# US 2017/0204992 A1 · Clamp for a flexible pipe

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- Number: US 2017/0204992 A1
- Document ID: US20170204992A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 15/435,025
- Filed: 2015-08-12
- Published: 2017-07-20
- 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/US20170204992A1

## 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 at position 1

1-20. (canceled)

### Claim 21

A clamp for a flexible pipe, 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 being supported together in a radial array extending 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 22 (depends on 21)

The clamp according to claim 21, wherein each clamp element of the plurality of separate clamp elements is wedge shaped in end view.

### Claim 23 (depends on 22)

The clamp according to claim 22, wherein the wedge shape extends through a radial arc of between 5° to 20°.

### Claim 24 (depends on 22)

The clamp according to claim 22, wherein the wedge shape extends through a radial arc of 8°.

### Claim 25 (depends on 21)

The clamp according to claim 21, wherein each clamp element comprises an inner face for engaging the flexible pipe, the inner face having a shape selected from the group consisting of concave, convex, and planar.

### Claim 26 (depends on 25)

The clamp according to claim 25, wherein the inner face comprises an interface for increasing the compliance of the clamp element and clamp with the flexible pipe.

### Claim 27 (depends on 26)

The clamp according to claim 26, wherein the interface is a resiliently deformable strip disposed along a length of the inner face.

### Claim 28 (depends on 21)

The clamp according to claim 21, wherein each clamp element comprises an outer face for engaging the strap, the outer face having a groove for receiving the strap.

### Claim 29 (depends on 28)

The clamp according to claim 28, 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 30 (depends on 21)

The clamp according to claim 21, further comprising a spacer cushion provided between the neighboring clamp elements.

### Claim 31 (depends on 30)

The clamp according to claim 30, wherein the cushions are resiliency deformable.

### Claim 32 (depends on 30)

The clamp according to claim 30, wherein the cushions are joined to the clamp elements.

### Claim 33 (depends on 30)

The clamp according to claim 30, wherein the cushions are integrally formed with the clamp elements.

### Claim 34 (depends on 30)

The clamp according to claim 30, wherein the cushion comprises a number of discrete cushions, and the number of discrete cushions radially straddle the engagement device.

### Claim 35 (depends on 21)

The clamp according to claim 21, wherein the clamp elements are supported together by being mounted on at least one filament.

### Claim 36 (depends on 35)

The clamp according to claim 35, wherein each clamp element comprises a transverse passage for receiving the filament.

### Claim 37 (depends on 36)

The clamp according to claim 36, wherein the passage extends through the engagement device.

### Claim 38 (depends on 21)

The clamp according to claim 21, wherein the plug and socket formations are arranged to permit pivoting movement around the longitudinal axis between the neighboring clamp elements.