Patent Description:
It is known to use a collar to clamp two objects together. For example, <CIT> discloses a securing device comprising a collar for releasably clamping first and second objects together.

According to the invention, there is provided a securing device comprising a collar for releasably clamping first and second objects together, wherein the collar includes a pair of collar members, each of the collar members being pivotably coupled to the other collar member at or towards a first end so as to allow pivotable movement of the collar members relative to each other, the collar including a releasable securing member that includes securing member portions respectively arranged in or on the collar members at or towards their other second ends, wherein the securing member portions are configured to be coaxially connectable to each other to secure the collar members to each other at or towards their other second ends, and the securing member portions are configured to be coaxially disconnectable from each other to permit separation of the second ends of the collar members, wherein a first securing member portion includes one or more radially expandable elements, a second securing member portion includes a hollow bore into which the or each radially expandable element is insertable, and the first and second securing member portions are configured to be coaxially connectable to each other through radial expansion of the one or more radially expandable elements to positively engage an inner wall of the hollow bore of the second securing member portion so as to releasably lock the first and second securing member portions together.

The securing device of the invention may be used to releasably clamp a wide variety of objects together. Such objects may include, but are not limited to, a fluid conduit (such as a pipeline, manifold or hose), a fluid conduit section thereof, a cable and a rope. The fluid conduit or the fluid conduit section thereof may be flexible or rigid, and may have a fixed or variable position.

The configuration of the collar members and securing member in the securing device of the invention enables the coaxial connection and disconnection of the securing member portions to take place in the same plane as the pivotable movement of the collar members relative to each other. This not only allows for a more compact structural configuration of the collar members and securing member but also reduces the space required to accommodate the closing and opening of the collar, thus permitting the use of the securing device in narrower spaces. Furthermore, since the coaxial connection and disconnection of the securing member portions take place in the same plane as the pivotable movement of the collar members relative to each other, the second ends of the collar members can be secured to each other or separated in a smooth motion with minimal displacement and movement. The configuration of the collar therefore results in a securing device with the ability to carry out quick clamping and separation of the objects.

In contrast, a conventional collar comprises a latching pin that is pivotally mounted to one of a pair of collar members. In the conventional collar, the latching pin in a locking position is arranged to engage the other collar member in order to secure the collar members together, and is configured to pivot away from the other collar member to a release position in order to permit separation of the collar members. As a result of the pivot configuration of the latching pin, the conventional collar can only be used in spaces that are sufficiently sized to accommodate the pivoting movement of the latching pin between the locking and release positions. Thus, the conventional collar is susceptible to the separation of the objects being prevented by the conventional collar failing to open due to the latching pin being obstructed while pivoting to its release position, which is not conducive to quick separation of the objects.

It will be understood that the collar of the invention may include one or more additional collar members other than the pair of collar members already mentioned, so long as the pair of collar members is pivotably coupled to the other collar member at or towards a first end so as to allow pivotable movement of the collar members relative to each other. It will also be understood that the pair of collar members may be directly connected to each other so as to be pivotably coupled to each other at or towards their first ends, and that the pair of collar members may be indirectly connected to each other via one or more intermediate collar members or components so as to be pivotably coupled to each other at or towards their first ends.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the securing member may be configured as a two-piece securing member that consists of a pair of securing member portions. Configuring the securing member as such simplifies the design of the coaxial connection and disconnection of the securing member portions. It will however be appreciated that the securing member may alternatively include three or more securing member portions.

The configuration of the coaxial connection between the securing member portions may be carried out in various additional ways as long as coaxial disconnection of the securing member portions is also permitted. For example, in embodiments of the invention, the securing member portions may be configured to be coaxially and threadedly connectable to each other to secure the collar members to each other at or towards their other second ends.

The configuration of the securing member to releasably lock the first and second securing member portions together through positive engagement between the one or more radially expandable elements and the second securing member portion is compatible with the coaxial connection and disconnection of the securing member portions.

The positive engagement between the one or more radially expandable elements and the second securing member portion may be carried out using engagement elements that are respectively formed on the one or more radially expandable elements and the second securing member portion. For example, the engagement elements may be in the form of mating screw threads, or in the form of male and female abutment surfaces (such as a projection and a receptacle) respectively.

The first securing member portion may include an abutment member that is movable to selectively engage the one or more radially expandable elements to force its radial movement and disengage from the one or more radially expandable elements to permit the one or more radially expandable elements to return to its original position. Such an abutment member may be tapered. The tapered shape of the abutment member provides a reliable means for enabling the abutment member to move to engage the one or more radially expandable elements to force its radial movement and disengage from the one or more radially expandable elements to permit the one or more radially expandable elements to return to its original position.

In embodiments of the invention employing the abutment member, the second securing member portion may include a biasing element (such as a resilient element, e.g. a spring) that is configured to apply a biasing force to push the abutment member in a direction towards the first securing member portion and away from the second securing member portion.

The provision of the biasing element in the second securing member portion not only provides a retention force to maintain the engagement between the abutment member and the one or more radially expandable elements when the securing member portions are connected to each other but also provides a thrusting force to aid the separation of the securing member portions when they are disconnected from each other.

In further embodiments of the invention, the securing device may include a plurality of attachment assemblies. Each attachment assembly may be configured to attach a respective one of the securing member portions to the respective collar member. The structure of the attachment assembly may vary so long as the securing member portions are configured to be coaxially connectable to each other to secure the collar members to each other at or towards their other second ends and to be coaxially disconnectable from each other to permit separation of the second ends of the collar members.

One non-limiting example of such an attachment assembly is a trunnion assembly. The use of trunnion assemblies as the attachment assemblies provides a reliable means of attaching the securing member portions to the respective collar members in a manner that is compatible with the coaxial connection and disconnection of the securing member portions taking place in the same plane as the pivotal movement of the collar members relative to each other. The use of trunnion assemblies as the attachment assemblies also enables the securing member portions to be housed within the respective collar members, thus permitting a more compact structural configuration of the collar that provides protection for the securing member portions.

