RetroClamp™
Subsea clamping system for tubulars and pipelines

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, both for strength and versatility. Thousands of RetroClamps have been successfully installed by divers and ROV’s for a wide variety of applications, including attachment to wellheads, vessels, and large diameter members.

The large majority of 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 also for attaching monitoring equipment to verify cathodic protection system performance (see applications). It is essentially this adaptability that has made the RetroClamp so prolific among Deepwater’s cathodic protection and monitoring systems.

The versatility, low cost and ease of installation make the RetroClamp a potential solution to a host of other subsea retrofitted applications. For inquiries into additional application in which the RetroClamp might prove useful, please contact Deepwater.

Applications

Large anode retrofit projects

Connecting sacrificial anode arrays (RetroPod, RetroSled, CP Mat) to offshore pipelines, platforms and subsea systems becomes quick and cost-effective with the RetroClamp. The clamp can be fitted to a pipeline that is partially buried by exposing only 120 degrees of the pipe. A concrete drilling bit can be attached to the contact tip also, so that 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. Pictured right is a standard pipeline anode retrofit with divers.

Small anode retrofits

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

Cathodic protection monitoring installations

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 hard wired 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 mounted on the left a solar panel, which activates the readout (mounted on the right). the SunStation is rated to 3000 m, so the SmartClamp can be used at any depth offshore also.

Subsea cable support

As a retrofitted cable support system where cables have to be routed subsea in a controlled fashion, RetroClamp has proven to be 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; 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 require before attachment

The clamp can be configured with a range of contact tips that allow the clamp 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 pipeline life extensions.

Optional CP readout

The available RetroReader system allows instant verification that the desired electrical contact has been established, this 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 un-opened packages back for a full credit.