9B-9B section lines from Fig. 9.

[0047] Fig. 9C is an end view of the downhole end of arcuate part of Fig.
9.

[0048] Fig. 9D is a section view taken along the 9D-9D section lines from Fig. 9.

[0049] Fig. 9E is a bottom plan view of the arcuate part of Fig. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Immaterial modifications may be made to the embodiments described here without departing from what is covered by the claims.

[0051] Cables, including solid and hollow body cables, are used for various purposes in a downhole tubing string. A cable may serve as a power line, for example a conductor that transmits electrical power to a downhole component. A cable may also serve as a control line for sending and receiving control signals to and from various pieces of downhole equipment. A cable may also operate as a chemical line, which supplies or removes fluids to a piece of downhole equipment or for injection at a particular location in the well.

[0052] A cable that runs along the external surfaces of a downhole tubing string may incur damage from contact with the wellbore, casing, or edges and joints of the tubing string.
To protect the cable from damage, a cable protector clamp may be mounted around the tubing string to hold the cable against the tubing string. A cable protection clamp will restrict the movement of the cable and maintain the cable in position along the external surfaces of the tubing string to minimize the chance of snagging or hooking of the cable.
A clamp may also be used to maintain tension in the cable to keep the cable tight against the tubing string between clamps.

[0053] A motor lead extension (MLE) cable may be used to provide power and control to an electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly. An ESP assembly may be used in oil production or other applications as a mechanism to provide artificial lift to bring well fluids to surface. Referring to Fig. 2, an ESP assembly 18 may comprise a suitable array of components such as a pump discharge tubing joint 37, one or more pumps 20, a gas avoider 22, one or more seal sections 24 and 26, a motor 28 for the pump 20, and a centralizer 30.
Each ESP assembly 18 component may be housed within its own respective cylindrical outer housing. The MLE cable 32 often extends from surface to motor 28, which drives the pump 20 to pump oil from a reservoir up to the surface. Referring to Figs. 3D and 9E, an MLE
cable 32 may comprise various cables, such as cables 32A-C, which may be housed within a flexible metal jacket 32D.

[0054] Most damage to an MLE cable occurs during the process of moving the ESP
assembly 18 into a downhole operating location. During downhole travel, particularly when entering the wellhead or traversing a build portion of a horizontal well, contact between the MLE cable and the casing, wellbore, or tubing string may chafe, wear, cut through, compromise, and in some cases destroy the MLE cable. A worn or damaged MLE
cable may restrict or prevent prciper operation of motor 28, or may be more susceptible to premature failure during operations thus limiting the operating life of the ESP
assembly.

[0055] Referring to Figs. 1 and 3D, a cable protector clamp 10 is illustrated comprising an arcuate part or parts, such as a top half 12 and a base half 14, shaped to mate with one another. The halves 12 and 14 may mate in use to define a well tubular passage 16A for example by forming a collar 15 (Fig. 3D). Base half 14 and top half 12 are examples of first and second arcuate parts, although more than two arcuate parts may be used, the arcuate parts need not each form a half of a ring, and the arcuate parts need not have the same angular length, from radial end to radial end, as one another. Referring to Fig. 1, one or more of top and base halves 12 and 14 of cable protector clamp 10 may define an axial cable channel 48, which may be shaped to retain a cable such as an MLE cable 32 running in an axial direction along an external surface of a well tubular 16.

[0056] One or more of the arcuate parts, in this case top and base halves 12 and 14, may define an angular lock 34. In some cases, axial cable channel 48 is defined on base half 14 and angular lock 34 is formed on top half 12. Referring to Fig. 2, in use the clamp 10 may be assembled around an ESP assembly- 18, although clamp 10 may be used in other downhole applications. Referring to Fig. 2, cable protector clamp 10 may be positioned around a joint 39 (Fig. 3) between downhole sections of well tubular 16, for example as illustrated by the different positions of clamps l 0A-E.