In still further embodiments of the invention, the securing device may include a support structure, and each attachment assembly may be arranged to be slidably movable within a respective guide slot of the support structure. The guide slots may be arranged in the support structure so that the attachment assemblies may be slidable in the respective guide slots towards each other to connect the securing member portions to each other and so that the attachment assemblies may be slidable in the respective guide slots away from each other when the securing member portions are disconnected from each other. Preferably each guide slot may be oriented at a non-zero angle, i.e. inclined, with respect to a horizontal line passing through the support structure.

The provision of the guide slots in the support structure not only guides the pivotal movement of the collar members to separate the second ends of the collar members following disconnection of the securing member portions but also holds the open collar to prevent it from being damaged due to a fall.

In embodiments of the invention, the securing device may include an actuation mechanism operably coupled to the securing member. The actuation mechanism may include a driving assembly configured to, in use, drive the securing member to coaxially disconnect the securing member portions from each other. Preferably the driving assembly is configured to, in use, mechanically drive the securing member to coaxially disconnect the securing member portions from each other.

The provision of an actuation mechanism for driving the coaxial disconnection of the securing member portions allows selective operation of the securing device to open the collar in order to separate the first and second objects and thereby provides active control over the timing of the opening of the collar. This may be used to, for example, configure the securing device as a quick disconnect device for carrying out quick disconnection of first and second fluid conduit sections on demand.

The actuation mechanism may be configured to permit remote operation of the securing device from a remote location, such as a ship or shore-based control room. This is particularly beneficial in circumstances where it is difficult or inconvenient for a user to access the securing device, e.g. due to its distant location or due to the presence of one or more hazards in the vicinity of the securing device, or where it is not safe for a user to be in the vicinity of the securing device during and after the opening of the collar, e.g. due to the motion of the securing device and/orthe motion of either or both of the objects during and after the opening of the collar.

The actuation mechanism may be operated under a range of circumstances, examples of which are set out as follows.

In a first example, the actuation mechanism may be operated when personnel or sensors determine that it is no longer safe or desirable to continue clamping the objects together.

In a second example, the actuation mechanism may be operated when sensors detect an abnormal condition of, or associated with, the objects. Such an abnormal condition may be a load applied to the objects that exceeds a predetermined limit or rating.

In a third example, the actuation mechanism may be operated when it is desirable to perform maintenance, repair or servicing of the objects.

There are different ways of driving the securing member to perform the coaxial disconnection of the securing member portions.

In a first exemplary way, the driving assembly may include a hydraulic actuator configured to, in use, hydraulically drive the securing member to coaxially disconnect the securing member portions from each other.

in a second exemplary way, the driving assembly may include a pneumatic actuator configured to, in use, pneumatically drive the securing member to coaxially disconnect the securing member portions from each other.

In embodiments of the invention employing a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, the first securing member portion may include a piston and a chamber. The piston may be operably coupled to the abutment member. The piston may be housed within the chamber so that a change in hydraulic or pneumatic pressure inside the chamber enables displacement of the piston to move the abutment member to selectively engage the one or more radially expandable elements and disengage from the one or more radially expandable elements. In further embodiments of the invention, the securing member may be configured to permit coaxial reconnection of the securing member portions following disconnection of the securing member portions. This enables the securing member to be reset to its coaxially connected configuration, thus allowing the securing member to be reused following the disconnection.

In still further embodiments of the invention, the collar may include a joint assembly that interconnects the collar members at or towards their first ends. The joint assembly may be configured to apply a pulling force to the first ends of the collar members.

The application of a pulling force to the first ends of the collar members aids the pivotable movement of the collar members relative to each other to enhance the separation of the second ends of the collar members. This improves the opening of the collar by reducing the risk of insufficient separation of the second ends of the collar members, which may prevent the successful separation of the first and second objects.

In such embodiments, the joint assembly may include a joint member that is configured to be under tension when the collar members are secured to each other at or towards their other second ends. While the second ends of the collar members are secured to each other via the securing member, the joint member is pre-tensioned so as to enable the immediate application of a pulling force to the first ends of the collar members on disconnection of the securing member portions. This improves the reliability and speed of opening the collar and thereby improves the reliability and speed of separating the objects, which is particularly beneficial in quick disconnect applications.

The joint member of the invention may take any shape but is preferably an elongate member. The securing member of the invention may take any shape but is preferably an elongate member. The elongate member may be a bolt, stud, pin or bar.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a fluid conduit assembly comprising first and second fluid conduit sections and the securing device according to any one of the embodiments of the invention described hereinabove wherein the collar is configured to clamp the first and second fluid conduit sections together when the collar members are secured to each other at or towards their other second ends, and wherein the collar is configured to permit separation of the first and second fluid conduit sections from each other when the second ends of the collar members are separated from each other.

In use, the fluid conduit assembly transports a fluid from one location to another location. Such fluids include liquids and gases, particularly liquid natural gas, petrochemicals and hydrocarbons.

The provision of the collar in the fluid conduit assembly enables the first and second fluid conduit sections to be securely clamped together during the transportation of fluid through the fluid conduit assembly, and enables the fluid conduit sections to be readily disconnected from each other through the coaxial disconnection of the securing member portions and the subsequent pivotal movement of the collar members relative to each other. The disconnection of the fluid conduit sections may take place under normal operating conditions (such as completion of a fluid transfer process) or under emergency operating conditions (such as the fluid conduit sections being exposed to unexpected loads beyond its allowable load rating).

The features and advantages of the securing device of the invention and its embodiments apply mutatis mutandis to the fluid conduit assembly of the further aspect of the invention and its embodiments.

