GB2572832A

GB2572832A - Cable protection system

Info

Publication number: GB2572832A
Application number: GB1811155.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Beer William; Dykins Nicholas; Harding Caroline
Original assignee: SLINGCO Ltd
Current assignee: SLINGCO Ltd
Priority date: 2018-04-09
Filing date: 2018-07-06
Publication date: 2019-10-16
Also published as: GB201805851D0; GB201811155D0

Abstract

A gripper for a cable protector has a gripping system with first and second members 16, 18 movable relative to each other to clamp or grip a pipe, and a locking member 12 mechanically attachable to a gripping member and movable between an open position and a locking position. In the locking position, the gripper locks the first and second members in a position engaging the pipe. The locking member may be mechanically attachable to the gripping member by a slot and pin system 26, 28. The locking member may move in a direction axial or lengthways along the same axis as the gripped pipe. The mechanical attachment may be snap-fit. A pair of grippers may be used with a spine therebetween (see fig. 2, 11) to form a cable protector.

Description

CABLE PROTECTION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of protection for cables or conduits, which are typically used in the wellbore industry for recovery of natural resources. In particular, the disclosure relates to couplings to provide said protection.

BACKGROUND

A downhole may refer to a hole drilled for the purpose of exploration or extraction of natural resources, which may include water, gas or oil. A corresponding well may be produced for extraction of said natural resource. A downhole may include a wellbore or a drill hole.

The downhole is generally drilled into the Earth with a globally vertical trajectory. Local portions of the downhole may have a non-vertical trajectory, including substantially horizontal, for example for trajectory correction or to navigate around objects. The trajectory may therefore serpentine.

A pipe may be located within a bore of the downhole, the pipe forming an extraction conduit for extraction of said natural resource between an extraction location and a transmission location. An extraction location may include an underground location. A transmission location include the surface of the ground, or a subsea surface.

The downhole may have an uneven internal surface, and may curve locally. This in turn presents difficulties in inserting and removing components, including the well pipe, from the downhole.

A well pipe is generally formed from a number of sequentially interconnected pipes. Adjacent pipes are connected by a coupling. When a well pipe is lowered into a downhole, the pipes are inserted into the downhole pipe-by-pipe. That is, a first pipe is inserted into the downhole, a coupling is used to attach said first pipe to a second pipe and so on.

Components, including electrical submersible pumps (ESP), may be inserted into the downhole and require cabling for operation thereof. Exampling cabling includes; ESP cables; control lines; umbilicals and; encapsulating bundles. A run of the cable is generally between the outer surface of the well pipe and the surface of the down hole. Said cable run may be susceptible to damage, particularly proximal the coupling, e.g. since the coupling typically protrudes outwardly from the well pipe and/or the coupling may be displaced during use of the well pipe.

Consequently, a cable protector may be implemented, inter alia, to reduce the risk of damage to said cabling proximal the coupling and/or to secure said cable generally.

A known cable protector currently marketed by Slingco^R includes a pair of interconnected grippers. A lower gripper grips the first pipe below the coupling, and an upper gripper grips the second pipe above the coupling. A spine interconnects the first and second gripper, which spine extends contiguous an outer surface of the coupling. The spine may also extend contiguous a portion of each pipe, proximal the coupling. The spine is arranged to form a passage through which cabling can pass. Proximal the coupling, the cabling is secured within the passage, which may reduce said risk of damage.

Each gripper has an open and closed configuration. In the open configuration, the pipe is movable relative the gripper. In the closed configuration, the gripper grips the pipe by engagement with an outer surface of the pipe. The gripper includes two hingedly coupled arms. Each arm includes a series of teeth, which are arranged to interdigitate in the closed position. Each tooth has a passage formed therethrough. When interdigitated, a locking member is passed through passages of the teeth of both arms to second the gripper in the closed position.

A drawback is that the locking member may be dropped during insertion/extraction from said passage. If the locking member falls down the downhole, equipment located in the downhole may be damaged. Moreover, it may be difficult to retrieve a dropped locking member from the downhole.

A drawback is that positioning the locking member for insertion in said passages may be difficult, particularly in extreme environmental conditions, which are associated with a downhole.

In spite of the effort already invested in the development of cable protection systems further improvements are desirable.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a gripper. The gripper may be for a cable protector. The cable protector may be for protection of cables extending contiguous pipes. As used herein the term “contiguous” may refer to touching or in close proximity. The pipes may be of a downpipe for a wellbore. In embodiments the gripper may therefore not be limited to wellbore applications.

The gripper comprises a locking member; a gripping system comprising a first member and a second member movable relative to each other to an engaged position, wherein in the engaged position a pipe is gripped by at least one of said members, wherein the locking member is mechanically attached to the gripping system and is movable to a locked position, wherein the locking member locks the first and second members in said engaged position.

