WO2014095398A2

WO2014095398A2 - A clamp

Info

Publication number: WO2014095398A2
Application number: PCT/EP2013/075684
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Robertson ROSS; Graham George COOK; David George AITKEN
Original assignee: Roxar Flow Measurement As
Priority date: 2012-12-21
Filing date: 2013-12-05
Publication date: 2014-06-26
Also published as: GB201223139D0; WO2014095398A3; GB2509123A

Abstract

A clamp (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) for a conduit, the clamp comprising a body (10) configured to receive and grip first and second conduits so as to clamp the second conduit to the first conduit and to prevent relative displacement of the first and second conduits. The clamp is also adapted to protect at least the second conduit. The clamp includes a means (120, 130, 135) for releasably securing the clamp in a clamping mode. The clamp defines a first bore for receiving and gripping the first conduit, the first bore having a longitudinal axis (L). The body includes at least two cooperating parts (30, 40) configured to be put together to receive and grip one or each of the first and second conduits.

Description

A CLAMP

The present invention provides a clamp for a conduit, such as a control umbilical in oil and gas operations for preventing the conduit from damage and/or displacement relative to another conduit, such as for example, workstring, pipe or wire. The control umbilical may include, for example, an electrical cable, a hydraulic control line, or tubing for delivering chemicals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In offshore oil and gas operations, equipment located on the seabed is connected to a structure above water, such as a drilling rig, a production platform, whether floating, tethered or onshore, via a bundle of control lines, which may include electrical cables, hydraulic controls and tubing for delivering chemicals. The control lines are typically bundled together and enclosed in an outer hose. This hose is known as an umbilical or a control umbilical. In the harsh subsea conditions it is important to protect the control umbilical from damage as well as to prevent it from being moved around in the water due to currents or fluctuations of a floating structure at surface. Thus, when a control umbilical is being deployed in riser systems or open water applications, various clamping devices are utilised to protect the control umbilical from damage and to clamp the control umbilical to a co-run support, such as a workstring tubulars in riser systems or a guidewire in open water applications or pipe in production systems. Problems associated with subsea deployment and retrieval of umbilicals include relative slippage of the umbilical and/or the support and the clamp after deployment, the risk of damaging the umbilical if it is clamped too tightly, laborious clamp installation on the umbilical and the support, difficulty in positioning the clamp correctly within another tubular, such as a riser, and the clamp hanging up while being deployed or retrieved. Furthermore, most clamps are manufactured to fit specific umbilical, tubular or guidewire diameters and typically cannot be used with other diameters. Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved clamp which obviates and/or mitigates the above problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a clamp for a conduit, the clamp comprising

a body configured to receive and grip first and second conduits so as to clamp the second conduit to the first conduit and to prevent relative displacement of the first and second conduits, the clamp being also adapted to protect at least the second conduit; and

a means for releasably securing the clamp in a clamping mode

wherein the clamp defines a first bore for receiving and gripping the first conduit, the first bore having a longitudinal axis; and

the body includes at least two cooperating parts configured to be put together to receive and grip one or each of the first and second conduits.

It will be appreciated that for the purposes of the present specification, the term "conduit" need not be interpreted as being limited only to a hollow conduit, but includes any line, cable, tubing, wire, piping or similar means for establishing communication between spaced apart locations or pieces of equipment, including a plurality of such means as will be readily understood by persons skilled in the art. Preferably, the first conduit comprises a support conduit, which may be, for example, a tubular string, such as a workstring or a pipe; or a wire, e.g. metallic guidewire; and the second conduit preferably comprises a control umbilical.

The first bore may be formed in the body of the clamp. Preferably, the first bore formed in the body of the clamp is adapted to receive a support conduit in the form of a tubular, such as a workstring or pipe. Alternatively or additionally, the first bore may be defined by a bracket arrangement mounted on the body, preferably, externally on the body of the clamp. Preferably, the bracket arrangement comprises at least two cooperating parts which, when put together, define the first bore. Preferably, the two parts are connected via a hinge, preferably of a type comprising a pivot rod. The bracket arrangement may be mounted on an existing prior art clamp or on a clamp in accordance with the present invention. In the latter case, the clamp preferably includes a recess for receiving and accommodating the bracket arrangement, a first fastening means for securing the bracket arrangement on the clamp and a second fastening means for clamping the bracket arrangement around the first conduit. Preferably, the first bore formed by the bracket arrangement is adapted to receive a support conduit in the form of wire.