In embodiments of the invention, the collar may be configured to clamp respective flanges of the first and second fluid conduit sections together when the collar members are secured to each other at or towards their other second ends. The provision of the pivotable collar members not only enables the securing device to securely clamp the flanges of the first and second fluid conduit sections together but also permits the opening of the collar to release the flanges in order to achieve quick disconnection of the first and second fluid conduit sections.

In further embodiments of the invention, the fluid conduit assembly may include at least one shut-off valve located within a hollow bore of at least one of the fluid conduit sections, the or each shut-off valve including a valve member movable between a valve open position and a valve closed position in which the valve member shuts off the flow of a flowable material through the hollow bore, the or each valve member configured to move to its valve closed position on separation of the fluid conduit sections. Furthermore, the fluid conduit assembly may include: a first shut-off valve located within a hollow bore of the first fluid conduit section; and a second shut-off valve located within a hollow bore of the second fluid conduit section.

The provision of the or each shut-off valve to close off the hollow bore on separation of the fluid conduit sections ensures little to no fluid spillage when the securing device is used to carry out quick disconnection of the fluid conduit sections.

The or each valve member may be biased to move to its valve closed position on separation of the fluid conduit sections. Alternatively the or each valve member may be controllable, e.g. using an actuator, to move to its valve closed position on separation of the fluid conduit sections.

The invention is applicable to a wide range of shut-off valves, the structure and configuration of which may vary to optimise the design of the fluid conduit assembly in terms of, for example, effective length, size, weight and costs. Non-limiting examples of such shut-off valves are described elsewhere in this specification.

The securing device of the invention is applicable to a wide range of fluid conduit assemblies that require the connection and disconnection of separate fluid conduit sections. In addition, the invention is applicable to a wide range of fluid conduit sections, the structure and configuration of which may vary. Non-limiting examples of such fluid conduit sections are described as follows and elsewhere in this specification.

One of the first and second fluid conduit sections may be the upstream fluid conduit section, and the other of the first and second fluid conduit sections may be the downstream fluid conduit section.

The first and second fluid conduit sections may be directly secured to each other. Alternatively, the fluid conduit sections may be indirectly secured to each other. For example, the first and second fluid conduit sections may be secured to each other via one or more additional fluid conduit sections placed between the first and second fluid conduit sections.

Each of the first and second fluid conduit sections may form part of, or may be connectable to, a flexible fluid conduit such as a hose. Alternatively, each of the first and second fluid conduit sections may form part of, or may be connectable to, a rigid fluid conduit such as a pipeline or manifold (e.g. a tanker manifold). Further alternatively, one of the first and second fluid conduit sections may form part of, or may be connectable to, a flexible fluid conduit and the other of the first and second fluid conduit sections may form part of, or may be connectable to, a rigid fluid conduit.

In still further embodiments of the invention, the fluid conduit assembly may include a fluid capture device arranged beneath the first and second fluid conduit sections for collecting any fluid spillage from the first and second fluid conduit sections when they are separated.

The inclusion of the fluid capture device (such as a container) in the fluid conduit assembly ensures that any fluid spillage from the first and second fluid conduit sections is safely collected, even during an unplanned disconnection of the first and second fluid sections due to an emergency.

It will be appreciated that the use of the terms "first" and "second", and the like, in this patent specification may be used to help distinguish between similar features (e.g. the first and second objects, the first and second fluid conduit sections, the first and second fluid conduits), and is not intended to indicate the relative importance of one feature over another feature, unless otherwise specified.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic form in the interests of clarity and conciseness.

The following embodiment of the invention is described with reference to a quick disconnect fluid conduit assembly comprising a tanker manifold and a flexible hose, but it will be appreciated that the following embodiment of the invention is applicable mutatis mutandis to other types of fluid conduit assemblies comprising rigid fluid conduits, flexible fluid conduits or a combination of rigid and flexible fluid conduits. Furthermore, the following embodiment of the invention is applicable mutatis mutandis to other applications requiring the releasable clamping of other types of objects.

A fluid conduit assembly according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and is designated generally by the reference numeral <NUM>.

The fluid conduit assembly <NUM> comprises first and second fluid conduits <NUM>,<NUM> and a securing device <NUM>. In use, the fluid conduit assembly <NUM> transports a fluid from one location to another location.

The first fluid conduit <NUM> is in the form of a flexible hose <NUM>. The second fluid conduit <NUM> is in the form of a tanker manifold <NUM>. In order to transfer a fluid from the tanker manifold <NUM> to the flexible hose <NUM>, a first fluid conduit section <NUM> connected to an end of the flexible hose <NUM> is brought into abutting engagement with a second fluid conduit section <NUM> connected to an end of the tanker manifold <NUM>. The connection of the first and second fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> to the flexible hose <NUM> and tanker manifold <NUM> respectively may be achieved using a wide range of fasteners, such as bolt fasteners and camlock couplers.

Each of the first and second fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> define a respective hollow bore along which flowable material may flow.

An abutment end of each of the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> is formed to define a flange <NUM> extending about its circumference, and the flanges <NUM> define opposed contact surfaces which on abutment of the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> are brought into abutting engagement.

In the first fluid conduit section <NUM>, the flange <NUM> surrounds a cross-sectional face that is shaped to include an annular recess <NUM> that is wider in diameter than the hollow bore so that the cross-sectional face defines a female connecting face. In the second fluid conduit section <NUM>, the flange <NUM> surrounds a cross-sectional face that is shaped to include an annular protrusion <NUM> formed around the hollow bore so that the cross-sectional face defines a male connecting face. The female and male connecting faces are brought into mating engagement by receiving the annular protrusion <NUM> of the second fluid conduit section <NUM> within the annular recess <NUM> of the first fluid conduit section <NUM>.

