AU2013205864A1 - A hose clamping device and method of use of a hose clamping device - Google Patents

Abstract

A device 10 for clamping a hose during installation into or removal from a hole. The device 10 includes a clamp 12, with the clamp 12 mounted to a support frame 18. The clamp 12 is movable relative to the frame 18 between a clamping position for clamping the clamp 12 about the hose, and a release position wherein the clamp 12 is released from the hose. spcn-970731

Description

1 A HOSE CLAMPING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE OF A HOSE CLAMPING DEVICE Technical Field [0001] The present invention is broadly directed to a clamping device for clamping a flexible tube, conduit, hose, or like article. More particularly, the invention is directed to a clamping device for temporarily clamping a hose in the form of a flexible rising bore main (hereinafter generally referred to simply as a 'rising main'), and so will be generally described in this context. It is to be appreciated, however, that the invention may be used for or adapted to be used for clamping other types of flexible hoses, tubes, conduits or like articles. Background of Invention [0002] The installation of a rising main and associated pump into a bore hole can be a difficult and hazardous task. The removal of a rising main and pump from a bore hole for repair, maintenance or replacement can be similarly difficult and hazardous. [0003] The present invention will be generally described in the context of installing a rising main in a bore hole. Equally, however, the invention may be used in the context of removing a rising main from a bore hole. [0004] The use of connectable pipe sections in the construction of rising mains has, in many applications, now been superseded by the use of a single length of a flexible tube. Unlike connectable pipe sections, a flexible tube doesn't present issues with joins between pipe sections, which may leak or fail over time. Also, flexible rising mains tend to be less prone to degradation and corrosion, as compared to the use of pipe sections. Transport and installation of a flexible rising main is also generally simpler and more cost effective than a rising main constructed from pipe sections. Accordingly, the use of flexible rising mains has gained considerable popularity. [0005] Nevertheless, the weight of flexible rising mains can still present considerable difficulties during installation. The weight of a 200m long flexible rising main of around 150mm diameter may be in the order of 5 tonnes. Any mishap in handling a 5 tonne rising main can result in serious damage to equipment and injury or death to an operator, particularly when raising or lowering of the rising main is necessary. This is especially so with conventional installation techniques, which require manually handling of the rising main. spon-970731 2 [0006] Typically, installation process of a flexible rising main involves incrementally lowering the rising main down a bore hole using a crane or other suitable device. The lowering process usually must be done incrementally because the relatively long length of the rising main precludes a crane from lowering the rising main into the bore hole in one lowering operation. Thus, the rising main is partially lowered then temporarily secured in position. The crane can then be re-positioned and reconnected to the rising main to further lower the rising main into position. This process is repeated as many times as necessary until the rising main is fully inserted into the bore hole. [0007] Securing the rising main temporarily in position is generally a manual task, which is difficult, dangerous and time consuming. It requires one or more operators to manually attach a temporary clamp about the suspended rising main so that the crane can be re positioned and re-connected to the rising main. Once the crane has been re-positioned and re-connected to the rising main, the temporary clamp must be manually removed. Any slippage of the suspended rising main while fitting or removing the temporary clamp can be disastrous for the operators involved. [0008] It would therefore be desirable to at least partially mechanize the manual process of fitting and removing a temporary clamp about a flexible rising main. It would also be desirable to provide an arrangement to allow for this at least partial mechanization process. [0009] It would also be desirable to improve the safety of an operator when installing a rising main in a bore hole. [0010] It would be further desirable to improve the efficiency of installation of a rising bore in a bore hole. Summary of Invention [0011] According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for clamping a hose during installation into or removal from a hole. The device includes a clamp, with the clamp mounted to a support frame. The clamp is movable relative to the frame between a clamping position for clamping the clamp about the hose, and a release position wherein the clamp is released from the hose. [0012] Hereinafter, the invention will be referred to in an exemplary and non-limiting use, with the hose specifically referred to as a flexible rising bore main for installation into or removal from a bore