GB2310650A

GB2310650A - A clamp for use in the transport of oil and gas exploration and drilling tools

Info

Publication number: GB2310650A
Application number: GB9704122A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Munro
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-02-28
Filing date: 1997-02-27
Publication date: 1997-09-03
Also published as: GB9604244D0; GB9704122D0

Abstract

A clamp 5 for protecting items such as oil exploration tools when being transported has two or more hinged jaws 10 and 15 bearing easily replaceable packing means (80 and 85, fig. 2) that tightly grip the outer surface of the tool. The jaws 10 and 15 are fastened by means such as a nut 25 and bolt 30. To further protect the tool the packing means (80 and 85, fig. 2) may be made wholly or partially from plastics or rubber coated steel and/or the outer surface of the clamp 5 may be provided with shock absorbing pads 55. The clamp 5 may be provided with one or more lifting eyes 75 and/or wheels (130 in fig. 4) for easy transport of the tool and/or means to fix it to another structure. A plurality of clamps may be integrally connected (fig.6) to enable simultaneous transport of a plurality of tools. It is intended that a number of clamps 5 will be longitudinally spaced along a tool during transit.

Description

CLAMP The present invention relates to a clamp, and in particular, though not exclusively, to a clamp used for the transport (transit) of tools and equipment employed in the oil and gas industry.

The discovery and exploitation of subterranean oil and gas reserves requires the use of highly specialised tools and equipment. Individual items of down-hole equipment tend to be relatively expensive, and are often required to be transported to inhospitable working environment, for example, to offshore platforms and vessels. A tool or piece of equipment which arrives at its destination having been damaged in transit may result in drilling or exploration operations being disrupted while the tool is repaired or a replacement sought. Due to the expensive nature of oil and gas exploration and exploitation it is desirable to avoid such disruptions.

Presently transit slings are used to transport such tools. Such slings suffer from a number of problems.

For example operators tend to use them only once and then dispose of them. This leads to associated cost and supply problems.

The present invention seeks to obviate or mitigate at least some of the aforementioned problems/ disadvantages.

It is a further object of at least some embodiments of the present invention to seek to provide a novel method and apparatus for the transport of oil tools and equipment in a safe and secure manner.

Hereinafter for the purposes of clarity the term "oil tool" is used to describe any type of drilling, datalogging, wireline, mudlogging, completion, workover, production etc, apparatus or equipment.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a clamp comprising a body having means adapted for gripping an outer surface of an oil tool.

The body may comprise two or more members capable of being rigidly retained together by retaining means.

The body may be substantially square, rectangular or triangular in outer transverse cross-section.

The clamp may comprise one or more hinges and/or one or more fastening means.

The body may further comprise at least one pair of releasably closable jaws.

The jaws may be releasably closed by means of a latch, pin, catch, lock, bolt, hasp or the like fastening provided across the jaws.

The gripping means may be formed from facing surfaces of the two or more members.

Advantageously the gripping means retain packing means.

Preferably the packing means comprise two or more blocks of material shaped and, in use, retained in association with one another such that they provide an aperture which is a tight fit with an outer/circumferential surface of the oil tool.

The packing means may be made wholly or partially from polymeric and/or plastics materials, for example, polyurethane.

Alternatively, the packing means may be made from a metal such as steel at least partially covered with rubber.

The clamp may provide means to allow the clamp to be moved.

The moving means may comprise one or more lifting (PAD) eyes provided on the clamp.

The moving means may additionally/alternatively comprise one or more pairs of wheels attached to the clamp.

An outer surface(s) of the clamp may be provided with a shock absorbing pad(s) to further protect the tool or tools in transit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a set of interchangeable packing means, as hereinbefore described, such that the clamp according to the first aspect may be used on a number of oil tools of different outer dimensions.

By provision of such a set of packing means the clamp may be said to be "universal".

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided means for transporting an oil tool comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced clamps according to the first aspect such that each clamp grips a portion of an outer surface of the tool.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a plurality of clamps according to the first aspect, adjacent clamps being transversely displaced from one another and integrally connected together.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of transporting an oil tool comprising: providing a clamp comprising a body having means for gripping an outer surface of the tool; gripping the tool by means of the clamp; and transporting the clamp to a desired location.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings which are: Fig 1 a representation of a clamp in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; and Figs 2(a)-2(c) representations of different packing insert configurations for use in the clamp of Fig 1.

Fig 3 a representation of a triangular clamp in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figs 4(a)-4(b) partial perspective views of clamps according to the present invention fitted with wheels; Figs 5(a)-5(d) a representation of a cradle in accordance with the present invention for supporting oil tools; Fig 6(a)-6(c) representations of frames for use in the present invention for supporting oil tools; and Fig 7 a perspective view of a member for use in the present invention supporting a number of oil tools.

