GB2492596A

GB2492596A - Method and tool for manufacture of a multi-component work-piece

Info

Publication number: GB2492596A
Application number: GB201111711A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Davison; Ryan Langley; Nick Aspey
Original assignee: EXPRESS ENGINEERING THOMPSON Ltd
Current assignee: EXPRESS ENGINEERING THOMPSON Ltd
Priority date: 2011-07-08
Filing date: 2011-07-08
Publication date: 2013-01-09
Anticipated expiration: 2031-07-08
Also published as: WO2013007998A1; GB201212161D0; GB201111711D0; GB2492596B

Abstract

The method of manufacturing a multi-piece component includes the steps of mounting a work-piece blank 1 in a machine tool and machining a profile of the multi-piece component from the work-piece blank, with the profile defining at least some individual pieces 3, 4, 5 of the multi-piece component, all the pieces of the multi-piece component being attached together; mounting a clamp (10, Figure 6) on the work-piece, the clamp being attached to at least two pieces of the multi-piece component defined in profile; machining the profile to separate at least one of the pieces from the profile, the separated piece being supported by the clamp; and removing the clamp. A multi-piece component includes a first piece with at least one section of a first diameter bounded by spaced apart elements of greater dimension than the first diameter. At least one second piece is mounted on but separated from the at least one first section and retained thereon between the spaced apart elements. The at least one second piece consists of a continuous element extending around the first section and being free from joints.

Description

Multi-Component Work-Piece and Tool

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a multi-component work-piece, a method of mu ufhcturing such a component and a tool for use in the method of manufacture.

Background of the Invention

Swivel flanges are widely used in the poce industry sector. Such flanges allow adjacent components to he connected together when there is slight niis-alignrnent between those components.

A pipe having swivel flanges at each end thereof, known in the industry asa double ended swivel flange pipe comprises a pipe section, at each end of the pipe a fiangc support, and two flanges which arc arranged on the pipe section and to abut against at least a part of the flange. The double ended swivel flange pipe is connected to an adjacent pipe by means of fasteners that are passed through the flange.

The fasteners draw opposing faces of the flange supports into sealing abutment with each other.

There are a number of problems associated with swivel flanges of the prior art. First, they are formed of multiple pieces which are assembled together and then welded. The flanges are held on to the component by the flange supports and hence must be mounted 011 the pipe before the flange supports are attached thereto by welding. As weli as being time consuming, the process of welding potentialiy introduces both distortion and weakness into the structure. The introduction of distortion means that the tuulP-piece component cannot be manufactured to such tight tolerances as would he possible if the welding step were omitted. Further, the likelihood of weaknesses being introduced into the component by welding means that the component is iii general made with a greater safety factor, meaning that more tuaterud is used and the component is heavier than would be the case if welds could he avoided.

1he fact that the multi-piece component is fabricated from a number of pieces means that each individual piece must carry its own documentation. This procedure is time consuming and carries with it an excessrve administrative burden.

in manufacturing the above described multi-piece component of the prior art a steel rube is machined to form a central pipe section having a circular cross-section of constant outside diameter, arid flange supports at each end thereof, which include a first part having an outside diameter greater than that of the central pipe section arid a second part having an outside diameter greater than that of the first part.

(I)nce machined, one flange support is cut off. Iwo flanges that are machined from other pieces of stainless steel tube are then slid on to the central pipe section. One of the flanges is shaped to sit on and he supported by the flange support at one end of the pipe section. The other flange is shaped to sit on arid he supported by the flange support at the other end of the pipe section. The freed flange support is then welded back on to the end of the central pipe section. it is the re-connecting of one of the tlange supports by welding that is likely to introduce distortion and weakness into the multi-piece component.

The swivel flange described above is one type of retained flange. The problem described above may he found in other areas of manufacture where a multi-piece component includes a retained element.