[0057] Referring to Figs. 3 and 3A-D, angular lock 34 (Fig. 3B) may be shaped to engage one or more bolts in an array of bolts 36 of a flange 38 (Fig. 3) of well tubular 16 to angularly lock cable protector clamp 10. Referring to Figs. 3C-D, the clamp 10 may be locked relative to one or more bolts in the array of bolts 36, in a range of angular positions.
The range of angular positions may each be separated from adjacent positions by increments of less than the angular distance between central axes of adjacent bolts in the array of bolts 36. The number of potential angular positions may be greater than the number of bolts in the array of bolts 36..The clamp 10 may be structured to permit 360 degrees of angular positions about the well tubular.

[0058] Angular lock 34 may be structured to secure cable protector clamp 10 relative to the array of bolts 36 via a suitable mechanism. Referring to Fig. 3D, angular lock 34 may comprise a plurality of fingers 34A, which may be extended in respective radial directions 42. Each of the plurality flingers 34A may point in a respective radially inward direction from a respective base 34B to a respective tip 34C. Angular lock 34 may comprise a radially inward facing surface 34D that is indented to form the plurality of fingers 34A. Angular lock 34 may facilitate alignment of plural cable clamps 10 that are axially spaced from one another along the well tubular, such that the respective cable channels 48 may be axially aligned to limit twisting of a cable 32 running through the channels 48.
Referring to Fig. 2, an example is shown of a plurality of axially spaced clamps 10 whose cable channels 48 (not shown) are axially aligned to permit MLE cable 32 to pass through the clamps in a straight line along the well tubular.

[0059] Referring to Fig. 3D, radially inward facing surface 34D of channel 48 may be indented with Scalloping. Scalloping provides a shape that self-corrects and guides the clamp into one of the potential angular positions upon tightening. A scalloped surface may define ramps between finger bases 34B and tips 34C that serve to guide cable protector clamp 10 into one of the angular positions of the range of angular positions during a clamping operation, for example as top and base halves 12 and 14 tighten around well tubular 16. In some cases, as the top and base halves 12 and 14 tighten together, a tip 34C of one of the fingers 34A may traverse an external surface of a bolt in the array of bolts 36 to position the bolt against a base 34B between adjacent tips 34C. The shape of each scallop may be selected to correspond with the shape of the bolt 36, for example if the scallops each define a bolt receiving cavity that has the shape of a longitudinally sliced cylinder of same or similar diameter as the diameter of the target bolt 36. The radially inward facing surface 34D
may also be indented to follow the geometric shape of the heads of bolts 36, for example if surface 34D has a plurality of partially hexagonal or octagonal indents.
Scalloping may prevent radial and axial slippage.

[0060] The clamp 10 may be structured to permit fine tuning of the angular position of the clamp 10 and cable channel 48, while the clamp 10 is unclamped or loosely clamped by securing both sets of radial ends together. The ability to fine tune the angular position of the cable channel may provide flexibility and precision in aligning cable channels of axially spaced clamps when compared with a clamp that permits only rough angular positioning.
The ability to fine tune position may improve cable reliability and extend cable life. Other clamps may need to be removed to perform angular adjustments at all, or angular adjustments past a certain angular distance.

[0061] The angular distance separating adjacent positions may be controlled by adjusting the separation of adjacent fingers 34A. For example, in the scalloping arrangement of Fig. 3B a finger base 34B of a scallop is separated from a finger base 34B
of a radially adjacent scallop by an angular distance 35 that defines the increment about which fine tuning may be carried out. Referring to Fig. 3B, the range of angular positions may each be separated from adjacent positions by an angular distance 35, which is equal to one half or less, for example one third or one fourth, of the angular distance between axes 36A of adjacent bolts in the array of bolts 36. An angular separation of7E/X or less, where X = the number of bolts in the array of bolts, such as 7E/6, 7E/10 or 7E/12, between adjacent positions may be used. In the example shown in Figs. 3A-D, a 7E/12 angular separation is used for a twelve-bolt arrangement, although other distances and non-zero increments may be used.
The clamp 10 may be adapted for use with flanges that carry other suitable numbers of bolts, for example four six, eight, ten, twelve or more or less bolts, usually but not always depending on the outer diameter of the tubular.

