# US 10,221,967 B2 · Clamp for a flexible pipe

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- Number: US 10,221,967 B2
- Document ID: US10221967B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/435,025
- Filed: 2015-08-12
- Published: 2017-07-20
- Granted: 2019-03-05
- Earliest claimed: 2014-08-19
- Assignees: Matrix Composites & Engineering Ltd.
- Applicants: Matrix Composites & Engineering Ltd.
- Inventors: James Francis William Kingston; Lee McDermott
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10221967B2

## CPC

- F16L 3/1066: {with three or more members surrounding the pipe}
- E21B 17/012: {with buoyancy elements (E21B17/015 takes precedence)}
- E21B 17/015: {Non-vertical risers, e.g. articulated or catenary-type}
- F16L 1/24: Floats; Weights
- F16L 3/1058: {one member being flexible or elastic}
- F16L 3/1211: {with a substantially radial tightening or securing member}
- F16L 1/15: vertically
- F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- E21B: EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS

## Abstract

A clamp for a flexible pipe is provided that provide a load bearing flange on the flexible pipe permitting buoyancy jackets to be joined thereto. The clamp has a longitudinal axis arranged to extend along the length of the flexible pipe and a radial axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The clamp includes: a plurality of separate clamp elements being supported together in a radial array extending at least partially around the longitudinal axis; engagement means located between neighboring clamp elements to movably interconnect the clamp elements; and a strap being adapted to surround the clamp elements, in use for exerting a compressive force thereon. Also provided is a clamp element for use in the aforementioned clamp.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A clamp for a flexible pipe, the clamp comprising:
a longitudinal axis arranged to extend along a length of the flexible pipe;
a radial axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
a plurality of separate clamp elements each having a closed transverse passage, the plurality of separate clamp elements being supported together in a radial array by a filament extending through the closed transverse passage and at least partially around the longitudinal axis;
an engagement device located between neighboring clamp elements of the plurality of separate clamp elements to movably interconnect the neighboring clamp elements; and
a strap adapted to surround the plurality of separate clamp elements, in use for exerting a compressive force thereon,
wherein each clamp element comprises lateral faces, and
wherein the engagement device comprises plug and socket formations provided on each of the lateral faces.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The clamp according to claim 1, wherein each clamp element of the plurality of separate clamp elements is wedge shaped in end view.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The clamp according to claim 2, wherein the wedge shape extends through a radial arc of between 5° to 20°.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The clamp according to claim 2, wherein the wedge shape extends through a radial arc of 8°.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The clamp according to claim 1, wherein each clamp element comprises an inner face for engaging the flexible pipe.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The clamp according to claim 5, wherein the inner face comprises an interface for increasing the compliance of the clamp element and clamp with the flexible pipe.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The clamp according to claim 6, wherein the interface is a resiliently deformable strip disposed along a length of the inner face.

### Claim 8 (depends on 5)

The clamp according to claim 5, wherein the inner face is planar.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The clamp according to claim 1, wherein each clamp element comprises an outer face for engaging the strap, the outer face having a groove for receiving the strap.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The clamp according to claim 9, wherein the strap is restrainable against the outer face by projections extending from the outer face, under which projections opposed edges of the strap are slidably located.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The clamp according to claim 1, wherein the closed transverse passage extends through the engagement device.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The clamp according to claim 1, wherein the plug and socket formations are arranged to permit pivoting movement around the longitudinal axis between the neighboring clamp elements.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The clamp according to claim 1, further comprising a spacer cushion provided between the neighboring clamp elements.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The clamp according to claim 13, wherein the cushion is resiliently deformable.

### Claim 15 (depends on 13)

The clamp according to claim 13, wherein the cushion is joined to the clamp elements.

### Claim 16 (depends on 13)

The clamp according to claim 13, wherein the cushion is integrally formed with the clamp elements.

### Claim 17 (depends on 13)

The clamp according to claim 13, wherein the cushion comprises a number of discrete cushions, and the number of discrete cushions radially straddle the engagement device.