By mechanically attaching the locking member, such that it is capable of remaining mechanically attached to the griping system in both the locked position and an unlocked position (and when moving between said positions), the locking member may be prevented from being separated from the gripping system. In this way the risk of dropping and/or loss of a locking member during attachment and/or removal of a gripper from a pipe may be reduced. Moreover, said mechanical attachment may facilitate more convenient movement of the locking member between said positions during attachment and/or removal of a gripper from a pipe.

In an embodiment, the locking member is movable with said mechanical attachment between an open position, wherein the first member and second member are movable between the engaged position to a disengaged position, and the locked position. Said mechanical attachment may facilitate more convenient movement of the locking member between said positions during attachment and/or removal of a gripper from a pipe. The locking member may be slideably movable between said positions. Said slideable movement may facilitate more convenient movement of the locking member

In an embodiment, the movement of the locking member between locked and unlocked positions is generally parallel to an axis of a gripped pipe. By having a movement parallel to the axis of the pipe the locking member may be conveniently moved between its operative positions via access from above the pipe system, e.g. from a surface of the wellbore. Such an implementation may facilitate more convenient engaging/disengaging of the gripping system with a pipe.

In an embodiment, the first member including at least one passageway, the second member including at least one passageway, said passageways (e.g. at least one of the passage ways of the first member and at least one of the passage ways of the second member) at least partially aligned (e.g. with sufficient alignment for insertion of the locking member for extension between the passageways) in the engaged position, said locking member arrangeable in a passageway of the first member and a passageway of the second member in the locked position. The mechanical attachment may therefore be configured to enable convenient insertion of the locking member into the passageways in a manner suitable for locking in the locked position. The mechanical attachment may therefore be configured to enable convenient removal of the locking member from the passageways in a manner suitable for enabling movement of the first and second members from the engaged position to the disengaged position (e.g. the locking member may still be arranged within a passageway but not interconnecting passageways of the first and second member).

In an embodiment, the mechanical attachment of the locking member to the gripping system comprises an extension from one of the first member or the locking member engageable with a slot of the other of the first member or the locking member. By implementing the mechanical attachment as an extension and corresponding slot, the attachment mechanism may be conveniently formed on said components. Moreover, said implementation may facilitate convenient actuation of the locking member between its associated positions.

In embodiments, the slot or the extension is at least partially arranged within the passageway of the first member. By forming one of the slot or the extension within the passage way, it may be protected from external damage, which could occur during use of the cable protection system. Moreover, it may facilitate a more compact locking member and/or gripping system. The passageway may be arranged within an extension arranged most proximal the spine.

In embodiments, the slot is blind (i.e. it does not extend fully though the locking member or the first member) or is a through hole (i.e. it extends fully though the locking member or the first member).

In embodiments, the slot and extension are configured with the extension to engage an end of the slot with the locking member in the open position. By arranging the extension to engage said end of the slot, the locking member is mechanically retained by the mechanical attachment.

In an embodiment, an extension is at least partially formed, including formed integrally, in the passageway by displacing a portion of the passageway. By forming the extension from the passageway, the extension may be conveniently formed.

In an embodiment, the slot is arranged to extend along a length of the locking member. In an embodiment, one or more extensions are arranged on one or both sides of the slot, said extensions arranged to grip an interior wall of a passageway of the first and or second member. By arranging said extensions on one or both sides of the slot they may not interfere with the extension of the mechanical attachment during actuation of the locking member between its positions. In an embodiment, a width direction of the locking member is profiled with the slot arranged at an apex thereof. By arranging the slot at an apex, the slot may be more conveniently located in a passageway during assembly of the gripper.

In an embodiment, the mechanical attachment (e.g. the locking member and/or configuration of extension on the second member), is configured for separation and/or engagement of the mechanical attachment with the application of a relative force between the locking member and griping system of above a threshold. By enabling engagement or disengagement of the mechanical attachment with the application of a force above a predetermined threshold, the locking member can be retained and removed from the gripper, by applying a threshold force, e.g. if the locking member requires replacing. In embodiments, the threshold force is greater than the force applied to the locking member when moving the locking member between the locked and open positions.

In an embodiment, the mechanical attachment is configured for snap fit engagement and/or disengagement thereof. A snap fit may facilitate a more convenient engagement or disengagement of the mechanical attachment.

In an embodiment, the locking member comprise a tip, the tip including a first member and second member, which are biased together to a closed position (e.g. where they may be contiguous, including touching each other), wherein, upon the application of the threshold force, said first and second member to engage with an extension of the gripping system and to move to an open position, wherein the extension may be received in a slot of the locking member. Such an arrangement may facilitate a more convenient engagement or disengagement of the mechanical attachment.