A first O-ring seal is situated in grooves that are respectively formed on the opposing contact surfaces of the flanges <NUM>. Second and third O-ring seals are situated in grooves formed in an outer circumference of the annular protrusion <NUM> so that, when the female and male connecting faces are brought into abutting engagement, the second and third O-ring seals engage an inner circumference of the annular recess <NUM>. Each seal may be an elastomer O-ring seal.

A respective FLlP-FLAP™ shut-off valve <NUM> is located within the hollow bore of each fluid conduit section, and each shut-off valve <NUM> includes a shut-off valve member movable between a valve open position and a valve closed position. In the valve open position, each shut-off valve member bisects the hollow bore of the respective fluid conduit section to permit flowable material to flow along the hollow bore. In the valve closed position, the shut-off valve member sealingly engages against a valve seat defined about the circumference of the respective fluid conduit section and shuts off the flow of a flowable material through the hollow bore.

Each shut-off valve member is biased to move to its valve closed position on separation of the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM>. Each shut-off valve member is mounted on a pivot shaft and is biased to move to its valve closed position by means of a spring. The spring preferably includes contra wound spring portions mounted on opposite ends of the pivot shaft and engaged with the shut-off valve members so as to bias each of the shut-off valve members towards the valve closed position.

The shut-off valves <NUM> are located in the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> in opposed configurations such that, whilst the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> are secured to each other, the opposing shut-off valve members interleave with each other when they are in their valve open positions. This engagement allows each shut-off valve member to oppose movement of the other shut-off valve member until separation of the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> moves the shut-off valve members out of engagement with each other and the bias provided by the springs causes the shut-off valve members to move to their valve closed positions.

Since the first and second fluid sections are respectively fluidly coupled to the tanker manifold <NUM> and hose <NUM>, bringing the first and second fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> into abutment fluidly interconnects the tanker manifold <NUM> and flexible hose <NUM>. More specifically, connecting the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> to each other permits fluid to be dispensed from the tanker manifold <NUM> to the hose <NUM>, and disconnecting the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> from each other fluidly disconnects the tanker manifold <NUM> from the hose <NUM>.

In use, the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> may be subject to an applied static or dynamic load, force or bending moment that causes relative axial movement between the connected fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM>. In turn, the relative axial movement between the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> may adversely affect the fluid transmission performance of the fluid conduit assembly <NUM> that is reliant on a secure interconnection of the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM>.

To ensure that the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> are securely connected to each other, the securing device <NUM> is used to clamp the flanges <NUM> of the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> together. The securing device <NUM> comprises a collar <NUM>. The collar <NUM> includes a releasable securing member <NUM> and a joint assembly. The structure of the securing device <NUM> is described as follows with reference to <FIG>.

In use, the collar <NUM> is closed to clamp the flanges <NUM> together in order to secure the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> to each other, and the collar <NUM> is opened to release the flanges <NUM> in order to permit separation of the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> from each other.

The collar <NUM> includes a pair of collar members <NUM> that are arranged around the flanges <NUM> of the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM>. internal profiles of the collar members <NUM> are shaped to correspond to outer profiles of the flanges <NUM> to enable the collar members <NUM> to provide effective clamping of the flanges <NUM> when the collar <NUM> is closed.

The joint assembly includes a joint member <NUM> in the form of a stud that interconnects first ends of the collar members <NUM>. More specifically, a first end of the stud is mounted onto a trunnion assembly <NUM> that is housed within a first end of a first collar member <NUM>, and a second end of the stud is mounted onto another trunnion assembly <NUM> that is housed within a first end of a second collar member <NUM>. By using the trunnion assemblies <NUM> to connect the ends of the stud to the first ends of the collar members <NUM>, each collar member <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the other collar member <NUM> at their first ends so as to allow pivotable movement of the collar members <NUM> relative to each other, and the joint member <NUM> is housed within the first ends of the collar members <NUM> to provide protection for the joint member <NUM>. When the collar <NUM> is closed, the joint member <NUM> may be configured to be held under tension to apply a pulling force to the first ends of the collar members <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the releasable securing member <NUM>. The releasable securing member <NUM> includes a pair of securing member portions that are in the form of bolt and nut portions <NUM>,<NUM> respectively. The bolt and nut portions <NUM>,<NUM> are configured to be coaxially connectable to each other to secure the second ends of the collar members <NUM> to each other, and are also configured to be coaxially disconnectable from each other to permit separation of the second ends of the collar members <NUM>. The coaxial connection and disconnection of the bolt and nut portions <NUM>,<NUM> are described in detail below.

The bolt portion <NUM> includes a bolt head <NUM>, a body <NUM> and a split shaft <NUM>, with the body <NUM> connected between the bolt head <NUM> and the split shaft <NUM>. A hollow bore extends throughout the bolt portion <NUM> from end to end so that the hollow bore extends through the bolt head <NUM>, body <NUM> and split shaft <NUM>.

The split shaft <NUM> includes a plurality of arms that are circumferentially arranged about the hollow bore of the bolt portion <NUM>. Each arm is configured as a cantilevered arm with a first end defining a fixed end attached to the body and with a second end defining a free end <NUM>. Each arm is separated from the neighbouring arms by respective gaps extending along both sides of the arm. In this way the split shaft <NUM> is configured as a plurality of cantilevered arms, each of which is radially deflectable outwards.

The hollow bore of the bolt portion <NUM> includes first and second bolt bore sections <NUM>,<NUM>. The first bolt bore section <NUM> extends through the bolt head <NUM> and partway through the body <NUM>. The second bolt bore section <NUM> extends partway through the body <NUM> and through the split shaft <NUM>. The first bolt bore section <NUM> is wider than the second bolt bore section <NUM> and the first and second bolt bore sections <NUM>,<NUM> are interconnected within the body <NUM> so that a first annular radial shoulder is formed at the interconnection of the first and second bolt bore sections <NUM>,<NUM>.

