NL2010718C2

NL2010718C2 - Coupling element for coupling dredging pipes.

Info

Publication number: NL2010718C2
Application number: NL2010718A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Dennis Boudestijn; Dennis Kweldam
Original assignee: Ihc Holland Ie Bv
Priority date: 2013-04-26
Filing date: 2013-04-26
Publication date: 2014-10-29
Also published as: WO2014175736A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling device (1) for coupling dredging pipe sections (30) to each other to form a dredging pipe system, the coupling device comprising at least three jaws (11,12,13), together defining an opening for accommodating two end parts (31) of two dredging pipe sections for coupling the two dredging pipe sections to each other, wherein the coupling device comprises at least three connecting elements (20) for connecting the at least three jaws to each other in series, wherein the connecting elements are arranged to releasable connect two adjacent jaws to each other and the connecting elements are arranged to connect two adjacent jaws in a pivotable manner.

Description

COUPLING ELEMENT FOR COUPLING DREDGING PIPES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a coupling device for attaching dredging pipes to each other to form a dredging pipe system. The invention also relates to a dredging pipe section having a first and a second end part, wherein at least one end part comprises a coupling device as described above. In addition, the invention relates to a dredging pipe system comprising at least two dredging pipe sections connected by such a coupling device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for connecting at least two dredging pipe sections comprising such a coupling device.

2. Description of the Related Art

When performing dredging operations using a dredging vessel, such as a cutter suction dredger or a trailing suction hopper dredger, it is often needed to transport the dredged material to a location remote from the dredging vessel, such as a remote dumping location. Transportation of the dredged material may be done via a dredging pipe, which may be at least partly formed as a floating or buoyant dredging pipe.

Dredging pipes, afloat or on shore, may be formed by a number of dredging pipe segments which are connected to each other. The different dredging pipe segments may for instance be rigid or relatively flexible pipe segments which are mutually connected. The connected dredging pipe segments form a dredging pipe system.

Devices known from the prior art are either relatively fast, but big and heavy, or are relatively compact but relatively difficult to use. Such devices are not easy to use when connecting floating dredging pipe segments in an off shore environment, especially not in windy and wavy sea conditions.

US6672631 discloses a pipe coupling comprising two clamp halves connected on one end of one pipe and with a closure for separably connecting an opposing other end of another pipe. The two clamp halves are connected through an articulated connection.

A disadvantage of the known pipe coupling device is that the pipe coupling device can only be closed or opened in one orientation with respect to the coupling floating pipe sections. As floating pipes tend to rotate and move with the waves, wind and flow of the water, the closure of the coupling device could be underwater upon uncoupling of the pipe section. This would mean that the closure should have to be released by diving or reaching under water or by rotating the floating pipe section with the adjacent pipe sections to an orientation in which the closure is again above water. These methods are time-consuming, require special underwater equipment or a large momentum, and therefore are costly.

Obj ect is to provide a device and a method for connecting floating dredging pipes in an easy and quick way.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a coupling device for coupling dredging pipe sections to each other to form a dredging pipe system, the coupling device comprising at least three jaws, together defining an opening for accommodating two end parts of two dredging pipe sections for coupling the two dredging pipe sections to each other, wherein the coupling device comprises at least three connecting elements for connecting the at least three jaws to each other in series, wherein the connecting elements are arranged to releasably connect two adjacent jaws to each other and the connecting elements are arranged to connect two adjacent jaws in a pivotable manner.

The connecting elements thus allow the respective jaws to be connected while allowing the connected jaws to pivot with respect to each other.

Using a coupling device with at least three jaws has the advantage that for both dredging pipes ashore or afloat, at least one of the connecting elements can be reached easily, for instance for opening the connecting element to release the adjacent end parts of two dredging pipe sections. For both coupling and releasing of the end parts, it is advantageous that the connecting elements are arranged to connect two adjacent jaws in a pivotable manner. The at least three jaws are then mutually connected, forming a chain-like construction, but can still be moved with respect to each other from an open position for receiving the two end parts of the dredging pipe sections and to a closed position to couple the end parts of the pipe sections to each other. It is preferred that each connecting element is releasable and that each connecting element connects two adjacent jaws in a pivotable manner.

According to an embodiment, the jaws comprise a receiving groove facing in the direction of the opening, wherein the receiving groove is arranged to receive a flange provided along at least part of the outer circumference of the end part and the flange protrudes in an outward radial direction.