In one arrangement, the body defines a second bore for receiving and gripping the second conduit, the second bore having a longitudinal axis and, preferably, the second bore being laterally offset from the first bore, preferably, such that the second bore is independent from the first bore. Typically, workstring or pipe diameters exceed those of the co-run control umbilicals. Conversely, the diameter of a guidewire for supporting a control umbilical is typically considerably smaller than that of the control umbilical. Accordingly, in a clamp which is used with a tubular, the diameter of the first bore is preferably greater than the diameter of the second bore. Conversely, in a clamp which is used with a guidewire, the diameter of the first bore is preferably smaller than the diameter of the second bore. Alternatively or additionally, the body may define one or more substantially longitudinal grooves in an inner wall of the body defining the first bore, the or each groove being sized and shaped to receive and grip the second conduit. Such a clamp is typically used with a tubular and, accordingly, the diameter of the first bore is preferably greater than the width of the or each longitudinal groove.

In one arrangement, each part defines a portion of each of the first and second bores so that when the two parts are put together the first and second bores are formed. In another arrangement, each part defines a portion of the second bore so that when the two parts are put together the second bore is formed. Preferably in this embodiment the first bore is formed by the bracket arrangement described above. In a further arrangement, each part defines a portion of the first bore so that when the two parts are put together the first bore is formed. In this variation, one or each part may define one or more substantially longitudinal grooves, as discussed above, in a wall of the part which defines first bore when assembled with the other part, the or each groove being sized and shaped to receive and grip the second conduit.

In one embodiment, the body includes a third cooperating part configured to be put together with the first and second parts to receive and grip the first and second conduits. Preferably, the first part is disposed centrally, with the second and third parts being disposed at opposite sides of the first part. Preferably, the first part defines a portion of each of the first and second bores preferably, at respective opposite sides of the first part. Preferably, each of the second and third parts defines a portion of one of the first and second bores, so that when the three parts are put together the first and second bores are formed. In one embodiment, the body is configured to receive and grip a third conduit. Preferably, the third conduit comprises a control umbilical. Preferably, the body comprises a third bore for receiving and gripping the third conduit. Preferably, the third bore is laterally offset from the first bore and from the second bore, preferably, such that the third bore is independent from the first bore and the second bore. Preferably, the third bore is provided in the embodiment where the body includes at least three cooperating parts, and the three cooperating parts are configured to be put together to receive and grip each of the first, second and third conduits. Preferably, the first part is disposed centrally, with the second and third parts being disposed at opposite sides of the first part. Preferably, the first part defines a portion of each of the first, second and third bores, preferably, a portion of the first bore at one side, and portions of the second and third bores at the opposite side, and one of the second and third parts defines a portion of the first bore and the other of the second and third side parts defines portions of the second and the third bores, so that when the three parts are put together the first, second and third bores are formed. Preferably, the second and the third bores have different diameters to suit conduits of different diameters.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second parts of the body are connected by a hinge having a pivot axis. Preferably, the pivot axis of the hinge extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the first bore and, if applicable, the second and the third bores. Preferably, the hinge is provided on or adjacent the exterior of the body. Preferably, in the embodiment where each part defines a portion of each of the first and second bores, the hinge is positioned on the body closer to the longitudinal axis of the first bore than to the longitudinal axis of the second bore. Preferably, in the said embodiment, the hinge is positioned on the body on or near a line connecting centres of the first and second bores, closer to the centre of the first bore than to the centre of the second bore, i.e. at a region on the body most remote from the centre of the second bore.

Preferably, in the embodiment where the body includes at least three cooperating parts, the first and the third parts of the body are connected by a second hinge having a pivot axis extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the first and/or the third bores. Preferably, the second hinge is provided on or adjacent the exterior of the body.

In one embodiment, the hinge may comprise a pair of laterally spaced apart substantially parallel pivot axes. The latter arrangement allows greater openings to be formed by the co-operating parts of the body when the conduits are being clamped, thereby facilitating installation of the clamp. Preferably, such a hinge is provided in the embodiment in which the body includes at least three cooperating parts but may equally be provided in an embodiment having first and second parts only. The means for releasably securing the clamp in a clamping mode may comprise one or more suitable fastening members, such as, for example, an appropriate number of threaded connections, which may be provided in the form of an appropriate number of swing over toggle bolt arrangements and/or by a bolt engaging with a threaded bore in the body of the clamp or in a threaded insert which may be integrally moulded into the body of the clamp. Preferably, the fastening members are configured to cooperate with the first and second parts of the body to hold the first and second parts together in the clamping mode. Preferably, in the embodiment where the body includes at least three cooperating parts, the fastening members are also configured to cooperate with the first and third parts of the body to hold the first and third parts together in the clamping mode.

