RU2575493C2 - Device and method for squeezing long elements, system of long elements composed of said device or by method, and laying vessel exploiting said device or method - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transport.

SUBSTANCE: device (126) and method for squeezing the long elements (14, 28) at their parallel arrangement during the underwater laying comprises the opposed jaws (128) arranged to reciprocate for compress the squeezing elements around the long elements for assembly of aligning clamp meant for application of the force of squeezing to the long elements.

EFFECT: perfected method.

28 cl, 26 dwg, 1 tbl

Description

The present invention relates to systems for connecting at least two parallel pipes, cables or other extended elements when performing offshore operations, for example, placing one element on the other (piggyback) when laying pipes. The invention discloses connecting devices and devices and methods for installing such connecting devices to pipes, cables or other extended elements and between them and between them.

Typically, the installation of at least two extended elements along one underwater route, for example, a first pipe of large diameter for transporting hydrocarbons and a second pipe of smaller diameter for transporting water, gas or chemicals used for the production of hydrocarbons, is required.

Although pipes will be used as an example in the present description, the element is not necessarily a pipe for transporting fluids, but may be a cable for transporting electricity or a data cable. The second element usually has a much smaller diameter (usually <20 cm) relative to the first element, however, the difference in the sizes of the elements is not essential for the invention in a broad sense.

If it is necessary to assemble elements, such as pipes or cables, along one route, it is advisable to install these elements simultaneously. Such an assembly is usually provided by the technology of placing one element on another, in which at least one second element is attached by means of sequentially arranged clamps to the first element on the pipe-laying vessel, and then the elements are lowered together in parallel towards the seabed.

The installation of the pipeline with the provision of placing one element on another usually involves unwinding the second pipe on the pipe-laying vessel. The first pipe may also be unwound in a pipe-laying configuration from a drum, although this operation may be carried out on a pipe-laying vessel, for example, with an S-shaped pipe-laying.

A conventional drum stacking vessel 10, schematically depicted in FIG. 1, comprises a storage and deployment drum 12 used to deploy the first pipe 14, and also includes an adjustable stacking ramp 16 configured to deploy various products at different stacking angles, which can vary from about 20 ° to 90 ° to horizontal angle. The angle of inclination of the packing ramp 16 is determined by the depth of the water into which the pipeline is laid and by the characteristics of the pipeline, such as its diameter and rigidity.

The stacking ramp 16 after the drum 12 in the processing chain sequentially contains a guide groove 18 for guiding the first pipe 14; pipe straightening mechanism 20 for straightening the first pipe 14; a track-type tension mechanism 22 for gripping a first pipe 14 between individual tracks; and a holding clip 24 for clamping the first pipe 14 while releasing the first pipe 14 by the tension mechanism 22. The clamp, made with the possibility of movement, can be used instead of the mechanism 22 of the tension of the caterpillar type; in this description, references to the tension mechanism also include a movable clamp, except where the context implies otherwise.

As shown in FIG. 2, the vessel 10 may comprise a drum 26 for arranging one element on another, used to deploy a second element, for example, a second pipe 28 with a first pipe 14, while operating in the mode of placing one element on another. In this mode, the chute 30 for accommodating one element on another is configured to guide the second pipe 28, and the second pipe 28 is aligned with the first pipe 14 to provide a parallel arrangement of the second pipe 28 relative to the first pipe 14 after the tension mechanism 22 in the processing chain. This ensures that the second pipe 28 is located directly above the longitudinal center line of the first pipe 14 or, with the vertical position of the first pipe 14, directly behind the longitudinal center line of the first pipe 14. The second pipe 28 is then ready to be clamped to the first pipe 14 on the working platform in the canopy 32 on the stacking ramp 16 between the tensioning mechanism 22 and the holding clamp 24.

In operation, an additional tube straightening mechanism may be used for the second pipe 28 located after the trough 30 in the processing chain, not shown in FIG. 2 for simplicity. Additionally, the second pipe 28 may pass through an additional tension mechanism, although such a tension mechanism is not necessary and is omitted for simplification.

In a known configuration with parallel arrangement of one element on another, the second pipe 28 is completely wrapped around the tensioning mechanism 22 until it aligns with the first pipe. As a result of this, it becomes difficult to align the second pipe 28 without bending or the need for additional straightening, unless there is a significant and unfavorable space under the tension mechanism 22. The heavy tension mechanism 22 should be assembled as low as possible on the stacking ramp 16 to contribute to the stability of the vessel 10.

U.S. Pat. 5975802 Willis (Patentee: Stolt Comex Seaway) disclosed in detail a known configuration in parallel with the placement of one element on another, including the relationship between the paths of the first pipe and the second pipe when they pass through the corresponding grooves and the clamping connection. In the example of US Pat. 5975802, the first pipe is assembled on a pipe-laying vessel, and the second pipe is unwound from the drum, although it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that both pipes can be wound with an additional storage and deployment drum for the first pipe, in accordance with FIG. 2. Contents of US Pat. 5975802 is fully incorporated into the present application by reference as a prior art of the invention.

The known clip 34 for placing one element on another, shown in FIG. 3 comprises a trapezoidal saddle-shaped retainer 36 made of rubber or polyurethane between the first pipe 14 and the second pipe 28. The retainer 36 has a concave lower surface to correspond to the bend of the cross section of the first pipe 14 and an opening for surrounding and holding the second pipe 28. The retainer 36 is formed of two parts, which when combined form a hole and surround the second pipe 28.

During operation, two parts of the latch 36 are mounted around the second pipe 28 to hold the second pipe 28 in the hole. The latch 36, which is provided to hold the second pipe 28, is then attached to the first pipe 14 by tensioned parallel circumferential straps 38, covering the first pipe 14 and the latch 36. The straps 38 hold the two parts of the latch 36 together, while holding the second pipe 28 in parallel and a slight distance from the first pipe 14.