The jaws each comprise a receiving groove facing in the direction of the opening for receiving the end part, i.e. in an inward radial direction. The end part of a dredging pipe section can be provided with a flange along at least part of the outer circumference of the end part, but preferably along the total outer circumference, and the flange protrudes in an outward radial direction. Preferably, the receiving groove is arranged to receive a flange of a first pipe section and a second flange of a second pipe section. The receiving groove can be provided with a seal or packing, such as an O-ring, before receiving the flanges of the pipe sections. The seal or packing increases the fluid-tight connection between the flanges. The receiving groove may have a width in an axial direction that allows to receive two flanges of two different pipe sections in an abutting manner such to ensure a fluid-tight connection between the two floating pipe sections. Such a groove can be used to lock the flanges into a coupling position. The jaws may also be closed when only a single end part is present. This may for instance be done to pre-install the coupling device on an end part of a of pipe section.

According to a further embodiment, the receiving groove tapers in a radial outward direction. The groove is positioned on the inside of the jaws and can accommodate at least one of the flanges on the end parts of the pipe sections. In order to have a releasable connection, the jaws should have a good relief from the flanges. In addition, the taper facilitates alignment of the end parts and the coupling device, as the receiving opening of the groove is relatively large compared to the flanges of the end parts.

Preferably, the receiving groove has inner tapered surfaces, the tapered surfaces include an angle between 20°-60°. This angle range ensures a good relief upon releasing of the jaws when removing the coupling device from the flanges. This relief is enhanced by giving the groove a tapered shape, with a broad opening to receive the flanges and a relatively narrower top within the jaws. In addition, this angle range facilitates alignment of the end parts and the coupling device, as the receiving opening of the groove is relatively large compared to the flanges of the end parts.

The connecting element may be a pivotable connection between the jaws by for instance a pin or bolt and nut through a through hole in an end of each jaw. The pin or bolt then acts as a pivot axis around which the jaws can be pivoted with respect to each other. The through hole is parallel to the opening of the jaws and is provided in each end of each jaw.

According to another embodiment, the connecting elements comprises a locking element, the locking element comprising a first locking part pivotably connected to one jaw and a second locking part pivotably connected to another jaw, the first and second locking parts are releasably connectable to each other. Preferably, the connecting element comprises a first and second hinge, pivotably connecting the respective first and second locking parts to the respective jaws.

The jaws in a closed position can lock the end parts in position with respect to each other. For this, the jaws themselves can be locked with respect to each other when accommodating the connection flanges of the end parts. The connecting elements therefore comprise a locking element. In addition, it is preferred that the connected jaws can be moved with respect to each other, such that the end parts of the pipe sections can either be coupled by the jaws upon mutual connection of the jaws or can be released upon disconnecting of at least two of the jaws with respect to each other. Therefore, the locking element comprises two locking parts, each of these locking parts being pivotably connected to one jaw, preferably by means of a hinge. The first and second locking parts are releasably connected to each other. Upon release of one of the connections between two locking parts, the remaining connected jaws can be pivoted with respect to the connecting element.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a dredging pipe section having a first and a second end part, wherein each end part is provided with a connection flange, wherein the connection flange comprises a facing side facing the end part of the pipe section and a rear side facing away from the facing side, the rear side having a tapered surface for pressing the connection flanges towards each other upon connection of the pipe sections by the coupling device as described above. A seal or packing can be provided between the connection flanges to enhance the fluid-tight connection. Preferably, the dredging pipe section is a floating pipe section.

To ensure a fluid-tight connection between two dredging pipe sections, the end parts are provided with connection flanges that can be engaged in the receiving groove of the coupling device as described above. The shape of the abutting connection flanges is a tapered shape, such that the taper of the flanges can be accommodated in the taper of the receiving groove of the jaws. By using a tapered shape, the jaws of the coupling device will press on the tapered rear surface and thereby force the connection flanges towards each other. Preferably, the connection flanges taper from a relatively broad base at a circumferential surface of the end part to a relatively narrow top at a radial distance from the circumferential surface of the end part, i.e. the taper becomes narrower with increasing distance from the circumferential surface of the end part.

