GB2377717A

GB2377717A - Polymeric cable protector

Info

Publication number: GB2377717A
Application number: GB0215001A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Serena Arif; Henry Whitelaw
Original assignee: Polyoil Ltd
Current assignee: Polyoil Ltd
Priority date: 2001-06-29
Filing date: 2002-06-28
Publication date: 2003-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 2022-06-28
Also published as: NO329210B1; GB2377717B; NO20023179L; GB0115879D0; NO20023179D0; GB0215001D0

Abstract

A polymeric cable protector has a cylindrical body (10) formed from two portions (90, 100) which are hinged together. The internal surface of the protector has a number of channels (80), through which cables can run. The outer surface (30) includes a series of ribs (40) and flutes (50) which may run longitudinally or in a spiral. The body (10) is tapered near its ends (60). A second embodiment (fig 8) is in the form of two end caps (180, fig 8) connected by steel rods (190, fig 8). A third embodiment (fig 14) has a corrugated body (250, fig 14) to enable it to expand and therefore be of use with expandable tubing.

Description

Cable protection apparatus The present invention relates to apparatus for

protecting cables or control lines and, more specifically, to apparatus 5 for protecting cables attached to tubulars used in downhole environments such as oil or gas wells.

Cable protectors are sometimes called cable clamps, saddle clamps, or cross coupling protectors and they have several 10 functions. The most important is to stop the cables which run along the outside of oil well production tubulars from being damaged by the tubular impinging on the inside of the casing walls, especially at the tubing coupling or connector area where upsets and sharp edges exist. These cables or control 15 lines are used, for example, to carry power for downhole pumps or hydraulics for valve operation, chemical injection lines or are used as sensory lines. Another important function of the clamps is to support the weight of the cables .' as they hang down the well bore.

Traditional forged or cast steel cable protectors are aimed to operate in conventional wells and are shaped accordingly.

Up until recently however, tubulars were not designed to be run in horizontal wells, but it is now common for the 25 completion section to use smart or "intelligent" wells, i.e. advanced monitoring systems containing gauges and valves. As a result, cable protectors utilized for the reservoir section of the conventional wells are now being adapted for the horizontal section of the well with the inevitable friction 30 and hang-up problems.

In addition to these problems, a number of existing wells are now experiencing corrosion resulting from the dissimilar metal contact between the clamp and the tubular.

s Personnel using existing cable protectors experience problems due to their weight and cumbersome shape. This makes the cable protectors both difficult to assemble and dangerous to handle and install at the rig site.

10 The inappropriate shape for deployment in horizontal wells and the resultant high contact forces and friction factors, allied with the handling difficulties associated with the weight and shape of the device, severely affect the operational efficiency and life cycle of existing cable 15 protectors and it is an object of the present invention to permit the protection of cables in a downhole environment using apparatus adapted to overcome the above problems.

It is independently an object of the invention to improve 20 upon existing protection devices in terms of the material used for the device and the associated reduction in weight which occurs as a result of the material used.

-- In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there 25 is provided a cable protector comprising a generally hollow cylindrical body, wherein the body is made from a polymer, and is provided with a profiled internal surface along at least a portion of its length to accommodate at least one cable member therein. Preferably, said polymer may be nylon.

30 Preferably, said body may be provided with a profiled outer surface along at least a portion of its length. The use of

this polymer material will result in a weight reduction of the body thus making it far lighter and easier to handle than existing products currently used. Additionally, this material further protects the body from vibration and against 5 any impact experienced whilst in the well. The material is also resilient and has a lower co-efficient of friction than other known materials currently used for this type of application. The use of this material also overcomes the problems currently experienced using existing components made 10 from metal which are heavy and cumbersome to assemble and are not designed for deployment in the horizontal section of wells. The use of this polymer material in the body also prevents corrosion caused by any incompatibility of materials used for the body and the tubular when they are of dissimilar 15 metals.

Preferably, said body may be provided with a substantially circular outer surface and a substantially circular inner - surface. Preferably, said outer surface and inner surface may 20 be concentric. Optionally, said outer surface and inner surface may be eccentric in relation to each other.

