GB2537129A

GB2537129A - Apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2537129A
Application number: GB1505900.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gordon Mark
Original assignee: 3eight Tech Ltd
Current assignee: 3eight Tech Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-07
Filing date: 2015-04-07
Publication date: 2016-10-12
Also published as: GB201505900D0

Abstract

A system for clamping a wireline tool, the system comprising a clamp 10 having a body 20, a first insert 30 and first gate 40, a second insert and second gate which are attachable to the body. When the clamp is in a closed position, the first insert and the first gate or the second insert and the second gate substantially enclose at least a portion of the wireline tool. The first insert and first gate are interchangeable with the second insert and second gate, to accommodate different wireline diameters. The body comprises a neck, with the first and second inserts being interlockable with the neck. The body comprises a neck, with the first and second gates being interlockable with the neck. The gates are attachable to the body by a first pin 50 and second pin 50, wherein the pins have an engaged and disengaged position. When the first pin is in engaged position and second pin is in disengaged position, the gate is pivotable open and closed. The first and second inserts comprise fixing holes (Fig 3, 37) adapted to receive a securing pin (Fig 3, 38).

Description

APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a clamp for a wireline tool and a system for clamping a wireline tool. Such clamps may be for use within onshore and offshore oil and gas operations; particularly, but not exclusively, for use during drilling, intervention and/or completion.

During many oil and gas operations, tools may be run into the well for the purposes of, for example, monitoring the geometry of the well (e.g. depth and inclination), evaluating rock properties, measuring formation pressures and collecting samples for analysis at the surface. Such tools are typically run into the well on a wireline, slickline, electric line ("E-line"), coiled tubing and/or drill string.

Often multiple tools may be connected together to form a tool string, for example, to reach greater depths within the well or to save time. The assembly of the tool string will typically take place on the drill floor or the derrick space, which are normally confined spaces; thus requiring the tool string to be assembled vertically using wireline lifting apparatus, such as a rig hoist. If the tool string is very long, it may require a staged assembly, wherein a section of the string is assembled and lowered into the well using the rig hoist before the next section of the string is assembled.

In order to keep the tool string assembly vertical, it is attached to a lifting clamp which fastens around a section of the tool string called the "fish neck" or "fishing neck". This allows for a balanced lift keeping the tool string assembly vertically oriented.

The lifting clamp typically comprises arms which serve to support the tool string as the operator attaches the appropriate line for deploying the tool string into the well. This line may provide electricity to the tool string for electronic activation of the tools; however, where appropriate, some tools may still be activated mechanically, for example pressure activated tools.

Once the tool string is assembled, it may be attached to a wireline spool. The rig hoist then lifts the tool string into the required position and the lifting clamp is removed to allow the tool string to descend into the well.

The inventor of the present invention has devised a clamp that aims to improve the operational flexibility of the tool string assembly and deployment procedure.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a clamp for a wireline tool, the clamp comprising: a body; and first and second members independently attachable to the body; wherein when the clamp is in an open position, the first member is locatable around at least a portion of an object and when the clamp is in a closed position, the first and second members substantially enclose the at least a portion of the object.

In the closed position the first and second members are typically attached to the body.

The first member is typically a die insert. The second member is typically a gate. The object is typically a wireline tool.

The die insert is typically semi-circular in shape. The die insert may be referred to as horse-shoe shaped. The die insert typically comprises an inner face and an outer face. The outer face may be defined by an outer diameter. The inner face may be defined by an inner, or internal, diameter.

In the open and/or closed position the die insert may be locatable equal to or more than 120 degrees, typically from 120 to 180 degrees around the wireline tool. It may be an advantage of the present invention that the die insert is locatable equal to or more than 120 degrees around the wireline tool because this may allow the wireline tool to be more effectively supported and balanced within the clamp.