Clamp 34 has high demands. The latch 36 and the straps 38 must withstand the load of the descent of the pipeline from the pipe-laying vessel 10 towards the seabed. The latch 36 and the straps 38 must withstand the load when pulling the second pipe 28 from the drum 26 to place one element on another in the absence of an additional tension mechanism.

Then and subsequently, the latch 36 and the straps 38 should continue to hold the second pipe 28 on the first pipe 14 for the duration of the pipeline, which is usually at least 20 years, without significant movement between the pipes 14, 28 relative to each other.

When performing operations of placing one element on another on a pipe-laying vessel 10, such as schematically shown in FIG. 2 or described in detail in US Patent Application No. 5975802, manual intervention is required near the pipes 14, 28 on the stacking ramp 16 in the area located after the tension mechanism 22 in the production chain to locate, align and clamp the pipes 14, 28 manually. In particular, the consecutive clamps 34 must be assembled and mounted on the pipes 14, 28 by workers in a limited space on the stacking ramp 16, which is located at a steep angle and subjected to rolling when moving the pipe-laying vessel 10 in the waves. For safety and accuracy, it is necessary to reduce the linear velocity of the pipes 14, 28 relative to the vessel 10 during the installation of the clamp, periodically completely stop the movement when laying the pipes.

Performing operations to place one element on another, therefore, requires a lot of labor and is inefficient not only in terms of labor costs, but also in terms of time of use of the vessel, which usually costs about 300,000 US dollars per day. The pipe laying rate in the mode of placing one element on another can be less than 500 m per hour, and probably 300-400 m per hour. This is less than half the normal speed of laying a pipeline from a drum without having one element on top of another and, therefore, generally doubles the time of use of the vessel, resulting in a significant increase in the cost of the vessel when laying pipes. In addition, it is obvious that if a pipe-laying vessel is used for, for example, four days, instead of two days, a collision with weather conditions that can interrupt the pipe-laying operation or cause it to stop temporarily, which will also lead to a potentially significant increase in time and costs.

If you increase the speed of laying pipes in the mode of placing one element on another to the usual speed of laying pipes in normal mode, the cost savings would be very significant. Of course, savings must certainly be achieved without a threat to security.

The present invention has been developed in view of the above prior art.

The invention comprises securing two detachable pads for placing one element on another on the first and second element for clamping two elements together. The pads are fixed by means of teeth made with the possibility of interaction with opposite holes in the respective pads when connecting pads.

Thus, the invention relates to a device for clamping extended elements in a configuration with one element placed on another during underwater laying of elements, containing opposite jaws made with the possibility of reciprocating movement to compress parts of the clamp together around the extended elements for assembling the clamp to accommodate one element on another, providing the application of clamping forces to the extended elements.

Each sponge preferably has a cavity to accommodate the corresponding part of the clamp. The cavity may have at least two clamping surfaces to ensure application of the assembly force to individual sections of the clamp portion in the cavity. Preferably, the pressing surfaces extend generally perpendicular to the reciprocating direction of the jaws. Preferably, cavities are formed between the clamping surfaces to provide free space for allowing the clamping parts to bend outward to provide clamping forces to the extended members.

Preferably, the cavity has holding structures configured to interact with respective holding structures of the clamp parts, while holding structures are preferably configured to release in a direction generally parallel to the elements.

Since the extended elements are movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the device in the downward direction during the clamping, the sides of the cavity are preferably open to allow the assembled clamp to be pulled out of the jaws with the extended elements in the downward direction. Preferably, at least one holding dog is present to hold part of the clamp in the cavity until part of the clamp is assembled into the clamp. The holding dog may, for example, be pushed into the holding position to hold part of the clamp in the cavity, and may be adapted to move against this compression in the release position to release part of the clamp from the cavity.

Since each part of the clamp has at least two generally parallel spaced recesses made to have a shape to allow partial passage around the respective elongated elements, it is preferred that the device is configured to apply assembly force to one side of the recess and then to the other side of the recess.

The device may also contain a tightening device located after the jaws in the processing chain to make the interaction of the clamp parts originally assembled by means of jaws more tight. The tightening device is preferably configured to apply a tightening force between the recesses. Preferably, the tightening device comprises a constriction through which at least a portion of the clamp extends after removing the clamp from the jaws, wherein the constriction is determined by pressure rollers between which at least a portion of the clamp is secured after being removed from the sponges.

Since the elongated elements are movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the device in the downward direction, the jaws are preferably supported by a support device configured to move in the downward direction during the clamping. The supporting device is arranged to reciprocate during an engaging stroke in the direction of descent during clamping, and in the reverse direction, in the direction opposite to the direction of descent, after clamping. Additionally, the jaws are preferably movable in the lowering direction relative to the carrier while moving the carrier in the lowering direction during clamping. In this case, the jaws are arranged to move towards each other on convergent paths when moving in the direction of descent relative to the carrier device. Additionally, the jaws may be arranged to move towards each other by means of an inclined element configured to move in the longitudinal direction relative to the carrier device, or by means of actuators configured to function between the carrier device and the jaws.

The invention also provides a method of clamping extended elements in a configuration with parallel placement of one element on another during underwater stacking of elements, comprising compressing a plurality of parts of the clamp around the extended elements to assemble the clamp to place one element on another, providing a clamping force to the extended elements.

The application of assembly effort can be provided locally to the clamp parts at different parts of the clamp parts at different times. For example, if there is at least two generally parallel spaced indentations in each part of the clamp, configured to provide partial passage around respective elongated elements, the method may include applying assembly force to one side of the recess and then to the other side of the recess. The application of the assembly force can be provided outside the recesses for compressing the ends of the clamp parts, while simultaneously ensuring the central bending of the clamp parts when clamping the extended elements, and then the application of force between the recesses to compress the central portions of the clamp parts together to make the extended elements more tightly clamped.

The parts of the clamp can be made with the possibility of moving with extended elements in the direction of descent while compressing them together around the extended elements.