In an embodiment, the locking member includes a tip, the tip tapered to displace a passageway and/or extension of the gripping system for engagement of the mechanical attachment. Such an arrangement may facilitate a more convenient engagement or disengagement of the mechanical attachment.

Disclosed herein is a cable protector. The cable protector comprising a first gripper and a second gripper, said first and/or second gripper may be according to any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein, wherein the first and second gripper are connected by a spine.

Disclosed herein is a gripping system for a cable protector. The gripping system comprises: a first member and a second member movable relative to each other to an engaged position. In the engaged position a pipe is gripped by at least one of said members. The first member is adapted for mechanical attachment to a locking member, the locking member to lock the first and second members in said engaged position. The gripping system may be according to any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

Disclosed herein is a locking member for a cable protector. The locking member is adapted for mechanical attachment to a gripping system. With said mechanical attachment the lock member is movable to a locked position, wherein the locking member to lock first and second members of the gripping system in an engaged position wherein a pipe is gripped. The locking member may be according to any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

Disclosed herein is a method of securing a gripper of a cable protector to a pipe, said method comprising: arranging first and second members in an engaged position to grip the pipe; moving a locking member, which is mechanically attached to the first member, to a locked position, wherein the locking member locks the first and second members in said engaged position. The method may be implemented in accordance with features of any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

Disclosed herein is a Captive Pin Cable Protector is directed, but not solely to Cable Protectors. Said Captive Pin Cable Protector consisting of a Spine, each end of said Spine connects to a LHS Clamp and a RHS Clamp with Hinge Pins. Said LHS Clamp and said RHS Clamp pivot about said Pins. Both said LHS Clamp and said RHS Clamp have Interlocking Teeth, either said LHS Clamp or said RHS Clamp has an Upper Tooth. Said Upper Tooth holds the Slotted Pin captive with a Pin/Protrusion. During installation said Captive Pin Cable Protector clamps around two Pipes, said Pipes are connected to each other using a Pipe Coupling. Said Spine guides Cables between said Pipes around said Pipe Coupling thereby preventing the potential for abrasion and subsequent degradation of said Cables. The Captive Pin Cable Protector works in such a way that installation can be completed without manually locating the Pin into said Upper Tooth, in this invention said Pin is slotted becoming said Slotted Pin. Upon installation said Slotted Pin increases the pressure applied by said Clamps onto said Pipes thereby rigidly securing said Captive Pin Cable Protector and subsequently said Cables. The second embodiment of the invention is a variant on said Slotted Pin whereby the Slot is a Groove. The Captive Pin Cable Protector may be according to any preceding embodiment or another embodiment disclosed herein.

The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some embodiments to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the abovedescribed features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and/or proceeding embodiments may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further embodiments. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment cable protector and a downpipe formed of coupled pipes.

Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing an embodiment gripper of the cable protector of figure 1.

Figures 4 to 8 are perspective views showing embodiment locking members of the cable protector of figure 1.

Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views showing aspects of the gripper of figure 1.

Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views showing aspects of the gripper of figure 1.

Figures 14a to 14c and 15 are schematic diagrams showing an embodiment gripper of the cable protector of figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Before describing several embodiments of a cable protector, it is to be understood that the system is not limited to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations:

As used herein the term “cable protector” or “captive pin cable protector” may refer to a mechanical device operable to guide and/or protect a cable as defined herein contiguous a pipe as defined herein. The cable protector may be of the configuration wherein two grippers are interconnected by a spine. The cable protector may be of a single gripper configuration, which is referred to as a mid-joint cable protector, wherein the cable protector includes the single gripper and a cable guide for guiding of cables. A mid-joint cable protector may be deployed mid-joint rather than over a coupling as for the dual gripper and spine implementation.

As used herein the term “cable” or “cables” may refer to an arrangement of one or more control lines for remote communication with componentry. Cable may include wires for electrical transmission as well as pneumatic and fluid lines. A cable may be generally cylindrical or alternatively shaped, such as square or elliptical or flat. A cable may have a diameter (or a longest dimension in a section for non-circular cables) of 4 mm to 50 mm.

As used herein the term “wellbore” may refer to a bore suitable for a well for extraction of natural resources, including water, gas or oil. Said bore may be formed by drilling through a surface of the Earth.

As used herein the term “pipe” may refer to a downpipe or other type of pipe, which may be adapted for use in a wellbore. A pipe may be generally cylindrical or alternatively shaped, such as square or elliptical. As used herein the term “downpipe” may refer to a pipe adapted for use in a wellbore. A downpipe may have a diameter (or a longest dimension in a section for non-circular pipes) of 5 cm to 20 cm.