The invention described below is therefore not limited to swivel flanges used in pipelines. Further, the invention described below is not limited to components manufactured of steel Components could be manufactured of other metals or metal alloys, plastics or other materials.

it would therefore he desirable to manufacture a niulti-piece component in which at least one of the pieces is niounteel on another piece between the ends thereof, without the necessity to weld or otherwise attach together separated pieces of the muiti-piece component.

it would lie desirable to manufacture a multi-piece component from a single piece of material. In this way the multi-piece component may be regarded as a one component rather than a number of different components, and may therefore need only be sub jected to a single set of tests and carry a single set of documentation.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a multi-piece component comprising the steps of: i) Mounting a work-piece blank in a machine tool; ii) Machining a profile of a multi-piece coinponetit from the work-piece blank, the profile defining at least some individual pieces of the multi-piece component, all the pieces of the multi-piece component being attached together; iii) Mounting a clamp on the work-piece, the clamp being attachcd to at icast two pieces of the multi-piece component defined in profile; iv) Machining the profile to separate at least olie of the pieces from the profile, said separated piece being support by the clamp; and v) Removing the clamp.

The method may include at least one further step of machining the work-piece with the clamp mounted thereon and supporting the separated at least one piece of the multi-piece component.

The method may include mounting two or more clamps on the work-piece, each clamp being attached to at least two pieces of the multi-piece component defined in profile.

Step ii of the method advantageously includes the step of machining bores, which may he through hore, in one of the pieces of the multi-piece component. The bores may he bores configured for use in final installation of the multi-piece component. Step iii of the method advantageously includes the step of attaching the clamp to the piece defined in profile including bores formed in step il of the method by fasteners engaging with the bores and the clamp. Such fasteners may be bolts or pins.

Step ii may include the step of removing nnterial from the centre of the work-piece.

Alternatively, where removal of material from the centre of the work-piece is required, this may form part of removing material from the centre of the work piece may he performed between steps iii and iv, if machining involves rotating the work-piece, fbr example triachining using a lathe, or after step iv or v if the work-piece remains stationary in machining, for example drilling or reaming.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided-a multi-piece component comprisitig a first piece comprising at least one section of a first diameter the at least one section bounded by spaced apart clements of greater dimension than the first diameter and at least one second piece mounted on hut separated from the at least one first section and retained thereon between the spaced apart elements, wherein the at least one second piece consists of a continuous element extending around the first section, the continuous element being free from joints.

Preferably, the spaced apart elements have diameters greater than the first diameter.

Advantageously, at least one of the spaced apart elements comprises a flange seat and the second piece comprises a flange.

Advantageously, the multi-piece component is a swivel flange connector pipe and the second piece of the multi-piece component is a flange. The swivel flange connector pipe may he single or double ended. In a double ended swivei flange connector, two second pieces are mounted on the first section, each second piece comprising a flange.

At least one of the spaced apart elements may comprise a flangc seat. In the case of double ended swivel flange, each spaced apart element may comprise a flange seat.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a tool for use in the method of manufacture of a multi-piece component, the tool comprising a clamp, the clamp comprising at least two parts, fastening means to attach together the at least two parts, attachment means for attaching the clamp to a piece of a muM-piece component and a support surface adapted to sit on and he supported by another piece of the multi-piece component.

The fastening means may comprise at least one bore in each of the at least two parts, wherein at least one bore of one of the at least two parts aligns with at least one bore of an adjacent one of the at least two parts, when the at least two parts are attached together. The fastening means may include an element adapted for insertion into the aligned bores. Such an elcment may be a bolt, a screw, a pin, a peg or a clip. At least one of the bores may he threaded. The element may he threaded and may co-operate wnli threads of an at least one bore, or the threaded portion of the element may extend beyond the bore and a mit may be attached thereto.

lile at least two parts of the clamp may he attached together by a hinge. Tn one enlbodhnent the at least two parts of tile clamp are attached together at one side by a hmge and at the other by fastening means.