Reference has been made to FIG. 1-3 accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a conventional ship for laying from a drum;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a vessel for laying from a drum adapted for laying pipes with one element on top of another; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first and second pipes connected by a latch and straps, in accordance with the prior art.

For a more clear description of the invention, reference will be made by way of example to the remaining drawings, in which:

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pair of retainer parts for placing one element on another in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of one of the parts of FIG. four;

FIG. 6 is a front view of one of the parts of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pair of retainer parts for placing one element on another in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the latches for placing one element on another in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention assembled and when operating on pipes with the placement of one element on another;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of one of the latches for placing one element on another in FIG. 8 when operating on pipes with the placement of one element on another;

FIG. 10-14 are side views of tooth variants that can be used in the parts shown in FIG. 4-9;

FIG. 15-17 are perspective views of clamping testing operations using prototype clamps to place one element on another in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 18a to 18d are partial schematic side views of a device in accordance with the invention for applying clips to place one element on another in accordance with the invention to first and second pipes, which depicts a sequence of operations of the device;

FIG. 19 and 20 are schematic cross-sectional views showing two operational steps of the device of FIG. 18a to 18d;

FIG. 21 is a schematic side view of an alternative device in accordance with the invention for applying clips to place one element on another in accordance with the invention to the first and second pipes; and

FIG. 22 and 23 are schematic perspective views of alternative devices in accordance with the invention for applying clips to place one element on another in accordance with the invention to the first and second pipes.

Reference is also made to the attached table 1, which shows the forces of pushing and pulling for different tooth profiles during testing when fitting with an interference fit in the holes formed in the test "washers" made of nylon 6,6.

In accordance with FIG. 4 of the drawings, the latch 40 for positioning one element on the other in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention comprises overlays having the form of two identical parts 42. The parts 42 are connected face to each other with respect to a central bisecting longitudinal plane of symmetry. As a result of this, a latch 40 is formed having a cross section in the form of the figure 8, with which the first and second elements, such as pipes, are surrounded and placed in accordance with the following description.

In accordance with FIG. 5 and 6, which depict one of the parts 42, the inner side of the part 42 has two generally semi-cylindrical recesses, the axis of curvature of which are parallel to each other, namely, the large first recess 44 and the smaller second recess 46. The recesses 44, 46 are separated by a central a generally oblong surface 48 formed generally on a central bisecting longitudinal plane. Two other elongated surfaces 50, 52 are formed generally in the same plane at opposite ends of part 42, with the lower surface 50 formed outside the first recess 44 and the upper surface 52 formed outside the second recess 46. The axis of curvature of the recesses 44, 46 are parallel and slightly extend beyond the central bisecting longitudinal plane.

In accordance with FIG. 9, the radii of curvature of the first and second recesses 44, 46 are selected to correspond to the external radii of the first and second pipes 14, 28. When selecting the radii of curvature, allowance for deflection of part 42 during assembly of the retainer 40 can be ensured, since the walls of the recesses 44, 46 will provide elastic the impact on the first and second pipes 14, 28 to ensure that the clamp loads are applied to them.

Each surface 48, 50, 52 of part 42 has a longitudinally extending tooth 54, perpendicularly protruding from surfaces 48, 50, 52. The tooth 54 is located at a distance from the through hole 56 formed in surfaces 48, 50, 52 in the longitudinal direction. The hole 56 and the tooth 54 are located symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center of the surfaces 48, 50, 52. The teeth 54 and the holes 56 are located to align the teeth 54 of each part 42 with the holes 56 of the opposite part 42 when aligning the surfaces of the two parts 42 to assemble the retainer 40. The teeth 54, thus, placed in opposite holes 56 when the parts 42 are compressed together around the first and second pipes 14, 28 or other elements to form a retainer 40 having a cross section in the form of a figure 8.

Parts 42 are made of molded or molded plastic, such as polyamide or polyurethane, and the teeth 54 are made of steel, although other materials are also possible. Part 42 may be molded around the teeth 54 by injection molding or external molding, or the teeth 54 may be brought into engagement with the mounting holes 58 formed in the preformed part 42. Between the teeth 54 and the mounting holes 58, for example, a threaded interaction. Alternatively, an interference fit can be provided between the teeth 54 and the mounting holes 58, the strength of which can be increased by providing ribbing, threading or other texture on the root portion of the tooth 54 configured to fit in the mounting hole 58.

In accordance with FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the outer side of each part 42 has integrally formed ribs 60 that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction from each other and are arranged in parallel planes. By means of the smooth and straight surfaces of the first and second recesses 44, 46, the load of the clamp is distributed on the products made with the possibility of connection by means of the latch 40, and the contact area between the parts 42 and the products is maximized to ensure uniform distribution of contact pressure.

In accordance with FIG. 4 and 5, the outer side of each part 42 has a first convex partially cylindrical structure 62, which forms the outer side of the first recess 44. The center of radius of curvature of the first structure 62 is located on the same axis of curvature with the first recess 44. The lower end of the first structure 62 is located on the back side of the lower the surface 50 in the thickening sections 64 formed at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction, which respectively have an opening 56 and a tooth 54 configured to be placed in a parallel mounting position aperture 58. The ribs 60 extend from the first structure 62 between the thickening portions 64.

The second convex partially cylindrical structure 66 is located on the outside of the second recess 46. The center of radius of curvature of the second structure 66 is located on the same axis of curvature with the second recess 46. Each of the thickening sections 68 formed at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction extends from the back of the central surface 48 to the back of the upper surface 52. One of the thickening portions 68 has two openings 56; the other has two teeth 54 arranged to fit in parallel mounting holes 58. The ribs 60 extend from the second structure 62 between the thickening portions 68.

By means of the ribs 60, the parts 42 are tightened with minimal use of material, while maintaining the possibility of beneficial deformation. They also exclude after injection molding of parts 42. Thickening sections 64, 68 provide additional strength in the key contact surface of parts 42 by means of teeth 54 and openings 56. Thickening sections 64, 68 provide a sufficient amount of material around the teeth openings 56; they also provide a direct external surface parallel to the central longitudinal plane of the latch 40, which contributes to the application of an inwardly directed load to the parts 42 when assembling the latch 40.

