US20160076311A1

US20160076311A1 - Method and apparatus for compensated well intervention operations

Info

Publication number: US20160076311A1
Application number: US14/725,404
Authority: US
Inventors: Patrick Eloy Placer; Rodney Cormier
Original assignee: Professional Rental Tools LLC
Current assignee: Professional Rental Tools LLC
Priority date: 2014-09-17
Filing date: 2015-05-29
Publication date: 2016-03-17

Abstract

A motion compensating support assembly provides a support framework, attachable to well platform, floating vessel or other underlying structure, for supporting well intervention operations. The motion compensation function can be manually controlled, or set to passive compensation mode. Hydraulic clamp assemblies can connect the compensating well intervention support assembly to structural member(s) of an underlying support surface or substructure.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/488,949, FILED Sep. 17, 2014, CURRENTLY PENDING, INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.

STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO THE INVENTION MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

NONE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a compensating well intervention structure assembly. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a structure that supports well intervention activities, typically when a drilling rig or derrick is not present or has previously been removed from a location or well site. More particularly still, the present invention pertains to a hydraulic clamp assembly that can be used to anchor a well intervention structure or other equipment in place.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
It is often beneficial to conduct downhole operations in oil and/or gas wells. Frequently, such operations are conducted using a continuous length of flexible tubing. Such continuous or coiled tubing is generally stored on a reel, and can be translated in and out of a wellbore in a virtually continuous manner without the need to continually connect and/or disconnect individual pipe sections.
Such continuous or coiled tubing can be used to conduct numerous downhole operations. For example, continuous tubing can be concentrically inserted within a well (or pipeline), when it is desired to provide a flow path for circulating fluid within said well or pipeline, such as when washing out sand or other debris, or when operating fluid-actuated tools.
In other instances, it is often beneficial to convey wireline (including, without limitation, slickline, braided line or electric line) and associated tools within oil and/or gas wells in order to perform downhole operations in such wells. Like continuous tubing, such wireline is also stored on a reel, and can be translated in and out of a wellbore in a virtually continuous manner using an array of beneficially positioned sheaves or pulleys. In other instances it is beneficial to utilize a snubbing unit or hydraulic workover unit, entering the wellbore with jointed pipe to conduct intervention and workover activities.
In order to perform such intervention activities including, without limitation, continuous tubing and/or wireline operations and hydraulic workover unit/snubbing operations, it is frequently beneficial to employ an intervention support assembly. An intervention support assembly is a structural framework erected at, near or around a wellhead in order to support equipment such as a coiled tubing injector head or other device. Conventional intervention support assemblies can be large and inconvenient to transport to and from a remote location. Moreover once mobilized to a work location, such conventional intervention support assemblies can be difficult and time consuming to rig up and secure to an underlying platform or other structure. Following completion of an intervention operation, such conventional intervention support assemblies can also be difficult and time consuming to rig down and demobilize.
Oil and gas wells are increasingly being drilled in challenging environments. Many onshore wells are frequently drilled in remote locations and/or hostile conditions, while offshore wells are often drilled in water depths of several thousand feet. When offshore wells are drilled in deep water, setting of conventional production platforms—that is, support structures permanently anchored to the sea floor—can be extremely difficult. Beyond certain water depths, installation of conventional production platforms is not possible using available technology.
In many cases, offshore wells are drilled using floating vessels such as semi-submersible drilling rigs, drill ships and the like. Further, such wells are generally completed using “subsea” completion equipment. In such cases, wellheads and related equipment are situated at or near the sea floor, while an extensive array of flow lines and umbilical control lines connect such subsea equipment to floating production facilities, pipeline interconnection points and/or other subsea completions.
When an intervention operation is conducted on a well that is tied back or otherwise supported by a fixed platform that is anchored to the sea floor, an intervention support assembly can likewise have fixed dimensions as movement of the platform/structure relative to the wellbore does not occur. However, when a well is connected or tied back to a floating vessel, waves or tidal action will frequently cause such movement. In such instances, intervention support assemblies can compensate for such movement; in other words, said intervention support assemblies extend or retract in length in response to said movement in order to keep a coiled tubing injector head or other equipment stationary relative to a wellbore.