hole. spon-970731 3 [0013] The device may be used for temporarily clamping and thereby holding in position a rising bore main during installation into or removal from a bore hole. A rising main may need to be held in such a position because, for example, the rising main is of a length preventing (or other lifting/lowering device) insertion or removal of the rising main with a single raising or lowering movement of a crane. The device allows for the temporary clamping and support of the rising main while the crane is released and re-connected to the rising main at a new position. Once re-connected to the rising main, the crane can continue with installation of the rising main. It is to be appreciated that the device may be used more than once during the installation of a rising main in a bore hole, depending on the length of the rising main and size of crane being used. [0014] The clamp is preferably also movable to an intermediary position, with the intermediary position between the clamping position and the release position. It is envisaged that, in use, the clamp may engage the rising main in the intermediary position. When in the intermediary position, movement of the rising main relative to the support frame preferably moves the clamp from the intermediary position to the clamping position. [0015] Preferably, the clamp is remotely operable for moving between the release and intermediary positions. This provides a potentially significant increase in operator safety when compared to existing arrangements, which require an operator(s) to manually fit, tighten and then remove a clamp from about a rising main suspended by a crane. [0016] The device may also include a clamp lock. The clamp lock may be activated when the clamp is in the clamping position, thereby at least substantially preventing downward movement of a clamped portion of the rising main. The clamp lock may be deactivated when the clamp moves from the clamped position to one of the intermediary or release positions. [0017] It is envisaged that the clamp may include a pair of clamping arms. In such an arrangement, the clamping arms are provided for clamping about the rising main when the clamp is in the clamping position. Each clamping arm is pivotably mounted to the support frame (or other suitable mounting position), and pivotably movable relative to the frame between the clamping, intermediary and release positions. [0018] Other clamp arrangements are also contemplated. These include a scissor-type clamp arrangement; and an arrangement including a pair of clamping arms which are slidably moveable in a track-type arrangement for movement between the various operating positions. [0019] Preferably, each clamping arm includes a respective rising main contact portion. As the name suggests, the contact portions are provided for contacting the rising main, such spon-970731 4 as required when the clamp is in the intermediary and clamping positions. To facilitate a potentially very strong clamping force about the rising main when in the clamping position, the contact portion of each clamping arm preferably includes a non-planar profile. Moreover, when the clamping arms are in the clamping position, the clamping portions at least partially mesh. It is to be appreciated that the flexible rising main is squashed substantially flat between the clamping portions when in the clamping position. [0020] In a preferred form, the support frame includes a base having a lower opening for access to the opening of a bore hole (or 'well head'). The frame also includes a side opening for receiving a generally upstanding rising main. In use, at least a portion of a rising main is accommodated within the support frame, extending from the lower opening, through the support frame to an upper opening provided in the support frame. In this way, the rising main is movable upwardly or downwardly through the frame using a crane (or other suitable lifting/lowering device) connected to the rising main. [0021] The frame may include one or more connection points for connecting a lifting arrangement thereto. This allows for the device to be lifted into an in situ position about and above the opening of a bore hole prior to use, and removed when installation of the rising main into the bore hole is complete. Similarly, the frame may also include one or more lifting surfaces for receiving a lifting arrangement thereunder, for lifting and moving the device. [0022] The device preferably includes one or more indicators for indicating a particular operating mode of the device. Indeed, the device may include a plurality of operating modes, and a respective unique indicator for indicating each operating mode. In one envisaged form, the indicators are in the form of visual indicators. That said, it may be preferred that each indicator is in the form of an audible indicator or a combination of a visual indicator and an audible indicator. For example, the device may include a visual indicator for indicating to the device operator and anyone else in the vicinity of the device that the clamp is in the clamping position. A separate indicator may indicate that the clamp is in the release position, and another indicator may indicate that the clamp is in