Clamping well casings
AssigneePlexus Ocean Systems Limited
InventorBernad H. vanBilderbeek
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A clamp for clamping two concentric tubes, typically two concentric tubes in an oil or gas well. The clamp has two axially movable tapered components which can be pulled over one another in an axial direction to provide a contraction of internal diameter which grips the smaller diameter tube. In one embodiment, a spacer is fitted to allow the tapered components to be held apart until the tubes have been correctly positioned. The spacer is then removed, and the tapered components are drawn together to effect the clamping. A hydraulic ram can be provided to separate the tapered components should readjustment be required. In another embodiment, the larger diameter tube is made with a relatively thin wall, so that it can be distorted inwards to grip the smaller tube.
Claims47
A releasable clamp for securing a smaller tubular member having inner and outer walls and of a first outer diameter within a larger tubular member having a central axis and inner and outer walls of second, larger internal diameter, the clamp comprising:
- a. a peripheral member mounted on the larger tubular member;
- b. a clamping device in communication with the peripheral member for generating forces within the reaches of the peripheral member for reducing the inner diameter of the larger tubular member for engaging and securing the smaller tubular member and for releasing said forces for disengaging the smaller tubular member.
A method for clamping a smaller tubular member within a larger tubular member, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. placing the smaller tubular member within the larger tubular member;
- b. exerting a radially inward force on the exterior of the larger tubular member such that the larger tubular member flexes inward slightly to clamp the smaller tubular member;
- c. releasing the radially inward forces so that the larger tubular member releases the smaller tubular member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.