A rod <NUM> is located inside the hollow bore of the bolt portion <NUM>.

A first end of the rod <NUM> defines a rod head <NUM> that is dimensioned to be slidably movable inside the first bolt bore section <NUM>, with an O-ring seal providing a sealing engagement between the rod head <NUM> and an inner wall of the first bolt bore section <NUM>. The O-ring seal sits inside a circumferential groove that is formed on an outer surface of the rod head <NUM>. An open end of the first bolt bore section <NUM> defines a port <NUM> of the bolt portion <NUM>. A space between the port <NUM> and the rod head <NUM> defines a chamber <NUM> of the bolt portion <NUM>. In use, the chamber <NUM> may contain a hydraulic fluid.

A second end of the rod <NUM> defines a rod shaft <NUM> that is dimensioned to be slidably movable inside the second bolt bore section <NUM> and to extend past the free ends <NUM> of the cantilevered arms. A conical plug <NUM> is attached, using a securing nut <NUM>, to the part of the rod shaft <NUM> extending past the free ends <NUM> of the cantilevered arms. A taper direction of an outer surface of the conical plug <NUM> is defined so that sliding the rod shaft <NUM> towards the bolt head <NUM> inserts the conical plug <NUM> into the second bolt bore section <NUM> to force the cantilevered arms to radially deflect outwards and so that sliding the rod shaft <NUM> away from the bolt head <NUM> removes the conical plug <NUM> from the second bolt bore section <NUM> to allow the cantilevered arms to move radially inwards to return to their original undeflected positions. The free ends <NUM> of the cantilevered arms are configured to form a counterbore that is wider than the second bolt bore section so that a second annular radial shoulder is formed at the interconnection of the second bolt bore section <NUM> and the counterbore. The conical plug includes a plug head <NUM> that is configured to engage the second annular radial shoulder when the conical plug <NUM> is fully inserted into the second bolt bore section <NUM>.

In use, the rod <NUM> is slidable inside the hollow bore of the bolt portion <NUM> in a first direction away from the bolt head <NUM> and towards the split shaft <NUM> until the rod head <NUM> abuts the first annular radial shoulder, and the rod <NUM> is slidable inside the hollow bore of the bolt portion <NUM> in a second direction away from the split shaft <NUM> and towards the bolt head <NUM> until the conical plug <NUM> is fully inserted into the second bolt bore section <NUM> and the plug head <NUM> engages the second annular radial shoulder.

In this manner the rod <NUM> is configured as a piston that is slidably movable inside the hollow bore of the bolt portion <NUM> to enable selective outward radial deflection of the cantilevered arms.

An external screw thread is formed on an outer surface of the free end <NUM> of each cantilevered arm, as shown in <FIG>.

An optional cylindrical tubular cover <NUM> is fastened to the body <NUM> to form a housing around the split shaft <NUM> to not only protect the plurality of arms but also limit the outward radial deflection of each arm.

The nut portion <NUM> includes a nut shaft having first and second ends <NUM>,<NUM>, with the second end <NUM> having an external screw thread. The nut portion <NUM> has a hollow bore extending from end to end, with the hollow bore including first and second nut bore sections <NUM>,<NUM>. The first nut bore section <NUM> extends partway through the first end <NUM> of the nut shaft. The second nut bore portion <NUM> extends partway through the first end <NUM> of the nut shaft and extends through the second end <NUM> of the nut shaft. The first nut bore section <NUM> is wider than the second nut bore section <NUM> and the first and second nut bore sections <NUM>,<NUM> are interconnected within the nut shaft so that a third annular radial shoulder is formed at the interconnection of the first and second nut bore sections <NUM>,<NUM>. A spring <NUM> is housed within the first nut bore section <NUM> so that one end of the spring engages the third annual radial shoulder. A washer <NUM> is attached to the other end of the spring <NUM>. An annular circlip <NUM> is arranged inside the first nut bore section <NUM> to be offset from an open end of the first nut bore section <NUM> in order to retain the spring <NUM> and washer <NUM> inside the first nut bore section <NUM>.

An internal screw thread is formed on an inner surface of the first nut bore section <NUM>, where the internal screw thread is configured to matingly correspond to the external screw thread on the outer surfaces of the free ends <NUM> of the cantilevered arms.

An optional grease nipple <NUM> is inserted into an open end of the second nut bore section <NUM>.

To coaxially connect the bolt and nut portions <NUM>,<NUM>, the conical plug <NUM> is inserted into the second bolt bore section <NUM> to force the cantilevered arms to radially deflect outwards so that the external screw thread on the outer surfaces of the free ends <NUM> of the cantilevered arms is parallelly aligned with the internal screw thread on the inner surface of the first nut bore section <NUM>. The free ends <NUM> of the cantilevered arms are then inserted into the open end of the first nut bore section <NUM> by screwing the bolt and nut portions <NUM>,<NUM> together so that the external screw thread on the outer surfaces of the free ends <NUM> of the cantilevered arms is in mating engagement with the internal screw thread on the inner surface of the first nut bore section <NUM>. As a result, the free ends <NUM> of the cantilevered arms are housed inside the first nut bore section <NUM> and the securing nut <NUM> abuts the washer <NUM>. A biasing force applied by the spring <NUM> causes the washer <NUM> to push against the securing nut <NUM> and conical plug <NUM> in order to help retain the conical plug <NUM> inside the second bolt bore section <NUM> so that the cantilevered arms maintain their outward radial deflections. In this way the bolt and nut portions <NUM>,<NUM> are locked together to complete the coaxial connection of the bolt and nut portions <NUM>,<NUM>. <FIG> show the bolt and nut portions <NUM>,<NUM> in a coaxially connected configuration.

