Background The present invention relates to a clamping device for temporarily coupling a sleeve of a jacket with a pile accommodated in said sleeve.

Such a clamping device is known. The clamping device is used during offshore installation of a jacket. A jacket is a steel structure placed on the seabed for supporting a platform or windmill etc. To level the platform there is a need to adjust one or more corners of a jacket in height. Therefore the sleeve is initially movable around the pile. After the jacket has been positioned, the clamping device couples the pile with the sleeve for temporarily maintaining the position of the jacket.

Subsequently, the sleeve and the pile are fixedly coupled in a known manner by means of grout. When the grout is cured, said grout couples the pile and the sleeve for supporting the platform. Fig. 1 shows a prior art clamping device which has a steel ring provided with a plurality of hydraulic cylinders. The steel ring is coupled with the sleeve and the cylinders engage with the pile for coupling the pile with the sleeve. However this known clamping device is cumbersome in use and relative expensive. The steel ring needs to accommodate all the required clamping force and needs to be designed accordingly which results in a relative heavy steel ring.

US5797432 A discloses a pile repair clamp especially for subsea offshore work. This clamp is not suitable for temporarily coupling a sleeve and a pile of a jacket for carrying the load transferred to a jacket, instead it is used for repair of a pile using grout.

WO 2005/023494 A2 discloses a clamp and repair tool and seems to relate to a handle operated clamp which is not suitable without modification for clamping a sleeve of a jacket with a pile during offshore installation of a jacket.

US 3 401 917 A does relate to jack assembly for lowering supporting legs of an offshore platform however does not disclose a clamping device for temporarily coupling a sleeve of a jacket with a pile accommodated in said sleeve. Summary of the invention

The invention aims to provide a clamping device that solves at least partially a problem associated with known clamping devices.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an alternative clamping device.

According to a first aspect of the invention this is realized with a clamping device for temporarily coupling a sleeve of a jacket with a pile accommodated in said sleeve, the clamping device comprising;

- a number of clamping shoes for engagement with the pile such that the pile is coupled with the sleeve,

- a frame for arranging said number of clamping shoes around the pile, wherein the clamping shoes are moveable between a first position for accommodating said pile in said sleeve and a second position for coupling the pile with said sleeve,

- an actuating system operationally coupled with the frame and the number of clamping shoes for driving the clamping shoes from the first position to the second position,

wherein the actuating system comprises a single actuator operationally coupled with two or more clamping shoes for driving the two or more clamping shoes from the first position to the second position.

The actuating system comprising a single actuator operationally coupled with two or more clamping shoes, ensures a cost effective clamping device which is more easy to handle and to operate. The clamping device being cost effective opens the possibility to leave the clamping device with the jacket after the sleeve has been coupled with the pile by means of grout. This is beneficial since sub-sea removal of this clamping device is very cumbersome and safety critical. This is even more important when large numbers of clamping devices are used in a windmill park. Coupling the sleeve of a jacket with a pile accommodated in said sleeve means that the clamping device is able to clamp the pile with such a force that at least the jacket itself can be supported by the pile. The clamping is only temporarily required since ultimately the pile is coupled with the sleeve by means of grout, subsequently the clamping device may be removed. Two or more clamping shoes means two or more clamping shoes of said number of clamping shoes. Any number of clamping shoes equal or greater than two is conceivable for a clamping device according to the invention. It is conceivable that the clamping device comprises several actuators, however there is a single actuator that is operationally coupled with the two or more clamping shoes, preferably coupled with the number of clamping shoes. It is conceivable that a second actuator is provided, which second actuator is coupled as well with the two or more clamping shoes, preferably coupled with the number of clamping shoes. This second actuator provides redundancy which is important in offshore operations. When more redundancy is required, it is even conceivable that a number of actuators is provided, with each actuator, of the number of actuators, coupled with the two or more clamping shoes, preferably coupled with the number of clamping shoes. In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the clamping device comprises a flexible element coupled with the frame for

operationally coupling the single actuator with the number of clamping shoes. This simplifies the clamping device and reduces the cost even more. A flexible element may be e.g. a cable of or strip of any suitable material as long as the flexible element is able to bend around the pile and to exert forces such that the clamping device is able to couple the pile with the sleeve. The flexible element may be coupled directly with the frame, however it is conceivable that the flexible element is coupled with the frame via the actuating system. It is essential that the actuating system is coupled with the flexible element for tensioning the flexible element such that the flexible element forces the two or more clamping shoes, preferably the number of clamping shoes from the first to the second position.

In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the frame and flexible element together extend around the entire circumference of the pile for closing lines of force for coupling the sleeve with the pile. This renders the clamping device even more cost effective since both the frame and the flexible element do not need to extend individually around the entire pile. In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the flexible element extends around the entire circumference of the pile for closing lines of force for coupling the sleeve with the pile. This opens the possibility to extend around the single actuator and all the clamping shoes such that these are retained between the flexible element and the pile and any other retaining means can be dispensed with, rendering the clamping device even more cost effective and more reliable in use.

In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, both ends of the flexible element are coupled with the single actuator for extending around the entire circumference of the pile for closing lines of force for coupling the sleeve with the pile.