Fig 8 representations of a tie-down mechanism for use in conjunction with the present invention; Fig 9 a representation of a shipping box fitted with tie-down mechanisms shown in Fig 8; and Fig 10 a representation of a clamp in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring firstly to Fig 1 there is shown a first embodiment of a clamp according to the present invention generally designated 5 in a closed position. The clamp 5 comprises a body having a pair of jaws 10,15 each substantially defining one half of a rectangle, a hinge 20, and a nut 25 and bolt 30 passing through a pair of eyes 35,40, one provided upon each jaw 10,15, to permit the jaws 10,15 to be held in the closed position. A spacer ring 45 is provided upon the bolt 30 and between the eyes 35,40 to maintain a desired spacing between the jaws 10,15, while the provision of a split pin 50 ensures that if the nut 25 becomes slack it cannot work its way off the end of the bolt 30. Shock absorbing pads 55 are provided at each corner of the clamp 5 for added protection. The hinge 20 comprises a pair of pins 60,65 and plates 70 provided on either side of the clamp 5. A lifting eye 75 is also provided on the side of one of the jaws 15.

Figs 2(a)-2(c) show packing means in the form of two piece inserts 80,85, in various configurations, for use in conjunction with the clamp 5. The inserts 80,85 are shaped so as to reproduce an aperture having a cross sectional configuration substantially that of the tool or tools intended to be secured within the clamp 5. Thus the tool(s) may be held firmly but without being subjected to undue stresses or pressures. The inserts 80,85 may be made in two pieces, as shown, or more if the shape and/or complexity of the tool(s) so dictates. The inserts 80,85 may be moulded at least partially from polyurethane. For example the transport of exceptionally heavy tools may necessitate the use of metal inserts faced with polyurethane. Other materials may be used with the selection taking into account such factors as the nature of the tool(s) to be transported, cost, expected life-span and the conditions likely to be experienced during transit to name but a few. It may also be advantageous to design the inserts such that they do not retain moisture against the tool (s).

In use the inserts 80,85 are retained within the jaws 10,15 of the clamp 5. This may be achieved in a number of ways including manufacturing the jaws 10,15 from material with a "U" or channel cross-section and moulding the inserts 80,85 such that they rest within the channel, or by attaching the inserts 80,85 to the jaws 10,15 with pins and/or plates. Alternative methods will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan.

To fully support and protect the tool(s) being transported it is envisaged that a minimum of two longitudinally displaced clamps 5 will be required, one at or near each end of the tool (s) . Longer and/or more delicate items may require more than two clamps 5. Once accommodating a tool or tools the clamps may be safely moved by attaching suitable lifting means to the lifting eyes 75.

An advantage of the present invention is that by making the inserts removable it is possible to quickly and cheaply reconfigure the clamp 5 to accommodate a variety of different tool configurations. It is conceivable that the present invention may be used to accommodate tools ranging in diameter from 1.66 inches (42.164 mm) to 66 inches (1676.4 mm).

Referring to Fig 3, in an alternative embodiment a clamp 5' may take the form of a substantially triangular or trapezoidal "A" frame composed of at least three members 90', 95' and 100' connected by at least two hinges 105', 110'. As before, locking means may be provided to hold the clamp 5' in a closed position and interchangeable inserts 115', 120', 125' may be retained within the members 90', 95' and 100'.

Referring to Figs 4 (a), 4 (b), to aid with the movement of the clamp 5, 5' on, for example, the ground or the deck of a vessel or off-shore platform, the clamp 5, 5' may be provided with wheels, rollers or castors.

Referring to Figs 5(a) - 5(d) there is shown a cradle generally designated 135 and comprising a frame 140 and sets of inserts 145, 150 shaped to support an oil tool. The frame 140 is provided with lifting eyes 190 at the corners of one side. The upright portions 195 of the frame 140 are partly manufactured from channel section material in order to retain the inserts 145, 150. Upper members 200 are removable in order to allow the inserts 145, 150 to be introduced or removed from the frame 140.

As before the inserts 145, 150 may be manufactured from polyurethane.

Referring to Figs 6(a) - 6(c) there are shown a clamp 155 for use in supporting and lifting a plurality of elongate oiltools. The clamp 155 comprises a pair of uprights 205 and a plurality of inserts 160. The uprights 205 are manufactured from channel section material and are each provided with lifting eyes 190.

The inserts 160 comprise a channel section core 210 surrounded by a polyurethane coating 215. The core 210 projects outwith the coating 215 and permits the inserts 160 to locate within the channel section of the uprights 205. The number and shape of the inserts 160 fitted within the uprights 205 is dependent on the number and configuration of tools to be supported/lifted. The inserts 160 may be retained within the uprights 205 by compressing the channel section of the uprights 205 such that they grip the inserts 160.