As used herein the term “gripped pipe” may refer to a pipe as defined herein gripped by a gripper as defined herein. Said gripping may provide sufficient force to fix the cable protector to the pipe without movement thereof in general use. Said gripping is typically by means of friction and is nondestructive.

As used herein the term “gripper” or “clamp” may refer to a system of components, e.g. a gripping system and locking member.

As used herein the term “gripping system” or “clamp” may refer to a system of components, e.g. a first and second member (or respective RHS and LHS clamps) adapted to grip a pipe as defined herein.

As used herein the term “locking member” or “pin” may refer to an implement adapted to lock a griping system as defined herein to grip a pipe.

As used herein the term “mechanically attached” refers to an attachment implementing a mechanism, i.e. a linkage, such as a slot and corresponding extension. The mechanical attachment of the locking member and gripping system remains mechanically linked between, and in, open and closed positions of the locking member, which may preclude separation of said components under normal operating conditions. The mechanical attachment is configured to guide the locking member between said positions along a predetermined path.

In the following examples, a cable protector with dual grippers interconnected by a spine is described. It will be understood that the disclosure is not limited to such a cable protector and the gripper may be suitably extended to other implementations of cable protectors, e.g. a mid-joint cable protector.

Referring to figure 1, pipes 2 are coupled with a coupler 4. Cables 6 extend contiguous the pipes 2 and coupler and are retained by an embodiment cable protector 8. The cable protector 8 includes a first and second grippers 10, which are interconnected by a spine 11. The cable protector 8 extends generally parallel to an axis of symmetry 13 of the pipes 2.

Referring to figures 14a to 14c and 15, a gripper 10 of the cable protector may implement features of any of the preceding embodiment, or another embodiment disclosed herein. The gripper 10 includes a locking member 12 and a gripping system 14. The gripping system 14 comprises a first member 16 and a second member 18 movable relative to each other to an engaged position (as shown in figure 14a). In the engaged position (as shown in figure 15) a pipe is gripped by at least one of said members. The locking member 12 is mechanically attached by a mechanical attachment 20 to the gripping system 14 and is movable to a locked position (as shown in figure 14a), wherein the locking member locks the first and second members 16, 18 in said engaged position.

The mechanical attachment 20 enables movement of the locking member 12 between an open position (as shown in figure 15), wherein the first member 16 and second member 18 are movable between the engaged position (as shown in figure 14a) to a disengaged position (as shown in figure 15, and the locked position (as shown in figure 14a).

As exemplified by figures 14 and 15, said movement of the locking member 12 between the open and locked positions is generally parallel to an axis 13 of a gripped pipe, which it will be understood corresponds to an axis of the gripper 10, when the first member 16 and second member 18 are in the engaged position.

The first member 16 includes a passageway 22, and the second member 18 includes a passageway 24. Said passageways are aligned in the engaged position (as shown in figure 14a) to the extent that the locking member 12 can be arranged to extend between the passageways in the locked position.

The first and second member may be movably attached by means of an integrally formed flexible connection as shown in figure 14a and 15. The first and second member may be movably attached by means of a pivoted connection as shown in the other illustrative embodiments. Other implementations are also possible, such as a slotted connection.

The first and second member may include any number of said passageways. A said passageways may be formed by extensions extending from a side of the passageway (as shown in figures 14 and 15) or may be formed within the cross-section of the members (as shown in the other illustrated embodiments). Other implementations are also possible.

The mechanical attachment 20 comprises a slot 26 arranged on the locking member 12 and a corresponding extension 28 arranged on the first member 16. The extension 28 engages the slot 26 during movement of the locking member between said open and locked positions. The passageway 22 and a body 30 of the locking member 12 are profiled to correspond to each other such that the extension 28 is irremovably retained in the slot 26 moving between said positions.

In other embodiments (which are not shown) the mechanical attachment comprises the slot arranged on the first member and the extension arranged on the locking member. Other implementations are also possible. Generally the mechanical attachment comprise a slideable attachment of said components.

Referring to figures 1 to 13, which may implement any of the features of the preceding embodiment shown in connection with figure 14a to 14c and 15, or other embodiments disclosed herein.

Referring to figure 2, which show the gripping system in the disengaged position. The gripping system 14 comprises the first member 16, the second member 18 both of which are attached to a body 32. The body 32 is connected to the spine 11, said connection may include a removable connection, e.g. by bolts, or both components may be integrally formed (as shown). The attachment between the body 32 and members 16, 18 is a pivoted connection 34, which may comprise axles interconnecting the body 32 and said member 16, 18.

The first member 16 includes a body 36 from which the axle holders forming the pivoted connection 34 extend. Protrusions 38 (which may also be referred to as teeth) extend from the body 32, on an opposed side to the pivoted connection 34. The protrusions 38 are hollow and form the passageways 22, which in the example are enclosed. In the embodiment there are three protrusions. In other embodiments other numbers of protrusions may be implemented. The protrusions are arranged to extend generally along the axis 13 of a gripped pipe (and or gripping system).