Conventional compensating intervention support assemblies are accessories to the well intervention support structure—located either above, below, or around said structure. This results in a very large equipment layout, a more involved and less efficient installation, as well as additional safety hazards.
Thus, there is a need for a compensating intervention assembly that is built into the well intervention structure, thereby providing a more convenient and cost effective assembly to mobilize to a location and rig up on, over or around a wellhead. Said compensating intervention assembly should provide for passive motion compensation, while allowing for quick, efficient and secure installation on a work location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a motion compensating support structure that provides a support framework, attachable to well platform, floating vessel or other underlying structure, for supporting well intervention operations. In addition to other applications, it is to be observed that the compensating well intervention structure of the present invention can be used aboard floating production facilities and/or other floating structures such as, for example, spars and tension leg platforms (“TLP's”).
The intervention support assembly of the present invention minimizes or eliminates the need for a crane when making/breaking connections, changing out BHA's and/or switching from one operation to another, while reducing the instances of personnel working under suspended loads. The compensating well intervention support assembly of the present invention can be used to perform many different operations including, without limitation, coiled tubing, snubbing, wire line and/or electric line applications, as well as wellbore abandonment operations.
In a preferred embodiment, the compensating well intervention support assembly of the present invention comprises a support framework having support beams and modular sections that can be transported and assembled over or near a wellhead. Modular spacer sections can be installed in proximity to a wellhead to establish a desired height for said intervention assembly (typically dictated by well and/or well location parameters). An upper work section can then be installed over said spacer section(s) if required.
Said upper section of the compensating well intervention support assembly of the present invention provides a stable work platform designed to accommodate both well intervention equipment and personnel during well intervention operations. Said upper section is also beneficially equipped with (typically hydraulic) cylinders to allow for both vertical (axial) and horizontal (lateral) movement of said upper section and any equipment supported thereon relative to a well center.
In a preferred embodiment, at least one hydraulic clamp assembly can be used to beneficially connect the compensating well intervention support assembly of the present invention to structural member(s) of a platform, floating vessel or other support surface or substructure. Said clamp assemblies utilize hydraulic cylinders to apply a specified amount of clamping force, while providing a safety feature that allows said clamps to be installed “hands free”—that is, actuated without human physical contact—as opposed to traditional plate and bolt clamps which create pinch points and can cause hand injuries.
The clamp assemblies of the present invention are capable of performing multiple tasks. For example, said clamp assemblies can be used to secure the intervention support assembly of the present invention to structural member(s) of a platform, other support surface or substructure. Additionally, the clamp assemblies of the present invention can also be used to “skid” the present invention along beams in order to access other wells or different areas of an underlying platform or other support structure.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention offers both a “manual” control mode in which motion compensation cylinders are actuated manually by a human operator using a control panel, as well as an “compensating” control mode in which said motion compensation system is engaged. In said compensating control mode, motion compensation cylinders are set to a designated pressure in order to compensate for a required load and anticipated movement requirements. A remote control system can be used to operate the present invention, which can include use of wireless remote control devices to function the motion compensation system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The foregoing summary, as well as any detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings and figures contained herein. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings and figures show certain preferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed in such drawings or figures.

FIG. 1 depicts an overhead perspective view of a spacer section of the intervention support assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts side view of a top section of the intervention support assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts front view of a top section of the intervention support assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top section of the intervention support assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the intervention support assembly of the present invention installed over a well.

FIG. 6 depicts an overhead view of the intervention support assembly of the present invention installed over a well.

FIG. 7 depicts a side perspective view of a clamp assembly of the present invention installed on a beam.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a clamp assembly of the present invention installed on a beam.

FIG. 9 depicts an end view of a clamp assembly of the present invention installed on a beam.

FIG. 10 depicts an overhead view of a clamp assembly of the present invention installed on a beam.