The fastening means may include a hinge. Advantageously, the fastening means includes a lever pivotally attaciled to one of the at least two parts, and a clasp pivotally attaciled to the lever, the axes of the pivots being offset with respect to one another, and an adjacent one of the at least two palts may include a slot adapted to recetve a part of the clasp.

Preferably, the attachment means for attaching the clamp to a piece of tile multi-piece component includes a bore, said bore in nse being aligned with a bore in the piece of the mulfl-piece component, and an element for insertion into the aligned bores. The element may he a bolt, a screw, a pin, a peg or a clip. At least one of the said bores may be threaded. The element may be threaded and may co-operate with threads of an at least one bore, or the threaded portion of the element may extend beyond the bore and a nut may be attached thereto.

The attacllmenit means iay comprise a plurality of bores, each lying on at a different distance from the centre of tile clamp. This allows the salile clamp to be used to secure pieces of a nlulti-piece component ilaving different si/cs. lile maclime tool operator wild' attaching tile clamp aligils a bore iii the piece that is to he supported by the clamp witl the appropriate bore in the attachment means. Tn place of a plurality of bores, tile attachment means may include a slot, the slot providing for an elenmnt such as a bolt to be aligned witil a bore in the piece to which tile clamp is to attach lying at ally distance from tile centre of the ciamp between the ends of the slot.

The clamp may include a peripheraliy located lip extending in the axial direction of the clamp. A lip elenlent may form part of each of the at least two parts of the clamp. In use, the lip at least partially encapsulates tile piece of tile multi-piece conlponent to wiucil it is attaciled.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and are by way Of

example:

Figure 1 illustrates side and end views and an isometric proiection of a work-piece Hank pre-machining; Figure 2 illustrates side and end views of and a cross-section on A-A of the work-piece of Figure I machined to a rough proffle having a single end flange; Figure 3 illustrates side and end views of and a cross-section on A-A of the work-piece of Figure I machined to a rough profile having end flanges at both ends thereof; Figure 4 illustrates a partialiy machined work-piece having single end flange; Figure 3 illustrates a partially machined work-piece having end flanges at both ends thereof Figure 6 illustrates the partially machined work-piece of Figure 4 with a clamp attached to the flange thereof; Figure 7 illustrates the partially machined work-piece of Figure 5 with clamps attached to each of the flanges thereofi Figure 8 illustrates the partially machine work-piece of Figures 4 and 6 with the flange released from the work-piece and clamped; Figure 9 illustrates the partially machined work-piece of Figures 5 and 7 with the flanges released from the work-piece aI1d clamped; Figure Ii) illustrates a multi-piece component having two end flanges, the end flanges clamped by a first type of damp; Figure 11 illustrates a multi-piece component having two end flanges, die end flanges clamped by a second type of clamp; Figure 12 ifiustrates a multi-piece component having two end flanges, the end tianges clamped by a third type of clamp; Figure 13 illustrates the firushed multi-piece component having two end flanges; Figure 14 illustrates a finished multi-piece component having two end flanges, one of the end flanges attached to a pipeline; Figure 13 illustrates a finished multi-piece compoticnt havi ig two end flanges, one of the end flanges attached to a pipeline and the other to another pipeline compon ent; Figure 16 illustrates the partially machined multi-piece component of Figure 4 with die end flange released; Figure 17 illustrates the partially machined multi-piece component of Figure 5 with both end flanges released; Figure 18 illustrates a first type of clamp; Figure 19 ifiustrates a second type of clamp; Figure 20 illustrates a third type of clamp; Figure 21 illustrates a fourth type of clamp; and Figure 22 illustrates a fifth type of clamp.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The first stage of a method of manufacture of a multi-piece component according to the invention xill now he described with reference to Figure I to 5. Figure 1 illustrates a blank work-piece 1 from which the multi-piece component is fimued. In the illustrated example, the work-piece I comprises a first part 2 of a first diameter and a second part 3 of a second diameter. ihe work-piece may he cast or pre-maclii tied into the shape illustrated from a sectioti of bar.