Longitudinal grooves 70 are formed on the upper and lower sides 72, 74 of each part 42, each of which extends parallel and at a small distance from the lower surface 50 and upper surface 52. The grooves 70 are retention elements for holding parts 42 in the assembly until compression parts 42 together around the first and second pipes 14, 28 or other elements for assembling the retainer 40.

At the edges and corners of parts 42, gutters and roundings are used to minimize load concentrations, as well as to provide suitable intake parts for automated control, for example, in buckets and on rollers of assembly devices.

In the second embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 7, the latch 76 for placing one element on the other has two identical parts 78, each of which has ribs 80 formed at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction, located within the first recess 82 and the second recess 84. The first convex partially cylindrical structure 86 on the outside of the first recess 82 and the second convex partially cylindrical structure 88 on the outside of the second recess 84 are generally smooth. The advantage of this option is an improved grip of the products connected by the latch 76, the inner ribs 80; they enhanced friction by increasing clamping pressure per unit area and provided a mechanical contact surface by local fastening in the shell of the product.

Parts 78 of the second embodiment also have recesses 90 in the form of a pocket between the thickening portions in the central surface 92 and the lower surface 94 to reduce material use without significantly lowering the strength. A similar recess 96 is formed between the thickening portions on the outside of the bottom surface 94.

Other elements of the second embodiment, such as teeth 54 and grooves 70, functionally correspond to these elements of the first embodiment; similar elements are denoted by like reference numerals.

In FIG. 8 of the drawings depict parts 42 of the first embodiment, compressed together surface to surface around the first and second pipes 14, 28 for assembling the retainer 40, which are connected and separated pipes 14, 28 in the configuration with the placement of one element on another. Parts 74 of the second embodiment function in a similar manner. It is possible to continuously move or periodically stop the pipes 14, 28 when assembling the latch 40.

The distal ends of the teeth 54 on each surface are initially located in the holes 56 in the constituent surfaces of the opposite parts 42. Then, the inwardly directed pressure applied to the flat external surfaces of the bulge portions 64, 68, indicated by the pointers P in FIG. 8 will compress the parts 42 together as the teeth 54 deepen into the holes 56.

According to the cross-sectional view of the latch in the assembled state of FIG. 9, a semi-cylindrical first recesses 44 of the opposite parts 42 forms a generally circular limited space for the first pipe 14, and semi-cylindrical second recesses 46 of the opposite parts 42 forms a generally circular limited space for the second pipe 28. The second pipe 28 is located at a distance of the height of the Central surface 48 from the first pipes 14.

When the parts 42 are fully compressed together, contact between the surfaces 48, 50, 52 and their components of the opposite part 42 is not necessary. In fact, it is preferable that the at least one of the surfaces 48, 50, 52 is slightly removed after assembly, since when the surfaces 48, 50, 52 are completely in contact on both sides of the clamped pipe 14, 28, additional clamping force will not be applied to the pipe 14 , 28, sandwiched between parts 42.

The elasticity of the parts 42 provides a snug fit around the first and second pipes 14, 28 and a prolonged application of the clamping force to the pipes 14, 28. This helps to prevent the latch 40 from moving relative to the pipes 14, 28 during the period of operation of the pipeline with the placement of one element on the other along the axial the direction of the pipes 14, 28 or around the circumference of the pipes 14, 28. This also helps to prevent relative movement between the pipes 14, 28, such as separation beyond the distance defined by the latch 40.

Insertion force and insertion movement can be easily measured to suggest sufficient resistance to separation of parts 42, which otherwise could lead to loosening or inadvertent disassembly of retainer 40 due to teeth 54 being pulled out of openings 56. Test results, such as those described below, can be used to develop a standard for insertion force and insertion movement, as a result of which sufficient resistance to separation of the parts 42 can be provided.

After assembly, the latch 40 is moved downward by throwing overboard or lowering pipes 14, 28 from right to left in accordance with FIG. 8, which makes it possible to assemble the next latch 40 from other parts 42 located earlier than the previous latch 40 in the processing chain.

The latch in accordance with the invention is arranged to be assembled by means of a generally automated process that contributes to an increase in speed, clamping force and safety. Preferably, there is no need to surround the first and second pipes with the straps, thereby eliminating the inconvenient and time-consuming operation, which is difficult to automate and which does not provide the predicted clamping force. Instead, the parts are joined as two halves on opposite sides of the pipes and firmly assembled through a simple press fit operation that provides predictable and easy to verify results.

Consider the tooth variations in accordance with FIG. 10-14 drawings, which depict various profiles that can be used to set the parameters of the forces of insertion and output.

Each tooth variant 54A - 54D in accordance with FIG. 10-13 has three sections: the root section 98 at the near end; tapering alignment portion 100 at a distal end; and a core portion 102 located between the root portion 98 and the alignment portion 100. The tooth variant 54E in accordance with FIG. 14 has only a root portion 98 at the proximal end and a rod portion 102 at the distal end, although the distal end of the stem portion 102 is slightly conical in shape to facilitate alignment with the opening 56 of portion 42, 74.

The root portion 98 of each tooth 54A - 54E is configured to interact with the mounting hole 54 of part 42, 74. In accordance with the previous description, the root portion 98 may have a thread or other texture; for example, the ribbed root portion 98 of the prong 54E in accordance with FIG. 14. It is also possible to form part 42, 74 around the root portion 98, with the tooth portion 54A - 54E protruding from the mold.

The tapering alignment portion 100 at the far end of each tooth 54A - 54D and the conical far end of the tooth 54E facilitate the placement and alignment of the teeth 54A - 54E in the openings 56 in the constituent surfaces of the opposing parts 42, 74, until the parts 42, 74 are compressed by an inwardly directed pressure providing the deepening of the teeth 54A - 54E in the holes 56.