Preferably, in the embodiment where the first and second parts of the body are connected by a hinge, the fastening members are provided on a side of the body substantially opposite to the side of the body on which the hinge is provided. Preferably, in the embodiment where the body includes at least three cooperating parts and a pair of hinges, fastening members are provided on sides of the body substantially opposite to the sides of the body on which respective hinges are provided. In one embodiment, instead of hinges, the parts of the body may be connected by providing fastening members at opposite sides of the parts being connected.

Preferably, the clamp comprises a centralising arrangement for centralising the clamp within another conduit, such as, for example, a riser. In a preferred arrangement, the centralising arrangement comprises one or more centralising members on the exterior of the body. Preferably, the one or more centralising members, such as, for example, fins or blades, extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first bore and, preferably, project laterally substantially normally to the exterior of the body. Preferably, the one or more centralising members are configured and positioned on the body of the clamp so as to allow the body to be positioned within another, outer, conduit, e.g. a riser, such that the longitudinal axis of the first bore is positioned substantially centrally within the outer conduit. In one arrangement, a plurality of centralising members are provided circumferentially spaced apart around the exterior of the body, preferably, at substantially equal intervals. In the embodiment where the body comprises first and second bores, the longitudinal axis of the second bore is preferably, laterally offset from the centre of the outer conduit. In one arrangement, preferably where the body comprises first and second bores, a plurality, e.g. three, of centralising members may be provided, circumferentially spaced around the part of the body defining the first bore, for example, over a 180° angle. Preferably, in such an arrangement, the centralising members are not provided around the part of the body surrounding the second bore. Preferably, the part of the body defining the second bore is configured to function as a centralising member. In another arrangement, for example, where a substantially longitudinal groove is provided in the inner wall of the body defining the first bore for receiving and gripping the second conduit, a plurality, e.g. four, of centralising members, may be provided circumferentially spaced around the body, preferably over 360°. Preferably, in the embodiment where the first and second parts of the body are connected by a hinge, a centralising member projects from the exterior of the body substantially from the same location on the body as the one where the hinge is provided. Such an arrangement affords compactness to the clamp when the parts of the body are opened to receive a conduit.

In one embodiment, the clamp may be provided with one or more inserts to adjust the body for receiving conduits of different diameters. Preferably, the inserts are configured to be placed into the first, and, if applicable, the second and the third bores of the body, to allow the relevant bore to conform to a range of diameters of respective conduit by inserting an appropriate insert into the bore. For example, a set of inserts may be provided for the first bore to adjust the diameter of the first bore to suit different diameters of the first conduit. It will be appreciated that similar inserts may be provided for the second bore and if applicable, the third bore as well. The inserts may be provided in the form of substantially arcuate in transverse cross-section elongate segments. One or more inserts may be receivable in the corresponding bore around the circumference of the bore and the inserts may or may not occupy the entire circumference of the bore. Preferably, the inserts are colour coded to facilitate selection of the correct insert.

Preferably, the body of the clamp has a longitudinal axis and first and second longitudinally opposite end portions, each end portion being tapered away from the body in the longitudinal direction to facilitate deployment/retrieval of the clamp and reduce the risk of the clamp hanging up during deployment/retrieval. In one variation, the tapered ends have the shape of a dome in longitudinal cross-section, preferably, a truncated dome, for even smoother deployment/retrieval.

Preferably, the clamp comprises one or more handles to facilitate manipulation of the clamp. Preferably, in the embodiment comprising one or more centralising members, a handle is provided in, on or by a centralising member. Preferably, the handle includes a handle aperture defined in a centralising member. Preferably, the clamp comprises at least a pair of handles, preferably, on circumferentially opposite sides of the body.

Preferably, the or each bore of the clamp is arranged to grip the conduit by means of friction, but without causing damage to the conduit.

Preferably, inner walls of the body defining the first bore and/or the second bore and/or the third bore are textured to enhance gripping capability of the clamp, by, for example, forming grooves, such as, for example, circumferential grooves, in the inner walls.

Preferably, the body of the clamp is manufactured form a low friction, high impact resistant polymeric material, such as, for example, plastic. This renders the clamp, lightweight and corrosion and wear resistant. Preferably, the clamp is buoyant to prevent the clamp from sinking in case the clamp becomes detached during exploitation. The configuration and material of the clamp of the invention allow the clamp to be used in multiple operations with minimum maintenance.