the intermediary position. Yet another indicator may be provided for indicating when the clamp is in the disengaged position, once the clamp has moved from the clamping position. The provision of indicators contributes to the overall safe operation of the device, by indicating when it is safe to approach and access the device, if needed, and when it is unsafe to access the device. The indicators may be mounted to the device frame. [0023] It is envisaged that the clamp would preferably be in the form of a hydraulically actuated clamp, with the clamp hydraulically moveable between the release and intermediary spon-970731 5 positions. The clamp may include one or more hydraulic actuators mounted between the support frame and the clamp, with each actuator hydraulically connectable to and controlled by a separate hydraulic unit. In a particularly preferred form, a single hydraulic actuator is provided for actuating both clamping arms. The separate hydraulic unit may be a vehicle hydraulic unit provided on a vehicle, such as that provided on a front-end-loader, tractor or other vehicle or machinery. The clamp may also adopt other configurations, and need not be hydraulically actuated. It may instead be pneumatically or electrically actuated or any other suitable actuation type. [0024] So far, the invention has been described in the context of a device for clamping a flexible rising main. The invention, however, also relates to a method of clamping a hose during installation into and/or removal from a hole. The method includes moving a clamp relative to a support frame between a release position wherein the clamp is released from the hose, and a clamping position for clamping the clamp about the hose. [0025] The method will hereinafter be described in an exemplary and non-limiting application, with the hose in the form of a flexible rising bore main for installation into or removal from a bore hole. [0026] The method may also include, initially, moving the clamp from the release position to an intermediary position between the clamping and release positions, then moving the clamp to the clamping position. The clamp may be movable from the intermediary position to the clamping position in response to movement of the bore main relative to the support frame. [0027] Of course, the method also preferably includes, initially lowering the device into position in situ above the opening of a bore hole. Once the device is in the desired position above the bore hole, a generally upstanding portion of the rising main may be received through a side opening in the support frame, such that at least a portion of the rising main is accommodated within the support frame, extending from a lower opening in the support frame, through the support frame to an upper opening provided in the support frame. [0028] When required, an operator may hydraulically actuate the clamp for movement of the clamp between the release and intermediary positions from a front-end-loader or other vehicle or machine hydraulically connected to and remotely located from the device. The clamp may be movable from the intermediary position to the clamping position by lowering of the rising main relative to the device frame, whereupon the rising main is temporarily clamped by the device. In this position, the portion of the rising main extending downwardly from the clamp is also supported by the device. spon-970731 6 [0029] Words such as "upper", "lower", "side", "downwardly", "clockwise", "counter clockwise" and like terms referring to orientation or direction provided in this specification are intended to provide the reader with a general understanding of the device and method of use of the device in accordance with a preferred in-use orientation of the device. It is to be understood that the device may be orientated and used, for example, on a sloping surface, and that this should be taken into consideration when interpreting the above referred words. Where appropriate, these words are to be generally interpreted in accordance with the views of the device shown in the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of Drawings [0030] It will now be convenient to hereinafter describe a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The particularity of the drawings is to be understood as not limiting the preceding broad description of the invention. [0031] Figure 1 is a perspective front view of a device according to the present invention, when shown in a release (or 'open' position). [0032] Figure 2 is a perspective rear view of the device illustrated in Figure 1, also shown in the release position. [0033] Figure 3 is a smaller scale front view of the device illustrated in Figure 1, also shown in the release position and with the rising main removed. [0034] Figure 4 is a similar front view of the device as that shown in Figure 3, but shown in an intermediary (or 'engaged') position. [0035] Figure 5 is a similar front view of the device as that shown in Figure 3, but shown in a clamping (or 'locked') position. [0036] Figure 6 is a magnified rear perspective view of a portion of the device shown in Figure 1. [0037] Figure 7 is a perspective front view of another portion of the device shown in Figure 1. Detailed