The second member 18 includes a body 40 from which the axle holders forming the pivoted connection 34 extend. Protrusions 44 (which may also be referred to as teeth) extend from the body 40, on an opposed side to the pivoted connection 34. The protrusions 44 are hollow and form the passageways 24, which in the example are enclosed. In the embodiment there are three protrusions. In other embodiments other numbers of protrusions may be implemented. The protrusions are arranged to extend generally along the axis 13 of a gripped pipe (and or gripping system).

Referring to figure 3, which shows the gripping system 14 in an engaged position (but without the locking member 12 mechanically attached thereto). The protrusions 38, 44 interlock each other. In said position the passageways 22, 24 are generally aligned with each other, such that the locking member 12 may be inserted through them.

The passageways 22, 24 taper in a lateral direction to provide a narrowing as the locking member is progressively inserted into them in a longitudinal direction. The locking member 12 is correspondingly tapered to narrow from head to tip. Such a configuration can permit progressive tightening of the gripping system in the engaged position and/or more convenient insertion of the locking member. In embodiments (which are not shown) said tapering is omitted or is implemented on one only of the passageways or locking member.

The mechanical attachment 20 of the locking member 12 to the gripping system 14 comprises an extension 28 the first member 16 engageable with a corresponding slot 26. The extension 28 is arranged within the passageway 22. In other embodiments it may extend from the passageway. The extension 28 is at least partially formed in the passageway by displacing a portion of the passageway.

Referring to figure 4, the locking member 14 includes a body 46, which extends in a length direction from a head 48 to a tip 50. The slot 26 of the mechanical attachment 20 arranged on the body 46 and extends along a length of the locking member. The locking member 12 is tapered, with a progressively reducing width, from the head 48 to the tip 50.

The body 46 includes gripping extensions 52, which are disposed on either side of the slot 26. The gripping extension may also be referred to as “grippers”. The gripping extensions 52 are arranged to protrude outwardly from an outer surface of the body 46 to engage with an interior surface of the passageways 22, 24. The gripping extension 52 may aid in reducing pull out of the locking member 12 from the passageways 22, 24.

In the embodiment of figure 4 the gripping extensions 52 are disposed staggered on either side of the slot 26. Alternative configurations are possible. An example of which is provided in the embodiment of figure 5, wherein the gripping extensions 52 are disposed aligned on either side of the slot 26. The diameter of the gripping extensions 52 decreases progressively with the taper of the body 46. Other variations are possible, such as all gripping extensions with the same diameter.

In an embodiment a width direction of the locking member 12 is profiled with an apex. For example it is curved to resemble the profile of the first member 16 and second member 18. The slot 26 may be arranged at the apex thereof.

Referring in particular to figures, 5 to 8, aspects of locking member 12 and gripping system 14 that form the mechanical attachment 20 are configured, for separation and/or engagement of the mechanical attachment 20 with the application of a relative force 41, 49 between the locking member 12 and griping system 14 of at threshold force (or above). Said force 41, 49 is in an axial direction generally aligned with the axis 13. The threshold force 41, 49 may greater than a force applied to the locking member 12 when moving it between the locked and open positions. In this way the operative condition of the mechanical attachment may be conveniently controlled by the application of a force of particular magnitude to the locking member.

Referring to figure 5, the tip 50 of the locking member 12, includes a first member 60 and second member 62, which are biased, by a biasing force, to a closed position (as shown in figure 5). In the closed position they are contiguous, including optionally touching each other to close the slot 26 of the attachment system 20 such that the extension 28 remains therein. The first member 60 includes an extension 64 and the second member 62 includes a corresponding extension 66. The extensions 64, 66 are arranged opposed each other to provide said closure of the slot. An exterior periphery of the extensions 64, 66 include cut-outs, which together form a groove 68. The groove 68 is profiled to correspond to the extension 28 of the attachment system 20. The groove 68 and extension 28 of the attachment system 20 are configured such that an axial force above or greater than the threshold force 41, 49 applies a force greater than said biasing force of the first member 60 and second member 62. Consequently, the first member 60 and second member 62 are displaced into an open position (not shown). In the open position the extension 28 can move from the groove 68, past the first member 60 and second member 62, and into the slot 26 of the mechanical attachment 20 thereby engaging the mechanical attachment 20. With the extension 28 in the slot 26, the first member 60 and second member 62, can return to the closed position under the biasing force.

In a similar manner, with the mechanical attachment 20 engaged, such that the extension 28 is in the slot 26, a force applied at or above a threshold force, but in an opposed direction, causes the first member 60 and second member 62 to move from the closed position to the open position, such that the extension 28 can pass the first member 60 and second member 62 and out of the slot 26.