Preferably, said profiled outer surface may comprise a plurality of ribs extending radially from said body.

25 Preferably, said ribs may be equispaced about the outer surface of the body. Preferably, said ribs may extend along at least a portion of the body in a linear manner.

Optionally, said ribs may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of said body. Preferably, said ribs may be formed so as 30 to extend along at least a portion of the body in a helix. A plurality of flutes may be formed on the outer surface of the

body between said ribs. Preferably, said flutes may be equispaced about the outer surface of the body. Optionally, the body may have a tapered surface extending from at least one end of the outer surface. Optionally, the tapered 5 surface may extend from the outer surface to an end face of the body.

Preferably, said profiled internal surface may be formed on the inner surface. Preferably, said profile may comprise at 10 least one channel extending along at least a portion of the length of the inner surface. The profile of said channel may match the profile of the cable. Preferably, said body may hingeably operate about said channel. Preferably, said channel may be provided to a pre-determined size to allow 15 said body to open and close. Preferably, said pre-determined size allows deformation of the section between the channel and outer diameter.

Preferably, said inner surface may be provided with an 20 abrasive coating. Preferably, said coating may be tungsten carbide grit. Optionally aid coating may be sand or silica or a metal oxide particulate applied or fixed to an inner surface. Optionally said coating may be a metallic flake.

Optionally, said coating may be a woven metal cloth.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, wherein the body is made from a polymer, and is provided with a profiled internal surface along at least a portion of its length to accommodate at least one cable member therein and 30 wherein the body comprises two generally semi-circular

portions provided with means for being pivotally attached to each other.

Preferably, the two portions may be a lower and upper portion 5 respectively. Preferably, the pivotal means may comprise a hinge assembly formed in both the lower and upper portion.

Both portions may be provided with fastening means.

In yet a further aspect of the present invention, wherein the 10 body is made from a polymer, and is provided with a profiled internal surface along at least a portion of its length to accommodate at least one cable member therein and, wherein the body comprises two generally hollow cylindrical end portions, said end portions connected by at least one rod and 15 preferably by a plurality of rods.

Preferably, said rods may be made from steel. Preferably, said rods may be generally cylindrical. Preferably, said end .... portions may be provided with a plurality of apertures for 20 receiving said rods. Preferably, said apertures may be spaced about an end face of said end portions.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the body may comprise a profiled section, capable of expansion upon ,. 25 deformation of a tubular member located therein. Said profiled section may be corrugated. Said body may be provided with frangible slots to allow expansion upon deformation. 30 Preferably, the components of the body may be nonmetallic.

Preferably, the body is made from a polymer, and is provided with a profiled internal surface along at least a portion of its length to accommodate at least one cable member therein.

5 These and other aspects of the invention may be used independently or in combination, as illustrated by the embodiments to be described below. Further advantageous features and combinations of features are disclosed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings, in 15 which: Figure. 1 shows a perspective view of the general arrangement of the apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the internal profile of the general arrangement as shown in Fig. l; Figure 3 shows a detailed perspective view of the fastening 25 means of the general arrangement as shown in Fig. 1; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the of the cable protector in use in accordance with the present invention; 30 Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. 2;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention used for cross-coupling applications; 5 Figure 7 shows a perspective view of yet a further embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. It Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. 1; Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of the present invention as shown in Fig. 6i Figure 10 shows another crosscoupling embodiment of the 15 present invention) Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the lower segment of the embodiment shown in Fig. 10; 20 Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of the invention) Figure 13 shows another embodiment of the invention; ,. Flqure 14 shows a perspective view of a second aspect of the 25 present invention) Fig. 15 shows a further embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention as shown in Fig. 14i and 30 Figs 16 A to 16 F are perspective views of a variety of reinforcement means for use in reinforcing cable protectors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Fig l of the drawings, there is shown the general arrangement of the cable protector body lo of a first 5 embodiment of the present invention. The body is generally cylindrical in shape and has a bore 20, which extends axially throughout the length of the body. In the present embodiment, the body l0 is made from nylon, but can be made from any suitable polymer. The outer diameter 30 of the body 10 lo is provided with a profiled surface. The surface is formed with ribs 40 and flutes 50 which, in this embodiment, are equispaced around this diameter 30. Both the ribs 40 and flutes 50 extend axially along the length of the body parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body l0. The ribs 15 and flutes are arranged so that each rib is diametrically opposite another rib, and each flute is diametrically opposite another flute.