The teeth 54A - 54E differ in the profiles of their rod sections 102, which are used to set the parameters of the insertion and withdrawal forces when interacting with the holes 56 of the opposite parts 42, 74.

The rod portion 102 of the prong 54A of FIG. 10 has a straight cylindrical fit surface for interference fit in hole 56. Rod sections 102 of teeth 54B - 54E of FIG. 11-14 have a shape or texture to enhance an interference fit in hole 56. Testing shows the advantage of a shape or texture that may be necessary to provide satisfactory pull loads.

Each of the core portions 102 of the teeth 54B and 54C of FIG. 11 and 12, respectively, have a ribbed or ridge surface that has circumferentially extending radially protruding ridges, or ribs 104, equidistant along the rod portion 102. Each rib 104 has a long-range inclined surface 106 having the shape of a truncated cone, and the shoulder 108 facing in the short direction transverse to the cylindrical surface of the core portion 102. The inclined surface 106 is inclined at an angle nominally 30 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of the tooth 54B, 54C, and heights and each rib 104 is approximately 0.5 mm, and forms part of the diameter of the entire rod, which is nominally 12 mm. Preferably, by directivity provided by the inclined surfaces 106 and shoulders 108, the pull loads are increased without a corresponding increase in the push-in loads.

The teeth 54B and 54C differ in the pitch of the ribs 104, the ribs 104 of the tooth 54B of FIG. 11 are spaced at larger intervals than the ribs of the prong 54C of FIG. 12. For example, the pitch of the ribs 104 of the prong 54B may be 5 mm, and the pitch of the ribs 104 of the prong 54C may be 3 mm.

The core portion 102 of the prong 54D of FIG. 13 is an example of a threaded profile, in this case with an American trapezoidal thread 110, the number of threads of which is, for example, 12, 16 or 20 per inch (25.4 mm). Other threads and steps are also possible, for example M12 × 1.75. The threaded rod portion 102 is not used for threaded engagement with the hole 56, but as an easy-to-fabricate texture with high gripping properties to increase the tight fit between the tooth 54D and the hole 56.

The tooth 54E of FIG. 14 has a similar ribbed profile on its shaft portion 102, similarly to the teeth 54B and 50C of FIG. 11 and 12, in this example, the pitch between the ribs 104 is 3 mm, similar to the pitch between the ribs of the prong 54C. The root portion 98 of the tooth 54E also has a ribbed profile with a similar pitch between the ribs 104 between the ribs 104, however, the inclined surfaces 106 and the shoulders 108 of the ribs 104 face in the opposite direction. The prong 54E is thus symmetrical about the transverse plane at its longitudinal midpoint.

Possible alternative profiles for the rod portion 102 include a round rod profile, a reinforcing profile having a spiral or twisted shape, and a notched finish. However, a combination of reinforcing profile and notch finish is undesirable due to high pushing loads and low pulling loads.

The tooth profiles 54A through 54E shown in FIG. 10-14, and the alternative profiles described previously were tested by pushing in and pulling from a hole formed in cylindrical test prototypes in the form of washers having a circular cross-section, made of nylon 6.6, simulating a molded case of parts 42, 74. The hole passes axially through the washer and is formed in the center of the circular surface of the washer. Washers with a diameter of 30 mm and 60 mm across the round surface were used in testing to simulate different amounts of plastic mass around the tooth in different parts of parts 42, 74. The thickness of the washers, whose diameter is 30 mm, is 50 mm, and the thickness of the washers whose diameter is 60 mm is 60 mm.

The teeth 54A - 54E were pushed into the washers until the core sections 102 fully interact, while the proximal root sections 98 protrude from the washers. In each case, a peak push-in load was recorded. Then, the teeth 54A-54E were pulled out of the washers by applying a tensile load through from the protruding root portions 98. In each case, a peak pulling load was recorded.

The results of these tests are shown in the attached table 1. The tooth profiles with the best performance are the teeth 54C and 54E, the pitch between the ribs 104 of which is 3 mm in accordance with FIG. 12 and 14 and a threaded tooth 54D having an American trapezoidal thread 110, the number of threads of which is 20 per inch (25.4 mm) in accordance with FIG. 13. The performance of the ribbed tooth 54C of FIG. 12 are superior to the threaded tooth 54D of FIG. 13, however, the disadvantage of the ribbed tooth 54C is a non-standard profile, the manufacturing cost of which may exceed the cost of manufacturing a standard threaded profile.

Various alternatives to nylon 6-6 have been tested, including aquanil (Aquanyl, a copolymer of nylon 6 and nylon 12) manufactured by Nylacast Ltd, and lucprin-dt 75D (LUCPREEN-DT 75D, a polyurethane product) manufactured by LUC Group . The validity of all trademarks is confirmed. These are just examples of materials that have positive test results; other materials are also possible. Key conditions for choosing a material are: cost; the weight; a sufficient amount of material in bulk at the assembly sites; tolerance sensitivity; ease of manufacture; interaction with the assembly device; and interaction with pipes, or other extended products for clamping in a configuration with the placement of one element on another.

In FIG. 15-17 of the drawings depict clamping testing procedures using prototypes of parts 112 in accordance with the invention. The prototypes of the parts 112 are made by milling, rather than molding, of nylon 6.6 and do not have the pulling ribs 60, 80 present in previous embodiments. Additionally, the first and second pipes 14, 28 are located side by side for testing purposes, although as described in the introduction, the second pipe 28 is located generally directly above and / or behind the first pipe 14 during operation.

In accordance with FIG. 15-17, the first and second pipes 14, 28 pass in parallel through a circular rigid frame 114. The lower part 112 is located with the front portion up and each end is supported by bearing dividers 116 in the lower section of the frame 114. Spaced pipes 14, 28 are placed in the respective first and second recesses 44, 46 of the lower part 112.