Figure 2 illustrates the work-piece 1 after a step in the machining method of the invention. As can be seen, a rough profile of an cud flange 4 and a flange scat 5 havc been formed by removing material from the work-piece 1. This would typically he done using a lathe. This step in the machining method creates a central section 6 of the work piece, which in the illustrated example has an outside diameter less than that of the flange 4, flange seat 5 arid a fixed end flange 8 formed from the sccond part 3.As can be seen from the section on A-A, the flange 4 is attached to the central section 6 by means of a web 4a.

Figure 3 illustrates the work-piece 1 hut machined to form swivel flanges at each end thereof, rather than just one end as in Figure 2. The work-pi ccc 1 is therefore machined to form two swivel flanges 4, 7 mounted on the central section 6 and between flange seats 5, 9, which in the finished multi-component work piece co-operate with respective flanges 4, 7. At this stage in the manufacturing plocess the flanges 4, 7 remain attached to the central section 6 by webs 4a, 7a.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the next step in the manufacturing method for the work piece in which a plurality of bores 4h, 7h ale formed in the flanges extending axially therethrough. Also, in this part of the manufacturing method the flange seats 5, 9 are machined to provide surfaces Sa-Sc and 9a-9c upon which the flanges 4, 7 sit in use. In the case of the multi-piece component illustrated in Figure 4, the flange seat S and the fixed end flange 8 are machined in the respective ends of the work-piece I. At this stage in the process the centre of the xvork-piece I remains solid. TUbe fixed end flange 8 provides bores 8a and indents 8h each for co-operation with an another component to attach the end flange 8 thereto.

The flanges 4, 7 must be released from the work-piece 1 in order for the multi-component work-piece to function as a swivel flange, the flanges 4,7 being connected to the work-piece I by webs 4a, 7a respectively. In order to achieve this, the method of the invention involves the step of attaching a clamp to the flange 4, 7, t]1e clamp being configured to rotate with t]1e work-piece when attached to the unreleased flange. The clamp may be attached to the work-piece to rotate therewith, or with respect thereto, when connected to the released flange. What is essential for safe working is that the released flange is constrained against radial movement with respect to the longitueinal axis of the work-piece 1.

Preferably, the clamp is attached to the work-piece to rotate therewith.

Referring now to]Fignres 6 to 9, these figures illnstrate the work-piece 1 with a clamp 10 (described in greater detail with reference to Figure 20) secured to the flange 4, 7 and mounted on the central section 6. The clamp 10 is attached to the flange 4, 7 by means of bolts 11 extending through bores 4h, 7h and secured by nuts 12. The clanip IL is formed of two clamp halves IDa, lob which are joined by a hinge 1 Dc on one side. The clamp 10 is mounted on the work-piece I by pivoting one of the halves IDa, lob with respect to the other, placing the two halves about the central section 6 and bringing the two halves together. On the opposite side to the hinge each clamp half lOa, lob is apart of a fastenint means 1 Gd, which is adapted to fasten the two halves IDa, lob together. Each clamp half I Da, lob includes a slot to receive a bolt 11. Having placed and closed the clamp 10 about the central section 6, and before fully fastening the fastening means, the operator aligns each slot 12 with a bore 41), 71) and passes a bolt through the aligned bore and slot. The operator then proceeds to fully fasten the fastening means lDd and to attach and tighten the nut 12 on to the bolt 11.

Each clamp half IDa, 1Db provides at) inner semi-circular surface JOe of substantially die same diameter as die outside diameter of the central section 6. When the fastening means 1 Dd is fimily fastened, there is sufficient friction between the inner surfaces of the clamp halves and the outer surface of the central section 6 that die clamp is fixed with respect to die central section 6 irrespective of whether the flange 4, 7 to which the clamp is connected is a part of or released from the work-piece 1. With the clamp 10 in place the work-piece I may be machined safely to remove the web 4a, 7a and hence release the flange from die work piece, as shown in Figures 8 and. In the absence of die clamp, as the thickness of the web 4a, 7a decreases during the machining process, the flange 4, 7 would become unstable with respect to the central section 6.At this point further machining would he unsafe.