[0062] Base half 14 of cable protector clamp 10 may be connected to top half 12 of cable protector clamp 10 via a suitable hinge mechanism or mechanisms.
Referring to Fig. 1, top half 12 may comprise first and second radial ends 12A and 12B and base half 14 may comprise first and second radial ends 14A and 14B. One or more of first and second radial ends 12A and 12B and first and second radial ends 14A and 14B may comprise a hinge mechanism. A hinge mechanism may permit cable protector clamp 10 to be opened and closed as a pair of jaws around well tubular 16, thereby facilitating both a) installation after assembly of the tubing string and connection between adjacent components, b) removal without requiring disassembly of components.

[0063] One or both of halves 12/14 may locate respective radial ends, and hinges, on respective collar posts. For example, collar posts 12C and 12D of top half 12 may depend to define first and second radial ends 12A and 12B. Collar posts I4C and 14D of base half 14 may extend to define first and second radial ends 14A and 14B of base half 14.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 1, when cable protector clamp 10 is in a clamped position, first and second radial ends 14A and 14B of base half 14 may mate with first and second radial ends 12A and 12B of top half 12 via first and second bolt and barrel nut connections, respectively. Referring to Fig. 3D, a barrel nut 44B of the first bolt and respective barrel nut connection may be located in a barrel nut receiving slot 44C defined in first radial end 14A
of the base half 14. A first bolt 44A may be mounted to protector clamp 10 via a bolt mount 44D defined in first radial end 12A of top half 12.

[0065] Referring to Figs. 3A, 3C, and 4A, bolt mount 44D may define a lateral or radial slot 44E to permit bolt 44A to swing out of and into engagement with bolt mount 44D
when cable protector clamp 10 is out of a clamped position (Fig. 3A). A barrel nut 46B of the second bolt and barrel nut connection may be located in a barrel nut receiving slot 46C
defined in second end 14B of the base half 14. Second bolt 46A may be mounted to protector clamp 10 via a bolt mount 46D defined in second end 12B of top half 12. Bolt mount 46D
may or may not define a radial slot to permit swinging of bolt 46A, and bolt mount 44D may lack a radial slot in some cases.

[0066] Referring to Figs. 3A-D, a clamp 10 may be arranged, angularly adjusted, and clamped, in a suitable fashion. Referring to Figs. 3A-B, clamp 10 may first be loosely closed around the well tubular 16, for example by swinging arcuate parts 12 and 14 together as jaws about a hinge nut 46B. Referring to Figs. 3B and 3D, bolt 44A may be swung up to engage bolt mount 44D to enclose the well tubular 16 either tightly (Fig. 3D) or loosely (Fig. 3B).
Referring to Figs. 3B-3D, if the bolts 44A and 46A are secured in a loose configuration as shown, the next stages may involve tightening the bolts 44A and 46A to clamp the tubular 16 in the angular position assumed (Fig. 3D), or angularly adjusting the position of the clamp 10, for example about an increment shown by angle 35, and then clamping by tightening the bolts (Fig. 3C). Angular positioning may be carried out without securing both bolts, for example by first resting the angular lock 34 on bolts 36, and then securing the clamp 10 together. Bolt 46A may be fully or loosely tightened when bolt 44A is connected to barrel nut 44B. ln some cases a first of arcuate parts 12 or 14 is positioned on the well tubular 16, and the other of parts 12 or 14 is then connected to the first arcuate part, for example by connecting the radial ends of parts 12 and 14 together.