Description of the Drawings [0038] Referring to the drawings, there is provided a device 10 for clamping and partially supporting a flexible rising bore main RM during installation into or removal from a bore hole. spon-970731 7 [0039] For illustrative purposes the device 10 may be used with a rising main RM of 200m in length and 150mm in diameter, although these dimensions are provided for illustrative purposes only. The device 10 may be used with rising mains of other dimensions. [0040] It is to be appreciated that handling a rising main of this size must be undertaken safely and carefully, given the weight of the rising main RM would be in the order of 5 tonnes or more. [0041] The device 10 includes a clamp 12. The clamp 12 is movable relative to the frame between a clamping (or 'locked') position (as shown in Figure 5) for clamping the clamp about the rising main; a release (or 'open') position (as shown in Figure 1 to 3) wherein the clamp is released from the rising main; and an intermediary (or 'engaged') position (as shown in Figure 4) between the clamping position and the release position. [0042] The clamp 12 includes a pair of clamping arms 14, 16. The clamping arms 14, 16 are provided for clamping about the rising main RM when the clamp 12 is in the clamping position. Each clamping arm 14, 16 is pivotably mounted to a robustly designed steel support frame 18 at respective pivot mounts 20, 22. The arms 14, 16 are pivotably movable relative to the frame 18 between the clamping, intermediary and release positions. The arms 14, 16 are pivotably connected to the frame 18 by greasable bushes (not shown). [0043] The dimensions of the frame 18 illustrated are in the order of 1260mm in height, 1050mm in width and 680mm in depth. The overall height of the device 10 with the arms 14, 16 fully open is 1690mm, and 1400mm with the arms 14,16 fully closed. These dimensions may of course be varied to suit a specific application. [0044] The frame 18 is designed to remain substantially deformation-free during operation of the device 10, so as to prevent inadvertent slight opening of the arms 14, 16 when in the clamping position, which would adversely affect the clamping force of the arms 14, 16 and potentially cause slippage of the rising main RM. The theoretical separating forces generated in the arms 14, 16 during operation of the device 10 to clamp a rising main RM may be in the order of 250kN. [0045] Clamping arm 14 includes contact portions 24, 26, 28; while arm 16 includes contact portion 30. The contact portions 24,26,28,30 are provided for contacting the rising main RM, such as required when the clamp 12 is in the clamping position. When in the clamping position, the contact portions 24,26,28,30 provide sufficient clamping force on the rising main RM to hold it in position and prevent slipping due to the weight of the rising main RM. It can be seen in Figure 5 that when the clamp 12 is in the clamping position, the contact spon-970731 8 portions 24,26,28,30 provide a non-linear contact about the substantially flattened rising main RM; with the contact portions 24, 28, 30 meshing together, thereby providing a very strong clamping force about the rising main RM. [0046] As shown in Figure 6, the contact portions 24,26,28,30 have machined serrated edges to increase friction on the rising main. These serrations are designed to provide sufficient friction to retain the rising main RM in the clamped position, but are not too sharp to cut or otherwise damage the rising main RM. The direction of the serrations shown in Figure 6 on each of the portions 24,26,28,30 has been found to provide a sound clamping retention of the rising main RM. [0047] The contact portions 24, 26, 28, 30 are manufactured from stainless steel for hardness and corrosion resistance. [0048] The device 10 is designed specifically for temporarily clamping and thereby holding in position a rising main RM during installation into a bore hole (not shown). Bore holes depths and the required rising main RM lengths can vary considerably. Temporary clamping and holding of a rising main RM may be necessary, because a bore hole and associated rising main may be of a length preventing a crane (or other lifting/lowering device) to insert the rising main with a single lowering movement. In the past, a temporary clamp would be manually fitted about the rising main with the rising main suspended by a crane while partially inserted into a bore hole. However, manually clamping a rising main is difficult and dangerous for the operator concerned, because of the potential for injury or death caused by the rising main slipping or falling from its temporarily suspended position. [0049] In comparison, the device 10 allows an operator to remotely clamp a rising main RM while the crane (not shown) is released and re-connected to the rising main RM at a new position. Once re-connected to the rising main RM, (and with the clamp 12 released) the crane can continue with installation of the rising main RM. It is to be appreciated that the device 10 may need to be used more than once during the installation of a rising main in a bore hole, depending on the length of the rising main and size of crane being used. [0050] The clamp 