Referring to figure 6 a similar configuration, with the same operability as the prior embodiment is provided, wherein the extension 66 of the second member 62 extends into a corresponding cut-out 70 of the first member 60.

Referring to figure 7, a similar configuration to the embodiment associated with figure 5 is shown, with the same reference numerals used to designate equivalent parts, wherein the first member 60 and second member 62 include further extensions 74, 76, which form a secondary groove 72. The secondary groove 72 is arranged between the first groove 68 and the extensions 64, 66 that form the end of the slot 26 proximal the tip 50. The secondary groove 72 provides a resting point for the extension 28, such that two successions of a threshold force are required for engagement or disengagement of the mechanical attachment 20.

Referring to figure 8, the locking member 12 includes a tip 50, the tip tapered to displace a passageway 22 and/or extension 28 of the gripping system 14 for engagement of the mechanical attachment 20. In particular the tip can act as a wedge to displace said components during insertion.

It will be understood that the embodiments described in association with figures 5, 6, 7, 8, include the locking member 12 and/or the gripping system 14 configured for snap fit engagement and/or disengagement of the mechanical attachment 20.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings, a Protector Overview, said Captive Pin Cable Protector Overview details the arrangement of the Captive Pin Cable Protector 8 located around the Pipes2. Said Pipes are connected to each other with a Coupling 4. Cables 6pass around said Coupling with the aid of said Captive Pin Cable Protector.

Referring to Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a Captive Cable Protector 8, said Captive Pin Cable Protector comprises of a Spine 11, said Spine connects to the LHS Clamp 10 and the RHS Clamp 10 with the aid of Hinge Pins 34. Said LHS Clamp and said RHS Clamp pivot about the location of said Hinge Pins. Said LHS Clamp and said RHS Clamp have Interlocking Teeth 38,

44. Said RHS Clamp has an Upper Tooth 38 which captivates the Slotted Pin Clamp 12 with a Pin/Protrusion 28. The details and variations of said Pin/Protrusion are detailed in later text/figures.

Referring to Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown details of the Captive Pin Cable Protector 8 with a Slotted Pin 12 not installed to show detail. Said Slotted Pin has a Slot 26 and Grip. Said Slotted Pins have a Taper 19 on both sides of an angle φ. When assembled pre-installation and subsequently installed said Slotted Pin is captivated by the Pin/Protrusion 28 and driven into the Interlocking Teeth 38, 44 of the LHS Clamp 10 and RHS Clamp 10 thereby creating Forces 23A on said Interlocking Teeth of said LHS Clamp and said RHS Clamp. Said Forces create Reaction Forces 23B on said Slotted Pin. As said Slotted Pin is driven further into said Interlocking Teeth said LHS Clamp and said RHS Clamp close in LHS Clamp Closing Direction 27A and RHS Clamp Closing Direction 27B. This action clamps said Captive Pin Cable Protector around the Pipe detailed in Fig. 1.

Referring to Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a Slotted Pin 12, said Slotted Pin has a Slot 26 with a width X. Said Slotted Pin has Grippers 52, said Grippers have diameters of φ1 and φ2 prevent disassembly during operation by increasing friction. Said Slotted Pin is driven into the Interlocking Teeth, shown in Fig. 1 by applying force to the Drive Hole 31 and or the Drive Point 29. Anti-Snag Contours 33 prevent pick up in the well bore downhole.

Referring to Fig. 5 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a Slotted Pin 12 with Nib 34A, said Slotted Pin with Nib has a Slot26, said Slot has a width Y. Said Slotted Pin with Nib has Grippers 52. Said Slotted Pin with Nib has a Slotted Pin Nib 37A whereby the Faces 38A have a clearance of Z. When said Slotted Pin with Nib is lightly driven into the Upper Tooth, shown in Fig. 1 by applying force to the Drive Hole 39 and or the Drive Point 40 in the Drive Direction 41 prior to installation said Faces Flare 42A allowing the Pin/Protrusion 43 to enter said Slot thereby captivating said Slotted Pin with Nib pre-onsite installation. This feature works in reverse, if a pulling force is applied to said Drive Hole then said Pin/Protrusion would exit said Slot thereby de-captivating said Slotted Pin with Nib.

Referring to Fig. 6 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a Slotted Pin 12 with Hump 44A, said Slotted Pin with Hump has a Slotted Pin Hump 45 and a Slot 46A. When said Slotted Pin with Hump is lightly driven into the Upper Tooth shown in Fig. 1 by applying force to the Drive Hole 39 and or the Drive Point 48A in the Drive Direction 49 prior to installation the distance V between the Faces 50A increases due to the parting forces created by the interaction between said Slotted Pin Hump and the Pin/Protrusion 51. This results in said Pin/Protrusion entering said Slot thereby captivating said Slotted Pin with Hump. This feature works in reverse, if a pulling force is applied to said Drive Hole then said Pin/Protrusion would exit said Slot thereby de-captivating said Slotted Pin with Nib. Said Slotted Pin with Hump has Grippers 52.