[0067] Axial cable channel 48 may be defined in a suitable fashion.
Referring to Figs. 3D and Fig. 5, cable channel 48 may be structured to open radially to well tubular 16 and well tubular passage 16A in use. For example, cable channel 48 may be formed in a radially inward facing surface 48C of cable protector clamp 10. Opening the channel 48 to the well tubular may permit that clamp 10 to adopt a lower radial profile relative to well tubular 16 by hugging the cable 32 tightly against the external surfaces of the well tubular 16 without parts positioned between the cable and well tubular. The cable channel 48 may be structured to align with the adjacent tubulars defined about a joint 39 so that radial outward or inward bending of cable 32 across the junction between tubulars is minimized, by permitting the cable 32 to smoothly follow from the external surface of one tubular to the external surface of the next tubular. The internal dimensions of cable channel 48 may be shaped to correspond.to, for example match or conform to, the exterior shape of MLE cable 32 to permit a tight fit around the exterior of MLE cable 32.

[0068] Referring to Figs. 5 and 5E, one or more of the arcuate parts, for example base half 14, may comprise an arcuate plate 50 that defines the cable channel 48. Referring to Fig. 5C the arcuate plate 50 may have a shape that follows the arcuate shape of the collar 15 when viewed down the axis of the clamp 10. Referring to Figs. 5, and 5E, the plate 50 may extend the cable channel 48 beyond the axial ends 15A, 15B of collar 15, such that an axial length 69 between axial ends 48A, B, of the cable channel 48 is longer than an axial length 67 between axial ends 15A, 15B, of collar 15. A ratio of axial length

69 of cable channel 48 to an axial length 67 of collar 15 may be four or more to one.
Other larger and smaller ratios may be used. The cable channel length 69 may be six inches or longer, although longer or shorter lengths may be used. The arcuate plate 50 protects MLE cable 32 beyond merely the axial dimensions of collar 15. The plate 50 may extend onto the tubular housings of adjacent Parts in the ESP assembly, thus shielding the cable 32 from pinching contact between the wellbore and the terminal edges of the ESP components. The arcuate plate 50 (Fig. 5) may have an axial length 68 of seven decimal five inches or more, although longer and shorter lengths may be used.
[0069] Referring to Fig. 5, arcuate plate 50 may employ guide arms located on opposed lateral sides at the entry and exit points of the cable channel 48.
Each axial end 50A
and 50B of arcuate plate 50 may be defined by a respective pair of guide arms 52A and 52B.
Each respective pair of guide arms 52A, 52B may be laterally spaced to define cable channel 48 and may extend in a respective axial direction beyond a respective axial end 48A or 48B
of cable channel 48. Each pair of guide arms 52A and 52B may define the lateral bounds of cable channel 48 to guide MLE cable 32 into and out of cable channel 48, and shield MLE
cable 32 from lateral contact with wellbore debris or components, such as casing joints.
Referring to Fig. 5A, cable channel 48 may have a suitable angular width such as twenty or more degrees, for example twenty-five or more degrees, defined at a base 48G
of cable channel 48 between lateral sides 48E-F of cable channel 48. Other larger or smaller angular widths may be used.

[0070] Referring to Fig. 5D, each axial end 48A and 48B of cable channel 48 may have a nose whose shape follows that of a cone, for example around an angular width of the arcuate plate 50 (see Fig. 5C). Referring to Figs. 5 and 5D, each axial end 48A and 48B of cable channel 48 may be defined by a respective bridge 48D that spans or connects a respective pair of guide arms 52A and 52B. Referring to Figs. 5D and 5E, external surfaces 56 of each respective.pair of guide arms 52A and 52B and external surfaces 54 of a respective bridge 48D may collectively form a respective cone-shaped nose 57.
Referring to Figs. 5 and 5E, each respective cone-shaped nose 57 may narrow in lateral width with increasing axial distance from collar 15 when viewed from a plane (defined by the page of the drawing in Fig. 5E) that that is perpendicular to a plane 41 that passes through both an axis 40 (not shown) of the well tubular passage and a center axis 48H of the cable channel 48.