12 is remotely operable for moving between the release and intermediary positions. This provides a potentially significant increase in operator safety when compared to existing arrangements, which require an operator(s) to manually fit, tighten and the remove a temporary clamp from about the rising main. [0051] As previously stated, the clamp 12 is movable to an intermediary position (refer to Figure 4). The intermediary position is part way between the clamping position and the spon-970731 9 release position. In use, the clamp 12 initially engages the rising main RM in the intermediary position, wherein the contact portions 24, 28, 30 contact the rising main RM. In this position, the rising main RM is shown in a partially collapsed state. In this position, as small amount of downward movement of the rising main RM (facilitated by lowering the crane overhead) relative to the support frame 18 causes the arms 14, 16 of the clamp 12 to move from the intermediary position to the clamping position. This movement of the clamping arms 14, 16 is a result of the friction between the contact portions 24, 28, 30 and the outer surface of the rising main RM. [0052] It is to be appreciated that the arm 14 pivots relative to the frame 18 in the clockwise direction (when viewed from the direction shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5) from the release position to the intermediary position and then to the clamping position. The arms 14 and 16 move in a synchronized motion from the release position to the intermediary position and then the clamping position, except that the arm 16 pivots in the counter-clockwise direction. [0053] The arrangement is provided with what is defined as a clamp lock which, in the clamping position, prevents further pivoting of the arm 14 in the clockwise direction, and also prevents further pivoting of the arm 16 in the counter-clockwise direction. The clamp lock is a relatively simple arrangement, whereby the arms 14, 16 abut an upper surface 32 provided on the frame 18. The clamp lock is deactivated when the arm 14 pivots in the counter clockwise direction from the clamping position, and the arm 16 pivots in the clockwise direction from the clamping position. [0054] The frame 18 includes a base 34. The base 34 has a lower opening 36 for access to the opening OP (see Figure 2) of a bore hole. [0055] The frame 18 also includes a side opening 38, shown in Figure 2. The side opening 38 is provided for receiving the generally upstanding portion of the rising main RM. In use, the rising main RM is accommodated within the support frame 18, extending from the lower opening 36, through the support frame 18 to an upper opening 42 provided in the frame 18. This configuration allows the rising main RM to be moved upwardly through the frame 18 using a crane (or other suitable lifting/lowering device) connected to the rising main RM for removal of the rising main RM from a bore hole for repair, servicing or replacement of the rising main or pump attached to the lower end thereof. Alternatively, the rising main RM can be moved downwardly through the frame 18, as may be required when installing the rising main RM in a bore hole. spon-970731 10 [0056] The frame 18 includes two lifting surfaces in the form of tine slots 44, 46. The tine slots 44, 46 are provided for receiving the tines of a forklift or front-end-loader. This allows for the device 10 to be lifted into position about and above the opening of a bore hole, and removed when installation of a rising main RM into the bore hole is complete. [0057] The arms 14, 16 of the clamp 12 are hydraulically actuated. Referring to Figure 7, the arms 14, 16 are hydraulically moveable between the release and intermediary positions by virtue of a hydraulic cylinder 50 mounted in an upstanding orientation within the frame 18. Hydraulic lines (not shown) releasably connect the cylinder 50 to the hydraulic system of a front-end-loader, tractor or other vehicle or machinery, from which the device operator can remotely and safely control operation of the cylinder 50 and hence can control operation of the arms 14, 16. It can be seen that the cylinder 50 is indirectly connected the arms 14, 16 by way of a linkage 52, 54. The lower end 50a of the cylinder 50 is connected to the frame 18. The lower end of the linkage 52, 54 is vertically movable within a slot (not shown) provided the frame 18. The slot provides motion control and resists misalignment of the arms 14, 16. [0058] Referring to Figure 7, a pair of gas struts 51a, 51b is also provided. The struts 51a, 51b are connected to and extend between the linkages 52, 54 and a slide plate 53. The struts 51a, 51b and slide plate 53 allow for 'floatation' in certain clamp positions. That said, the hydraulic cylinder 50 allows for definite movement of the arms 14, 16 to pre-determined positions and 'over-rides' the floatation capability. [0059] To assist the device operator remotely controlling the device 10 from a front-end loader, tractor or other vehicle or machinery, a device mounted indicator assembly 56 is provided. The indicator assembly 56 visually indicates to the operator the particular operating mode of the device 10 and, more particularly, the position