Fig 7 shows a support member 170 for the stacking of oil tools which have been fitted with clamps as hereinbefore described. The member 170 comprises a hollow steel core 175 about which is provided a polyurethane coating 180. The exterior of the coating 180 is moulded according to the configuration of oiltools to be supported.

Referring to Fig 8 there is shown a tie down mechanism 220 for use in securing clamps according to the present invention during transit. The mechanism 220 comprises a winch 225 mounted within a member 230 formed from channel section material. The winch 225 is provided with a length of fexible belt 235 and a snap shackle 240.

The channel section member 230 is further provided with a piece of round bar 245 to prevent chafing damage to the belt 235, and fixing point 250 to permit the mechanism 220 to be attached to, for example, the deck of a vessel.

In use, the shackle 240 may be attached to an eye 75 provided upon a clamp 5.

Fig 9 shows an arrangement of tie down mechanisms 220 provided within an open top shipping box 255. Tie mechanisms 220 are provided in pairs 50 so that a tool 260 provided with two clamps 265 can be tied down securely. The box 255 is further provided with lifting eyes 190.

Referring now to Fig 10 there is shown a third embodiment of a clamp 5'' according to the present invention. The clamp 5'' comprises a body having a pair of jaws 10'', 15'' releasably engageable by means of a pair of bolts 30''a, 30''b threadably engagable with respective pairs of mateable threaded threw holes 31''a, 31''b, 32''a, 32''b in each jaw 10'', 15''.

The clamp 5'' further provides a lifting (pad) eye 33'' and PW insert in the form of two piece insert 80'', 85''.

The embodiments of the present invention hereinbefore described are given by way of example only, and are not meant to limit the scope thereof in any way.

For example it would be apparent to a person skilled in this particular art that apparatus hereinbefore described could be used to secure equipment, such as the arm(s) of mechanical excavation apparatus/road digger shovels, during transit, for example, on public highways.

The clamp may also provide means by which it may be fixed to a structure, such as the deck of a vessel or platform.

Claims

1. A clamp comprising a body having means adapted for gripping an outer surface of an oil tool.

2. A clamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body comprises two or more members capable of being rigidly retained together by retaining means.

3. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body is substantially square, rectangular or triangular in outer transverse cross-section.

4. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the clamp comprises one or more hinges and/or one or more fastening means.

5. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body further comprises at least one pair of releasably closable jaws.

6. A clamp as claimed in claim 5, wherein the jaws are releasably closed by means of a latch, pin, catch, lock, bolt, hasp or the like fastening provided across the jaws.

7. A clamp as claimed in claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 6 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the gripping means are formed from facing surfaces of the two or more members.

8. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the gripping means retain packing means.

9. A clamp as claimed in claim 8, wherein the packing means comprise two or more blocks of material shaped and, in use, retained in association with one another such that they provide an aperture which is a tight fit with an outer/circumferential surface of the oil tool.

10. A clamp as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the packing means are made wholly or partially from polymeric and/or plastics materials such as polyurethane.

11. A clamp as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the packing means are made from a metal such as steel at least partially covered with rubber.

12. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the clamp provides means to allow the clamp to be moved.

13. A clamp as claimed in claim 12, wherein the moving means comprises one or more lifting eyes provided on the clamp.

14. A clamp as claimed in claim 13, wherein the moving means additionally/alternatively comprises one or more pairs of wheels attached to the clamp.

15. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an outer surface(s) of the clamp is provided with a shock absorbing pad(s) to further protect the tool or tools in transit.

16. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the clamp provides means for fixing the clamp to another structure.

17. A set of interchangeable packing means for use in the clamp of claims 8 to 11 allowing the clamp to be used on a number of oil tools of different outer dimensions.

18. A means for transporting an oil tool comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced clamps according to any of claims 1 to 16 such that each clamp grips a portion of an outer surface of the tool.

19. A plurality of clamps according to any of claims 1 to 16, adjacent clamps being transversely displaced from one another and integrally connected together.

20. A method of transporting an oil tool comprising: providing a clamp comprising a body having means for gripping an outer surface of the tool; gripping the tool by means of the clamp; and transporting the clamp to a desired location.

21. A clamp for transporting an oil tool as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs 1, 3, 4(a)-4(b), and Fig 10.

22. A set of interchangeable packing means as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig 7 and Fig 10.

23. A means for transporting an oil tool as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig 5(a)-5(d).

24. A plurality of clamps as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig 6(a), 7 and Fig 9.

25. A method of transporting an oil tool as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs 1 to 10.

26. A clamp adapted to secure an arm of a mechanical excavation apparatus/road digger shovels during transit.