[0071] Referring to Figs. 5D and 5E, the external surfaces of arcuate plate 50 may be dimensioned to reduce snagging. For example, the external surfaces of plate 50 may be tapered. Each respective cone-shaped nose 57 may be tapered with an angle 58 of thirty-five degrees or less, such as an angle of twenty-five degrees or less, relative to an axis 40 of well tubular passage 16A. Shallow tapering may reduce snagging between clamp 10 and debris or projections, such ,as casing joints, within the wellbore. Referring to Figs. 1 and 5D, arcuate plate 50 may have a Cylindrical external shape along the axial length of an axial part 60 of the arcuate plate underlying the cable channel 48. The cylindrical external shape may be defined across a full angular width of the arcuate plate 50.

[0072] Cable protector clamp 10 may be structured to clamp around well tubular components of different outer diameters. Referring to Fig. 5 and 5D, radially inward facing surface 48C, which defines cable channel 48, may taper with decreasing distance from an axis 40 of well tubular passage 16A when moving from one axial end 48B of cable channel 48 to another axial end 48A of cable channel 48. Such tapering may facilitate the positioning of the cable 32 across the transition between different sized components, for example by directing cable 32 radially outward from a smaller to a larger diameter well tubular.
Cylindrical axial part 60 may underlie a tapered cable channel 48 between well tubulars of different outer diameters, serving to keep the outer diameter of cable protector clamp 10 consistent across the transition to avoid snagging.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 5E, arcuate plate 50 may define a centralizer guide slot 62 at one or both axial ends of cable channel 48, for example at axial end 48B.
Guide slot 62 may contact the lateral sides of the cable 32 on exit or entry, for example, with notches 64 on either side of centralizer guide slot 62, to restrict lateral shifting of cable 32 during entry or exit. Centralizer guide 62 may be located at an axial end of the cable channel 48 that is shaped to overlie a well tubular of relatively larger diameter than the well tubular that is located at the other axial end of channel 48, or the configuration may be reversed, or guides located on both axial .channel ends,

[0074] Referring to Fig. 5, base half 14 of cable protector clamp 10 may comprise one or more, for example a pair, of axial capillary line channels 3IA and 31B.
Referring to Fig. 5A, axial capillary line channels 31 may be defined adjacent respective opposed lateral sides 48E, F of cable channel 48. Channels 3 IA, B may be located in respective opposed angular directions relative to axial cable channel 48 as shown. Referring to Fig. 5, each of the pair of axial capillary line channels 31A, B, may be defined by a respective pair of slots or channels 3IA and 31B located at respective axial ends 48A and 48B of cable channel 48 and separated by a respective axial void 31C that forms part of cable channel 48. The void 31C may be positioned between projections or nubs 31E (Fig. 5B) that form the walls that define the slots 31A and 31B. Referring to Figs. 3D, 5A and 5B, each channel 31A, 31B may be structured with a deep enough well to enclose more than half of the diameter of a line 32 positioned within a respective channel, with such diameter understood to be defined along a radius 90 (Fig. 3) of well tubular passage 16A. A void may be used to save material and remove the need to align the cable 32 within an axial channel that extends along the entire axial length of the clamp. Nubs

[0075] Referring to Fig. 3D, a capillary line 33, such as a stainless steel injection line, may be used to supply chemicals, such as acid, or other fluids, such as lubrication fluids, to a component in the ESP assembly, or for direct injection into the wellbore at a desired location, or may be used for other purposes. In some cases, other types of cables such as additional power or control cables may run in one or both cap channels 31A, B. Referring =
to Fig. 5A, an angular width 65 of cable channel 48 may be smaller than an angular width 66 of cable channel 48 plus adjacent capillary line channels 31. The capillary line channels shown are 3/8 inch on one side and a 1/4 inch line on the other side, although other sizes may be used.