of the arms 14, 16. [0060] The assembly 56 includes a first sign panel 58 including two separate indicators 60 provided thereon. The panel 58 is movable in a vertical direction and is connected to the upper end of the hydraulic cylinder 50. The indicators 60 read "ENGAGED" and "OPEN". The assembly 56 also includes a second sign panel 62 including another two separate indicators 64 provided thereon, these being "LOCKED" and "DISENGAGED". The panel 62 is connected to the linkage 52, 54 and moveable in the vertical direction. The assembly 56 is designed such that only one of the indicators 60, 64 can be seen at any one time through the window 66 provided in stationary cover panel 68. The "ENGAGED" indicator indicates to the operator that the arms 14, 16 are in the intermediary position. The "OPEN" indicator indicates that the arms 14, 16 are in the release position, the "LOCKED" indicator indicates that the arms 14, 16 are in the clamping position, and the "DISENGAGED" indicator indicates that the spon-970731 11 arms 14, 16 are disengaged from the clamping position. As previously stated, the provision of indicators 60, 64 contributes to the overall safe operation of the device, because it allows the operator to ascertain what operating mode the device 10 is in from a remote location. [0061] Prior to using the device 10, the device 10 must initially be moved by a forklift or other suitable device to a desired location in situ above the opening of a bore hole (or well head). Once in this position, a portion of a rising main RM is fed through the side opening 38 of the frame 12, such that it extends through the upper opening 42, and lower opening 36. This is done while taking care to ensure that the electrical cable associated with the pump connected to the lower end of the rising main RM is positioned so as not to be inadvertently clamped and damaged. A cable divider finger 31 (see Figure 2) is included in the device 10 for this purpose. [0062] The device 10 can be used to temporarily clamp and support the rising main RM so that a crane (or other suitable lowering device) can be disconnected and re-connected to the rising main RM to allow the lowering process to continue. [0063] Once the point is reached whereby the crane requires re-connecting to the rising main RM, the device 10 is used to releasably clamped the rising main RM. This is undertaken by an operator remotely operating the device's hydraulic system to move the clamping arms 14, 16 from the release position (in which the 'OPEN' indicator is displayed) to the intermediary position (where' the 'ENGAGED' indicator is displayed) whereby the contact portions 24, 28, 30 contact the rising main RM. [0064] Once in this position, lowering of a crane connected to the rising main RM causes the arms 14, 16 to engage with the rising main RM, whereupon the friction between the contact portions 24, 28, 30 and the rising main RM cause the arms 14, 16 to pivot a short distance from the intermediary position to the clamping position (in which the 'LOCKED' indicator is displayed). It is important that the crane lowers the rising main RM from the intermediary position to the clamping position. If, instead the hydraulic cylinder 50 was actuated in an attempt to move the arms 14, 16 from the intermediary position to the clamping position then the device 10 may try to 'climb' the rising main. This would be dangerous and could lead to failure. [0065] Once in the clamping position, the arms 14, 16 firmly and securely clamp the rising main RM in position. The device 10 has been designed with a 'fail safe' type clamping position, whereby the supported weight of the rising main RM prevents the arms 14, 16 moving from the clamping position until such time as the crane lifts the rising main RM. This is considered a very useful safety design feature, as it prevents an operator inadvertently spon-970731 12 releasing the clamp 12 other than by lifting the rising main RM with the crane. At this stage, the crane can be disconnected from the rising main and re-connected at another location on the rising main RM so that lowering of the rising main RM can continue. After the crane is reconnected, the rising main is tensioned and the hydraulic cylinder is remotely actuated to 'disengaged'. The rising main can then be fully lifted, causing arms 14 and 16 to unlock and the jaws move clear of the rising main. It is to be appreciated that for a particularly long rising main, the lowering process may involve a number of separate clamping steps and associated disconnections and re-connections of the crane until such time as the rising main is fully inserted into the bore hole. [0066] Advantageously, the present invention at least partially mechanizes the manual process of fitting and removing a temporary clamp about a flexible rising main. This provides a potentially significant labour saving. Moreover, it potentially saves both time and money when compared to existing installation arrangements and methods. [0067] It also potentially significantly improves the safety of an operator installing a rising main in a bore hole, because the operator can operate the device remotely. [0068] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. spon-970731