Referring to Fig. 7 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a Slotted Pin 12 with Double Nib 53, once the Pin/Protrusion 28 of the mechanical attachment is captivated following the same procedure as indicated in Fig.4 it resides between the Slotted Pin Nib 55 and the Second Slotted Pin Nib 56A. This feature prevents said Pin/Protrusion from moving freely into the Slot 57 of said Slotted Pin with Double Nib due to gravity during assembly onto the Pipes, the details of the Pipe arrangement is shown in Fig. 1. During assembly, force is applied to the Drive Hole 58A and or to the Drive Point 59, this force results in said Pin/Protrusion applying pressure to said Second Slotted Pin Nib resulting in said Pin/Protrusion passing through in the said Slot. These features works in reverse, if a pulling force is applied to said Drive Hole then said Pin/Protrusion would exit said Slot by passing through said Second Slotted Pin Nib and said Slotted Pin Nib, thereby de-captivating said Slotted Pin with Nib. Said Slotted Pin with Hump has Grippers 52.

Referring to Fig. 8 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a Staggered Gripper Slotted Pin 12, said Staggered Gripper Slotted Pin has Grippers 62, said Grippers are staggered by ΔΧ.

Referring to Fig. 9 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown RHS Clamp 16 with an extension 28

Referring to Fig. 10 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a Deformed RHS Clamp 16 with a Deformed an extension 28.

Referring to Fig. 11 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a Pin RHS Clamp 16 with a Deformed an extension 28.

Referring to Fig. 12 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a Groove Pin Overview 17 with a Pin 12 detailing the slot 26.

Referring to Fig. 13 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a Groove Pin Variant Overview with a Groove Pin Variant 12 detailing the slot 26.

Embodiments are also provided according to the following clauses:

Clause 1. A Captive Pin Cable Protector comprising: a Spine; a Series of Hinge Pins; a pair of RHS Clamps; a pair of LHS Clamps; a Series of Interlocking Teeth; a pair of Slotted Pins; a Upper Tooth per RHS Clamp; a Pin/Protrusion per Upper Tooth;

Clause 2. The Captive Pin Cable Protector according to clause 1 or another embodiment as disclosed herein, wherein the Slotted Pin is held captive in the RHS Clamp via a corresponding Pin/Protrusion which locates in a Slot in the Slotted Pin.

Clause 3. The Captive Pin Cable Protector according to clause 1 or another embodiment as disclosed herein, wherein the Pin/Protrusion in the Upper Tooth of the RHS Clamp is a Pin.

Clause 4. The Captive Pin Cable Protector according to clause 1 or another embodiment as disclosed herein, wherein the Pin/Protrusion in the Upper Tooth of the RHS Clamp is a Deformed Protrusion.

Clause 5. The Captive Pin Cable Protector according to clause 1 or another embodiment as disclosed herein, wherein the Pin/Protrusion in the Upper Tooth of the RHS Clamp is a Protrusion.

Clause 6. The Captive Pin Cable Protector according to clause 1 or another embodiment as disclosed herein, wherein the Slotted Pin has a Slotted Pin Nib.

Clause 7. The Captive Pin Cable Protector according to clause 1 or another embodiment as disclosed herein, wherein the Slotted Pin has a Slotted Pin Hump.

Clause 8. The Captive Pin Cable Protector according to clause 1 or another embodiment as disclosed herein, wherein the Slotted Pin has a Second Slotted Pin Nib.

Clause 9. The Captive Pin Cable Protector according to clause 1 or another embodiment as disclosed herein, wherein the Slotted Pin has a Series of Grippers.

Clause 10. The Captive Pin Cable Protector according to clause the preceding clause or another embodiment as disclosed herein, wherein the Grippers are staggered.

Clause 11. The Captive Pin Cable Protector according to and preceding clause or another embodiment as disclosed herein, comprising a Spine; a Series of Hinge Pins; a pair of RHS Clamps; a pair of LHS Clamps; a Series of Interlocking Teeth; a pair of Slotted Pins; a Upper Tooth per LHS Clamp; a Pin/Protrusion per Upper Tooth.

Clause 12. The Captive Pin Cable Protector according to clause the preceding clause or another embodiment as disclosed herein, wherein the Slot in the Slotted Pin is a Groove not penetrating through the body of the Slotted Pin.