There may be more than one die insert suitable for being attached to the body. There may be more than one gate suitable for being attached to the body. The more than one die insert is normally interchangeable. The more than one gate is normally interchangeable. When there is more than one die insert, the outer face and/or the outer diameter of each die insert may be substantially identical to allow each die insert to be attached to the body.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for clamping a wireline tool, the system comprising: a clamp having a body; a first insert and a first gate; a second insert and a second gate; wherein the first insert and the first gate, and the second insert and the second gate, are independently attachable to the body; and wherein when the clamp is in an open position, the first or second die insert is locatable around at least a portion of an object and when the clamp is in a closed position, the first insert and the first gate or the second die insert and the second gate substantially enclose the at least a portion of the object.

The object is typically a wireline tool. The first insert is typically a first die insert. The second insert is typically a second die insert.

An inner face and/or inner diameter of each insert may vary. The inner diameter of each insert may be from 1 inch (2.54 cm) to 4 inches (10.16 cm). Typically the inner diameter of each insert may be one of 1.187 inches (3.01 cm), 1.375 inches (3.49 cm), 1.750 inches (4.45 cm), 2.312 inches (5.87 cm) and 3.120 inches (7.92 cm), but other sizes may be used.

The first and second inserts typically have a different inner diameter. The first and second gates typically have different dimensions.

Only one of the first and second inserts may be attached to the body at any one time.

Only one of the first and second gates may be attached to the body at any one time. The first and second gates may be interchangeably attachable to the body by at least one pin.

As the inner diameter of the insert changes, the dimensions of the corresponding gate typically varies. This allows the centre of mass of the body to remain substantially in the same location, and in use helps to keep the wireline tool balanced and secure in a vertical position within the insert, and therefore also in a vertical position within the body.

It may be an advantage of the present invention that multiple inserts and corresponding gates of varying dimensions are independently attachable to the body, because this may allow the clamp to be used for wireline tools of different sizes and dimensions. The same clamp may be used for different diameters and sizes of wireline tools by changing the attached gate and the attached insert, thus making the clamp faster and/or simpler to use compared to some traditional clamps.

It may also be an advantage of the present invention that bespoke inserts and gates may be manufactured to be attachable to the body of the clamp and accommodate specific or uncommon diameters of wireline tool, and/or wireline tool fishing necks, because this may mitigate the need for operators to buy an entirely new clamp for each new wireline tool, which subsequently may mitigate cost expenditure, reduce inventory and allow greater flexibility for future tool development with custom sized fishing necks.

Each of the first and second inserts may further comprise a first face and a second face. Each insert may also comprise at least one end face. Preferably each insert comprises two end faces. An intersection between the first face and the inner face may be the same, or may be different, to an intersection between the second face and the inner face. The intersection between the first face and/or the second face and the inner face may be at right angles. The intersection between the first face and/or the second face and the inner face may be chamfered. When the intersection is chamfered at least a first and a second portion of the intersection are not at right angles to one another. When the intersection is chamfered at least a first and a second portion of the intersection are typically at a 45 degree angle to one another.

Each insert may be independently attachable to the body with the first face or the second face uppermost. Each insert is typically rotatable through 180 degrees such that the uppermost face becomes the lowermost face and vice versa.

It may be an advantage of the present invention that the intersection between the first face and the inner face, and the intersection between the second face and the inner face, is different because this may allow a single insert to accommodate different shaped wireline tools having the same diameter, such as wireline tools with and without fishing necks that have a chamfered portion. Different wireline tools may be accommodated by removing the attached insert and reattaching it to the clamp in an upside-down position. Alternatively, the insert may remain attached and the clamp may be turned upside-down, which may have the benefit of saving time.

The at least one pin typically provides at least one pivot point. The at least one pin may be referred to as a first pin. There may also be a second pin. The second pin is typically substantially similar to the first pin. Preferably, each gate is attachable to the body by first and second pins.

Each gate may comprise at least one lug. The at least one lug may comprise an aperture. Preferably each gate comprises two lugs, and therefore two apertures.

The body typically comprises at least one slot. Preferably the body comprises two slots. The body adjacent to each slot may comprise at least one hole. Preferably the body adjacent to each slot comprises two holes, one hole either side of the slot.

