Integrated Safety Clamp

Abstract

An Integrated Safety Clamp is disclosed for use with hoses in high pressure applications such as oil and gas, and in particular a type of rotary and vibrator hose, called Choke and Kill hoses. The inventive clamp includes first and second main bodies that are connected to each other through a set of flanges. A set of gussets strengthen attachments between the first and second pairs (or sets) of flanges. Each flange includes at least two bolt openings. The safety clamp includes an opening to secure a chain or wire rope sling thereto. The safety clamp with at least four bolts provides a more robust and secure connection for hoses carrying high pressure liquids than current safety clamps. Due to its design, the safety clamp holds a hose firmly without damaging its inner workings or armor.

Claims

1. A safety clamp for use with hoses having fireproof shielding and armor comprising a pair of identical main bodies with attached flanges, coupled to each other the improvement comprising: a) said flanges having at least two bolt openings on each flange end, with one flange being longer to allow an opening for a safety attachment; b) the main body having miter cuts connecting the edges for ease in coupling and to insure correct alignment of each main body member at the time of fabrication; c) the clamp having gussets between the flanges and main body; d) an additional hole on the longer flange; and e) the clamp having internal diameters of two different sizes allowing the clamp to fit over the fire-proofed hose and its external armor.

2. The clamp of claim 1 made from steel.

3. A safety clamp for use with hoses having fireproof shielding and external armor comprising: a) a pair of identical main bodies having main body miter cut connecting edges for ease in coupling a with attached flanges having gussets, said flanges coupled to each other having at least two total bolt openings on each flange end, with one flange being longer to allow an opening for a safety attachment; b) the main bodies have the same external diameter but two differing internal diameters; c) protruding bolts from each flange with two holes on each side thereof for securing the flanges together and preventing clamp failure; d) having an additional hole for placement of a safety chain or wire rope sling; and e) internal diameters of two different sizes allowing the clamp to fit over the fire-proofed hose and its external armor; wherein further the clamp will not damage the internal media of the hose, or reduce the internal or external diameter of the hose while the hose is in use under high pressure.

4. The safety clamp of claim 1, wherein the high pressure media includes at least one of oil, gas, and chemical.

5. The safety clamp of claim 1, wherein the hose is at least one of a choke and kill hose, a rotary hose, and a vibratory hose.

6. The safety clamp of claim 3, wherein the first and second main bodies are made of at least one of iron and steel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the claims, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

[0024] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a perspective view of the clamp having both halves;

[0025] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the Clamp and the two internal diameters;

[0026] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a first main body with flanges; and,

[0027] FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 show representative comparative repair clamps for pipes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0028] As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term an article may include a plurality of articles unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the Figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the Figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention.

[0030] There may be additional components described in the foregoing application that are not depicted on one of the described drawings. In the event such a component is described, but not depicted in a drawing, the absence of such a drawing should not be considered as an omission of such design from the specification.

[0031] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention utilizes a combination of system components which constitutes a safety clamp that securely holds a hose having four bolt openings. Accordingly, the components and the method steps have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0032] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0033] A safety clamp 100 that includes a first main body 102a and a second main body 102b is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The first main body 102a includes a first longitudinal end 104a and a second longitudinal end 104b. The second main body 102b includes a third longitudinal end 104c and a fourth longitudinal end 104d. The first main body 102a and the second main body 102b are semicircular in shape and designed to securely and accurately match with the other half or other main body. In an embodiment, the first and second main bodies 102a and 102b are made of steel.

[0034] Materials for the clamp are preferably those of robust metals such as steel, cast steel, and aluminum. Due to the nature of the job required of the clamp during high pressure, brittle metals or those with a tendency to corrode are generally unacceptable. Unacceptable metals include iron because with it will not withstand the violent conditions (eg. whipping action) and corrosive conditions (eg. acidic, or caustic fluids) that occur upon hose failure.

[0035] The first main body 102a has first and second flanges 106a and 106b (collectively referred to as a first pair of flanges) attached to the first longitudinal end 104a and the second longitudinal end 104b, respectively. Further, the second main body 102b has third and fourth flanges 106c and 106d (collectively referred to as a second pair of flanges) attached to the third longitudinal end 104c and the fourth longitudinal end 104d, respectively. The first through fourth flanges 106a-106d are attached to the first through fourth longitudinal ends 104a-104d, respectively. In an embodiment, the first through fourth flanges 106a-106d are welded to the first through fourth longitudinal ends 104a-104d of the first main body 102a and the second main body 102b, respectively. In another embodiment, the first and second flanges 106a-106b and the first main body 102a may be a single forged assembly. In yet another embodiment, the first through fourth flanges 106a-106d are made of steel. In yet another embodiment, the thickness of each of the first through fourth flanges 106a-106d is 0.375 () inch.

[0036] The first through fourth flanges 106a-106d have first through eighth bolt openings 108a-108h (hereinafter, collectively referred to as bolt openings 108). Each flange has two bolt openings. The bolt openings 108 are circular in shape to accommodate conventional bolts. In an embodiment of the present invention, the position and size of the bolt openings 108 are 0.8125 ( 13/16) inch diameter and positioned two inches apart center to center. FIG. 2 shows a top view of the safety clamp 100. The enclosure 110 is formed when the first main body 102a and second main body 102b are coupled together. The bolt openings 108 allow multiple bolts (not shown) to couple the first main body 102a and the second main body 102b, thereby forming the enclosure 110. The enclosure 110 holds a hose therein. In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the bolt openings 108 holds a bolt of 0.75 () inch diameter. In another embodiment, an internal diameter of the enclosure 110 ranges between about 3.30-6.5 inches for the Choke and Kill hose. It is well understood to a person skilled in the art that the size of the bolts and the diameter of the enclosure 110 are not restricted to the aforementioned values provided they are of sufficient size and suitable material to withstand potential whipping action should hose failure occur upon use of the hose under high pressure work site conditions.