To coaxially disconnect the bolt and nut portions <NUM>,<NUM>, a hydraulic pressure inside the chamber <NUM> of the bolt portion <NUM> is increased so that the hydraulic fluid displaces the rod head <NUM> to push the rod <NUM> in the first direction away from the bolt head <NUM> and towards the split shaft <NUM>. This not only causes the conical plug <NUM> to exit the second bolt bore section <NUM> to allow the cantilevered arms to move radially inwards to return to their original undeflected positions but also causes the securing nut <NUM> and conical plug <NUM> to push against the washer <NUM> to compress the spring <NUM>. As a result, the free ends <NUM> of the cantilevered arms disengage from the inner wall of the first nut bore section <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The compressed spring <NUM> then applies a biasing force that causes the washer <NUM> to push against the securing nut <NUM> and conical plug <NUM>. Since the free ends <NUM> of the cantilevered arms are disengaged from the inner wall of the first nut bore section <NUM>, the bolt and nut portions <NUM>,<NUM> are able to separate from each other to complete the coaxial disconnection of the bolt and nut portions <NUM>,<NUM>. <FIG> show the bolt and nut portions <NUM>,<NUM> in a coaxially disconnected configuration.

A first of the securing member portions is mounted onto a trunnion assembly <NUM> that is housed within a second end of the first collar member <NUM>, and a second of the securing member portions is mounted onto another trunnion assembly <NUM> that is housed within a second end of the first collar member <NUM>. More specifically, a securing nut <NUM> may be used to secure the bolt portion <NUM> to the corresponding trunnion assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and the external screw thread on the second end <NUM> of the nut shaft allows the nut portion <NUM> to be secured to the corresponding trunnion assembly <NUM> by using a securing nut <NUM> on the external screw thread as shown in <FIG>. In other embodiments, it is envisaged that the nut portion <NUM> is secured to the corresponding trunnion assembly <NUM> by mating the external screw thread with an internal screw thread in the corresponding trunnion assembly <NUM>. By using the trunnion assemblies <NUM> to connect the securing member portions to the second ends of the collar members <NUM>, the securing member <NUM> is housed within the second ends of the collar members <NUM> to provide protection for the securing member <NUM>.

The securing device <NUM> further includes a support cage <NUM> mounted on the tanker manifold <NUM> adjacent to the collar <NUM>.

Each trunnion assembly <NUM> at the first end of the respective collar member <NUM> is fixedly attached to slots formed in a lower end of the support cage <NUM>.

Each trunnion assembly <NUM> at the second end of the respective collar member <NUM> is arranged to be slidably movable within guide slots <NUM> formed in an upper end of the support cage <NUM>. Each guide slot <NUM> is oriented at a non-zero angle, i.e. inclined, with respect to a horizontal line passing through the support cage <NUM> so that proximal ends of the guide slots <NUM> located near a centreline of the support cage <NUM> are positioned to be higher than distal ends of the guide slots <NUM> located away from the centreline. To connect the securing member portions to each other, the trunnion assemblies <NUM> are slidable in the respective guide slots <NUM> upwards and towards each other. When the securing member portions are disconnected from each other, the trunnion assemblies <NUM> are slidable in the respective guide slots <NUM> downwards and away from each other.

The securing device <NUM> further includes an actuation mechanism having a hydraulic driving assembly that includes a hydraulic actuator (not shown) capable of selectively controlling the flow of a volume of hydraulic fluid (e.g. oil) under pressure (not shown). The hydraulic actuator is hydraulically connected via a hydraulic line to the port <NUM> of the bolt portion <NUM> of the securing device <NUM>. This enables the hydraulic actuator to, in use, increase a hydraulic pressure in the chamber <NUM> of the bolt portion <NUM> of the securing device <NUM> in order to coaxially disconnect the securing member portions from each other.

The actuation mechanism enables remote operation of the hydraulic driving assembly to hydraulically drive the securing device <NUM> to actively control the coaxial disconnection of the securing member portions from each other, which in turn improves safety and reduces operational time by removing the need for personnel to directly access the securing device <NUM> during and after the opening of the collar <NUM>, and obviates the costs of providing and operating additional infrastructure and equipment required to directly access the securing device <NUM>.

The actuation mechanism could, for example, be operated when:.

It is envisaged that, in other embodiments of the invention, the hydraulic driving assembly may be replaced by a pneumatic driving assembly that includes a pneumatic actuator capable of selectively controlling the flow of a volume of air under pressure (not shown). The pneumatic actuator is pneumatically connected via a pneumatic line to the port <NUM> of the bolt portion <NUM> of the securing device <NUM>. This enables the pneumatic actuator to, in use, increase a pneumatic pressure in the chamber <NUM> of the bolt portion <NUM> of the securing device <NUM> in order to coaxially disconnect the securing member portions from each other.

It is envisaged that the actuation mechanism could be operated remotely from a ship or shore-based control room. It is also envisaged that each hydraulic actuator may include a stab plate or a tail hose <NUM> to enable remote operation of the actuation mechanism.

It is also envisaged that the actuation mechanism could be operated locally, e.g. by using a local control unit in the vicinity of the actuation mechanism. The local control unit may include a hydraulic power unit (or a pneumatic power unit as the case may be). The local control unit may be sized to be portable, e.g. like a briefcase, so that it can be easily carried by a human operator.

An operation of the securing device <NUM> to carry out connection and disconnection of the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> is described with reference to <FIG>.

The tanker manifold <NUM> is located on a deck of a ship. The hose <NUM> extends from the point of connection with the tanker manifold <NUM> towards and over the edge of the ship. It will be appreciated that the hose <NUM> may stay completely above the deck instead of hanging over the edge of the ship. The position of the tanker manifold <NUM> is fixed relative to the deck while the position of the hose <NUM> may vary relative to the ship due to its susceptibility to movement caused by wave motion or fluid pressure within the hose <NUM>. Hose <NUM> saddles and cradles may be used to stabilise the position of the hose <NUM>.