In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the frame extends around the entire circumference of the pile for closing lines of force for coupling the sleeve with the pile. The frame extending around the entire pile makes the clamping device more easy to handle in use.

In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the frame and flexible element both extend around the entire circumference of the pile for closing lines of force for coupling the sleeve with the pile.

In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the single actuator is operationally coupled with said number of clamping shoes by means of the flexible element and the frame only.

In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the flexible element is continuous. The flexible element being continuous renders the clamping device even more cost effective and reliable since any coupling means for coupling the flexible element, with e.g. the single actuator, can be dispensed with.

In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the flexible element extends around each of said number of clamping shoes. The flexible element extending around the number of clamping shoes such that these are retained between the flexible element and the pile, renders the clamping device even more cost effective and more reliable in use since any other retaining means can be dispensed with. In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the single actuator is provided with one of said number of clamping shoes. Integration of a clamping shoe and the single actuator makes the clamping device even more cost effective. In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the single actuator is moveably coupled with the frame such that substantially no force required for clamping the pile is supported by the frame. The single actuator being moveably coupled with the frame is beneficial since then substantially no force for clamping the pile is transferred through the frame. Therefore the frame can be designed

accordingly, saving material and weight.

In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the single actuator is coupled only with two ends of the flexible element, each end of the flexible element at opposite sides of the actuator, for tensioning the flexible element for driving the two or more clamping shoes from the first position to the second position. In this embodiment the working line of the actuator is aligned with at least a part of the flexible element. Preferably, the actuator is not directly coupled with the frame, only indirectly via the flexible element. This embodiment is beneficial since a standard hydraulic cylinder can be applied with ease, making the clamping device even more cost effective.

In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the single actuator extends between the frame and the flexible element. The single actuator extending between the flexible element and the frame, renders the clamping device even more cost effective and more reliable in use since any other retaining means can be dispensed with. In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the working line of the single actuator has a radial component with respect to the pile, preferably the working line is radial with respect to the pile. In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the clamping device comprises holding means coupled with the clamping shoes for holding the number of clamping shoes in the first position. This is advantageous during handling and transportation of the clamping device while the pile is not clamped by the clamping device. The holding means being such that the actuator system is able to overcome the holding means and still drive the number of clamping shoes from the first position the second position. The holding means may for example involve a break or shear element that breaks at a certain load, where after the clamping shoe is free to move from the first to the second position. According to a further aspect of the invention this is realized with an assembly of a sleeve of a jacket and a clamping device according to the invention, wherein the sleeve and the clamping device are fixedly coupled for engaging a pile,

accommodated within the sleeve, with the seabed for positioning the jacket by means of the pile relative to the seabed.

According to a further aspect of the invention this is realized with a method for positioning a jacket comprising the steps;

- providing a clamping device according to the invention,

- fixedly coupling the clamping device with a sleeve of the jacket,

- adjusting a pile within the sleeve for engaging the pile with the seabed for positioning the jacket,

- operating the clamping device for coupling the pile with the sleeve,

- coupling the sleeve and the pile with grout. According to a further aspect of the invention this is realized with a device comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. According to a further aspect of the invention this is realized with a method comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages.

Description of the drawings The invention will be further elucidated referring to the drawings wherein shown in:

Fig. 1 in perspective view a prior art clamping device;

fig. 2 a perspective view of a clamping device according to the invention;

fig. 3 a detail partial cut-away view of the clamping device of fig. 2;

fig. 4 a perspective view of a further embodiment of a clamping device according to the invention; and

fig. 5 a cut away side view of a part of the embodiment of fig. 4.

Detailed description of embodiments

Fig. 1 shows in perspective view a prior art clamping device 1. The actuator system 4 has four hydraulic actuators which each drive a clamping shoe 2 for coupling a sleeve of a jacket with a pile (sleeve and pile not shown). In use the frame 3 is welded to the sleeve, wherein the frame 3 and the sleeve are aligned such that a pile can at least partially be accommodated within the sleeve and the frame 3. The frame 3 extends circumferential around the entire circumference of the pile. All four actuators 4 are individually mounted on the frame 3. The clamping device 1 has a control unit 7 for operating the four hydraulic actuators. The clamping device 1 has one or more pad eyes 6 for handling the clamping device.

A clamping device 1 according to the invention will now be described referring to fig. 2 and 3, wherein fig. 2 is a perspective view of a clamping device 1 and fig. 3 is a detail partial cut-away view of the clamping device of fig. 2. The clamping device 1 comprises a frame 3 that extends around the pile. Here, the frame 3 extends around the entire circumference of the pile, however it is conceivable for the frame to extend around a part of the circumference of the pile. Here, the frame is of one part, however it is conceivable for the frame to be constituted by several parts that each may extend around a part of the circumference of the pile.