[0076] Referring to Fig. 2, clamps 10 may be arrayed along an electric submersible pump assembly 18 connected to a tubing string within a production well of a steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) well pair. In a SAGD operation, a first horizontal well is drilled parallel to a second horizontal well, with one well (injection well) above and in close proximity to the other well (production well) to form a SAGD well pair. Steam is released from the injection well to heat heavy hydrocarbons, such as bitumen, contained in the formation, decreasing the viscosity of the hydrocarbons to permit same to flow into production well 17 via gravity. Once in the production well 17, the hydrocarbons are pumped to surface via the ESP assembly 18. An ESP assembly 18 may also be used in applications other than SAGD, for example any vertical, horizontal, or deviated well, that uses an artificial lift system.

[0077] Referring to Figs. 8, 8A, and 8D, the collar 15 may comprise a part that projects in an axial direction off the collar 15 to act as a stop that abuts or rests in close proximity with a flange of one of the adjacent downhole tubulars. In the example shown the flange that part 70 contacts would be a flange lacking bolts. The stop prevents or restricts the anti-rotation device on the top half 12 from sliding axially off of the bolts in the event that the clamp is loosened. Thus the length between the axial ends of the collar may be sized to correspond with the separation distance between the flanges of the adjacent well tubulars.

[0078] In some cases, base half 14 comprises a bolt engaging part, such as ears or fingers, for locking cable protecting clamp 10 in an angular position relative to bolts 36 in the array of bolts. In one case a base half 14 with a bolt engaging part is combined with top half 12 of Fig. 1 such that both top and base halves 12 and 14 engage bolts 36 in the array of bolts to retain cable 32. Referring to Fig. 5, in other cases, base half 14 may be shaped to permit free angular rotation about well tubular 16, for example through an infinite range of angular positions. It should be understood that a base half 14 that permits free rotation would not permit the clamp to rotate were the clamp tightened to engage angular lock 34 on top half =

=
12. The base half 14 may lack any features that provide an angular lock, which may or may not be provided on other arcuate parts that form the clamp 10.
= =

[0079] Table 1: Example dimensions of base halves 14 of respective cable protector clamps 10 of Figs. 5-9 (all lengths in inches, all angular widths in degrees).
Model Ref. Length Length Length of Length of Length Angular Angular num of of of cable cylindrical of cable width 65 width clamp cable cable channel axial part protector of cable of cable in Fig. channel channel 48 60 clamp channel channel 2 48 48 downhole 10 48 48 uphole of collar (excluding (excluding of 15 capillary capillary collar line line 15 channels channels 31) at 31) at uphole downhole channel channel end end 450- 10A 6.100 2.356 2.356 5.132 8.350 27.000 24.000 (Fig.
5) 538- may 6.100 2.355 2.355 5.130 7.600 29.000 29.000 538 appear (Fig. between 6) pump to pump junction if two or more pumps present 538- 10B 6.100 2.355 2.355 5.130 7.600 25.000 24.000 (Fig.
7) 513- 10C 6.100 2.355 2.355 5.130 7.600 24.000 25.000 (Fig.
8) 538- 10D 4.000 1.472 1.135 3.877 6.600 48.000 44.000 513 and 10E
(motor leads) (Fig.
9)

[0080] Table 2: Further example dimensions of base halves 14 of respective cable protector clamps 10 of Figs. 5-9 (all lengths and thicknesses in inches, all angular widths and angles in degrees).
Model Angular Angular Length Maximum Maximum Taper Taper width 66 width 66 of thickness thickness angle 58 angle 58 of cable of cable collar of cable of cable of cone-of cone-channel channel 15 channel channel shaped shaped 48 . 48 48 at 48 at nose 57 nose 57 of including including uphole downhole of cable cable capillary capillary channel channel channel channel line line end end 48 at 48 at channels channels uphole downhole 31 at 31 at channel channel uphole downhole end end channel channel end end 450-538 46.000 47.000 1.375 0.673 0.252 24.000 30.000 (Fig. 5) 538-538 57.000 56.000 1.375 0.252 0.252 30.000 30.000 (Fig. 6) 538-513 45.000 46.000 1.375 0.252 0.378 34.000 25.000 (Fig. 7) 513-513 46.000 45.000 1.376 0.378 0.378 30.000 28.000 (Fig. 8) 538-513 1.375 0.252 0.378 34.000 37.000 (motor leads) (Fig. 9)