The upper part 112 is located with the front portion down over the lower part 112. The first and second recesses 44, 46 of the upper part 112 are located on top of the first and second pipes 14, 28, respectively. The teeth 54 of each part 112 are located in opposite holes 56 of the other part 112.

A pair of hydraulic jacks 118, each of which has a nominal capacity of 10 tons, configured to act on the lower side of the transverse element 120 of the frame 114, provides a load to the upper part 112 by means of steel plates 122. As a result, the upper part 112 is introduced into a denser interaction with the lower part 112 when the teeth 54 are deepened into the holes 56, and the subsequent clamping of the pipe 14, 28 between the parts 112. The jacks 118 and the plate 122 are made with the possibility of lateral movement along the bottom the sides of the transverse element 120 to provide localized forces to different parts of the upper part 112.

In FIG. 15 shows the local application of force by one of the jacks 118 to the end of the upper part 112 located outside the second recess 46 of the upper part 112. This ensures that a compressive load is applied on one axis with opposite upper surfaces 52 of the parts 112. The other jack 118 provides simultaneous local application of force to the other the end of the upper part 112, located outside the first recess 44 of the upper part 112. This ensures the application of a compressive load on the same axis with the opposite lower surfaces 50 of the parts 112.

In contrast, in FIG. 16 shows the aforementioned jack 118 and its plate 122, displaced for local application of force to the central portion of the upper part 112, within its second recess 46. This ensures that a compressive load is applied on the same axis with opposite central surfaces 48 of the parts 112 between their first and second notches 44, 46.

In FIG. 17 shows an additional possibility of applying a compressive load simultaneously to all three opposite pairs of surfaces of parts 112, namely, the central, lower and upper surfaces 48, 50, 52. This is achieved by using a wide plate 124 under one of the jacks 118 to cover the second recess 46 of the upper parts 112 and, thus, to distribute the load applied by the jack 118, between the Central and upper surfaces 48, 52. Similarly, another jack 118 provides local application of force to another to the end of the upper part 112, located outside the first recess 44 of the upper part 112. This ensures the application of compressive loads on the same axis with the opposite lower surfaces 50 of the parts 112.

Tests have shown some advantages of moving the location of the application of force along the parts 112 during the clamping process. It is preferable to compress the end portions of the parts 112 together, first in accordance with FIG. 15 to arrange parts 112 relative to each other; then, by further application of pressure, easy clamping is ensured, which facilitates the location of the parts 112 relative to the pipes 14, 28. As a result, the parts 112 are bent in the long direction with a slight bend due to the resistance of the teeth 54 of their central surfaces 48 to be placed in opposite holes 56. Subsequently applying a force on one axis with opposing central surfaces 48 in accordance with FIG. 16 provides compression of the middle sections of the parts 112 together, straightening the bend and tightening the clamping load on the pipes 14, 28.

In FIG. 18a - 18d, 19 and 20 show a device 126 for holding and releasing parts 42, and for assembling retainers 40 from parts 42 around first and second pipes 14, 28. FIG. 18a - 18d show only half of the device 126, and in FIG. 19 and 20, the device 126 is shown in its entirety. In FIG. 18a - 18d, pipes 14, 28 are shown in a vertical orientation, although they may be located at other angles in accordance with the previous description. In FIG. 19 and 20 depict horizontal cross sections of parts of the device 126 located earlier and further in the processing chain.

The device 126 contains opposite jaws 128, made with the possibility of reciprocating movement, each of which has a cavity 130 formed to accommodate part 42 in the cavity 130 of the opposite jaw 128, while its recesses 44, 46 are facing outward from the cavity 130 to the part 42. The device 126 also contains pinch rollers 132 located after the jaws 128 in the processing chain, on the same axis as the central surfaces 48 of part 42. Pinch rollers 132 are configured to reverse rotation around parallel axes in a plane and perpendicular to the tubes 14, 28. In accordance with the following description of this configuration with pinch rollers 132 arranged after the jaws 128 in the processing chain, provided with a two-stage engagement operation, which is proved by testing the advantage in accordance with FIG. 15-17, with the phased application of compressive loads to different parts of parts 42.

The opposite reciprocating movement of the jaws 128 is provided by double-acting hydraulic actuators 134. The actuators 134 pass to push the jaws 128 towards each other by means of an assembly stroke, as a result of which the parts 42 are compressed together to form a retainer 40 around the pipes 14, 28. When the actuators 134 are retracted, the jaws 128 are pulled away from the retainer 40 in the assembly, and then moving the latch 40 in the downward direction by ejecting overboard or lowering the pipes 14, 28. Then, the jaws 128 are loaded with new parts 42 from the kit 136 at the stage of loading the jaws and the assembly process is resumed to assemble the next of the retainer 40 at the site, located at a suitable distance of the previous wound clamp 40 in the processing chain.

In accordance with FIG. 19 parts 42 are held in jaws 128 by means of locking structures having the shape of ridges 138 formed at the ends of cavities 130 configured to interact with grooves 70 formed at the ends of parts 42. The elasticity of the parts 42 allows the grooves 70 to be removed from interaction with the ridges 138 for release from the cavities 130 at the end of the assembly of the latch 40, as well as holding through the jaws 128 to this point. The direction of the grooves 70 and ridges 138 makes it possible to start moving the parts 42 by sliding from the jaws 128 when the parts 42 capture the pipes 14, 28 during the assembly stroke to allow the pipes 14, 28 to move continuously as the clips 40 are attached to them. Additionally, the direction of the grooves 70 and ridges 138 allows for holding stock of parts 42 in kit 136 in accordance with FIG. 18a to 18d and the sliding of the parts 136 held in the kit 136 under the influence of gravitational forces, or their introduction downward into interaction with the corresponding sponge 128 at the stage of loading the sponge.

In FIG. 19 also shows the tight fit of each cavity 130 to the corresponding part 42 in a section located on the same axis with surfaces 48, 50, 52. This ensures local application of compressive loads at the sites of introduction of the teeth 54 into opposite holes 56 on these surfaces 48, 50, 52 .