Figures 16 and 17 illustrate partially machined multi-piece components after the step of machining away the webs 4a, 7a to release the flanges 4, 7 from t]1e central section 6. lo machine out the centre of the work-piece 1, time released flanges 4, 7 may need to he clamped to the central section. This may be preferable even when the centre of time work-piece I is to be removed without rotating the said work-piece, for example hy driffing or teaming. Further, time flanges 4, 7 may need to he secured widi respect to die central section 6 for odmer reasons, such as during transportation of time multi-piece component, or during assembly of the multi-piece component into a structure of which the multi-piece col upon en t fon us a part.

Figures 18 to 22 illustrate different emhodiments of clamp, and Figures 13) to 12 illustrate some of those clamps in use.

Referring first to Figure 18, the clamp 20 comprises clamping halves 20a, 20h. Each clanip half 20a, 211) includes a semi-circular inner surface 20e the diameter of which is selected to match the external diameter of a central section 6 of a work-piece 1. Each clamping half 20a, 2Gb is provided with part of a fastening nieans 20d, which in the illustrated example comprise bores 20d' amid 2nd" located on respective sides of the clamping half 2Oa, 2Gb. The bores 2nd' of the clamping half 20a align with bores 20d" of the clamping half 2Gb, die hores 2nd" heing counter-sunk to receive die head of a bolt passed through aligned bores 2nd', 2nd". The bores 20d' may be threaded and bolts engaged \vidm time threads thereoC or the bores may not he thrcadcd and a nut attached to the end of a bolt protrudllng through the bore 20d'.

Each clamping half 20a, 2Gb comprises a hack plate 21 that is substantially semi-circular in its peripheral shape. Portions 22 are cut away froni each clamping half 20a, 201) to provide access to the fastening means 2nd. A lip element 23 extends outward from curved peripheral edge of the hack plate 21.

\Xiiere die hack plate 21 is cut away to provide access to the fastening nieans 2nd, the lip element 23 is also cut away. A bore 24 is provided hi each clamping half 20a, 20b to secure the clamp 20 to a flange of the work-piece 1.

Figure 10 ifiustrates the clamp 18 securing tianges 4, 7 on a work-piece 1. T1o attach the clamp 20 to the flange, the two clamping halves 20a, 20h are presented up to the central secttc)n 6 of the work piece I, the bores 20d', 20d" aligned, bolts 25 inserted therein and at least partially fastened. T]1e bores 24 are aligned with a hote 4b, 71) hi the flange 4, 7 and a bolt 11 inserted into the aligned bores. The bore 24 nay be threaded, in which ease a nut need not be provided on the bolt 11. When the clamp 20 is attached to a flange 4, 7, the llp elements 23 extend over and partially encapsulate the flange. As will he appreciated from the drawings of Figure 10, the work-piece 1 has been machined such that flanges 4, 7 are released from the central section 6. Tn Figure 10 the centre of the work-piece has been machined to includc an axial bore 6a such that the multi-piece component may form part of a pipe line.

Figure 19 illustrates a second embodiment of clamp 30. Again the clamp comprises two clamping halves 30a, 30h joined by fastening means 30d. The fastening means 30d comprises a clasp 3Cc movable between two positions attached to the clamping half 30a, and a slot 35 configured to engage with the with the clasp 3Oe.

