Chained clamp pipeline repair structure and method of use

摘要

Interlocking bend limiter sections are substantially mirror images of each other and are joined to form an interlocking bend limiter segment without use of fasteners by engaging each other's interlocking ends. An interlocking bend limiter comprises a plurality of interlocking bend limiter segment secured at an end by an end piece. In alternative, related embodiments a repair system comprises one or more machinable length sections which function as chain clamps to repair a subsea pipeline while the subsea pipeline is still in service and which can comprise interlocking sections similar to bend limiter sections or which are locked in more traditional manners such as by using bolts or other fasteners.

主权项

1. A chain clamp link usable in a pipeline repair system, comprising:
a. a first machinable length section comprising:
i. a radius larger than a radius of a subsea pipeline;ii. a first substantially spherical receiving end, the first substantially spherical receiving end comprising a first engaging section disposed about an outer surface of the first substantially spherical first end;iii. a first substantially spherical mating end, the first substantially spherical mating end comprising an engaging section receiver dimensioned to engage the first engaging section of the first substantially spherical receiving end of the first machinable length section; andiv. a first interlock, comprising:
1. a first interlock tab; and2. a first corresponding interlock tab receiver; b. a second machinable length section securably matable with the first machinable length section, the second machinable length section comprising:
i. a radius configured to be larger than the subsea pipeline radius;ii. a second substantially spherical receiving end, the second substantially spherical receiving end comprising a second engaging section disposed about an outer surface of the second substantially spherical second end;iii. a second substantially spherical mating end, the second substantially spherical mating end comprising an engaging section receiver dimensioned to engage the second engaging section of the second substantially spherical receiving end of the second machinable length section; andiv. a second interlock, comprising:
1. a second interlock tab dimensioned and adapted to be received by a corresponding first interlock tab receiver;2. and a second interlock tab receiver dimensioned and adapted to receive a corresponding first interlock tab; and c. a seal disposed intermediate the first machinable length section and the second machinable length section, the seal configured to occlusively seal the mated first machinable length section and the second machinable length section against an outer surface of the pipeline.