Around the partially cylindrical structures 62, 66, corresponding to the first and second recesses 44, 46, a free space is formed to allow deflection of the parts 42 under load when the parts 42 apply clamping forces to the pipes 14, 28.

The cavities 130 are shaped so that pressure is applied predominantly to the end sections of the parts 42, as a result of which the opposing parts 42 are initially located relative to each other, and then light clamping pressure is applied to the pipes 14, 28. This helps to arrange the opposite parts 42 relative to the pipes 14, 28 for further operations on the formed retainer 40. In this case, the cavities 130 are shaped to accommodate a slight bend of the parts 42 due to the resistance of the teeth 54 of their central surfaces 48 to be placed in opposite holes 56. Therefore, the parts 42 are not fully engaged with each other when the latch 40 is pulled out of the jaws 128 and moved downward with the pipes 14, 28. On the contrary, the interaction of the parts 42 is ensured by compressing the parts 42 between the pressure rollers 132 located after the jaws 128 in the processing chain.

The latches 40 with parts partially engaged in the interaction 42 can be located between the pressure rollers 132 by moving the pipes 14, 28 to which they are clamped, while the pressure rollers 132 can be in idle and free play. Alternatively, the movement of the at least one pinch roller 132 may allow the latches 40 to move between them. The pressure rollers 132 provide compression of the middle sections of the parts 42 together on the same axis with their central surfaces 48 to tighten the clamp load on the pipes 14, 28. The pipes 14, 28 and the clips 40 attached to them are ready to be lowered into the water.

In FIG. 18a to 18d, a holding dog 140 is shown holding the part 42 in the cavity 130 of the jaw 128 until the part 42 is brought into engagement with the opposite part 42 to assemble the retainer 40 around the pipes 14, 28. The holding dog 140 comprises a flexible shutter attached to the jaw 128 located horizontally and directly by means of its elasticity before the assembly stroke in accordance with FIG. 18a and supporting the part 42 in the cavity 130 of the jaw 128 and the set 136 of the parts 42 located previously in the process chain. In FIG. 18b shows an assembly stroke in which part 42 is extended by means of a jaw 128 for engaging with the opposing part 42 (not shown in this view) and, therefore, for gripping the pipes 14, 28. Then, the part 42 is jointly moved with the pipes 14, 28, and its removal from the cavity 130 of the jaw 128. The holding dog 140 is configured to bend downward to allow passage of part 42 in accordance with FIG. 18b and 18c until the elastic return to the horizontal position in accordance with FIG. 18d by contact of the assembled latch 40 with the pinch rollers 132 to complete the engagement of its parts 42.

The device in accordance with the invention may take other forms; in FIG. 21 to 23 of the drawings, three additional device examples are shown. In each case, the opposite jaws 142 are movable on the connecting rods 144, perpendicular to the direction of movement of the pipes 14, 28 to compress the opposing parts 42 together to form a retainer 40 around the pipes 14, 28. The jaws 142 are supported by a supporting frame 146 made with the possibility of reciprocating movement located around the pipes 14, 28, which allows the interaction of the parts 42 while continuing to move the pipes 14, 28 in the direction of discharge overboard or lowering.

With the engaging stroke, the carrier frame 146 is arranged to move down from the starting position in the direction of movement of the pipes 14, 28 while jointly moving the jaws 142 for engaging with the parts 42. After introducing the parts 42 into the interaction to form a latch 40 from the bottom of the engaging stroke, it is provided the separation of the jaws 142 to release the latch 40, and the carrier frame 146 is reversed in the opposite direction to the movement of the pipes 14, 28 back to its original position.

The carrier frame 146 is capable of passive movement by means of an engaging stroke as a result of the holding of the parts 42 with jaws 142 configured to grasp the moving pipes 14, 28. Alternatively, the movement of the carrier frame 146 by means of an engaging stroke may be provided by drive means, such as a directional hydraulic drive down by an action that is not shown. The springs 148, operating in a compressed state under the supporting frame 146, provide or facilitate the movement of the supporting frame 146 by means of a return stroke; Of course, other drive means such as a hydraulic drive are also possible.

Sponges 142 may be positioned to engage the parts 42 in full interaction to form a retainer 40, although it is also possible to provide an additional tightening device after the carrier frame 146 in the processing chain, for example, a pair of pinch rollers similar to the rollers in the device 126 described previously. An additional tightening device is not indicated in FIG. 21-23 for clarity. Similarly, a holding dog similar to that of FIG. 18a to 18d may be applied to the sponge 142 to hold the portion 42 in the cavity of the sponge 142 until the opposing parts 42 engage with each other to form a retainer 40 around the tubes 14, 28.

The examples shown in FIG. 21-23, differ in the method of driving the jaws 142 relative to the supporting frame 146.

In the device 150 shown in FIG. 21, opposed inclined surfaces 152, 156 are used to compress the jaws 142 together. In particular, the outer surfaces of the jaws 142 have inclined surfaces 152, tapering inward and upward, and on the supporting frame 146 there are inclined latches 154 having mating inclined surfaces 156, tapering outward and downward. The tilt latches 154 are moved downward relative to the support frame 146 by means of at least one hydraulic actuator 158 for compressing the jaws 142 together by the sliding action of the curved surfaces of the inclined surfaces 152, 156.

Springs or other drive means (not shown) can be used to push the jaws 142 away from each other at the end of the engaging stroke, or mechanical contact can be made between the tilt tabs 154 and the jaws 142 to pull the jaws 142 apart by pulling the tilt tab 154 upward by means of an actuator 158 with respect to the supporting frame 146.