The clamping device 1 comprises a number of clamping shoes 2 for engagement with the pile such that a pile is clamped within the frame 3 and coupled with the sleeve. Here, the clamping device 1 engages with the pile only by means of the clamping shoes 2 such that the pile is clamped within the frame 3. The clamping shoe 2 is provided with a surface relief facing the pile. Here, the clamping shoe 2 is cylindrical however, any suitable shape is conceivable. The clamping shoes 2 are provided with the frame 3, specifically moveably coupled with the frame, more specifically slideably coupled with the frame 2. Here, the clamping shoe 2 is retained slideable by means of the bushing 13 provided with the frame 3. It is conceivable for the clamping shoe 2 to be coupled with the frame 3 in a hingeable way for moving between the first and second position. The clamping shoe 2 being hingeably coupled with the frame provides a more reliable clamping device 1. The clamping shoes 2 are arranged along the circumference of the pile by the frame 3. Here the clamping shoes 2 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the pile. However, any suitable arrangement of the clamping shoes is conceivable. The clamping shoes 2 are moveable between a first position for accommodating a pile in the sleeve and a second position for coupling the pile with the sleeve.

The clamping device 1 comprises an actuator system having a single actuator 4. The actuator system is operationally coupled with the number of clamping shoes 2. The single actuator 4 is coupled with the frame 3 and two or more clamping shoes 2 of the number of clamping shoes 2 for driving the two or more clamping shoes 2 from the first position to the second position. It is conceivable for an actuator 4 to be suitable for driving the two or more clamping shoes 2 between the first position and the second position. Here the actuator 4 is a hydraulic cylinder 22, however any suitable actuator is conceivable. The hydraulic cylinder 22 comprises a housing 12 and a piston-rod 11. Here, one of the clamping shoes 2 is provided directly with the housing 12 on the side of the housing 12 facing the pile. The housing 12 and said one of the clamping shoes 2 may be integrally formed. The housing 12 of the hydraulic cylinder 22 is operationally coupled with the frame 3. Here, the housing 12 is moveably coupled with the frame 3, specifically slideably coupled with the frame 3.

The clamping device 1 comprises a flexible element 5, here a cable. The flexible element 5 is coupled with the frame for closing lines of force for coupling the sleeve with the pile, in other words for closing lines of force around the pile. Here, the flexible element 5 extends around the number of clamping shoes 2 and is slideable coupled via couplings means 9 provided with each of the number of clamping shoes 2 at the side of the clamping shoe 2 facing away from the pile. Here, the two ends of the flexible element 5 are coupled, specifically hingeably coupled with the piston-rod 11 via further coupling means 8 for closing the lines of force around the pile. However, the flexible element may be slideably coupled with the piston-rod 11 for example in case of a continuous flexible element 5. Continuous flexible element 5 here means a flexible element that is slideable around the pile and may be of one piece.

In use initially the clamping shoes 2 are in their first position while a pile is accommodated in the sleeve and the jacket is positioned by sliding the sleeve over the pile. Then the pressure chamber is pressurized forcing the housing 12 with the one clamping shoe 2 towards the second position. As soon as the one clamping shoe 2 engages the pile, the flexible element 5 is tensioned while the piston-rod 11 moves away from the pile. The now tensioned flexible element 5 forces the other clamping shoes 2 of the number of clamping shoes 2 towards the second position and finally the pile is coupled with the sleeve.

A further embodiment of a clamping device according to the invention will now be described referring to fig. 4 and 5 wherein in the description in general only differences with the embodiment of fig. 1-3 are explicated.

Here, the clamping shoes 2 do have a quadrangular shape and are moveable in correspondingly shaped recesses 17 provided with the frame 3. The frame 3 is provided with a number of openings 15 for the flexible element 5 being freely movable with respect to the frame 3 such that the flexible element 5 is not hindered by the frame 3 during operations. Here, the opening 15 has a rectangular circumference 16. The flexible element 5 here is a number of cables 14, in this case four cables 14. The flexible element 5 being a number of cables 14 provides redundancy and freedom of choice with respect to the cables 14. In fig. 5 the clamping shoe 2 is in its first position. One clamping shoe 2 is provided with the housing 12 of the hydraulic cylinder 22. The piston-rod 11 is shown in its retracted position such that a pressure chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 22 is not visible. The piston-rod 11 abuts with a cup 10 via abutting surfaces 19, 20. In this case, the cup is mounted on the piston rod 11 with coupling means 18, here a bolt. Here, both ends of the flexible element 5 are coupled with the cup 10 for tensioning the flexible element 5. In this case, a wall 21 of the cup 10 surrounds at least partly the housing 12 of the hydraulic cylinder 22. A connection (not shown) is provided which connection is suitable for coupling the hydraulic cylinder 22 with hydraulic power means (not shown).

The clamping device 1 comprises guiding means 24 for guiding a clamping shoe 2 when the clamping shoe 2 moves from the first to the second position. This is beneficial since the guiding means 24 prevents clamping of the clamping shoe 2 with the frame 3. The guiding means 24 here involves a guiding plate 23 coupled with the frame 3, a guiding pin 25 coupled with the clamping shoe 2, and a guiding collar 26 provided on the side of the frame 3 that faces the pile.

It will also be obvious after the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many more embodiments will be evident to a skilled person which are within the scope of protection and the essence of this invention and which are obvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of this patent.