Claims (28)

1. A device for clamping a hose during installation into or removal from a hole, the device including: a clamp; the clamp mounted to a support frame; the clamp movable relative to the frame between a clamping position for clamping the clamp about the hose, and a release position wherein the clamp is released from the hose.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the hose is a flexible rising bore main for installation into or removal from a bore hole.

3. A device according to claim 2, including an intermediary position between the clamping position and the release position wherein, in use, the clamp engages the rising main in the intermediary position.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein, when in the intermediary position, movement of the rising main relative to the support frame moves the clamp from the intermediary position to the clamping position.

5. A device according to any one of claims 2, 3 or 4, including a clamp lock, wherein the clamp lock is activated when the clamp is in the clamping position, thereby at least substantially preventing downward movement of a clamped portion of the rising main, and wherein the clamp lock is deactivated when the clamp moves from the clamped position to one of the intermediary position or release position.

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, including a manually actuated controller for controlling operation of the device, wherein the controller is located or locatable remotely from the clamp and the frame.

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp includes a pair of clamping arms, the clamping arms provided for clamping about the hose when the clamp is in the clamping position.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein each arm is pivotably mounted to the support frame. spcn-970731 14

9. A device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each clamping arm includes a respective hose contact portion, the clamping arms being pivotably movable relative to the frame between the clamping position and the release position.

10. A device according to claim 9, wherein the contact portion of each clamping arm includes a non-planar profile and, when the clamping arms are in the clamping position, the clamping portions at least partially mesh.

11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, the support frame including: a base; the base including a lower opening for access to the opening of a hole; and a side opening for receiving a generally upstanding hose, such that at least a portion of the hose is accommodated within the support frame, extending from the lower opening, through the support frame to an upper opening provided in the support frame.

12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one connection point for connecting a lifting arrangement thereto, for lifting and moving the device.

13. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one lifting surface for receiving a lifting arrangement thereunder, for lifting and moving the device.

14. A device according to any of the preceding claims, including at least one indicator for indicating a particular operating mode of the device.

15. A device according to claim 3, or any one of claims 4 to 14 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 2, the device including a plurality of operating modes, and a respective unique indicator for indicating each operating mode.

16. A device according to claim 14, or claim 15 when dependent on claim 14, wherein each indicator includes one or more of a visual indicator and an audible indicator.

17. A device according to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 16 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 2, wherein the clamp is a hydraulically actuated clamp, and the clamp is hydraulically moveable between the release and intermediary positions. spcn-970731 15

18. A device according to claim 17, wherein the clamp includes at least one hydraulic actuator mounted between the support frame and the clamp, with the at least one actuator hydraulically connectable to and controlled by a separate hydraulic unit.

19. A device according to claim 18, wherein the separate hydraulic unit is a vehicle hydraulic unit provided on a vehicle.

20. A device according to claim 19, wherein the vehicle is a front-end-loader.

21. A device according to claim 5, wherein the clamp lock is activated by lowering the rising main from the engaged position to the clamping position with a crane, and wherein the clamp lock is deactivated by raising the rising main from the clamped position to the intermediary position with the crane.

22. A method of clamping a hose during installation into or removal from a hole, the method including: moving a clamp relative to a support frame between a release position wherein the clamp is released from the hose, and a clamping position for clamping the clamp about the hose.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the hose is a flexible rising bore main for installation in a bore hole.

24. A method according to claim 22 or 23, including initially moving the clamp from the release position to an intermediary position between the clamping position and the release position; then moving the clamp to the clamping position.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the clamp is moved from the intermediary position to the clamping position in response to movement of the hose relative to the support frame.

26. A method according to any one of the claims 22 to 25, including, initially: lowering the device into position above the opening of a hole; and receiving a generally upstanding rising main through a side opening in the support frame, such that at least a portion of the rising main is accommodated within the support frame, extending from a lower opening in the support frame, through the support frame to an upper opening provided in the support frame. spcn-970731 16

27. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, including an operator operating a manually actuated controller for controlling operation of the device, with the operator located remotely from the clamp and frame.

28. A device or method substantially as herein described and illustrated. spcn-970731