According to an embodiment, the tapered surface of the rear side are at an angle with respect to a radial direction of the dredging pipe section between 10° to 30°. This angle range for one rear side of the flange will result in a tapered shape when two flanges are adjacent each other, the taper including an angle between 20° to 60°, corresponding to the angle range of the receiving groove taper of the jaws. However, the included angle of the tapered flanges upon connection can be smaller than that of the receiving groove.

According to a further embodiment, the end part is provided with a guiding element adjacent to the connection flange. Preferably, the guiding element at the first end part comprises a lead portion and the guiding element at the second end part comprises a receiving portion to receive a lead portion of the first end part of another similar dredging pipe section.

The guiding element adjacent the connection flanges is used to guide and centre the end parts with respect to each other. Upon moving the end parts of the two pipe sections towards each other, a protruding end of the lead portion of one guide element is received by the receiving portion of another guide element. The lead portion and the receiving portion are preferred to have mating shapes, more preferably engaging shapes, such that the end parts of the two pipe sections engage each other upon coupling.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a dredging pipe system, comprising a coupling device as described above and at least two dredging pipe sections as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the invention will be appreciated upon reference to the following drawings of a number of exemplary embodiments, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of two pipe section end parts connected by a coupling device according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of two pipe section end parts and a coupling device according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows a longitudinal cross section of two pipe section end parts connected by a coupling device according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows a detail from Figure 3.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of two pipe section end parts 31 connected by a coupling device 1. The end parts 31 are provided with connecting flanges 32 (shown in Figure 2). The coupling device 1 comprises three jaws 11, 12, 13, which are mutually connected by connecting elements 20. The connecting elements 20 allow two jaws to move from an open position when at least one of the connecting elements 20 are disconnected, (shown in Fig. 2) to a closed position when all connecting elements 20 are connected, as shown in Fig. 1, by a first locking part 22 that is connected by a first hinge 24 to a first jaw 11, and a second locking part 23 that is connected by a second hinge 25 to a second jaw 13. The hinge axes of the hinges 24, 25 are parallel to the opening defined by the jaws 11, 12, 13. The locking parts 22, 23 are releasably connectable to each other with a locking element 21. Such a connecting element 20 is provided between each pair of jaws, such that a coupling device with three jaws 11, 12, 13 has three connecting elements 20. The number of connecting elements 20 is equal to the number of jaws 11, 12, 13. The locking element 21 may comprise a bolt, being integrated in a first locking part, and a nut that are tightened upon locking the jaws 11, 12, 13 together and are loosened or even separated when the jaws are released to be opened. The jaws 11, 12, 13 can pivot along the hinge axes 24, 25 when connected to each other by the locking element 21.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the two pipe section end parts 3 and a coupling device 1 in an open position. In the open position, the jaws 11, 12, 13 of the coupling device 1 are pivoted along the first and second hinges 24, 25 and can receive the end parts 31 of the pipe sections. The jaws 11, 12, 13 are provided with a receiving groove 14 with tapered surfaces 15 forming a taper in the groove 14. The receiving groove 14 is able to receive and accommodate the connection flanges 32 of the end parts 31.

The connection flanges 32 each have a facing side 32.1 facing each other, and a rear side 32.2 facing away from the facing sides and each other. In addition, a guiding element 33 is provided adjacent the facing sides of the connection flanges 32 at the extremity of the end part 31. A first end part has a guiding element 33 comprising a lead portion 33.1 and a second end part has a guiding element 33 comprising a receiving portion 33.2, the lead portion 33.1 and the receiving portion 33.2 being able to engage each other upon connection of the two end parts, as shown in Figure 3. The lead portion 33.1 and the receiving portion 33.2 have matching shapes.

Figure 3 shows a longitudinal cross section of two pipe section end parts 31 connected by a coupling device 1. In the coupling position of the jaws 11, 12, 13, all connecting elements 20 are locked with the locking elements 21 and in the closed position. The connection flanges 32 are connected to each other and form a tapered shape due to the tapered surfaces of the rear sides 32.2. The tapered shape of the connection flanges 32 is received and accommodated in the receiving groove 14. Additionally, a seal or packing, such as an O-ring, (not shown) can be provided in the receiving groove 14 and/or between the connection flanges 32. The receiving groove 14 has tapered surfaces 15. The angle included by the tapered surface 15 of the receiving groove 14 is between 20° and 60°, preferably between 45° and 55°. The angle included by the rear sides 32.2 of the connection flanges 32 upon connection is smaller or equal to the angle included by the tapered surfaces 15 of the receiving groove 14. Preferably, the angle a included by one tapered rear side and a facing side of the connection flange is between 10° and 30°. The tapered surfaces of the rear sides of the connection flanges 32 press against the tapered surface of the receiving groove 14 of the coupling devices, thus allowing for an engagement between the connection flanges 32 and the receiving groove 14. This engagement ensures a good fluid-tight connection between the end parts 31.