Each clamping half 3Oa, 30b is provided with a bore 34 for attachment of the clamp 30 to a flange by aligning the bore 34 with a bore 4h, 7h of a flange and passing a bolt 11 therethrough. AS with the first embodiment of the clamp, each damping half 30a, 30b is provided with a llp 33 \vhich partially encapsulates the flange when the cltunp 30 is attached thereto. The clasp 3Oe is pivotally attached to a lever 30f at pivot point 3Og, with the lever 30f being pivotally attached to the clamping half 30a at pivot point 30h. The pivot point 3Og of the clasp is off set with respect to the pivot poit 30h. By Inoviilg the lever 30f towards the clamping half 30h, the clasp 30e may he engaged with the slot 35. Moving the lever 30f hack towards the clamping half 30a tightens the fastening means 30eI to fasten the two clamping halves together about a central section 6 of a work-piece 1.As can he seen from the front view of the clamp 30 in Figure 19, the corners of each clamphig half 30a, 30b are provided with a chamfer 36 at the point where the curved peripheral edge intersects with the straight peripheral edge of the clamping half 30a, 3Db. In this way, to attach the damp 30 on to a work piece it is not necessary to disassemble the clamp completely. The lever 30f on one side may be pivoted away from the edge of the clamping half, thereby slackening off the clasp 30e attached thereto. In such a configurath)n the damping halves 30a, 30b may move apart from one another by a small distance. The clasp 30e to the other side would he released completely (see the clasp 30e on the right hand side iii the front view of Figure 19. The chamfered edges 36 allow the damping halves 30a, 30b to pivot with respect to one another.

A lip element 33 extends outward from curved peripheral edge of the back plate 31. The lip element is cut away to provide access to the fastening means 30d.

Figure 11 illustrates a multi-piece component with lianges fastened in place with clamps 30 of the type illustrated in Figure 19. The lips 33 of clamp 30 engage the flanges 4, 7. The bores 34 are aligned with bores 4h, 7h and a bolt passed thcrethrough to enhance the attachment of clamp 30 to the flange 4, The work-piece I in the drawings begins as a solid element. However, the xvork-piecc I could begin as a pipe.

Figure 20 illustrates in detail the embodiment of clamp 10 shown in use in Figures 6 to 9 described above, and also in Figure 12.

lbe clamp 10 comprises clamping halves lOa, lob. The clamping halves l()a, lob are connected together by a pivot lOc to one side of the clamp and a fasteniug means lad to the other, the fastening means comprising bores I Of which are aligned to receive a bolt I Og to fasten the clamping halves I Oa, I Oh together. The bores 10f of the clamping half I Oa may he threaded to receive the threaded bolt lOg or a nut may be provided to attach to the bolt lOg to thereby tightened the fastening means I Od and secure the clamp 10 in position.

Each clamping half 1 Oa, lOb includes a semi-circular portion I Oh with a flange lOi extending therefrom, the slot 13 being situated in the flange IOi. The opposing internal faces of the slot 13 include a plurality of spaced apart protrusions 13a winch act as positioning guides. The slots 13 could be plain slots without the protrusions I 3a.

Figure 12 ifiustrates a multi-piece component where the flanges 4, 7 are attached to clamps 10.

One of the advantages of the clamps 10 is that the slots 13 allow the same clamp to he used with flanges of different diameters, whereas with the type of clamp 20 or 30 a different dimension of clamp is required for each different diameter of flange. With the clamp 10, the holt 11 is moved in the slot 13 such that it is aligned with a bore 4h, 7h and then inserted into the bore.

Figure 21 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a clamp 40, which is similar to the clamp illustrated in Figure 18, die difference being that the clamp includes a collar 46. T]1e collar 46 is a separate part and is formed in two halves, 46a, 46b. The collar halves 46a, 46b are held on to the work piece by thc clamp 40 and provide for tlic samc clamp to he used with work picccs of differing diameters, by the provision 0f collars 46 of differing thickness.

Figure 22 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a clamp 50, which is similar to the clamp illustrated in Figure 19, the difference being that the clamp inciudes a collar 56. The colLar 56 is a separate part and is formed in two halves Stia, 56h. The collar halves 56a, 56b are held on to the work pieces by the clamp 50 and provide for the same clamp to be used with work pieces of differing diameters, by the provision of collars 56 of differing thickness.