The clamp of the invention can be adapted to function as a cross coupling unit which can be fitted over a coupling that joins two adjacent sections of a conduit, or as intermediate joint unit which is fitted on the conduit between said couplings.

Preferably, the clamp includes a pinch recess defined in end portions of the body to allow a pinch tool to be used to close the clamp.

It will be appreciated that features of the various embodiments of the invention are readily compatible to be incorporated in a single clamp as will be readily understood by a person skilled in the art. In a second aspect, the invention provides a conduit system comprising a first conduit, including one of a tubular string, such as a workstring or pipe; or wire such as metallic guidewire, a second conduit, such as a control umbilical, and a plurality of clamps in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention fitted on the first and second conduits, clamping the conduits together to prevent displacement of the conduits relative to each other.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of securing a conduit to another conduit including the steps of

a) arranging the two conduits in a substantially parallel relationship, b) attaching to both conduits a clamp in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention; and

c) repeating step b) at a plurality of locations along the conduits.

All essential, preferred or optional features of the first aspect of the present invention can be provided in conjunction with one or more of the second and third aspects of the present invention and vice versa where appropriate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1, la, 2 and 3 are, respectively, exploded perspective, perspective, end and side views of a first embodiment of a clamp in accordance with the invention;

Figures 4, 4a, 5, 6 and 7 are, respectively, exploded perspective, perspective, end, top and side views of a second embodiment of the clamp in accordance with the invention;

Figures 8, 8a, 9 and 10 are, respectively, exploded perspective, perspective, end and side views of a third embodiment of the clamp in accordance with the invention;

Figures 11, 11a, 12 and 13 are, respectively, exploded perspective, perspective, end and partially cross-sectioned side views of a fourth embodiment of the clamp in accordance with the invention;

Figures 14, 14a, 15 and 16 are, respectively, exploded perspective, perspective, end cross-sectional and top views of a fifth embodiment of the clamp in accordance with the invention; and

Figures 17, 17a, 18 and 19 are, respectively, exploded perspective, perspective, end and bottom views of a sixth embodiment of the clamp in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to all the Figures, features common to all of the embodiments described below will first be discussed. For brevity, features common between some or all the embodiments described below have been indicated using common reference numerals. The clamps of the six embodiments have been numbered consecutively 1 (Figures 1 to 3), 2 (Figures 4 to 6), 3 (Figures 7 to 9), 4 (Figures 10 to 13), 5 (Figures 14 to 16), 6 (Figures 17 to 18). The clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 comprises a body 10 configured to receive and grip first and second conduits (not shown) so as to clamp the second conduit to the first conduit and to prevent relative displacement of the first and second conduits, and a means for releasably securing the clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in a clamping mode as will be described in more detail below. The clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 also protects at least one of the conduits being clamped.

The clamps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 described herein are primarily designed for oil and gas operations and, thus, the first conduit typically comprises a tubular string, such as a workstring, e.g. drill string or completion string in drilling and completion, pipeline in production or a wire, e.g. metallic guidewire in various open water operations and acts as a support conduit, and the second conduit typically comprises a control umbilical supported on the first conduit (not shown in the drawings). It is however envisaged and will be apparent to a skilled person that the present invention can find applications in other industries where it is required to clamp one conduit to another to prevent relative displacement of the conduits relative to each other and to protect one or all of the conduits.

The body 10 of the clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 defines a first bore 20 for receiving and gripping the first conduit. The first bore 20 has a longitudinal axis L. The body 10 of the clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 includes at least two cooperating parts 30, 40 configured to be put together to receive and grip one or each of the first and second conduits as will be described in more detail below. The means for releasably securing the clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in a clamping mode comprises one or more suitable threaded connections as will be described below.

Now, features specific to particular embodiments or common between some but not all the embodiments of Figures 1 to 18 will be described. It will however be appreciated that features of the embodiments of the invention herein described are readily compatible so that some or all of them can indeed be incorporated in a single clamp as will be readily understood by a person skilled in the art.

In clamps 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, the first bore 20 is formed in the body 10 of the clamp 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and is adapted to receive a support conduit in the form of a tubular, such as a workstring or pipe (not shown) which is typically larger in diameter than control umbilical.