For the purpose of illustrating how the securing device <NUM> works, crude oil is used as the fluid transferred from the tanker manifold <NUM> to the hose <NUM>. During the transfer of crude oil through the tanker manifold <NUM> and hose <NUM>, the securing member portions are coaxially connected to each other so that the collar <NUM> securely clamps the flanges <NUM> of the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> together in order to ensure that the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> stay connected under dynamic internal fluid pressure and external bending loads. When the second ends of the collar members <NUM> are secured to each other via the securing member <NUM>, the trunnion assemblies <NUM> at the second ends of the collar members <NUM> are located at the proximal ends of the respective guide slots <NUM>, and the joint member <NUM> is pre-tensioned to apply a pulling force to the first ends of the collar members <NUM>.

<FIG> show a connected state of the fluid conduit assembly <NUM> in which the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> are connected. <FIG> show front and bottom views of the securing device <NUM> in the connected state of the fluid conduit assembly <NUM>, and <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view along lines A-A of <FIG>. <FIG> show perspective and cutaway perspective views of the connected state of the fluid conduit assembly <NUM>.

Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to disconnect the hose <NUM> from the tanker manifold <NUM>. Examples of such circumstances are described elsewhere throughout the specification.

To initiate the disconnection of the hose <NUM> from the tanker manifold <NUM>, a control signal is sent from a remote or local control unit to the hydraulic driving assembly, which then operates the hydraulic actuator to increase a hydraulic pressure in the chamber <NUM> of the bolt portion <NUM> of the securing device <NUM>. When the hydraulic pressure in the chamber <NUM> of the bolt portion <NUM> of the securing device <NUM> reaches a target pressure threshold, the securing member portions are driven to coaxially disconnect from each other. The speed of disconnection of the securing member portions may be proportional to the speed of the hydraulic actuation, the amount of hydraulic pressure inside the chamber <NUM> of the bolt portion <NUM> and any load applied to the securing member <NUM>. Disconnection speeds under <NUM> second are possible.

Following the disconnection of the securing member portions from each other, the collar members <NUM> are permitted to pivot about the respective trunnion assemblies <NUM> at their respective first ends to separate the second ends of the collar members <NUM>. During the pivotal movement of the collar members <NUM>, the trunnion assemblies <NUM> at the second ends of the collar members <NUM> slide towards the distal ends of the respective guide slots <NUM> downwards and away from each other. The pulling force applied by the pre-tensioned joint member <NUM> to the first ends of the collar members <NUM> aids the pivotable movement of the collar members <NUM> relative to each other to separate the second ends of the collar members <NUM>. Since the trunnion assemblies <NUM>,<NUM> are attached to the upper and lower ends of the support cage <NUM>, the open collar <NUM> is held by the support cage <NUM> to prevent it from falling onto the deck, which otherwise might cause damage to the collar <NUM> and deck.

The separation of the second ends of the collar members <NUM> provides sufficient clearance between the collar members <NUM> and the flanges <NUM> so that the flanges <NUM> are released from the collar <NUM> and the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> are permitted to separate from each other. The relatively short length of the annular protrusion <NUM> of the second fluid conduit section <NUM> and the weight of the first fluid conduit section <NUM> allows the first fluid conduit section <NUM> and hose <NUM> to fall away from the second fluid conduit section <NUM> and tanker manifold <NUM>. A bump ring <NUM> mounted on the first fluid conduit section <NUM> provides the first fluid conduit section <NUM> and hose <NUM> with protection against impact when they fall away from the second fluid conduit section <NUM> and tanker manifold <NUM>.

The disconnection of the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> results in disengagement of the shut-off valves <NUM> from each other, which in turn enables the bias provided by the springs to cause the shut-off valve members to move to their valve closed positions. The shut-off valves <NUM> are arranged so that, during the disconnection of the first and second fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM>, the closure of the shut-off valves <NUM> take place before the O-ring seals stop providing a sealing engagement between the first and second fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM>. This results in a crude oil spillage volume that is less than or equal to the volume between the two closed shut-off valves <NUM>. A crude oil spill tank <NUM> is located underneath the first and second fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> to collect any crude oil spillage resulting from the disconnection of the first and second fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM>.

<FIG> show a disconnected state of the fluid conduit assembly <NUM> in which the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> are disconnected. <FIG> shows a front view of the securing device <NUM> in the disconnected state of the fluid conduit assembly <NUM>, and <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view along lines A-A of <FIG>. <FIG> show perspective and cutaway perspective views of the disconnected state of the fluid conduit assembly <NUM>.

Thereafter, if required, the first and second fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> may be reconnected by bringing the flanges <NUM> of the first and second fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> into abutting engagement, positioning the collar members <NUM> around the flanges <NUM> and then closing the collar <NUM> to securely clamp the flanges <NUM> together by releasing the hydraulic pressure in the chamber <NUM> of the bolt portion <NUM>, coaxially reconnecting the securing member portions, and mounting the reassembled securing member <NUM> onto the trunnion assemblies <NUM> by reattaching the securing nuts <NUM>,<NUM> and applying a torque to the securing nuts <NUM>,<NUM>, preferably using a spanner or wrench.

The configuration of the collar members <NUM>, securing member <NUM> and trunnion assemblies <NUM>,<NUM> in the securing device <NUM> therefore enables the coaxial connection and disconnection of the securing member portions to take place in the same plane as the pivotable movement of the collar members <NUM> relative to each other. This not only allows for a more compact structural configuration of the collar members <NUM> and securing member <NUM> but also reduces the space required to accommodate the closing and opening of the collar <NUM>, thus permitting the use of the securing device <NUM> in narrower spaces. Furthermore, since the coaxial connection and disconnection of the securing member portions take place in the same plane as the pivotable movement of the collar members <NUM> relative to each other, the second ends of the collar members <NUM> can be secured to each other or separated in a smooth motion with minimal displacement and movement.

