DK201070102A - A clamping device, a self-advancing climbing device and a method for connecting the same to a tubular structure - Google Patents

Claims (30)

An apparatus (1, 18, 19) for clamping one or more friction surfaces (9) against a tubular structure (3), wherein the apparatus (1, 18, 19) comprises a frame (22) which can be assembled around it. tubular structure (3), means for moving one or more friction surfaces (9) relative to the frame (22), and means for applying a load to one or more friction surfaces (9). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more friction surfaces are friction pads (9). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to claim 2, wherein the one or more friction pads (9) are made of metal or a composite material. Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to claim 2, wherein the one or more friction pads (9) has at least one surface made of a natural or elastomeric friction material, which surface faces the tubular structure (3). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the one or more friction pads (9) are flexible and adapt to the shape of the tubular structure (3). Apparatus (1,18, 19) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for moving one or more friction surfaces (9) relative to the frame (22) comprises one or more load arms (7). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to claim 6, wherein movement of the load arm (7) acts in a first direction to contact the friction surface (9) with the surface of the tubular structure (3) and movement of the load arm (7). ) in another opposite direction brings the friction surface (9) out of contact with the surface of the tubular structure (3). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each of the load arms (7), of which there is one or more, is moved by actuation from a hydraulic cylinder (8). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for applying a load to one or more friction surfaces (9) comprises one or more clamping elements (16). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to claim 9, wherein each clamping element (16) is typically in the form of an elastic elongated article to which load can be applied. Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the clamping elements (16) are made of steel rope. Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the one or more clamping elements (16) are guided around the entire tubular structure (3) so that friction surfaces (9) are arranged between the surface of the tubular structure (3) and one or more clamping elements (16). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to any one of claims 9-12, wherein the one or more friction surfaces (9) is supported by a reinforcement (10) having apertures through which one or more tensioning elements (16) fed. Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to any one of claims 9-13, wherein the means for applying a radial load to one or more friction surfaces (9) comprises at least one coil (15) which can be used for tensioning the one or more clamping elements (16). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the means for applying a load to one or more friction surfaces (9) comprises one or more linear actuators. Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to claim 15, wherein there is a plurality of linear actuators which act unanimously to apply equal load to one or more friction surfaces (9) distributed around the tubular structure. (3) circumferential through connectors attached to the frame (22). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to claim 15, wherein there is a plurality of linear actuators which apply an equal load to one or more friction surfaces (9) by direct radial displacement, the load acting back against the frames (22). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to claim 15, wherein the linear actuator comprises a bladder. Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to claim 18, wherein the bladder surrounds the tubular structure (3). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the bladder comprises a closed-end tube. Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to any one of claims 18-20, wherein means for changing the length of the support tube are provided. Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to claim 18, wherein the means for changing the length of the bladder tube is a roller. Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to any one of claims 18-22, wherein the bladder is retained at its outer diameter by the frame (22) assembled around the tubular structure (3). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for applying a load to one or more friction surfaces (9) comprises one or more wedges acting on arms, connecting joints or pistons which are arranged to move one or more friction surfaces (9) radially towards the surface of the tubular structure (3). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the friction surfaces (9), of which there is one or more, is connected to a straightening arm (11), the angle between the vertical and the friction surface (9) ) can be changed by the movement of the upright arm (11). Apparatus (1, 18, 19) according to claim 25, wherein the upright arm (11) is moved by means of a hydraulic cylinder (12). Apparatus (1,18, 19) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for applying a load to one or more friction surfaces (9) comprises means for applying a radial load to one or more friction surfaces ( 9). A first apparatus (18) according to any of the preceding claims and a second apparatus (19) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first apparatus (18) is attached to the second apparatus (19) with linear actuators (20). which is aligned in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the tubular structure (3) such that the first apparatus (18) and the second apparatus (19) may be spaced apart or contracted. A method of clamping one or more friction surfaces (9) against a tubular structure (3), which comprises assembling a frame (22) around the tubular structure (3), moving one or more friction surfaces (9). ) relative to the frame (22) and applying a load to one or more of the friction surfaces (9) to clamp the friction surfaces (9) to the tubular structure (3). An apparatus (1, 18, 19) for clamping one or more friction surfaces (9) against a tubular structure (3), the apparatus (1, 18, 19) comprising an array of rod systems driven by linear or rotary actuators and arranged on a circular frame such that the rods apply a radial force to the friction surfaces (9).