Clause 13. The Captive Pin Cable Protector according to clause the preceding clause or another embodiment as disclosed herein, wherein the Slot in the Slotted Pin is a Groove not penetrating through the body of the Slotted Pin.

As used in this specification, any formulation used of the style “at least one of A, B or C”, and the formulation “at least one of A, B and C” use a disjunctive “or” and a disjunctive “and” such that those formulations comprise any and all joint and several permutations of A, B, C, that is, A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order and A, B, C in any order. There may be more or less than three features used in such formulations.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps then those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles a or an limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases one or more or at least one and indefinite articles such as a or an. The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, example or claims prevent such a combination, the features of the foregoing embodiments and examples, and of the following claims may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an “ex post facto” benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of the example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of the claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase “in one embodiment”, “according to an embodiment” and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to ‘an’, ‘one’ or ‘some’ embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and/or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to “the” embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment.

As used herein, any machine executable instructions, or compute readable media, may carry out a disclosed method, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method, or each other.

The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various implementations of the present disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCES

Pipe

Axis of symmetry

Coupler

Cables

Cable protector

Gripper (first and/or second)

Locking member

Body

Head

Tip

Gripping extensions

Gripping system

First member

Body

Protrusions

Passageway

Second member

40 Body

Protrusions

Passageway

Pivoted connection

Body

20 Mechanical attachment (between locking member and first member)

Extension

Slot

Spine

Claims

1. A gripper for a cable protector for protection of cables extending contiguous pipes of a downpipe for a wellbore, the gripper comprising:

a locking member;

a gripping system comprising a first member and a second member movable relative to each other to an engaged position, wherein in the engaged position a pipe is gripped by at least one of said members, wherein the locking member and first member are configured for mechanical attachment to each other, wherein said mechanical attachment permits movement of the locking member from an open position to a locked position, wherein in the locked position the locking member locks the first and second members in the engaged position.

2. The gripper as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking member is slideable with said mechanical attachment between the open position, wherein the first member and second member are movable between the engaged position and the disengaged position, and the locked position.

3. The gripper as claimed in claim 2, wherein said slideable movement is generally parallel to an axis of a gripped pipe.

4. The gripper as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first member including at least one passageway, the second member including at least one passageway, said passageways at least partially aligned in the engaged position, said locking member arrangeable in a passageway of the first member and a passageway of the second member in the locked position.

5. The gripper as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said mechanical attachment of the locking member to the gripping system comprises an extension from one of the first member or the locking member engageable with a slot of the other of the first member or the locking member.

6. The gripper as claimed in claim 5 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the slot or the extension is at least partially arranged within a passageway of the first member.

7. The gripper as claimed in claim 6, wherein the extension is at least partially formed in the passageway by displacing a portion of the passageway.

8. The gripper as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the slot is arranged to extend along a length of the locking member, and one or more gripping extensions are arranged on either side of the slot, said extensions arranged to grip a passageway of the first or second member.

9. The gripper as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the slot is arranged to extend along a length of the locking member, and in a width direction of the locking member is profiled with the slot arranged at an apex thereof.

10. The gripper as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mechanical attachment is configured for separation and/or engagement with the application of a relative force between the locking member and the first member of above a threshold.

11. The gripper as claimed in claim 10, wherein the mechanical attachment is configured for snap fit engagement.

12. The gripper as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the locking member comprise a tip, the tip including a first member and a second member, which are biased together to a closed position, wherein, upon the application of the threshold force, said first and second member to engage with an extension of the first member and to move to an open position, wherein the extension may be received in a slot of the locking member.

13. The gripper as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the locking member includes a tip, the tip tapered to displace a passageway and/or extension of the first member for engagement of the mechanical attachment.

14. A cable protector for protection of cables extending through downholes, the cable protector comprising a first gripper and a second gripper, said first and/or second gripper according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second gripper are connected by a spine.

15. A gripping system for a cable protector for protection of cables extending contiguous pipes of a downpipe for a wellbore, the gripping system comprising:

a first member and a second member movable relative to each other to an engaged position, wherein in the engaged position a pipe is gripped by at least one of said members, wherein the first member is adapted for mechanical attachment to a locking member, the locking member to lock the first and second members in said engaged position.

16. A locking member for a cable protector for protection of cables extending contiguous pipes of a downpipe for a wellbore, wherein the locking member is adapted for mechanical attachment to a gripping system.

5

17. Use of the locking member of claim 16, for the gripping system of claim 15.

18. Use of the gripper of any of claims 1 to 13 for a cable protector for protection of cables extending through a downhole.

10

19. A method of securing a gripper of a cable protector to a pipe, said method comprising:

arranging first and second members in an engaged position to grip the pipe;

moving a locking member, which is mechanically attached to the first member, to a locked position, wherein the locking member locks the first and second members in said engaged position.