Figures 13 to 1 5 illustrate a finished multi-piece component aud finished multi-piece components in use. Referring first to Figure 13, the flanges 4, 7 have bores 4h, 7h around their periphery for attachment of the flange 4, 7 to another object, and the flanges are released from the central section 6 of the work-piece 1. The central section 6 has been machined internally as required for the purpose of the component. The ends of the work-piece I have been machined to form flange supports 5, 8.

in Figure 14 a double ended swivel flange pipe 70 is connected to a flexihle pipe 71. The flexible pipe 71 is provided with an end flange 72 \vhich includes bores 72h for alignment with bores 71) of the flange 7.

in Figure 15, a single ended swivel flange pipe 80 is shown attached by flange 4 to another component 81 of a pipeline. The other end of the pipe is connected to a flexible pipe.

1ie invenlion provides: a method for the manufacture of multi-piece components including retained elements without the requirement for any parts of the component to he removed and re-attached by a joining technjque during manufacture; a clamp for use in the performance of the method of t]e invention, the clamp secnring a componlenit released from a work piece during manufacrnre; and a multi-piece component including at least one element situated between the ends of and retained on the component. The invention increases the strength of the component as compared with components where joining techniques such as welding are used and therefore aJlows a multi-piece component to be manufactured with less material. This may reduce manufacturing and transport costs. Further, by manufacturing thc multi-piece component from a single work-piece and without separating elements therefrom and re-joining them, the multi-piece component of the invention may he regarded as a single component and therefore may he certified as a single comuponent and therefore may need onlva single set of documentation.

Multi-piece components including retained elements formed without the requirement for any parts of the components to he removed and re-attached by a joinling technique have applications in many fields. For example, in any pipeline applicatnn where captnreel tlanges or captured components are deployed the multi-piece component of the invention could find utility. In the oil and gas industry, in pipelinles, thrill pipes, well head and Christmas tree applications.