The at least one lug is typically receivable in the at least one slot. The at least one lug may be secured in the at least one slot and/or a corresponding at least one slot by the at least one pin. The at least one pin is typically receivable in the at least one hole. The at least one pin is typically receivable in the at least one aperture.

When there are two lugs and two slots, each gate may be independently attachable to the body by two pins, the first pin and the second pin, thus providing two pivot points. In use, when there are two pivot points it is typically possible to open and/or close the gate from the left and from the right.

The at least one pin may have an engaged position. The at least one pin may have a disengaged position. The at least one pin may be a positive ball locking pin, also referred to as a flight pin. The at least one pin may be a spring plunger. The spring plunger is spring activated in the engaged position, known as a positive down position.

To move the spring plunger to the disengaged position, an operator must pull the spring plunger in an upwards and/or outwards direction. A positive ball locking pin requires the operator to push or pull the pin to move the pin from the engaged to the disengaged position. The positive ball locking pin requires the operator to push or pull the pin to move the pin from the disengaged to the engaged position. When the at least one pin is a positive ball locking pin, a safety lanyard may be provided to attach the at least one pin to the body.

When the at least one pin is in the engaged position, the gate may be attached to the body. When the at least one pin is in the disengaged position, the gate may be detached from the body and/or completely removed from the body.

When the gate is attached to the body by two pins and both pins are in the engaged position, the gate is typically securely attached to the body; if only one pin is in the engaged position and the other is in a disengaged position, the gate may pivot open and/or closed around the pin in the engaged position; and if both pins are in the disengaged position, the gate may be completely detached and removed from the body. When both pins are in the disengaged position, the gate may be replaced with a different gate which corresponds to the insert attached to the body.

It may be an advantage of the present invention that the at least one pin requires operator action to move the at least one pin from the engaged to the disengaged position, because this may help to reduce the likelihood that the attached gate may be accidentally opened in use.

Each gate may comprise at least one curved face. The curved shape typically provides the clearance required to allow the gate to pivot open and/or closed around the at least one pin in the engaged position without the gate coming into contact with the body. It may be an advantage of the present invention that the gate does not make contact with the body because this mitigates the risk of the gate fouling on the body. Fouling typically occurs when there is insufficient clearance and the gate comes into contact with the body.

The body may comprise a neck. Each gate may be independently and interchangeably attachable to the neck of the body. The neck is typically semi-circular in shape. The neck may be referred to as horse-shoe shaped. Each insert may be independently interlockable with the neck of the body.

The neck may comprise at least one lip. The at least one lip may be referred to as a captive lug, an edge, a ledge, a support and/or a guide. The at least one lip may extend at least partially around an inner circumference of the neck. The at least one lip may extend fully around the inner circumference of the neck. The at least one lip is typically loadbearing. Preferably the neck comprises two lips. Each of the two lips preferably extends at least partially around the inner circumference of the neck.

Each insert may comprise at least one ledge. The at least one ledge may be referred to as a lip or holding jaws. The at least one ledge may extend at least partially around the circumference of an outer face of each insert. The at least one ledge may extend fully around the circumference of the outer face of each insert. Preferably each insert comprises two ledges. Each of the two ledges preferably extends at least partially around the circumference of the outer face of each insert.

The at least one lip of the neck may be interlockable with the at least one ledge of the insert. In use, the at least one lip and the at least one ledge may be interlocked by sliding the insert into the neck.

It may be an advantage of the present invention that attaching the insert to the neck by interlocking the at least one lip and the at least one ledge may help to mitigate any movement of the insert relative to the neck. It may also be an advantage of the present invention that attaching the insert to the neck by interlocking the at least one lip and the at least one ledge may allow the insert to be quickly removed and replaced with a different insert.

Each gate may be independently interlockable with the neck of the body. Each gate may comprise at least one ledge. In use, the at least one lip of the neck and the at least one ledge of a gate may be interlocked. In use, the at least one ledge of a gate and the at least one ledge of an insert may be interlocked with the neck.

It may be an advantage of the present invention that a gate and an insert interlock with the neck and/or each other as this may help to increase the torsional rigidity of the body and/or may wedge the clamp shut in case of a failure, thus the interlocked gate may not be able to swing open, potentially releasing the wireline tool and injuring personnel.