FIG. 11 depicts an exploded perspective view of a clamp assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts a partially exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment clamp assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 13 depicts an end view of an alternative embodiment of a clamp assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a clamp assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

As noted above, the present invention comprises a motion compensating support structure that provides a support framework, attachable to well platform, floating vessel or other underlying structure, for supporting well intervention operations. The compensating well intervention structure of the present invention can be used on many different applications including, without limitation, aboard floating production facilities and/or other floating structures such as, for example, spars and TLP's. In a preferred embodiment, the compensating well intervention support assembly of the present invention comprises a support framework having support beams and modular sections that can be transported and assembled over or near a wellbore within which intervention operations are to be performed.
FIG. 1 depicts an overhead perspective view of a spacer section 10 of the intervention support assembly of the present invention. Although spacer section 10 can exhibit many different configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 1 said spacer section 10 generally comprises a three-sided modular support framework.
Still referring to FIG. 1, spacer section 10 comprises lower base beams 11, substantially vertical support columns 12 and upper support beams 13. Support members or struts 14 provide structural strength to spacer section 10. Spacer section 10 can further include optional ladders 15, as well as upper connection pins 16 disposed at or near the upper surface of spacer section 10. When multiple spacer sections are stacked in vertical alignment, said connection pins 16 can be received within mating bores 17 (on an adjacent spacer section) in order connect adjacent spacer sections together. Spacer section 10 can also include lifting pad eyes 18 for connection to a crane or other lifting device when lifting or movement of spacer section 10 is required (such as, for example, from a boat deck to a floating vessel).
When installed, at least one modular spacer section 10 can be placed in proximity to a wellhead to establish a desired height for said intervention assembly (typically dictated by well and/or well location parameters). In certain applications, it is to be observed that multiple spacer sections 10 can be stacked to reach a desired height. An upper work section can then be installed over said one or more spacer section (s).
FIG. 2 depicts side view of a top section 20 of the intervention support assembly of the present invention, while FIG. 3 depicts a front view of said top section of said intervention support assembly. As with spacer section 10, top work section 20 can embody multiple different configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, top section 20 comprises a lower frame member 21 having upright post members 22. A movable support frame 23 having substantially hollow vertical members 26 is movably disposed on said upright post members 22; said post members 22 are slidably received within said vertical members 26, thereby allowing said support frame 23 to move relative to lower frame member 21.
Support frame 23 includes work deck 24 and equipment table 25, while fluid cylinders 30 connect lower frame member 21 to support frame 23. Coiled tubing injector head assembly 90 including goose neck guide 91 is disposed on said equipment table 25. It is to be observed that coiled tubing injector head assembly 90 is depicted as an illustrative example of just one type of intervention equipment that can be supported by the intervention support assembly of the present invention.
FIG. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of top section 20 of the intervention support assembly of the present invention. Top section 20 comprises a lower frame member 21 having upright post members 22. A movable support frame 23 having substantially hollow vertical members 26 is slidably disposed on said upright post members 22. Support frame 23 includes work deck 24 and equipment table 25, as well as optional safety hand rails 27 and ladders 28. Connection pins 29 can be used to secure intervention equipment (such as, for example, injector head assembly 90, not depicted in FIG. 4) to equipment table 25.
Fluid cylinders 30 connect lower frame member 21 to support frame 23. Although other fluid or air actuation can be used, in a preferred embodiment said fluid cylinders are hydraulically actuated and comprise barrels 31 and extending/retracting shafts 32. Extension of said shafts 32 of cylinders 30 causes movable support frame 23 to raise relative to base member 21, while retraction of said shafts 32 causes movable support frame 23 to lower relative to said base member.
Said upper work section 20 of the compensating well intervention support assembly of the present invention provides a stable work platform designed to accommodate both well intervention equipment and personnel during well intervention operations. Cylinders 30 allow for vertical (axial) movement of said upper work section 20 and any equipment supported thereon relative to a well center. Although not depicted in the drawings, it is to be observed that additional fluid cylinders can be provided to permit horizontal (lateral) movement of said upper work section 20 relative to a wellbore.
FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the intervention support assembly of the present invention installed over a well. Multiple spacer sections 10 are placed in proximity to well 40 and stacked to reach a desired height. Upper work section 20 is installed above said stacked spacer section(s) 10. Support frame 23 includes work deck 24 and equipment table 25. Coiled tubing injector head assembly 90 including goose neck guide 91 is disposed on said equipment table 25. Fluid cylinders 30 connect lower frame member 21 to support frame 23. Extension of said cylinders 30 causes movable support frame 23 to raise relative to well 40, while retraction of said cylinders causes movable support frame 23 to lower relative to said well 40.