The securing device <NUM> not only enables the performance of quick connection and disconnection of the tanker manifold <NUM> and hose <NUM> on demand, but also provides another point of disconnection in a fluid transmission system that provides increased assurance with regards to protecting assets, personnel and the environment during or prior to adverse conditions or an emergency, such as bad weather or a fire incident.

Other optional features of the fluid conduit assembly of the invention are described as follows and elsewhere in this specification.

In the embodiment shown, the securing device <NUM> is used as a quick disconnect coupling. It is envisaged that, in other embodiments of the invention, the securing device may be used as or in a breakaway coupling (such as a marine breakaway coupling) or a release coupling (such as an emergency release coupling).

In the embodiment shown, a common axis extending along the lengths of the hollow bores of the fluid conduit sections <NUM>,<NUM> is oriented along a horizontal plane. It will be appreciated that the invention is applicable mutatis mutandis to fluid conduit assemblies in which the common axis extending along the lengths of the hollow bores of the fluid conduit sections is oriented along a different plane, such as a vertical plane or a plane that is inclined with respect of the horizontal and vertical planes.

The collar members may be made out of carbon steel. The trunnion assemblies may be made out of stainless steel. The securing member and joint member may be made out of stainless steel and/or aluminium bronze.

The joint member of the invention may take any shape but is preferably an elongate member. The securing member of the invention may take any shape but is preferably an elongate member. The elongate member may be a bolt, pin or bar.

In the embodiment shown, the securing member is configured as a two-piece securing member that consists of a pair of securing member portions. In other embodiments, the securing member may include three or more securing member portions.

Each of the first and second fluid conduit sections may form part of, or may be connectable to, a flexible fluid conduit. Alternatively, each of the first and second fluid conduit sections may form part of, or may be connectable to, a rigid fluid conduit. Further alternatively, one of the first and second fluid conduit sections may form part of, or may be connectable to, a flexible fluid conduit and the other of the first and second fluid conduit sections may form part of, or may be connectable to, a rigid fluid conduit.

Each fluid conduit or each fluid conduit section may have a fixed or variable position.

In embodiments of the invention, one of the first and second fluid conduit sections may be the upstream fluid conduit section, and the other of the first and second fluid conduit sections may be the downstream fluid conduit section.

in the embodiment shown, the shut-off valve arrangement is referred to by the applicant as a FLIP-FLAP™ valve arrangement, examples of which are described in <CIT>. It is envisaged that, in other embodiments of the invention, the shut-off valve arrangement may be replaced by other shut-off valve arrangements, including a valve arrangement referred to by the applicant as a PETAL VALVE™ arrangement (such as described in <CIT> and <CIT>) and a sleeve-based valve arrangement (such as described in <CIT>).

An exemplary PETAL VALVE™ arrangement is described as follows.

A respective shut-off valve in the form of a PETAL VALVE™ valve is located within the hollow bore of each fluid conduit section. Each shut-off valve includes a plurality of petal elements, each of which has a pivot member and a valve member. It will be understood that each shut-off valve may include any number of petal elements. The plurality of petal elements may be identical in shape and/or size, or may differ from each other in terms of their shapes and/or sizes.

The valve member of each petal element is pivotally movable relative to the hollow bore via the respective pivot member that is pivotally mounted to an inner wall of the respective fluid conduit section. Each petal element is rotatable between a fully retracted position which corresponds to a valve open position of the corresponding shut-off valve, and a fully extended position which corresponds to a valve closed position of the corresponding shut-off valve. In the valve closed position of each shut-off valve, all the valve members abut one another to form a cone which faces or opposes the direction of flow of the flowable material along the fluid conduit assembly. For each shut-off valve, the apex of the cone defines a meeting point for all the petal elements when the shut-off valve is in the valve closed position. It will be appreciated that the edge of one or more of the petal elements may optionally include a seal formed thereon.

An exemplary sleeve-based valve arrangement is described as follows.

The fluid conduit assembly further includes an internal sleeve arranged within the fluid conduit sections. When the fluid conduit sections are secured to each other, the internal sleeve is arranged to push against both shut-off valves so that their petal elements are in their fully retracted positions and the shut-off valves are in their valve open positions. When the fluid conduit sections separate from each other, the internal sleeve is arranged to move away from the shut-off valves so that their petal elements are allowed to move from their fully retracted positions to their fully extended positions in order to close the shut-off valves.

Claim 1:
A securing device (<NUM>) comprising a collar (<NUM>) for releasably clamping first and second objects (<NUM>, <NUM>) together, wherein the collar (<NUM>) includes a pair of collar members (<NUM>), each of the collar members (<NUM>) being pivotably coupled to the other collar member (<NUM>) at or towards a first end so as to allow pivotable movement of the collar members (<NUM>) relative to each other, the collar (<NUM>) including a releasable securing member (<NUM>) that includes first and second securing member portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) respectively arranged in or on the collar members (<NUM>) at or towards their other second ends, wherein the securing member portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to be coaxially connectable to each other to secure the collar members (<NUM>) to each other at or towards their other second ends, and the securing member portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to be coaxially disconnectable from each other to permit separation of the second ends of the collar members (<NUM>), characterised in that said first securing member portion (<NUM>) includes one or more radially expandable elements (<NUM>), said second securing member portion (<NUM>) includes a hollow bore (<NUM>) into which the or each radially expandable element (<NUM>) is insertable, and the first and second securing member portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to be coaxially connectable to each other through radial expansion of the one or more radially expandable elements (<NUM>) to positively engage an inner wall of the hollow bore (<NUM>) of the second securing member portion (<NUM>) so as to releasably lock the first and second securing member portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) together.