In some embodiments, each gate and each insert may be interchangeably interlockable with each other, as well as with the neck. In such embodiments, each gate and each insert may be interchangeably interlockable to form one component.

In an alternative embodiment, each gate may comprise a passage. The passage may extend through the gate. The passage may be adapted to receive a screw. The length of the screw may be at least the length of the passage. Preferably the screw is at least twice the length of the passage.

In use, a wireline tool may be secured in the clamp by the insert and by inserting a screw through the passage of the gate until the screw contacts the wireline tool.

It may be an advantage of the present invention that the screw can be used to secure the wireline tool in the clamp, when the wireline tool would otherwise be loose-fitting between the insert and the gate.

Each insert and the neck may further comprise fixing holes. The fixing holes may be adapted to receive a securing pin. The securing pin may be a cap screw bolt. The securing pin may be a hand turnable screw or wing nut. Alternatively, the securing pin may be a pin-style fastener. The fixing holes may be threaded for receiving a screw. The pin-style fastener may be a retaining clip ("R-clip").

Typically in use, the insert is inserted into, and interlocked with, the neck and the fixing holes aligned to allow insertion of the securing pin, such that the insert may be securely attached to the neck. A wireline tool is then received into the interlocked insert and the corresponding gate attached to the body as described above. The wireline tool may now be held in a balanced position in the centre of the body. The wireline tool may then be rigged up and/or rigged down and a tool string assembled and/or disassembled as required.

It may be an advantage of the present invention that fastening an insert to the neck using a securing pin helps to mitigate the risk of the insert sliding out of the neck if, for example, the body is knocked when the gate is not secured to the body.

The body may also comprise at least one radially extending arm. Preferably the body comprises two radially extending arms. The radially extending arms are typically the same length. The length of the radially extending arms may depend on the application of the clamp.

The neck is typically at the centre of the body. When the body comprises two radially extending arms, they are typically separated radially by equal to or more than 90 degrees, typically from 90 to 180 degrees. Preferably the two radially extending arms are separated radially by 180 degrees.

The optional features of the first aspect of the present invention can be incorporated into the second aspect of the present invention and vice versa.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the clamp assembly; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the clamp body; Fig. 3 is a front and rear view of the die insert; Fig. 4 is a front and rear view of the gate; Fig. 5 is a partial view of the body showing the die insert interlocking with the body; Fig. 6a is a perspective view of the clamp with the gate pivoted open to the left; Fig. 6b is a perspective view of the clamp with the gate pivoted open to the right; Fig. 6c is a perspective view of the clamp fastened around a wireline tool; and Fig. 7 is a rear view of the clamp assembly.

Fig. 1 shows a clamp assembly 10 according to the present invention. The clamp assembly 10 comprises a body 20, a die insert 30 and a gate 40. The die insert 30 is attached to, and interlocked with, the body 20. The gate 40 is attached to, and interlocked with, the body 20. The gate 40 is attached to the body 20 by two securing pins 50 which penetrate both the gate 40 and the body 20. The gate 40 is moveable between an open and a closed position. To move between an open and closed position, the gate 40 pivots around one of the two securing pins 50, as will be shown in Figs. 6a and 6b.

In the open position, the die insert 30 is locatable around a wireline tool fishing neck (not shown in Fig. 1). In the closed position, as is shown in Fig. 1, the die insert 30 and the gate 40 will substantially enclose at least a portion of the wireline tool, as will be shown in Fig. 6c. In the open and/or closed position the die insert 30 is locatable 180 degrees around the wireline tool.

The body 20 further comprises two lifting shackles 60. The lifting shackles 60 are bow-type shackles. They are attached to the body 20 by a safety pin 65 which comprises a bolt 62, a nut 63 and a split pin 64.

In use, a two-leg sling set (not shown) is attached to the two lifting shackles 60 to lift the clamp assembly to a desired height to allow the die insert 30 to be located around a wireline tool (not shown). In other embodiments, the lifting shackle may be a 'D' type shackle. In further embodiments, the lifting shackle may be attached by a screw pin.