[0081] The model numbers provided in Tables 1 and 2 refer to the sizes (outer diameters) of well tubulars for which the clamp is intended to fit between.
For example, the numbers 450 and 538 in model 450-538 refer to the fact that the cable protector clamp 10 has an uphole end designed to fit a well tubular with an outer diameter of 4.5 inches, and a downhole end deSigned to fit a well tubular with an outer diameter of 5.38 inches. Some models, such as models 538-538 and 513-513, are designed to fit between tubulars of the same outer diameter.

[0082] In the examples shown, top and base halves 12 and 14 of cable protector clamp 10 each have a semi-cylindrical shape. In some cases, top and base halves 12 and 14 form a cage assembly around well tubular 16. ln some cases, one or more of top and base halves 12 and 14 engage both uphole and downhole facing annular flanges. The collar may have a ring, U, horse-shoe, or split-ring shape when the arcuate parts are assembled around the well tubular. Angular lock 34 may comprise axial holes, for example circular or hexagonal holes, that match bolt head profiles of bolts in the array of bolts 36. Parts 12 and 14 may be made my suitable methods, such as investment casting.

[0083] The plurality of fingers 34A of angular lock 34 may be oriented to point radially outward, inward, or both outward and inward. Finger bases 34B may be located about a periphery of one or more of top and base halves 12 and 14. Angular lock 34 may be defined on the top, base or both halves 12, and 14, or on one or more other arcuate parts.
Fingers of the plurality of fingers 34A may be separated from adjacent fingers of the plurality of fingers 34A by increments based on the positions of bolts, bolt holes or both bolts and bolt holes of the annular flange. In some cases, collar posts 14C
and 14D define an entire axial length of base half 14. Referring to Fig. 9E, at or near a motor end of MLE cable 32, jacket 32D may be removed to expose power and control cables 32A-C.

[0084] Capillary line channel 31 may be used to direct chemicals, such as suspension agents or friction reducers, to a downhole region of wellbore 17. Chemicals and fluids may be used to loosen settled sand or prevent sand from settling. Capillary line channel 31 may run through the entire axial length of base half 14 or form a pair of relatively short axially aligned channels located at opposed axial ends 50A and 50B of arcuate plate 50. There may be two or less or more capillary line channels 31. Radially inward facing surface 48C of cable channel 48 may be planar or curved along an axial direction. Channels 31 and 48 form cradles for respective.cables. Axial ends of the cable channel may be defined by respective knife edges.

[0085] The downhole tubing string may be defined by jointed or coiled tubing, or other types of tubing. Dimensions in the tables above are based on 4.5 to 5.5 inch diameter tubing but may be scaled up or down to correspond with other sizes of tubing.
In this document, the term axial may refer to an orientation relative to an axis 40 of well tubular passage 16A. The uphole and downhole ends of the base half 14, the top half 12, or other arcuate parts, may be symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to axis 40 and centered on collar 15. A cable may house a conductor. Scalloping could be provided on base half 14.

[0086] The clamps 10 may be used in production, exploration, completion, or other applications, and in oil, gas, water, or other types of wells. A conical shape of nose 57 may refer to the fact that the external surfaces follow the shape of a frustoconical part sliced longitudinally by a plane parallel to an axis of the cone. The cable channel may be an axial hole, fully enclosed about the circumference of the cable so that cable is separated from and does not contact the well tubular. Tapering includes, curved, straight, stepped, or combinations of the foregoing, or other shapes. Terms such as up, down, top, base, downhole, uphole, and others are intended to have relative meanings and are not restricted to being defined with respect to the direction of gravitational acceleration on the Earth.