The flutes 50 have a generally curved concave profile formed 20 to a predefined depth to allow sufficient clearance room for fluid by-pass whilst running in the hole and also allow circulating operations to take place i. e. in the case of where the cable protector is also functioning as a centralizer, where cement may be pumped around the outside of 25 said tubular, and the flutes would thereby give stand off in addition to a flow path. The flutes may also transport any loose material along these flutes. Furthermore, the same clamp may be used in a variety of well bore sizes, so the fluting in this case would allow it to be run into a smaller 30 bore size than would normally be the case if it were non-

fluted. The ribs 40 are formed from the outer diameter 30 of

the body lO. In this way, the ribs are provided with a generally curved convex profile.

The axial extent of the ribs 40 and the flutes 50 is S terminated at a point on each end of the body lO. The diameter of the ribs and flutes are reduced gradually from this point to form a tapered diameter. This tapered diameter generates an angular surface 60, which extends from the end of the ribs and flutes to the end face 70 of the body lO.

The bore 20, concentric with the outer diameter 30, has two longitudinal channels 80 formed therein. These channels also extend in an axial manner along the length of the body lO.

15 The body lO itself is formed from two generally curved segments 90, lOO. These segments are hinged together and form the generally circular body lO when closed. Both segments are secured to each other when closed by fastening means. Fig. 2 shows a more detailed view of both segments 90, lOO and the hinge arrangement used to close these segments.

:; Additionally, the channels 80 and the internal profile of the body lo are more readily seen from Fig. 2. The upper segment 25 90 is provided with two generally rectangular slots llO at regular interval along this segment, which cut through a portion of the curved profile. The remainder of this portion not interrupted by the slots is provided with a cylindrical aperture 125. The aperture extends along the entire length 30 of the slotted portion of the segment. These slots llO are sized to accept hinge fingers 120 formed on the lower segment

100 of the body. These fingers both have an aperture (not shown) sized and positioned to align with the aperture 125 formed in the upper segment 90. A spiral hinge pin (not shown) is inserted into this aperture 125 to secure both s segments together and allow both segments to pivot relative to each other.

Also shown in Fig. 2 are the channels 80. As with the ribs 40 and flutes 50, these channels extend along the length of JO the body. Both channels are equispaced on either side of the longitudinal axis of the lower segment 90. The channels have a concave profile dimensioned to suit the cables which run along these channels 80. The channels are formed to a depth suitable to protect the cables housed therein.

Fig. 3 shows the arrangement for fastening both segments together. In a similar feature to the hinge design, both segments have slots formed on the end face of each segment - i opposite to the hinge slots. Both slots 130 of the lower 20 segment have an aperture into which fits a threaded insert.

This aligns with a threaded hole formed in the mating blocks 140 of the upper segment. Both segments are fastened together using fastening means 150 such as Allen screws, for example,

Figs. 4 and 5 show alternative embodiments of the body 10, but of similar design and function to that described in Figs 1-3 and like numerals have been used to designate like components. This particular embodiment of the present 30 invention differs from that described above in the

arrangement of the ribs 40 and flutes 50, the profile of the bore 20 and use of the body 10.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment wherein the flutes extend along 5 the entire length of the body from one end face 70 of the body to the other. The diameter of the ribs 40 is gradually reduced as the rib approaches each end face 70 of the body.

This is achieved by profiling each end of the rib to curve downwards until it meets the end face 70 where it terminates.

10 This embodiment is also used as a centraliser and can therefore protect both the cables housed inside and the tubular in question, shown in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the channel 80 is shown as being rectangular.