Still referring to FIG. 5, intervention support assembly 100 is attached to support base beams 300 which are positioned at desired distances relative to well 40. Hydraulic clamp assemblies 200 are attached to beam 310 of an underlying support structure (such as, for example, a marine platform, TLP or floating vessel). Guy wires 80 extend from said clamp assemblies 200 to intervention support assembly 100 and serve to anchor said support assembly 100 to said beam 310 and, additionally, the underlying support structure. Said guy wires 80 provide safety and stability to intervention support assembly 100. Alternative embodiment clamp assemblies 250 can also be used to secure and anchor support base beams 300 (and the attached intervention support assembly 100) to beam 310 and the underlying support structure.
After intervention support assembly 100 of the present invention is installed, the weight of any supported equipment is offset with a desired amount of fluid pressure applied to cylinders 30. This pressure can be adjusted as weight is added or subtracted to any equipment supported by intervention assembly 100. Fluid is automatically injected into or drained out of cylinders 30 to maintain the required fluid pressure in said cylinders 30 to compensate for said load and to keep said load at a substantially constant position relative to a wellbore situated there below. Once said cylinders 30 are set to the correct pressure to offset a desired load, said cylinders 30 extend or retract along with the motion of the underlying support structure or floating vessel, always maintaining the desired pressure.
FIG. 6 depicts an overhead view of the intervention support assembly 100 of the present invention installed over a well. Hydraulic clamp assemblies 200 are attached to beams 310 of an underlying support structure (such as, for example, a marine platform, TLP or floating vessel). Guy wires 80 extend from said clamp assemblies 200 to intervention support assembly 100 to anchor said intervention support assembly 100 to said beam 310 and said underlying support structure. Alternative embodiment clamp assemblies 250 secure and anchor support base beams 300 (and the attached intervention support assembly 100) to beams 310 and the underlying support structure.
FIG. 7 depicts a side perspective view of a clamp assembly 200 of the present invention installed on a beam 310. As depicted in FIG. 7 and the associated drawings, beam 310 comprises an I-beam having a central web member 311, upper flange 312 and lower flange 313. Clamp assembly 200 is shown attached to said upper flange member 312 of said beam 310.
Still referring to FIG. 7, clamp assembly 200 includes a central pad eye member 205. Said central pad eye member 205 provides a convenient and secure connection point for a shackle 300 which, in turn, can connect to a lifting cable 320 attached to a crane or other lifting device (not depicted). In this manner, clamp assembly 200 can be quickly and efficiently lifted and moved into position using said crane or other lifting device.
FIG. 8 depicts a side view of clamp assembly 200 of the present invention connected to upper flange 312 of beam 310, while FIG. 9 depicts an end view of said clamp assembly 200 of the present invention installed on said beam 310. Cable 320 from a crane or other lifting device is attached to pad eye 205 using shackle 330. FIG. 10 depicts an overhead view of clamp assembly 200 of the present invention installed on beam 310.
FIG. 11 depicts an exploded perspective view of clamp assembly 200 of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, said clamp assembly 200 comprises body member 201 having substantially planar base plate 202; said base plate 202 can have a substantially flat lower surface to beneficially conform to the upper surface of upper flange 312 of beam 310. At least one wall segment 203 extends from base plate 202; said wall segment(s) 203 cooperate to form gaps 204 between said wall segment(s) 203 which receive the upper portion of C-clamps 211. C-clamps 211, each having a clamp base 212, are pivotally mounted to said wall segment(s) 203 using pivot pins 213. Said C-clamps 211 can rotate or pivot about a pivot axis extending through the longitudinal axis of said pivot pins 213.
At least one fluid cylinder 220 is mounted to said base plate 203 of clamp assembly 200. Said cylinder(s) 220 each comprise barrel member 223 and piston rod 222 that can extend or retract relative to said barrel member 223. A substantially planar cylinder pad member 221 is disposed at the base of each piston rod 222, and is beneficially configured to fit against the upper surface of upper flange member 312. In a preferred embodiment, said at least one fluid cylinder 220 is hydraulically actuated; however, it is to be observed that said at least one fluid cylinder 220 can be actuated using other fluid(s), or can comprise a linear actuator other than a hydraulic cylinder. By way of illustration, but not limitation, said at least one fluid cylinder 220 can be pneumatically actuated.
When installation of said clamp assembly 200 is desired, said clamp assembly 200 can be attached to a cable of a crane or other lifting device via connection to pad eye 206 and moved into a desired position. C-clamps 211 can be rotated about pin 213 and spread outward to allow said clamp member 200 to be placed onto the upper surface of upper flange 312 of beam 310. Said C-clamps 211 can then be moved inward (rotated about pivot pins 213) until clamp bases 212 are positioned under upper flange 312 of beam member 310. Thereafter, cylinder(s) 220 can be actuated to extend piston rod(s) 222, thereby forcing plate members 221 toward said clamp bases 212. As said cylinder(s) 220 are actuated, compressive forces are applied to upper flange 312 of beam 310, which is positioned between plate members 221 and clamp bases 212, thereby securing said clamp assembly 200 in place relative to beam member 310.