The lead portion 33.1 and the receiving portion 33.2 of the guide element 33 are formed to engage each other upon connection of the connection flanges 32. The lead portion 33.1 is shaped as a flange with a tapered surface outwardly extending from the connection flange, giving an outwardly extending conical shape to the lead portion 33.1. The receiving portion 33.2 is shaped as an inwardly extending conical shape, whereby a tapered surface extends from the facing side inward. The lead portion 33.1 works as a guide, and it also works as a self-centring element upon moving the end parts 31 towards each other, as shown in Figure 4.

LIST OF PARTS

1. Coupling device 11-13. Jaw 14. Receiving groove 15. Tapered surface 20. Connecting element 21. Locking element 22. First locking part 23. Second locking part 24. First hinge 25. Second hinge 30. Pipe section 31. End part of pipe section 32. Flange 32.1 Facing side of flange 32.2 Rear side of flange 33. Guide element 33.1 Lead portion 33.2 Receiving portion

Claims

Coupling device (1) for coupling dredge pipe sections (30) together to form a dredging pipe system, the coupling device comprising at least three claws (11, 12, 13) which together define an opening for housing two end parts ( 31) of two dredging pipe sections for coupling the two dredging pipe sections to each other, the coupling device (1) comprising at least three connecting elements (20) for connecting the at least three claws (11, 12, 13) in series, wherein the connecting elements (20) are adapted to releasably connect two adjacent claws to each other and the connecting elements are adapted to pivotally connect two adjacent claws.

Coupling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the claws (11, 12, 13) comprise a receiving groove (14) that faces towards the opening, the receiving groove (14) being adapted to receive a flange (32) provided along at least a portion of the outer circumference of the end portion (31) and the flange (32) protruding in an outward radial direction.

The coupling device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the receiving groove (14) is adapted to receive a flange (32) from a first dredging pipe section and a second flange (32) from a second dredging pipe section.

Coupling device (1) according to one of claims 2-3, wherein the receiving groove (14) tapers in a radially outward direction.

The coupling device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the receiving groove (14) has internally tapered surfaces, wherein the tapered surfaces comprise an angle between 20 ° -60 °.

Coupling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting elements (20) comprise a locking element (21), the locking element comprising a first locking part (22) pivotally connected to a claw (13) and a second locking part (23) hingedly connected to another claw (11), the first and second locking parts (22, 23) being releasably connected to each other.

The coupling device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the connecting element (22) comprises a first and second hinge (24, 25), which connects the respective first and second locking parts (22, 23) pivotally to the respective claws.

A dredging pipe section with a first and a second end part (31), wherein each end part is provided with a connecting flange (32), the connecting flange (32) comprising a facing side (32.1) facing the end part of the pipe section and a rear side (32.2) facing away from the facing side (32.1), the rear side (32.2) having a tapered surface for compressing the connecting flanges (32) towards each other when connecting the pipe sections by the coupling device according to one of the claims 1-7.

The dredging pipe section of claim 8, wherein the tapered surfaces of the rear (32.2) are at an angle of between 10 ° to 30 ° with respect to a radial direction of the dredging pipe.

A dredging pipe section according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a guide element (33) adjacent to the connecting flange (32).

The dredge pipe section of claim 10, wherein the guide element (32) comprises a directing portion at the first end portion and the guiding element (32) comprises a receiving portion at the second end portion for receiving a directing portion of the first end portion from another similar dredging pipe section.

12. Dredge pipe section according to any of claims 8-11, wherein a seal or gasket is provided on the turned side of at least one end part.

The dredging pipe section according to any of claims 8-12, wherein the dredging pipe section is a floating pipe section.

A dredging pipe section comprising a coupling device according to any of claims 1-7 and at least two dredging pipe sections according to one of claims 8-13.