15 Fig. 5 shows another feature found in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4. The bore 20 can be profiled to match the surface profile of a coupling, thus allowing cables to be run through the device without fear of damage from the coupling. In the i example shown, the bore 20 now comprises two concentric bores 20 150, 160. The bore 160 has a counterbore 150, which extends along the majority of the body 10. The size and shape of both bores are provided to match the dimensions of the coupling. The channel 80 shown extends through both bores 150, 160. Where a cable protector is used in this type of 25 application, it is termed a cross-coupling type.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment, which shares the same reference numerals as the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3. In this embodiment, the hinge assembly as described in previous 30 embodiments is absent. However, the body 10 does have a slit 170 which cuts right through the annular section of the body

from the outer diameter 30 through to the bore 20 and extends along the entire length of the body. The body is clamped together in the same manner as previously explained using fastening means. The material thickness 180 degrees from 5 the clamping slit can be designed to be sufficiently weak to act as a non-rotating hinge, allowing installation by stretching the device apart.

Yet a further embodiment is shown in Fig. 7 which, again, 10 shares the same reference numerals as the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3. This particular embodiment has a hinge mechanism which utilises a tab hinge and does not therefore require any cut aways in the walls of the segments as mentioned previously. In addition, this embodiment has channels 80 in 15 both segments for control lines or cables to be housed therein. As previously mentioned, these channels can be sized to suit the requirements of the cables being used.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of Fig. 6 in which end caps 180 20 are connected to each other by steel rods 190. These rods 190 are located in apertures 200 which are provided in an end face of the end caps 180. The end caps 180 themselves are similar to the end portions of the body 10 shown in the embodiment of Fig. 6 and have similar features such as the 25 ribs 40, flutes 50, tapered surface 60, end face 70, fastening means and the slit 170. Both end caps are connected to form a body using the generally cylindrical steel rods which, in this embodiment, locate within apertures sized and shaped according to the profile of the rods. These 30 apertures are provided on one side of the slit 170 and are equispaced as points on a pitch circle diameter. The

apertures extend right through to the opposite face of the end cap and are counterbored to secure the rods. The hinge arrangement could use the same arrangement as described above for Figs. 2 or 7, i.e. pins or tab hinges.

Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment, which shares the same reference numerals as the embodiment shown in Fig. 6. This embodiment is provided with apertures 210 in the concave surface of the flutes 50. These apertures extend along the 10 longitudinal axis of the body, parallel with the axis of the flutes, but only along a portion of the flute.

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment in which the outer diameter 30 of the body 10 and the bore 20 are not concentric because the 15 upper segment 100 is thicker than the lower segment 90. In addition to this, the lower segment 90 comprises two separate segments hinged to the upper segment 100. Both of these lower segments can be clamped to the upper segment in the -I. same manner as previously described using threaded inserts 20 and fastening screws. These lower segments are, in effect, used as hinged clamps to secure the body 10 to the tubular.

Fig. 11 shows an enlarged view of the lower segment 90 of the embodiment of Fig. 10. The segment has an outer curved 25 convex surface which corresponds to the outer diameter of the body and an inner curved concave surface which corresponds to the diameter of the bore 20. The outer surface could be channelled or fluted as previously discussed. The bore 20 is eccentric in relation to the outer diameter 30. At one end 30 face of the segment there is a section 210 sized to fit with a slot in the upper segment to form the hinge mechanism. The

section 210 has a hole 220 to accommodate the spiral hinge pin. The surface 230 of the opposite end face matches the profile of the fastening means provided on the upper segment.

In the embodiment of Fig. 11, this surface is flat, but in 5 the embodiment of Fig. 10, this surface is stepped to fit with the slot on the mating surface of the upper segment.

The embodiments of Figs. 12 and 13 show shorter versions of the body 10. In Fig. 12, the embodiment shows a shorter 10 version of the embodiment shown in Fig. 10. The bore 20 is still eccentric in relation to the outer diameter 30 of the body, but there is only one lower segment 90 needed, given the reduced length of the body. The spiral hinge pin 240 is shown in this embodiment. Additionally, this embodiment may 15 be adapted to have more than one lower segment as shown in Fig. 12, dependent on the length of the body 10.

