For a major client operating in the petrochemical and offshore sectors, we designed and built the hydraulic system that powers the pipe clamping jaws used on board ships for the subsea laying of oil and gas pipelines.

The clamps were designed to allow for the axial clamping of pipe sections that must be welded together prior to laying in order to form a single pipeline.
The hydraulic circuit is used for the hinged opening and closing of the clamp and for the positioning and clamping of wedge slides. During the clamping operation, the equipment also provides for the self-centering of the pipe.

The force exerted by the cylinders on the wedge slides must be sufficient but not excessive, in order to ensure the pipe is clamped while simultaneously preventing the risk of ovalization.