In clamp 2, the first bore 20 is defined by a bracket arrangement 50 mounted externally on the body 10 of the clamp 2 for clamping a guidewire (not shown) which is typically smaller in diameter than control umbilical. The bracket arrangement 50 comprises two cooperating parts, a lower part 51 and an upper part 52 which, when put together, define the first bore 20 (see Figure 5). The lower part 51 and the upper part 52 are connected via a hinge provided by a pivot rod 53. The bracket arrangement 50 is mounted in a recess 54 formed in the body 10. The recess is suitably sized and shaped for receiving and accommodating the bracket arrangement 50. The bracket arrangement 50 is fastened to the body 10 by a pin 55 and to the guidewire by a nut and bolt pair 56. The bore 20 of the clamp 2 is configured to grip the conduit by means of friction, but without causing damage to the conduit. In clamps 1, 2, 4, 6, the body 10 defines a second bore 60 for receiving and gripping the second conduit, typically a control umbilical (not shown). The second bore 60 has a longitudinal axis LI and the second bore 60 is laterally offset from the first bore 20 such that the second bore 60 is independent, i.e. unconnected with the first bore 20.

In clamps 3, 5, the body 10 defines substantially longitudinal grooves 70 in an inner wall 74 of the body 10 defining the first bore 20. The grooves 70 are appropriately sized and shaped to receive and grip the second conduit, typically a control umbilical (not shown). In clamp 3, a pair of grooves 70 are provided in opposite sides of the inner wall 74. In clamp 5, one groove 70 is provided.

In clamp 1, each part 30, 40 defines approximately half of each of the first and second bores 20, 60 so that when the two parts 30, 40 are put together the first and second bores 20, 60 are formed.

In clamp 2, each part 30, 40 defines approximately half of the second bore 60, so that when the two parts 30, 40 are put together the second bore 60 is formed. In clamps 3 and 5, each part 30, 40 defines approximately half of the first bore 20, so that when the two parts 30, 40 are put together the first bore 20 is formed.

In clamps 4 and 6, the body 20 includes a third cooperating part 80 in addition to the first and second cooperating parts 30, 40. The three parts, 30, 40, 80 are configured to be put together to receive and grip the first and second conduits (not shown). The first, central, part 30 defines approximately half of each of the first and second bores 20, 60 at opposite sides 30a of the first part 30. The second part 40 defines the other half of the first bore 20 and third part 80 defines the other half of the second bore 80, so that when the second and third parts 40, 80 are put together with the first part 30, the first and second bores 20, 60 are formed. Additionally, in clamp 4, the body 10 is configured to receive and grip a third conduit (not shown) of the same type as the second conduit, i.e. typically a control umbilical but having a diameter different than that of the second conduit. The body 10 of the clamp 4 comprises a third bore 90 for receiving and gripping the third conduit. The third bore 90 has a longitudinal axis L2 and is laterally offset from the first bore 20 and from the second bore 60, such that the third bore 90 is independent, i.e. unconnected with any of the first bore 20 and the second bore 60. The first part 30 defines approximately half of the first bore 20 at one side and approximately halves of the second and third bores 60, 90 at the opposite side. The third part 80 defines the other halves of both the second and the third bores 60, 90 , so that when the three parts 30, 40, 80 are put together the first, second and third bores 20, 60, 90 are formed. The second and the third bores 60, 90 have different diameters to suit conduits of different diameters. In clamps 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, the first and second parts 30, 40 of the body 10 are connected by a hinge 100 provided on the exterior of the body 10 and having a pivot axis 101. The pivot axis 101 of the hinge 100 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes L, LI of the first and/or the second bores 20, 60. In clamp 1, the hinge 100 is positioned the externally on the body 10 on a line connecting centres of the first and second bores 20, 60 closer to the longitudinal axis L of the first bore 20 than to the longitudinal axis LI of the second bore 20, 60, at a region most remote from the longitudinal axis LI of the second bore 60. In clamps 4 and 6, the first and the third parts 30, 80 of the body 10 are connected by a second hinge 110 provided on the exterior of the body 10 and having a pivot axis 111 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes L, L2 of the first and the third bores 20, 90. Additionally, in clamp 6, each hinge 100, 110 comprise a respective pair of laterally spaced apart substantially parallel pivot axes 111. Such an arrangement allows greater openings to be formed by the first, second and third bores 30, 40, 80 when the conduits are being clamped, thereby facilitating installation of the clamp 6.

In clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, the means for releasably securing the clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in a clamping mode is provided in the form of threaded connections which, in the presently described embodiments, include swing over toggle bolt arrangements 120 and/or a bolt 130 engaging with a threaded insert 135 integrally moulded into the body 10. The swing over toggle bolt arrangements 120 and/or the bolts 130 engaging with the threaded inserts 135 cooperate with the first and second parts 30, 40 of the body to hold the first and second parts 30, 40 together in the clamping mode. Additionally, in clamps 4 and 6, which include three cooperating parts, the swing over toggle bolt arrangements 120 (in both clamps 4, 6) and the bolts 130 engaging with the threaded inserts 135 (in clamp 4) cooperate with the first and third parts 30, 80 of the body 10 to hold the first and third parts 30, 80 together in the clamping mode.

In clamps 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, in which the first and second parts 30, 40 of the body 10 are connected by a hinge 100, and in clamps 4, 6, in which the first and the third parts 30, 80 of the body 10 are connected by a second hinge 110, a swing over toggle bolt arrangement 120 and/or a bolt 130 engaging with a threaded insert 135 is provided on a side of the body 10 substantially opposite to the side of the body 10 on which the hinge 100, 110 is provided.

In clamp 5, instead of hinges, the first and second parts 30, 40 of the body 10 are connected by providing a bolt 130 engaging with a threaded insert 135 at opposite sides of each of the parts 30, 40 being connected.

Clamps 1, 3, 5 include a centralising arrangement for centralising the clamp 1, 3, 5 within another conduit, e.g. a riser (not shown). The centralising arrangement is provided by a number of centralising fins 140 on the exterior of the body 10. The fins 14 extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the first bore 20 and project laterally substantially normally to the exterior of the body 10. The length and the positioning of the fins 140 round the body 10 are selected such as to allow the body 10 to be located within an outer conduit, e.g. a riser, such that the longitudinal axis L of the first bore is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the outer conduit within the outer conduit. The fins 140 are circumferentially spaced apart around the exterior of the body 10 at substantially equal intervals. In clamp 1, three fins 140 are provided circumferentially spaced around the part of the body 10 defining the first bore 20 over 180°. The fins 140 are not provided around the part of the body 10 surrounding the second bore 60 and the part of the body 10 surrounding the second bore 60 itself functions as a centralising member. As a result the longitudinal axis LI of the second bore 60 is automatically positioned laterally offset from the centre of the outer conduit when clamp 1 is located within the outer conduit. In clamps 3, 5, in which a substantially longitudinal groove 70 is provided in the inner wall 74 of the body 10 defining the first bore 20 for receiving and gripping the second conduit, four fins 140 are provided evenly spaced around the entire circumference of the body 10. In clamps 1 and 3, in which the first and second parts 30, 40 of the body 10 are connected by the hinge 100, a fin 140 projects laterally substantially normally to the exterior of the body 10 from the same location on the body 1 as that where the hinge 100 is provided thereby affording compactness to the clamp 1, 3 when the parts 30, 40 of the body 10 are opened to receive a conduit.

Clamp 3 is provided with a plurality of inserts 160 to adjust the body 10 for receiving conduits of different diameters. The inserts 160 are configured to be placed into the first bore 20 of the body 10, to allow the first bore 20 to conform to a range of diameters of the conduit by inserting an appropriate insert 160. The inserts 160 are provided in the form of substantially arcuate in transverse cross- section elongate segments. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, a set of inserts of different calibres is provided for the first bore 20 to adjust the diameter of the first bore 20 to suit different diameters of the first conduit. It will be noted however that Figures 8 and 9 show several inserts 160 of different calibres positioned in the first bore 20 for illustration only. In practice, one or more inserts 160 of the same calibre are placed in the first bore 20. It will also be noted that the inserts 160 may or may not occupy the entire circumference of the first bore 20. The inserts 160 are colour coded to facilitate selection of the correct insert 160 from the set.

In clamps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, the body 10 of the clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 has a longitudinal axis L3 and first and second longitudinally opposite end portions 170, 180. Each end portion 170, 180 is tapered away from the body 10 in the longitudinal direction to facilitate deployment/retrieval of the clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and reduce the risk of the clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 hanging up during deployment/retrieval. In clamp 5, the tapered ends 170, 180 have the shape of a truncated dome.

In clamps 1, 3, 5, handles 190 are provided to facilitate manipulation of the clamp 1, 3, 5. Each clamp 1, 3, 5 includes a pair of handles 190 on circumferentially opposing sides of the body 10. The handles 190 are provided in a pair of opposite fins 140 by forming a handle aperture 195 in each fin 140 of the pair.

The clamp 4 includes pinch recesses 200 defined in end portions 170, 180 of the body which allow a pinch tool to be used to close the clamp 4.

