Kinetic scheme analysis and mechanical study of subsea clamp connector

Subsea clamp connectors enjoy wide application in the connection of equipment in subsea production systems due to their simple structure, low preload, and reliable performance. Aiming at the selection of engagement form of subsea clamp connector in the space, the engagement models under the kinetic schemes of straight slot and skewed slot are established in this paper; by comparing the feasibility of the two engagement kinetic schemes and analyzing their trajectories, it can be determined that the skewed-slotted structure has more advantages than the straight-slotted structure; by establishing the mechanical models of straight-slotted clamp and skewed-slotted clamp, the hub axial force required for the sealing state of the two engagement schemes are solved from the perspective of mechanical transfer by use of equilibriums of force and moment respectively, so as to derive the equations for the transformation of the preload of tightening bolt to the axial force of hub. Simulation and calculation of the clamp clamping force were carried out to verify the method of calculating the hub axial force from the bolt axial force. The comparison between theoretical and simulation analysis of bolt axial force and hub axial force is performed, although there are errors in the simulation results compared with the theoretical values, the validity of the solving expression and the reliability of the clamp connector studied in this paper can also be demonstrated to some extent.