Fig. 13 shows a shorter version of the embodiment of Fig. 6.

All features have similar references with the only difference - 20 being the length of the body 10. The shorter body length of this embodiment is generally used for mid-joint applications.

To improve the clamping and therefore the gripping force of the protector, it is envisaged that the internal gripping 25 faces of the polymer cable clamp are coated with an abrasive or grit type material, which would increase the friction between the pipe outer surface and the inner surface of the clamp. This material may be a tungsten carbide grit material or an abrasive medium such as sand or silica. Metal oxide 30 particulate or metallic flake would be another option. The material may be applied during or after the moulding or

manufacturing stage of the clamp, and could be applied in the loose state or in the form of a pre-manufactured coated paper or cloth, which is moulded or fixed to the clamp surface. A woven metal cloth could also be bonded to the inner surface.

5 Improved grip would reduce the possibility of the clamp slipping or twisting whilst being run in to a well bore, so reducing any risks of damaging cables.

Fig. 14 shows a further embodiment of the present invention.

Io The body 10 is still used as a cable protector but has the added capability of being expandable. To enable this expansion, the body 10 comprises a corrugated section 250.

This section is sized to provide adequate resilience so that, during expansion of the tubular, the body would straighten 15 out to conform to a similar radius to that of the tubular and the outer pipe or well bore inner surface. The size of this section will vary, depending on the size of the tubular which is being expanded, and to what size. The deformation would c; be such that any interference to the expansion procedure t... 20 would be minimal.

In this embodiment, the corrugated section generally takes the form of a "V", but could just as easily be "U" shaped or any other suitable shape for the cross-section.. The flutes 25 50 are no longer profiled with concave surfaces but are now "V" shaped to provide a fold at the deepest point of the flute, where both angular surfaces of the flute intersect.

This allows the corrugated section to deform and expand. The apex of opposing angular surfaces of the flutes 50 has a 30 slight truncation to provide the surface of the ribs 40.

Similarly, the apex of the internal corrugations is truncated

to form a chamfered surface equivalent to the bore 20. The chamfered surface could just as easily be formed using radii.

Certain other grades of material, such as PTFE, or TEFLON, s would allow a more rounded inner and outer pre-expanded form which during expansion and confinement would simply be extruded thinner to allow a desired level of pipe to pipe, or pipe to well bore, contact. Initially, the centralizer or protector material would take the form of the inner pipe l0 being expanded, but during contact with the restraining well bore or casing bore, the outside of the material would be deformed also.

In another embodiment of this aspect, the body could comprise Is two halves or multiple segments having interfaces, as shown in Fig. 15, such as frangible slots 260 which, during expansion of the inner pipe, would be sufficiently weak to allow breakage and expansion. Such a method would be more likely to be applicable where contact of the inner pipe to 20 the well bore inner is not essential or desirable, i.e. where an annulus is desired or tolerated.

This aspect of the invention is used for running on the outside, and in conjunction with, an oil-field expandable

2s tubular so that it is deformed, reshaped or intentionally sheared to accommodate the size change associated with the deformation of downhole expandable tubular systems run into well bores. Expandable tubulars are generally, but not limited to, being expanded using a technique of forcing a 30 solid shape which is larger than the original pipe bore, through the inside bore of the expandable tubular or by

running an active swaying tool through the inside, for example a rotating swaging tool. So, instead of using progressively smaller pipe as a well is drilled deeper, tubular diameters are expanded with these specially designed 5 mandrels. This reduces well tapering while preserving borehole size. As in the previous aspect of the invention, running an expandable centraliser with the expandable pipe will provide a stand-off which will minimise the risks of what is termed differential sticking and thus ease the 10 tubular over well bore irregularities, keep the pipe centralized during expansion, and in some cases give centralization to improve cementing operations.