FIG. 12 depicts a partially exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment clamp assembly 250 of the present invention. It is to be observed that clamp assembly 200 of the present invention is “bilateral”, in that it provides hydraulic clamping forces on two sides. Conversely, alternative embodiment clamp assembly 250 is unilateral, in that it provides hydraulic clamping forces on only one side of said clamp.
In a preferred embodiment, said clamp assembly 250, like previously discussed clamp assembly 200, comprises body member 251 having substantially planar base plate 252; said base plate 252 can have a substantially flat lower surface to beneficially conform to the upper surface of a beam or other connection surface. At least one wall segment 253 extends from base plate 252; said wall segment(s) 253 cooperate to form gaps 254 between said wall segment(s) 253 for receiving the upper portion of C-clamps 261. C-clamps 261, each having a clamp base 262, are pivotally mounted to said wall segment(s) 253 using pivot pins 263. Said C-clamps 261 can rotate or pivot about a pivot axis extending through the longitudinal axis of said pivot pins 263.
At least one fluid cylinder 270 is mounted to said base plate 253 of clamp assembly 250. Said cylinder(s) 270 each comprise barrel member 273 and piston rod 272 that can extend or retract relative to said barrel member 273. A substantially planar cylinder pad member (not depicted in FIG. 12) is disposed at the base of each piston rod 272. In a preferred embodiment, said at least one fluid cylinder 270 is hydraulically actuated; however, it is to be observed that said at least one fluid cylinder 270 can be actuated using other fluid(s). By way of illustration, but not limitation, said at least one fluid cylinder 270 can be pneumatically actuated.
FIG. 13 depicts an end view of an alternative embodiment clamp assembly 250 of the present invention, while FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of said alternative embodiment clamp assembly 250 of the present invention. Beam 400, which has upper flange member 401, web member 402 and lower flange member 403, is disposed on beam 410 that has upper flange member 411, web member 412 and lower flange member 413. Lower flange member 403 of beam 400 is disposed on the upper surface of flange member 411 of beam 410, and said beams 400 and 410 are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other.
C-clamps 261 can be rotated outward to allow cylinders 270 of said clamp member 250 to be placed onto the upper surface of lower flange 403 of beam 400. Said C-clamps 261 can then be rotated inward until clamp bases 262 are positioned under upper flange 411 of beam member 410. Thereafter, cylinder(s) 270 can be actuated to extend piston rod(s) 272, thereby forcing plate members 271 against the upper surface of lower flange 403 of beam 400. As said cylinder(s) 270 are actuated, compressive forces are applied to both lower flange 403 of beam 400 and upper flange 411 of beam 410, thereby securing said clamp assembly 250 and said beam members in place. Spacer bolts 280 are received within threaded bores 281; said spacer bolts 280 can be extended until they contact the upper surface of upper flange 411 of beam 410. Said spacer bolts 280 act to balance and stabilize clamp assembly 250, while providing some additional compressive forces.
Hydraulic clamp assemblies 200 and 250 can be used to beneficially connect the compensating well intervention support assembly 100 of the present invention to structural member(s) of a platform, floating vessel or other support surface or substructure. Said clamp assemblies 200 and 250 utilize hydraulically actuated cylinders to apply a desired amount of clamping force. Further, said clamp assemblies 200 and 250 can be installed “hands free”—that is, actuated without direct human physical contact—as opposed to traditional plate and bolt clamps which create pinch points and can cause injuries to personnel.
It is to be observed that clamp assemblies 200 and 250 of the present invention are capable of performing multiple tasks. For example, said clamp assemblies can be used to secure the intervention support assembly 100 of the present invention to structural member(s) of a platform, other support surface or substructure. Additionally, said clamp assemblies can also be used to “skid” intervention assembly 100 of the present invention along beams or other surfaces in order to access other wells or different areas of an underlying platform or other support structure.
In a preferred embodiment, the compensating intervention support assembly of the present invention offers both a “manual” control mode in which motion compensation cylinders are actuated manually by a human operator using a control panel, as well as an “compensating” control mode in which said motion compensation system is activated. In said compensating control mode, motion compensation cylinders are set to a designated pressure in order to compensate for a required load and anticipated movement requirements. A remote control system can be used to operate the present invention, which can include use of wireless remote control devices to function the motion compensation system.
The intervention support assembly of the present invention minimizes or eliminates the need for a crane when making/breaking connections, changing out BHA's and/or switching from one operation to another, while reducing the instances of personnel working under suspended loads. The compensating well intervention support assembly of the present invention can be used to perform many different operations including, without limitation, coiled tubing, snubbing, wire line and/or electric line applications, as well as wellbore abandonment operations.
The above-described invention has a number of particular features that should preferably be employed in combination, although each is useful separately without departure from the scope of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A compensating support assembly for supporting a load over a well on a floating vessel comprising:

a) a lower frame member;

b) an upper frame member movably disposed on said lower frame member, wherein said upper frame maintain said load in a substantially stationary position relative to said well;

c) at least one hydraulic cylinder connecting said lower frame member to said upper frame member, wherein said at least hydraulic cylinder automatically extends or retracts to account for movement of said floating vessel.

2. The compensating support assembly of claim 1, wherein hydraulic fluid is injected into or drained out of said at least one hydraulic cylinder to maintain a substantially constant fluid pressure in said at least one hydraulic cylinder.

3. The compensating support assembly of claim 1 wherein said compensating support assembly is secured to said vessel using at least one clamp assembly.

4. The compensating support assembly of claim 3, further comprising at least one guy wire extending from said compensating support assembly to said at least one clamp assembly.

5. The compensating support assembly of claim 3, wherein said clamp assembly comprises:

a) a base;

b) at least one clamp member moveably attached to said base; and

c) at least one fluid-actuated cylinder mounted to said base.

6. The compensating support assembly of claim 5, wherein said at least one fluid-actuated cylinder is powered by hydraulic fluid or air.

7. A clamp assembly for attaching to an object comprising:

a) a base;

b) at least one substantially c-shaped clamp member pivotally attached to said base; and

c) at least one fluid-actuated cylinder mounted to said base.

8. The clamp assembly of claim 7, wherein said at least one fluid-actuated cylinder is powered by hydraulic fluid or air.

9. The clamp assembly of claim 8, wherein said at least one substantially c-shaped clamp member pivots about a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to a stroke direction of said fluid-actuated cylinder.

10. The clamp assembly of claim 7, wherein said object is positioned between at least a portion of said substantially c-shaped clamp member and said at least one fluid-actuated cylinder, and extension of said at least one fluid-actuated cylinder applies compressive forces to said object.