In alternative embodiments, the body may comprise two lifting eyes. The lifting eyes may be Eye Bolts. The lifting eyes may be Eye Nuts.

Fig. 2 shows the body 20 in more detail, without die insert 30 attached and without gate 40 attached. The body 20 comprises a neck 22 and two radially extending arms 24a, 24b. The neck 22 is located at the centre of the body 20. The neck 22 is a horse-shoe shaped recess within the body 20. The neck 22 comprises an inner face 21a and an outer face 21b. The neck 22 further comprises a fixing hole 29 located on a rear curved portion of the neck.

The inner face 21a of the neck 22 comprises two loadbearing lips 23a, 23b. Each lip 23a, 23b extends only partially around the circumference of the inner face 21a of the neck 22. Each lip protrudes from the inner face 21a of the neck 22, thus forming external lips.

The body 20 further comprises two slots 25a, 25b; one slot 25a, 25b is located on either side of the neck 22. There are two holes 26a, 26b in the body; one hole 26a is above each slot 25a, 25b and one hole 26b is below each slot 25a, 25b.

The radially extending arms 24a, 24b are both the same length. Each of the two radially extending arms 24a, 24b has a first end 28a and a second end 28b. Each first end 28a is attached to the outer face 21b of the neck 22, and each second end 28b extends to the same distance from the centre of mass of the body 20. The radially extending arms 24a, 24b are separated radially by 180 degrees, that is they are directly opposite each other. Each radially extending arm 24a, 24b comprises a lifting point 61a, 61b located at the same distance along each arm from the centre of mass of the body 20. The lifting shackles 60 are attachable to the lifting points 61a, 61b by the safety pin 65.

It may be an advantage of the present invention that locating each lifting point at the same distance from the centre of mass of the body may allow the wireline tool to be held in a balanced central and vertical position. It may be a further advantage of the present invention that having a body with two radially extending arms, and one lifting point per arm, may be the optimal, and/or lightest, body shape for loading the stresses which pass through the body, whilst also allowing a gate to be attached to the body.

The body 20 further comprises web supports 27a, 27b. Only one of the two web supports, 27b, are shown in Fig. 2. They are both shown in more detail in Fig. 7.

The body 20 is made from one piece of high-grade, high-strength steel and is manufactured by water jet cutting. It may be an advantage of the present invention that the body is made from one piece of material as this may allow the body to be weld-free and joint-free. This may help to reduce the likelihood of fatigue cracking occurring on the body over time due to loading of the clamp, compared to when the body is made from several pieces of material welded together. It may also help to reduce the material mass required to manufacture the clamp compared to clamps made from multiple pieces of material welded together. It may be a further advantage of the present invention that making the body from high-strength steel may help to reduce the strain on the body, and may help to increase the operational life-span of the clamp compared to traditionally used clamps. It may also help to reduce the number of areas of concentrated stress on the body compared to traditionally used clamps.

In alternative embodiments, the body may be manufactured by Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, for example, milling, gas cutting, plasma cutting and laser cutting. In some embodiments, the body may be made from an alloy.

Fig. 3 shows the die insert 30 in more detail, both from the front and from the rear. The die insert 30 is horse-shoe shaped and comprises an inner face 31a and an outer face 31b. The inner face 31a is defined by an inner diameter 32a and the outer face 31b is defined by an outer diameter 32b. The inner diameter 32a of the die insert 30 is 1.375", as indicated by engraving 33. The engraving 33 is on a first face 34 of the die insert 30. The die insert 30 also comprises a second face (not shown) and two end faces 35a, 35b.

The intersection 39a between the first face 34 and the inner face 31a is different to the intersection 39b between the second face (not shown) and the inner face 31a. The intersection 39a between the first face 34 and the inner face 31a is chamfered. The intersection 39b between the second face (not shown) and the inner face 31a is at right angles. This allows a single die insert to accommodate different shaped wireline tools having the same diameter.