Claims

<claim-text>Claims 1. A method of nianufacturitig a multi-piece componetit comprising the steps of: i) Mounting a work-pi ccc blank in a machine tool; ii) Machining a profile of a multJ-piece component from the work-piece blank, the profile defining at least some individual pieces of the multi-piece component, all the pieces of the multi-piece component being attached together; iii) Mounting a damp on the work-piece, the clamp being attached to at least two pieces of the multi-piece component defined in profile; iv) Machining the profile to separate at least one of the pieces from the profile, said separated piece being support by the clamp; and v) Removing the clamp.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A method of manufacturing according te) Claim 1, including at least one further step of machining the work-piece with the clamp mounted thereon and supporting the separated at least one piece of the multi-piece component.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A method of manufacmring according to Claim I or 2, including mounting two or more clamps oii the work-pi cc, each clamp being- to at least two picces of the multi-piece component defined in profile.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A method of manufacturing according to ally preceding claim, wherein step ii of the method includes the step of machining bores in one of the pieces of the mtdti-piece component.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A method of manufacturing according to Claim 4, wherein the bores are configured for use in final installation of the multi-piece component.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A method of manufacturing according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein step iii of the method includes the step of attaching the ciainp to the piece defined in profile including bores formed in step ii of the method by fasteners engaging with the bores and the clamp.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A method of manufacmring according to any preceding claim, wherein step II includes the step of removing material from the centre of the work-piece.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A method of manufacturing according to any of Claims I to 6, including a step involving removal of material from t]1e centre of the work-piece, said step of removing material from the centre of the work-piece being performed between steps lii and iv.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A method of manufacturing according to any of Claims 1 to 6, including a step involving removal of material from the centre of the work-piece, said step of removing niaterial from the centre of the work-piece being performed after step iv or v.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A multi-piece component comprising a first piece including at least one section of a first diameter the at least one section bounded by spaced apart elements of greater dimension than the first diameter atid at least one second piece moutited on hut separated from the at least one first sectioti and retained thereon between the spaced apart elements, wherein the at least one second piece consists of a continuous element extending around the first section, the continuous clement being free from joints.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A multi-piece component according to Claim 10, wherein the spaced apart elements have diameters greater than the first diameter.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A multi-piece component according to Claim 10 or 11, wherein at least one of the spaced apart elements comprises a flange seat and the second piece comprises a flange.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A multi-piece component according to any of Claims 10 to 12, wherein the multi-piece component is a swivel flange connector pipe and the second piece of the multi-piece component is a flange.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A multi-piece component according to Claim 13, wherein the swivel flange connector pipe is single or double ended.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A multi-piece component according to Claim 14, wherein in a double ended swivel flatige connector, two second pieces are mounted on the first section, each second piece comprising a flange.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A multi-piece component according to any of Claims 10 to 15, wherein at least one of the spaced apart elements comprises a flange seat.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A multi-piece component according to Claim 1501 16, wherein in a double ended swivel flange, each spaced apart element comprises a flange seat.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A tool for use in the method of manufacture of a multi-piece component of Claims I to 9, the tool comprising a clamp, the clamp comprising at least two parts, fastening means to releasably attach the at least two parts together, attachment means for attaching the clamp to a piece of a multi-piece component and a support surface adapted to sit on and be supported by another piece of the multi-piece component.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A tool according to Claim 18, wherein the fastening means comprises at least one bore in each of time at least two parts, wherein at least one bore of one of the at least two parts aligns with at least one bore of an adjacent one of the at least two parts, when the at least two parts are attached together.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A tool according to Claim 8 or I c,wherein the fastening means includes an element adapted for insertion into the aligned bores.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. A tool according to any of Claims 18 to 20, wherein at least one of the said at least one bores is threaded.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. A tool according to Claim 20 or 21, wherem the clement is threaded and is adapted to co-operate with threads of an at least one bore, or the threaded portion of the element extends beyond the bore and a nut may be attached thereto.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. A tool according to any of Claims 18 to 22, wherein at least two parts of the clamp are attached together by a hinge.</claim-text> <claim-text>24. A tool according to Claim 23, wherein the at least two parts of the clamp are attached together at oile side by a hinge and at the other by fastening means.</claim-text> <claim-text>25. A tool according to any of Claims 18 to 24, wherein the fastening means includes a hinge.</claim-text> <claim-text>26. A tool according to Claim 25, wherein the fastening means inchieles a lever pivotally attached to one of the at least two parts, and a clasp pivotally attached to the lever, the axes of the pivots being offset with respect to one another.</claim-text> <claim-text>27. A tool according to Claim 26, wherein an adjacent one of the at least two parts includes a slot adapted to receive a part of the clasp.</claim-text> <claim-text>28. A tool according to any of Claims 18 to 28, wherein the attachment means for attaching the clamp to a piece of the multi-piece component includes a hore, said bore in use heing aligned with a bore in the piece of the multi-piece component, and an element for insertion into the aligned bores.</claim-text> <claim-text>29. A tool accorditig to ally of Claims 18 to 28, wherein the attachment means comprises a plurality of bores, each lying on at a different distance from the centre of the clamp, or a slot extending in a radial direction.</claim-text> <claim-text>30. A tool according to any of Claims 18 to 29, wherein the clamp includes a peripherally located lip extending in the axial direction of the clamp.</claim-text> <claim-text>31. A tool according to Claim 30, wherein the lip element forms part of each of the at least two parts of the clamp.</claim-text> <claim-text>32. A tool according to any of Claims 18 to 31, further comprising a collar, the collar configured to sit between a work-piece and the clamp.</claim-text> <claim-text>33. A tool according to Claim 32, the tool including a plurality of collars,each having a different thickness.</claim-text>