[0037] The eves on the outer edge of the present safety clamp are for the purpose of covering the fireproof material and stainless steel armor that is wrapped on the outside of the hose and protecting it from fire damage. The inventive clamp allows for the fireproofing material to not be disturbed or compromised during use of the hose, in particular during the installation and tightening of the clamp onto the hose. Conventional safety clamps do not withstand the rugged conditions needed of a safety clamp used under high pressure, nor do conventional safety clamps protect the fireproofing armor found on a Choke and Kill hose. Generally conventional clamps do not fit snuggly over a fireproofed hose without damaging the fireproofing materials or armor. If the armor is pinched or bent during the installation of the clamp, it is damaged, compromised and weakened during use under high pressure being a potential safety hazard for the workers.

[0038] The first through eighth gussets 112a-112h (collectively referred to as first through fourth pairs of gussets or gussets) supports attachments between the first through fourth flanges 106a-106d and the first and second main bodies 102a and 102b, respectively. The gussets 112a-112h are brackets used to strengthen an angle connecting the flanges 106a-106d to the first main bodies 102a and 102b. The shape of each of the brackets is chosen accordingly to the shape of the main bodies 102a and 102b. The gussets 112a-112h protect the four flanges 106a-106d from breaking and hence secure the enclosed hose. In an embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of each gusset 112a-112h is 0.375 () inch however the thickness can range from about inch to about inch. In another embodiment of the present invention, the gussets 112a-112h are welded to the four flanges 106a-106d and to the first and second main bodies 102a and 102b.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates the first main body 102a of the safety clamp 100 with the first and second flanges 106a and 106b. The first flange 106a has a protruding portion that includes an attachment opening 114. The attachment opening 114 is used to secure a chain or wire rope cable (sling) to the safety clamp 100. One end of the chain or wire cable is connected to the safety clamp 100 and the other end of the chain or wire cable is connected to a secure object to withstand the weight and the force of the hose. These embodiments generally find application in the oil and gas field where hoses such as the Choke and Kill Hoses are used. For safety purposes, the attachment opening 114 with the secured chain or wire rope sling allows the safety clamp 100 to maintain restraint of a hose in the event of a hose failure. In an embodiment of the present invention, a diameter of the attachment opening 114 is 1.125 (1) inches. The diameter of the chain or rope attachment opening is dependent upon the rope to go through the opening. The opening can range from about 1.125 (1) inch to about 1.188 (1 3/16) inches. Conventional safety chains or wire cable are about 0.5 () inch to 0.75 () inch diameter respectively, and therefore the opening on the clamp needs to fit the securing chain.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first main body 102a and the second main body 102b is a combination of three semicircular tubing materials attached together, a five inch mechanical tubing center with varying wall thicknesses of 0.3125 ( 5/16) inch-0.75 () inch, that serves as the contacting clamp body to hose surface section, and the outer ends (eaves) manufactured from 0.125 () inch by 2.5 inch long tubing which fit over the armor. The proper size tubing material in relationship to the proper hose size assures a snug fit to the hose, fire-proofing, and armor without damaging it. It is important that the clamp fit snug and not damage or compromise the fireproofing shield and armor associated with the hose. This distinguishes a Choke and Kill hose from a traditional vibrator or rotary hose which are missing such fireproofing materials.

[0041] The safety clamp 100 with four bolts (unlike standard two bolts) ensures that a hose is securely held even when one of the bolts fails, breaks or loosens. The safety clamp 100 is robust in structure and firmly holds the Choke and Kill hose which carries fluids under high pressure and are wrapped with a fireproof material. The safety clamp 100 is used to hold the hoses wrapped with the fireproof shield. The hose is marked with a notation Attach Safety Clamp Here at a predefined point. The safety clamp 100 is mounted on the fireproof shielded hose at the predefined point on the hose. The clamp location is guided by principles set forth by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

[0042] The safety clamp 100 can restrain hoses with pressure of 5,000 psi and more. Thus, the safety clamp 100 is strong enough to hold a Choke and Kill hose carrying a broad range of chemicals or fluids at relatively high pressure. The safety clamp 100 can withstand the force of hose failure reaction and firmly hold the hose at its initial position.

[0043] The safety clamp 100 is designed and manufactured for the specific hose size so when it is installed around the hose, over tightening cannot occur thus altering the shape, the diameter, or the internal media of the hose. The safety clamp 100 is a proactive measure to serve as a functioning safety clamp, complying to API 7L A.7 specifications while enabling complete fire proofing coverage of Choke and Kill hoses.

[0044] FIGS. 4-6 show representative repair clamps for comparison to the present safety clamp. Missing is the attachment hole for a chain, the two internal diameters so as to fit snug over a Choke and Kill hose, and the ability to not over tighten and damage any fireproofing shield and armor on the hose. A repair clamp is not a safety clamp since the intent is to temporarily fix or repair steel or rigid wall pipe. In light of Choke and Kill hoses, the repair clamp would not be suitable for rubber hoses.

[0045] The present invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application. Although selected embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail, it may be understood that various substitutions and alterations are possible. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings may recognize additional various substitutions and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and as defined by the following claim.