The die insert 30 also comprises two ledges 36a, 36b. Each ledge 36a, 36b extends partially around the circumference of the outer face 31b of the die insert 30. Each ledge extends into the outer face 31a of the die insert 30, thus forming internal ledges.

The die insert 30 further comprises a fixing hole 37. A securing pin 38 is attachable to the fixing hole 37. The securing pin 38 is a hand turnable screw.

The die insert 30 is made from the same material as the body 20, that is high-grade, high-strength steel. The safe working load of the die insert 30 is 1000kg. In alternative embodiments, the die insert may be made from a different material to the body. The material used to make the die insert may depend on the application requirements of the operator. In other embodiments, the safe working load of the die insert may be from 500kg to 1500kg.

Fig. 4 shows the gate 40 in more detail, both from the front and from the rear. The gate comprises an external section 41 and an internal section 42. The internal section 42 comprises an end face 43.

The external section 41 of the gate 40 comprises two lugs 44a, 44b. Each lug comprises an aperture 45a, 45b. The internal section 42 of the gate 40 comprises two curved faces 46a and 46b. The internal section 42 of the gate 40 also comprises two ledges 47a, 47b. The two ledges 47a, 47b are internal ledges. One ledge 47a extends along the length of curved face 46a and the other ledge 47b extends along the length of curved face 46b.

The gate 40 is manufactured by milling. In some embodiments, the die insert may be colour coded, such that different inner diameters may be identified by different colours. Each different gate may be coloured the same as its corresponding die insert. In some embodiments, the external section of the gate may comprise a name plate. The name plate may record details such as the safe working load (s.w.l) of the die insert, the dimensions of the gate and/or the inner diameter of the corresponding die insert.

Fig. 5 shows the die insert 30 being inserted into, and interlocked with, the neck 22 of the body 20.

In use, the die insert 30 is inserted into the neck 22 by first aligning the internal ledges 36a, 36b of the die insert 30 with the external lips 23a, 23b on the inner face 21a of the neck 22. The internal ledges 36a, 36b are then slotted onto the external lips 23a, 23b and the die insert 30 pushed into the neck 22 until the outer face 31b of the die insert 30 is completely in contact with the inner face 21a of the neck 22.

The inner face 21a of the neck 22 is greater in circumference than the outer face 31b of the die insert 30, such that when the outer face 31b of the die insert 30 is completely in contact with the inner face 21a of the neck 22, the inner face 21a of the neck 22 extends further round than the end faces 35a, 35b of the die insert 30.

In use, once the outer face 31b of the die insert 30 is completely in contact with the inner face 21a of the neck 22, fixing hole 29 and fixing hole 37 (not shown in Fig. 5) are aligned and hand turnable screw 38 (shown in Fig. 3) is inserted through both fixing holes 29 & 37 to securely attach the die insert 30 to the body 20.

There is more than one die insert 30 suitable for being inserted into the neck 22 of the body 20. Different die inserts have different inner diameters.

Fig. 6a shows the gate 40 attached to the neck 22 of the body 20 by securing pin 50a.

Securing pins 50a & 50b are spring plungers. Spring plunger 50a is inserted through holes 26a, 26b around slot 25a and aperture 45a; and spring plunger 50b is insertable through the holes 26a, 26b around slot 25b and aperture 45b.

In use, spring plunger 50a is activated by pushing it down, thus moving it to the engaged position and securing lug 44a within slot 25a. Spring plunger 50b is still in the disengaged position, thus lug 44b is not secured within slot 25b. The gate 40 can then pivot open and closed around spring plunger 50a.

Fig. 6b shows many of the same features as Fig. 6a except the spring plunger 50a is in the disengaged position and spring plunger 50b is in the engaged position. Therefore, the gate 40 can pivot open and closed around spring plunger 50b.

Fig. 6c shows many of the same features as Figs. 6a and 6b except both spring plungers 50a & 50b are in the engaged position. Thus, the gate 40 is securely attached to the body 20.

