RetroClamp™
Subsea clamp system for retro-fitting anodes to pipelines and tubulars

RetroClamp can be installed by diver or ROV, making it useful for anode retrofits in shallow or deep water.

The RetroClamp was originally designed to facilitate ROV attachment of retrofitted cathodic protection anode sleds to offshore pipelines. The first clamps were built and deployed in 2000, and since that time, the clamp has been adapted and improved significantly for strength and versatility. Thousands of RetroClamps have been successfully installed by divers and ROVs for a wide variety of applications, including attachment to wellheads, vessels, and large-diameter tubular members.

Most RetroClamps are still used for electrically connecting aluminum anodes to tubular platform members and pipelines, but Deepwater has begun using modified versions of the clamp for subsea cable runs and for attaching monitoring equipment to verify cathodic-protection system performance (see applications). This adaptability has made the use of RetroClamps widespread among Deepwater’s cathodic protection and monitoring systems.

Versatility, low cost and ease of installation make the Retro Clamp a potential solution to a host of other subsea-retrofit uses. For inquiries into additional applications where the Retro Clamp might prove useful, please contact Deepwater.

Fast and easy installation - The simple push-and-twist installation means that the clamp is usually installed in minutes; the unique design of the spring-tensioned floating plate ensures that the low-resistance electrical contact is maintained under constant tension. The clamp can be configured with a range of contact tips that allow it to be attached without cleaning or coatings removal in most cases. Even concrete weight coatings can be penetrated, saving a significant amount of time and effort during installation.

Applications

Large anode retrofit projects

Connecting sacrificial anode arrays (RetroPod, RetroSled, CP Mat) to offshore pipelines, platforms and subsea systems is quick and cost-effective with the RetroClamp. The clamp can be fitted to a partially-buried pipeline by exposing only 120 degrees of the pipe. A concrete drilling bit can be attached to the contact tip, so concrete weight coats are no problem for the ROV or diver to get through. For platforms, the clamp is usually attached to a diagonal member near the bottom.

Small anode retrofits

The RetroClamp can actually be a stand-alone local anode retrofit system, where one or two clamps support the anode material. This allows rapid and cost-effective deployment of additional cathodic protection to subsea structures. It’s most effective as supplemental CP during routine ROV pipeline work.

Cathodic-protection monitoring installations

The RetroClamp can be used as the installation mount for retrofitted cathodic-protection monitoring instruments (Polatrak V-String, DR-2, DR-2 CD) which may be self-contained – as in the SmartClamp – or hardwired to a remote location, as with the DR-2 and V-String reference electrodes. Pictured right is a DR-2 dual reference cell (zinc and ag agcl), deployed and wired to a SunStation readout, also on bottom.

Onshore submerged-pipeline test stations

The SmartClamp can be used to retrofit CP-potential test stations (permanent reference electrode) to wetland pipelines. This can usually be accomplished from the surface without diver intervention or the need for expensive cofferdams. The Smartclamp has a solar panel (mounted on the leftt), which activates the readout (mounted on the right). The SunStation is rated to 3,000 meters, so the SmartClamp can also be used at any depth offshore.

Subsea cable support

As a retrofit cable-support system where cables must be routed subsea in a controlled fashion, RetroClamp has proved quite effective.

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Key design points

Easy to install

The simple push-and-twist installation means that the clamp is usually installed in minutes, and the unique design of the spring-tensioned floating plate ensures that the low-resistance electrical contact is maintained under constant tension.

Emergency release

The open-bottom configuration ensures that the clamp will pull off a pipeline if snagged without inflicting damage to the pipeline.

No prep required before attachment

The clamp can be configured with a range of contact tips that allow the clamp to be attached in most cases without cleaning or removal of coatings. Even concrete weight coatings can be penetrated, saving a significant amount of time and effort during pipeline life extensions.

Optional CP readout

The available RetroReader system allows instant verification that the desired electrical contact has been established, which is particularly useful when working on coated pipelines. The voltage readout is temporarily attached to the clamp and a small magnesium button provides the voltage shift needed for instant contact verification.

Individual packaging

The rugged airtight packaging for each clamp allows us to send multiple sizes offshore when specific target-member diameters are not known. We can accept unopened packages back for a full credit.

Video

RetroClamp being installed in the Red Sea on a retrofit of a platform in shallow water. This clamp is being used to attach sacrificial anode RetroPods.