In the case of cable protectors, the device will give all of 15 the aforementioned benefits but also provide the essential protection to stop fragile control cables or lines being pinched or damaged whilst the tubing or casing is being run into the well bore. The body lO can be designed or I. configured to be run as either an expandable centralizer, 20 expandable cable protector or to function as both of the aforementioned duties. Accordingly, the expandable polymer cable protector or centralizer will serve as an aid to tubular deployment in the hole, thereby realizing the benefits of reduced friction, improved bearing properties, 25 resistance to corrosion, non-sparking, lighter weight to handle and install and therefore safer.

The material used will be a polymer suitable for certain applications or environments. With the lighter material, the 30 shape can be optimised for sleekness with an outer form,

which will reduce the chances of snagging whilst running in the hole.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a special steel 5 reinforcement channel is designed into the inner or outer surface of the cable protector to offer additional support and protection to the control lines or cables and would be of sufficient thickness or strength to resist complete deformation, thereby protecting the control line fully. The 10 reinforcement channel may be made from other materials of suitable rigidity and strength.

Alternatively, the reinforcement members could be formed integrally with the cable protector.

Figs 16A to 16F show perspective views of a number of cable reinforcement means.

: In general, metal bars or rods can be added and moulded in -20 position over the length of the cable protector unit to increase overall stiffness or compressive resistance.

Fig 16A shows semicircular preformed structure 300 which can be positioned in assembly or moulded in the structure during 25 manufacture of the cable protector.

The hole 302 on one side allows a bolt shank to pass through and the formed hook 304 on the other side supports the hinge area of the cable protector where a pin passes in that 30 locality. The additional holes 306 may be used to improve the material flow during moulding if necessary and key the

structure within the polymer body of the unit. The structure 300 gives greater tightening force and offers greater strength to the cable protector and/or centralizer.

On the side which accepts the bolted fastener.

Fig. 16B - shows a similar arrangement to that of Fig. 16A where a threaded insert or nut 328 would be pre-assembled or welded to the metallic strip to accept the threaded portion of the fixing bolt(s).

The structures shown in Fig. 16A and Fig. 16B may be formed in any shape similar to the polymer moulded shape of the cable protector, for instance to follow the shape of a control line channel. The structure may also have a series 15 of "humps" or square profiles extending in an outward direction. Fig. 16C shows a strip structure 340 that may extend along -Ithe length of a cable protector to improve axial compressive 20 strength of the device. These could also be pre-assembled with the structures shown in Figs. 16A and 16B, by clips, fasteners or by welding.

Fig 16D shows an example of how a smaller structure 360 could 25 be used to reinforce and distribute loads around a clamping area. This particular example shows a threaded insert 362 pre-assembled to the plate. Predrilled or punched holes 364 would be optional.

Fig. 16E shows an example similar to Fig 16D, but this time the two inserts are linked by a single structure 380 which would be moulded in position, spreading loads over an even larger area of the cable protector.

Fig F - Demonstrates a different concept and shows a cage 400 which can be moulded into position in the cable protector. In this example, the cage 400 has windows 402 which can be aligned with the polymer fins on the JO body of the unit. The option for forming shapes in an outward direction to allow control line or cable installation (as described at the end of "B" above) exists with this example.

15 In addition, there may be some environments which require some form of electrical insulation due to the type of downhole gauges being operated, where metal contact needs to be eliminated. The present invention could provide a solution to this problem by having all components made from a non 20 metallic material. In order to replace the metal spiral hinge pin, each half of the body could be engaged by means of forcing a snap-fit between them.

The present invention has the advantage of being much lighter 25 than cable clamps currently in use as it is made from a polymer material. Furthermore, the use of this material is advantageous in that it overcomes the problems currently experienced using existing cable clamps made from metal which are heavy, cumbersome to assemble and prone to corrosion.

30 Additionally, the use of this material for a cable clamp protects it from vibration and any impact experienced whilst

in the well. This has the added advantage of making the cable clamp more resilient and having a lower co-efficient of friction than other clamps currently in use.

5 In addition to the advantages discussed above, the present invention can also be used as a centralizer by utilising the fluted features provided.

The application of these cable protectors described is not 10 limited to production strings or tubulars and could be used with similar advantages for casing and liner strings and on sand control screens.