More generally, the gate 40 is inserted into the neck 22 by aligning the internal ledges 47a, 47b of the gate 40 with the external lips 23a, 23b on the inner face 21a of the neck 22. The internal ledges 47a, 47b are then slotted onto the external lips 23a, 23b and the gate 40 pushed into the neck 22 until the end faces 35a, 35b of the die insert 30 are fully in contact with at least a portion of the end face 43 of the internal section 42 of the gate 40.

When the end faces 35a, 35b of the die insert 30 are fully in contact with at least a portion of the end face 43 of the internal section 42 of the gate 40, the lugs 44a & 44b are located within the slots 25a, 25b and the apertures 45a, 45b are aligned with holes 26a, 26b on both slots 25a, 25b. Spring plunger 50a is then inserted through the holes 26a, 26b of slot 25a and aperture 45a; and spring plunger 50b is inserted through the holes 26a, 26b of slot 25b and aperture 45b.

In use, when both spring plungers 50a & 50b are in the engaged position, the wireline tool fishing neck is substantially enclosed by the die insert 30 and the gate 40. In this position, the wireline tool is safely balanced in a vertical position within the clamp.

There is more than one gate 40 suitable for being inserted into the neck 22 of the body 20.

In use, if both spring plungers 50a, 50b are in the disengaged position, the gate 40 may be completely removed and replaced with a different gate to match the attached die insert, such as a gate with different dimensions. The gate and the die insert may match when the end faces of the die insert are fully in contact with at least a portion of the end face of the internal section of the gate; and the lugs are located within the slots, and the holes and apertures are aligned.

Fig. 7 shows a rear view of the clamp 10. The gate 40 is attached to the body 20 by spring plungers 50a, 50b in the engaged position. The die insert 30 is also attached to the body 20 by the hand turnable screw 38.

The rear view of the body 20 clearly shows the two web supports 27a and 27b. The web supports 27a, 27b are integral to the body 20. One web support 27a extends from the neck 22 over to radially extending arm 24a; the other web support 27b extends from the neck 22 over to radially extending arm 24b. The web supports may be manufactured by milling. It may be an advantage of the present invention that the web supports reinforce and provide strength to the body. In some embodiments, there may be one web support integral to the body. In other embodiments, there may be more than two web supports integral to the body.

Modifications and improvements can be incorporated herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for clamping a wireline tool, the system comprising: a clamp having a body; a first insert and a first gate; a second insert and a second gate; wherein the first insert and the first gate, and the second insert and the second gate, are independently attachable to the body; and wherein when the clamp is in an open position, the first or second insert is locatable around at least a portion of an object and when the clamp is in a closed position, the first insert and the first gate or the second insert and the second gate substantially enclose the at least a portion of the object.
A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the object is a wireline tool.
3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the body comprises a neck, the first and second inserts being interlockable with the neck.
4. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first and second gates are interlockable with the neck.
5. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second inserts have a different inner diameter.
6. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second gates have different dimensions.
7. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second inserts have a first face and a second face and wherein in use, the first and second inserts are independently attachable to the body with the first face or the second face uppermost.
8. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second gates are attachable to the body by a first pin.
9. A system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and second gates are attachable to the body by a second pin.
10. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first and the second pins have an engaged position and a disengaged position.
11. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein when the first pin is in the engaged position and the second pin is in the disengaged position, the gate is pivotable open and closed about the pin in the engaged position.
12. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second gates comprise at least one curved face.
13. A system as claimed in claims 3 to 12, wherein the neck and the first and second inserts further comprise fixing holes adapted to receive a securing pin.
14. A clamp for a wireline tool, the clamp comprising: a body; and first and second members independently attachable to the body; wherein when the clamp is in an open position, the first member is locatable around at least a portion of an object and when the clamp is in a closed position, the first and second members substantially enclose the at least a portion of the object.
15. A clamp as claimed in claim 14, wherein in the closed position the first and second members are attached to the body.
16. A clamp as claimed in claims 14 or 15, wherein the first member is an insert, the second member is a gate, and the object is a wireline tool.
17. A clamp as claimed in claims 14 to 16, wherein the insert is locatable from 120 to 180 degrees around the wireline tool.