In the device 160 shown in FIG. 22, the jaws 142 are located on converging ramp rods 162 attached to the supporting frame 146, which are arranged in parallel pairs on each sponge 142, with the ramp rods 162 of each pair being inclined inward and downward. The hydraulic actuator 158 moves the jaws 142 downward relative to the carrier frame 146 along the ramp rods 162 to compress the jaws 142 together in an engaging stroke. Preferably, the double-acting actuator 158 retracts the jaws 142 to their initial position along the ramp rods 162 during the reverse stroke, separating the jaws 142, making them ready to accommodate the following parts 142.

The advantage of the device 160 of FIG. 22 consists in the fact that the jaws 142 are made with the possibility of greater displacement during the engaging stroke, as a result of which the laying speed of the pipes is maximized. This is a consequence of the movement of the jaws 142 relative to the supporting frame 146 in the direction of movement of the pipes 14, 28 while moving the supporting frame 146 itself in the direction of movement of the pipes 14, 28.

In FIG. 23 shows a device 164 in which the jaws 142 are assembled for reciprocating movement relative to the supporting frame 146 in directions perpendicular to the direction of movement of the pipes 14, 28. The reciprocating movement of the jaws 142 is provided by the respective double-acting hydraulic actuators 158. It is also possible to attach the jaws 142 and actuators 158 to the carrier frame 146 by means of an intermediate frame (not shown) that allows longitudinal movement of the jaws 142 and actuators 158 relative to the carrier frame 146 to maximize the movement of the jaws 142 in the direction of movement of the pipes 14, 28 during an engaging stroke.

Claims (28)

1. A device for clamping extended elements with parallel placement of one element on another during their underwater installation, containing opposite jaws made with the possibility of reciprocating movement to compress parts of the clamp together around the extended elements to assemble the clamp to place one element on another, applying a clamping force to the extended elements. 2. The device according to claim 1, in which each sponge has a cavity for accommodating the corresponding part of the clamp. 3. The device according to claim 2, in which the cavity has at least two clamping surfaces to ensure the application of the assembly force to individual sections of the clamp part in the cavity. 4. The device according to claim 3, in which the clamping surfaces extend essentially perpendicular to the reciprocating direction of the jaws. 5. The device according to p. 3 or 4, in which the cavity is molded between the clamping surfaces to provide free space for the possibility of deflection outside of the clamping parts, providing the application of clamping forces to the extended elements. 6. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 2-4, in which the cavity has holding structures configured to interact with respective holding structures of the clamp parts. 7. The device according to claim 6, in which the retaining structure is made with the possibility of release in a direction generally parallel to the elements. 8. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 2-4, in which the extended elements are made to move in the longitudinal direction relative to the device in the direction of descent during clamping, and the sides of the cavity are open to allow removal of the assembled clamp from the jaws with extended elements in the direction of descent. 9. The device according to claim 8, further comprising at least one holding dog for holding part of the clamp in the cavity until part of the clamp is assembled into the clamp. 10. The device according to claim 9, in which the holding dog is pushed into the holding position to hold part of the clamp in the cavity and is configured to move against this preload in the release position to release part of the clamp from this cavity. 11. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 2-4, 7, 9-10, in which each part of the clamp has at least two generally parallel mutually spaced recesses made in the form to allow partial passage around the corresponding elongated elements, and the device is configured to apply assembly force to one side recess, and then to the other side of the recess. 12. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 2-4, 7, 9-10, further comprising a tightening device located after the jaws in the processing chain to make the parts of the clamp originally assembled by means of jaws more tightly engaged. 13. The device according to p. 12, in which each part of the clamp has at least two generally parallel mutually spaced recesses made in the form to allow partial passage around the respective elongated elements, and the tightening device is configured to apply a pulling force between the recesses. 14. The device according to p. 12, in which the tightening device contains a narrowing through which at least a portion of the clamp passes after removal from the jaws. 15. The device according to p. 14, in which the narrowing is formed by pinch rollers, between which the location of at least the clamping section after removal from the jaws is ensured. 16. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 2-4, 7, 9-10, 13-15, in which the extended elements are made to move in the longitudinal direction relative to the device in the direction of descent, and the jaws are supported on a carrier device configured to move in the direction of descent during clamping. 17. The device according to p. 16, in which the carrier is made with the possibility of reciprocating movement with an engaging stroke in the direction of descent during clamping and with a reverse stroke in the direction opposite to the direction of descent after clamping. 18. The device according to p. 16, in which the jaws are made to move in the direction of descent relative to the carrier device when moving the carrier device in the direction of descent during clamping. 19. The device according to p. 18, in which the jaws are arranged to move towards each other along converging paths when moving in the direction of descent relative to the carrier device. 20. The device according to p. 16, in which the jaws are made to move to each other by means of an inclined element made with the possibility of movement in the longitudinal direction relative to the carrier device. 21. The device according to p. 16, in which the jaws are movable relative to the supporting device by means of actuators configured to function between the supporting device and the jaws. 22. A method of clamping extended elements with parallel placement of one element on another during underwater laying, comprising compressing a plurality of parts of the clamp together around extended elements to assemble the clamp to place one element on another, applying clamping forces to the extended elements. 23. The method according to p. 22, including providing application of the assembly effort locally to the parts of the clamp in different parts of the parts of the clamp at different times. 24. The method according to p. 23, in which each part of the clamp has at least two generally parallel mutually spaced recesses made in the form to allow partial passage around the respective elongated elements from these elongated elements, the method includes providing an application of assembly force to one side of the recess, and then to its other side. 25. The method according to p. 24, including the application of the efforts of the assembly outside the recesses to compress the ends of the clamp parts while simultaneously providing a central bend of the clamp parts while clamping the extended elements, and then providing a force between the recesses to compress the central parts of the clamp parts together to make it denser clamping of extended elements. 26. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 22-25, including providing the ability to move parts of the clamp with the extended elements in the direction of descent while compressing them together around the extended elements. 27. The system of at least two extended elements for underwater laying placed on top of one another, formed by the device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-21 or performed by the method according to any one of paragraphs. 22-26. 28. The ship for laying, containing the device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-21 or functioning in accordance with the method according to any one of paragraphs. 22-26.

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