The examples described are given as examples only, and are 15 not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

-

Claims

1. A cable protector comprising a generally hollow cylindrical body, wherein the body is made from a polymer, 5 and is provided with a profiled internal surface along at least a portion of its length to accommodate at least one cable member therein.

2. A cable protector as claimed in claim 1 wherein said 10 polymer is nylon.

3. A cable protector as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the body is provided with a profiled outer surface along at least a portion of its length.

4. A cable protector as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the body has a substantially circular outer surface and a substantially circular inner surface.

; 20

5. A cable protector as claimed in claim 4 wherein the outer surface and inner surface are concentric.

6. A cable protector as claimed in claim 4 wherein the outer surface and inner surface are eccentric in relation to 25 each other.

7. A cable protector as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the profiled outer surface comprises a plurality of ribs extending radially from said body.

8. A cable protector as claimed in claim 7 wherein the ribs are equispaced about the outer surface of the body.

9. A cable protector as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 5 wherein the ribs extend along at least a portion of the body in a linear manner.

10. A cable protector as claimed in claims 7 to 9 wherein the ribs are parallel to the longitudinal axis of said body.

11. A cable protector as claimed in claim 7 wherein the ribs are formed so as to extend along at least a portion of the body in a helix.

15

12. A cable protector as claimed in any of claims 7 toll wherein a plurality of flutes are formed on the outer surface of the body between said ribs.

13. A cable protector as claimed in any preceding claim -I 20 wherein the body has a tapered surface extending from at least one end of the outer surface.

14. A cable protector as claimed in claim 13 wherein the tapered surface extends from the outer surface to an end face 25 of the body.

15. A cable protector as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the profiled internal surface is formed on the inner surface.

16. A cable protector as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the profiled internal surface comprises at least one channel extending along at least a portion of the length of the inner surface.

17. A cable protector as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the body is hingeably operated about said at least one channel.

10

18. A cable protector as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the channel is provided to a pre-determined size to allow said body to open and close and which allows deformation of the section between the channel and outer diameter.

19. A cable protector as claimed in any of claims 4 to 18 wherein the inner surface is provided with an abrasive coating.

20 20. A cable protector comprising a generally hollow cylindrical body, wherein the body is made from a polymer, and is provided with a profiled internal surface along at least a portion of its length to accommodate at least one cable member therein and wherein the body comprises two 25 generally semi-circular portions provided with means for being pivotally attached to each other.

21. A cable protector as claimed in claim 20 wherein the two portions are lower and upper portion respectively and the 30 pivotal means comprises a hinge assembly formed in both the lower and upper portion.

22. A cable protector comprising a generally hollow cylindrical body, wherein the body is made from a polymer, and is provided with a profiled internal surface along at least a portion of its length to accommodate at least one 5 cable member therein and, wherein the body comprises two generally hollow cylindrical end portions, said end portions connected by at least one rod and preferably by a plurality of rods.

10

23. A cable protector as claimed in claim 22 wherein the rods are made from steel.

24. A cable protector as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23 wherein the end portions are provided with a plurality of 15 apertures for receiving said rods, said apertures being spaced about an end face of said end portions.

25. A cable protector comprising a generally hollow cylindrical body, wherein the body comprises a profiled 20 section, capable of expansion upon deformation of a tubular member located therein.

26. A cable protector as claimed in claim 25 wherein the profiled section is corrugated.

27. A cable protector as claimed in claim 25 wherein the body is provided with frangible slots to allow expansion upon deformation. 30

28. Acable protector as claimed in any of claims 25 to 27 wherein the components of the body may be non-metallic.

29. A cable protector as claimed in any of claims 25 to 28 wherein the body is made from a polymer, and is provided with a profiled internal surface along at least a portion of its length to accommodate at least one cable member therein.

30. A cable protector as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the cable protector is further provided with at least one rigid support structure formed integrally therewith.

10

31. A cable protector as claimed in claim 30 wherein the rigid support structure is made from steel.

32. A cable protector as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.