[0087] In-the claims, the word "comprising" is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles "a" and "an"
before a claim feature do not exclude more than one of the feature being present. Each one of the individual features described here may be used in one or more embodiments and is not, by virtue only of being described here, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims.

Claims (15)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A cable protector clamp comprising:
arcuate parts shaped to mate to define a well tubular passage in use, with one or more of the arcuate parts defining an axial cable channel; and an angular lock on one or more of the arcuate parts, the angular lock shaped to engage an array of bolts of a flange of a well tubular to lock the cable protector clamp, relative to the array of bolts, in a range of angular positions that are each separated from adjacent positions by less than the angular distance between axes of adjacent bolts in the array of bolts.

2. The cable protector clamp of claim 1 in which the angular lock comprises a plurality of fingers.

3. The cable protector clamp of claim 2 in which the angular lock comprises a radially inward facing surface that is indented to form the plurality of fingers.

4. The cable protector clamp of claim 3 in which the radially facing surface is indented with scalloping.

5. The cable protector clamp of any one of claim 1 - 4 in which:
the axial cable channel is defined on a first arcuate part of the arcuate parts; and the angular lock is formed on a second arcuate part of the arcuate parts.

6. The cable protector clamp of claim 5 in which the first arcuate part is connected to mate by hinge to the second arcuate part.

7. The cable protector clamp of claim 6 in which:
when the cable protector clamp is in a clamped position, first and second radial ends of the first arcuate part mate with first and second radial ends of the second arcuate part via first and second bolt and barrel nut connections, respectively; and Date Reçue/Date Received 2023-03-09 a barrel nut of the first bolt and barrel nut connection is located in a barrel defined in the first radial end of the first arcuate part, a bolt of the first bolt and barrel nut connection mounts on a bolt mount in the first radial end of the second arcuate part, and the bolt mount defines a radial slot to permit the bolt to swing out of and into engagement with the bolt mount when the cable protector clamp is out of a clamped position.

8. The cable protector clamp of any one of claim 1 - 7 in which the range of angular positions are each separated from adjacent positions by:
one half or less of the angular distance between axes of adjacent bolts in the array of bolts; or an angular distance of n/X or less, where X = number of bolts in the array of bolts.

9. The cable protector clamp of any one of claim 1 - 8 in which the cable channel opens radially to the well tubular passage in use.

10. The cable protector clamp of claim 9 in which a pair of axial capillary line channels are defined adjacent respective opposed lateral sides of the cable channel.

11. A combination comprising:
a well tubular with a flange mounting an array of bolts;
the cable protector clamp of any one of claim 1 - 10 secured around the well tubular with the angular lock engaging the array of bolts; and a cable within the axial cable channel.

12. The combination of claim 11 in which the well tubular comprises an electric submersible pump assembly and the cable comprises a motor lead extension cable.

13. The combination of claim 12 connected to a tubing string within a production well of a steam assisted gravity drainage well.

14. A cable protector clamp comprising:

Date Recite/Date Received 2023-03-09 arcuate parts shaped to mate to define a well tubular passage in use, with a first arcuate part of the arcuate parts defining an axial cable channel; and an angular lock formed on a second arcuate part of the arcuate parts, the angular lock shaped to engage an array of bolts of a flange of a well tubular to lock the cable protector clamp, relative to the array of bolts, in a range of angular positions.

15. A method comprising clamping arcuate parts together around a well tubular such that:
a cable, which runs in an axial direction along an external surface of the well tubular, is retained within a cable channel defined by one or more of the arcuate parts;
and an angular lock, of one or more of the arcuate parts, engages an array of bolts of a flange of the well tubular to lock the arcuate parts, relative to the array of bolts, in a selected angular position of a range of angular positions that the angular lock is capable of locking the arcuate parts in, each of the range of angular positions being separated from adjacent positions by less than the angular distance between axes of adjacent bolts in the array of bolts.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-09