Although not shown in the drawings, inner walls of the body 10 defining the first bore 20 and/or the second bore 60 or the third bore 90 are textured to enhance gripping capability of the clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 by forming circumferential grooves in the inner walls.

The body 10 of the clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 is manufactured form a low friction, high impact resistant polymeric material, such as for example, to render the clamp, lightweight and corrosion and wear resistant.

The clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 is buoyant to prevent it from sinking in case the clamp becomes detached during exploitation.

The configuration and material of the clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 allow the clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to be used in multiple operations with minimum maintenance. The clamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 can be adapted to function as a cross coupling unit which can be fitted over a coupling (not shown) that joins two adjacent sections of a conduit, or as intermediate joint unit which is fitted on the conduit between said couplings.

Whilst specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that modifications are possible within the scope of appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A clamp for a conduit, the clamp comprising

a means for releasably securing the clamp in a clamping mode

2. A clamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body defines a second bore for receiving and gripping the second conduit, the second bore having a longitudinal axis and the second bore being laterally offset from the first bore such that the second bore is independent from the first bore.

3. A clamp as claimed in claim 2, wherein each part defines a portion of each of the first and second bores so that when the two parts are put together the first and second bores are formed.

4. A clamp as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the body includes a third cooperating part configured to be put together with the first and second parts to receive and grip the first and second conduits.

5. A clamp as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first part is disposed centrally, with the second and third parts being disposed at opposite sides of the first part, wherein the first part defines a portion of each of the first and second bores and each of the second and third parts defines a portion of one of the first and second bores, so that when the three parts are put together the first and second bores are formed.

6. A clamp as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the body is configured to receive and grip a third conduit, wherein the body comprises a third bore for receiving and gripping the third conduit, the third bore being laterally offset from the first bore and from the second bore, such that the third bore is independent from the first bore and the second bore.

7. A clamp as claimed in claim 6 in combination with claim 5, wherein the first part defines a portion of the first bore at one side, and portions of the second and third bores at the opposite side, and one of the second and third parts defines a portion of the first bore and the other of the second and third side parts defines portions of the second and the third bores, so that when the three parts are put together the first, second and third bores are formed.

8. A clamp as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second and the third bores have different diameters to suit conduits of different diameters.

9. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second parts of the body are connected by a hinge having a pivot axis, the pivot axis of the hinge extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first bore, the hinge being provided on or adjacent the exterior of the body.

10. A clamp as claimed in claim 9 in combination with claim 3, wherein the hinge is positioned on the body on or near a line connecting centres of the first and second bores, closer to the centre of the first bore than to the centre of the second bore, i.e. at a region on the body most remote from the centre of the second bore.

11. A clamp as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 in combination with any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first and the third parts of the body are connected by a second hinge provided on or adjacent the exterior of the body the second hinge having a pivot axis extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the first and the third bores.

12. A clamp as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the hinge comprises a pair of laterally spaced apart substantially parallel pivot axes.

13. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the clamp comprises a centralising arrangement for centralising the clamp within another conduit, the centralising arrangement comprising a plurality of centralising members on the exterior of the body, the centralising members being configured and positioned on the body of the clamp so as to allow the body to be positioned within another, outer, conduit, such that the longitudinal axis of the first bore is positioned substantially centrally within the outer conduit, wherein the centralising members are provided circumferentially spaced apart around the exterior of the body at substantially equal intervals.

14. A clamp as claimed in claim 13 in combination with claim 2, wherein a plurality of centralising members are provided circumferentially spaced around the part of the body defining the first bore, wherein the centralising members are not provided around the part of the body surrounding the second bore, wherein the part of the body defining the second bore is itself configured to function as a centralising member, whereby, in use, when the clam is located within the outer conduit, the longitudinal axis of the second bore is laterally offset from the centre of the outer conduit.

15. A clamp as claimed in claim 14, wherein the centralising members are circumferentially spaced around the part of the body defining the first bore over a 180° angle.

16. A clamp as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 in combination with claim 9, wherein a centralising member projects from the exterior of the body substantially from the same location on the body as the one where the hinge is provided.

17. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the clamp is provided with one or more inserts to adjust the body for receiving conduits of different diameters.

18. A clamp as claimed in claim 17, wherein a set of inserts is provided for the first bore, the inserts being configured to be placed into the first bore to adjust the diameter of the first bore to suit different diameters of the first conduit.

19. A clamp as claimed in claim 18, wherein the inserts are provided in the form of substantially arcuate in transverse cross-section elongate segments receivable in the first bore around the circumference of the first bore wherein the inserts may or may not occupy the entire circumference of the bore.

20. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body of the clamp has a longitudinal axis and first and second longitudinally opposite end portions, each end portion being tapered away from the body in the longitudinal direction to facilitate deployment/retrieval of the clamp and reduce the risk of the clamp hanging up during deployment/retrieval, each of the tapered ends having the shape of a dome in longitudinal cross-section.

21. A clamp as claimed in claim 21, wherein each of the tapered ends has the shape of a truncated dome in the longitudinal cross-section.

22. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the clamp comprises one or more handles to facilitate manipulation of the clamp.

23. A clamp as claimed in claim 22 in combination with claim 13, wherein a handle is provided in, on or by a centralising member.

24. A clamp as claimed in claim 23, wherein the handle includes a handle aperture defined in the centralising member.

25. A clamp as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the clamp comprises at least a pair of handles provided on circumferentially opposite sides of the body.

26. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first bore is defined by a bracket arrangement mounted on the clamp, externally on the body of the clamp, the bracket arrangement comprising at least two cooperating parts which, when put together, define the first bore, the two parts being connected via a hinge, wherein the clamp includes a recess for receiving and accommodating the bracket arrangement, a first fastening means for securing the bracket arrangement on the clamp and a second fastening means for clamping the bracket arrangement around the first conduit.

27. A clamp as claimed in claim 26, wherein the first bore formed by the bracket arrangement is adapted to receive a support conduit in the form of wire.

28. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein inner walls of the body defining the first bore are textured to enhance gripping capability of the clamp.

29. A clamp as claimed in claim 28, wherein inner walls of the body defining the first bore are textured by forming grooves in the inner walls.

30. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the clamp is buoyant.

31. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the clamp includes a pinch recess defined in end portions of the body to allow a pinch tool to be used to close the clamp.

32. A clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first conduit comprises a support conduit, including one of a tubular string, such as a workstring or a pipe; or a wire, such as metallic guidewire; and the second conduit comprises a control umbilical.

33. A conduit system comprising a first conduit, a second conduit, and a plurality of clamps fitted on the first and second conduits, clamping the conduits together to prevent displacement of the conduits relative to each other, each clamp comprising a body configured to receive and grip first and second conduits so as to clamp the second conduit to the first conduit and to prevent relative displacement of the first and second conduits, the clamp being also adapted to protect at least the second conduit; and

a means for releasably securing the clamp in a clamping mode

34. A conduit system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the first conduit comprises a support conduit, including one of a tubular string, such as a workstring or a pipe; or a wire, such as metallic guidewire; and the second conduit comprises a control umbilical.

35. A conduit system as claimed in claim 33 or claim 34, wherein the clamp is substantially in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 32.

36. A method of securing a conduit to another conduit including the steps of a) arranging the two conduits in a substantially parallel relationship, b) attaching to both conduits a clamp, the clamp comprising

a means for releasably securing the clamp in a clamping mode

wherein the clamp defines a first bore for receiving and gripping the first conduit, the first bore having a longitudinal axis; and the body includes at least two cooperating parts configured to be put together to receive and grip one or each of the first and second conduits; and

c) repeating step b) at a plurality of locations along the conduits.

37. A method of claim 36, comprising the step of providing placing one or more inserts in the body to adjust the body for receiving conduits of different diameters.

38. A method of claim 37, comprising the step of providing a set of inserts for the first bore, and the step of placing the inserts into the first bore to adjust the diameter of the first bore to suit different diameters of the first conduit.

39. A method of claim 38, comprising the step of providing the inserts in the form of substantially arcuate in transverse cross-section elongate segments and placing the inserts into the first bore around the circumference of the first bore wherein the inserts may or may not occupy the entire circumference of the bore.

40. A method of any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the first conduit comprises a support conduit, including one of a tubular string, such as a workstring or a pipe; or a wire, such as metallic guidewire; and the second conduit comprises a control umbilical.

41. A method of any one of claim 36 to 40, wherein the clamp is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 32.

42. A method of any one of claim 36 to 40, wherein the clamp is a standard clamp and the method comprises the step of

providing a bracket arrangement defining the first bore of the clamp, the bracket arrangement comprising at least two cooperating parts which, when put together, define the first bore, the two parts being connected via a hinge;

mounting the bracket arrangement externally on the body of the clamp; securing the bracket arrangement on the clamp by a first fastening means; and clamping the bracket arrangement around the first conduit by a second fastening means.

43. A clamp substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.

44. A conduit system substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.

45. A method of securing a conduit to another conduit substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.